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    WHITE PAPER

    Understanding SIGTRAN YieldsMore Efficient Network Architectures

    By Tom Jenkins, Senior Director Xpress Products

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    White Paper: Understanding SIGTRAN Yields

    Copyright 2011 Performance Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Introduction

    In todays Signaling architecture, SIGTRAN capabilities are being used to overcome

    bandwidth constraints, reduce signaling transport cost, and to position the network

    for migration to the Next-Generation Network (NGN). A full understanding of

    the utilization and implementation of SIGTRAN is required to efciently design a

    network suitable for the transport of SS7 Signaling over IP. The major stumbling

    block to fully understanding SIGTRAN is that all available explanations relate to

    next-generation architecture, including Media Gateway Controllers (MGC), Media

    Gateways (MG), and Signaling Gateways (SG), with very little information regarding

    the traditional network elements or network topology.

    This paper will focus on the SIGTRAN Adaptation Layers. A cursory overview of

    SCTP is provided in this paper; however detailed SCTP information will be covered

    in a subsequent white paper. Included in this paper will be detailed discussions on

    network topology, impact on existing infrastructure, and the benets of each adap-

    tation layer.

    Market Drivers Impacting the Deployment of SIGTRAN

    Increased signaling trafc, cost limitations, and next-generation network migrationare factors driving the deployment of SIGTRAN. The explosive growth in SS7 trans-

    actions trafc is stretching the current network architecture to its breaking point.

    According to The Insight Research Corporation, the volume of transaction services

    involving SS7 message data will increase from 10 billion signaling bytes in 2009 to

    over 20 billion bytes in 20141.

    The premier mobile application, SMS, continues to outstrip all others in revenues

    and messages generated. IRC states that SMS has generated revenues of USD 89

    billion in 2008, and the world has seen trafc of almost 3.5 trillion SMS messages

    in 2008. Our forecasts predict that SMS will become a USD 100 billion business by

    2010, and worldwide total trafc will reach almost 5 trillion messages in FY 2011,

    and growth will continue from there.2

    1 The Insight Research Corporation (January 2009) Transaction Service Processing and Telecommunication s 2009 - 20142 Portio Research Corporation, www.portioresearch.com, Mobile Messaging Futures 2009 2013

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    As trafc, messaging, and services are increasing, carriers are being tasked with

    reducing cost. The Insight Research Corporation study nds that Traditional carriers

    are seeing increased operating expenses cutting into margins and revenue growth.

    With network and network development costs typically accounting for more than

    35 percent of xed-line operating costs, telecom service providers are under pres-

    sure to reduce their network-related expenses to sustain margins. 3

    A recent study conducted by Venture Development Corporation, SS7 Market

    Opportunities and Requirements: Global Market Demand Analysis, shows shipments

    of SIGTRAN stacks to rise 22% between 2006 and 2012.4 This increase is from

    USD15.9 Million in 2006 to USD 53.1 Million in 2012. This represents a shift away

    from legacy SS7 protocol stack shipments leading to the conclusion that SS7 net-

    works are rapidly migrating to SIGTRAN.

    History

    The SIGTRAN working group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) was

    formed in 1999 and tasked with dening the architecture for transporting real-time

    signaling information over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The working groups

    effort yielded three key results:

    1) A new network architecture.

    2) New transport protocol.

    3) Numerous adaptation layers.

    This architecture framework centered on a restructuring of the circuit switch into

    distinct parts: Media Gateway Controllers (MGCs), Media Gateways (MGs), and

    Signaling Gateways (SGs).

    New Network Architecture

    The segmenting of the legacy switch functionality into MGC, MG, and SG

    presented several benets. First, it is a more distributed switching architecture,

    allowing a single MGC to control one or more geographically dispersed MGs.

    3 The Insight Research Corporation (January 2009) Transaction Service Processing and Telecommunications 2009 - 20144 Venture Development Corp. (VDC) SIGTRAN Stacks Displacing SS7 in the Market May 8, 2008

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    The second characteristic of the new switching architecture is a total separation of

    signaling from the media and the media control plane. This three-layer split in net-

    work switching functionality was originally dened in IETF RFC 2719 Framework

    Architecture for Signaling Transport.

