Signaling System for

GSM Networks
Rabindranath Nandi
&
Rahul Ghosh

August 11, 2006

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Acknowledgement
Mr. Suvadip Basu
Deputy Manager,
Switch Operations
Hutchison Telecom East Ltd.
Kolkata 700 017

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Introduction to Signaling Systems

Signaling : Signaling is defined as a mechanism by virtue of which

network entities exchange information amongst themselves , which
are required to set up a communication path.

Signaling System : Signaling system is defined as a set of

methods or rules followed by network entities to exchange
information required for communication set up.

Examples of Signaling Systems :

SS#7 or CCS#7 (Common Channel Signaling #7)
CAS (Channel associated Signaling)
DTMF (Dual Tone Multi frequency)

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Areas of Signaling
There are mainly three areas of signaling during a telephone call :
between subscribers and exchanges.
within exchanges.
between
between exchanges.
exchange
s

Exchange A

Exchange B

between
Subscriber
and
exchange

within
exchange
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Channel Associated Signaling

(CAS)
In CAS each and every speech channel is associated with a
signaling channel. This means for each speech channel a separate
signaling channel is required.
Speech

Exchang
e A

Signali
ng

Speec
h
Signali
ng

Speec
h
Signali
Signali
ng
ng

Speech

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Exchang
eB

Common Channel Signaling (CCS)

In CCS there is a common signaling channel which takes care of all
the signaling information to be exchanged during communication. All
other channels can be used for speech or data as required.
Speech

Exchang
eA

Speech

Common Signaling
Channel

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Exchang
eB

Advantages of CCS

Higher signaling capacity.

More number of speech/data channels as there is only one signaling

channel.

Central offices can exchange information , not related to

speech/data between themselves e.g. subscriber data.

Various high end features like roaming are possible by using CCS7.

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CCS7 Network Components

The CCS7 Network consists of the following

Components :
SP -Signaling Point : The SP is the source or
originating entity of the signaling message.
STP-Signaling Transit Point : These entities transfer
the signaling message to another SP or STP without
processing the signaling message.
SRP Signaling Relay Point : These are STPs with
ability tp process the signaling message.
SEP Signaling End Point : The SEP is defined to be
the terminating point of the signaling message

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CCS7 Network Architecture

A typical SS7 network is a mixture of various SPs STPs SRPs and

SEPs, As shown below :
STP
(SPC=200
)
SP
(SPC=100
)

SRP
(SPC=400
)
STP
(SPC=300

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SEP
(SPC=500
)

CCS7 Terminologies

SPC : SPC is defined as signaling point code which uniquely

identifies each element within the SS7 network.

Signaling Links : The signaling links transmit signaling messages

between the communicating entities.

Signaling Link Set : A signaling link set is a collection of signaling

links between two signaling entities.

Signaling Route : A signaling route is defined to be the path

through which signaling messages are exchanged between two
entities. There can be multiple signaling routes between two SPCs,
wherein there will be one primary route and several alternate routes.

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SS7 Routing Modes

Associated Mode :
In the associated mode, the signaling link is routed together with the
circuit group belonging to the link. In other words, the signaling link
is directly connected to signaling points which are also the terminal
points of the circuit group. This mode of signaling is recommended
when the capacity of the traffic relation between the signaling points
A and B is heavily utilized.

Associated Mode of Signaling

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SS7 Routing Modes

Quasi associated mode :

In the quasi-associated mode of signaling, the signaling link and the
circuit group run along different routes, the circuit group connecting
the signaling point. A is directly connected with the signaling point B.
For this mode the signaling, the circuit group is carried out via one
or more defined signaling transfer points. This signaling mode is
favorable for traffic relations with low capacity utilization, as the
various signaling links can be used for several destinations.

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SS7 Network Structure

NAT 1
SPC=20
0

SPC=10
0
SPC=300

SPC=700
NAT 1
SPC=800

SPC=10
0
NAT 0

SPC=900

SPC=800

SPC=100
SPC=400

SPC=400

NAT 1

SPC=60
0
SPC=500

SPC=10
0
INAT 0
SPC=200

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SPC=30
0

SS7 Protocol Structure

SS7 protocol stack can be broadly divided into two main

categories :

A ) MTP Message Transfer Part : The message transfer part

has three levels , namely MTP Layer 1, Layer 2 and Layer 3. The
message transfer part (MTP) represents a user-neutral means of
transport for messages between the users.

B ) User Parts (UP) : Each user part (UP) encompasses the

functions, protocols and coding for the signaling via SS7 for a
specific user type (e.g. data service, ISDN). In this way, the user
parts control the set-up and release of circuit connections, the
processing of facilities as well as administration and maintenance
functions for the circuits.

