Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

SIGNALLING IN TELECOMMUNICATION
1.0.

1.1.

Introduction A telecommunication network establishes and realizes temporary connections, in accordance with the instructions and information received from subscriber lines and inter exchange trunks, in form of various signals. Therefore, it is necessary to interchange information between an exchange and it external environment i.e. between subscriber lines and exchange, and between different exchanges. Though these signals may differ widely in their implementation they are collectively known as telephone signals. A signalling system uses a language which enables two switching equipments to converse for the purpose of setting up calls. Like any other language. it possesses a vocabulary of varying size and varying precision, ie. a list of signals which may also vary in size and a syntax in the form of a complex set of rules. governing the assembly of these signals.

1.2 2.0 2.1. 2.1.1

This handout discusses the growth of signalling and various type of signalling codes used in Indian Telecommunication. Types of signalling information The signaling information can be categorized under four main heads. Call request and Release information Call request information i.e. calling subscriber off hook or seizure signal or an incoming trunk, indicates a new call. On its receipt. the exchange connects an appropriate equipment for receiving address informaion ( called number). Release information i.e. on hook or release signal on a trunk indicates that the call is over. The exchange releases all the equipment held out for the call, and clears up any other information used for setting up at including the call.

2.1.2

Selection ( Address) information. When the exchange is ready to receive the address information. It sends back a request which is known as proceed to send (PTS) signal in trunk signaling and dial tone in subscriber signalling. Address information essentially comprises of full or part of the called subscribers number and possibly additional service data.

2.1.3

End of selection information This information indicates the status of the called line, or the reason for non completion of the call attempt, essentially indicating called line free or busy. Supervisory information It specifies the on/off hook condition of a called subscriber after the connection has been setup i. Called subscriber off hook called subscriber has answered and commence. charging may

2.1.4

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

ii.

Called subscriber on hook :-

Called subscriber has hung up to terminate the call, and the call is disconnected after a time delay if the calling subscriber does not hang up. The on/off-hook conditions of the calling subscriber are covered by call request and release information. 2.2. Call connection The interchange of signaling information can be illustrated with the help of a typical call connection sequence. The circled number in Fig. 1 correspond to the steps listed below A request for originating a call is initiated when the calling subscriber lifts the handset. ii. The exchange sends dial-tone to the calling subscriber to indicate to him to start dialling. iii. The called number is transmitted to the exchange, when the calling subscriber dials the number. iv. if the number is free, the exchange sends ringing current to him. v. Feed-back is provided to the calling subscriber by the exchange by sending. a. Ring-back tone, if the called subscriber is free(shown in fig.1) b. Busy tone if the called subscriber is busy ( not shown in figure), or c. Recorded message, if provision exists, for non completion of call due to some other constraint ( not shown in figure). vi. The called subscriber indicates acceptance of the incoming call by lifting the handset CALLING TERMINATING CALLED SUBSCRIBER vii. SUBSCRIBER The exchange ORIGINATING recognizing the acceptance terminates the ringing current and the EXCHANGE EXCHANGE ring-back tone, and establishes a connection between the calling and called subscribers.
LINE TRUNK LINE

i.

ON HOOK OFF-HOOK
DIAL TONE

ON HOOK

ON HOOK TIME

(ADDRESS)
2 3

CONNECT

3 10
ADDRESS
AUDIBLE RINGING TONE

RINGING (20 MHz)

6
OFF-HOOK

OFF-HOOK(ANSWER)
AUDIBLE RINGING TERMINATED

(ANSWER RINGING TERMINATED

SUBSCRIBERS CONNECTED

ON HOOK

OCONVERSATION ENSURES

ON HOOK

DISCONNECT

FIGURE 1. SIGNALLING ON A TYPICAL COMPLETED CALL

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

viii.

