The evolution of the SS7 signalling transfer point in a broadband (ATM) and intelligent network environment

This paper discusses the need for a signalling transfer point (STP) in an ATM based broadband signalling network. The role of the STP in routing the level 3 message transfer part (MTP3) messages within the existing signalling network is explored, including an overview of the use of the originating point code and destination point code. The types of signalling traffic that a signalling system number 7 (SS7) network is anticipated to transfer in a broadband environment is considered by reference to the ITU Q.73 functional model and an intelligent network environment. The functionality of the routing role of MTP3 is compared with the ATM switch's capabilities and the use of ATM permanent virtual channels (PVCs) to carry SS7 signalling messages beyond adjacent nodes is proposed as an alternative to STPs. An outline is given of the benefits and overheads that such a strategy would bring.