Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1: Overview
1.1General Description
The Dialogic® SS7G21 and SS7G22 Signaling Servers, (hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as "the SS7G21 and SS7G22 products," individually as "SS7G21" and "SS7G22," respectively, or individually or interchangeably as "SS7G2x"), with the Dialogic® SS7SBG20SGW SGW Mode software license installed and enabled, operate as SIGTRAN Signaling Gateways (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Signaling Gateway"). They provide an interface between SS7 and IP networks, allowing SS7 information to be carried over IP to either IP resident signaling points and applications (for example, a soft switch) or to another Signaling Gateway. IETF SIGTRAN protocols are used to ensure interoperability with third party equipment.
The Signaling Server may be purchased as one of two equipment types; SS7G21 and SS7G22. Each equipment type uses the same chassis and operates with the same software, but uses different signaling boards. See Section 1.4, “Hardware Overview” on page 9 for a fuller description of the Signaling Server hardware.
The Signaling Gateway uses the SIGTRAN M3UA protocol to "backhaul" SS7 signaling messages to IP resident Application Servers, removing the need for Application Hosts to have dedicated SS7 MTP services or hardware. Application Servers using the Signalling Gateway may be part of a single point code or multiple point codes.
The Signaling Gateway M3UA architecture uses open standards interfaces, providing flexibility, scalability and resilience. It is easy to add or reconfigure M3UA Application Servers and Signaling Gateways to meet demands for new services or increased capacity.
The Signaling Gateway also supports SIGTRAN M2PA protocol to talk to other Point Codes over IP links, rather than TDM. M2PA may be used to connect within the central office, or for longhaul links over IP.
The SIGTRAN Signaling Gateway (SGW) functionality is provided as a software option on the SS7G21 and SS7G22 Signaling Servers. To enable this functionality, order and install the SS7SBG20SGW software license. A unit with the SGW Mode license installed and enabled is referred to as a “Signaling Gateway” throughout this manual.
When the software license is either not installed or deactivated, the SS7G21 and SS7G22 act as SS7 Signaling Interface Units (SIUs), providing an interface to SS7 networks for a number of distributed application platforms via TCP/IP LAN. In this mode, the units implement the SS7 Message Transfer Part (MTP) and a number of User Parts (ISUP, SCCP, TCAP, MAP, IS41 and INAP). See the SS7G2x SIU Mode User Manual for a detailed description of this mode of operation.
The SS7G21 and SS7G22, when fitted with the DSC Mode software license, operate as a protocol converter. It provides protocol interworking between any pair of telephony protocols for both network protocols and access protocols. Description and use of the system acting as a protocol converter is outside the scope of this manual. See the SS7G2x DSC Mode User Manual for a detailed description of this mode of operation.
The SS7G21 and SS7G22 are shipped without the SGW Mode Software License installed and therefore start up initially as SS7 Signaling Interface Units (SIUs). The procedures for the purchase and installation of the SGW and other software options are described in Section 4.14, “System Licenses” on page 27. The procedures required to configure a unit for SGW operation as well as those for initial system configuration are described in Chapter 3, “Installation and Initial Configuration”.
1.2Related Information
This user manual, together with the Dialogic® SS7G21 and SS7G22 Hardware Manual forms the documentation set for the SGW mode of operation of an SS7G2x. The Dialogic® SS7G21 and SS7G22 Hardware Manual addresses the
The full title of the hardware manual is:
•Dialogic®SS7G21 and SS7G22 Signaling Servers Hardware Manual –
8