The connection is released when either subscriber replaces the handset. When the called subscriber is in a different exchange, the following inter-exchange trunk. signal functions are also involved, before the call can be set up. ix The originating exchange seizes an idle inter exchange trunk, connected to a digit register at the terminating exchange. x. The originating exchange sends the digit. The steps iv to viii are then performed to set up the call. 3.0. 3.1 Signalling Telephony started with the invention of magneto telephone which used a magneto to generate the ringing current, the only signal, sent ver a dedicated line between two subscribers. The need for more signals was felt with the advent of manual switching. Two additional signals were, therefore, introduced to indicate call request and call release. The range of signals increased further with the invention of electro-mechanical automatic exchanges and is still growing further at a very fast pace, after the advent of SPC electronic exchanges. Subscriber Line signalling Calling Subscriber Line Signaling In automatic exchanges the power is fed over the subscribers loop by the centralized battery at the exchange. Normally, it is 48 V. The power is fed irrespective of the state of the subscriber, viz., idle, busy or talking.

3.2 3.2.1

3.2.1.1 Call report When the subscriber is idle, the line impedance is high. The line impedance falls, as soon as, the subscriber lifts the hand-set, resulting in increase of line current. This is detected as a new call signal and the exchange after connecting an appropriate equipment to receive the address information sends back dial-tone signal to the subscriber. 3.2.1.2 Address signal After the receipt of the dial tone signal, the subscriber proceeds to send the address digits. The digits may be transmitted either by decade dialing or by multifrequency pushbutton dialling. 1. Decadic Dialling The address digits may be transmitted as a sequence of interruption of the DC loop by a rotary dial or a decadic push-button key pad. The number of interruption (breaks) indicate the digit, exept0, for which there are 10 interruptions. The rate of such interruptions is 10 per second and the make/break ration is 1:2. There has to be a inter-digital pause of a few hundred milliseconds to enable the exchange to distinguish between consecutive digits. This method is, therefore, relatively slow and signals cannot be transmitted during the speech phase. 2. Multifrequency Push-button Dialling This method overcomes the constraints of the decadic dialling. It uses two sets of four voice frequencies. pressing a button (key), generates a signal comprising of two frequencies. one from each group. Hence, it is also called Dual-Tone Multi-frequency (DTMF) dialling. The signal is transmitted as long as the key is kept pressed. This

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

provides 16 different combinations. As there are only 10 digits, at present the highest frequency, viz., 1633 Hz, is not used and only 7 frequencies are used, as shown in Fig.2. By this method, the dialling time is reduced and almost 10 digits can be transmitted per second. As frequencies used lie in the speech band, information may be transmitted during the speech phase also, and hence, DTMF telephones can be used as access teminals to a variety of systems, such as computers with voice output. The tones have been so selected as to minimize harmonic interference and probability of simulation by human voice.

FIGURE 2. TONE-DIALLING FREQUENCY GROUPS. 3.2.1.3 End of selection signal The address receiver is disconnected after the receipt of complete address. After the connection is established or if the attempt has failed the exchange sends any one of the following signals. 1. Ring-back tone to the calling subscriber and ringing current to the called subscriber, if the called line is free. 2. Busy-tone to the calling subscriber, if the called line is busy or otherwise inaccessible. 3. Recorded announcement to the calling subscriber, if the provision exists, to indicate reasons for call failure, other than called line busy. Ring back, tone and ringing current are always transmitted from the called subscriber local exchange and busy tone and recorded announcements, if any, by the equipment as close to the calling subscriber as possible to avoid unnecessary busying of equipment and trunks.

