1

Introduction
Acronyms
ANSI CCITT American National Standards Institute the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee CCITT common channel signaling system no. 7 digital subscriber signaling 1 European Telecommunication Standard Institute Integrated services digital network ISDN user part International Telecommunication UnionTelecommunication Standardization Sector MTP PDH PRS PSTN QOS SCCP SDH SONET SP STP Message Transfer Part plesiochronous digital hierarchy primary reference source public switched telephone network quality of service Signaling Connection Control Part synchronous digital hierarchy synchronous optical network signaling point signal transfer point

CCS 7 DSS 1 ETSI ISDN ISUP ITU-T

The vision of uniting the world into a single cohesive unit is perhaps as old as human civilization. This dream has persisted through the centuries, despite divisions, conflicts, and wars. Modern telecommunication technology offers a step in this direction by bridging distances through reliable, efficient, and enhanced communication services anytime, anywhere. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) technology is central to the modernization of telecommunication networks throughout the world. It is also one of the themes of this book. The increasing deployment of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) in recent years is based on several sound reasons. First, the existing public switched telephone network (PSTN) is ubiquitous in which massive investments have already been made. Clearly, modernization of the telephone network must follow a course that exploits existing infrastructure. ISDN fits the bill, because it represents an evolutionary approach in which the PSTN is progressively converted to ISDN by suitable upgrades that need comparatively modest investments. Second, ISDN offers an impressive array of services involving voice, data, image, and text. It is an integrated umbrella network that embraces both circuit switched and packet switched services and provides functionality that was hitherto unavailable in existing networks, either singly or jointly. Thus, from the angle of services, ISDN permits a quantum jump. Third, ISDN is the outcome of several years of international standardization at the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT; now ITU-T, or International Telecommunication UnionTelecommunication Standardization Sector). This has been backed by standardization at 1

Chapter 1 Introduction
the regional level by bodies such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the European Telecommunication Standard Institute (ETSI). Thus, the ISDN offers well-standardized services. Fourth, ISDN has the potential of becoming a ubiquitous telecommunication network as the existing PSTN changes as a result of its evolution to ISDN. This alone is a major driving force in the development of new services, applications, and customer premises equipment based on the ISDN communication platform. Fifth, telecommunication networks typically incorporate more than one generation of equipment. Modernization of a large network takes several years to accomplish and is dictated by the useful life of the existing equipment and other economic factors. For example, the process of digitalization that began in the late 1960s is nearing completion now and only in the most advanced networks. Parts of the telecommunication network are still analog. Therefore, there is a need for the "new" to interwork harmoniously with the "old" and to provide backward compatibility. ISDN interworks well with the existing PSTN, packet, and other networks. As the second half of its name suggests, ISDN requires a digital network consisting of digital switching and transport network. From this starting point, it takes three steps to accomplish an ISDN (Figure 1-1): Digital network synchronization CCITT common channel signaling system no. 7 (CCS 7) Implementation of ISDN functionality The first two steps are prerequisites that should exist in the PSTN to permit its upgradation to ISDN. They are critical to the implementation of the ISDN since without synchronization, there can be no CCS 7, and without CCS 7, the ISDN is not feasible. For this reason, synchronization and CCS 7 are strongly emphasized in this book. It may be noted, however, that although synchronization and CCS 7 are essential for the ISDN, their application is by no means limited to ISDN alone. Long before the implementation of ISDN, the need for slip control was realized, and network synchronization was implemented in several countries in an essentially non-ISDN environment. Likewise, CCS 7 is a signaling system that can be applied for telephony, ISDN, and a variety of other applications. We now turn our attention to the organization and contents of the book.