    RFC 2719 provided the following denitions for the MGC, MG and SG.

    Media Gateway (MG) A MG terminates switched circuit network (SCN)

    media streams, packetizes the media data, if it is not already packetized, and

    delivers packetized trafc to the packet network.5

    Media Gateway Controller (MGC) A MGC handles the registration and

    management of resources at the MG. The MGC may have the ability to autho-

    rize resource usage based on local policy. For signaling transport purposes, the

    MGC serves as a possible termination and origination point for SCN application

    protocols.6

    Signaling Gateway (SG) An SG is a signaling agent that receives/sends SCN

    native signaling at the edge of the IP network. The SG function may relay,translate, or terminate SS7 signaling in an SS7-Internet Gateway. The SG function

    may also be co-resident with the MG function to process SCN signaling associ-

    ated with line or trunk terminations controlled by the MG.7

    RFC 2719 also states that each of these functions can be deployed as separate

    entities or the MG and MGC, or the SG and MG may be combined. The IETF

    provided a high degree of network exibility with these denitions. However, there

    is no mention in RFC2719 about: legacy networks, legacy network elements, or

    hybrid networks where both new and old network elements coexist. This concept

    will be claried as we increase our understanding of the SIGTRAN protocol includ-

    ing transport and adaptation layers.

    5 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 2719 October 19996 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 2719 October 19997 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 2719 October 1999

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    Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP)

    The next task addressed by the IETF was the selection of a transmission protocol to

    be used on top of Internet Protocol (IP). This transport protocol must meet the rigid

    constraints of a real-time protocol such as SS7. The transmission protocol had

    to parallel SS7s stringent requirements for guaranteed delivery, sequence delivery,

    and had to include Multi-Homing for reliability. User Datagram Protocol was

    immediately ruled out due to its inherent lack of reliability and its inability to provide

    sequence delivery capabilities. The next existing transmission protocol examined

    was Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). TCP had error checking, sequence

    delivery, and acknowledgment capabilities it seemed like a perfect t. However,

    TCPs stringent sequence delivery concept, which allows a single packet loss to

    delay all other subsequent packets, would not meet the real-time requirements of

    SS7. Also, without modication, TCPs lack of support for Multi-Homing would

    seriously limit the reliability of the network.

    The absence of acceptable, existing transmission protocols required the IETF to

    dene a new transmission protocol to carry SS7 related protocol levels over an IP

    backbone network. Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) was born.

    SCTP provides the following functions as dened by RFC 4166 Telephony Signalling

    over Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) Applicability Statement:

    u Reliable Data Transfer.

    u Multiple streams to help avoid head-of-line blocking.

    u Ordered and unordered data delivery on a per-stream basis.

    u Bundling and fragmentation of user data.

    u Congestion and ow control.

    u Support for continuous monitoring of reachability.

    u Graceful termination of association.

    u Support of multi-homing for added reliability.

    u Protection against blind denial-of-service attacks.

    u Protection against blind masquerade attacks.

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    These requirements and more were addressed (or resolved) by the SIGTRAN work-

    ing group in RFC 2960, Stream Control Transmission Protocol, and further

    updated by RFC 3309, Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) Checksum

    Change. SCTP can be used for the transmission of any real-time sensitive, se-

    quenced delivery protocol, and as such is not limited to SS7 related data. The rela-

    tionship of SS7 levels and IP/SIGTRAN layers is shown in Figure 1.

    Figure 1. SS7 Levels and IP/SIGTRAN Layers

    Adaptation Layers

    The general function of adaptation layers is to encapsulate upper levels of the SS7

    protocol and transport them over IP utilizing the services of SCTP.8 Because each

    adaptation layer is based on the SS7 level being transported or replaced, there are

    common capabilities across all adaptation layers.

    Each adaptation layer must provide:

    u A seamless operation of SS7 level peers over an IP network.

    u A primitive interface boundary that the corresponding SS7 level had with its

    underlying SS7 level.

    u Management of SCTP transport associations and trafc between Signaling

    Gateways (SGs) and IP Signaling Endpoints (ISEPs) or two ISEPs.

    u Asynchronous reporting of status changes to management functions.

