Signaling in the Core Network - Mobile Softswitch Solution

LZU 108 7519 R3A

Description
The complexity of the Core Network and the call control signaling has increased with the
introduction of Softswitch Solutions, Bearer Independent Call Control and options for
IP-based transmission. This course explains the general principles of call and bearer control
in the Mobile Softswitch Solution (MSS) for WCDMA systems and GSM up to the release
MSC R14.1 / MSS R6.0 The participants will get insight about related protocols, such as SS7
over IP,SUA, BICC, Q.2630, GCP, IPBCP and SIP. It is assumed that the students are
already familiar with signaling in core networks with classical architecture before attending
this course.

Learning objectives
1 Describe signaling handled by MSC server for setting up and releasing calls and
bearers in the Mobile Softswitch Solution
1.1 Explain the horizontally integrated network model for the next generation Mobile Core
Networks, the so called Mobile Softswitch Solution (MSS)
1.2 Explain what is meant by “Monolithic architecture” and “Layered architecture”
1.3 List the protocols used in the Mobile Core Network and briefly describe their function
1.4 List the user plane protocol stacks in the Core Network
1.5 List the possible transport layer technologies and discuss their use in the Mobile Core
Network

2 Present the role and function of SIGTRAN in the Mobile Softswitch Solution
2.1 Describe the concepts behind SS7 Signaling transport over IP
2.2 Explain terminology, related to SIGTRAN, relevant for the Ericsson implementation
2.3 Describe the function of the Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) in
SIGTRAN
2.4 Describe the function of MTP3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA) in SIGTRAN
2.5 Describe the function of SCCP User Adaptation Layer (SUA) in SIGTRAN

3 Explain BICC signaling principles and concepts

3.1 Explain the role of BICC in a Multi-Service Network
3.2 Explain how BICC relates to the ISDN User Part (ISUP)
3.3 List and describe new terminology pertaining to BICC
3.4 Diagrammatically represent the BICC Network model
3.5 Explain the structure of BICC and its support protocols
3.6 Describe the purpose and structure of Signaling Transport Converters (STCs)
3.7 Explain a typical call set-up procedure using BICC
3.8 Explain the difference between the BICC and the ISUP Message Signaling Unit

1
 4 Explain Q2630 signaling principles and concepts
4.1 Explain the purpose and significance of ATM Adaptation Layer 2 (AAL2)
4.2 Describe the AAL2 network architecture
4.3 List the capabilities and limitations of Q.2630 signaling
4.4 Describe the interworking between BICC and Q.2630 in the Mobile Core Network

5 Explain GCP signaling principles and concepts

5.1 Explain the Connection Model encompassing Contexts, Terminations and streams
5.2 List H.248 Commands and Descriptors
5.3 Explain the use of transactions and how commands are carried
5.4 Explain how packages are used to expand the Termination Capabilities

6 Explain IPBCP signaling principles and concepts

6.1 Explain the establishment of IP bearers to transport speech
6.2 Explain the tunneling principles used to establish an IP bearer

7 Describe the steps in a typical Circuit Mode call set up and explain how the involved
signaling protocols interact
7.1 List some parameters that are transported between nodes during the call set-up
7.2 Describe the interworking between BICC, GCP, Q.2630, RANAP/NAS and ISUP in a
typical call set-up

8 Present how SIP and related support protocols for VoIP are applied in the Mobile
Softswitch Solution
8.1 Describe the basic functions and capabilities of SIP
8.2 Name major IETF protocols related to SIP, IMS and VoIP
8.3 List the SIP methods used in MSS and state their function
8.4 Explain the routing and addressing principles for SIP signaling
8.5 Explain the offer / answer model for SDP usage in SIP
8.6 Describe how SIP-I relates to BICC/ISUP and SIP
8.7 Explain the steps in a basic session establishment between MSS and an external
VoIP network
Target audience
System Technician, System Engineer, Network Design Engineer and Network Deployment
Engineer

This audience benefits from a deep insight about protocols and signaling techniques
in the Mobile Core Network.

Doc. No: 1550-LZU 108 7519 Uae Rev C

Ericsson AB
Global Services
SE-164 80 Stockholm
Telephone: +46 10 719 0000
www.ericsson.com/globalservices
© Ericsson AB 2010
 Prerequisites
Successful completion of the following courses:

Signaling in the Core Network – Classical Architecture, LZU 108 7518

and

GSM/WCDMA MSC/MSC-S R13 Operation and Configuration, LZU 108 7513

Or equivalent competence.

Duration and class size

The length of the course is 3 days and the maximum number of participants is 16

Learning situation
This course is based on theoretical instructor-led lessons and theoretical exercises.

Time schedule
The time required always depends on the knowledge of the attending participants and the
hours stated below can be used as estimate.

Day Topics in the course Estimated time

1 Core Network signaling introduction 1.5 hours
1 SIGTRAN 2.5 hours
1/2 BICC 3 hours
2 Q2630 2 hours
2/3 GCP 4 hours
3 traffic case Interworking, (BICC, GCP, Q2630) 0.5 hours
IPBCP 1.5 hours
SIP 3 hours

Doc. No: 1550-LZU 108 7519 Uae Rev C

Ericsson AB
Global Services
SE-164 80 Stockholm
Telephone: +46 10 719 0000
www.ericsson.com/globalservices
© Ericsson AB 2010