SSTP

STAND ALONE SIGNAL TRANSFER POINT

By Smt.Usha Venkatraman, DE (ES)
Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) is a signaling protocol that has become a worldwide
standard for modern telecommunications networks. SS7 is a layered protocol following
the OSI reference model.
The signaling system 7 network is a packet switched network mainly used for the purpose
of connecting telephone calls. This network provides two types of services circuit related
and non-circuit related. Circuit related services are used for setup and tear down of voice
circuits. Non circuit related services are other services provided by the network like
database access and network management.


The CCS Network is comprised of Four Major Components;
Service Switching Points [SSP]
Signaling Transfer Points [STP]
Service Control Points [SCP]
Data Signaling Links (SLK).
Service Switching Points (SSPs)
In conventional telephone networks, Service Switching Points (SSPs) are usually
telephone central offices, also known as End-Offices, or Access Tandems. In the
cellular mobile or wireless communications environment, an SSP is frequently located
at the Mobile Switching Center (MSC).
In either case, the SSPs perform circuit-switching functions, and are capable of using the
SS7 protocol to signal other SSPs for call setup, or to query the centralized databases that
are stored in Service Control Points (SCPs).
Service Control Points (SCPs)
Service Control Points (SCPs) are network intelligence centers where databases of call
processing information are stored. The primary function of SCPs is to respond to queries
from other SCPs, by retrieving the requested information from the appropriate database
within the SCP node, and sending it back to the originator of the request.

SCPs currently serve as centralized databases to translate logical numbers (such as
1+N00 numbers) into network physical addresses, or to verify credit card data and status.
Future plans call for expanding the centralized resource responsibilities of the SCP to
include greater interaction in call processing. This expansion of responsibilities will be
attained through newly defined call models implemented in SSPs that may invoke
assistance from SCPs more than once for the same call.

Signaling Transfer Points (STPs)
STPs are ultra-reliable, high-speed packet switches at the heart of SS7 networks, which
terminate all link types except F links. For reliability reasons, they are nearly always
deployed in mated pairs.

The primary functions of STPs are to provide access to SS7 networks and routing of
signaling messages. The SS7 protocol itself defines destination routing for both circuit-
related signaling (inter-SSP) and non-circuit-related database inquiries to Service Control
Points (SCPs). Many STPs contain additional routing information concerning the exact
location of specific databases stored at different SCPs, so that an SSP can request
information without knowing in which specific SCP it is stored.

STPs operate using the Message Transfer Part and Signaling Connection Control Part
(MTP and SCCP) of the SS7 protocol. MTP provides basic message handling and
network management procedures, and SCCP adds the capability to transmit database
queries and other non-circuit-related signaling messages across the network. SCCP also
provides a non-SS7-specific addressing interface (Global Title).

Even though most tandem switches provide both switching functions and STP functions a
stand alone STP solution offers more benefits. SSTP can solve many problems
encountered by mesh type of SS7 network in which it is difficult to manage SS7 links
between switches and other entities like HLR,SCP,MSC etc. The introduction of SSTPs
in the network solved this issue by converting mesh type into star type and also it gives
following advantages.
Dedicated signaling processors, resources
Upgrade path divorced from MSC / SSP functions, growth
Most effective method to manage network level resources, features
Frees up processing capacity from the switches
Can host most of the applications, centrally

SSTP Functions

SS7 Message routing
Global Title Translation
SS7 Network Management
Network Interconnection
Gateway Screening
SSTP Function Message Routing

Message Routing: By using outgoing DPC contained in MTPs routing label in a data-
gram environment (where a separate route may be chosen for each message packet)
Routing tables which are prepared to allow message transport between any given pair of
STPs are stored and maintained within STPs. The STPs SNM (signaling network
management) functions control message routing during periods of link congestion or
failure.
Routing is performed using Destination Point Codes (DPCs) similar to street
address for the Postal Service. STPs have the ability to route messages to all types
of signaling points.
All nodes in the network are identified by a unique point code. This point code is
used by CCS #7 as the Origination Point Code (OPC) and the Destination Point
Code (DPC) in the routing label of all Message Signaling Units (MSUs).
SSTP Function Global Title Translation
Global Title translation: By using SCCP to translate addresses (Global titles) from
signaling messages that do not contain explicit information allowing the MTP to route the
message. For (e.g. STP translates dialed 1+ 800 number into an SCPs DPC for MTP
routing and gives sub system number SSN for delivery of the good data base application
at the SCP