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

3.2.1.4 Answer Back Signal As soon as the called subscriber lifts the handset, after ringing, a battery reversal signal is transmitted on the line of the calling subscriber. This may be used to operate special equipment attached to the calling subscriber, e.g., short-circuiting the transmitter of a CCB, till a proper coin is inserted in the coin-slot. 3.2.1.5 Release signal When the calling subscriber releases i.e., goes on hook, the line impedance goes high. The exchange recognizing this signal, releases all equipment involved in the call. This signal is normally of more than 500 milliseconds duration. 3.2.1.6 Permanent Line (PG) Signal Permanent line or permanent glow (PG) signal is sent to the calling subscriber if he fails to release the call even after the called subscriber has gone on-hook and the call is released after a time delay. The PG signal may also be sent, in case the subscriber takes too long to dial. It is normally busy tone. 3.2.2 Called subscriber line signals. 3.2.2.1 Ring Signal On receipt of a call to the subscriber whose line is free, the terminating exchange sends the ringing current to the called telephone. This is typically 25 or 50Hz with suitable interruptions. Ring-back tone is also fed back to the calling subscriber by the terminating exchange. 3.2.2.2 Answer Signal When the called subscriber, lifts the hand-set on receipt of ring, the line impedance goes low. This is detected by the exchange which cuts off the ringing current and ring-back tone. 3.2.2.3 Release Signal If after the speech phase, the called subscriber goes on hook before the calling subscriber, the state of line impedance going high from a low value, is detected. The exchange sends a permanent line signal to the calling subscriber and releases the call after a time delay, if the calling subscriber fails to clear in the meantime. 3.2.3 Register Recall Signal With the use of DTMF telephones, it is possible to enhance the services, e.g., by dialing another number while holding on to the call in progress, to set up a call to a third subscriber. The signal to recall the dialling phase during the talking phase, is called Register Recall Signal. It consists of interruption of the calling subscribers loop for duration less than the release signal. it may be of 200 to 320 milliseconds duration. Inter-exchange Signaling 3.3.1 Inter-exchange signaling can be transmitted over each individual inter exchange trunk. The signals may be transmitted using the same frequency band as for speech signals (inband signaling), or using the frequencies outside this band (out-of-band signaling). The signaling may be i. Pulsed The signal is transmitted in pulses. Change from idle condition to one of active states for a particular duration characterizes the signal, e.g., address information

3.3

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

ii. Continuous The signal consists of transition from one condition to another, a steady state condition does not characterizes any signal. iii. Compelled It is similar to the pulsed mode but the transmission is not of fixed duration but condones till acknowledgement of the receiving unit is received back at the sending unit. It is a highly reliable mode of signal transmission of complex signals. 3.3.2 Line signals

3.3.2.4 The simplest cheapest, and most reliable system of signaling on trunks, was DC signaling, also known as metallic loop signaling, exactly the same as used between the subscriber and exchange, i.e., i. Circuit seizure/release corresponding to off/on-hook signal of subscriber. ii. Address information in the from of decade pulses. the

3.3.2.2 In-Band and Out-of-Band Signals Exchanges separated by long distance cannot use any form of DC line signaling. Suitable interfaces have to be interposed between them, for conversion of the signals into certain frequencies, to enable them to be carried over long distance. A signal frequency (SF) may be used to carry the on/off hook information. The dialing pulses can also be transmitted by pulsing of the states. The number of signals is small and they can be transmitted in-band or out-of band. The states involved are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1. CONDITION SINGLE FREQUENCY SIGNALING STATES TONE SIGNAL Forward On off on off off on On on off/on off on off Backward

State Idle (On hook) FORWARD Seizure(off hook) Release (on hook) BACKWARD Answer(off hook) Clear Back (on hook) Blocking (off hook)

For in band signaling the tone frequency is chosen to be 2600Hz. or 2400 Hz. As the frequency lies within the speech band, simulation of tone-on condition indicating end-of call signal by the speech, has to be guarded against, for pre-mature disconnection. Out-of- Band signaling overcomes the problem of tone on condition imitation by the speech by selecting a tone frequency of 3825 Hz which is beyond the speech band. However, this adds up to the hard-ware costs. 3.3.2.3 E & M Signals E & M lead signaling may be used for signaling on per-trunk basis. An additional pair of circuit, reserved for signaling is employed. One wire is dedicated to the forward signals

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

((M-Wire for transmit or mouth) which corresponds to receive or R-lead of the destination exchange, and the other wire dedicated to the backward signals (E-wire for receive or ear) which corresponds transmit or send wire or S-Lead of the destination exchange. The signaling states are shown in table2.

