Service Description for Comfone SS7 Signalling

Associated annex of the Service Agreement

Service Description
for
Comfone SS7 Signalling

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 Service Description for Comfone SS7 Signalling
Associated annex of the Service Agreement

Copyright
Copyright © 2005-2014 Comfone AG, CH-3000 Bern 22, Switzerland. All rights reserved.
This document is protected by copyright.
All rights reserved, including the rights of translation, copying, and reproduction using
photomechanical or electronic systems. Protected trade marks, brand names etc. are not
explicitly stated as such in the text. The lack of such identifiers in no way implies that the
terms are not free names as defined by applicable trade mark and brand name legislation.

Limitation of liability
The information in this document has been carefully checked and can be considered reliable.
Nevertheless, no guarantee can be given for the accuracy of the information in this
document. In particular, no pledge can be given as to the suitability of the products described
here for specific purposes.
Comfone AG retains the right to alter the products and the product information specified
here. Comfone AG accepts no liability from events arising from the usage of the products
described here. The issue of this document is not accompanied by licenses entitling you to
use the listed products, nor products of Comfone AG or of other companies.

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 Service Description for Comfone SS7 Signalling
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Table of contents
1 OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................... 4

2 SERVICE DESCRIPTION ................................................................................. 6

2.1 International Standards ............................................................................................................. 6

2.2 SCCP Routing ............................................................................................................................. 6

2.3 ITU/ANSI conversion .................................................................................................................. 8

2.4 Signalling access methods ....................................................................................................... 9

2.5 Transport networks .................................................................................................................. 13

2.6 Monitoring, Statistics and Reporting ..................................................................................... 15

3 VALUE ADDED SERVICES............................................................................ 19

3.1 SMS Gateway ............................................................................................................................ 19

3.2 Pulse Signalling tracing application ....................................................................................... 20

4 IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................ 20
4.1 Implementation of the access to the IPX MPLS network ..................................................... 20

4.2 Implementation of the TDM link replacement solution ......................................................... 20

4.3 Implementation and migration to Comfone signalling service............................................ 22

5 OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT ...................................................................... 22

5.1 Network Operation support ..................................................................................................... 22

5.2 Capacity planning ..................................................................................................................... 22

5.3 Network protection and screening ......................................................................................... 23

5.4 Use of Global Titles .................................................................................................................. 23

5.5 Quality of the Service ............................................................................................................... 23

6 REFERENCES ................................................................................................ 23

7 GLOSSARY .................................................................................................... 24

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 Service Description for Comfone SS7 Signalling
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1 Overview
Comfone signalling service provides transport of SS7 signalling to all GSM operators
worldwide. The service includes access to the worldwide SS7 signalling network and routing
of SCCP traffic.

ITU destinations SCCP routing ANSI destinations

MTP Protocols SIGTRAN

Leased Line Transport Internet

IPX (MPLS) GRX (MPLS)

Figure 1: Components of Comfone Signalling service

The Signalling Connection Control Part (SCCP) routing is based on E.164 and E.214 Global
Titles (GT).
Comfone offers a full SCCP routing service with dedicated signalling access, i.e. separate
from ISUP signalling (signalling for voice calls). The Signalling service features:
 Reach to every ITU and ANSI GSM mobile operators worldwide.
 C7 planning and set up of the signalling relations with the signalling providers of the
customer’s roaming partners. Comfone has an experienced team that opens signalling
destinations within days.
 Management and updates of the International Signalling Point Codes of the partner’s
SCCP carrier(s). The customer’s MSCs/STPs can route solely based on Global Titles
and use Comfone as a default route for all SCCP GTs. In the reverse direction, Comfone
will collect the traffic from the international roaming partners of the customer and route
this traffic over the access links to the customer’s MSCs/STPs.

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 Monitoring of signalling traffic at MTP, SIGTRAN, SCCP, TCAP and MAP levels.
Comfone’s support is provided by signalling specialists with GSM experience and
extended troubleshooting skills.
 An advanced Web based Reporting Portal – Comfone Pulse, with near real time traffic
statistics, statistics per destination roaming/inter-working partner, load of signalling links,
UDTS and MAP operations success rates. Comfone keeps a complete history of
customer’s traffic statistics.
 Assignment of an International Spare Point Code if the customer does not have an
International Signalling Point Code (ISPC) from its regulator. There is no need for an
ISPC to access the Signalling service
 A well established and proven SCCP carrier migration process where Comfone takes the
lead on behalf and for the customer.

