WHITE PAPER

Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

More Efficient Network Architectures

By Tom Jenkins, Senior Director Xpress Products

www.pt.com

White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

Introduction
In todays Signaling architecture, SIGTRAN capabilities are being used to overcome bandwidth constraints, reduce signaling transport cost, and to position the network for migration to the Next-Generation Network (NGN). A full understanding of the utilization and implementation of SIGTRAN is required to efficiently design a network suitable for the transport of SS7 Signaling over IP. The major stumbling block to fully understanding SIGTRAN is that all available explanations relate to next-generation architecture, including Media Gateway Controllers (MGC), Media Gateways (MG), and Signaling Gateways (SG), with very little information regarding the traditional network elements or network topology. This paper will focus on the SIGTRAN Adaptation Layers. A cursory overview of SCTP is provided in this paper; however detailed SCTP information will be covered in a subsequent white paper. Included in this paper will be detailed discussions on network topology, impact on existing infrastructure, and the benefits of each adaptation layer.

Market Drivers Impacting the Deployment of SIGTRAN

Increased signaling traffic, cost limitations, and next-generation network migration are factors driving the deployment of SIGTRAN. The explosive growth in SS7 transactions traffic is stretching the current network architecture to its breaking point. According to The Insight Research Corporation, the volume of transaction services involving SS7 message data will increase from 10 billion signaling bytes in 2009 to over 20 billion bytes in 20141. The premier mobile application, SMS, continues to outstrip all others in revenues and messages generated. IRC states that SMS has generated revenues of USD 89 billion in 2008, and the world has seen traffic of almost 3.5 trillion SMS messages in 2008. Our forecasts predict that SMS will become a USD 100 billion business by 2010, and worldwide total traffic will reach almost 5 trillion messages in FY 2011, and growth will continue from there.2
1 The Insight Research Corporation (January 2009) Transaction Service Processing and Telecommunications 2009 - 2014 2 Portio Research Corporation, www.portioresearch.com, Mobile Messaging Futures 2009 2013

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

As traffic, messaging, and services are increasing, carriers are being tasked with reducing cost. The Insight Research Corporation study finds that Traditional carriers are seeing increased operating expenses cutting into margins and revenue growth. With network and network development costs typically accounting for more than 35 percent of fixed-line operating costs, telecom service providers are under pressure to reduce their network-related expenses to sustain margins. 3 A recent study conducted by Venture Development Corporation, SS7 Market Opportunities and Requirements: Global Market Demand Analysis, shows shipments of SIGTRAN stacks to rise 22% between 2006 and 2012.4 This increase is from USD15.9 Million in 2006 to USD 53.1 Million in 2012. This represents a shift away from legacy SS7 protocol stack shipments leading to the conclusion that SS7 networks are rapidly migrating to SIGTRAN.

History
The SIGTRAN working group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) was formed in 1999 and tasked with defining the architecture for transporting real-time signaling information over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The working groups effort yielded three key results: 1) A new network architecture. 2) New transport protocol. 3) Numerous adaptation layers. This architecture framework centered on a restructuring of the circuit switch into distinct parts: Media Gateway Controllers (MGCs), Media Gateways (MGs), and Signaling Gateways (SGs).

New Network Architecture

The segmenting of the legacy switch functionality into MGC, MG, and SG presented several benefits. First, it is a more distributed switching architecture, allowing a single MGC to control one or more geographically dispersed MGs.
3 The Insight Research Corporation (January 2009) Transaction Service Processing and Telecommunications 2009 - 2014 4 Venture Development Corp. (VDC) SIGTRAN Stacks Displacing SS7 in the Market May 8, 2008

