Signalling

The interchange of information

between the different functional parts
of a telecomm network
There are three distinct types of signalling:

1.Between customer and exchange

2. Within an exchange
3.Inter-exchange
 There are three distinct types of signalling:

Local Loop Trunk Local Loop

LX LX
Calling Off Hook Ring Called
Party  Seize Party

Digits 
Off Hook
 Start

Ring back Tone 
 Digits
Call Progress 
 Call Progress

Supervision

Functions of Inter-Exchange Signalling

• Supervisory functions

• Selection functions

• Operational functions
 Channel Associated Signalling

 Signalling is carried, associated with each channel.

 For each channel Bits are reserved in channel 16 for
signalling status.

Speech Channels 1-15 Speech Channels 17-31

0 16 For Signalling
For Frame
Synchronization
 Channel Associated Signalling

Limitations of Channel-Associated Signalling

 Slow
 Inflexibility
 Limited Capability
 Closed Growth path
 C7 Signalling
A worldwide standard for inter-exchange signalling.

The average call setup time for a toll call is 3 to 7 seconds, compared to 11
to 15 seconds before.

Optimum use of trunk lines.

It uses labeled messages which cab be sent on a signalling path separate

from that used by the speech and data.

Each signalling path conveys signalling information about many

speech/data channels. A C7 Signalling link can handle several thousand
calls.

Long distance bandwidth is conserved since signalling is out of band and

signalling for several trunks can be multiplexed on a single signalling
channel.
 C7 Signalling
Additional user services can be offered with CCS, such as closed user
groups (CUGs), credit card verification, and calling party identification.

C7 is modular in structure Hence it is flexible and may serve different user

sources i.e. it is a multi-user system. For example, C7 can be used to handle
signalling for Telephony or ISDN users.

The modular structure of C7 allows it to meet not only present, But future
needs too.

As C7 is an open system, it offers administrations the opportunity to adapt

and expand their network according to their needs.
 Characteristics of C7

•Fast 3 to 7 seconds, compared to 11 to 15 seconds

•High Capacity Can handle several thousand calls
•Modular Can serve different user sources
•Flexible Labeled messages for speech and data
•Economical Optimum use of trunk lines less EQP
 Network Structure
Signalling Point
Nodes in the C7 Signalling network are referred to as
Signalling Points (SPs).

Signalling Link (SL).

A signalling path between two adjacent Signalling Points (SPs)
is called a Signalling Link.

Link Set (LS).

A number of Signalling Links between two SPs are together
referred to as a Link Set.
 Network Structure
Originating Point (Op)
The SP from where the signalling message is generated is
called Originating Point.

Destination Point (DP)

The SP for which the signalling message is generated is called
Destination Point.

Signalling Transfer Point

A Signalling Transfer Point (STP) is an SP through which
messages are routed without being processed.
 Signalling Point Codes
Every Signalling Point is identified by a unique Point Code to
enable the system to route a message efficiently. This is done
by specifying the:

Originating Point Code (OPC)

Destination Point Code (DPC)

The OPC and DPC are contained in a part of the C7 labeled

message called the Routing Label.
 Structure of a C7 Node
The C7 node was originally designed:

• as a 4-level structure,

• and to support Circuit-Related applications

The modern C7 node is based on the 7-layer OSI model

Can be used for non circuit-related applications

 A C7 nodes consists of three parts

Messages
Application
User User Application
Part Part Part Part

Signalling Link
Message Message
Transfer Part Transfer Part
 Message Transfer Part

It acts as a common message transfer system for the

different applications and user parts in the node.
Basically, the MTP is responsible for the reliable transfer of
signalling messages between users.
Messages from different users are packed into a standard
format by the MTP and are transported over the network
in this format.
 User Parts

User Parts are level 4 parts of the node and are concerned
with circuit-related applications e.g.

The Telephone User Part (TUP).

The ISDN User Part (ISUP)
 Application Parts

Later additions to the node which were developed in line

with the OSI model.

Some of these parts are concerned with non circuit-related

applications such as network operation and maintenance.
 Some More Additions to C7

SCCP ( Signaling Connection Control Part )

ISP ( Intermidate services Part )
TCAP ( Transaction Capability Part )

With the addition of these C7 becomes OSI compatible.