ISDN Network Evolution ISDN

CCS 7
Network Synchronization PSTN

Figure 1-1

Three-step evolutionary ladder to ISDN.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Timing is a key element in the operation of modern digital networks, and synchronization is the means of providing it. Chapter 2 considers the basic concepts of network synchronization in a digital network. The mechanism of the occurrence of slips and network performance objectives for slip control are described. The parameters for clock behavior and the performance of different types of commercially available clocks are also explained. Specifications and typical configurations of reference timing sources in the context of the master-slave method of synchronization are discussed on the basis of relevant ITU-T and North American standards, and specifications of clocks to be used in the slave nodes at various hierarchical levels of the network are also presented. Jitter and wander have a major contribution in timing impairment. The jitter and wander permissible in digital networks are also discussed. Chapter 3 is devoted to practical issues concerning network synchronization. To this end, the discussion centers on planning, testing, and monitoring synchronization networks. Planning options are considered and guidelines for implementing a reliable synchronization network are provided. The implementation of a primary reference source (PRS), transport of timing between network nodes, and intrabuilding distribution of timing are also discussed. A critical element in the success of network synchronization is the quality of the slave clocks employed. To ensure that the slave clocks behave in conformance to prescribed standards, testing and validation assume significance. Therefore, considerable attention has been devoted to the testing methodology of slave clocks under the three possible modes of operation: unstressed, stressed, and holdover. Finally, issues involved in monitoring the performance of synchronized networks are discussed. Chapters 2 and 3 together cover network synchronization for a digital network operating on the plesiochronous digital hierarchy (PDH). Discussion of timing issues in PDH/SDH is taken up in Chapter 15. Chapter 4 is the first in a series of chapters on the CCITT common channel signaling system no. 7 (CCS 7). Although the acronym CCS 7 has been used in this book, SS7 and #7 are also used in the literature. CCS 7 is a new and powerful signaling system that forms the basis of many telecommunication services. Chapter 4 describes the principles of CCS 7, its advantages compared with channel-associated signaling, terminology, and CCS 7 network elements such as signaling point (SP), signal transfer point (STP), and signaling links. The organization of the CCS 7 protocol structure into levels is discussed and compared with the OSI seven-layer reference model. CCS 7 is organized into four levels. The three lower levels comprise the message transfer part (MTP) of the CCS 7 protocol stack and are common to all applications. The functions of the MTP are briefly explained. The discussion about the signaling data link (level 1) is completed in this chapter. Also discussed is level 4, namely, the various user parts that sit on top of the MTP. Chapter 4 briefly covers the signaling connection control part (SCCP), which is designed to enhance the capabilities of the MTP. The concepts of connectionless and connection-oriented services are highlighted in this context. Different possibilities such as overlap and en bloc signaling and also, link-by-link and end-to-end signaling are discussed. The concepts are explained by signaling schematics corresponding to different types of calls. Chapter 5 provides a general introduction to the ISDN, including the ISDN usernetwork interface reference configuration and ISDN protocol architecture. The physical layer of basic access ISDN covering the wiring, coding, framing, power feeding, and electrical characteristics at the ISDN interface is treated in depth. Layers 2 and 3 of the digital