TABLE 2. E & M SIGNALING STATES State Idle (On hook) FORWARD seizure (off hook) Release (On hook) BACKWARD Answer (off hook) Clear Back (On hook) Blocking Outgoing Exchange M- lead E-lead Earth Open Battery Earth battery battery Earth Open Earth/open Earth Open Earth Incoming Exchange M- lead Elead Earth Open Earth Battery/Earth Battery Earth Battery Earth Open Earth earth Open

This type of signaling is normally used in conjunction with an interface to change the E & M signals into frequency signal to be carried along with the speech. 3.3.3 3.3.3.1 Register Signals It was, however felt that the trunk service could not be managed properly without the trunk register which basically is an address digit receiver, with such development, the inter-exchange signaling was sub- divided into two categories. 1. Line signaling in which the signals operate throughout the duration of call, and 2. Register signaling during the relatively short phase of setting up the call, essentially for transmitting the address information.

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

forward signal time signal cessation time recognition

signal cessation recognition

outgoing register incomming register

2-and-2only signal recognition acknowledgement backward signal and request for next signal compelled signal sequence

next forward signal acknowledgement backward signal

receiving

Sending

Fig.3. Compelled signalling procedure In other words, register signals are interchanged between registers during a phase between receipt of trunk seizure signal and the exchange switching to the speech phase. These signals are proceed-to-send (PTS) signals, address, signals, and signals indicating the result of the call attempt. The register signals may be transmitted in band or out of band. however, in the latter case, the signaling is relatively slow and only limited range of signals may be used. For example, a single out-of-band frequency may be selected and information sent as pulses. In-band transmission can be used easily as there can be no possible interference with the speech signals. To reduce transmission time and to increase reliability, a number of frequencies are used in groups. Normally 2 out of 6 frequencies are used. To make the system more reliable compelled sequence is used. Hence, this system is normally called compelled sequence Multi-frequency (CSMF) signaling as shown in Fig.3. In CCITT terminology it is termed as R2 system. As the frequencies need be transmitted only for a short duration to convey the entire information, the post dialling delay is reduced. 3.3.3.2 When more than two exchanges are involved in setting up the connections the signaling may be done in either of the two modes i. End-to-end signaling The signaling is always between the ends of the connection, as the call progresses. Considering a three exchanges, A-B-C, connection, initially the signaling is between A-B, then between A-C after the B-C connection is established. ii. Link-By-Link signaling

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

The signaling is always confined to individual links. Hence, initially the signaling is between A-B, then between B-C after the B-C connection is established. Generally supervisory (or line) and subscriber signaling is necessarily on link-by-link basis. Address component may be signalled either by end-to-end or link-by-link depending upon the network configuration. 3.3.3.3 R2 Signalling CCITT standardized the R2 signaling system to be used on national and international routes. However, the Indian environment requires lesser number of signals and hence, a slightly modified version is being used. There is a provision for having 15 combinations using two out of six frequencies viz., 1380, 1500, 1620, 1740, 1860 and 1980 Hz, for forward signals and another 15 combination using two out of six frequencies viz., 1140,1020, 900, 780, 660 and 540 Hz, for backward signals. In India, the higher frequency in the forward group i.e., 1980 Hz, and the lower frequency in the backward group, i.e., 540 hz, are not used. Thus, there are 10 possible combinations in both the directions. The weight codes for the combinations used are indicated in Table 3 and the significance of each signal is indicated in Table 4 and 5. TABLE 3- SIGNAL FREQUENCY INDEX AND WEIGHT CODE Signal Frequency (Hz) Forward Backward Index Weight Code 1380 1140 f0 0 1500 1020 f1 1 1620 900 f2 2 1740 780 f3 4 1860 660 f4 7

Signal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0+1 0+2 1+2 0+4 1+4 2+4 0+7 1+7 2+7 4+7

TABLE 4-FORWARD SIGNALS Weight Group I Digit 1 Digit2 Digit3 Digit4 Digit5 Digit6 Digit7 Digit8 Digit9 Digit0

Group II Ordinary subscriber Subscriber with priority Test / Mtce, equipment Spare STD Barred Spare CCB Changed Number to Operator Closed Number Closed Number Spare