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2 Service Description
2.1 International Standards
Comfone’s Signalling complies with the following international standards;
 SCCP protocol according to ITU Q.711-Q.716
 MTP protocol according to ITU Q.701-Q.709
 SIGTRAN protocols: M2PA (RFC 4165), M3UA (RFC 4666), SCTP (RFC 2960, RFC,
3309, RFC 4460)

Comfone Signalling follows the specifications of the 3GPP, ITU and IETF standardization
organizations.

2.2 SCCP Routing

The international roaming capability provided by GSM technology allows subscribers of a
mobile operator to connect abroad by accessing local PMNs. The roaming process requires
the exchange of Mobile Application Part (MAP) and Camel Application Part (CAP) messages
between VPMNs and HPMNs for the authentication, the mobility management, the SMS and
all CAMEL services. SCCP is the main interface between MAP/CAP and the MTP or
SIGTRAN layers of the SS7 international network. The management of the SCCP layer
routing is therefore of first importance in the establishment and operation of signalling
relations with remote PMN(s).
After establishing signalling access to Comfone’s mated pair of STPs the customer sends the
signalling traffic to Comfone. Comfone’s STPs route customer’s signalling traffic, using the
destination Global Titles (GT) or Translation Type (TT) contained in the SCCP (Signalling
Connection Control Part) layer towards the corresponding roaming partner.

Customer

Carrier 1 ... Carrier n

Carrier 2
Figure 2: SCCP routing function

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SCCP routing is based on Global Title Translation (GTT). This process routes a destination
GT to the next hop Point Code following Comfone’s C7 plan. Comfone’s SCCP routing
service provides support for 2G and 3G MAP signalling.

Customer PMNx
MAP GT = 41xx MAP GT = 41xx
TCAP Comfone SS7 carrier TCAP
SCCP SCCP 41xx SCCP 41xx SCCP
GTT GTT GTT GTT
MTP MTP MTP
MTP
DPC Comfone DPC carrier of PMNx DPC PMNx

Figure 3: SCCP Routing and Global Title Translation process

Comfone operates two Signalling Transfer Points (STP) located in separate cities. They are
interconnected and configured to provide high availability and full redundancy for the SCCP
routing service.
A minimum of two signalling links are needed to access the Signalling service. Comfone
offers several transport media to connect the customer’s MSCs/ STPs to Comfone STPs.
Supported protocols and transport networks are described in section 2.4 and section 2.5.
The customer may use either the International Signalling Point Code (INAT0) assigned by its
national regulator/ITU or an International Spare Signalling Point (INAT1) code assigned by
Comfone for its equipment. The MSCs or STPs of the customer must support one of those
types.

2.2.1 SCCP route management

As the customer’s SCCP carrier, Comfone will carry out all processes related to routing at
the SCCP level. Those processes include the collection of the IR.21 from roaming and
interworking partners of the customer, update of the SCCP and Global Title Translation
(GTT) routing tables, and coordination with the involved parties for the routes management
(addition, migration, removal or re-routing of a destination). The customer does not have to
maintain a database of all the signalling carrier’s destination point codes – information that
changes frequently.
Comfone handles all the coordination with other signalling carriers to establish a signalling
destination for the customer. Our SS7 planning team is in regular contact with worldwide SS7
carriers and mobile operators and as such are able to speed up the implementation of any
new signalling relation in order to help reduce lead time for activating roaming or interworking
relations.
The SCCP routing service is operated by a dedicated and experienced network operations
team. Many of our senior engineers worked for mobile operators and possess extensive
experience in troubleshooting signalling issues resulting in the quick resolution of problems.

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2.2.2 Management of Signalling Destinations

Comfone provides a list of Signalling Destinations to which it has already an open route. For
those destinations that are not known by Comfone, or to whom no signalling route has been
activated yet, Comfone, upon receipt of the IR 21 of the destination PMN will undertake to
connect and open the needed MTP and SCCP routes to the new destination.
Based on the list of PMNs that the customer must reach and the related IR.21, Comfone
issues a signalling point request (SPR) to all involved parties (roaming partners and
concerned SCCP & MTP transit providers) to implement the two way exchange of SCCP
signalling traffic. Once it has been verified with all parties that the route is established in both
directions, Comfone informs the customer that the route is now ready for use.
To ensure that the bi-directional signalling flow is fully implemented, the customer shall
communicate to Comfone a request for every destination that it wishes to exchange traffic
with. This request shall be sent to [email protected]. Comfone will send a confirmation
email when the destination is available for the customer to send traffic to. Requests may be
made either by simple email. The customer shall attach to the email the IR.21s of all the
destinations that it is requesting. Comfone does not provide any guarantee or SLA for traffic
exchanged between the customer and a destination that has not been requested at
[email protected].