    The goal of each of the adaptation layers is to replace an existing SS7 level with

    an adaptation layer which utilizes the services of SCTP/IP. This replacement should

    be accomplished without any modication to the SS7 level being transported by

    8 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 4166 February 2006

    IPMTP 1

    SCTPMTP 2

    M2UA

    M3UA

    SUA

    M2PA

    MTP 3 MTP 3

    ISUP SCCP

    SIGTRANSS7 TCAP

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    the adaptation layer. To accomplish this function, the adaptation layer must com-

    municate with the carried SS7 level in exactly the same manner as SS7 would, i.e.

    through using the same primitives.

    MTP 2 Peer to Peer Adaptation (M2PA) Layer

    As dened by RFC 4166 M2PA protocol is used between SS7 Signalling Points

    employing the MTP Level 3 protocol. The SS7 Signalling Points may also use

    standard SS7 links using the SS7 MTP Level 2 to provide transport of MTP Level3

    signalling messages.9

    M2PA is a SIGTRAN protocol for transporting SS7 MTP Level 2 user part signaling

    messages (i.e. MTP Level 3) over IP using the Stream Control Transmission Protocol

    (SCTP). Unlike M2UA, M2PA is used to support full MTP Level 3 message handling

    and network management between any two SS7 nodes communicating over an IP

    network. IP signaling points function as traditional SS7 nodes using the IP network

    instead of the SS7 network. Each switched circuit or IP signaling point has an SS7

    point code. The M2PA protocol layer provides the same set of services that MTP

    Level 2 provides to MTP Level 3. M2PA operates in a point to point manner and

    transports MTP3.

    M2PA functionality includes:

    u Data retrieval to support the MTP3 changeover procedure.

    u Reporting of link status changes to MTP3.

    u Processor outage procedure.

    u Link alignment procedure.

    As indicated by the functions of M2PA, the SCTP associations in an M2PA environ-

    ment are treated as SS7 links over IP.

    MTP 2 User Adaptation (M2UA) Layer

    RFC 4166 states that the M2UA protocol is typically used between a Signalling

    Gateway (SG) and Media Gateway Controller (MGC). The SG will terminate up to

    9 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 4166 February 2006

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    MTP Level 2, and the MGC will terminate MTP Level 3 and above. In other words,

    the SG will transport MTP Level 3 messages over an IP network to an MGC.10

    M2UA employs a client server concept. The client side of M2UA has the resident

    MTP3 with its SS7 Point Code. The server functionality provides the SS7 physical

    termination and communicates with the client side using SCTP over IP. There are

    two main functions of M2UA. First, it provides a mechanism for the transport of

    SS7 MTP2 user signaling (e.g., MTP3 messages) over IP using SCTP. Second, it

    allows remote termination of SS7 links for the backhaul of trafc to a centralized

    node in the network.

    Functions provided by M2UA are:

    u Flow Control.

    u SCTP Stream Management.

    u Seamless SS7 Network Management Interworking.

    u Active Association Control.

    Comparison of M2PA and M2UAM2PA M2UA

    Point Codes SG is an SS7 node and haspoint code.

    SG is not an SS7 node and hasno point code.

    Types of Links SG to IP signaling point isan SS7 link over IP.

    SG to IP signaling point is notan SS7 link.

    SS7 Upper Levels SG can have upper SS7levels.

    SG does not have upper SS7levels does not have MTP3.

    Primitives IP signaling point processesMTP3 to MTP2 primitives.

    IP signaling point transportsMTP3 to MTP2 primitives toSG's MTP2 for processing.

    Interface with MTP3 Presents an MTP2 upperinterface to MTP3.

    Presents an MTP2 upperinterface to MTP3.

    MTP3 Data Messages Transports MTP3 datamessages.

    Transports MTP3 datamessages.

    Management Relies on MTP3 formanagement procedures.

    Uses M2UA management pro-cedures.