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

10

Signal No. 1 2 3

TABLE 5 -BACKWARD SIGNALS Weight Code Group A 0+1 Send next digit 0+2 1+2 Restart Address complete, Changeover to reception of group B signals Calling line identification for malicious calls send calling subscribers category Set up speech connection Send last but 1 digit Snd last but 2 digit Snd last but 3 digit Spare

Group B Called line free with out metering Changed number Called line busy

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

0+4 1+4 2+4 0+7 1+7 2+7 4+7

Local congestion Number unobtainable called line fee, with metering Route congestion Spare Route Breakdown Malicious call blocking

Note : Signals A2, and A7 to A9 are used in Tandem working only. It can be seen from the tables that 1. Forward signals are used for sending the address information of the called subscriber, and category and address, information of the calling subscriber. 2. Backward signals are used for demanding address information and callers category and for sending condition and category of called line.

R2 signaling is fully compelled and the backward signal is transmitted as an acknowledgement to the forward signal. This speeds up the interchange of information, reducing the call set up time. However, the satellite circuits are an exception and semicompelled scheme may only be used due to long propagation time. Register signals may be transmitted on end-to-end basis. It is a self checking system. Each signal is acknowledgement appropriately at the other end after the receiver checks the presence of only 2 and only 2 out of 5 proper frequencies. 3.3.3.4 An example of CSMF signaling between two exchanges may be illustrated by considering a typical case. The various signals interchanged after seizure of the circuit using DC signaling are 1. originating exchange sends first digit 2. Receipt of the digit is acknowledged by the terminating sending A5 (demanding the callers category). exchanges by

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

11

3.

A5 is acknowledgement by sending any 11-1 to 11-5 by the originating exchange 4. Terminating exchange acknowledges this by A1, demanding for next digit. 5. Originating exchange, acknowledges A1 by sending any of 1-1 to 1-10 sending the digit. 6. The digits are sent in succession by interchange of steps v and vi. 7. On receipt of last digit, the terminating exchange carries out group and line selection and then sends A3, indicating switching over to group B signals. 8. This is acknowledgement by the originating exchange by sending the callers category again. 9. The terminating exchange acknowledgements by sending the called line condition by sending any of B2 to B6. 10. In response to B6, the originating exchanges switches through the speech path and the registers are released. Alternatively, in response to B2 to B5, the registers are released and appropriate tone is fed to the calling subscriber by the originating exchange. 4.0 4.1 Digital Signalling All, the systems discussed so far, basically, are on per line or per trunk basis, as the signals are carried on the same line or trunk. With the emergence of PCM systems, it was possible to segregate the signaling from the speech channel. Inter exchange signalling can be transmitted over a channel directly associated with the speech channel, channel-associated signalling (CAS) , or over a dedicated link common to a number of channels, common channel signalling (CCS). The information transmitted for setting up and release of calls is same in both the cases. Channel associated signalling requires the exchanges, to have access to each trunk via the equipment which may be decentralised, whereas, in common channel signalling, the exchange is connected to only a limited number of signalling links through a special terminal. 4.2 Channel- Associated signalling In the PCM systems the signalling information is conveyed on a separate channel which is rigidly associated with the speech channel. Hence, this method is known as channel associated signalling (CAS). Though the speech sampling rate is 8 Khz, the signals do not change as rapidly as speech and hence, a lower sampling rate of 500 Hz, for digitisation of signals can suffice. Based on this concept, TS 16 of each frame of 125 microseconds is used to carry signals of 2 speech channels, each using 4 bits. Hence, for a 30 channel PCM system, 15 frames are required to carry all the signals. To constitute a 2 millisecond multiframe of 16 frames. F 0 to F 15 TS 16 of the frame F 0 is used for multiframe synchronisation. TS 16 of F1 contains signal for speech channels 1 and 16 being carried in TS 1 and TS 17, repectively, TS16 of F2 contains signals of speech channels 2 and 17 being carried in TS2 and TS 18, respectively and so on, Both line signals and address information can be conveyed by this method. Although four bits per channel are available for signalling only two bits are used. As the transmission is separate in the forward and backward direction, the bits in the forward link are called af and bf, and those in the backward link are called ab and bb. Values for these bits are assigned as shown in Table 6.

