Building Fault-tolerant SS7 Systems Using the Intel® NetStructure™ SIU520 SS7 Signaling Gateway Application Note

Abstract

In order to achieve five-nines (99.999%) reliability and a high degree of fault tolerance in an SS7 environment using Intel® NetStructure™ SIU520 signaling gateways, an SS7 end point spread over two signaling interface units (SIUs) and multiple application servers can be configured and deployed. Splitting the protocol processing functionality of a signaling point by implementing an SS7 node over two SIUs isolates the hardware processors on the chassis from each other. This separation lets one processor continue if the other fails, allowing the system to remain in service. Distributing application processing of a signaling point on multiple application servers not only increases the total capacity of a system, but also offers a higher level of fault tolerance in the user application space.

Intel NetStructure SS7 products are designed for this dual-processor approach and provide the architecture for splitting a point code over two active SS7 protocol engines. Using this technique, the links in an SS7 link set can be spread between two separate chassis when Intel NetStructure SS7 boards are installed in each.

This document describes the features of the SIU520 SS7 signaling gateway that are available to build SS7 solutions and reach the five-nines requirements of telco-grade service platforms.

Introduction

This application note describes the architecture of the Intel NetStructure SIU520 signaling gateway, reviews the most common potential points of failure of an SS7 system based on this product, and explains methods that can mitigate each of these potential failure points. This document also explains in detail the configuration and run-time operation considerations of a dual-resilient SIU520-based system.

Because of the high expectation of service reliability by the users of public telephone networks, equipment manufacturers and system integrators demand high levels of fault tolerance and availability, often citing the five-nines for availability (requiring a system to be operational for 99.999% of the time).

These systems need to continue to offer service even when partial hardware or software failure has occurred. There are several well-known methods of achieving this type of reaction to partial failure in the signaling component of communications networks, including:

■Multiple signaling paths (SS7 links and link sets) to each end point

■Distribution of these paths through independent inter- faces and cabling

■Distribution of the processing of SS7 terminations at a single signaling point between multiple processing cards in a single SIU

■Physical isolation and duplication of the SS7 interface for a single signaling point on independent protocol engines sharing a single point code

■Splitting the functionality of the application layer between multiple application servers

The first method can be achieved by implementing multi- ple links (64 Kb/s or 56 Kb/s channels) between two adjacent inter-communicating points. (By definition, these links will all be in the same link set.) The last two can be accomplished by using two independent, but co-operat- ing, SIU520s relaying the SS7 signaling to a distributed application layer split over multiple application hosts.

Note: Readers should be familiar with Signaling System 7 (SS7) concepts. They should also be aware that the information contained in this application note is provided as a complement to the Intel NetStructure SIU520 Developer’s Manual; hence, an understanding of the terms defined in the developer’s manual is assumed.

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Intel SIU520 SS7 manual Abstract
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SIU520 SS7 specifications

The Intel SIU520 SS7 is a significant advancement in the realm of telecommunications, specifically designed for seamless signaling in a wide array of telecommunication infrastructures. As a part of Intel's pioneering suite of products, the SIU520 plays a critical role in managing signaling for telephony systems that require efficient handling of SS7 protocols.

One of the main features of the SIU520 is its support for the SS7 signaling protocol, which is pivotal for the establishment and management of telephone calls over traditional circuit-switched networks. With its robust design, the SIU520 ensures reliability in signaling, contributing to the reduction of call set-up times and the minimization of errors, thus enhancing the overall quality of communication services.

The SIU520 incorporates advanced technologies such as high-speed data processing capabilities, allowing it to handle multiple signaling messages concurrently. This is particularly important in environments with high call volumes, where efficient processing can significantly affect the performance of telecommunication services. Furthermore, the architecture of the SIU520 is designed for scalability, enabling easy integration into existing infrastructures while accommodating future expansions as demand increases.

Another characteristic that sets the SIU520 apart is its support for various signaling types beyond standard SS7, including ISDN and SIP. This makes it a versatile tool for service providers aiming to offer diverse services, such as voice, video, and data communications. The SIU520 is also designed with a focus on interoperability, which ensures that it can effectively communicate with equipment from different manufacturers, thus providing flexibility in deployment.

In terms of security features, the SIU520 is architected to withstand common threats in the communication landscape. It employs encryption and authentication protocols to safeguard signaling traffic, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected during transmission.

In summary, the Intel SIU520 SS7 represents a robust and flexible signaling solution crucial for modern telecommunications. With its support for multiple protocols, high processing speeds, scalability, and secure communication capabilities, it stands as a testament to Intel's commitment to advancing telecommunication technologies and enhancing the efficiency and reliability of communication networks worldwide.
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