4 - Introduction To SS7 Signalling

2.
5G SYSTRA
Introduction to SS7 Signalling

Training Document
6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 1 (29)

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Issue 3
Contents
Contents
1 Module objectives ..................................................................................4
2 Introduction ............................................................................................5
2.1 Standard messages .................................................................................6
2.2 Implementation and evolution ..................................................................8
2.2.1 Drawbacks of the CAS system.................................................................8
2.2.2 Common Channel Signalling (CCS).........................................................8
3 Common Channel Signalling System No. 7.......................................10

3.1 Message Transfer Part (MTP)................................................................10
3.2 Telephone User Part (TUP)....................................................................11
3.3 Signalling Connection and Control Part (SCCP) ....................................12
3.4 Summary ................................................................................................14
4 Additional SS7 protocols in GSM networks ......................................15

4.1 Base Station Subsystem Application Part (BSSAP)...............................15
4.2 Mobile Application Part...........................................................................16
4.3 Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP)..................................17
4.4 Summary ................................................................................................18
5 SS7 layers in GSM elements ...............................................................19

5.1 Protocol stack in the MSC ......................................................................19
5.2 Protocol stack in the HLR, VLR, and EIR...............................................19
5.3 Protocol stack in the BSC.......................................................................20
5.4 Protocol stack in Release 4 network elements.......................................20
6 Other signalling protocols in GSM .....................................................23
7 Summary and Key Points ....................................................................25
8 Review questions .................................................................................27

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1 Module objectives
After completing this module, the student will be able to:
• Define the term signalling
• Describe the SS7 protocol stack and its functions
• Identify the SS7 protocol stacks implemented in each GSM network element
(BSC, MSC, and HLR)
• identify the protocols introduced in Release 4 core networks
without using any references.

Issue 3
Introduction
2 Introduction
Signalling in telecommunication networks has come a long way since the early days
when a lady operator used to sit at the central exchange. Telecommunication networks
were relatively simple and the general procedure of setting up a call would go
something like this:
You would pick up the “handset” of your telephone, electrical current would flow to
the exchange and a light would start blinking accompanied by a sound. This would let
the lady know that you are requiring service. She would plug in one connector to your
terminal and the other to her “headphone” and inquire about whom you wanted to talk
to. After listening to your answer, she would try to connect you to the person you
wanted to talk with.
Then she would pull out the connector from your terminal and connect it to your
intended party. He would then hear his phone ringing. After he answers, the lady will
connect you to him. While you are talking, she will supervise the call, and once the
conversation is over (which will be indicated by another light), she will “pull out the
plugs.” That would be a typical scenario at a telephone exchange during the first half
of this century.
%#!&?:^*
(%&¤#”/=
Figure 1. Signalling in the old days

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2.1 Standard messages

Soon after the invention of telephony, lady operators were replaced by mechanical
exchanges. And nowadays, so-called digital exchanges are in use. The following
simplified example demonstrates the basic steps of a call set-up:
1. Subscriber A wants to make a phone call. He lifts the receiver. An electro-
magnetical signal is sent to exchange 1, to which the wireline phone is
connected. The electro-magnetical signal indicates to exchange 1, that the
subscriber requires a service.
2. The exchange generates a dial tone, with which it indicates its availability to
subscriber A.
3. Subscriber A is dialling the telephone number of subscriber B. The number is
forwarded to exchange 1.
4. Exchange 1 is performing a number analysis. Based on the number analysis, the
exchange can decide, how to serve subscriber A. If the subscriber is requesting
a service, which he is not allowed to use, the service is not made available. For
instance, if the subscriber has not paid the telephone bill, the operator can
restrict the offered services to emergency services.
Based on the number analysis, the exchange can decide whether it can serve the
call locally, or whether the call has to be established via other exchanges. This
is the case in our example. Based on routing tables set by the operator, exchange
1 is reserving transmission resources to exchange 2.
5. Then exchange 1 is transmitting a signalling message to exchange 2. The
message holds among other things the dial number and information about the
resources, which have be reserved on exchange 1’s side.
6. Also exchange 2 is performing a number analysis. In our example, the called
subscriber’s telephone is connected to exchange 2. Exchange 2 seizes the trunk,
and thus a bearer between exchange 1 and 2 is established.
7. Exchange 2 is now transmitting a set-up message to telephone B.
8. Telephone B confirms the service request.
9. Then, it starts to ring.
10. It also sends an alert message to exchange B, which tells the exchange, that the
telephone is calling the called subscriber.
11. Exchange 2 is then informing exchange 1 about the successful link
establishment.
12. Exchange 2 is generating a ringing tone. Subscriber A hears the ringing tone,
which informs him that a connection was established to subscriber B’s
telephone, and that telephone B is ringing.
13. Subscriber B picks up his telephone. Telephone B sends a corresponding
signalling message to exchange 2

