ch3 PDF

Message Transfer Part
(**++**Register-Zhlung**++**)1
Contents
1
2
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4
4.1
4.2
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Functions of the Message Transfer Part

Format of Signal Units
Exchange of Signal Units
Transmission of a Signal Unit
Reception of a Signal Unit
Error Correction Procedures
Signaling Link Function
Signaling Link State Control
Control of Initial Alignment
Message Handling
Message Discrimination
Message Distribution
Message Routing
Signaling Network Management
Signaling Traffic Management Function
Signaling Traffic Flow Control
Signaling Link Management
Signaling Route Management Function
2
5
12
12
14
15
23
23
25
28
28
29
30
31
31
36
40
40
1 Functions of the Message

Transfer Part
The transport system for messages between two signaling points is the message transfer part
(MTP) and signaling connection control part (SCCP). The MTP and SCCP assure that the
message reaches the addressed partner without errors. In the case of circuit-related user parts
(e.g. telephone) the MTP (Levels 1-3) effects this transfer. In the case of non-circuit related
applications (e.g. mobile radio) the task is handled jointly by MTP and SCCP (Layers 1-3).
The message transfer part (MTP) is responsible for message transport. It must ensure that
messages reach the addressed partner without information loss, without duplication, without
any changes in the message sequence and without errors. Furthermore, the MTP is capable of
reacting to failures occurring in the signaling network.
ITU-T (Q706) specified that the MTP must guarantee the following grades-of-service for all
user parts:
z Undetected faulty messages
No more than one error in 1010 errors may remain undetected.

z Message loss
No more than one message in 107 messages may be lost due to an error in the MTP.
z Incorrect sequence of message delivery
No more than one message in 1010 messages may be delivered in the incorrect sequence
(incl. message duplication) due to a MTP problem.
A range of functions were defined and allocated to the individual levels in order to meet these
requirements.
Level 1
Level 1 (signaling data link) defines the physical, electrical and functional attributes of a
signaling data link as well as the access equipment. Level 1 represents the carrier for a
signaling link. Normally, 64-kbit/s channels are used as signaling data links in a digital
network. Alternatively, analog channels (preferably with bit rate 4.8 kbit/s) can be used via
modem as signaling data link.
Level 2
Level 2 has the function of guaranteeing a protected message transfer between two signaling
points that are directly connected. The following tasks are the most important:
z startup and restoring error-free operation after disturbances
z transmitting and receiving SS7 messages
z error detection using check bits and flags
z determining that a message is missing
z error correction by message retransmission
z error-rate monitoring on the route
To allow these tasks to be performed, the message which has to be exchanged between two
signaling points is packed in a frame generated and analyzed by Level 2 and serving the
purposes of fault detection and correction.
Level 3
Level 3 is responsible for transport of a message to its destination. Unlike Levels 1 and 2,
which are assigned directly to each signaling link, Level 3 handles all signaling links. The
function (signaling network function) of Level 3 is composed of two sub-functions. First, the
message handling, i.e. directing the message to the required signaling point and user part.
Second, the signaling network management, i.e. controlling message traffic, e.g. changeover
of signaling links when a failure occurs, restoring normal operation after repair.
The various Level-3 functions interoperate with entities associated with other levels and also
with the equivalent functions in other signaling points.
Signaling network function

Level
Fig. 1
Message
handling
Signaling link
function
Signaling data
link
Signaling network
management
2 Format of Signal Units

The message transfer part transports messages in signal units of varying length. The Level-2
functions generate a signal unit. As well as the message, a signal unit contains control
information for message exchange. Three different types of signal unit exist:
z message signal units (MSU),
z link status signal units (LSSU), and
z fill-in signal units (FISU).
The message transfer part uses message signal units to transmit user messages, i.e. messages
from user parts (Level 4), as well as signaling network management messages (Level 3). The
link status signal units contain information for operating the signaling link (e.g. for
alignment). The fill-in signal units are used to maintain the acknowledgment circuit if no
other messages need be sent in one of the two directions. The structure (format) of the signal
units is specified.
The signal units are divided into several fields with a fixed number of bits, i.e. the meaning of
every bit is specified. All the fields shown on the previous page are generated and evaluated
by Level 2, and were specified for Level 2. The only exceptions are the service information
octet (SIO), the signaling information field (SIF) and status field (SF). These three fields are
generated and evaluated by the Levels 3 and 4, meaning they were specified for these levels.
The fields and their meanings are described below.
Flag (F)
As the length of the signal units varies, every signal unit is delimited by a flag (bit pattern:
01111110) at the beginning and end. The closing flag normally functions as the opening flag
for the next signal unit. To prevent flag reproduction inside a message, the transmitting
exchange inserts a 0 if it detects a bit sequence of 5 ones (bit insertion). These inserted 0s are
then removed by the receiving side.
Backward sequence number (BSN)

