As Telecommunication Equipment Manufacturers (TEMs) looked to deploy their applications
on both the IP and traditional networks a need arose for reliable, interoperable
signaling that maintained the qualities of the Switched Circuit Network (SCN) and
packet transport technologies. In response, the Internet Engineering Task Force
(IETF) convened the SIGTRAN working group to provide signaling between the NexGen
Network (NGN) and the SCN. Several protocols emerged from the working group including
the MTP3 User Adaption Layer (M3UA) and Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP).
Generally deployed in an application server, running as an Application Server Process
(ASP), M3UA partnered with SCTP provides access to SS7 through a signaling gateway
such as Ulticom's nSignia eSTP. Gaining access to SS7
opens new revenue opportunities for NexGen networks by permitting them full participation
on the SCN. These opportunities are less costly to deploy and maintain the quality
of the traditional network. Traditional service providers can easily migrate their
services to the IP network and lower their costs using M3UA/ SCTP transport.
M3UA allows TEMs to create new network topologies, incorporating elements of NGNs.
M3UA is more aggressive than M2PA in eliminating legacy components of SS7. Not only
does it lift restrictions on signaling link bandwidth, but it also reduces the complexity
involved in provisioning MTP3 elements such as linksets, combined linksets and routes.
This simplifies operation of the signaling network and allows changes to be made
more easily.
Above MTP3, all other elements from the classic SS7 network remain the same. This
allows the network to continue to offer exactly the same services but with more
flexibility and efficiency provided by the replacement of SS7 transport and routing
with IP. M3UA can be deployed in a point-to-point configuration, similar to SS7
architectures deploying 'F' links, as well as in a gateway configuration, similar
to the use of SS7 Signaling Transfer Points (STP) in the legacy SCN.
The signaling stack is depicted below:
Signalware and M3UA
M3UA and SCTP reside in the SIGTRAN Gateway and within ASPs such as a Media Gateway
Controller (MGC). The M3UA protocol, which replaces MTP3 on the SS7 stack, has two
purposes. The first purpose is to provide a mechanism for the transport of SS7 MTP3
user signaling (ISUP, SCCP) over IP using SCTP. The second purpose is to enable
seamless operation between MTP3 user peers in the SS7 and IP space.
SCTP allows for reliable transport between peer SCTP users such as M3UA. SCTP is
connection oriented in nature and provides a means for SCTP endpoints to provide
the other with a list of transport addresses through which an endpoint can be reached
and from which it will originate messages.
While the functionality of M3UA and SCTP is similar in nature to the SIGTRAN Gateway,
it is important to note that there are subtle differences. For example, using M3UA
over SCTP in an ASP requires that M3UA initiates ASP registration with, and provides
ASP status information to the signaling gateway. Other differences include point
code maintenance and general provisioning.
Signalware SIGTRAN - M3UA Benefits
Network equipment and service providers on both sides of the NexGen network can
expand their customer base and introduce new services quickly, without costly reinvestment
in network architecture by utilizing M3UA. M3UA over SCTP is the choice for deployments
that require full SS7 participation but do not require support for the topology
imposed by SS7. Signaling can be converted upon entry into the NexGen network, eliminating
the need for carriers to deploy expensive SS7 links at individual endpoints.
M3UA provides the underpinning for SS7/IP nodes such as MGCs or other IP-centric
elements that require a full complement of SS7 protocols such as SCCP, TCAP, ISUP,
GSM MAP, TIA/EIA-41, AIN, INAP, and CAP. The M3UA over SCTP capability provides
the SS7 over IP interface to allow SS7 access via an intermediate SS7 gateway that
provides a bridge between the SS7 network and the M3UA over SCTP IP network. Signalware
Application API's are consistent between the Signalware SS7 platform and the M3UA
variant, enabling applications already deployed on Signalware SS7 to be easily migrated
to SS7 over IP. With the thousands of Signalware SS7 platforms in current deployment,
this offers a tremendous market advantage for systems utilizing the Signalware industry
leading API. In addition, since Signalware SIGTRAN M3UA is part of the Signalware
family, open platform support, fault resilience and scalability are standard features.
Advantage Summary
- Replaces physical HDLC SS7 links with virtual IP transport associations
- Maintain deterministic real time qualities demanded in signaling applications
- Eliminates SS7 bandwidth limitations incurred by 64kbps restrictions
- Eliminates traditional SS7 provisioning complexity
- Deploy existing SS7 call setup & value added service with minimal legacy overhead
- Deployable in point-to-point or gateway intermediary configuration
For more information, please contact sales@ulticom.com