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Introduction
14. Exchange 2 terminates the tone generation. It then informs exchange 1 about the
on-going call.
15. Now, a speech call can take place between telephone A and B.
subscriber A / subscriber B /
telephone A exchange 1 exchange 2 Telephone B
1. service request
2. dial tone
3. provide telephone number
4. number analysis &
resource reservation
5. address information
6. number analysis &
resource reservation
7. set-up message
8. set-up confirmation
9. ringing
11. address complete 10. alert message
message
12. ringing tone
14. connect message 13. connect message
15. Conversation
Figure 2. Signalling operations
Telephones and switches are exchanging messages about the ongoing call. For
instance, between exchange 1 and 2, there exist transmission resources. They
exchange messages to inform each other, which of the available transmission
resources to allocate to a specific call. They also have to inform each other about
abnormal endings of calls. If not, one exchange would release the transmission
resources, while the other one is still blocking them. This already indicates the
importance to exchange messages between network elements of a telecommunication
network. These messages are called signalling and control messages.
A wide range of signalling systems exist. A signalling system represents a specified
set of rules on how network elements have to exchange signalling and control
information. Each signalling system must support messages for
• call set-up,
• call supervision,
• call termination, and
• abnormal situation handling.

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In Europe, the signalling system European Digital Subscriber Signalling System No. 1
(E-DSS1) is often used between exchanges and telephones. Between exchanges, the
Common Channel Signalling System No. 7 (CCS#7, CS#7, SS#7, SS7) is the most
common protocol. It has also been adopted for GSM.
2.2 Implementation and evolution

As mentioned in the previous section, signalling in telecommunication systems is
basically a set of messages used for setting up, supervising and clearing the call.
Many different factors have led to a variety of signalling systems being developed in
telecommunications networks.
Different signalling standards were developed in different parts of the world. They
were all doing the same task, but in a different way. This would obviously mean that
when a call originates in one network with one type of signalling implementation and
terminates in another network with another type of signalling system, some
compromise, or adaptation would have to be used. Due to these kind of differences the
then international governing body for telecommunications, CCITT (now ITU),
recommended the Channel Associated Signalling System (CAS) as the standard. In
CAS, signalling messages and user data/speech are transmitted on the same
transmission resource.
2.2.1 Drawbacks of the CAS system
As a signalling system for setting up calls CAS was a good system that performed
quite well. A large number of telephone exchanges in the world are still using this
system, but its implementation is such, that it is only suitable for cases where traffic is
low. Another problem with CAS is that it is not possible to send signalling messages
in the absence of a call. This causes bottlenecks and wastes bandwidth.
2.2.2 Common Channel Signalling (CCS)
The CCITT (now the ITU) came up with a new recommendation for a signalling
system which was the Common Channel Signalling System Number 7. One of the
main advantages of this system was that signalling did not have to go along the same
path as the speech. It is abbreviated CCS7, CCS#7, SS7 or simply C7, but they all
refer to the same system.
SS7 was developed in the beginning of the 1980s and is a Common Channel
Signalling system (CCS) with a signalling path bandwidth of 64 Kbits/s. The term
“Common Channel Signalling” indicates, that signalling information and user data are
transmitted via separate resources. Signalling messages are transmitted via
transmission resources, which are used for several hundreds up to thousand calls. This