The backward sequence number serves as acknowledgment signal in the course of fault
handling. As acknowledgment for reception of an incoming signal unit, the BSN contains the
forward sequence number of the signal unit. One backward sequence number can be used also
to acknowledge a sequence of signal units. A number repertoire from 0 to 127 is available for
the backward sequence numbers.
Backward indicator bit (BIB)
The backward indicator bit is needed for the basic error correction procedure in order to
request retransmission of faulty signal units for error correction.
Forward sequence number (FSN)
A consecutive forward sequence number is assigned to every signal unit which has to be
transmitted. The receiving side uses the FSN to supervise the sequence integrity of signal
units and so prevent transmission errors. A number repertoire from 0 to 127 is available for
the forward sequence number. The FSN is incremented by each message signal unit but not
by link status signal units and fill-in signal units.
Forward indicator bit (FIB)
The forward indicator bit is needed for the basic error correction procedure. It indicates
whether a signal unit is being transmitted for the first time or is being retransmitted.
Length indicator (LI)
The length indicator is used to discriminate the three signal units. It indicates the number of
octets (one octet = 8 bits plus insert bits, if any) between the check bit field and the length
indicator field. The length indicator field contains different values according to the signal unit
type:
z 0 = fill-in signal unit
z 1 or 2 = link status signal unit
z more than 2 = message signal unit.
63 is the maximum value in the length indicator field, even if the signaling information field
contains more than 62 octets.
Service information octet (SIO)

The service information octet is included in message signal units only. It contains the service
indicator and the network indicator. One service indicator is assigned to each user of the
message transfer part. The service indicator notifies the message transfer part of the user part
from which a message originates, and therefore indicates the user part to which the message
must be delivered. The network indicator shows whether messages in the national or
international network are involved. The message transfer part interprets both indications.
Check bits (CK)

The check bits are generated on the transmitting side from the content of the signal unit and
appended to the signal unit as redundancy. The check bits are calculated with a polynomial
division. After re-calculating the check bits, the message transfer part on the receiving side
can compare those received with its own results and in this way determine whether
transmission was error-free. Depending on the result of the check, the signal unit will be
acknowledged as error-free or faulty.
Status field (SF)

The status field is included in link status signal units only, and contains status indicators for
alignment of the transmit and receive directions.
Signaling information field (SIF)

The signaling information field is included in message signal units only. It contains the actual
user message. The address of the destination to which a user message must be transmitted part
of the user message. The maximum length of a user message is 272 octets. The format and
coding of the user message is defined specifically per user part. The signaling information
field is made up by the message field and the address field.
16
CK
n x 8 (n>2)
SIF
SIO
LI
F
I
B
FSN
B
I
B
BSN
Bits
Message signal unit
16
CK
n x 8 (n>1 or 2)
SF
LI
F
I
B
FSN
B
I
B
7
BSN
Bits
CCS Link status signal unit
16
CK
LI
F
I
B
FSN
1
B
I
B
Fill-in signal unit
Fig. 2 Formats of the different signal units
BSN
8
F
Bits
Direction of transmission
Levels 3+4
Level 2
The address field is made up by the

z destination point code (DPC)
z originating point code (OPC)
z signaling link selection field (SLS)
Every signaling point in the signaling network is assigned a code on the basis of a number
scheme. This code must be unique inside the network. The message transfer part uses this
code for message routing. The destination point code in the message signal unit identifies the
particular signaling point to which a message must be transmitted. The originating point code
indicates the signaling point from which the message originates.
The content of the signaling link selection field specifies the signaling route and signaling
link over which the message should be transmitted. Thus, the signaling link selection field is
used for load sharing on the signaling links between two signaling points.
The service information octet (SIO) supplies further message routing information. The
message transfer part at the destination uses the service indicator to identify the user part to
which the message is addressed. The network indicator indicates whether the message is for
national or international traffic.
Link status signal units and fill-in signal units do not need addresses, as they are exchanged
only between the Levels 2 of adjacent message transfer parts.
MTP
frame
Address field
Message
field
SLS
OPC
14
MTP
frame
DPC
14
Bits
Fig. 3 Signaling information field
The circuit-related user parts use an extended address field (routing label) containing the
speech channel number (circuit identification code: CIC) as well as the destination and
originating point codes and signaling link selection field.
The CIC identifies a speech channel (circuit). The CIC is unique per circuit group. A circuit
group consists of all circuits connecting two adjacent exchanges belonging to one network
and one user part.
Thus, a circuit group is also characterized by the network indicator, service indicator and the
codes (SPC) of the adjacent signaling points.
The extended address field including the CIC facilitates not only intra-network message
routing but also message routing inside the receiving exchange (i.e. routing to the unit
connected to the indicated circuit).
10
CIC=X
ISUP
Netw. indic. 0
CIC=X
TUP
Netw. indic. 1
Exchange
Exchange
SPC=B
Exchange
ISUP
SPC=B
SPC=X
SPC=Y
TUP
ISUP
TUP
ISUP
Exchange
ISUP
SPC=A
CIC=X
ISUP
Netw. indic. 1
CIC=X
ISUP
Netw. indic. 0
International network
Network indicator 1
ISUP
National network
Network indicator 0
Fig. 4 Network Structure
extended address field

MTP
frame
Message
field
CIC
SLS
OPC
12
14
DPC
14
MTP
frame
Bits
Fig. 5 Extended address field
11
3 Exchange of Signal Units

