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Signaling System 7 (SS7)
PDF of this tutorial5. Basic Signaling Architecture
Figure 4 shows a small example of how the basic elements of an SS7 network are deployed to form two interconnected networks.
Figure 4. Sample Network
The following points should be noted:
- STPs W and X perform identical functions. They are redundant. Together, they are referred to as a mated pair of STPs. Similarly, STPs Y and Z form a mated pair.
- Each SSP has two links (or sets of links), one to each STP of a mated pair. All SS7 signaling to the rest of the world is sent out over these links. Because the STPs of a mated pair are redundant, messages sent over either link (to either STP) will be treated equivalently.
- The STPs of a mated pair are joined by a link (or set of links).
- Two mated pairs of STPs are interconnected by four links (or sets of links). These links are referred to as a quad.
- SCPs are usually (though not always) deployed in pairs. As with STPs, the SCPs of a pair are intended to function identically. Pairs of SCPs are also referred to as mated pairs of SCPs. Note that they are not directly joined by a pair of links.
- Signaling architectures such as this, which provide indirect signaling paths between network elements, are referred to as providing quasi-associated signaling.