Issue 3
Introduction
is possible for three reasons: SS7 is packet orientated, i.e. signalling messages are sent
as packets similar to IP packets in the Internet. The signalling load is low in
comparison to the user data traffic. And there is mainly need for signalling resources
during the call set-up and call termination phase. To use common resources results in
a fairly high resource efficiency of the signalling resources.
End points of SS7 signalling messages are exchanges, such as the MSC, but also
register elements, such as the HLR. Within SS7, the originator and the receiver of SS7
signalling messages are called Signalling Points (SP). It depends on the operator,
whether Service Points can directly exchange SS7 messages. Often, the routing of SS7
messages is done via Signalling Transfer Points (STP). A Signalling Transfer Point
receives SS7 messages, analyses the destination address of the SS7 message, then
forwards the message, following rules set by the operator in the routing tables of the
Signalling Transfer Point.
A simple example can be seen in the figure below: There are three exchanges. Each
exchange holds a SS7 Signalling Point. The blue lines represent the transmission
resources, while the green lines represent the independent packet oriented SS7
network. Exchange 1 can directly sent SS7 messages to exchange 2. If the signalling
link between the two exchanges fails, then there is still an option to route the messages
via the Signalling Transfer Point. Exchange 1 has no direct signalling link to the
Signalling Point of exchange 3. In this case, the signalling messages must be always
routed via the Signalling Transfer Point.
SS7
exchange 3
Independent,
SP packet
oriented
signalling
network
STP
SP SP
exchange 1 exchange 1
SP Signalling Point
STP Signalling Transfer Point
Figure 3. Signalling Points and Signalling Transfer Points
It is modular in design, although the modules are not as clearly defined as is the case
with the OSI 7-layer model, which it pre-dates. Let us take a closer look at this system
in the following sections.

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3 Common Channel Signalling System No. 7

Originally, the Common Channel Signalling System No. 7 (hereafter referred to as
SS7) consisted of two parts. The first part was responsible for transferring the message
within a signalling network. The second part was the user of these messages.
As an analogy we can compare it to two managers with their own message runners.
One manager writes a message, puts it in the envelope and gives it to the messenger.
The messenger in turn looks at the address on the envelope, and gives it to the
messenger of the other manager. The messenger of the receiving manager looks at the
address and gives it to his manager, who will then read and act as necessary.
Figure 4. Message bearers taking the message to their managers
The initial phase of SS7 consisted of two parts:

• Message Transfer Part - MTP (responsible for transferring messages)
• Telephone User Part - TUP (user of messages).
3.1 Message Transfer Part (MTP)

We have so far established that signalling is used for setting up calls, and that there are
standard sets of messages, which are sent back and forth to help facilitate this. The
part responsible for taking these messages from one network element to another
network element is known as the Message Transfer Part (MTP). The entire SS7 is
built on the foundation of this MTP, which consists of three sub layers as shown in the
figure below.

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Common Channel Signalling System No. 7
Layer 3 Signalling Message Handling

Message
Transfer Layer 2 Data Link Control
Part (MTP)
Layer 1 Physical Connections
Figure 5. Message Transfer Part layers
The lowest level, MTP layer 1 (physical connections), defines the physical and
electrical characteristics. MTP layer 2 (data link control) helps in error free
transmission of the signalling messages between adjacent elements. MTP layer 3
(network layer) is responsible for taking the message from any element in a
signalling network to any other element within the same network.
3.2 Telephone User Part (TUP)

The previous section explained the MTP. But who is the user who receives, sends and
acts on these messages? The answer is the Telephone User Part (TUP). Those
standard sets of messages that were mentioned previously are the standard TUP
messages that help to set up the call, to supervise and clear it.
For many the SS7 in the fixed telephone network consisted of only two parts, the MTP
and the TUP. The CCITT (now the ITU) allowed for variations in messages within
one country alone. These variations were called the National User Part (NUP).

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MSC PSTN exchange

SP SP
TUP TUP
Call Control
NUP messages NUP
ISUP ISUP
Transport of signalling
Layer 3 messages within one network Layer 3
MTP
MTP
Data link Layer 2 Layer 2‘ Data link
Layer 2 control control Layer 2‘
Physical Physical
Layer 1 connections Layer 1 Layer 1‘ connections Layer 1‘
STP
Figure 6. Protocol stack of MTP and TUP/NUP/ISUP
With the introduction of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), which has a
broader capability than the PSTN, some extra sets of messages were required. These
became known as the ISDN User Part (ISUP). Whether it is TUP, NUP or ISUP they
are all doing the same job in helping to set up a call.
3.3 Signalling Connection and Control Part (SCCP)

The structure of SS7 with TUP/NUP/ISUP on top of the MTP was quite satisfactory
for speech call handling. However, with the passing of time and the development of
newer and more advanced technology, signalling requirements also started to become
more stringent and demanding.
It was realised that the TUP/MTP combination alone was not sufficient when "virtual
connections" became necessary. The MTP guarantees the transfer of messages from
any "signalling point" in the signalling network to any other "signalling point", safely
and reliably. However, each message could reach the destination signalling point by
using different paths. This may cause situations where the order of messages that are
received, are different from the original sequence. When this order is important, there
is need for establishing a "virtual connection".
Virtual connections use a "connection oriented" protocol that provides sequence
numbers to enable the messages to be placed in the correct order at the distant end.

