2.1. Using Global Call with SS7

The SS7 signaling system is a packet-switched data network that forms the backbone of the international telecommunications network. SS7 plays an important role in both wireline and wireless networks. SS7 provides two basic types of services:

• Call Control - SS7 provides fast and reliable common channel or out-of-band signaling for call control. At the heart of the SS7 call control function is a network of highly-reliable packet switches called Signal Transfer Points (STPs).
• Intelligent Network - The SS7 network enables the implementation of Intelligent Network (IN) and Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) services. SS7 messages traverse STPs and enlist the use of System Control Points (SCPs), Service Switching Points (SSPs) and Intelligent Peripherals to deliver these services to the user.

Global Call provides a common call control interface for applications, regardless of the signaling protocol needed to connect to the local telephone network. This manual describes the use of Global Call to perform call control functions in a network that supports SS7 signaling.

For SS7 and other protocols, Global Call provides a higher level of abstraction for call control, shielding application developers from the need to deal with the low-level details.

Note: Global Call covers only the call control aspects of SS7. It does not provide an API for other user parts such as TCAP and INAP.

Currently, Global Call SS7 supports the ISUP protocol (ANSI version T1.609 and ITU versions Q.761 to Q.764) and the TUP protocol.

Global Call supports the SS7 solutions implemented using Intel® NetStructure™ SS7 hardware and software. Solutions are based on the following hardware and software components:

• SS7 Interface Boards: Intel® NetStructure™ SS7 ISA (PCCS6), PCI, and CompactPCI boards
• Signaling Unit Interface (SIU)
• Intel® NetStructure™ SS7 Protocols

Note: The Intel® NetStructure™ SS7 ISA (PCCS6) boards are licensed to handle either 64 or 256 circuits. The SIUs can be licensed to handle up to 4,096 circuits and 16,384 circuits for the DSC131 and DSC231 boards respectively. Contact Intel for information about licensing.

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