ISP & TCAP provide layers 4-7.
 Structure of C7 Node

MAP OMAP
ISUP TUP

TCAP

Level 4 Level 4
ISP

SCCP

Message Transfer Part ( Level 1-3 )

 Message Transfer Part
• MTP Serves as a transport system for the
reliable transfer of messages.
• The MTP ensure that:
– No errors are introduced into the signalling units
– The SUs are sent in correct sequence
– A SU is sent only once
– SUs are sent in the correct direction
– All SPs within the signalling network are informed of any
changes in the signalling network e.g. link failure.
 Types of SUs

1) Message Signal Units (MSUs)

2) Link Status Signal Units (LSSUs)

3) Fill In Signal Units (FISUs)

 Message Signal Units (MSUs)

These are received from the User Parts and

the Network management functions.
They contain information relating to the control of calls
or the signalling network.
 Structure of MSU
MSU
F CK SIF SIO LI F FSN B BSN F
I I
B B

8 16 8n, n>2 8 2 6 1 7 1 7 8

F = Flag. BSN = Backward Sequence No.

BIB = Backward Indicator FSN = Forward Sequence
FI = Bit
Forward Indicator L = No
Length
B
SIO = Bit
Service Info. 1
SI = Indicator
Signalling
CK = Octet.
Check F Info.Field
bits
 Structure of MSU
Flag = 01111110
BIB and FIB bits are toggled to Indicate:
A faulty SU Retransmission of SU

Length Indicator LI is used:

To distinguish between SU types and
In MSU to indicate the size of SIF
If L = 0 SU is a FISU
L = 1 or 2 SU is a LSSU
L>2 SU is a MSU and the size of Data filed
 Service Information Octet (SIO)

SIO
SSF SI

SI = Service Indicator
TUP , ISUP
SSF = Sub-Service Field
The SSF contains the Network Indicator (N1) bit.
This is used to discriminate between,
national and international signalling networks,
two national signalling networks
different level 4 parts
 Link Status Signal Units (LSSUs)
These are sent from level 2 of the MTP. They indicate a change in the status of the
signalling link e.g. change from the status ‘Available” to the status “Blocked’

LSSU
F B
F CK SF LI I FSN I BSN F
B B
8 16 8 OR 16 2 6 1 7 1 7

There are 6 different status indications:

Out of Service (OS)
Processor Outage (PO)
Busy(B)
Normal Alignment (N)
Emergency alignment (E)
Out of Alignment (O)
 Fill In Signal Units (FISUs)

These are from level2 of the MTP. Sent when no other message is being
sent on the signalling link. They are also sent to acknowledge MSUs
when no other MSUs are being sent.

F B
F CK LI I FSN I BSN F
B B
8 16 2 6 1 7 1 7 8
 MTP Functional Levels

Level 1: Signalling Data Link functions (SDL)

Level 2: Signalling Link functions(SL)

Level 3: Signalling Network functions

 Level 1: Signalling Data Link functions (SDL)

Level 1 defines the characteristics of :

The Signalling Data Link and
the means to access it,
i.e. the transmission path. An example of a digital Signalling
Data Link would be a 64 kbit/s transmission channel and semi-
permanent connection through an electronic switch.

Level 1 consists of:

.Transmission Channels on the SL
.Switching Functions to Access SL
 Level 2: Signalling Link functions(SL)

Level 2 Functions are:

•Signal Unit Delimitation

•Link Alignment

•Error Detection

•Error Correction
 Level 2: Signalling Link functions(SL)

Signal Unit Delimitation:

The Flag is used for Signal Unit Delimitation.

The bit pattern of the flag is 01111110.

Flags are inserted at the beginning and end of a Signal Unit.

Bit Stuffing (to prevent the flag sequence being imitated )

A ‘0’ is inserted after every five consecutive ‘1S’

 Level 2: Signalling Link functions(SL)

Link Alignment

Alignment is a level 2 function which occurs when A link :

-Is first brought into service

-Which has been out of service is brought back into service.

The link may be aligned under ‘Normal’ or ‘Emergency’ procedures.