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Common Channel Signalling System No. 7
Another instance of when the TUP/MTP structure is inefficient is when a signalling

message has to be sent across multiple networks in the absence of a call. The MTP is
capable of routing a message within one network only. The case of setting up a call
across multiple networks is not the same as signalling across the same network. The
signalling goes leg by leg according to the call. But in the absence of a call, the MTP
cannot route a signalling message across multiple networks.
Virtual
Connection using
“Connection Oriented”
SCCP
A
MTP
Signalling
Point B
Signalling MTP
Point Destination
Signalling
Signalling Point
Point MTP
Figure 7. Virtual connections
The solution to these two problems was the creation of another protocol layer on top
of the MTP that was called the Signalling Connection and Control Part (SCCP).
The SCCP takes care of virtual connections and connectionless signalling. Note that
the tasks of TUP and SCCP are different, and thus they are parallel to each other, but
both use the services of the MTP.

Issue 3
Exchange Offers following services to higher layers: Exchange

• non-call related signalling via networks of
SP different operators SP
• connection-orientated network service
Call Control
e.g. ISUP messages
e.g. ISUP
Signalling Connection &

SCCP Control Part SCCP
MTP
MTP
Data link Layer 2 Layer 2‘ Data link
Layer 2 control control Layer 2‘
Physical Physical
Layer 1 connections Layer 1 Layer 1‘ connections Layer 1‘
STP
Figure 8. Location of the SCCP
As far as the fixed telephone network (the Public Switched Telephone Network,
PSTN) is concerned, this is all there is to SS7 and these protocol layers serve their
purpose very well. At the moment there is no other protocol in SS7 for PSTN
exchanges.
3.4 Summary
The MTP is the message transfer part. It is responsible for transferring messages from
one network element to another within the same network. It consists of three
sublayers.
The TUP is the user part of the messages transferred by the MTP. These messages
deal with setting up, supervising and clearing the call connections. It has two
variations: NUP and ISUP.
The SCCP is the signalling connection and control part. Its main function is to
provide virtual connections and connectionless signalling.

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Additional SS7 protocols in GSM networks
4 Additional SS7 protocols in GSM networks

In GSM networks, signalling is not as simple as in the PSTN. There are extra
signalling requirements in GSM due to the different architecture of the network that
requires a large amount of non-call-related signalling. In the first instance the
subscriber is mobile, unlike the PSTN telephone, which is always in one place.
Therefore, a continuous tracking of the mobile station is required, which results in
what is known as the location update procedure. This procedure is an example of non-
call-related signalling, where the mobile phone and the network are communicating,
but no call is taking place. This requires additional sets of standard messages to fulfil
the signalling requirements of GSM networks.
These additional protocol layers are:
• Base Station Subsystem Application Part (BSSAP)
• Mobile Application Part (MAP)
• Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP).
4.1 Base Station Subsystem Application Part (BSSAP)

The first of these additional protocol layers is the Base Station Subsystem Application
Part (BSSAP). This layer is used when an MSC communicates with the BSC and the
mobile station. Since the mobile station and the MSC have to communicate via the
BSC, there must be a virtual connection; therefore the service of the SCCP is also
needed.
The authentication verification procedure and assigning a new TMSI all take place
with the standard sets of messages of the BSSAP. Communication between the MSC
and the BSC also uses the BSSAP protocol layer. Therefore, the BSSAP serves two
purposes:
• MSC-BSC signalling
• MSC-MS signalling.

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BSC Used to MSC

• exchange requests and responses between
BSC and MSC
• encapsulate messages to be exchanged
transparently between MS and MSC
Control
BSSAP messages BSSAP
Signalling Connection &

SCCP Control Part SCCP
messages within one network
Layer 3 Layer 3
MTP
MTP
Data link
Layer 2 control Layer 2
Physical
Layer 1 connections Layer 1
BSSAP Base Station Subsystem Application part
Figure 9. Location of the BSSAP in SS7
4.2 Mobile Application Part

The example of a location update procedure mentioned previously is not confined only
to the MSC-BSC section, it spans multiple PLMNs. In case of a first time location
update by an international roaming subscriber (where he is not in his home network),
the VLR has to get the data from the subscriber’s HLR via the gateway MSC of the
subscriber’s home network.
While a mobile terminated call is being handled, the MSRN has to be requested from
the HLR without routing the call to the HLR. Therefore, for these cases another
protocol layer was added to the SS7 called the Mobile Application Part (MAP).
MAP is used for signalling communication between NSS elements.
Note
The MSC-MSC communication using MAP is used only in case of non-call-
related signalling. For routing a call from one MSC to another MSC, TUP or
ISUP is still used.