2.2.3 Special routing to Roaming Hubs

Comfone operates a 2G/3G/4G roaming hub service called Key2Roam. Comfone also
provides connection to other roaming hub providers. Comfone is using the SCCP Translation
Type (TT) indicator to route MSUs from a customer to a hub provider. Each hub provider is
allocated a TT value by Comfone. Traffic sent by customer with the TT value assigned to a
hub is routed, without GTT and any further checks, to the hub provider.

2.2.4 Routing of on-net destinations

Under normal operations, Comfone and the customer shall route all signalling traffic between
Comfone On-Net MNOs to the customer via the signalling access links. By normal operations
it is meant that the Signalling Access Links between the customer and Comfone are
operational.
Any special routing to a 3rd party signalling provider is subject to analysis by Comfone and, if
possible, may be subject to additional commercial conditions.

2.3 ITU/ANSI conversion

GSM operators in North America and a small group of additional countries operate in
accordance with the ANSI standard. SS7 traffic exchanged between PMNs operating
according to ITU SS7 and PMNs operating according the ANSI SS7 must undergo an
ITU/ANSI conversion.

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Comfone
SS7/ITU STP STP SS7/ANSI
Standard Signalling Standard
Conversion

Figure 4: ITU/ANSI Conversion

Comfone’s ITU/ANSI conversion includes:

 Protocol conversion between ITU-T SS7 and ANSI SS7 at MTP layer
 Protocol conversion between ITU-T SS7 and ANSI SS7 at SCCP layer
 Conversion of the Called Party Address in SCCP routing information from the ANSI
network in E.212 format to the ITU-T network in E.214 format
 Conversion of the Called Party Address in SCCP routing information from the ITU-T
network in E.214 format to the ANSI network in E.212 format
 Maintenance of the number relations between
 MCC+MNC and CC+NPA+NX (ANSI network)
 MCC+MNC and CC+NC
The service also includes Number Portability handling for North America to ensure
termination of the traffic to the correct ANSI PMN.
Comfone’s ITU/ANSI service is optional and may be selected in addition to the base
Signalling service. ITU/ANSI conversion is subject to additional commercial terms.
If the customer does not select the ITU/ANSI Conversion service of Comfone, Comfone will
screen traffic to ANSI destinations.

2.4 Signalling access methods

Comfone offers several options for the signalling inter-connection between customer
MSCs/STPs and Comfone STPs.

2.4.1 SIGTRAN signalling access

customers with MSCs/STPs that have M2PA/M3UA interfaces can connect using one or a
mix of the following methods:
 M2PA/M3UA with IPSec VPN over Internet
 M2PA/M3UA with Comfone IPX backbone via a Telehouse meet-me-point (customer
provides Ethernet private line or SDH leased line to the meet-me-point)
 M2PA/M3UA with Comfone private IPX access to the customer premises

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Comfone recommends the combination of SIGTRAN with IPX (primary) and SIGTRAN with
IPSec over Internet (back-up) as the most cost effective solution to transport signalling traffic
between the customer’s equipment and Comfone STPs.
Segmentation of MSUs is not supported by Comfone STPs. Customer’s equipment must
segment the SCCP traffic in 272 bytes prior to transmitting the signalling over SIGTRAN
access links.
For SIGTRAN over TDM leased lines, customer is expected to provide the CPE at its
premises that will provide IP over TDM transport. The encapsulation type shall be discussed
with Comfone.
Comfone supports both SCTP multi-homing and single-homing configuration. Comfone
support SCTP associations that undergo Network Address Translation (single homing only).

2.4.2 MTP signalling access

Customers with legacy MSCs/STPs that have MTP over TDM interfaces can connect using
one or a combination of the following methods:
 MTP with TDM link replacement solution with IPSec VPN over Internet
 MTP with TDM leased lines via a Telehouse meet-me-point
 MTP with TDM link replacement solution with Comfone dedicated IPX access
 MTP with end-to-end international TDM leased lines between the customer and Comfone
Comfone recommends MTP with TDM link replacement solution over Internet or the MTP
with international TDM leased lines via a Telehouse meet-me-point as the most cost effective
solutions to transport signalling traffic between the customer equipment and Comfone STPs.
Comfone’s STPs support physical connection by means of E1 interface (G.703/G.702) or
direct 64 kbit/s leased line (G.704). Comfone STPs support Low Speed Links (LSL) and High
Speed Links (HSL).