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SS7 Protocol Structure

SS7 Users
B
S
S
A
P

TCAP
Users

I
S
U

TCAP

SCCP

M
U
P

Other
User
Parts

MTP Layer 3 (Network Management)

MTP Layer 2 (Signaling Link)
MTP Layer 1 (Signaling Data Link)
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The Message Transfer Part

MTP is used in SS7 by all user parts as a transport system or

message exchange.
Messages to be transferred from one user part to another are given
to the message transfer part The message transfer part ensures
that the messages reach the addressed user part in the correct
order without information loss, duplication or sequence alteration
and without any bit errors.

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The Message Transfer Part

Signal units :
The message transfer part transports messages in signal units of
varying length. A signal unit is formed by the functions of level 2. In
addition to the message it also contains control information for the
message exchange. There are three different types of signal units
Message Signal Units (MSU)
With message signal units, the message transfer part transfers user
messages, i.e., messages from user parts (level 4) and messages from
the signaling network management (level 3).
Link Status Signal units (LSSU)
LSSU contains information for the operation of the signaling link (e.g.
for the alignment).
Fill-In Signal Units (FISU)
FISU are used to maintain the acknowledgement cycle and quality
control when no user messages are to be sent in one of the two
directions of the signaling.

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The Message Transfer Part

Signal Unit Formats

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The Message Transfer Part

Forward indicator bit (FIB)

The forward indicator bit (FIB) is needed during general error correction.
It indicates whether a signal unit is being sent for the first time or
whether it is being retransmitted.
Length indicator (LI)
The length indicator (LI) gives the number of octets (one octet = 8 bits)
between the length indicator field and the check-bit field, and is used to
differentiate between the three signal units. The length indicator field
contains different values according to the type of signal unit:
0 = fill-in signal unit
1 or 2 = link status signal unit
greater than 2 = message signal unit.
The maximum value in the length indicator field is 63 even if the signal
information field contains more than 62 octets. (The message signal unit
is invalid for longer message signal units. However, it is possible to
calculate the exact length of the message signal unit).

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The Message Transfer Part

Service information octet (SIO): The service information octet (SIO) only
exists in message signal units. It contains the service indicator and the
network indicator. A service indicator is assigned to each user of the
message transfer part. It informs the message transfer part which user part
has sent the message and which user part is to receive it. The network
indicator indicates whether the traffic is national or international. The
message transfer part evaluates both items of information.
Signal information field (SIF): The signal information field (SIF) only
exists in message signal units. It contains the actual user message as well
as the addresses. The maximum length of the signaling information field is
272 octets.
Check bits (CK) : The check bits (CK) are formed on the transmission side
from the contents of the signal unit and are added to the signal unit as
redundancy. On the receive side, the message transfer part can determine
with the check bits whether the signal unit was transferred without any
errors. The signal unit is acknowledged as either positive or faulty on the
basis of the check.
Status field (SF) : The status field (SF) only exists in link status signal
units. It contains status indications for the signaling links for the alignment of
the transmit and receive directions.

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The Message Transfer Part

Addressing of the signal units

The routing label of a signal unit is transported in the signal information field
(SIF). It consists of the following

Destination Point Code (DPC)

Originating Point Code (OPC)
Signaling Link Selection (SLS)

A code is assigned to each signaling point in the signaling network according to

a numbering plan. The message transfer part uses the code for message
routing. The destination point code in a message signal unit identifies the
signaling point to which this message is to be transferred. The originating point
code specifies the signaling point from which the message originates.
The contents of the signaling link selection determine the signaling route along
which the message is to be transmitted. In this way, the signaling link selection
is used for load sharing on the signaling links between two signaling points.
The service information octet (SIO) contains additional address information.
Using the service indicator, the destination message transfer part identifies the
user part for which the message is intended.

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The Message Transfer Part

Routing label of a message signal unit

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The Message Transfer Part

Functions of the MTP Layers

Level 1 (signaling data link) defines the physical, electrical and
functional characteristics of a signaling data link and the access units.
Level 1 represents the bearer for a signaling link. In a digital network,
64-kbit/s channels are generally used as signaling data links. In
addition, analog channels (preferably with a bit rate of 4.8 kbit/s) can
also be used via modems as a signaling data link.
Level 2 (signaling link) defines the functions and procedures for a
correct exchange of user messages via a signaling link. The following
functions must be carried out in level 2:
delimitation of the signal units by flags.
elimination of superfluous flags.
error detection using check bits.
error correction by re transmitting signal units.
error rate monitoring on the signaling data link.
restoration of fault-free operation, for example, after disruption of the
signaling data link

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The Message Transfer Part

Level 3 (signaling network) defines the internetworking of the

individual signaling links. A distinction is made between the two
following functional areas:
message handling, i.e. directing the messages to the desired
signaling link, or to the correct user part.
signaling network management, i.e. control of the message
traffic, for example, by means of changeover of signaling links if
a fault is detected and change back to normal operation after the
fault is corrected The various functions of level 3 operate with
one another, with functions of other levels and with
corresponding functions of other signaling points.