Chapter 1 Introduction
subscriber signaling 1 (DSS 1) are discussed in Chapter 8. The line transmission and coding for basic access are also explained in Chapter 5, which concludes with a brief reference to ISDN primary rate access. Chapter 6 considers the functions of CCS 7 level 2, which is also referred to as the CCS 7 signaling link level. The formats of the three types of signal units are described. Various functions performed at this level (namely, signal unit delimitation and alignment, eiTor detection and correction, initial alignment, error monitoring, and flow control) are explained through illustrative examples. The role of various level 2 timers and their permissible values for the ITU-T and BELLCORE specifications are also presented. Chapter 7 deals with the signaling network functions (level 3) of CCS 7. Signaling network functions can be classified into two categories, signaling message handling and signaling network management. Both these aspects are explained with illustrative examples. Also included is a discussion on MTP restart procedure and congestion management in CCS 7 networks. The values of various level 3 timers are listed, and their roles are described. Chapter 8 discusses two important aspects of ISDN: the services that are provided under the ISDN and the protocols required to support these services. ISDN can support a wide range of services classified under three categories: bearer services, teleservices, and supplementary services. Each category is described in detail. International and European standards on supplementary services are also listed. ISDN protocols are referred to as digital subscriber signaling 1 (DSS 1). Chapter 8 comprehensively discusses both layer 2 and layer 3 DSS 1 protocols. The format and role of various layer 3 messages have been clearly brought out by describing the DSS 1 message flow for basic call control. The requirements for the control of calls involving supplementary services are also examined. This chapter completes the description of DSS 1 protocols. Chapter 9 provides an in-depth description of the ISDN user part (ISUP). ISUP provides call control functions for both telephony and ISDN calls. The general format of ISUP messages is followed by the ISUP signaling procedure for basic call control. Both en bloc and overlap signaling procedures are considered. The role of various ISUP messages is explained in the context of basic call control. The continuity check and supervision of speech/data circuit by the ISUP are also presented, as is the treatment of abnormal conditions such as dual seizures and the receipt of errored, unexpected, and unrecognizable messages. Various mechanisms of congestion control available in ISUP protocol are highlighted. Finally, the ISUP call setup procedure for calls that include supplementary services is considered. Chapter 10 focuses on the planning and implementation of CCS 7 in the national network. The performance objectives for the CCS 7 network as stipulated in ITU-T recommendations are described. CCS 7 network structures are presented through the specific example of the U.S. network. Different planning options are discussed and compared. The dimensioning of signaling links is described both for en bloc and overlap signaling, and the important performance parameters that need to be monitored in a CCS 7 network are enumerated. Finally, guidelines for formulation of national CCS 7 standards are provided by highlighting some of the key areas that should be addressed as part of this activity. Chapter 11 describes MTP and ISUP testing in CCS 7. The general requirements and functional characteristics of CCS 7 test equipment are also examined. Because CCS 7 protocol is organized in terms of levels, testing is performed for each level separately. The

Chapter 1 Introduction

set of tests based on relevant ITU-T recommendations necessary for both compatibility and validation testing are described for level 2, level 3, and ISUP. On-line tests for CCS 7 are also explained. Chapter 12 presents an overview of packet mode and frame mode bearer services in the ISDN. The call setup procedures for the minimum integration scenario (X.31, case A) and maximum integration scenario (X.31, case B) are described. Frame mode services are discussed with an emphasis on frame relaying. Protocols involved in the control (C) plane and the user (U) plane are also covered. Finally, the procedures for establishing frame mode connections in the ISDN are described on the basis of ITU-T recommendations. Chapter 13 examines various aspects related to planning and implementation of ISDN. Included in this chapter are marketing and policy-related issues, the selection of ISDN services and applications, ISDN customer premises equipment, issues concerning the determination of ISDN tariffs, and the impact on technical plans arising from the introduction of ISDN. Also discussed is the impact of ISDN traffic on switch capacity. Various strategies for implementation of ISDN are examined. The chapter concludes with a brief introduction to quality of service (QOS) and performance requirements in the ISDN. Chapter 14 is devoted to testing aspects in the ISDN. As for CCS 7, ISDN tests are conducted individually for each layer. Physical layer tests are described in detail. Considering the complexity and size of DSS 1 protocol, a large number of tests are prescribed for the validation of layers 2 and 3. The description of layer 2 and layer 3 tests is therefore limited to a discussion on the principles and framework of testing. The general principles of maintenance of ISDN access are also mentioned. Chapter 15 examines timing issues arising from the introduction of the synchronous optical network (SONET)/synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH). After a brief description of the SONET and SDH frame formats, the pointer mechanism employed in SONET/SDH network elements is explained. The problem of jitter arising from pointer adjustments is discussed, particularly at the boundary of SONET/SDH with the PDH. The need for specifying a new clock for SONET/SDH is explained. Many references listed at the end of each chapter relate to the recommendations and standards of international and regional standardization bodies. They are an authoritative source of information and need to be referred to for further study. Appendix 1 lists the addresses and other details of the various standardization bodies for procurement of these documents. Appendix 2 provides a list of ISUP messages along with their codes.