The Signalling Link Management function of level 3 decides
whether Normal or Emergency alignment is required,
depending on whether the Link is required urgently or not.
 Level 2: Signalling Link functions(SL)

Link Alignment

The following LSSU types are sent during Initial Alignment:

-The Status Indicator Out of Service (SIOS)

This is sent on a Link after initial power up of the link

The Status Indicator Out of alignment (SIO)

This is sent at the beginning of alignment to start the alignment procedure.

Status Indicators Normal (SIN)

This is sent for a period of 8 seconds during normal alignment.

The Status Indicator Emergency alignment (SIE)

This is sent during emergency alignments for a 0.5 second proving period

The error rate of the SINs and SIEs is checked by:

- Examining the CK bits
- Incrementing the alignment error rate monitor if an error is detected
 Level 2: Signalling Link functions(SL)

Error Detection

The Error Detection function of Level 2 is used to detect errors in SUs.

The CK field is used in the Error Detection function.
It contains 16 checksum bits.

These CK bits are generated in Level 2.

The CK bits are assigned a value on the basis of the preceding bits of an SU.
The SU is then sent on the SL. At the receiving Signalling Point (SP), the
CK bits are compared with the preceding bits of the SU. If they correspond,
the SU is considered to be error free.

If SU is not error free the SU will be discarded and the SUERM Unit Error
Rate Monitor incremented.
 Level 2: Signalling Link functions(SL)

Error Correction

The Signal Units are retransmitted.

One method used is the Basic Error Correction method.

All SUs that are transmitted are stored in a buffer, in the sending SP,

until they are acknowledged.

The Backward Sequence Number (BSN) is used for error correction.

For non-satellite links

 Level 3 Functions
The functions of Level 3 are divided into two main categories:

1. Message Handling functions

1. Message Routing
2.Message Discrimination
3.Message Distribution

2. Network Management functions

Signalling Traffic Management (STM)
Signalling Route Management (SRM)
Signalling Link Management (SLM)
 Message Handling functions

The Message Handling functions manage the messages,

which come from or are sent on the Signalling Link.
These messages may have been generated by the:

User Parts (UP) Level 4

SCCP and Application Parts or
Network Management functions (also in Level 3 )

The Message Handling functions involve:

1. Message Discrimination
2. Message Routing
3.Message Distribution
 Message Handling functions
1. Message Discrimination

Discriminates between incoming SUs which are for this Signalling

Point and those destined for another Signalling Point,

The parts used in Discrimination are:

The Network Indicator (NI) in SIO
The Destination Point Code (DPC) in the Routing Label.

The Network Indicator (NI) is a 2/bit code found in the SIO.

The Network Indicator (NI) is used to distinguish between:

- National and International networks

- Two different National Signalling networks
 Message Handling functions

2. Message Routing

It involves directing the messages to the correct SL.

In User Message the DPC and SLS contain the

information required for the Routing function.

In Management Messages the DPC and SLC contain the

information required for the Routing.
 Message Handling functions
3. Message Distribution

Directs incoming Signal Units (SUs) to the correct destination, i.e.

User Parts,
SCCP or
The Network Management functions (Level 3).

The Service Indicator (SI) in the SIO field indicates to which

destination the message will be sent.
 Message Handling functions

User Signalling Link

Parts Distribution Discrimination

Routing
 The Network Management functions

Signalling Traffic Management (STM)

• Changeover
• Change back
• Forced rerouting
• Controlled rerouting.

Signalling Route Management (SRM)

Signalling Link Management (SLM)
• Activation
• Restoration
• Deactivation
 The Network Management functions

Signalling Traffic Management (STM)

Signalling Traffic Management (STM) is responsible for Diversion and
Reduction of Traffic.

There are four procedures which enable the MTP to carry out the (STM)
functions:
- Changeover
- Changeback
- Foced rerouting
- Controlled rerouting.
 The Network Management functions

Signalling Traffic Management (STM)

1. Changeover
Traffic diversion to an alternative link is implemented by the Changeover
procedure.
Stopping the transmission on the faulty link.
Retransmission of buffers in both sides.