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

12

As the dialling pulses are also conveyed by these conditions, the line state recognition time is therefore, above a threshold value. The bit bf is normally kept at 0, and the value 1 indicates a fault. However, the utilisation of such a dedicated channel for signalling for each speech channel is highly inefficient as it remains idle during the speech phase. Hence, another form of signalling known as common-channel signalling evolved. State Idle Seizure Seizure acknowledge Answer Clear Forward Clear Back 4.3 4.3.1 Forward af 1 0 0 0 1 0 Bit Value backword. bf ab 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0/1 1

bb 0 0 1 1 1 1

Common channel signalling Common channel signalling (CCS) overcomes the efficiency of the CAS. In this method, the signalling channel for a circuit is allotted only for the duration of signalling. A separate data-link dedicated to signalling only, is used for the purpose, as shown in Fig.4.

SIG OFFICE A SIG SIG

TRUNKS

SIG SIG SIG OFFICE B

(a) Per - trunk signalling

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13

OFFICE C
PROCESSOR

OFFICE D
PROCESSOR

CCIS SIG

CCIS SIG

(b) Common - channel inter - exchange signalling

CCS SIG Common-Channel Inter-exchange Signalling Equipment SIG per trunk Signalling Equipment Figure 4. Inter-exchange Signalling Techniques In other words, CCS has a pool of signalling channels which are allocated to a speech circuit, only when the later has any requirements of signalling. Hence, the speech circuits may have to queue up for a spare signalling circuit. Therefore, the dimensioning of the pool capacity will depend on the acceptable level of service, and expected signalling content and frequency per speech circuit. By using this technique, the signalling equipment can be centralised and made more compact resulting in advantages of space saving and economy. However, this technique can be used only by the SPC exchanges for inter processor signalling. 4.3.2 Iner-Processor signalling In the inter processor signalling, there is a total departure from the conventional signalling. Instead of exchanging DC signals, tones, frequencies or bit patterns for hundreds of milliseconds, a single data nessage of 40 to 50 millisecond is sufficient for conveying the entire information. The signalling word, also called, signalling unit (SU), is divided into sub words or fields containing bits to represent. 1. Actual signal message, i.e., speech circuit number, service indicator (telephone,data etc.,) and signal information (directory number, etc.) 2. Transfer control, i.e., informatin for synchronisation, message numbering and acknowledgement of receipt. 3. Error protection , i.e., redundant bits for detection of transmission error. 4.3.3 Message Transfer Procedure The contents of the transfer control section depend upon the procedure or protocol adopted for message transfer which essentially concerns synchronisation and error correction.

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

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4.3.3.1 Synchronisation Synchronisation is required at several levels at 1. data link level to recover bit timing. 2. message level to detect the start and end of messages and 3. message sequence level to identify each message in a series of messages received so that retransmission can be requested if necessary. 4.3.3.2 Error protection To detect and correct transmission errors, redundancy must be provided in the transmitted information, if there is no provision of requesting retransmission of the information. However, if a return channel is available only error detection, redundancy is necessary and retransmission of the signal can be requested if the signal is mutilated. 4.4 Practical CCS systems Currently a signalling system termed as CCITT no.6, recommended by CCITT is in use . another system termed as CCITT No.7 is being experimented for compatibility with ISDN. The signalling data is interchanged in digital streams between the two processors via a special dedicated signalling interface. CCITT No.6 System It is designed for use with all types of international circuits, including satellite circuits. Signalling can be carried over 2400 bits/second over analog links, or at 4 K bits/second over digital links . The information is transmitted in the form of 28 bit signal units, as shown in.