Issue 3
Additional SS7 protocols in GSM networks
4.3 Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP)

In MAP signalling, one MSC sends a message to an HLR, and that message requests
(or invokes) a certain result. The HLR sends the result back, which may be the final
result or some other messages might also follow (or it might not be the last result).
These invocations and results that are sent back and forth between multiple elements
using MAP need some sort of secretary to manage the transactions. This secretary is
called the Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP). This completes the SS7
protocol stack in the GSM network and its functions.
The SS7 picture is now complete.
Non-call-related requests and

responses, e.g. GMSC interrogation
Secretary function for higher layer, e.g. for the MSRN.
when the higher layer transaction
consists of a set of messages, which
GMSC have to be exchanged between the HLR
peer entities in an orderly way.
MAP Mobile MAP

Application Part
Transaction Capabilities
TCAP Application Part TCAP
SCCP Signalling Connection & SCCP

Control Part
MTP
MTP
Data link
Layer 2 control Layer 2
Physical
Layer 1 connections Layer 1
Figure 10. MAP and TCAP

Issue 3
4.4 Summary
Protocol Name Function

MTP Message Transfer Part Responsible for transferring an SS7 message
from one network element to another within
the same signalling network.
TUP Telephone User Part User parts of MTP. They send, receive,
analyse and act on the messages delivered
NUP National User Part
by the MTP. All of these are Call Control
ISUP ISDN User Part Messages that help in setting up, supervising
and clearing a call.
SCCP Signalling Connection and Protocol layer responsible for making virtual
Control Part connections and making connectionless
signalling across multiple signalling networks.
BSSAP Base Station Subsystem Protocol layer responsible for communicating
Application Part GSM specific messages between the MSC
and the BSC, and the MSC and the MS.
MAP Mobile Application Part A GSM specific protocol for non-call-related
applications between NSS elements.
TCAP Transaction Capabilities Protocol layer responsible for providing
Application Part service to MAP by handling the MAP
transaction messages between multiple
elements.

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SS7 layers in GSM elements
5 SS7 layers in GSM elements

In this section, the SS7 requirements for individual GSM elements will be shown. The
previous sections explained why SS7 was needed in GSM and what protocol layers
are used. It is useful to note that not all the GSM elements have all the protocols in the
SS7 stack. For example, a BSC would never need TUP because call control is not the
task of the BSC.
5.1 Protocol stack in the MSC

Since the MTP is the foundation on which SS7 is built, this will be required in every
element that is capable of processing SS7. The MSC is the element in GSM networks
that is responsible for call control; therefore, TUP/ISUP sits on top of the MTP. The
MSC/VLR is also responsible for location updates and communication with the BSC
and the HLR. For this reason it also needs to have BSSAP and MAP that sit on top of
the SCCP. The MSC also has the TCAP to provide services for the MAP. It can thus
be seen that the MSC/VLR has all the SS7 protocol stacks implemented in it.
MAP
BSSAP TUP
TCAP
NUP
ISUP
SCCP
MTP
Figure 11. Protocol stack in the MSC
5.2 Protocol stack in the HLR, VLR, and EIR

The registers are not responsible for call control. Therefore, the TUP/ISUP is not
necessary. In addition, the registers do not communicate directly with the BSC and so

Issue 3
the BSSAP is not needed either, which leaves the MTP, SCCP, TCAP and MAP as the
signalling protocols in the HLR, VLR, and EIR.
Error! Objects cannot be created from editing field codes.
Figure 12 SS7 in network elements
5.3 Protocol stack in the BSC

The BSC only needs the BSSAP, but since the BSSAP needs the services of the
SCCP, which in turn needs the MTP, the BSC contains the MTP, the SCCP and the
BSSAP.
5.4 Protocol stack in Release 4 network elements

The Release 4 architecture adds a few new signalling protocols to the already existing
options. Some of the new protocols are:
• SIGTRAN
• BICC CS-2
• H.248/MEGACO/MGCP
• SIP (if IP based transport is used in the core network)
Figure 13 MSS protocol stack example (Nokia MSS)
SIGTRAN is the definition of a suite of protocols to carry SS7 and ISDN messages
over IP. This protocol suite is made up of a new transport layer–the Stream Control
Transmission Protocol (SCTP)–and a set of User Adaptation (UA) layers which mimic
the services of the lower layers of SS7 and ISDN.