2.4.3 TDM link replacement over IP

Internet is a cost efficient and robust transport for access links to Comfone’s STPs. For
customers that have equipment with TDM interfaces, Comfone’s TDM link replacement
features MTP connectivity over an IP bearer. Comfone has deployed this solution, based on
an enhanced SIGTRAN M2UA, for more than 10 years. This proven technology is used by
many Comfone customers as an access to the Signalling service. The TDM link replacement
can be established over the Internet or an IPX dedicated access (see Figure 5).
SS7 links are established over one or two (recommended) Mediation Devices (MD) supplied
by Comfone. A set of MDs is installed at the premises of the customer, the other set at the
premises of Comfone.
The MDs provide MTP links between the customer and Comfone. Those links are
established over an IP bearer. The MSC connects to the MD using a standard G.703/G.702
(E1) TDM interface.
Each Comfone STP is connected to two Internet Service Providers (ISP). This ensures
redundancy of the Internet access service. If available, Comfone recommends that the
customer connects the MDs located at its premises to two ISPs for the same reason.

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Comfone recommends that the signalling traffic be protected with an IPSec VPN when
transmitted over Internet.

Internet or
IPX

MD MSC

Customer Site

MD

SCCP
Routing

Comfone

Figure 5: Signalling access over Internet or IPX using TDM link replacement

Comfone’s TDM link replacement solution features:

 The MD uses the IETF SCTP protocol for reliable data transfer between two end points..
SCTP natively offers multi-homing, i.e. the capacity to connect via multiple ISPs. The use
of multi-homing avoids an ISP becoming the “single” point of failure in the solution.
 The M2UA implementation is enhanced to sustain long transmission delays, packet loss
and jitter. It is designed to work over satellite links and works extremely well over the
worldwide Internet.
 All SCCP, MAP/CAP messages are relayed transparently over the virtual SS7 link
 The MD includes an internal firewall that protects against potential attacks from the
Internet. The MD can be deployed in a network environment where Network Address
Translation (NAT) is used.
 Implementation of the TDM link replacement access over Internet is extremely fast as
Comfone maintains an own stock of those devices. Once the customer has provided the
needed configuration parameters (IP addresses, time slots, etc …), Comfone pre-
configures the MD, test the hardware, and ship the configured equipment to the
customer.
 The solution is fully compliant with MTP protocol in accordance with ITU Q.701-Q.709.

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As indicated earlier, the operator must have access to one, or preferably two Internet Service
Providers. To fulfill high availability requirements, Comfone recommends the use of two MDs
with cross connections to two ISPs at the customer location (see Figure 6).
Comfone has MDs co-located with each one of its STPs. This ensures resilience in case of
natural disaster. Each Comfone location is served by two independent ISPs, Comfone is
therefore connected to the Internet by 4 ISPs.

Customer

MSC- E1 M M
ISP ISP STP
GW D Internet D
International International
Backbone SS7 network
MSC- M ISP M STP
ISP D
GW E1 D

Figure 6: Fully redundant Signalling Access over Internet solution

The MD offers eight E1 interfaces (G.703/G.702) to connect to the operator’s MSC

gateways. Each MD can transport up to 16 SS7 links (up to 16 x 64kpbs channels). The MD
offers two multi-mode Ethernet interfaces (10/100/1000) to connect to ISPs.

2.4.4 Technical characteristics of the MD

Size: 1U NEBS-designed for 19-in. or 23 in. rack-mount, 4 self contained fans
Height/Width/Depth/Weight: 44.5 mm, 432 mm, 343 mm, 4.5 kg
Power: Single feed, 200 Watt auto sensing, 115/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
MD has 8x RJ48C T1/E1 physical interfaces.
MD has 2x RJ45 with 10, 100, 1000 Mb/s Ethernet support (Fast Ethernet and Gigabit
Ethernet)
MD can sustain up to 16 SS7 links at a maximum load of 0.8 Erlang each.
The assignment of MTP links to physical T1/E1 interfaces is flexible, i.e. it is possible to put
up to 8 SS7 links on a single physical interface or just configure 1 SS7 link per physical
interface.
Regulatory compliance:
 Certification-Standard: FCC Class A (AC/DC), cUL 60950
 CE-compliant Certification: NEBS, ETSI, CE, CSA
The device is also available with DC power supply (needs to be ordered, not in stock).