4.4.1

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

15

Fig5 (a) organised as block of 12 signal units. Error protection is through an error detecting code and repeat transmission of mutilated message Fig.5 Typical message formats. The shaded area represent spare bit fields. 4.4.2 CCITT No. 7 System In view of the introduction of an unprecedented range of new services and facilities for subscriber, operating companies and telecommunications networks, a new system has been evolved which will be suitable for the international network (terrestrial and satellite links) and national network with optional performance in digital network. The signal unit is shown in Fig. 5 (b). The functional breakdown of the system is as under :i. Level 1 is the signalling data link, comprising of an analog or digital transmission medium with a bit rate from 2400 bit/s to 64 K bit/s. ii. Level 2 is the signalling link function which includes trnsferring the signalling message over the data link in a signal unit, signal unit delimitation transmission error detection and correction, and signalling link failure detection and recovery. iii. Level 3 distributes messages between users and the signalling link. iv. Level 4 groups the various user parts. In addition to call processing the function of the users may include network administration and maintenance. 4.5 Advantages of CCS The other advantages of CCS, in addition to space saving are :-

Fundamentals of electronic Exchanges

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i.

4.5 4.51

Faster call set up by cutting down the post dialler delay. In SPC environment setting up a call via two transit centres takes just 0.8 second with CCS, compared to 3.5 seconds with MF signalling. ii. New services can be made available with a better quality. For example, setting up a call with abbreviated dialling facility and routed via two transit centres, takes just 3 seconds with CCS, as compared to 12 seconds required by the network using CAS, moreover it is also possible to use additional services, as it is possible to transmit signals during speech phase also. iii. More call completion is possibly by re routing the call without increasing the call set up time to an unacceptable level. iv. In MF signalling system it is possible for a clever subscriber to access the system by generating of generally used signalling tones. By generating tones. of the correct frequency and at the correct time, such a phone- phreak can make long distance calls without being charged thus resulting in loss of revenue, However, phone phreak phree calls are not possible in CCS, as the signalling link is totally separate from the speech link. v. Unified signalling system is possible to provide all existing and envisage services as required under the integrated services Digital Network (ISDN). vi. Modem network management will be possible by provision of an efficient means of collecting information and transmitting orders for technical operation and maintenance of the network. vii. Traffic engineering becomes more efficient. The speech circuits requirements will go down because of substantial reduction of ineffective traffic. This advantage itself is sufficient to make additional cost of signalling link cost effective. Moreover, as large amount of data is available in shorter time span, the real time load on the processor will come down resulting in increase in its efficiency by almost 20% Constraints of CCS As in CCS more processing of the signalling is required, the cost of hardware and software for the signalling interface will be more. In addition to this, there would be following constraints of the network. i. As a single data link carries signalling information of a large number of speech circuits, its failure would result in immobilisation of all these speech circuits. Distribution of interface functions Signalling functions are distributed between subscriber line units and junctures according to the nature of the path set up through the switching network. Electromechanical switching networks As ringing current and power feed can pass through the metallic switching network, their distribution is centralised at the junctor level for all lines. The lines units are employed only when the lines are idle and during PG conditions. The line units are disconnected once the lines are connected to a junctor. Thus the functions of line unit are power feed to idle line, and detection of significant event, e.g., off hook and end of PG condition. The functions of a junctor are power feed during speech phase, ringing current connections and tripping, loop supervision, transmission of tones and recorded announcements and carrying out inter exchange signaling.

5.0 5.1 5.2

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17

5.3

Electronic Switching Networks. As the ringing current and power feed current cannot pass through the electronic crosspoints, they must be connected at the line unit level only. Moreover in view of the electronic nature of the switching network, lines and trunks must be isolated to prevent over voltages damaging the exchange equipment. Hence, the line unit has to provide additional function as viz, power feed to the line regardless of staus loops supervision, and ringing current connection and tripping. This results in considerable simplification of design of junctor whose internal functions can be totally eliminated by using dedicated tone junctors to transmit tones.

6.0 6.1

Conclusion Looking back over the years, it can be seen that there has been substantial increase in the services, provided by the telecommunication network. The signalling system had to grow along with to ensure efficient provision of these services. With the introduction of computers in the field of telecommunications, new vistas of services have opened up. The signalling system is also comming abreast to make these services a reality.