3.1 Transmission of a Signal Unit
The message passed by a user to the message transfer part contains the user information, the
address, the service indicator, the network indicator and a length indicator. Processing of a
user message requiring transmission begins in Level 3 of the message transfer part.
Message routing (Level 3) determines the signaling link over which the user message is to be
transmitted. It does so by analyzing the destination point code and the signaling link selection
field in the address part of the user message. Following this, the function passes the user
message to the appropriate signaling link (Level 2).
Transmit control (Level 2) assigns to the user message the next forward sequence number
and the forward indicator bit. The function also appends the backward sequence number and
backward indicator bit as acknowledgment for the last message signal unit received. The
transmit control writes the completed part of the message signal unit requiring transmission to
the transmit buffer and retransmission buffer simultaneously. All message signal units
requiring transmission are retained in the retransmission buffer until their error-free reception
has been acknowledged by the receiving side. Following acknowledgment, the message signal
units are deleted from the retransmission buffer.
The check-bit and flag generator (Level 2) generates check bits for the message signal units
as a precaution against transmission errors and sets the flag to separate the signal units. To
prevent a coding (01111110) occurring in the message signal unit from being mistaken for a
flag, the user messages are monitored for the occurrence of five consecutive ones prior to flag
insertion. If so, a forced zero is inserted.
The check-bit and flag generator passes a complete message signal unit to Level 1, in which
the MSU is transmitted onto the signaling data link.
12
TUP
UP
ISDN-UP
other UP
Level 4
Message
distribution
Signaling
traffic
management
Signaling
route
management
Signaling
link
management
Level 3
Message
routing
Message
discrimination
Message handling
Signaling network management
other signaling links
Signaling link
status control
Error-rate
monitoring
MTP
Level 2
Transmit control,
transmit buffer,
retransmission buffer
Receive
control
Control for
initial
alignment
Check-bit
and flag
generator
Level 1
Flag, alignment
and failure
detection
Signaling data
link
Fig. 6 Functional distribution in the message transfer part
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3.2 Reception of a Signal Unit

The bit stream transported on a signaling data link is received in Level 1 and passed on to
Level 2.
The flag detection (Level 2) examines the received bit stream for flag patterns. The sequence
of bits between two flag corresponds to one signal unit.
The alignment detection (Level 2) uses the bit patterns of the flags to monitor the alignment
of transmit and receiving side.
The error detection (Level 2) uses the check bits included to check whether a signal unit has
been received correctly. Error-free signal units are passed on to the reception control, faulty
signal units are discarded. The reception of a faulty signal unit is notified to an error-rate
monitor so that the error rate on the receive side of a signaling link can be checked
continuously. If a specified error rate is exceeded, the error-rate monitor informs the signaling
link status control, which removes the link from services and sends a message to Level 3.
The reception control (Level 2) checks whether the delivered signal unit bears the
anticipated forward sequence number and forward indicator bit. If this check is positive and
the signal unit is a message signal unit, the reception control forwards the user message to
Level 3 and causes a positive reception acknowledgment to be sent for the message signal
unit. If the forward sequence number of the delivered message does not match the anticipated
one, the reception control detects a transmission error and requests the retransmission of the
message signal unit and all follow-on message signal units (see section: "Error correction
procedures").
The message discrimination (Level 3) accepts the correctly received user messages, and
determines whether the message is to be delivered to one of the directly connected user parts
or forwarded to another signaling link (quasi-associated message). Message discrimination
makes this decision after analyzing the destination point code. Message discrimination passes
on user messages passing through the signaling point only as a signaling transfer point
directly to the message routing function, which handles these messages like user messages
having to be transmitted.
If a received user message is addressed to one of the connected user points (signaling point),
it is passed on to the message distribution function (Level 3). The message distribution
function analyzes the service information octet (SIO), identifies the user part involved and
delivers to it the message.
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3.3 Error Correction Procedures

As the occurrence of mutilation in signaling may lead to faulty reactions by the call control
function in particular, it is necessary to reduce transmission errors to a minimum.
SS7 offers two different error correction procedures:
z the basic error correction procedure, and
z the PCR error correction procedure (error correction procedure with preventive cyclic
retransmission).
Both procedures are based on the retransmission of faulty messages.
3.3.1 Basic Error Correction Procedure

The basic error correction procedure is used on signaling links with low propagation times
(< 15 ms, e.g. terrestrial links), and works with positive and negative acknowledgments.
Acknowledgments used for the basic procedure consist of the backward sequence number
(BSN) and backward indicator bit (BIB). In a positive acknowledgment the backward
indicator bit has the same value as the one contained in the preceding message. In a negative
acknowledgment the backward indicator bit is the inversion of the one contained in the
preceding message.
On receiving a positive acknowledgment the receive control on the originating side causes the
corresponding message signal unit in the retransmission buffer to be deleted. On receiving a
negative acknowledgment, the receive control on the originating side prompts the transmit
control to stop transmitting new signal units and retransmit the message signal unit for which
a negative acknowledgment was received. Following this, all message signal units still stored
in the retransmission buffer are retransmitted consecutively. After detecting a transmission
error, the receive control on the destination side discards all incoming message signal units
until the message signal unit for which a negative acknowledgment was sent is received
correctly. Following this, the receive control resumes the analysis of incoming message signal
units. This procedure preserves message sequence integrity. The receive control on the
destination side recognizes retransmitted message signal units by the inverted forward
indicator bit (FIB): The forward indicator bit in a retransmitted message signal unit and all
subsequent new signal units is the inversion of the FIB included in the signal units up to
detection of the error.
15
FIB
BIB
FIB
BIB
FSN
0
FSN
FSN
55
CK
BSN
11
FSN
54
CK
BSN
10
52
10
53
11
54
12
55
BIB
FIB
BIB
13
FIB
56
127
BSN
52
FSN
12
BSN
53
FSN
13
CK
127
Retransmission
buffer
Retransmission
buffer
Signaling point A
Signaling point B
Fig. 7 Basic error correction procedure
16
CK
When the basic error correction procedure is applied, the different signal units are transmitted
in the following order of priority:
z link status signal units (LSSU)
z message signal units (MSU) for which a negative acknowledgment was received
z new message signal units (MSU)
z fill-in signal units (FISU).
We shall now look at an example of disturbed ad undisturbed transport of message signal

units.
Exchange A
Exchange B
Level 2
Level 2
Signaling link
acknowledge 32, 44 new
MSU (FSN=44, BSN=32)
32 acknowledged, 44 new
35 new, 42 acknowledged
35 new, acknowledge 42
acknowledge 33
FISU (FSN=44, BSN=33)
33 acknowledged
acknowledge 34
34 acknowledged
acknowledge 35, 45 new

