Introduction

As the pace of technology changes and business consolidation continues to increase, we are faced with finding new and innovative solutions for managing the existing signaling networks so as to preserve investment while operating in ways not previously considered.

 

Disparate networks, geographically scattered, must be combined into a single virtual network. Islands of IP connectivity must be considered and added where needed. New sub networks must be added at the edge in order to expand the core network capabilities without impact.

 

IP technologies provide better long haul cost and performance, and therefore must be integral to the total solution. And, we must combine network resources without impacting operations in the core of each of the sub networks being reorganized.

 

Challenges

• Combine islands of SS7 and IP connectivity into a larger signaling network
• Perform the combination while the networks are running with zero impact
• Create the ability to address network elements across the larger combined network
• Recognize that address translation, similar to a NAT, must be done at the network boundaries
• Use IP as the backbone for the combined networks
• Enable IP-based (SIGTRAN) sub networks to be integrated as islands alongside traditional SS7 networking
• Limit access from some network elements in one sub network to another in another sub network

 

Many challenges face the network operations staff as they must find ways to combine disparate signaling network segments. The segments may be geographically distributed. They may use conflicting values in message headers, such as network indication, which require translation as messages cross from one network into another. They might have conflicting point codes. There may be security considerations in which access must be restricted from one network element in one segment to another in another segment. There may be special message routing requirements based upon message content that must be considered.

 

These challenges can often be resolved using network element upgrades, enhancements, and reconfigurations, but the cost and operational impacts of such enhancements, generic rollouts, equipment upgrades, and network reconfiguration can be far-reaching. Of particular note is the traditional approach to expand existing STPs through bolt-on hardware and software functionality. This approach might meet the need, but comes at great cost and with the potential for extreme inconvenience. There must be a better way!

 

Solution

The solution to these problems is an edge STP - an STP with special routing capabilities providing network integration at the edge of adjoining networks. Traditional network components reside in the core of the network, where any change can have catastrophic impact. What is needed is a way to introduce changes into the various subnetworks without modifying their core behavior or components. In essence, we need to find a way to join these networks at their edge, and do so in a way that prevents change from filtering beyond the edge.

 

From experience, we know that it is better to minimize the impact to the core network. We can accomplish this by providing specialized edge STP functionality at the edge of each network segment. Operating as a combination of traditional STP and internet router, these edge STPs can route messages in and out of signaling network segments, providing translation services and content-based routing as necessary. The edge STP can also extend the reach of the signaling traffic by using IP-based transport to interconnect geographically disparate signaling network segments in a high performance, cost-effective manner.

 

Introduction of STP technology at the edge of a signaling network can meet the requirements and minimize the cost while keeping the inconvenience factor under control. No change to the core network elements is necessary, and no impact is felt by the customer.

 

Ulticom nSignia eSTP

Ulticom nSignia^® eSTP provides edge STP functionality. It is an ideal example of the edge STP concept, providing the best-of-breed characteristics of traditional carrier-grade STPs with some features of the emerging internet routers.

 

In the Figure 2, we see examples of how a core network is extended at its edge to include capabilities in other sub-networks, including integration with IMS and SIP technologies.

 

Utilizing nSignia eSTP, you can combine disparate networks, creating a single virtual network that can migrate your service offerings from today to tomorrow.

 

Key Business Benefits

• Flexible Network Extension - nSignia eSTP bridges existing networks and next generation networks, combining them into a single revenue-producing entity
• Maximum change/minimal cost - the introduction of nSignia eSTP at the edge of your signaling network means that the needed functionality can be introduced without costly changes to core network elements, re-deployment of generics, or major network reconfiguration. The inconvenience factor is minimized - making life easier for everyone involved
• Secured Communications - using nSignia eSTP, you can restrict access between network segments to enforce security considerations Unfriendly network elements can be dynamically blocked during network operation - a major consideration as the impact of the internet grows ever more prevalent
• Combined Network Communications - by placing nSignia eSTP at the edge of each network, you can establish cross network communication to enable future services using highly efficient IP communications without impacting operation of the network
• Optimized Message Transport - by using nSignia eSTPs, traffic can be routed to the appropriate network elements using optimal network transport. IP transport can be used transparently for SS7 offload and as the basis for transport across geographic separations or where speed and cost are important factors
• Content-Based Message Routing - nSignia eSTP can analyze traffic as it transits from one network segment to another, and using message content can select destination network or intermediate transport options. This can optimize cross network handling of both ISUP and TCAP functionality
• Translation - nSignia eSTP can perform translations of message header information including network indicators and point codes to compensate for differences between network segments