Changeover is a handshaking procedure which ensures that:

No SUs are lost

No SUs are duplicated
The Sus sequence is maintained

This is done by exchanging Changeover Order (COO) and Changeover

Acknowledgement (COA) SUs.
 The Network Management functions

Signalling Traffic Management (STM)

2. Change back Procedure

When the normal link becomes available again,

the Change-back procedure is initiated.
The change-back Procedure is as follows:

(SP) A prevents the traffic from being transmitted to via the alternative link.
Signalling Point (SP) A send a Change-back Declaration (CBD).
Signalling Point (SP) B replies with a Change-back Acknowledge (CBA).

Traffic then resumes on the normal link.

 The Network Management functions
Signalling Traffic Management (STM)
Forced Rerouting

When a signalling route to a particular Signalling Point (S) is indicated as

unavailable, Forced Rerouting is carried out by the Signalling Traffic
Management (STM) functions.

Controlled Rerouting

Controlled Rerouting is used when:

Traffic is to be directed from an alternative Signalling Route back
to the normal Signalling Route, which has become available.
A Transfer Restricted (TFR) SU is received, indicating congestion
on a Signalling Route.
 The Network Management functions
Signalling Traffic Management (STM)
Rerouting Procedure.

A similar procedure is used in both cases.

In a route restriction case (where traffic is restricted on a route due to

congestion), traffic is transferred from the restricted route to an alternative
route using a Controlled rerouting Buffer, e.g.

- Traffic is stopped on the restricted route

- MSUs are stored in the Rerouting Buffer
- An alternative route is selected
- Traffic resumes on the alternative route

Flow Control ( If No alternative is available )

 Signalling Link Management

The Signalling Link Management (SLM) function is used to

control the Signalling Link.

There are three basic Signalling Link Management procedures:

- Activation
- Restoration
- Deactivation
 Signalling Link Management

Activation
-The process of bringing a SL into service.

Link Restoration

In case of SL failure, a Link Restoration procedure is defined to restore

the faulty SL.

During restoration the following takes place:

(1) Initial Alignment

(2) Signalling Link Test
 Signalling Link Management

Link Deactivation

A link in service can be taken out of service.

For example a link will be taken out of service when it is
required for another signalling route. This procedure is
called Deactivation.

Link Deactivation will only take place if there is no traffic on the

Signalling Link (SL).

The Signalling Terminal of the deactivated Signalling Link will also be

taken out of service.
 Signalling Route Management

The Signalling Route Management (SRM) function

communicates to every SP, information regarding signalling
route availability / unavailability

A signalling route between two SPs may be:

Available i.e. all SLs on that route are available

Unavailable i.e all SLs on that route ae unavailable
In restricted service i.e.some Sls on the route are available and some are not

The procedures used to communicate these states are:

- transfer-allowed for available state

- transfer-prohibited for unavailable state
- transfer-restricted for restricted service
A fourth procedure is defined to check if any changes have occurred in
the route status. This procedure is called signalling-route-set-test procedure.
 MTP Summary
Types of SUs:

1) Message Signal Units (MSUs)

2) Link Status Signal Units (LSSUs)
3) Fill In Signal Units (FISUs)
 MTP Summary
MTP Functional Levels
The operations of the MTP are subdivided into three functional levels.

Level 1: Signalling Data Link functions (SDL)

.Transmission Channels .Switching Functions

Level 2: Signalling Link functions(SL)

.Signal Unit Delimitation .Link Alignment

.Link Detection .Error Correction

Level 1 and 2 together ensure that:

- errors are not introduced in the Signal Units (SUs)
- Sus are sent in the correct sequence
- Sus are sent only once
 MTP Summary

Level 3: Signalling Network functions

1.Signalling Message Handling functions:
Discrimination
Distribution
Routing
2.Signalling Network Management functions:
Signalling Traffic Management (STM)
• Changeover
• Changeback
• Foced rerouting
• Controlled rerouting.
Signalling Route Management (SRM)
Signalling Link Management (SLM)
• Activation Restoration Deactivation
 Telephone User Part

The TUP is that part of the C7 in the telephone exchange

which controls the setting up, supervision and release of calls.
The TUP is a C7 level 4 function.
It defines the functions and procedures for the control of
telephone calls and circuits.
The functions in the TUP are equivalent to those in layers 4
to 7 of the OSI model.
A TUP can generate about 250 messages. 60 are defined.
 Telephone User Part

TUP Messages

The part of the MSU in which the TUP Message is stored is SIF.

In the C7 TUP there are 9 groups of messages.

