The drive to exploit the values of the Internet protocol (IP) suite in the traditional
telecom network spawned the creation of the SIGTRAN workgroup within the Internet
Engineering Task Force (IETF). The IETF is the body responsible for developing the
open specifications that define the internet suite of applications and protocols.
Conscious of the contribution provided by value added applications such as toll
free, prepaid, and roaming services, network operators required a mechanism to maintain
these applications, exploit IP architecture, and replace the cumbersome SS7 legacy
network. The result is the SCCP User Adaptation (SUA) SIGTRAN protocol.
SUA is optimized to carry transactional content signaling. When partnered
with SCTP, SUA replaces components of the SS7 stack up to and including SSCP.
SUA acts as a carrier for SCCP and TCAP payloads while maintaining all the characteristics
that make SS7 the robust carrier-grade network that it is today. Although M3UA can
also carry SCCP payloads, SUA eliminates more of the SS7 stack while making better
use of IP-based routing. SUA requires less traditional SS7 network configuration
overhead. SUA-distributed applications can easily be reconfigured based on
need, reducing cost to deploy and maintain as network demands change and grow.
Flexibility of global title routing facilities builds robust distribution mechanisms
and eliminates the constraints imposed by the SS7 point code routed network.
By maintaining the API used by SCCP, applications can be ported from legacy SS7
systems and platforms into the NexGen network. With SUA it is possible to completely
eliminate the complex configuration and provisioning required in deploying an SS7
network element. Where before operators would forgo an opportunity because deployment
costs were so high, they can now add new features and optimize network resources
with greater ease by exploiting the benefits of a common packet transport and the
benefits of the SIGTRAN protocol. They can also maintain past investments by reusing
previously developed SS7 applications.
SUA allows Telecommunications Equipment Makers (TEMs) to evolve legacy, vertically-integrated
value-added services into a horizontally distributed services layer. The service
layer allows the blending of legacy technology such as roaming and number portability
databases, services such as Short Message Service (SMS), and next generation technologies
such as SIP, ENUM, and LDAP to create unique and compelling services. Differentiating
services will be key to maintaining and growing market share in today's highly competitive
telecommunications market.
The routing flexibility and signaling control provided by a SUA signaling gateway
will be key in interworking these technologies. With SUA, new application servers,
applications and network elements can be added and removed from the network without
the need to reengineer the signaling network. Applications that have variable signaling
demands can easily be accommodated provided sufficient IP-bandwidth exists.
With a common packet transport, and signaling via SUA, bandwidth and connectivity
can be obtained via simple command, rather than re-grooming the network, as is the
case with legacy SS7 E1/T1 channelized links. SUA is even more aggressive than M3UA
in eliminating legacy components of SS7. Not only does it lift restrictions on signaling
link bandwidth, but it also eliminates the complexity involved in provisioning MTP
level elements. This greatly simplifies operation of the signaling network for value
added services and allows changes to be made more easily.
Above SUA, 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. Although SUA is an excellent fit for value added service
signaling, call set up applications based on ISUP still require the services of
M3UA. The Signalware solution allows for co-existence of the SUA and M3UA
for ease of deployment and flexibility.
Advantage Summary
Signalware SUA has been designed to complement Signalware M3UA, allowing the most
appropriate SIGTRAN protocol to be used in a given situation. SUA is the next
step in making efficient, full use of the capabilities and cost savings provided
by packet transport signaling.
- Further reduces network management complexity
- Co-resides with M3UA for a universal SIGTRAN signaling solution
- Parallels functionality found in IP-based DNS routing, but for telephony applications
- Offers substantial flexibility through SCCP-based routing, reducing dependence on
fixed-network addresses
- Reduces link and bandwidth concerns in network architecture design
- Provides support for network management via SNMP
For more information, please contact sales@ulticom.com