SIGNALING What is Signaling?

Signaling refers to the exchange of information between call components required to provide and maintain service. As users of the public Switched telephone network, we exchange signaling with network element all the time. Examples of signaling between a telephone user and the telephone network include. Dialing digits, providing dial tone, accessing a voice mailbox, sending a call waiting tone, dialing *66(to retry a busy number), etc. Signaling system 7 is means by which element of the telephone network exchange information. Information is conveyed in the form of messages. Signaling System 7 messages can convey information such as : SS7 is characterized by high-speed packet data, and out-of-band signaling. OUT OF BAND SIGNALING Out-of-band signaling is signaling that does not take place over the same path as the conversation. We are used to thinking of signaling as being in-band. We hear dial tone, dial digits, and hear ringing over the same channel on the same pair of wires. When the call completes, we talk over the same path that was used for the signaling. Tradition telephony used to work in this way as well. The signals to set up a call between one switch and another always took place over the same trunk that would eventually carry the call. Signaling took the form of a series of multi frequency (MF) tones, much like touch tone dialing between switches. Out-of-band signaling information. This channel is called a signaling links are used to carry all the necessary signaling messages between nodes. Thus, when a call is placed, the dialed digits, trunk selected, and other pertinent information are sent between switches using

their signaling links, rather than the trunks which will ultimately carry the conversation. Today, signaling links carry information at a rate of 56 or 64 kilobyte per second (kbps). It is interesting to note that while SS7 is only used for signaling between network elements, the ISDN D channel extends the concept of out-of-band signaling to the interface between the subscriber and the switch. Win ISDN service, signaling that must be conveyed between the user station and the local switch is carried on a separate digit channel called the D channel. The voice or data which comprise the call is carried on one or more B channels. Why Out-of-Band Signaling? Out of-band signaling has several advantages that make it more desirable than tradition inband signaling: It allow for the transport of more data at higher speeds (56 kbps can carry data much faster than MF out pulsing) It allow for signaling at any time in the entire duration of the call, not only at the beginning. It enables signaling to network element to which there is no direct trunk connection.

BASIC OF SIGNALING SYSTEM # 7 Common channel Signaling System no.7 (i.e.,SS7 or C7) is a global standard for telecommunication defined by the international Telecommunication Union(ITU),

Telecommunication Standardization Sector(ITU-T).The standard defines the procedures and protocol by which network element in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) exchange information over a digital signaling network to effect wireless(Cellular) and wire line call setup, routing control. The ITU definition of SS7 allow for national variants such as the American Nation Standards Institute (ANSI) and Bell Communication Research (bell core) standards used in North America and the European Telecommunication Standards Institute(ETSI) standard used in Europe. , signaling that must be conveyed between the user station and the local switch is carried on a separate digit channel called the D channel. The voice or data which comprise the call is carried on one or more channels.

The SS7 network and protocol are used for : Basic call setup, management and tear down Wireless service such s personal communications services (PCS), wireless roaming, and mobile subscriber authentication. Local number portability (LNP) Toll-free(800/888) and toll(900) wire line services Enhanced call features such as call forwarding, calling party name/number display, and three-way calling Efficient and secure worldwide telecommunication.

Signaling Links
SS7 messages are exchanged between element over 56 or 64 kilobit per second (KBPS) bi-directional channels called signaling links. Signaling occurs out-of-band on dedicated channels rather than in-band on voice channels. Compared to in band signaling out-of-band signaling provides. Faster call setup times(compared to in-band signaling using multifrequency (MF) signaling tones) More efficient use of voice circuits Support for intelligent Network (IN) services which require signaling to network element without voice trunks (e.g., database system) Improved control over fraudulent network usage

Signaling Points
Each signaling point in the SS7 network is uniquely identified by a numeric point code. Point codes are carried in signaling messages exchanged between signaling point to identify the source and destination of each message There are three kinds of signaling points in the SS7 network.