36 new, 43 acknowledged
44 acknowledged
acknowledge 36
45 acknowledged
acknowledge 36
45 acknowledged


35 acknowledged, 45 new
36 new, acknowledge 43
acknowledged 44
36 acknowledged
acknowledge 45
36 acknowledged
acknowledge 45
Fig. 8 Example of error free transmission
17
All messages up to FSN=13 are received error-free in Exchange B. The message with
FSN=13 is faulty and is therefore discarded. The next message received by Exchange B is an
MSU with FSN=14. Exchange B therefore detects that one MSU has been lost, and transmits
a negative acknowledgment (inverted BIB). Exchange B discards all subsequent messages
until an inverted FIB indicates that the calling side has begun retransmission. Exchange B
receives the retransmitted message 13 with FSN=13 and FIB=1, i.e. the transmission error has
been corrected and normal proceedings will now be resumed.
Exchange A
Level 2
Exchange B
Level 2
signaling link
M SU (FSN=12, FIB=0, BSN=10, BIB=0)

acknow ledge 10, 12 new
10 acknow ledged, 12 new

11new , 12 acknow ledged
11new , acknow ledge 12

error
faulty reception
incorrect sequence
(11 acknow ledged)
negative acknow l. for 13
FISU (FSN=11, FIB=0, BSN=12, BIB=1)

negative acknow l. for 13
11 acknow ledged, 13 retransmitted

acknow ledge 11, transmit 13
12 new , acknow ledge 13

12 new , 13 acknow ledged
12 acknow ledged, 14 new

acknow ledge 12, transmit 14
acknow ledge 14
14 acknow ledged
Fig. 9 Example of faulty transmission
18
3.3.2 Preventive Retransmission Procedure

The PCR error correction procedure is used on signaling links with long propagation times
(> 15 ms, e.g. long terrestrial links, satellite links). Unlike the basic procedure, the PCR
procedure uses only positive acknowledgments. Message signal units are not retransmitted on
request following occurrence of an error, but all message signal units stored in the
retransmission buffer are retransmitted as a prophylactic measure whenever no new message
signal units are waiting for transmission. New message signal units normally have higher
priority and interrupt the cyclic retransmission of messages. The acknowledgment for
received error-free messages is made up only of the backward sequence number. The
backward indicator bit and the forward indicator bit are not required for this procedure.
However, to keep the signal unit format identical for both error correction procedures, the
backward indicator bit and forward indicator bit are set to one value and then included
unchanged in every signal unit.
On receiving an acknowledgment the receive control on the originating side causes the
corresponding message signal unit (or MSU sequence) to be deleted in the retransmission
buffer. This reaction is identical with that to the reception of a positive acknowledgment in
the basic error correction procedure. If the receive control on the destination side detects a
transmission error when PCR is active, it continues to acknowledge the last error-free
message signal unit received and waits for the error-free reception of the faulty message
signal unit when it is retransmitted.
One disadvantage of this method is the possibility of retransmission buffer and transmit buffer
overflow. The Forced Transmission Procedure (Q703) was introduced to prevent message
loss resulting from such overflow. The number of MSU in the retransmission buffer is
monitored permanently. If this counter reaches a pre-defined threshold value, no new MSU
are accepted for transmission; instead, priority is given to the cyclic retransmission of the
MSU in the retransmission buffer. This procedure is continued until the current value is below
the threshold value. The various signal units are transmitted in the following order of priority
with the PCR error correction procedure:
z status signal units
z message signal units that have to be retransmitted and the retransmission buffer threshold
has been reached

z new message signal units
z message signal units requiring retransmission
z fill-in signal units
19
Exchange A
Exchange B
Level 2
Level 2
Signaling link
MSU (FSN=11, FIB=0, BSN=14, BIB=0)
Message retransmitted,
as acknowl. not yet
received
new MSU
Acknowl.
message
already
acknowl.

new MSU
repeat MSU 12
o.k
corrupted
-> discarded
discard
(sequence)
o.k
Acknowl.
repeat MSU 13
o.k
Acknowl.
Repeat MSU 12,

as acknowl. not
yet received
Repeat MSU 13 also
Acknowl. for 12 and

13 meanwhile received
e.g.
Fig. 10 Example of PCR error correction procedure
20
already
acknowl.
already
acknowl.
Basic error correction procedure
PCR procedure
Characteristic attributes:
no compelled signaling
transmitted messages are stored in retransmission buffer until acknowledged
(positive) acknowledgement of every single message signaling unit (MSU)
positive and negative acknowledgements
positive acknowledgements
repetition only on request
preventive cyclic repetition of retransmission

buffer content
Signal delays following a transmission error

only propagation-time dependent
only load-dependent
Advantages:
simple handling of transmission buffer
no handling of ID bits (FIB/BIB) required
load-independent signal delay after

transmission error, i.e. short delay periods
possible even with high traffic loads..
propagation-time-independent signal delay

after transmission errors, i.e. short delay
periods possible even with long propagation
times
automatic error correction (self-healing) at
loads < 50 %
Disadvantages:
time-consuming handling of identification
bits (FIB/BIB)
time-consuming procedure for the repetition

cycle if new signal units are to be sent
less suitable for signaling channels with

long propagation times as the signal delay
times (following transmission errors)
increase according to the propagation time
less suitable for signaling links with high loads

as the signal delay times (following
transmission errors) increase according to the
load
automatic error correction (self-healing) is lost
at load levels > 50 %.
occupancy level of retransmission buffer
requires monitoring
Preferred service areas

signaling links with short propagation times
and, where applicable, high loads
signaling links with long propagation time and

low load
national signaling links
signaling links via satellite

intercontinental signaling links
international signaling links; single propagation time:

