This book explains the operation of the signaling system 7 (SS7) and how it controls and interacts with public telephone networks and VoIP systems. SS7 is the standard communication system that is used to control public telephone networks. In addition to voice control, SS7 technology now offers advanced intelligent network features and it has recently been updated to include broadband control capabilities, local number portability, and mobile communication services. SS7 networks are now interconnecting with and operating on Internet data networks.

Related Books

This book will help the reader gain an understanding of SS7 technology, network equipment, and overall operation. It covers the reasons why SS7 exists and is necessary, as well as step-by-step procedures that describe the actions that occur in the network. SS7 Basics, 3rd Edition is for the technical and the non-technical reader alike.

Sample Diagrams

There are 78 self explanatory diagrams in this book

TCAP in the SS7 Layers

This figure shows how the TCAP functional part is located within the SS7 system. This diagram shows that the TCAP part converts and manages messages between lower layers and the application services and when TCAP is used for mobile services it is called mobile application part (MAP). This diagram also shows that the TCAP functional part in the SS7 system is equivalent to the OSI network model application layer 7.

SS7 International Gateway

This diagram shows how two national SS7 systems interconnect using an international gateway. This example shows that an ANSI based SS7 system require address translation and circuit identifier code format changes. This example shows that the ANSI 24 bit destination point code (DPC) and origination point code (OPC) addressing must be translated to 14 bit DPC and OPC codes for the ITU system. It also shows that the 14 bit ANSI CIC code used in ISUP messages must be translated to 12 bit CIC codes used by the ITU system.

SS7 Packet Structure

This diagram shows the basic differences between the SS7 MSUs packet structures as defined by ANSI and the ITU. This diagram shows that the ITU version uses a destination point code (DPC) and origination point code (OPC) that are 14 bits long. The ANSI MSU version uses a DPC and OPC codes that are 24 bits. The ANSI DPC and OPC codes are also divided into hierarchical structure that has member, cluster, and network groups of 8 bits each.

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About the Authors

Mr. Lawrence Harte is the president of Althos, an expert information provider covering the communications industry. He has over 29 years of technology analysis, development, implementation, and business management experience. Mr. Harte has worked for leading companies including Ericsson/General Electric, Audiovox/Toshiba and Westinghouse and consulted for hundreds of other companies. Mr. Harte continually researches, analyzes, and tests new communication technologies, applications, and services. He has authored over 30 books on telecommunications technologies on topics including Wireless Mobile, Data Communications, VoIP, Broadband, Prepaid Services, and Communications Billing. Mr. Harte’s holds many degrees and certificates include an Executive MBA from Wake Forest University (1995) and a BSET from the University of the State of New York, (1990).

Mr. Bowler is an independent telecommunications training consultant. He has almost 20 years experience in designing and delivering training in the areas of wireless networks and related technologies, including CDMA, TDMA, GSM and 3G systems. He also has expertise in Wireless Local Loop and microwave radio systems and has designed and delivered a range of training courses on SS7 and other network signaling protocols. Mr. Bowler has worked for a number of telecommunications operators including Cable and Wireless and Mercury Communications and also for Wray Castle a telecommunications training company where he was responsible for the design of training programmes for delivery on a global basis. Mr. Bowler was educated in the United Kingdom and holds a series of specialized maritime electronic engineering certificates.

Richard C. Dreher, P.E. is an executive consultant to the telecommunications industry working for global telecommunication companies. Since 1983, Mr. Dreher has experience in digital communications, including long distance tandem switching, local number portability (LNP), local area network (LAN) design, SS7 engineering, cellular equipment product planning and technical sales, and Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) and Service Creation product marketing. His entrepreneurialism led to start-up experience with a PCS wireless carrier as their network systems technology director. Richard earned his BSEE from the University of Colorado, is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.), a senior member and past executive officer of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a published author in trade journals, text books, and magazines.

Toni Beninger is an interactive multimedia software specialist for the telecommunications industry. Ms. Beninger earned her B.Sc. degree from the University of Ottawa, and subsequently completed her education qualifications at Queen's University. She has had an extensive career in telecommunications documentation and training. Ms. Beninger was the senior technical training manager at Bell-northern Research Ltd.'s main laboratory in Ottawa. Ms. Beninger has been an executive at Sanctuary Woods, a multimedia software company. Ms. Beninger has extensive experience in SONET and Signaling System 7 (SS7).

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