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

The second characteristic of the new switching architecture is a total separation of signaling from the media and the media control plane. This three-layer split in network switching functionality was originally defined in IETF RFC 2719 Framework Architecture for Signaling Transport. RFC 2719 provided the following definitions for the MGC, MG and SG. Media Gateway (MG) A MG terminates switched circuit network (SCN) media streams, packetizes the media data, if it is not already packetized, and delivers packetized traffic to the packet network.5 Media Gateway Controller (MGC) A MGC handles the registration and management of resources at the MG. The MGC may have the ability to authorize resource usage based on local policy. For signaling transport purposes, the MGC serves as a possible termination and origination point for SCN application protocols.6 Signaling Gateway (SG) An SG is a signaling agent that receives/sends SCN native signaling at the edge of the IP network. The SG function may relay, translate, or terminate SS7 signaling in an SS7-Internet Gateway. The SG function may also be co-resident with the MG function to process SCN signaling associated with line or trunk terminations controlled by the MG.7 RFC 2719 also states that each of these functions can be deployed as separate entities or the MG and MGC, or the SG and MG may be combined. The IETF provided a high degree of network flexibility with these definitions. However, there is no mention in RFC2719 about: legacy networks, legacy network elements, or hybrid networks where both new and old network elements coexist. This concept will be clarified as we increase our understanding of the SIGTRAN protocol including transport and adaptation layers.
5 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 2719 October 1999 6 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 2719 October 1999 7 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 2719 October 1999

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP)

The next task addressed by the IETF was the selection of a transmission protocol to be used on top of Internet Protocol (IP). This transport protocol must meet the rigid constraints of a real-time protocol such as SS7. The transmission protocol had to parallel SS7s stringent requirements for guaranteed delivery, sequence delivery, and had to include Multi-Homing for reliability. User Datagram Protocol was immediately ruled out due to its inherent lack of reliability and its inability to provide sequence delivery capabilities. The next existing transmission protocol examined was Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). TCP had error checking, sequence delivery, and acknowledgment capabilities it seemed like a perfect fit. However, TCPs stringent sequence delivery concept, which allows a single packet loss to delay all other subsequent packets, would not meet the real-time requirements of SS7. Also, without modification, TCPs lack of support for Multi-Homing would seriously limit the reliability of the network. The absence of acceptable, existing transmission protocols required the IETF to define a new transmission protocol to carry SS7 related protocol levels over an IP backbone network. Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) was born. SCTP provides the following functions as defined by RFC 4166 Telephony Signalling over Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) Applicability Statement:
u u u u u u u u u u

Reliable Data Transfer. Multiple streams to help avoid head-of-line blocking. Ordered and unordered data delivery on a per-stream basis. Bundling and fragmentation of user data. Congestion and flow control. Support for continuous monitoring of reachability. Graceful termination of association. Support of multi-homing for added reliability. Protection against blind denial-of-service attacks. Protection against blind masquerade attacks.

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

These requirements and more were addressed (or resolved) by the SIGTRAN working group in RFC 2960, Stream Control Transmission Protocol, and further updated by RFC 3309, Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) Checksum Change. SCTP can be used for the transmission of any real-time sensitive, sequenced delivery protocol, and as such is not limited to SS7 related data. The relationship of SS7 levels and IP/SIGTRAN layers is shown in Figure 1.

SS7
MTP 3 MTP 2 MTP 1

SIGTRAN
ISUP MTP 3 M2PA M2UA IP

TCAP SCCP SUA

M3UA SCTP

Figure 1. SS7 Levels and IP/SIGTRAN Layers

Adaptation Layers
The general function of adaptation layers is to encapsulate upper levels of the SS7 protocol and transport them over IP utilizing the services of SCTP.8 Because each adaptation layer is based on the SS7 level being transported or replaced, there are common capabilities across all adaptation layers. Each adaptation layer must provide:
u u

A seamless operation of SS7 level peers over an IP network. A primitive interface boundary that the corresponding SS7 level had with its underlying SS7 level. Management of SCTP transport associations and traffic between Signaling Gateways (SGs) and IP Signaling Endpoints (ISEPs) or two ISEPs. Asynchronous reporting of status changes to management functions.

