C H A P T E R 5

ISUP and TCAP

This chapter reviews the ISUP and TCAP protocols and their functions within the Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN).

Basic ISUP Signaling

ISDN User Part (ISUP) defines the protocol and procedures used to set up, manage and release trunk
circuits that carry voice and data calls over the PSTN. ISUP is used for both ISDN and non-ISDN calls.
Calls that terminate within the same switch do not use ISUP signaling. (See Figure 5-1.)
In some parts of the world, such as China, the Telephone User Part (TUP) protocol supports basic call
processing. TUP handles analog circuits only; digital circuits and data transmission capabilities are
supported by the Data User Part protocol.

ISUP Message Format

ISUP information is carried in the service information field (SIF) of an MSU. The SIF contains the
routing label followed by a 14-bit (ANSI) or 12-bit (ITU) circuit identification code (CIC). The CIC
indicates the trunk circuit reserved by the originating switch to carry the call.
The CIC is followed by the message type field IAM, ACM, ANM, REL, RLC which defines the
contents of the remainder of the message.
Each ISUP message contains a mandatory part that includes fixed-length parameters. Sometimes the
mandatory fixed part is comprised only of the message type field.
The mandatory fixed part may be followed by a mandatory variable part and/or an optional part. The
optional part contains parameters which are identified by a one-octet parameter code followed by a
length indicator (octets to follow) field. (See Figure 5-2.)

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Basic ISUP Signaling

Figure 5-1 Basic ISUP Signaling

STP STP

SS7 Links

SSP Voice Circuit

SSP

44923
Figure 5-2 ISUP Message Format

ANSI ISUP Message ITU-TISUP Message

O 0 Subservice Field Service Indicator Subservice Field 0 O

Service Indicator
f f
f 1 DPC Member DPC Low-Order Octet 1 f
s OPC Low-Order
s
e 2 DPC Cluster Routing 2 bits DPC High-Order 6-bits 2 e
t Label t
3 DPC Network OPC Middle-Order Octet 3

4 OPC Member 4-bit SLS/SLC OPC High-Order 4-bits 4

5 OPC Cluster CIC Low-Order Octet 5

6 OPC Network 4-bit SLS/SLC CIC High-Order 4-bits 6

7 3-bits Message Type 7

spare Signaling Link Selection
8 CIC Low-Order Octet 8
2-bits Interpretation varies |
9 spare CIC High-Order 6-bits according to
Message Type variable n
10 Message Type
44924

11
| Interpretation varies
according to
n Message Type variable

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Basic ISUP Signaling

ISUP Message Types

IAM
An initial address message (IAM) is sent in the forward direction by each switch in the circuit between
the calling party and the destination switch of the called party. An IAM contains the called party number
in the mandatory variable part and may contain the calling party name and number in the optional part.
(See Figure 5-3.)

Figure 5-3 ANSI and ITU-T Initial Address Message (IAM) Format

ANSI Initial Address Message (IAM) ITU-T Initial Address Message (IAM)

O 1 1 O
f SIO and Routing Label SIO and Routing Label f
f | | f
s s
e 8 CIC Low-Order Octet CIC Low-Order Octet 5 e
t 2-bits 4-bits t
9 spare CIC High-Order 6-bits spare CIC High-Order 4-bits 6
10 Message Type value = 1 value = 1 Message Type 7
11 Nature of Connection Indicators Nature of Connection Indicators 8
Mandatory
12 Forward Call Indicators bits H...A Fixed Part Forward Call Indicators bits H...A 9
13 Forward Call Indicators bits P...I Mandatory Forward Call Indicators bits P...I 10
Fixed Part
14 Calling Party Category Calling Party Category 11
15 Offset of 1st Mandatory Var. Parameter value = 3 Transmission Medium 12
16 Offset of 2nd Mandatory Var. Parameter value = 0 if no value = 2 Offset of Mandatory Var. Parameter 13
optional part
17 Offset to Start of Optional Part value = 0 if no 14
Offset to Start of Optional Part
optional part
18 Length Indicator of User Service Info Length Indicator of Called Party No. 15
Mandatory Mandatory
User Service Information Variable Variable Called Party Number
No. of Octets = Length Indicator value Part Part No. of Octets = Length Indicator value