< 15 ms
> 15 ms
Fig. 11 Comparison between the two error correction methods
21
3.3.3 Failure Rate Monitoring

During normal signaling link operation a counter (SUERM) kept for incorrect incoming
signal units is incremented with every error and decreased when 256 consecutive error-free
signal units are received. If the counter reaches a threshold value (64), an error message is
sent to Layer 3 and the signaling link goes into the idle state. No more signal units are
received and the link status signal units Status Indication Out of Service (SIOS) are sent to the
partner.
22
4 Signaling Link Function

4.1 Signaling Link State Control
The signaling link can assume five states.
State 1:
Out of Service
The signaling link is not operable, e.g. due to disconnected power supply or
defective equipment. No signal units will be transferred. A START signal, e.g.
following powerup or repair of defective equipment, will cause the link to
assume state 2.
State 2:
Idle
In this state the signaling link is ready to take up operation on request. The
request acts as initiation for initial alignment, causing state 3 to be assumed.
State 3:
Not Aligned
In this state the two ends of the signaling link are not yet aligned. The
transmitter sends the status link signal units SIO with the meaning "not
aligned" (SIO=Status Indication Out of Alignment) and receives SIO likewise.
The link moves into state 4 when the link status signal unit (SIN=Status
Indication Normal Alignment Status) is received.
State 4:
Aligned, Proving
In this state the link status signal unit SIN or, as applicable, SIE (Status
Indication Emergency Alignment) is transmitted and received.
State 5:
In Service
Following expiry of proving, either fill in signal units (FISU) or message signal
units (MSU) will be sent or received.
The link moves out of this state when the link is to be removed from service or
the failure rate becomes excessive.
23
3.
Not Aligned
Initial
alignment
Alignment
Start
Alignment error
1.
Out of Service
2.
Idle
Irreparable
defect
4.
Aligned, Proving
Proving error
Normal
alignment
Emergency
alignment
In-service
failure rate
excessive
5.
In Service
Fig. 12 States of the signaling links and their transitions
24
4.2 Control of Initial Alignment

Either end of the signaling link can initiate the initial alignment. Initial alignment is
performed by the exchange of synchronizing signals and, although initiated by Level 3, takes
place purely in Level 2. Initial alignment is initiated in several steps. A special type of
synchronizing signal is assigned to each step. These synchronizing signals are transferred
inside CCS status signaling units.
Initial alignment begins when the initial alignment control on the initiating side prompts the
transmit control to send SIO signals. The opposite side receives these signals and responds
with SIN signals. After receiving the first SIN signal, the initiating side sends SIN signals
likewise. The proving period now begins for the signaling link. The initial alignment control
records failures occurring during the proving period (8.2 s for a 64-kbit/s link) and decides
whether the link can be enabled for normal service. The control reports the result of the
proving period to Level 3. On transition to normal service, both ends of the signaling link
transmit filling signal units (FISU) until the first message signal unit (MSU) can be
transferred. If the result of the proving period is negative, the initial alignment can be
repeated.
Initial alignment can be speeded up in an emergency, for example when a non-aligned reserve
signaling link has to be taken into service. SIE signals are sent instead of SIN signals in the
case of emergency alignment. This method cuts the proving time drastically (down to 0.5 s in
the case of a 64-kbit/s signaling link) and reduces the proving requirements.
25
Synchronizing
signal
Meaning
SIO
Status indication out of alignment
SIN
Status indication normal alignment
SIE
Status indication emergency alignment
SIOS
Status indication out of service
Fig. 13 Synchronizing signals

Signaling point A
Transmit
control
Signaling point B
Receive
control
Receive
control
Transmit
control
Signaling data link
State:
State:
Initial Alignment
Out of Service
Out of Service
SIO
not aligned
aligned
Proving
SIO
SIO
SIO
SIN
SIN
SIN
SIN
SIN
SIN
SIN
SIN
SIN
SIN
SIN
FISU
SIN
MSU
SIN
In Service
not aligned
aligned
Proving
FISU
MSU
In Service
Fig. 14 Exchange of synchronizing signals during initial alignment
26
If a signaling link for which initial alignment was successful can transmit or receive filler
signal units but due to causes such as Level 3 errors cannot process message signal units,
SIOS signal units are transmitted instead of the filler units, causing the link to be removed
from service once again and the alignment procedure restarted. Level 3 detects errors by
testing the aligned signaling link prior to the transmission of message signal units (Signaling
Link Test).
The test checks the L2 functions and correct MSU transfer between two adjacent signaling
points. The test is carried out by Testing and Maintenance (T&M).
A Signaling Link Test Message (SLTM) containing a test pattern is sent to the partner
signaling point. The latter acknowledges the message with a Signaling Link Test
Acknowledgment (SLTA) that contains the looped-back test pattern.
The test checks the following data:
a) the Signaling Link Code (SLC)
b) the SPC (SLTM-DPC=SLTA-OPC)
c) the test pattern
If a signaling link is removed from service due to excessive signal-failure rate, a first attempt
will always be made to restore the link by means of initial alignment.
Level 3
Level 2
Level 2
Alignment
Alignment
1)
NM
LSSU
L2
L2
2)
3)
Level 3
NM
SLTM
SLTA
SLTM
SLTA
1) Signing link alignment