The goal of each of the adaptation layers is to replace an existing SS7 level with an adaptation layer which utilizes the services of SCTP/IP. This replacement should be accomplished without any modification to the SS7 level being transported by
8 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 4166 February 2006

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

the adaptation layer. To accomplish this function, the adaptation layer must communicate with the carried SS7 level in exactly the same manner as SS7 would, i.e. through using the same primitives.

MTP 2 Peer to Peer Adaptation (M2PA) Layer

As defined by RFC 4166 M2PA protocol is used between SS7 Signalling Points employing the MTP Level 3 protocol. The SS7 Signalling Points may also use standard SS7 links using the SS7 MTP Level 2 to provide transport of MTP Level3 signalling messages.9 M2PA is a SIGTRAN protocol for transporting SS7 MTP Level 2 user part signaling messages (i.e. MTP Level 3) over IP using the Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). Unlike M2UA, M2PA is used to support full MTP Level 3 message handling and network management between any two SS7 nodes communicating over an IP network. IP signaling points function as traditional SS7 nodes using the IP network instead of the SS7 network. Each switched circuit or IP signaling point has an SS7 point code. The M2PA protocol layer provides the same set of services that MTP Level 2 provides to MTP Level 3. M2PA operates in a point to point manner and transports MTP3. M2PA functionality includes:
u u u u

Data retrieval to support the MTP3 changeover procedure. Reporting of link status changes to MTP3. Processor outage procedure. Link alignment procedure.

As indicated by the functions of M2PA, the SCTP associations in an M2PA environment are treated as SS7 links over IP.

MTP 2 User Adaptation (M2UA) Layer

RFC 4166 states that the M2UA protocol is typically used between a Signalling Gateway (SG) and Media Gateway Controller (MGC). The SG will terminate up to
9 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 4166 February 2006

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

MTP Level 2, and the MGC will terminate MTP Level 3 and above. In other words, the SG will transport MTP Level 3 messages over an IP network to an MGC.10 M2UA employs a client server concept. The client side of M2UA has the resident MTP3 with its SS7 Point Code. The server functionality provides the SS7 physical termination and communicates with the client side using SCTP over IP. There are two main functions of M2UA. First, it provides a mechanism for the transport of SS7 MTP2 user signaling (e.g., MTP3 messages) over IP using SCTP. Second, it allows remote termination of SS7 links for the backhaul of traffic to a centralized node in the network. Functions provided by M2UA are:
u u u u

Flow Control. SCTP Stream Management. Seamless SS7 Network Management Interworking. Active Association Control.

Comparison of M2PA and M2UA

M2PA Point Codes Types of Links SS7 Upper Levels Primitives SG is an SS7 node and has point code. SG to IP signaling point is an SS7 link over IP. SG can have upper SS7 levels. IP signaling point processes MTP3 to MTP2 primitives. Presents an MTP2 upper interface to MTP3. Transports MTP3 data messages. Relies on MTP3 for management procedures. M2UA SG is not an SS7 node and has no point code. SG to IP signaling point is not an SS7 link. SG does not have upper SS7 levels does not have MTP3. IP signaling point transports MTP3 to MTP2 primitives to SG's MTP2 for processing. Presents an MTP2 upper interface to MTP3. Transports MTP3 data messages. Uses M2UA management procedures.