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2.4.5 Requirements for the ISP connection

For each 64 Kb/s TDM signalling link 128 Kb/s IP transport is required. Thus, an operator
that accesses Comfone’s Signalling Service with two 64 Kb/s signalling links from one MD
will therefore need 256 Kb/s IP bandwidth, allocated to the service, from each ISP connected
to the MD.
Each MD installed at the customer’s premise must be accessible from the Internet and
therefore assigned at least on Public IP address. If the MD is connected to two ISPs
(recommended configuration), the MD needs one public IP address per ISP. Operator is
responsible for providing the public IP addresses of the MD installed at the customer’s
premises.
The MD guarantees transport of MTP traffic when the IP Round Trip Time (RTT) between the
two MDs is less than 700ms. RTT above 1000ms seriously affects the SS7 transport service.

2.4.6 Management of the MDs

The MDs installed at the operator’s premise remain the property and under control and
management of Comfone at all times. Those systems are part of the Signalling service.
Comfone will replace any faulty MD at no additional cost. Comfone provides 24/7 support
and maintenance for the MDs installed at the customer sites. Management of the customer
MDs is executed remotely and the customer must ensure that its firewalls are configured to
allow remote access from Comfone to the MDs.
The customer must not tamper with the MD or its configuration. Any need to move the
equipment must be announced and coordinated with Comfone’s Network Operation Center.
Comfone upgrades the MD software remotely. Comfone is also responsible for any upgrade
of the hardware. Comfone maintains back-up of the MD’s configurations.

2.5 Transport networks

2.5.1 IPsec tunnels over Internet

Comfone establishes secure connections over the Internet using the IPSec tunnel mode. The
operator must use its own VPN concentrator. Comfone can provide a low cost VPN
concentrator to be installed at the customer premises on request (additional cost).

2.5.2 Private IPX Access

For SIGTRAN or TDM link replacement over IPX, the access to and transport over the MPLS
based IPX network of Comfone is an inclusive part of the Signalling service. The IPX access
transport is a fully managed service, composed of an Ethernet line (or SDH leased lines)
from the customer’s premises to the closest Point of Presence (or PE) of the MPLS provider.
The private IPX access may require that a CPE (customer Premise Equipment) router be
installed and operated at the customer’s premise. The customer must provide the hosting
and power for the CPE. The CPE is demarcation point of the service.
The MPLS network is provided by one or more connectivity partner of Comfone. The service
includes costs that depend on the geographical location of the customer’s premise. To
request a binding quote for an private IPX access, the customer must provide the exact
address (building number, street name, zip code, city, country) and a fixed line phone
number in the room where the equipment will be installed. The fixed line phone number is

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used by MPLS provider to determine the cost and technical requirement of the local loop
connected to the CPE. Comfone reserves the selection of its partners based on costs, quality
and customer requirements.
The location(s) of the customer’s premise(s) indicated in the Agreement are binding once
signed by both parties. Any change thereafter of one or more location may result in additional
costs that must be born by the customer.

Customer

M2PA or M3UA /IP

links

MSC- FE MPLS LL or EPL MPLS

Comfone STP
GW CPE PE PE CPE
IPX MPLS
backbone International
FE SS7 network
MSC- MPLS LL or EPL MPLS
PE PE STP
GW CPE CPE

Customer premises Comfone premises

Figure 7: Example of redundant access with SIGTRAN over IPX MPLS

IPX access used for Signalling can be shared with other Comfone services that require IP
transport. Prioritization of the signalling traffic using an Assured Forwarding class of services
(CoS) per service ensures proper behaviour in case of traffic congestion at the customer’s
IPX access. Figure 8 illustrates a situation where the MPLS access is also used to transport
GRX traffic. Both Signalling and GRX services are managed as individual virtual private
networks with dedicated routing and prioritization of signalling traffic.

International
Customer GRX/IPX
peering
GRX
GRX GRX
NL
SG USA

FE MPLS
MSC-GW STP
Comfone CPE
International
MPLS LL / EPL IPX MPLS
CPE SS7 network
GPRS backbone MPLS
BG STP
CPE
FE

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Figure 8: Sharing of IPX access between Signalling and GRX services

2.5.3 Technical characteristics of the CPE

The CPE is an IP router with Ethernet ports to connect on the “private” side and E1,
Ethernet, or optical ports to connect to the MPLS PE. The CPE comes in a rack-mount
format.
The exact characteristics of the CPE will be determined at order time based on the customer
requirements and bundling requirements with other Comfone services.

