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

LX
Calling
Party

Off Hook

Digits

Ring back Tone

Call Progress

Local Loop

Trunk

LX
Seize

Start

Digits

Call Progress

Supervision

Ring

Off Hook

Called
Party

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 17-31

Speech Channels 1-15

16
For Frame
Synchronization

For Signalling

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

Application
Part

User
Part

Message
Transfer Part

Messages

Signalling Link

User
Part

Application
Part

Message
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
ISP

( Signaling Connection Control Part )

TCAP

( Transaction Capability Part )

( Intermidate services Part )

With the addition of these C7 becomes OSI compatible.

ISP & TCAP provide layers 4-7.

Structure of C7 Node
MAP

OMAP

ISUP

TUP

Level 4

Level 4

TCAP

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
BIB
FI
B
SIO
CK

CK

SIF

SIO

16

8n, n>2

=
=
=
=
=

Flag.
Backward Indicator
Bit
Forward
Indicator
Bit
Service
Info.
Octet.
Check
bits

LI

F
I
B

FSN

B
I
B

BSN

BSN
FSN
L
1
SI
F

=
=
=
=

Backward Sequence No.

Forward Sequence
No
Length
Indicator
Signalling
Info.Field

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

CK

SF

16

8 OR 16

LI
2

F
I
B
1

FSN
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)

B
I
B
1

BSN
7

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.

CK

16

LI
2

F
I
B
1

FSN
7

B
I
B
1

BSN

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 semipermanent 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
Parts

Distribution

Discrimination

Routing

Signalling Link

The Network Management functions

Signalling Traffic Management (STM)

Changeover
Change back
Forced rerouting
Controlled rerouting.

Signalling Route Management (SRM)

Signalling Link Management
Activation
Restoration
Deactivation

(SLM)

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)
(2)

Initial Alignment
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 Detection

.Link Alignment
.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
Activation

(SLM)

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
4

OPC

DPC

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
FAM
FSM
BSM
SBM
UBM
CSM
CCM
GRM
NNM

Message Group
Forward Address Message
Forward set-up Message
Backward set-up Message
Successful Backward set-up Message
Unsuccessful Backward set-up Message
Call Supervision Message
Circuit Supervision Message
Circuit Group Supervision Message
Node to Node Message

H1 on the other hand indicates the message within group.

H0 Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

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.
2.
3.

Bearer Services
Tele-services
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
elements

Message Type

--Label

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)
2)

Connectionless
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
part

Mandatory
variable part

Mandatory
Fix part

Message Type

Label

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
of any of these.

independent

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

which provides the services of OSI layers 4,5, & 6.

(ISP),

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
Identifier
Layer providing the
service

Generic
Name
of the service being
requested e.g.
connects, Data ,
Disconnect

Specific
Name
direction and
function:
1.Request
2.Indication
3.Confirm
4.Response

Paramter
Elements of
information which
are transferred
between layers e.g.
Called and Calling
Party, User Data

C7 and OSI
OSI
MAP

OMAP

ISUP
TCAP
TC

6
5

ISP

4
3

SCCP

2
MTP
1

TUP