Call set-up phase 5 groups

Call Supervision phase 1 group
Circuit maintenance and supervision 2 groups
Node to node communication 1 group
 Signalling Information Field (SIF)

SIF
Data Heading Code Label
H1 H0 CIC SLC / SLS OPC DPC
4 4 8 4 14 14

Destination Point Code (DPC)

Originating Point Code (OPC)
Signalling Link Selection (SLS) In case of TUP Messages
Signalling Link Code (SLC) In case of MTP message
Circuit Identification Code (CIC)
 Telephone User Part
Heading Code
H1 H0
H0, It indicates the message group to which the message belongs.
H1, It indicates the message within that group.
There are 9 message groups.
Abbreviation Message Group H0 Value
FAM Forward Address Message 1
FSM Forward set-up Message 2
BSM Backward set-up Message 3
SBM Successful Backward set-up Message 4
UBM Unsuccessful Backward set-up Message 5
CSM Call Supervision Message 6
CCM Circuit Supervision Message 7
GRM Circuit Group Supervision Message 8
NNM Node to Node Message 9

H1 on the other hand indicates the message within group.

 Telephone User Part
Description of Message Groups

Call Set-Up FAM , FSM , BSM , SBM , UBM

Call Supervision CSM
Circuit Supervision and Maintenance CCM , GRM
Node to Node NNM
 ISDN User Part (ISUP)

ISUP provides the signalling functions required to support the range of

services offered by the ISDN

The ISUP supports both circuit-related and non circuit-related signalling.

It contain both the functions of ISUP and TUP.

ISUP corresponds to OSI layers 4-7.

The ISUP supports the 3 classes of ISDN services:

1. Bearer Services
2. Tele-services
3. Supplementary Services
 ISDN User Part (ISUP)
ISUP is capable of generating 256 different messages. So far,
CCITT have specified 42 in blue book ( Q 762 ). In Q 767
recommendation, a subset of these messages have been defined
for international applications.

There are 8 ISUP message group.

1. Forward set-up 2. General set-up

3. Backward set-up 4. Call supervision
5. Circuit supervision 6. Circuit group supervision
7. In call modification 8. End to End
 ISDN User Part (ISUP)

The signalling Information Field is the part of the MSU signal unit
which carries the information generated by ISUP

--- SIF ---

ISUP Message
Information Message Type Label
elements
 SIGNALLING CONNECTION CONTROL PART
(SCCP)

SCCP provides for the transfer of Circuit-Related and Non

Circuit-Related signalling information.While avoiding the
need for major changes to the MTP itself.

Before the development of SCCP, the sending of signalling

data through the network required the setting up of a physical
connection.

Two network services supported by SCCP:

1) Connectionless
2) Connection Oriented
 SIGNALLING CONNECTION CONTROL PART
(SCCP)

Connection-Oriented Services
3 Phases:
1. Establish Connection
2. Data Transfer
3. Release Connection
Characteristics:
- Two - way exchange of information
- Data sent in sequence
- Received data is acknowledged
- Temporary or Permanent
- Reliability
- Transfer of large amounts of data
- Reset and Notice Services
 SIGNALLING CONNECTION CONTROL PART
(SCCP)

Connectionless Services

- Flow of information is one way

- Both routing information and data
- No connection is established
- Each piece of data is routed independently
- Send and pray
- Small amounts of time critical data
 SIGNALLING CONNECTION CONTROL PART
(SCCP)

Layer 3 Functions

The layer 3 OSI functions provided by the SCCP are:

1. Routing
This function routes all incoming and outgoing messages to their
appropriate destinations. SCCP recognize address formats other than the
14-bit Signalling Point of the MTP.

2. Transaction
The upper layers generate extended and detailed signalling addresses called
Global Titles(GT).The SCCP translates the Global Titles into network
addresses which can be used by the MTP to transfer the message through
the network. The network addresses used by the MTP are:
- Signalling Point Codes
- Subsystem Numbers (SCCP User Identities)
 SIGNALLING CONNECTION CONTROL PART
(SCCP)

Layer 3 Functions

3. Management

The function of the SCCP Management is to provide procedures to

maintain network performance by rerouting traffic in the event of failure or
congestion of the network. SCCP Management are of 2 types:

-Management of the Signalling Points (SPPs)

-Management of the Subsystem (SSNs)

SIF (SCCP)
Optional Mandatory Mandatory Message Type Label
part variable part Fix part
 Transaction Capabilities (TC)

The CCITT Blue Book has defined that:

“The overall objective of TC is to provide the means for the transfer of

information between nodes..…

And to provide generic services to applications, while being independent

of any of these.”