Interface with MTP3 MTP3 Data Messages Management

Table 1. Comparison of M2UA and M2PA

10 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 4166 February 2006

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

MTP 3 User Adaptation (M3UA) Layer

M3UA protocol supports the transport of any SS7 MTP3-User, such as TUP, ISUP, and SCCP over IP using the services of SCTP. TCAP and any other SS7 levels above SCCP are carried in the Data Payload portion of SCCP due to the fact that they are SCCP users, and not MTP users. M3UA provides a mechanism whereby MTP3 services are provided to an IP-based node, thus extending the reach of SS7 into the IP realm. The typical uses of M3UA are to communicate between the Signaling Gateway (SG) and Media Gateway Controller (MGC) or between the SG and an IP resident database (IPSCP). See Figure 4 for deployment of M3UA in hybrid network architectures. M3UA is extremely important in communication with high traffic databases where the 16 link linkset limitation of traditional SS7 is causing bandwidth issues. M3UA and its associated SCTP/IP solve these issues while reducing the network complexity in terms of linksets, combined linksets, and routes. In a Signaling Gateway (SG) configuration of M3UA, the SG has an SS7 point code because it has a resident SS7 MTP3 presence. This also means that the SG can be used to route to other SGs or nodes.

SCCP User Adaptation (SUA) Layer

SUA protocol supports the transport of any SS7 SCCP-User signalling such as TCAP. The inherent capabilities of TCAP(MAP, INAP, SMS, BSSAP, or RANAP)are transported over IP using the services of SCTP. SUA supports the following SCCP capabilities:
u u u u

Transfer of SCCP user part messages (TCAP, MAP, RANAP, etc.). SCCP Connectionless Services. SCCP Connection Oriented Services. SCCP management services Remote Destinations Subsystems Distributed IP-based Signaling Nodes.

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

Comparison of M3UA and SUA

When comparing the protocol stacks of M3UA versus SUA; the SUA protocol stack is much simpler, therefore it is more efficient and easier to implement. The differences between the implementation of M3UA and SUA can be seen in Table 2.
M3UA SCCP Variants Signaling Point is required to support different variants of SCCP to interface with different countries. Supported Each node required to have both IP address and SS7 point codes. M3UA messages are routed from point code to point code. M3UA requires services from SCCP. SUA Only the one node has to have SCCP therefore the point code issue is eliminated. Not Supported Using SUA does not consume point codes since there is no MTP3. SUA allows IP network to route messages based on Global Title Information. One less protocol layer. The elimination of SCCP reduces the complexity of the network node therefore reducing cost.

ISUP Services Addressing

Routing

Implementation Complexity

Table 2. Comparison of M3UA and SUA

Network Deployment Using M2PA

The deployment of SIGTRAN M2PA in conjunction with SCTP and IP provides each of the interconnected devices (Core STP, SCP, and Edge STP) with a resident SS7 MTP3. Each of the associations is treated as a conventional SS7 link transported over IP. The Edge STP in this scenario can have Local routing to switch signaling traffic between the interconnected SSPs and MSC. The Edge STP would route traffic to the Core STP when it is destined for the SCP or another interconnected network. See Figure 2 for the Network Interconnection using M2PA.

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

SSP

Edge STP

M2PA

Core STP

MSC

IP Network
M2PA
SSP

M2PA

TDM SS7 Links

Figure 2. Network Interconnection

Network Deployment Using M2UA

As shown in Figure 3, M2UA is being used to communicate between the Edge Device and the Core STP. In this type of deployment, the Edge Device does not have an instance of MTP3 and is acting as a signaling gateway converting from TDM SS7 to M2UA SIGTRAN. Since there is no MTP3 in the Edge Device, it is transparent to the SS7 network, i.e. it has no Point Code. All MTP3 routing for messages generated by the subtending nodes (SSPs and MSC) is handled by the Core STP. SS7 views this interconnection methodology as a remote termination of the SS7 links. The advantage of this configuration is twofold. First, the network operator realizes the cost reduction in transporting the SS7 connectivity from the Edge Device to the Core STP over IP. Second, the implementation is simplified since the Edge Device is transparent to SS7. No SS7 routing changes need to be made in either the subtending offices or the Core STP.

