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Signaling: SIGTRAN
Ulticom SIGTRAN brings to packet network signaling all the proven and
deployed carrier-class qualities from Ulticom's SS7 technology.
SIGTRAN, a protocol family based upon work done in the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF), is the evolution of SS7. The IETF, the group responsible
for defining and guiding the evolution of Internet standards, in partnership
with SS7 Industry experts, have devised adaptors and a core transport capability
that blend SS7 and packet protocols to provide users with the best both
technologies have to offer.
The value proposition for packet networks is freedom, flexibility, and
cost-effectiveness. Ulticom's SIGTRAN is designed with these goals in mind.
Freedom
With Ulticom's SIGTRAN technology, customers are free to choose from several of the defined SIGTRAN protocols. Ulticom's SIGTRAN consists of a SIGTRAN protocol utilizing SCTP as the IP transport protocol. The SS7 stack is substituted at one of its well-defined layers with a packet transport replacement. By moving up to layers higher in the stack, more of the legacy SS7 concepts can be eliminated and replaced with flexible packet and IP protocol routing capabilities. Because SIGTRAN is an industry standard, it allows customers to interoperate in a multi-vendor environment.
The SIGTRAN.org website provides information about protocols, implementations, test results, applications, products, and services.
Flexibility
Flexibility is provided by the fact that SIGTRAN uses the packet IP network to define logical connections between devices. Because the network developers, planners, and installers are no longer tied to deploying nailed up circuits for signaling, they have the flexibility to define the network as needs and demands grow and change. Flexibility is key in adapting bandwidth on demand. With legacy SS7, users were limited to either 56 or 64 kilobits / sec links. With SIGTRAN, these artificial restrictions can be eliminated. Re-dimensioning the network can be done completely through software. Fear of success should not be a consideration in deploying new services.
Cost Effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness is one of the advantages of the relentless pursuit of
better technology. SIGTRAN is based on the IP protocol. It uses industry
standard, off the shelf, network interfaces, cables, switches, and software.
Because it is built on these commercial standards, improvements in technology
and reductions in cost found in the computer industry can be readily applied
in signaling applications. As the all-packet network core becomes a reality,
moving signaling applications to packet becomes a necessity.
Converged voice, video and data services on a common packet network
provide new avenues for additional revenue, cost savings, and value added
enhancements. SIGTRAN lays the groundwork of the multimedia network experience.
Utilizing multimedia in communication is an enabler for improving human
communications. If it takes one thousand words to describe a picture, imagine
the power of one thousand pictures in conveying thought and content. Signaling,
and thus SIGTRAN, is an important component in delivering these services.
Evolution to SS7 over IP
Currently the industry is focused on the efforts of the IETF SIGTRAN Working Group that addresses switched circuit network (SCN) signaling, with an emphasis on SS7 over IP.
Protocols developed by the IETF SIGTRAN Working Group include:
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M2PA (MTP 2 Peer-to-peer Adaptation Layer) - Enables SS7 links replacement over IP.
-
M2UA (MTP 2 User Adaptation Layer) - Enables SS7 back-hauling from remote end-points over IP.
-
M3UA (MTP 3 User Adaptation Layer) - Enables SS7 User Parts (e.g. ISUP and SCCP) to run over IP.
-
SCTP (Streams Control Transmission Protocol) - Provides generic transport for SCN signaling.
-
SUA (SCCP User Adaptation Layer) - Enables SS7 Application Parts (e.g. TCAP) to run over IP.
For more information, please contact info@ulticom.com.