The introduction of TC has allowed:

application dependent functioning and protocols to reside in theTC-Users

(e.g. MAP, OMAP).
functions and protocols common to all applications to reside in TC.
 Transaction Capabilities (TC)

The CCITT Blue Book has defined that:

The Scope of TC

Transaction Capabilities (TC) are implemented by:

the Transaction Capabilities Part (TCAP) in layer 7

and the Intermediate Services Part (ISP),
which provides the services of OSI layers 4,5, & 6.
 Transaction Capabilities (TC)

Connectionless Services

For applications which require a Connectionless service the

ISP is not needed and the TCAP interfaces directly with
the SCCP.

Connection-Oriented Services

For a Connection-Oriented service the TCAP requires the

services of the ISP.
 Transaction Capabilities (TC)
Applications which use TC can be classified into two broad categories:

1) Real-Time Sensitive
For example, checking subscriber location in the mobile network.

2) Less Real-Time Sensitive

For example, downloading customer billing information.

The following applications are recognized by TC-Users:

Mobile radio applications (E.g. location registration)

Registration, activation and invocation of supplementrary services
Access to specialized nodes Operation and maintenance applications
(e.g. bulk data transfer)
 O S I and C7

A Protocol is a set of rules governing the exchange to data

between a layer in one system and a similar (peer) layer in
another system. In OSI (Open System Interconnection) terms
Protocols govern the exchange of data between peers. The
development of an Open System is facilitated by the use of
common, clear and standard rules for communication
(protocols)
 O S I and C7

OSI has defined seven layers.

These layers fall into two groups:

Layers 1-3:
Define the functions for transfer of informtion through the
network.

Layers 4-7:
Ddefine the functions related to end-to-end communication
 Seven OSI layers:

Layer 1 (Physical)
Concerned with the transmission and reception of bits across
telecommunication link. Changes in the media are catered for this level.

Layer 2 (Data Link)

Reliable transfer of data: error detection and correction, retransmission and
flow control

Layer 3 (Network)
Establishment, maintenance and release of connections between systems,
addressing and routing.

Layer 4 (Transport)
Isolates the layers above so that they are not affected by the characteristics
of the network. Provides two-way, reliable and cost effective exchange of
data between end points. This may involve the blocking or de-blocking of
data streams. Also flow control and sequencing.
 Seven OSI layers:

Layer 5 (Session)
Provides means of communications between applications. Establishes,
manages, and terminates end-to end connections (called sessions)
between applications.

Layer 6 (Presentation)
Transforms the data into the correct code format or syntax the
particular application. e.g. ASCII code is a standard format. Encryption
and decryption can also be included in this layer, if security and
confidentially are required.

Layer 7 (Application)

Provides service support to the end users. It effects the data exchange
between two end users. It also provides System Management and takes
care of such things as Passwords and Logons.
 Seven OSI layers:

Layer Enveloping

As data is transferred from layer to layer,

each layer add its own Protocol Control Information
and then passes the data on to the next layer.

OSI is concerned with defining the Interfaces between layers

rather then the implementation of the layers themselves.

The well defined structure gives OSI a modularity which

means that a functional change in one layer will not affect
functions in another.
 OSI Primitives

Primitives are used for communication between layers. A layer communicates with its
adjacent layers using Primitives. A primitive is a command or the respective response
associated with the services requested of a layer by another layer. Each layer has its own
set of primitives.

The syntax of a Primitive is:

Layer Generic Specific Paramter

Identifier Name Name
Layer providing the of the service being direction and Elements of
service requested e.g. function: information which
connects, Data , 1.Request are transferred
Disconnect 2.Indication between layers e.g.
3.Confirm Called and Calling
4.Response Party, User Data
 C7 and OSI
OSI

MAP OMAP

7 ISUP TUP
TCAP
TC

6
ISP
5
4

3 SCCP

2
MTP
1