    Table 1. Comparison of M2UA and M2PA

    10 Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RFC 4166 February 2006

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    MTP 3 User Adaptation (M3UA) Layer

    M3UA protocol supports the transport of any SS7 MTP3-User, such as TUP, ISUP, and

    SCCP over IP using the services of SCTP. TCAP and any other SS7 levels above SCCP

    are carried in the Data Payload portion of SCCP due to the fact that they are SCCP

    users, and not MTP users. M3UA provides a mechanism whereby MTP3 services are

    provided to an IP-based node, thus extending the reach of SS7 into the IP realm.

    The typical uses of M3UA are to communicate between the Signaling Gateway (SG)

    and Media Gateway Controller (MGC) or between the SG and an IP resident data-

    base (IPSCP). See Figure 4 for deployment of M3UA in hybrid network architectures.

    M3UA is extremely important in communication with high trafc databases where

    the 16 link linkset limitation of traditional SS7 is causing bandwidth issues. M3UA

    and its associated SCTP/IP solve these issues while reducing the network complexity

    in terms of linksets, combined linksets, and routes.

    In a Signaling Gateway (SG) conguration of M3UA, the SG has an SS7 point code

    because it has a resident SS7 MTP3 presence. This also means that the SG can be

    used to route to other SGs or nodes.

    SCCP User Adaptation (SUA) Layer

    SUA protocol supports the transport of any SS7 SCCP-User signalling such as TCAP.

    The inherent capabilities of TCAP(MAP, INAP, SMS, BSSAP, or RANAP)are trans-

    ported over IP using the services of SCTP.

    SUA supports the following SCCP capabilities:

    u Transfer of SCCP user part messages (TCAP, MAP, RANAP, etc.).

    u SCCP Connectionless Services.

    u SCCP Connection Oriented Services.

    u SCCP management services

    Remote Destinations

    Subsystems

    u Distributed IP-based Signaling Nodes.

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    Comparison of M3UA and SUA

    When comparing the protocol stacks of M3UA versus SUA; the SUA protocol stack

    is much simpler, therefore it is more efcient and easier to implement. The differ-

    ences between the implementation of M3UA and SUA can be seen in Table 2.

    M3UA SUA

    SCCP Variants Signaling Point is requiredto support different variantsof SCCP to interface withdifferent countries.

    Only the one node has to haveSCCP therefore the point codeissue is eliminated.

    ISUP Services Supported Not Supported

    Addressing Each node required to have

    both IP address and SS7point codes.

    Using SUA does not consume

    point codes since there is noMTP3.

    Routing M3UA messages are routedfrom point code to pointcode.

    SUA allows IP network to routemessages based on Global TitleInformation.

    ImplementationComplexity

    M3UA requires servicesfrom SCCP.

    One less protocol layer. Theelimination of SCCP reduces thecomplexity of the network nodetherefore reducing cost.

    Table 2. Comparison of M3UA and SUA

    Network Deployment Using M2PA

    The deployment of SIGTRAN M2PA in conjunction with SCTP and IP provides each

    of the interconnected devices (Core STP, SCP, and Edge STP) with a resident SS7

    MTP3. Each of the associations is treated as a conventional SS7 link transported

    over IP.

    The Edge STP in this scenario can have Local routing to switch signaling trafc

    between the interconnected SSPs and MSC. The Edge STP would route trafc to

    the Core STP when it is destined for the SCP or another interconnected network.

    See Figure 2 for the Network Interconnection using M2PA.

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    Figure 2. Network Interconnection

    Network Deployment Using M2UA

    As shown in Figure 3, M2UA is being used to communicate between the Edge

    Device and the Core STP. In this type of deployment, the Edge Device does

    not have an instance of MTP3 and is acting as a signaling gateway converting

    from TDM SS7 to M2UA SIGTRAN. Since there is no MTP3 in the Edge Device, it

    is transparent to the SS7 network, i.e. it has no Point Code. All MTP3 routing for

    messages generated by the subtending nodes (SSPs and MSC) is handled by the

    Core STP. SS7 views this interconnection methodology as a remote termination of

    the SS7 links.

    The advantage of this conguration is twofold. First, the network operator realizes

    the cost reduction in transporting the SS7 connectivity from the Edge Device to the

    Core STP over IP. Second, the implementation is simplied since the Edge Device is

    transparent to SS7. No SS7 routing changes need to be made in either the subtend-

    ing ofces or the Core STP.