Issue 3
SS7 layers in GSM elements
Figure 14 SIGTRAN protocol stack
Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) is a new transport protocol, designed

with the transport of time-sensitive signaling data in mind. It is a Unicast protocol that
is used as transport layer instead of the TCP protocol. SCTP hs many features similar
to TCP but is enhanced for signaling transport Data exchange is between two known
endpoints and reliable transport of user data is provided. The major difference towards
TCP is that SCTP is message-oriented, defining structured frames of data. TCP,
conversely, imposes no structure on the transmitted stream of bytes. Furhtermore the
SCTP has multi-streaming capability. Data is split into multiple streams, each with
independent sequenced delivery. TCP has no such feature.
The transmission of bounded, structured frames is useful since the transport protocol
does all the work to split the stream of data into message segments, reducing the user’s
responsibility for interpreting a continuous stream of bytes. Multi-streaming is
designed to allow users to partition a single IP connection between two endpoints into
separate logical streams of data and assign each stream to a particular application or
resource. The purpose is that errors or delays on one stream will not interfere with
normal delivery on another.
The Sigtran adaptation layers(UA) serve a number of common purposes. The UA

layers are named according to the service they replace, rather than the user of that
service. For example, M3UA adapts
SCTP to provide the services of MTP3 UA:s carry upper layer signaling protocols
over a reliable IP-based transport. The UA:sprovide the same class of service offered
at the interface of the PSTN equivalent. As an example, M3UA must provide the same
look and feel to its users as MTP3 in terms of services. The UA:s are also transparent.
The user of the service should be unaware that the adaptation layer has replaced the
original protocol. To sum up the UA:s remove as much of the need for lower layers of
the SS7 stack as possible.
Bearer Independent Call Control (BICC) protocol is a call control protocol used
between serving nodes. This protocol is based on the ISUP protocol, and was adapted
to support the ISDN services independent of the bearer technology and signalling
message transport technology used. The messages are of call set-up type. The BICC
can be transported in several ways as shown on the MMS protocol architecture. Both
traditional SS/ and SIGTRAN stacks are allowed for.
The Megaco protocol is used between multimedia gateways and their controllers. This
protocol creates a general framework suitable for gateways, multipoint control units
and interactive voice response units (IVRs). Packet network interfaces may include IP,
ATM or possibly others. The interfaces support a variety of SCN signalling systems,
including tone signalling, ISDN, ISUP, QSIG and GSM. National variants of these
signalling systems are supported where applicable.

Issue 3
Megaco/H.248 addresses the relationship between the Media Gateway (MGW),

which converts circuit-switched voice to packet-based traffic, and the MSS which
controls the service logic the user plane traffic. Megaco/H.248 instructs an MGW to
connect streams coming from outside a packet or cell data network onto a packet or
cell stream such as the ATM AAL2 stream. Megaco/H.248 is essentially similar to
MGCP from an architectural standpoint and the controller-to-gateway relationship, but
Megaco/H.248 supports a broader range of networks, for example ATM. There are
two basic components in Megaco/H.248: terminations and contexts. Terminations
represent streams entering or leaving the MGW (for example telephone lines.
Terminations have properties, such as the maximum size of a jitter buffer, which can
be inspected and modified by the MSS thus guaranteeing QoS.
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is an application-layer control protocol that can

establish, modify, and terminate multimedia sessions such as Internet telephony calls
(VOIP). SIP can also invite participants to already existing sessions, such as multicast
conferences. Media can be added to (and removed from) an existing session. SIP
transparently supports name mapping and redirection services, which supports
personal mobility - users can maintain a single externally visible identifier regardless
of their network location. Sip is however optional in the interfaces MSS-MSS but it
may make sense to implement it since the future IMS will use SIP.