SSP(Service Switch Point) STP (Signal Transfer Point) SCP (Service Control Point)

SS7 Signaling Points SSPs are switches that originate terminate, or tandem calls. An SSP sends signaling message to other SSPs to setup, manage, and release voice circuit required to complete a call. An SSP may also send a query message to a centralized database (an SCP) to determine how to route a call (e.g., a toll-free 1-800/888 call in North America). An SCP sends a response to the originating SSP containing the routing number(s) associated with the dialed number. An alternate routing number may be

used by the SSP if the primary number is busy or the call is unanswered within a specified time. Actual call features vary from network and form service to service. Network traffic between signaling points may be routed via a packet switch called an STP. An STP routes each incoming message to an outgoing signaling link based on routing information contained in the SS& message. Because it act as a network hub, an STP provides improved utilization of the SS7 Network by eliminating the need for direct links between signaling points. An STP may perform global title translation, a procedure by which the destination signaling point is determined from digits present in the signaling message (e.., the dialed 800 number, calling card number, or mobile subscriber identification number). An STP can also act as a firewall to screen SS7 messages exchanged with other networks. Because the SS7 network is critical to call processing, SCPs and STPs are usually deployed in mated pair configuration in separate physical location to ensure network-wide service in the event of an isolated failure. Links between signaling points are also provisioned in pairs. Traffic is shared across all links in the link set. If one of the links fails, the signaling traffic is rerouted over another link in the link set. The SS7 protocol provides both error correction and retransmission capabilities to allow continued service in the event of signaling point or link failures. Network traffic between signaling points may be routed via a packet switch called an STP. An STP routes each incoming message to an outgoing signaling link based on routing information contained in the SS& message. An STP may perform global title translation, a procedure by which the destination signaling point is determined from digits present in the signaling message. .

SS7 Signaling Link Types Signaling links are logically organized by link type ('A' through 'F') according to their uses in the SS7 signaling network.

SS7 Signaling Links Types A link: An A(access) link connects a signaling end point (e.g., an SCP or SSP) to an STP. Only messages originating from or destined to the signaling end point are transmitted on a A link. B link: A B (bridge) link connects an STP to another STP. Typically, a quad of B links interconnection peer(or primary) STPs (e.g., the STPs from network to the STPs of another network). The distinction between a b link and a D link is rather arbitrary. For this reason, such links may be referred to as B/D links.

C links : A C(cross) link connects STPs performing identical function into a mated pair. A 'C' link is used only when an STP has no other route available to a destination signaling point due to link failure(s). Note that SCPs may also be deployed in pair to improve reliability; unlike STPs however mated SCPs are not interconnected by signaling links D link: A D (diagonal) link connects a secondary (e.g., local or regional) STP pair to a primary (e.g.; inter-network gateway) STP pair in a quad-link configuration. Secondary STPs within the same network are connected via a quad of d links. The distinction between a B link and a D link is rather arbitrary. For this reason, such links may be referred to as B/D links. E links : An E (extended) links connects an SSP to an alternated STP.E links provide an alternate signaling path if an SSPs home STP cannot be reached via an A link. E links are not usually provisioned unless the benefit of a marginally higher degree of reliability justifies the added expense. F link : An F (fully associated) link connects two signaling end points (i.e.,SSPs and SCPS). F links are not usually used in network with STPs. In network without STPs, F links directly connect signaling points.
ISDN (INTEGRATED DIGITAL SERVICE NETWORK TERMINAL UNIT) One of the four ATUs/DTUs in a Base module be replaced by ISTU to provide Basic Rate Interface (BRI)/Primary Rate Interface in C-DOT DSS. It is directly connected to TSU on 8 Mbps PCM Link.

INTRODUCTION
ISDN is comprised of digital telegraphy and data transport services offered by region telephone carries ISDN involves the digitization of the telephone network which permits voice, data, text, graphics ,music ,video and other source material to be transmitted over exiting telephone wires. One of the four ATUs/DTUs in a Base module be replaced by ISTU to provide Basic Rate Interface (BRI)/Primary Rate Interface in C-DOT DSS. It is directly connected to TSU on 8 Mbps PCM Link The emergence of ISDN represent an efforts to standardize subscriber service user/network interface and network and inter network capabilities.

ISDN application includes high speed image application , addition telephone lines in home to serve the telecommuting industry, high speed file transfer and video conferencing. Voice service is also an application for ISDN.