2.5.4 Management of the CPEs

The CPE installed at the operator’s premise remain the property and under control of
Comfone at all times. The systems are an integral part of Comfone service. Comfone will
replace any faulty CPE without additional cost. Comfone provides 24/7 support and
maintenance to the CPEs installed at the customer sites. Management of the customer CPEs
is executed remotely.

The customer must not tamper with a CPE or its configuration. Any need to move the
equipment must be announced and coordinated with Comfone’s Network Operation Center.
Comfone is responsible for any upgrade of the hardware and software of the CPE.

2.5.5 Sample characteristics of the MPLS transport

All signalling traffic is transported with the AF Class of Service. Indicative (not binding)
targets for AF traffic transport are:
Packet delivery target: 99.75%
Round Trip Time target:
customer in: Max RTT
Europe 85 ms
Middle East 135 ms
Asia Pacific 370 ms
Africa 330 ms
North America 150 ms
South America 295 ms

Binding targets are available upon request and will be provided based on the selected MPLS
provider(s).

2.6 Monitoring, Statistics and Reporting

Comfone continuously monitors the access links between the customer and Comfone.
Signalling traffic data is recorded in real time for accounting and reporting purposes. The
complete traffic is stored during 7 days for troubleshooting and post event analysis.

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Summary of the traffic data is available to the customer via the Signalling application on
Comfone Pulse Portal.

Internet

Secure Web Access

Comfone Comfone Comfone

SCCP Pulse Service

Routing Reporting Invoicing

Figure 9: Reporting and customer access via the Portal

Comfone Pulse makes the traffic data available to the customer via a secure Web connection
with login access.
The portal reports SCCP, UDTS and MAP traffic statistics and works primarily on the calling
party and called party Global Title of transmitted and received MSUs. For ease of reading,
the GTs are mapped to a PMN name (TADIG code) before presentation on the system.
The system receives hourly files with the MSU statistics from Comfone’s STPs. The same
data is used to produce the monthly service invoices for the Signaling MSU traffic.
With the portal the customer is able to monitor its signalling traffic transmitted or received by
Comfone in near real time.

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Figure 10: Signalling dashboard on Comfone Pulse

The portal provides monthly, daily and hourly traffic summaries. It represents data with tables
and charts that can be exported to Excel for further analysis.
For the chosen time interval, the system reports:
 Number of MSUs (TX/RX, ITU/ANSI conversion). Detailed count per destination
network.
 Number of UDT/UDTS (TX, RX). Detailed count per destination network
 MAP transaction success and failure counts for major MAP operations. Detailed count
per roaming destination
 Bandwidth [Bit/s], Erlang (TX/RX) per link set and per link.
 Access links availability/outage statistics
 Multi-profile group reporting (e.g. hub traffic can be recorded and reported separately)
 List of global titles of the customer as per IR.21
 List of access links and technical description

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The Signalling application on Comfone Pulse is a powerful tool to analyse traffic patterns,
forecast traffic volumes, verify link utilisation and plan capacity needs.
The MAP and UDTs reports provide detailed information on the efficiency of the signalling
between an operator and its roaming/IW partners. It allows the detection of wrong
routing/screening configurations and the highlight business policies (SoR).
The portal offers dual views on traffic data so that 2 parties can have access to the same
reports. In a group for example, the main affiliate of a group can view the traffic of all the
affiliates and each affiliate also has access to the portal and access reports for its own traffic.
A more detailed description of reports provided on Comfone Pulse is available at [Pulse].

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3 Value added services

Comfone offers value added services that extends the Signalling service. Those services are
subject to additional commercial terms.

3.1 SMS Gateway

The SMS Gateway service extends Comfone’s SCCP signalling service with features to
manage inter-working SMS:
 Advanced firewalling of IW SMS traffic including Global Titles and MSISDNs based
screening, TCAP handshake and Send Routing Information (SRI)/Terminated
Forward SMS (MT_FW_SM) messages correlation.
 Support for 3GPP TS 23.066 Mobile Number Portability.
 Production of bulk SMS files for SMS inter-working clearing (AA.19/60/63)
 Online near real-time SMS traffic reports with per relation traffic statistics, including
delivery success data
 MAP or SMPP interface to the customer with protocol conversion
Comfone SMS Gateway is signalling service. Comfone is not a party in the SMS inter-
working agreements and termination fees (i.e. not an SMS hub). Comfone offers also a SMS-
IW Clearing service as part of its Financial Clearing service. SMS-IW Clearing performs the
rating of SMS bulk files according to the signed AA.19/60/63 of the customer, the clearing
and financial settlement of SMS inter-working between operators.