    SSP

    SSP

    MSC

    M2PA

    M2PA

    M2PA

    TDMSS7 Links

    Edge STP Core STP

    IP Network

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    Figure 3. Network Deployment Using M2UA

    Network Deployment using Multiple SIGTRAN Adaptation Layers

    In a typical network, the implementation of SIGTRAN multiple adaptation layers

    are used to connect to different network elements. The selection of the adaptation

    layer type is dependent upon three things: the network element type, the type of

    trafc generated by the network element, and the architectural requirements of

    the service provider. See Figure 4 for examples of Network Interconnectivity using

    SIGTRAN.

    Core STP to Core STPM2PA was selected as the connection methodology between the Core STP

    pairs. M2PA was selected because it treats the associations as SS7 links carried

    over IP. This concept uses MTP concepts such:

    u Link alignment (normal and Emergency).

    u Changeover and Changeback.

    u Processor outage.

    u Congestion, etc.

    Core STP to Soft Switch

    M3UA was chosen for communication between the Core STP and the Soft

    Switch based on the efciency of the protocol stack and the types of trafc

    generated by the switch. ISUP and TCAP over SCCP are generated by switching

    elements whether they are MSCs, Tandem switches, wireline ofces, or Soft

    SSP

    SSP

    MSC

    M2UA M2UA

    TDMSS7 Links

    Edge Device Core STP

    IP Network

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    Switches. These trafc patterns limit the choice of SIGTRAN connectivity to

    M2PA, M2UA, or M3UA. M3UA was chosen because it transports both ISUP

    and SCCP with the added benet of being more efcient than M2PA due to the

    absence of a protocol stack level.

    Core STP to SCP

    SUA was the selected adaptation layer going from the Core STP to the SCP for

    the following reasons:

    u It will transport TCAP trafc.

    u It has lower overhead than M3UA.

    u It requires less conguration than M3UA.

    Core STP to Edge Device

    When aggregating network element connectivity based on topology or

    geography, M2UA is the adaptation layer of choice based on the following

    benets:

    u No valuable Point Code resources required. u Easy to implement, i.e. few switch or STP translations to change.

    u Transparent to the network.

    u SS7 routing centralized in Core STP.

    The driving factor in this network implementation is to achieve signaling trans-

    port with signicant cost savings, through aggregation and transport over IP.

    Core STP to Edge STP

    M2PA is implemented between the Core STP and the Edge STP because local

    routing is desired at the Edge STP. Local routing is desired because it adds an

    extra level of network survivability. If the Core STP or the connectivity between

    the Edge STP and the Core STP fails, intra Edge STP calls can then be completed

    based on local routing within the Edge STP.

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    Figure 4. Network Interconnectivity

    What to look for in SIGTRAN-enabled devices (Signaling Transfer Point, Signaling

    Gateway, and IP Edge)

    When looking for a source to provide SIGTRAN-enabled equipment for network

    deployment, consider the following requirements:

    Designed and architected for IP deployment: The revolution in the Signaling Network

    demands that more and more signaling trafc is placed on the IP network. It is

    critical to select equipment that is designed from the ground up as IP-centric. These

    capabilities should include, but not be limited to, the following: embedded IP

    capabilities (Back plane, Ethernet switches, high bandwidth, etc.), ease of IP

    connectivity, and ease of IP conguration.

    SSP

    SSP

    MSC

    M2UA

    SUA

    Multiple Association Types

    M2UA, M2PA, M3UA & SUATDM

    SS7 Links

    SSP

    SSP

    MSC

    TDMSS7 Links

    Edge Device Core STP

    IP Network

    Edge STP

    M2PA

    SCPHLR ... LNP

    Core STP

    Softswitch

    M3UA

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    High processing capabilities: With the ever increasing trafc on the Signaling Network

    due to Number Portability, SMS, Location Updates, etc., it is extremely important to

    select equipment that will process todays trafc loads and be extensible for future

    trafc requirements.

    SIGTRANs ability to efciently relieve bandwidth bottle necks in the network

    makes it the ideal choice.