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

SSP

Edge Device

Core STP

MSC

IP Network
M2UA
SSP

M2UA

TDM SS7 Links

Figure 3. Network Deployment Using M2UA

Network Deployment using Multiple SIGTRAN Adaptation Layers

In a typical network, the implementation of SIGTRAN multiple adaptation layers are used to connect to different network elements. The selection of the adaptation layer type is dependent upon three things: the network element type, the type of traffic generated by the network element, and the architectural requirements of the service provider. See Figure 4 for examples of Network Interconnectivity using SIGTRAN. Core STP to Core STP M2PA was selected as the connection methodology between the Core STP pairs. M2PA was selected because it treats the associations as SS7 links carried over IP. This concept uses MTP concepts such:
u u u u

Link alignment (normal and Emergency). Changeover and Changeback. Processor outage. Congestion, etc.

Core STP to Soft Switch M3UA was chosen for communication between the Core STP and the Soft Switch based on the efficiency of the protocol stack and the types of traffic generated by the switch. ISUP and TCAP over SCCP are generated by switching elements whether they are MSCs, Tandem switches, wireline offices, or Soft

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

Switches. These traffic patterns limit the choice of SIGTRAN connectivity to M2PA, M2UA, or M3UA. M3UA was chosen because it transports both ISUP and SCCP with the added benefit of being more efficient than M2PA due to the absence of a protocol stack level. Core STP to SCP SUA was the selected adaptation layer going from the Core STP to the SCP for the following reasons: It will transport TCAP traffic. It has lower overhead than M3UA. It requires less configuration than M3UA.

u u u

Core STP to Edge Device When aggregating network element connectivity based on topology or geography, M2UA is the adaptation layer of choice based on the following benefits: No valuable Point Code resources required. Easy to implement, i.e. few switch or STP translations to change. Transparent to the network. SS7 routing centralized in Core STP.

u u u u

The driving factor in this network implementation is to achieve signaling transport with significant cost savings, through aggregation and transport over IP. Core STP to Edge STP M2PA is implemented between the Core STP and the Edge STP because local routing is desired at the Edge STP. Local routing is desired because it adds an extra level of network survivability. If the Core STP or the connectivity between the Edge STP and the Core STP fails, intra Edge STP calls can then be completed based on local routing within the Edge STP.

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

SSP

TDM SS7 Links

Edge STP

MSC

SCP HLR ... LNP

SSP

SSP

Edge Device

M2PA

SUA

Core STP

IP Network
MSC

M2UA
SSP

TDM SS7 Links

M3UA

Multiple Association Types M2UA, M2PA, M3UA & SUA

Softswitch

Core STP
Figure 4. Network Interconnectivity What to look for in SIGTRAN-enabled devices (Signaling Transfer Point, Signaling Gateway, and IP Edge) When looking for a source to provide SIGTRAN-enabled equipment for network deployment, consider the following requirements: Designed and architected for IP deployment: The revolution in the Signaling Network demands that more and more signaling traffic is placed on the IP network. It is critical to select equipment that is designed from the ground up as IP-centric. These capabilities should include, but not be limited to, the following: embedded IP capabilities (Back plane, Ethernet switches, high bandwidth, etc.), ease of IP connectivity, and ease of IP configuration.

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

High processing capabilities: With the ever increasing traffic on the Signaling Network due to Number Portability, SMS, Location Updates, etc., it is extremely important to select equipment that will process todays traffic loads and be extensible for future traffic requirements. SIGTRANs ability to efficiently relieve bandwidth bottle necks in the network makes it the ideal choice. Most cost-effective (initial purchase and life cycle): When selecting network equipment, it is extremely important to consider not only the initial purchase price, but also the ongoing support and maintenance of the equipment. The most economical combination of these two should be selected, assuming that all of the other requirements are met. Standards-based: Ensure that selected systems are designed to the latest protocol standards and have the widest breadth of protocols available. These protocols should include, but not be limited to the following: SS7 both ITU and ANSI SIGTRAN (M2PA, M2UA, M3UA & SUA) SIP

u u u

Most environmentally friendly: With todays focus on cost and environmental concerns, another important consideration is whether or not new equipment is the environmentally friendly. Two factors that should be taken into consideration are: 1. Least amount of power consumed. 2. Least amount of heat generated. Extensive Support Services: Explore companies that will partner with you for the long term. The company should provide network planning, network engineering, installation, training, and support services. These services should be on an a la carte basis, so only the required services need be selected.

