BASIC ISUP CALL FLOW

Initial Address Message (IAM) First message sent to inform the partner switch (here MSC2) that a call has to be established on the CIC contained in the Message. Contains the called and calling number, type of service (speech or data) and many more optional parameters.

Subsequent Address Message (SAM) In case the IAM did not contain the full called number, one or more SAMs may follow containing additional digits.

Address Complete Message (ACM) Message returned from the terminating switch (here MSC2) when the subscriber is reached and the phone starts ringing.

Answer Message (ANM) Sent when the subscriber picks up the phone. Normally charging starts at this moment.

Release (REL) Sent to clear the call when a subscriber goes on hook.

Release complete (RLC) Acknowledgement of the release the timeslot is idle afterwards and can be used again. This is also sent (without a preceding Release message) if the terminating switch determines that the call cannot be completed. The terminating switch also sends a Cause Value to explain the reason for the failure, e.g., "User busy".

This is a very basic call flow involving only two telecom switches which exchange the ISUP messages. The subscriber interfaces are not covered here and are only listed for a better understanding.
A subscriber telco switch A telco switch B B subscriber Off hook Dial digits ---> -- IAM --> -Ringing -> <-- ACM -Off hook <-- ANM -----------------------Conversation ----------------------On hook -- REL --> On hook <-- RLC --