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

Application

Application

Application

#0

#1

#N

Ethernet

API Layer/Ethernet Driver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAP or INAP or IS41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISUP

 

TUP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Configuration

 

 

 

TCAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCCP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTP Levels 1-3

SIU 520

Figure 1. Structure of the Intel® NetStructure™ SIU520 SS7 Signaling Gateway

Overview of SIU Operation

The Intel NetStructure SIU520 SS7 signaling gateway is an SS7 network access product that provides a resilient interface to SS7 networks via a TCP/IP local area net- work (LAN). As shown in Figure 1, SIU520 software includes SS7 protocol layers, as well as a configuration and management module. The SIU520 supports multiple SS7 signaling links within the same pulse code modula- tion (PCM) trunk interface or over multiple PCM trunks. The SIU examines the timeslots carrying the SS7 informa- tion and processes them accordingly, outputting this data to the LAN using TCP/IP. Similarly, it takes commands from the TCP/IP LAN and converts those to SS7 signals for transmission to the SS7 network. In the receive direc- tion, information is conveyed to the user application in structured messages placed in a sequential queue.

For both circuit- and transaction-related operations, the SIU520 provides the ability to automatically distribute signaling information between a number of physically independent application platforms, thus providing a degree of fault tolerance within the application space.

The SS7 signaling may be presented from the network multiplexed in a timeslot on an E-1 (2.048 MB/s) or T-1 (1.544 MB/s, also known as DS1) bearer or by a V.35 (56/64 kb/s) synchronous serial interface.

For telephony operation (using a telephony layer 4 protocol such as ISUP or TUP), if the SS7 signaling is multiplexed onto a PCM bearer, the voice circuits may be passed transparently through the SIU to the application platform that terminates the physical circuits (see Figure 2).

Circuit-switched API Operation

The message-based application programming interface (API) operates transparently over TCP/IP Ethernet, using software modules provided by Intel. For circuit-switched (telephony) applications, each application platform termi- nates and hence controls a fixed range of physical cir- cuits, or circuit identification codes (CICs). CICs are con- figured in groups of up to 32, each group normally equating to all the circuits in a single E-1 or T-1 trunk. Each group is terminated on a fixed application platform or host processor, enabling the SIU to automatically direct API messages to the correct platform.

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Intel SIU520 SS7 manual Siu, Circuit-switched API Operation
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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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