Architecture of ISDN Terminal Unit

In C-DOT DSS architecture the ISDN interface are terminated on a new add on terminal unit as ISTU. A maximum of 256 bearer channels are provided by integrating one ISTU which can be configured to support any combination of BRI or PRI interfaces. If the requirement of PRI/BRI interfaces more than 256 bearer channels ,one or more. ISTU, can be integrated in C-DOT DSS with the option of equipment them in the same BM of distributed across different BMs in the exchange. The architecture also support in signaling providing time slots for switching channels, carrying data & voice.

SERVICE
There are two types of services associated with ISDN:1. BRI 2. PRI

1. ISDN BRI Service The ISDN Basic rate interface (BRI) Service offers Two B channels and one

D channels (2b+D). BRI B channels service operated at 64 Kbps and is carry user data. . ISTU, can be integrated in C-DOT DSS with the option of equipment them in the same BM of distributed across different BMs in the exchange. BRI d channels service operates at 16 Kbps and is meant to carry control and signaling information, although it support user data transmission under certain circumstances. The BRP also provides for framing control and other overhead, bringing its total bit rate to 192 Kbps. The BRI physical layer specification is International Telecommunication Standard Section (ITU-T). (Formerly the consultative committee for international telegraph and telephone (CCITT)

2. ISDN PRI SERVICE

The ISDN traffic is of two distinct types: Circuit switched voice & data Primary Rate Line (PRL)

Basic Rate Line (BRL) Card

The BRL is an interface to the switching system supporting 8 U-interface towards the user. It interfaces with the ISDN Terminal Controller(ITC)/Switching Network for signaling and switching of voice and packet information. The function of the BRL card include HYBRID for 2 to 4 conversion and echo cancellation monitoring of lines status, its activation and deactivation, over voltage protection (for protect the exchange and the BRL card from high voltages),test access.

Primary Rate Interface Line Card(PRL)

The PRL Card is an interface to terminate a 2.048 Mbps link ,using symmetric twisted pair cables with characteristic impedance of 120 ohms. Each PRL card form a terminal group (TG) and a maximum of 8 PRL, cards can be accommodation in each ISTU.

ISDN USER PART ( ISUP )

The ISDN User Part(ISUP) defines the protocol and Procedures used to set-up. Manage, and release trunk circuit that carry voice and data calls over the public switched telephone network(PSTN). ISUP is used for both ISDN and non-ISDN calls. Calls that originate and terminate at the same switch do not use ISUP signaling.

Basic ISUP Call Control

1. When a call is placed to an out-of-switch number, the originating SSP transmits an ISUP initial address message (IAM) to reserve an idle trunk circuit from the originating switch to the destination switch:-

The IAM includes the originating point code, destination point code, circuit identification code dialed digits and, optionally, the calling party number and name. In the example below, the IAM is routed via the home STP of the originating switch to the destination switch

Note that the same signaling links are used for the duration of the call unless a link failure condition forces a switch to use an alternate signaling link.

2. The destination switch examine the dialed number, determines that it serves the called party, and that the line is available for ringing. The destination switch transmits an ISUP address complete message (ACM) to the originating switch (via its home STP) to indicate that the remote end of the trunk circuit has been reserved. The destination switch rings the called party line and sends a ringing tone over the trunk of the originating switch. The STP routes the ACM to the Originating switch. which connects the calling partys line trunk to complete the voice circuit from the calling party to the called party. The calling party hears the ringing tone on the voice trunk. In the example shown above, the originating and destination switches are directly connected with trunks. If the originating and Destination switches are not directly connected with trunks , the originating switch transmits an IAM to reserve a trunk circuit to an intermediate switch. The intermediate switch sends an ACM to acknowledge the circuit reservation request and then transmits an IAM to reserve a trunk circuit to another switch. This processes continues until all trunks required to complete the voice circuit from the originating switch to the destination switch are reserved. The IAM includes the originating point code, destination point code, circuit identification code dialed digits and, optionally, the calling party number and name. In the example below, the IAM is routed via the home STP of the originating switch to the destination switch

3. When the called party picks up the phone, the destination switch terminates the ringing tone and transmits an ISUP answer message (ANM) to the originating switch via its home STP The STP routes the ANM to the originating switch Which verifies that the calling partys line is connected to the reserved trunk and, if so, initiates billing. 4. If the calling party hangs-up first, the originating switch sends and ISUP release message (REL) to release the trunk circuit between the switch The STP routes the REL to the destination switch If the called party hangs up first, or if the line is busy, the destination switch sends an REL to the originating switch indicating the release cause(e.g.; normal release or busy). 5. Upon receiving the REL, the destination switch disconnects the trunk from the called partys line, sets the trunk state to idle, and transmits an ISUP release comlete message (RLC) to the originating switch To acknowledge the release of the remote end of the trunk circuit. When the originating switch receives(or generated) the RLC It terminates the billing cycle and sets the trunk state to idle in preparation for the next call.