2) Test of A-side
3) Test of B-side
Fig. 15 Signaling link test
27
5 Message Handling
5.1 Message Discrimination
The "Message Discrimination" function examines the messages received by Level 2 to
determine whether they are addressed to the own signaling point or have to be forwarded to
other signaling points.
The decision is made according to the Destination Point Code (DPC) in the address field.
Messages addressed to the own signaling point are passed on to the "Message Distribution"
function. By contrast, a transit message requiring to be forwarded (signaling transfer point) is
supplied to the Message Routing function.
User parts
Level 4
Service access point

for Level 3
Message
distribution
Level 3
Message
routing
Message
discrimination
Service access point
for Level 2
Level 2
Message transfer part

(Level 2)
Fig. 16 Message discrimination
28
5.2 Message Distribution

The Message Distribution passes on the messages it receives to the connected user parts (e.g.
ISDN user part). The service indicator SI serves as the Service Access Point Identifier
required by the system model. Next figure demonstrates such a procedure.
Sequence:
DPC=
SPC of own
exchange
no
yes
SI
=
NM
STP
indicator
?
yes
no
yes
no
SI
=
T M
yes
no
MSU for
message
distribution
MSU for
T&M
MSU for
NM
MSU
for Routing
Discarding
of MSU
Fig. 17 Example of message distribution and message discrimination
29
5.3 Message Routing

The message routing function examines the destination point code (DPC) of the address field
in order to determine the outgoing signaling link.
If there are several signaling links to a specific destination, load sharing can be activated
between the links. In such a case the SLS is used to determine the signaling link.
Two different load-sharing mechanisms are defined by ITU-T (Q704):
z load sharing inside one signaling link set
In the case of load sharing inside one signaling link set the messages to all signaling
destinations points accessible via the link set are divided between the links in the set. This
procedure is link-set-specific.
z load sharing between signaling routes
In the case of load sharing between signaling routes the messages to a specific destination
are distributed over several singling routes. This method is signaling-destination-pointspecific.
30
Origination
points
Destination
points
Z1
Signaling points
SLS=x
A
Z2
SLS=y
Zn
Fig. 18 Load sharing between signaling links

Origination
points
Signaling
point
SLS=x
Signaling
points
Destination
point
SLS=y
Fig. 19 Load sharing between signaling routes
31
6 Signaling Network Management

6.1 Signaling Traffic Management
Function
The main task of the Signaling Traffic Management function is to maintain traffic during
disturbances in the signaling network, i.e. when a link, link set or signaling destination point
fails. Moreover, the function must reduce traffic in the event of overload.
The Signaling Traffic Management function is equipped with special functions and
procedures for handling these tasks. (Q704).
Changeover
A special changeover procedure allows the function to divert signaling traffic
z to a different signaling link in the same link set (1) or
z to a different link set (2).
If no other alternatives exist for reaching the destination, i.e. the signaling destination point is
inaccessible, the relevant user part must be notified accordingly.
Changeback
A special changeback procedure restarts a signaling link which becomes available once more
and routes the diverted signaling traffic back to the original signaling link or link set.
Forced Rerouting
A forced rerouting procedure ensures that signaling traffic unable to reach a destination point
via the specified signaling route (due to failure of the latter) is diverted to an alternative
signaling route.
If the failed signaling route was the last one leading to a destination point, this means the
destination point is no longer accessible. The relevant users must be notified in such a case.
32
Destination
point
Origination
points
Signaling point
Signaling point
1
2
Signaling point
Fig. 20 Changeover
Origination
points
Signaling point
TFP
Signaling point
Destination
point
Signaling point
Fig. 21 Forced Rerouting
33
Controlled Rerouting
The aim of controlled rerouting on the restored signaling route is to ensure that the route is
restored to service with minimum disturbance.
Signaling Point Restart
The purpose of this procedure is to coordinate the resumption of signaling traffic to a
signaling point which has been restored.
The procedure is designed to prevent signaling messages from being sent to signaling points
while they are in the startup phase. There is no guarantee for the validity of the database of a
signaling point which has been isolated from the network. Once the signaling point is
restored, therefore, the network data relating to its environment need to be updated before
signaling traffic commences. A restart period within which all restart activities must be
completed is defined for the network data update.
At the beginning of a restart the signaling point assumes that all destinations and routes are
available. As soon as the first signaling routes are available, therefore, the adjacent points
notify a restarting MTP of destinations it must view as unavailable. Once the restarting MTP
has completed its activities or the restart timer has expired, the MTP sends TRA messages
(Traffic Restart Allowed) to all adjacent points via the direct signaling link set. This message
indicates that the restart is completed and the resumption of signaling traffic will begin.
Signaling point
Signaling transfer point