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The Message Transfer Part

MTP Functions
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The User Parts - ISUP

ISDN user part (ISUP)

The ISDN user part (ISUP) covers the signaling functions for the
control of calls, for the processing of services and features and for
the administration of circuits in ISDN. The ISUP has interfaces to the
message transfer part and the signaling connection control part
(SCCP) for the transport of message signal units. The ISUP can use
SCCP functions for end-to-end signaling.
The structure of the ISUP Message is shown Below :

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ISDN User Part

The routing label comprises the destination point code, the

originating point code and the signaling link selection.

The circuit identification code (CIC) assigns the message to a

specific circuit. A circuit identification code is permanently assigned
to each circuit.

The message type defines the function and the format of an ISUP
message. There are different message types for the call set-up, the
call release and the administration of circuits.
Message types for the call set-up

Initial Address Message (IAM)

The IAM is the first message sent to the next network node during
call set-up. It is used for seizing a circuit and contains all information
necessary for routing to the terminating network node.

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ISDN User Part

Subsequent Address Message (SAM)

The SAM transports the digits which were not yet contained in the
IAM.
Address Complete Message (ACM)
The calling network node is informed with the ACM that the
terminating network node was reached.
Answer Message (ANM)
The ANM informs the calling network node that the called party has
answered. The call charge registration normally begins with the
ANM.
Message types for call release
Release Message (REL)
The REL initiates the release of a circuit connection. Any
unsuccessful circuit connection set-up is likewise released with
REL. It also includes the cause of the failure of the call set-up.

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ISDN User Part

Release Complete Message (RLC)

With the RLC, the disconnection of the set-up of a circuit is indicated
and the reception of the RLC is acknowledged. After the
transmission or reception of the RLC the circuit is released and
becomes available for a new call set-up.
Message types for the administration of circuits

Blocking message (BLO) The BLO is used for blocking a circuit.

Unblocking message (UBL) The UBL is used for canceling a block

on a circuit.

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ISDN User Part

The fixed mandatory part of the ISUP message contains parameters

which must be present for a certain message type and which have a
fixed length. For the IAM these are, for example, parameters forthe type of connection (e.g. connection via a satellite link)
the requirements for the transmission link (e.g. 64 kbit/s end-to-end)
the requirements for the signaling system (e.g. ISUP end-to-end)
the type of the calling party (ISDN subscriber = normal subscriber)
The variable mandatory part of the ISUP message contains
parameters of variable length. An example of one such parameter for
the IAM is: the directory number or at least part of the number which is
required for routing to the terminating network node.
If a message has an optional part, the parameters that can be
transmitted in the optional part are specified for the message. These
may be parameters of fixed or variable length. Examples for the IAM
are:
Directory number of the calling party
parameters for the message type (e.g. closed user group)
user information

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ISDN User Part Call Setup

Procedures

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ISDN User Part Call Release

Procedures

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SCCP Signaling Connection

Control Part

Introduction : The signaling connection control part (SCCP) is used

as a supplement to the message transfer part. It provides additional
functions for the transfer of messages between network nodes and
between network nodes and other signaling points.

From the point of view of the message transfer part, the SCCP is a
user with its own service indicator. The combination of the SCCP
and the message transfer part is called the network service part
(NSP).

Two Varieties of SCCP :

Connection Oriented
Connectionless

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SCCP Signaling Connection

Control Part

Connectionless SCCP : Connectionless SCCP does not require logical

connection between SCCP users . Without logical signaling connection
an SCCP user can send single messages to other SCCP users.
Connection Oriented SCCP :With logical signaling connection an
exchange of messages between two SCCP users is possible. A logical
signaling connection arises through the mutual network node of the
originating point codes between the SCCPs in the signaling points of the
signaling relation. The messages to the other SCCP users can thus be
directly addressed. The SCCP can send messages via the MTP
network.
The SCCP possesses its own routing function. The SCCP can use the
following as address parameters:
the destination point code (DPC)
a global title (GT Address)
a subsystem number (SSN No) which identifies the SCCP User

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SCCP Message Structure

Structure of an SCCP message

An SCCP message consists of:
a routing label
a message type
fixed mandatory part
variable mandatory part
optional part

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SCCP Message Structure

Connectionless SCCP :
Unidata (UDT) : SCCP messages are sent to a destination with
the UDT message. It is used for the protocol classes 0 and 1.
Unidata service (UDTS)
A transmitting SCCP is informed with the UDTS message that a
UDT message could not be conveyed to the destination. It is
used for the protocol classes 0 and 1
Extended unidata (XUDT) :Signaling information is sent in a
connectionless mode, whereby optional parameters are allowed
(for segmentation).
Extended unidata service (XUDTS)
Signaling information received from an XUDT message is sent
back to its originating point if the XUDTS was not able to reach
the destination. The user must already have requested this
feature (Return option).