MNO
Comfone
SMS MAP
MNO
SMS GW SMS SMPP Customer

MNO Accounting Reporting

SMS MAP SMSC
SMS SMPP
Screening Conversion
MNO

SMS IW bulk file

Invoice
SMS IW
Clearing
Payment

Figure 11: Functional elements of the SMS GW service

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3.2 Pulse Signalling tracing application

The Pulse Signalling tracing application is a multi-protocol Web application that provides
historical search of MAP, CAP, S6a, S9 signalling transactions. It features the following:
 Search of all signalling transactions for a given IMSI/MSISDN
 Monitoring of all signalling transactions with a destination network
 Detection of IMSI to Mobile Global Title misconfiguration

4 Implementation
After receiving the signed service agreement and the complete implementation form
(exchange of contact details for the implementation and operation of the service), Comfone
will provide a technical checklist that must be filled by the operator. This check list contains
the technical configuration parameters to establish the access links and the service.

4.1 Implementation of the access to the IPX MPLS network

Upon signature of the agreement, Comfone will order the MPLS access and provide target
installation time. An engineer from one of Comfone’s MPLS providers will come to the
premises of the customer and install the Local Loop and Modem. Should the termination
point of the Local Loop not be co-located with the room where the CPEs and MDs will be
installed, it is the responsibility of the customer to provide the proper cabling (at its own
costs).
Once the Local Loop line is in place, an operation engineer will come to the customer
premise and install the CPE. The engineer will check test the connectivity of the CPE with
the IPX MPLS backbone. All further configuration of the CPE will be done remotely by
Comfone.

4.2 Implementation of the TDM link replacement solution

Prerequisites for the TDM link replacement implementation are:

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 Technical details completed in the technical checklist (public IP address, netmask

address, IP address of router, broadcast IP address, use of TDM ports and time slots,
Signalling Point Code)
 Access to one or more ISPs that fulfils the requirements described in section 2.4.5.
 One or more E1 TDM interfaces on the customer MSCs/STPs are available for the TDM
connection to the MD(s).
Once the technical information is received via the means of the checklist, Comfone
configures and tests the MD with the customer configuration. The MDs are then shipped to
the customer, generally by international courier. The customer must configure its site (IP
VPN, firewall, E1, and SS7 settings) and install the MD(s) according to the installation guide
provided by Comfone. Once the IP connectivity has been established, SS7 links are tested.
The signalling access Ready For Use is communicated to the customer and the SCCP
routing implementation process starts.

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4.3 Implementation and migration to Comfone signalling service

Prerequisites for the SCCP routing service migration are:
 The signalling access links between the customer network and the STPs of Comfone
STPs are in operations
 The customer has provided Comfone with an updated IR.21 and delegation letter where
Comfone is indicated as SCCP carrier. The delegation letter gives authority to Comfone
to organize the signalling migration with other signalling providers.
 The customer has provided a list of the signalling destinations it wants to route via
Comfone. It should be noted that many SCCP carriers do not support Originated Based
Routing. Signalling destinations are therefore migrated SCCP carrier by SCCP carrier.
Comfone will provide the grouping of destinations by SCCP carrier and establish with the
customer the order of migration.
 Comfone has the IR.21 of all desired signalling destination.
This part of the implementation starts when the signalling access links are operational and
the technical checklist has been completed. Comfone configures the customer on its STPs,
Pulse Reporting Portal and billing system. Once the configuration, stability and redundancy
tests have been completed the Ready For Service is communicated to customer.
Comfone will assign to the customer a username and password for accessing the Pulse
Reporting Portal. The customer shall provide one or more administrators who can then
add/delete/change accounts for their colleagues.

5 Operations and support

5.1 Network Operation support
Comfone provides a Network Operation Support of 24 hours per day, 365 days per year for
all signalling elements under its responsibility.