Length Indicator of Called Party No. Optional Parameter Code

Sequence
Called Party Number may repeat Optional Parameter Length Indicator
No. of Octets = Length Indicator value
Optional Parameter
Optional Parameter Code Optional No. of Octets = Length Indicator value
Sequence
Part
44925

may repeat End of Optional Parameters Indicator

Optional Parameter Length Indicator

Optional Parameter Optional

No. of Octets = Length Indicator value Part

End of Optional Parameters Indicator

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Basic ISUP Signaling

ACM
An address complete message (ACM) is sent in the backward direction to indicate that the remote end
of a trunk circuit has been reserved. The originating switch responds to an ACM message by connecting
the calling partys line to the trunk to complete the voice circuit from the calling party to the called party.
The calling party hears ringing on the voice trunk. (See Figure 5-4.)

Figure 5-4 ANSI and ITU-T Address Complete Message (ACM) Format

ANSI Address Complete Message (ACM) ITU-T Address Complete Message (ACM)

O 1 1 O
f f
f SIO and Routing Label SIO and Routing Label
| | f
s s
e 8 CIC Low-Order Octet CIC Low-Order Octet 5 e
t 2-bits
t
9 spare CIC High-Order 6-bits 4-bits spare CIC High-Order 4-bits 6
10 Message Type value = 6 value = 6 Message Type 7
11 Backward Call Indicators bits H...A Mandatory Mandatory Backward Call Indicators bits H...A 8
Fixed Part Fixed Part
12 Backward Call Indicators bits P...I Backward Call Indicators bits P...I 9
13 Mandatory Mandatory 10
Offset toStart of Optional Part* Variable Part Variable Part Offset toStart of Optional Part*
14 Optional Parameter Code Sequence Sequence Optional Parameter Code 11
may repeat may repeat
15 Optional Parameter Length Indicator Optional Parameter Length Indicator 12

Optional Parameter Optional Optional Optional Parameter

No. of Octets = Length Indicator value Part Part No. of Octets = Length Indicator value

44926
End of Optional Parameters Indicator value = 0 value = 0 End of Optional Parameters Indicator

*value = 0 if no optional part *value = 0 if no optional part

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Basic ISUP Signaling

REL
A release message (REL) is sent in either direction indicating that the circuit is being released due to a
specified cause indicator. An REL is sent when either calling or called party hangs up the call
(cause = 16). An REL is also sent back to the calling party if the called party is busy (cause = 17).
(See Figure 5-5.)

Figure 5-5 ANSI and ITU-T Release (REL) Message Format

ANSI Release Message (REL) ITU-T Release Message (REL)

O 1 1 O
f SIO and Routing Label SIO and Routing Label f
f | | f
s s
e 8 CIC Low-Order Octet CIC Low-Order Octet 5 e
t 2-bits t
9 spare CIC High-Order 6-bits 4-bits spare CIC High-Order 4-bits 6
Mandatory Mandatory
10 Message Type = 12 Fixed Part Fixed Part
Message Type = 12 7
11 Offset of 1st Mandatory Var. Parameter value = 2 value = 2 Offset of 1st Mandatory Var. Parameter 8
12 Offset to Start of Optional Part value = 0 if no Offset to Start of Optional Part 9
optional part
13 Length Indicator of Cause Indicators Length Indicator of Cause Indicators 10
Mandatory Mandatory
Release Cause Indicator Parameter Variable Variable Release Cause Indicator Parameter
No. of Octets = Length Indicator value Part Part No. of Octets = Length Indicator value

Optional Parameter Code Sequence Sequence Optional Parameter Code

may repeat may repeat
Optional Parameter Length Indicator Optional Parameter Length Indicator

Optional Parameter Optional Optional Optional Parameter

No. of Octets = Length Indicator value Part Part No. of Octets = Length Indicator value

44927
End of Optional Parameters Indicator value = 0 value = 0 End of Optional Parameters Indicator

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Basic ISUP Signaling

RLC
A release complete message (RLC) is sent in the opposite direction of an REL to acknowledge the
release of the remote end of a trunk circuit and to end the billing cycle, if appropriate. (See Figure 5-6.)