TFP
TFP
TRA
A
TRA
B
TFP
TFP
TRA
TRA
Fig. 22 Signaling Point Restart in B
34
Signaling point
Management Inhibiting
The purpose of this procedure is to allow the maintenance and testing of a signaling link. The
procedure does not cause a change in the Level 2 status. This means the signaling link is
available for test messages but not for user messages. Should a fault occur in the signaling
network and the inhibited link is the last one leading to the destination, the system overrides
the inhibiting status automatically and the link is restored to service.
Signaling point A
Signaling point B
LIN
1 Inhibit
2 Test message
LIA
Acknowledgement
LLT
LRT
3 Last active
link to B
defective
LFU
LUA
LIN
Link Inhibit Signal
LIA
Link Inhibit Acknowledgment
LLT
Link Local Inhibit Test Signal
LRT
Link Remote Inhibit Test Signal
LFU
Link Forced Uninhibit Signal
LUA
Link Uninhibit Acknowledgment Signal
Fig. 23 Inhibiting
35
6.2 Signaling Traffic Flow Control

In the case of congestion in the signaling network or the failure of destination points or routes
it is necessary to reduce or stop signaling traffic at its source (users). This task is handled by
the flow control.
A distinction is made between the following overload situations:
z central overload
z local overload
z remote overload
The following MTP primitives are used to report the overload situation:
z General Congestion Primitives (GCP) for central overload
z Congestion Indication Primitives (CIP) for destination-related overload
The users causing the load in the remote exchange are notified by means of Transfer
Controlled (TFC) messages.
Central overload
To identify the load originators every 8th MSU is examined for its source address during a
load situation. If the originator is located in the own exchange a central overload message
(GCP=General Congestion Primitive) is sent to the call processing control. The message is
repeated at regular intervals for the duration of the overload situation.
If the signaling load is caused by a remote exchange, an overload message (TFC) is sent to
the relevant exchange with the aim of reducing the signaling traffic.
36
Overload detection
Central
Overload detection
Overload detection
TFC TFC Local (transmission overload) Local (reception overload)
Load from: foreign USERS
Load from: foreign USERS
Load from: own USERS
Load from: own USERS
"Busy"
LSSU
Load
NM
Destination available/unavailable
MTP-PAUSE
GCP
CIP
Primitives (Messages)
MTP-RESUME
Action:
Call processing control
Reduce load
Stop signaling
traffic
Clear down
connections
Resume signaling
traffic
Fig. 24 Overload
37
Local overload
Local overload may signify the congestion of one or more signaling links, and relates to
transmission overload. Like in the case of central overload, every 8th MSU is examined for its
source address and a corresponding flow control message is generated.
The own USER is notified with CIP messages (Congestion Indication Primitives), remote
USERS are notified with TFC (Transfer Control) messages. In the case of receive overload,
"BUSY"-LSSU (SIB) messages are sent automatically to the distant exchange, where
messages can be held back (for up to 4 sec.) in the transmit buffer of the originator.
Remote overload
Remote overload is recognized by the reception of TFC messages. Each message contains
information regarding a destination point for which signaling overload has been detected. The
signaling network management function responds to a received TFC message by sending a
CIP message to the call processing control to reduce the load at the relevant destination point.
Reduction of the signaling load
Call processing control reduces the signaling load by reducing the number of call requests to
be processed. The reduction is implemented in phases depending on the incoming overload
messages. Similarly, a load restriction is canceled in phases. In the case of central overload
messages (General Congestion Primitives (GCP)), all users and destinations are affected.
The reception of destination-point-related overload messages (Congestion Indication
Primitive CIP) affects all users requesting connection to the specified destination points.
Destination-point-related overload messages are generated in the case of local or remote
overload.
38
Availability of destinations (DPC)

Whenever a destination in the signaling network fails or is restored to service the relevant
user parts must be notified to stop or, as applicable, resume signaling traffic to the particular
destination.
Availability and failure of destinations are reported with MTP status messages (MTP
Primitives (PAUSE/RESUME)).
If signaling traffic to a destination is interrupted ("MTP-PAUSE") the circuits leading to the
destination are determined. Idle channels are blocked, while established connections are
cleared down after a suitable holding time (0-2 min., country-specific) and then blocked
likewise. Signaling traffic to these destinations can be resumed only once the signaling
relationship is restored and the user has been informed with "MTP-RESUME".
39
6.3 Signaling Link Management

Signaling links are controlled and monitored by the signaling link management, which
notifies the signaling traffic management of a link failure so that appropriate action can be
taken.
The signaling traffic management carries out the following basic procedures:
z Activation and restoration of a signaling link
This measure requires two steps. First the signaling link must be aligned, then its behavior
checked by a test function.
z Disactivation of a signaling link
6.4 Signaling Route Management

Function
The signaling route management function is responsible for sending signaling network status
messages to adjacent signaling points in order to block or release specific routes when faults
occur in the network. Thus, it can be said that the signaling route management function
controls signaling traffic in other exchanges.
Let us assume the configuration shown:
To send a message from A to D the signaling route A-B, followed by B-D or B-C, C-D is
used. This means A can determine whether or not D is accessible only if the overall route is
monitored.
The overall route is split up into the section A-B, whose status is described as the "local
status", and the section B-D, whose status is termed the "remote status". There are two
different ways of updating these states:
z By sending status messages, i.e. notifying the adjacent signaling points that a signaling
route to a particular signaling point is unavailable or has been restored to service. These
status notifications are handled with the Transfer Prohibited and Transfer Allowed
procedures.
z By actively interrogating the availability of a signaling route to a specific signaling point.
The procedure responsible for interrogation is called the Signaling Route Test.
40
Signaling point
Signaling transfer
point
Signaling point
Signaling transfer
point
Fig. 25 Signaling route management function
41
The Transfer Prohibited (TFP) message indicates that a signaling transfer point can no
longer be used to maintain the traffic to a specific destination. The message is sent by a
signaling transfer point in the following cases:
a)
When a signaling transfer point determines that D is no longer obtainable. All adjacent
signaling transfer points (A1 to Az) are notified with TFP (Broadcast TFP).
b)
Changeover (1) is carried out if B determines that the direct route to D is unavailable.
D is now accessible only via the route BCD (2). In this case B also sends a TFP
message to C in order to prevent message oscillation (3).
42
A1
TFP
Signaling
transfer point
Signaling point
TFP
An
TFP
Az
Fig. 26 Example of TFP message a)