5.2 Capacity planning

An average signalling load per 64kbps circuit of 0.2 Erlang is recommended in ITU E.733.
Comfone and the customer shall adhere to this ITU recommendation. For IP based
Signalling Access, the overall link utilization is calculated as the actual IP throughput of
sent/received signalling traffic over the contracted IP bandwidth for this service. The default
IP bandwidth per SIGTRAN link is 500Kbps.
An average link utilization of more than 30% (0.3 Erlang) during 90 days shall be an indicator
that capacity extension is required. Capacity upgrade may be subject to commercial terms
and a purchase order from the customer is required.
Unless otherwise agreed with customer, Comfone’s STPs are configured to load balance
traffic across links and linksets. To avoid any service downtime, customer shall configure its
MSCs/STPs do also load balance traffic across all the access links towards Comfone. Load
balancing results in an optimal usage of the access capacity and minimizes the impact in
case of a link failure.

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5.3 Network protection and screening

Comfone may apply screening without prior notification if the traffic sent by the customer
overloads Signalling connections to one or more 3rd party. Comfone will notify the
customer’s network operation centre that it has put in place a screening point. Comfone will
remove the screening point when the cause of the overload is stopped.
If Comfone receives a complaint from a destination network about the traffic generated by
the customer (e.g. unwanted SMS), Comfone will inform the customer of the complaint.
Thereafter, Comfone reserves the right to screen traffic sent by the customer towards that
destination network. Comfone will notify the customer’s network operation centre that it has
put in place a screening point. Comfone will remove the screening point when both the
customer and the destination network inform Comfone network operation centre by email
that the issue has been resolved. It is the responsibility of the customer to settle the incident
with the destination network.

5.4 Use of Global Titles

The customer shall only originate traffic with Global Titles that have been assigned by an
official regulator to the customer. All other traffic may be screened by Comfone. Generation
of traffic with other Global Titles requires a prior approval from Comfone. To request such
approval, the customer shall provide a signed authorization letter from the 3rd party that has
been officially assigned the Global Titles. This letter shall indicate that the customer is
allowed to send and receive traffic with a set of Global Titles that has been allocated to the
customer. The official owner of the GTs remains at all time in control of its Global Titles and
any order to Comfone to screen the traffic generated by the customer with those GTs will be
executed. Comfone reserves the right to require a formal agreement with the owner of the
GTs prior to allowing the use of those GT(s) by the customer.
The customer is responsible for advertising the ranges of Global Titles through its own IR.21
or a 3rd party IR.21. The customer is also responsible to ensure that the destination of its
traffic has implemented its IR.21. In no event shall Comfone be held accountable for traffic
originated by the customer that is blocked or not answered by a destination. It should be
noted that network planning/routing restrictions might prevent the origination & termination of
traffic with Global Titles from 3rd parties.

5.5 Quality of the Service

The quality of service is restricted to the elements that are under the control and
management of Comfone.
Elements include the MDs, CPEs and dedicated IPX access to implement the access to the
signalling service as well as the network infrastructure of Comfone (ISPs, IPX backbone,
STPs, connectivity to other signalling providers).
ISP access at the customer premises is not considered as under the control of Comfone.

6 References
[Pulse] Comfone, “Signalling Application for Comfone Pulse Portal”, November 2014.

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7 Glossary
ANSI American National Standards Institute
BG Border Gateway
CAP Camel Application Part
CPE Customer Premise Equipment
C7 plan Signalling routing database of Comfone signalling service
MD Mediation Device (SIGTRAN based TDM link replacement over IP)
EPL Ethernet Private Line
FE Fast Ethernet (10/100Mbps)
ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute
GSM Global System for Mobile
GSMA GSM Association
GT Global Title
GTT Global Title Translation
HLR Home Location Register
HPMN Home Public Mobile Network
IP Internet Protocol
ISP Internet Service Provider
ISPC International Signalling Point Code
ISUP ISDN User Part
ITU International Telecommunication Union
LAN Local Area Network
LL Leased Line
MAP Mobile Application Part
MPLS Multi Protocol Label Switching
MSC Mobile Switching Centre
MSU Messaging Signalling Unit
MTP Message Transfer Part
PE Provider Edge
PoP Point of Presence
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
RTT Round Trip Time
RX Reception: MSU from Comfone to the Customer
RFU Ready For Use
SCCP Signalling Connection Control Part
SCTP Stream Control Transmission Protocol
SPC Signalling Point Code
SS7 Signalling System No. 7
STP Signalling Transfer Point
TCAP Transaction Capabilities Application Part
TX Transmission: MSU from the Customer to Comfone
VPMN Visited Public Mobile Network

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