Issue 3
Other signalling protocols in GSM
6 Other signalling protocols in GSM

As we have already seen, the GSM core network elements use SS7 (Signalling System
No. 7) to pass signalling messages between them.
MS MSC HLR
BTS BSC
CM CM
MAP
MM MM
RR BSSAPP BSSAP TUP

NUP
RR TCAP ISUS
RR‘ BTSM BTSM SCCP SCCP
LAPDm LAPDm LAPD LAPD

MTP‘ MTP‘
Um Abis A external
TDMA TDMA ex-
L1 L1
FDMA FDMA change
CM Connection Management BTSM Base Transceiver Station Management

MM Mobility Management BSSAP BSS Application Part
RR Radio Resource Management SCCP Signalling Connection Control Part
LAPDm Link Protocol MTP Message Transfer Part
Figure 15. Signalling in GSM
Between the BSC and the BTS, a signalling protocol known as LAPD (Link Access
Protocol for the ISDN "D" channel) is used. This is the same protocol that is used in
ISDN networks between the customer and the network. This protocol is also used the
exchange requests and responses between the BSC and the TRAU.
Between the mobile station and the BTS, the LAPD is used with small modifications
to cope with the characteristics of the radio transmission medium. This protocol is
known as LAPDm where the "m" denotes modified.
The LAP-D message structure is similar to SS7, but it does not support networking
capabilities, therefore, it is used for point to point connections.
As can be seen with the figure above, a signalling protocol is required to negotiate to
radio resources to be used for dedicated signalling and user data transport. The
protocol is called Radio Resource (RR) management protocol, and its messages are
exchanged between the MS and the BSC via LAPDm and LAPD. RR’ in the above
figure indicates that some radio resource management tasks can be directly performed
between the MS and the BTS.

Issue 3
The BTS determines which radio interface resources are allocated to the MS for
dedicated traffic. But also the BTS must be informed about it. This is one cause for the
existence of the BTSM (BTS Management) protocol.
What about mobility management? Mobility Management (MM) comprises tasks
such as location update and authentication. These are messages which are exchanged
directly between the MS and the MSC/VLR. As can be seen above, there are other
network elements in the transmission path of the mobility management messages, such
as the BTS and the BSC. But these network elements transparently transmit the higher
layer mobility management messages. Similar to the STP in SS7, they take the
signalling message, and forward it to the next entity. The MS and the MSC/VLR are
the so-called peer entities of mobility management messages.
The same is true for Connection Management (CM) messages. Connection
management includes call set-up messages, alerting message, etc., i.e. messages
necessary for call control. Also SMS and supplementary services are managed with
the help of the connection management.

Issue 3
Summary and Key Points
7 Summary and Key Points

The following table highlights the function of the SS7 protocol in every GSM network
element capable of processing SS7.
MSC BSC HLR

MTP Transfer of SS7 messages Transfer of SS7 Transfer of SS7
between different network messages between messages between
elements. different network different network
elements. elements.
TUP/ISUP Setting up, supervising, and Unavailable. Unavailable.
clearing call connections.
SCCP Connectionless signalling Virtual connection Connectionless

and virtual connections. between MSC and MS. signalling.
BSSAP GSM signalling with BSC GSM signalling with Unavailable.
and MS. MSC.
MAP GSM specific signalling with Unavailable. GSM specific signalling
HLR and other MSC. with MSCs and other
HLRs.
TCAP Service provider to MAP. Unavailable. Service provider to
MAP.
A virtual connection uses packet type switching principles and the connection only
exists when packets or messages are being transferred. In the simplest form of packet
switching each packet is regarded as a complete transaction in itself. This is known as
the “connectionless” mode as there is no sense of a connection being set up before
communication begins, and the network treats each packet independently. Some
applications, however, involve the transfer of a sequence of packets, for which the
“connection-oriented” approach is more appropriate. In this case, a virtual connection
is established by an initial exchange of "set-up" packets between the communicating
terminals. During the data transfer, each packet associated with a connection is passed
over the same route through the network.
Key points
• Signalling is the transfer of information between subscriber interface points and
the network, and between different network elements to help establish a call.
• Signalling information is interchanged as standard sets of messages that was
developed and standardised into the present SS7 system.
• GSM networks need non-call related signalling, which is possible with SS7.