Figure 5-6 ANSI and ITU-T Release Complete (RLC) Message Format

ANSI Release Complete (RLC) Message ITU-T Release Complete (RLC) Message

O 1 1 O
f SIO and Routing Label SIO and Routing Label f
f | | f
s s
e 8 CIC Low-Order Octet CIC Low-Order Octet 5 e
t 2-bits t
9 spare CIC High-Order 6-bits 4-bits spare CIC High-Order 4-bits 6

44928
Mandatory Mandatory
10 Message Type = 16 Fixed Part Fixed Part
Message Type = 16 7

ISUP Call Sequence

Call Initiated
See Figure 5-7 and Figure 5-8 as you review the following messaging sequence:
1. Calling party goes off hook on an originating switch (SSP) and dials the directory number of
the called party.
1a. Originating SSP transmits ISUP IAM to reserve an idle trunk circuit. The IAM includes OPC,
DPC, CIC, dialed digits, CPID, and calling party name (Caller ID option).
1b. IAM is routed via home STP of originating SSP.
2. Destination switch (SSP) checks the dialed number against its routing table and confirms that
the called partys line is available for ringing.
2.a Destination SSP transmits ACM to the originating SSP via its home STP to confirm that the
remote end of the trunk circuit has been reserved.
2b. The STP routes the ACM to the originating SSP which connects the calling partys line to the
trunk to complete the voice circuit. The calling party hears ringback tone.

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Basic ISUP Signaling

Figure 5-7 ISUP Call Initiation (1)

STP STP

2a. ACM

SS7 Links
1a. IAM
2b. ACM
1b. IAM

SSP Voice Circuit Identification Code (CIC) = 5 SSP

1. 2.

44929
Calling Party Called Party

Figure 5-8 ISUP Call Initiation (2)

Exchange 1 Exchange 2
Subscriber A Subscriber B
SSP SSP
STP

Off-Hook

Dial Tone

Digits IAM
IAM
Setup

Alerting
ACM
Ringback ACM
Off-Hook
ANM
Connect ANM

Conn Ack
44930

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Basic ISUP Signaling

ISUP Call Answered

See Figure 5-9 as you review the following messaging sequence:
3a. Called party goes off-hook. Destination switch terminates ringing tone and transmits an ISUP
answer message (ANM) to the originating switch via its home STP.
3b. STP routes ANM to originating switch which verifies that the calling party is connected to the
reserved trunk. Billing is initiated.

Figure 5-9 ISUP Call Answered

STP STP

3a. ANM
SS7 Links

3b. ANM

SSP Voice Circuit Identification Code (CIC) = 5 SSP

1. 2. 44931

Calling Party Called Party

ISUP Call Released

See Figure 5-10 and Figure 5-11 as you review the following messaging sequence:
4a./b.If the calling party hangs up first, the originating switch sends an ISUP release message (REL)
to release the trunk between the two switches. If the called party releases first, the destination
switch sends an REL message to the originating switch to release the circuit.
5a. When the destination switch receives the REL, it disconnects and idles the trunk, and transmits
an ISUP release complete message (RLC) to the originating switch to acknowledge the release
of the remote end of the circuit.
5b. When the originating switch receives or sends an RLC, the billing cycle ends and the trunk state
is returned to idle.

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Figure 5-10 ISUP Call Release (1)

STP STP

4b. REL 5a. RLC

SS7 Links
4a. REL
5b. RLC

SSP Voice Circuit Identification Code (CIC) = 5 SSP

1. 2.