ISUP message may also be transmitted during the connection phase of the call (i.e.; between the ISUP Answer (ANM) and Release (REL) messages.

ALARM DISPLAY PANEL (ADP)

The ADP is used in the C-DOT to display the status of the system in single base module configuration. It can also be used with a two base module system. The status is displayed on light emitting diodes (LEDs) and seven segment LED display. Fresh faults are reported on the panel by blinking the LEDs accompanied by an audio alarm to draw the attention of the operator in turn is expected to acknowledge the faults.

ADP is a microprocessor based hardware unit which is attached to the BP (in SBM) or AP(IN MBM) by HDLC(HIGH DATA LINK CONTROLLER) link for providing audio visual indication of system faults . a seven segment display shows the count of lines and trunks currently faulty.

ALARM PHILOSOPHY:In a C-DOT DSS, there are three categories :-non urgent => green LEDs. -urgent -critical => orange LEDs. => red LEDs.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION:The ADP is housed on three cards:1. Controller card. 2. Display card. 3. Power supply card. 1. Controller card:-

It is a subdivided into following blocks:(a) CPU LOGIC:It generates clock required by microprocessor, buffers for buffering for CPU address and data bus power on reset logic to generate the signal. (b) MEMORY:Occupies address space RAM.

(C) DISPLAY CARD INTERFACE:Consist of logic which generates the various strobes for the registers on the display card (D) INTERRUPT AND WATCHDOG DOG :The sources of interrupt for the CPU are :(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Real time timer Acknowledge switch LED test switch The two HDLCs.

The sources for generate one interrupt line for the microprocessor. (E) INPUT /OUTPUT PORTS AND AUDIO ALARM :Input port is used to determine the configuration of the system and the source of the interrupt. Output port is used for cleaning the various interrupts & for enabling the audio alarm. The audio alarm is implemented using a piazza-electric buzzer (f) COMMUNICATION INTERFACE:Consists of clock generator for the HDLs. INTERCONNECTION Various interconnection required in the ADP are as follows :1. Link connection: The two links from the two copies of BPs are terminated on the back panel. 2. Controller card to display card connection: This connection is made with a 34 pin flat cable also carries the power for the display card .

SYSTEM CAPACITY INTRODUCTION The capacity of C-DOT DSS is defined in terms of the following parameters: The termination capacity express as the number of lines and trunks The amount of traffic (in elands) that can be switched The number of Busy Hour Call Attempts (BHCA) that can be processed with a given callmix while meeting the overall service quality requirements. This section indicates the maximum capacity of different system element as well as that of complete exchange, equipped to its ultimate termination capacity. It has been ensured that the specified parameters are valid to meet overall reliability objectives for the C-DOT DSS as specified in ITU-T recommendation. TERMINATION CAPACITY A terminal Card is the basic system element. It interfaces/terminates the lines and trunks. The next higher element is a Terminal Unit. The types of terminal card and terminal unit used in C-DOT DSS along with its function are already explained in chapter 3 &4. Termination capacity of BM is 488 analog lines and that of LM in 768 analog lines. A BM can be concentrated with 2 LMs to provide maximum termination capacity of 2024 Analog lines. In case of BM, a maximum of 256 B channels are provided at the cost of 512 analog lines. One to one replacement of Base channel is planned in immediate future. Base Module and Line Module are the highest level of system elements. Each Base Module has four Terminal Units whereas a Line Module has six Terminal Units. Because the SS7 network is critical to call processing, SCPs and STPs are usually deployed in mated pair configuration in separate physical location to ensure network-wide service in the event of an isolated failure. Links between signaling points are also provisioned in pairs. Traffic is shared across all links in the link set. If one of the links fails, the signaling traffic is rerouted over another link in the link