Signaling point
3
MSU
TFP
Signaling point
Fig. 27 Example of TFP messages b)
43
44
c)
If B receives a message for D but is unable to reach D due to a failure, B sends a TFP
message to the adjacent signaling point A (response method).
d)
When D is available once more its database is updated y means of TFP messages. In the
example below B notifies signaling point D that C is not accessible via B.
Signaling point
Signaling point
MSU
A
2
TFP
Signaling point
Fig. 27 Example of TFP message c)
Signaling point

TFP
TRA
Fig. 28 Example of TFP message d)
45
e)
On executing a restart B sends to all adjacent signaling points a TFP message regarding
D if the latter is inaccessible.
A1
Signaling
transfer point
Signaling point
TFP
An
TRA
Ax
Fig. 29 Example of TFP message e)
46
A Transfer Allowed (TFA) message is used to indicate to adjacent signaling points the
availability of specific routes to destinations.
An Signaling transfer point sends a TFA message in the following two cases:
a)
On determining that D is accessible once more B sends a TFA message (Broadcast

TFA) to all adjacent signaling points.
b)
If B stops sending messages to D via C, B sends a TFA to C.
47
TFA
A1
Signaling
transfer point
Signaling point
TFA
An
Fig. 30 Example of TFA message a)

Signaling point
TFA
D
Signaling point
Fig. 31 Example of TFA message b)
48
A signaling point transmits the Route Set Test (RST) message in order to ascertain whether
messages can be sent via a specific transfer point to a destination, i.e. whether a destination is
available via the transfer point.
After receiving a TFP the signaling point sends RST messages at regular intervals (every 30 60 sec.) in order to find out whether a signaling route is available once more. The reavailability of the signaling route is indicated when a RST message is acknowledged with
TFA.
Signaling point
Signaling point
RST
A
2
TFA
Fig. 32 Route Set Test message
49
On receiving a TFP or TFA message, a signaling point must perform one of the following
specific functions:
TFP: Forced Rerouting
TFA: Controlled Rerouting
Example:
C discovers that D is no longer accessible and sends a TFP to signaling point B, which in turn
establishes that D is not accessible by an alternative route. B informs the adjacent signaling
points with TFP messages regarding D.
Signaling point
A1
TFP
Signaling
transfer point
TFP
A2
A3
Fig. 33 Procedure on reception of TFP
50
Signaling point
TFP
B
TFP
Signaling
transfer point
A signaling transfer point sends the Transfer Restricted (TFR) message in order to notify
adjacent points that if possible the transfer point should not be used for message transfer to a
specific signaling point.
Signaling point
A1
TFR
Signaling
transfer point
Signaling point
An
TFR
Signaling point
Fig. 34 Transfer Restricted
51

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Message Transfer Part

Message Transfer Part

Functions of the Message Transfer Part

Message Transfer Part

1 Functions of the Message

No more than one error in 1010 errors may remain undetected.

Message Transfer Part

Message Transfer Part

Signaling network function

Message Transfer Part

2 Format of Signal Units

Message Transfer Part

Backward sequence number (BSN)

Message Transfer Part

Service information octet (SIO)

Check bits (CK)

Status field (SF)

Signaling information field (SIF)

Message Transfer Part

Message signal unit

CCS Link status signal unit

Fill-in signal unit

Fig. 2 Formats of the different signal units

Message Transfer Part

The address field is made up by the

Fig. 3 Signaling information field

Message Transfer Part

Message Transfer Part

Fig. 4 Network Structure

extended address field

Fig. 5 Extended address field

Message Transfer Part

3 Exchange of Signal Units

Message Transfer Part

Signaling network management

other signaling links

Fig. 6 Functional distribution in the message transfer part

Message Transfer Part

3.2 Reception of a Signal Unit

Message Transfer Part

3.3 Error Correction Procedures

3.3.1 Basic Error Correction Procedure

Message Transfer Part

Fig. 7 Basic error correction procedure

Message Transfer Part

We shall now look at an example of disturbed ad undisturbed transport of message signal

acknowledge 32, 44 new

MSU (FSN=44, BSN=32)

MSU (FSN=35, BSN=42)

FISU (FSN=44, BSN=33)

FISU (FSN=44, BSN=34)

acknowledge 35, 45 new

MSU (FSN=45, BSN=35)

MSU (FSN=36, BSN=43)

FISU (FSN=45, BSN=36)

Fig. 8 Example of error free transmission

Message Transfer Part

M SU (FSN=12, FIB=0, BSN=10, BIB=0)

10 acknow ledged, 12 new

11new , 12 acknow ledged

11new , acknow ledge 12

acknow ledge 11, 13 new

acknow ledge 11, 14 new