Issue 3
• The SS7 used in PSTN networks is not sufficient to fulfil the signalling
requirements of GSM networks, thus new protocols specific to GSM were
developed.
• The MTP is the basis of SS7, and it is responsible for transferring signalling
messages from one element to another within the same signalling network.
• The TUP/ISUP are the user parts of the MTP that handle call control.
• The SCCP is needed for virtual connections and connectionless signalling.
• The BSSAP is used for signalling between MSC-BSC and MSC-MS.
• The MAP is needed for signalling between MSC-HLR, MSC-VLR, HLR-VLR
(and MSC-MSC in the case of non-call related signalling).
• The Link Access Protocol in D channel (LAP-D) provides a point-to-point
signalling capability. It is used between the BTS and BSC, and in a modified
version between the MS and the BTS (LAP-Dm).
• Release 4 introduces several new protocols for signaling

Issue 3
Review questions
8 Review questions
In the following questions, please select one alternative that you think is the best
answer for the particular question.
1. Which of the following is not a signalling function?

a. To analyse the dialled digits.
b. To digitise the user's speech before transmission.
c. To make speech path connections.
d. To inform the user of the progress of the call.
2. Which of the following is not a need for SS7 signalling?

a. The need to supervise a call.
b. The need to make circuit reservations.
c. The need to clear connections when the call is over.
d. The need to transfer charging information.
3. Which of the following signalling requirements is specific to GSM networks

only?
a. The ability to reserve circuits in the outgoing direction.
b. The ability of one signalling channel to handle calls in other physically
different cables.
c. The ability to transport service dependent messages across switching
exchanges.
d. The ability to perform non-call-related signalling procedures.
4. Which of the following combinations of SS7 protocols is not present in PSTN

exchanges?
a. MTP, SCCP.
b. MTP, ISUP.
c. MTP, TUP.
d. MTP, SCCP, TCAP, MAP.
5. Which pair of network elements in the GSM network does not both have SS7?
a. MSC, HLR.

Issue 3
b. BSC, HLR.
c. MSC, BSC.
d. BTS, HLR.
6. Which of the following pictures is correct?

a.
MAP
ISUP TCAP BSSAP
SCCP
MTP
b.
MAP
BSSAP SCCP TUP
NUP
ISUP
TCAP
MTP
c.
MAP
BSSAP TCAP TUP
NUP
ISUP
SCCP
MTP
d.

Issue 3
Review questions
BSSAP
MAP TUP
TCAP
NUP
ISUP
SCCP
MTP

Issue 3

4 - Introduction To SS7 Signalling

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4 - Introduction To SS7 Signalling

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Introduction to SS7 Signalling

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 1 (29)

2 (29) © Nokia Networks Oy 6-66869

1 Module objectives ..................................................................................4

3 Common Channel Signalling System No. 7.......................................10

4 Additional SS7 protocols in GSM networks ......................................15

5 SS7 layers in GSM elements ...............................................................19

6 Other signalling protocols in GSM .....................................................23

7 Summary and Key Points ....................................................................25

8 Review questions .................................................................................27

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 3 (29)

4 (29) © Nokia Networks Oy 6-66869

Figure 1. Signalling in the old days

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 5 (29)

2.1 Standard messages

6 (29) © Nokia Networks Oy 6-66869

Figure 2. Signalling operations

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 7 (29)

2.2 Implementation and evolution

2.2.1 Drawbacks of the CAS system

2.2.2 Common Channel Signalling (CCS)

8 (29) © Nokia Networks Oy 6-66869

Figure 3. Signalling Points and Signalling Transfer Points

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 9 (29)

3 Common Channel Signalling System No. 7

Figure 4. Message bearers taking the message to their managers

The initial phase of SS7 consisted of two parts:

3.1 Message Transfer Part (MTP)

10 (29) © Nokia Networks Oy 6-66869

Layer 3 Signalling Message Handling

Layer 1 Physical Connections

Figure 5. Message Transfer Part layers

3.2 Telephone User Part (TUP)

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 11 (29)

MSC PSTN exchange

Figure 6. Protocol stack of MTP and TUP/NUP/ISUP

3.3 Signalling Connection and Control Part (SCCP)

12 (29) © Nokia Networks Oy 6-66869

Another instance of when the TUP/MTP structure is inefficient is when a signalling

Figure 7. Virtual connections

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 13 (29)

Exchange Offers following services to higher layers: Exchange

Signalling Connection &

Figure 8. Location of the SCCP

14 (29) © Nokia Networks Oy 6-66869

4 Additional SS7 protocols in GSM networks

4.1 Base Station Subsystem Application Part (BSSAP)

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 15 (29)

BSC Used to MSC

Signalling Connection &

BSSAP Base Station Subsystem Application part

Figure 9. Location of the BSSAP in SS7

4.2 Mobile Application Part

16 (29) © Nokia Networks Oy 6-66869

4.3 Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP)

Non-call-related requests and

MAP Mobile MAP

SCCP Signalling Connection & SCCP

Figure 10. MAP and TCAP

6-66869 © Nokia Networks Oy 17 (29)

Protocol Name Function