The INAP (Intelligent Network Application Part) allows for the implementation of
carrier-grade, signaling infrastructure targeted to the world wide fixed telephony
market. INAP is a signaling protocol between a service switching point (SSP), network
media resources (intelligent peripherals), and a centralized network database called
a service control point (SCP). The SCP consists of operator or 3rd party derived
service logic programs and data. Through INAP, operators have gained independence
from the software features offered by switch vendors. The Intelligent Network (IN)
is a telephone network architecture that separates service logic from switching
equipment, allowing new services to be added without having to redesign switch software
to support new services. With IN, operators are able to implement differentiating,
value added services giving them competitive advantages in the market since it makes
it easier for a provider to add services and offer customers more service choices.
IN is application independent, meaning that it provides generic, reusable functionalities
that can be integrated and recombined to offer a host of revenue generating services.
The SCP stores the service provider instructions and data that direct switch processing
and provide call control. At predefined points during processing an incoming or
outgoing call, the switch suspends what it is doing, packages up information it
has regarding the processing of the call, and queries the SCP for further instruction.
The SCP executes user-defined programs that analyze the current state of the call
and the information received from the switch. The programs can then modify or create
the call data that is sent back to the switch. The switch then analyzes the information
received from the SCP and follows the provided instruction to further process the
call.
Developed by the International Telecommunications
Union (ITU), IN is recognized as a global standard. Within the International
Telecommunications Union, a total functionality of the IN has been defined and implemented
in digestible segments called capability sets. The first version to be released
was Capability Set 1 (CS-1). Currently CS-2 is defined and available. The
CAMEL Application Part (CAP) is a derivative of INAP and enables the use
of INAP in mobile GSM networks.
How does it work:
- A telephone caller dials a number that is received by a switch at the telephone
company central office.
- The switch - known as the Service Switching Point (SSP) - forwards the call over
a Signaling System 7 (SS7) network to a Service Control Point (SCP) where the service
logic is located.
- The Service Control Point identifies the service requested from part of the number
that was dialed and returns information about how to handle the call to the Service
Switching Point.
- In some cases, the call can be handled more quickly by an Intelligent Peripheral
(IP) that is attached to the Service Switching Point over a high-speed ISDN connection.
For example, a customized voice announcement can be delivered in response to the
dialed number or a voice call can be analyzed and recognized.
- In addition, an "adjunct" facility can be added directly to the Service
Switching Point for high-speed connection to additional, undefined services.
Services that can be defined with INAP include:
- Single number service: one number reaches a local number associated with the service
- Personal access service: provide end user management of incoming calls
- Disaster recovery service: define backup call destinations in case of disaster
- Do not disturb service: call forward
- Virtual private network short digit extension dialing service
The Signalware® INAP capability is an enabling component of the Signalware family. It is utilized
by applications implementing such functionalities as:
- Service Switching Point (SSP)
- Service Control Point (SCP)
- Intelligent Peripheral (IP)
- Service Data Point (SDP)
Signalware's INAP feature is utilized when an application sends a message to the
INAP library for encoding or decoding. By utilizing Signalware's INAP capability,
vendors can significantly cut time to market and reduce support and maintenance
costs.
Signalware INAP is provided as a library to be used with the SS7
Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP). The library may be accessed
via a traditional SS7
stack or may be utilized with SIGTRAN.
This flexibility allows the Signalware® library to be used in implementing any
of the elements requiring IN in global markets. Through the use of SIGTRAN, applications
developed in INAP can be migrated to a common packet network and be utilized in
NexGen networks- protecting investments and aiding network evolution.
Features:
- Implements ETSI CS-1 and CS-2
- Supports ASN.1 encoding/decoding of all the standard operations-related messages
exchanged in the INAP interfaces
- Runs over ITU TCAP
For more information, please contact sales@ulticom.com.