44932
Calling Party Called Party

Figure 5-11 ISUP Call Release (2)

Exchange 1 Exchange 2
Subscriber A Subscriber B
SSP SSP
STP

Disconnect
REL

REL
Disconnect

Release
RLC
RLC

Release

Release Ack
44933

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TCAP Functions

TCAP Functions
Transactional Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) enables deployment of advanced intelligent network
(AIN) services by supporting information exchange between signaling points using SCCP. TCAP
messages are contained within the SCCP portion of a Message Signal Unit (MSU). TCAP messages
consist of a transaction portion and a component portion.
An SSP uses TCAP to query an SCP to find out the routing number for an 800, 888 or 900 number.
Calling cards are validated using TCAP query and response messages.
Mobile subscribers roaming into a new mobile switching center (MSC) area cause the integrated Visitor
Location Register (VLR) to request a service profile from the subscribers Home Location Register
(HLR) using the Mobile Application Part (MAP) information carried in TCAP messages.

TCAP Transaction Portion

The transaction portion contains the package type identifier. There are several package types:
UnidirectionalTransfers component(s) in one direction only (no reply expected).
Query with PermissionInitiates a TCAP transaction. The destination node may not end the
transaction.
ResponseEnds the TCAP transaction. A response to a 1-800 query with permission may contain
the routing number(s) associated with the 800 number.
Conversation with PermissionContinues a TCAP transaction. The destination node may not end
the transaction.
AbortTerminates the transaction due to an abnormal situation.
The transaction portion also contains the Originating Transaction ID and Responding Transaction ID
which associate the TCAP transaction with a specific application at the originating and destination
signaling points.

TCAP Component Portion

The TCAP component portion contains several possible kinds of components:
Invoke (Last)Invokes an operation. For example, a Query with Permission transaction may
include an Invoke (Last) component to request SCP translation of a dialed 800 number. The
component is the last component in the query.
Invoke (Not Last)Similar to the Invoke (Last) component except that the component is followed
by one or more components.
Return Result (Last)Returns the result of an invoked operation. The component is the last
component in the response.
Return Result (Not Last)Similar to the Return Result (Last) component except that the
component is followed by one or more components.
Return ErrorReports the unsuccessful completion of an invoked operation.
RejectIndicates that an incorrect package type or component was received.

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TCAP Functions

Note Components include parameters which contain application-specific data carried

unexamined by TCAP.

Sample TCAP Database Query

This sample query describes how a dialed 800 number is processed using TCAP. See Figure 5-12 as you
review the messaging sequence described below.
1. A subscriber goes off-hook and dials an 800 number. The end office switch (SSP) parses the digit
string and sends an 800 query message to either of its STPs over its A-link.
2. The STP recognizes the 800 query and routes it to an appropriate database via an SCP.
3. The SCP receives the query, extracts the passed information and retrieves a real telephone number
to which the call should be routed.
4. The SCP sends a response message with the information necessary to process the call to the
originating SSP via an STP and an A-link.
5. The STP receives the response and routes it to the SSP.
6. The SSP receives the response and uses the information to route the call. It generates an IAM
message and proceeds with ISUP call setup.

Figure 5-12 Sample TCAP 800 Number Query

800 Query

SCP
STP fo
In
g
in
ut
Ro
ery
Qu
800

SCP
44934

A-links STP
fo
In
g
utin
SSP Ro

Calling Party

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Review: ISUP and TCAP

Review: ISUP and TCAP

1. What is the principal function of ISUP?
2. Which field in an MSU carries ISUP information?
3. Define CIC.
4. What is the function of an IAM?
5. What does the receipt of an ACM indicate?
6. Which ISUP message initiates call billing?
7. What is the function of an REL message?
8. What is the response to an REL message?
9. What information is included in an IAM?
10. What happens when a called party goes off-hook?
11. What is the principal function of TCAP?
12. Where in an MSU are TCAP messages located?
13. Briefly describe the two portions of a TCAP message.

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