set. The SS7 protocol provides both error correction and retransmission capabilities to allow continued service in the event of signaling point or link failures. Network traffic between signaling points may be routed via a packet switch called an STP. An STP routes each incoming message to an outgoing signaling link based on routing information contained in the SS& message. One to one replacement of Base channel is planned in immediate future. Base Module and Line Module are the highest level of system elements. Each Base Module has four Terminal Units whereas a Line Module has six Terminal Units. Because the SS7 network is critical to call processing, SCPs and STPs are usually deployed in mated pair configuration in separate physical location to ensure network-wide service in the event of an isolated failure. Links between signaling points are also provisioned in pairs. Traffic is shared across all links in the link set. Table summaries the termination capacities of the various system element of C-DOT DSS MAX. S.NO. SYSTEM ELEMENT TERMINATIONCAPACITY DESCRIPTION 1 1.1 TERMINATION CARD Analog Line Card LCC-8 analog subscribers CCM-8 CCB subscriber with last two ports supporting16 KHz

metering pulse 1.2 1.3 Analog Trunk Card A set of DTS/DTC Cards TWT or EMF -8 Trunks One,2 Mbps E-1 link as

CAS/CSS7 trunks 1.4 #7 PHC Card (SHM) 8 Nos. protocol

handlers/signaling links 1.5 ISDN-BRI Cards 8BRI (2B+1D) interface I.e. 16 Bearer Channels 1.6 ISDN-PRI Cards One PRI (308+D) interface

I.e. 30 Bearer Channels 2 2.1 TERMINATION UNIT/FRAM Analog TU (ATU) 16 analog terminal

cards(LCC,CCM,EMF,TWT) to support any combination of lines and Trunks in multiple of eight termination 2.2 Digital TU (DTU) 4 Nos. 2 MbpsE1 links

asCAS/CSS7 2.3 #7Signalling (SUM) Unit Module 64 Nos; 37 protocol

handlers/signaling links

2.4

ISDN-Terminal Unit (ISTU)

256 Bearer channels to be configured as BRI, PRI or any combination of them.

3 3.1

BASE MODULE/RACK Link Module(line) 480 analog subscribers. A maximum 256 Bearer Channels for ISDN interface can be provided at the Cost of 128 subscriber lines.

3.2

Line Module

768 analog subscribers. A maximum of two line module connected with Base Module support 2024 Lines

3.3

Base Trunks)

Module(Analog 488 analog trunks

3.4

Base Trunks)

Module

(Digital 15 Nos., 2Mbps E1 links as CAS/CCS7

3.5

Base Digital)

Module

(Analog+ Three possible configuration as 360 AT + 4 PCMs, 232+8PCMs or 104AT + 12PCMs.

EXCHANGE CONFIGURATION
C-DOT DSS MAX can be configured to support any combination of lines and trunks, for different application in the network as local Exchange, Local cum Tandem Exchange. Trunks Automatic Exchange(TAX) or Integrated Local cum Transit (ILT) Exchange. In this maximum configuration, upto 40,000 lines and 5,500 trunks are supported when configured as Local/Local cum Tandem. When configured as TAX. 14,500 trunks are supported.

Termination Capacity of Exchange Configuration S. No. Exchange Configuration 1. Single Base Module(SBM) Termination Capacity Description 1500 lines and128 trunks. The trunks may be analog and/or digital. The no. of trunks can be increased at the cost of reducing subscribers. Ideal configuration to support 40,000 lines and 5500 trunks with 20 line BMs and 12 Trunks BMs. The trunk capacity can be increased by 450 at the cost of 2,000 subscriber or vice versa Ideal configuration to support 20,000 lines and 2700 trunks with 10 line BMs and 6 Trunk BMs. The trunk capacity can be increased by 450 at the cost of2,000 subscriber and vice versa.

2.

Multi Base Module (DSS-MAX) (i) MAX-XL (ii) MAX-L

3.

Remote Switching Unit (RSU)

2,000 Subscriber Lines. Trunk interface at the cost of subscriber lines.

Multi Base Module TAX

14,500 Trunks

Note : Out of the total equipment capacity, a maximum of 30,000 Lines may be Remote Subscriber through RSUs in MAX-XL whereas 14000 lines.