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SCCP Message Structure

Connection Oriented SCCP :

Connection Request (CR)
The far-end signaling point of a signaling relation is informed with the
CR message that a logical signaling connection is to be set up. The CR
message can be sent as either a message on its own or together with
another message, depending on the protocol class used.
Connection Confirm (CC)
The set-up of a logical signaling connection is confirmed by the distant
side with the CC message.
Message types for the release of a logical signaling connection:
Released (RLSD)
The RLSD message initiates the release of a logical signaling
connection. It can be sent from either end of the connection.
Release complete (RLC)
The release of a logical signaling connection is confirmed with the RLC
message.

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SCCP Message Structure

Connection Oriented SCCP

Message types for message transfer:
Data form 1 (DT1) SCCP messages can be transferred in both
directions with the DT1 message after the set-up of a logical
signaling connection. It is only used in protocol class 2.
Data form 2 (DT2)
With the DT2 message, SCCP messages can be transferred in both
directions after the set-up of a logical signaling connection, and the
reception of SCCP messages can be confirmed by the opposite
side. It is only used in protocol class 3.
The fixed mandatory part of the SCCP message contains
parameters which must be present for a certain message type and
which have a fixed length. For the CR message
these are, for example:
the local reference
the protocol class used for the message transfer

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SCCP Message Structure

Connection Oriented SCCP

The variable mandatory part of the SCCP message contains
parameters of variable length. For the CR message these are, for
example:
the directory number of the called party
the identifier of the SCCP user (e.g. ISUP, TCAP)

The optional part of the SCCP message contains parameters

which can occur in every message type. The parameters in question
can be of either fixed or variable length. For the CR message these
are, for example:
the directory number of the calling party
user messages to be transferred

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SCCP Protocol Classes

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SCCP Protocol Classes

For the transfer of connectionless messages, the SCCP provides

the protocol classes 0 and 1:
Protocol class 0
For the protocol class 0 the SCCP messages are sent singly and
independently of one another by the message transfer part.
Protocol class 1
For the protocol class 1 the SCCP messages are sent in the order
defined by the user.
Protocol class 2
For the setting up of a logical signaling connection (Connection
Oriented), the SCCP s of the signaling points of the signaling relation
concerned send their own originating point codes to one another. In
addition, they assign local references to the process for which they
set up a logical signaling connection (e.g. for using a feature during
an existing connection), and likewise inform one another. Messages
can then be exchanged. Each SCCP can assign incoming messages
to the process concerned by means of the local reference. This
protocol class guarantees for a correct message order.

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SCCP Procedures Connectionless

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SCCP Functional Blocks

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SCCP Subsystems
0

254

255

Subsystems
MAP

SCCP

Important Subsystems
MAPHLR 6 MAPVLR 7 MAPMSC 8 MAPEIR9
BSSAP 254 CAP 146 SINAP - 247 GPRS -149

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SCCP Examples

Connectionless SCCP : Connectionless SCCP is used

for a number of GSM features like Roaming (GTT),
SMS. Other user parts like TCAP use connectionless
SCCP for transactions.

Connection Oriented SCCP : Connection Oriented

SCCP is used for DATA/FAX feature in GSM. Other User
parts like BSSAP use Connection Oriented SCCP for
signaling messages exchanged between BSC and MSC,
and also for messages exchanged between MS (Mobile
Station) and MSC

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Few Notes

There are other user parts like : BSSSAP, TCAP etc.

The TCAP is an application signaling protocol (OSI layer 7,
application layer)
The A Interface is defined to be the interface between Base
Station Subsystem (BSS) and the Switching Subsystem (SSS). This
interface connects the BSC (Base station Controller) with The MSC
(Mobile Switching Center). At the A Interface the SCCP supports
the subsystem known as BSSAP or Base Station Subsystem
Application Part.
How to check the status of different bits in a signaling
message?
Use Network Analyzer with Protocol Tester

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Questions/ Queries

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mailto : rahulghosh@ieee.org

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Thank You

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