When more information is needed to process a call, such as an 800 number, queries are
processed for SSPs. STPs contain a GTT table with routing information for the type of
query and address of SCP. In case of congestion or failures, the SCCP management at the
STP takes responsibility for rerouting signaling traffic, based on information received
through MTP concerning the point code routing status, and allowed or prohibited SSNs.

SSTP Function Network Management
Acts as traffic cop to route traffic around failures in a network, and to control link
congestion.













TFP tells the connecting nodes not to send anything that is destined for the affected node.
TFR tells the connecting nodes if all possible, not to send anything that is destined for
the affected node.

SSTP function Gateway Screening by using MTP and SCCP to allow or deny access
to the Home SS7 network for transport of signaling messages from another network.
To establish and maintain trunk connections between two SSPs, and to notify both when
the connection is to be released, a pre-defined sequence of SS7 messages is exchanged
between the two SSPs. Except where F" links have been installed between the
STP
STP
STP
STP
SCP
TFR
TFR

1-1-1

2-2-2

4-4-4


SSP
T
F
P
concerned SSPs, these messages are routed to one of a pair of STPs in the local (Home)
SS7 network over an A" link or to one of a pair of STPs in another SS7 network over
an F" link. The following cases illustrate the STP function:

For an ordinary customer-dialed call to a 7- or 10-digit domestic station address
(INPA+NXX+XXXX), the STP, after consulting its routing tables, will route its
received SS7 messages towards the designated SSP over the appropriate "A", "B",
or "D" link.
Note: A message will be rerouted through a "C" link only in cases of where the
uses of the other B or D link sets are restricted or unavailable

For calls to be given special billing or routing treatment, as indicated by other
dialed prefix digits (such as I+NOO+..., IOXX +..., or 0+...), an intermediate step
requires the STP to retrieve routing information from a non-resident routing table
or database. This retrieval process ordinarily involves translation of the signaling
address and a completely separate message transaction with an SCP.

Screening is the capability to examine Incoming and Outgoing packets and allow
those which are authorized. This is done by going through a series of Gateway screening
tables that must be configured by the service provider. For example out of the messages
which are coming via a link set only ISUP messages can be allowed whereas on another
link only SCCP messages can be allowed by utilizing two basic function allow and block.


Software in STPs with inter-network connection is used to control who has access into
a Telcos network.
CCS Supported Services
Toll-Free Services (800/888/900) Signaling message are sent between end office switch
and remote database to retrieve information needed to complete calls

Alternate Billing Service (ABS) Calling card, 3
rd
party, and collect call billing
instructions required are retrieved from a remote service database

Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) Components of the CCS network are
necessary for the support and function of set-up, re-direct and release requirements of
ISDN systems
Custom Local Area Signaling (CLASS)
Calling Party Number carried in the CCS network enables the use of such features as:
Automatic Callback / Recall
Calling Number / Name Delivery
Selective Call Forwarding / Rejection / Acceptance

Local Number Portability (LNP) A system where users of telecom services may, at
their option, maintain telecom phone numbers when switching from one telecom provider
to another, thereby creating competition between telecom providers since number
ownership would be of no value.

Mobile Application Part (MAP) Provides a mechanism by which wireless subscriber
information may be passed from one wireless network to another, thereby allowing
seamless roaming to end user.

Conclusion:
The SSTP is the most important node in the network which is going to help migration
from TDM based network to IP based network as this is need of the day. In to days
network SSTPs are used to regulate measure, and account for inter network, inter carrier
traffic including SMS and introduction of new services ( MNP ).SS7 Standard
A digital signaling standard defining procedures and protocol by which
elements in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and Public Land
Mobile Network (PLMN) exchange information