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

The SEGway Solutions Advantage

PTs SEGway portfolio includes IP-centric network elements and applications designed for high availability, scalability, and long life cycle deployments. These offer carriers and service providers extensive IP networking options, unrivaled in the industry with features such as high density signaling, advanced routing, IP migration, gateway capabilities, SIP bridge, and core-to-edge distributed intelligence. In addition, these carrier grade solutions provide lower cost of ownership from initial purchase through their entire product life-cycle deployment. The SEGway product portfolio provides the following unique advantages: Designed and architected for IP deployment: SEGway products are designed to be a mere extension of the IP network. The internal architecture of SEGway platforms include intelligent IP backplanes for both internal and external communications. Also included in the design is an integrated, five-nines reliable, gigabit Ethernet switch. The inclusion of the carrier grade Ethernet switch reduces the requirement for an expensive, external Ethernet switch or IP router ports. High processing capabilities: PT announced in 2009 a threefold increase in the number of links supported by its SEGway X401 platform to over 1500+ low speed link equivalencies. Within the same year, a doubling of processing capabilities was announced. In 2011 PT introduced the X401e a 7.5 foot telco rack including three X401s supporting 4,536 links. These upgrades can occur without a massive hardware change out. Simply add processors as required for increased traffic demands. Most environmentally friendly: The SEGway product portfolio has the lowest power consumption and heat generation of any signaling product available, thus reducing its carbon footprint. World Class Support: PT provides a vast array of support services including: network planning, engineering, installation, and training. These services are offered on an a la carte basis and can be tailored to meet individual customer requirements. Transport and Protocol support: The SEGway signaling solutions have been deployed for

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

international and domestic applications in wireless and wireline configurations all over the world, including the United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, China, Africa and many others. A vast array of standards-based protocols are supported including: SCTP, M2PA, M2UA, M3UA and SUA. Also supported are traditional TDM, ATM and Annex A. For more information on PT and the SEGway signaling solutions or to schedule a demonstration, please contact sales@pt.com.

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White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

About PT (www.pt.com)
PT (NASDAQ: PTIX) is a global supplier of advanced network communications solutions to carrier, government, and OEM markets. PTs portfolio includes IP-centric network elements and applications designed for high availability, scalability, and long life-cycle deployments. The companys entire line of offerings is anchored by IPnexus, PTs own IP-native, highly integrated platforms and element management systems. OEMs and application developers, including PT itself, leverage the robust carrier grade Linux development environment and rich suite of communications protocols (PTs NexusWare) of IPnexus ApplicationReady Systems as a cornerstone component of their end product value proposition. PTs SEGway Signaling Solutions provide low cost, high density signaling, advanced routing, IP migration, gateway capabilities, SIP bridge, and core-to-edge distributed intelligence. The companys Xpress NGN applications enable evolving Mobile 2.0, Multimedia, and IMS based revenue generating services. PT is headquartered in Rochester, NY and maintains sales and engineering offices around the world.

About the Author

Tom Jenkins has over 40 years experience in telecommunications. During his career, he has held positions related to SS7 Signaling including: Technical Support Manager, Manager of Product Management for STPs, International Sales Director for SS7 Test Equipment, and Vice President Sales and Marketing for SS7 Test Equipment. In 1997 Tom started Center Point Consulting, Inc., providing SS7, SIGTRAN, and SIP training to over 2500 students worldwide. Tom has been actively involved with telecommunications signaling including SS7, SIGTRAN, and SIP for 26 years. Today, Tom is the Senior Director of Xpress products for PTs Next-Generation Applications. You can contact Tom at twj@pt.com.

PT is a trademark of Performance Technologies, Inc. The names of other companies, products, or services may be the trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective owners in the United States and/or other countries.

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