    Most cost-effective (initial purchase and life cycle): When selecting network equip-

    ment, it is extremely important to consider not only the initial purchase price, but

    also the ongoing support and maintenance of the equipment. The most economical

    combination of these two should be selected, assuming that all of the other require-

    ments are met.

    Standards-based: Ensure that selected systems are designed to the latest proto-

    col standards and have the widest breadth of protocols available. These protocols

    should include, but not be limited to the following:

    u SS7 both ITU and ANSI u SIGTRAN (M2PA, M2UA, M3UA & SUA)

    u SIP

    Most environmentally friendly: With todays focus on cost and environmental

    concerns, another important consideration is whether or not new equipment is the

    environmentally friendly. Two factors that should be taken into consideration are:

    1. Least amount of power consumed.2. Least amount of heat generated.

    Extensive Support Services: Explore companies that will partner with you for the

    long term. The company should provide network planning, network engineering,

    installation, training, and support services. These services should be on an a la carte

    basis, so only the required services need be selected.

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    The SEGway Solutions Advantage

    PTs SEGway portfolio includes IP-centric network elements and applications de-

    signed for high availability, scalability, and long life cycle deployments. These offer

    carriers and service providers extensive IP networking options, unrivaled in the

    industry with features such as high density signaling, advanced routing, IP migra-

    tion, gateway capabilities, SIP bridge, and core-to-edge distributed intelligence. In

    addition, these carrier grade solutions provide lower cost of ownership from initial

    purchase through their entire product life-cycle deployment. The SEGway product

    portfolio provides the following unique advantages:

    Designed and architected for IP deployment: SEGway products are designed to be

    a mere extension of the IP network. The internal architecture of SEGway platforms

    include intelligent IP backplanes for both internal and external communications.

    Also included in the design is an integrated, ve-nines reliable, gigabit Ethernet

    switch. The inclusion of the carrier grade Ethernet switch reduces the requirement

    for an expensive, external Ethernet switch or IP router ports.

    High processing capabilities: PT announced in 2009 a threefold increase in the

    number of links supported by its SEGway X401 platform to over 1500+ low speedlink equivalencies. Within the same year, a doubling of processing capabilities was

    announced. In 2011 PT introduced the X401e a 7.5 foot telco rack including three

    X401s supporting 4,536 links. These upgrades can occur without a massive hard-

    ware change out. Simply add processors as required for increased trafc demands.

    Most environmentally friendly: The SEGway product portfolio has the lowest

    power consumption and heat generation of any signaling product available, thus

    reducing its carbon footprint.

    World Class Support: PT provides a vast array of support services including: network

    planning, engineering, installation, and training. These services are offered on an a

    la carte basis and can be tailored to meet individual customer requirements. Trans-

    port and Protocol support: The SEGway signaling solutions have been deployed for

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    international and domestic applications in wireless and wireline congurations all

    over the world, including the United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom,

    Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, China, Africa and many others. A vast array of

    standards-based protocols are supported including: SCTP, M2PA, M2UA, M3UA

    and SUA. Also supported are traditional TDM, ATM and Annex A.

    For more information on PT and the SEGway signaling solutions or to schedule a

    demonstration, please contact [email protected].

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    About PT (www.pt.com)

    PT (NASDAQ: PTIX) is a global supplier of advanced network communications

    solutions to carrier, government, and OEM markets. PTs portfolio includes

    IP-centric network elements and applications designed for high availability,scalability, and long life-cycle deployments. The companys entire line of offerings

    is anchored by IPnexus, PTs own IP-native, highly integrated platforms and

    element management systems. OEMs and application developers, including PT

    itself, leverage the robust carrier grade Linux development environment and rich

    suite of communications protocols (PTs NexusWare) of IPnexus Application-

    Ready Systems as a cornerstone component of their end product value proposition.

    PTs SEGway Signaling Solutions provide low cost, high density signaling, advanced

    routing, IP migration, gateway capabilities, SIP bridge, and core-to-edge distributed

    intelligence. The companys Xpress NGN applications enable evolving Mobile 2.0,

    Multimedia, and IMS based revenue generating services. PT is headquartered in

    Rochester, NY and maintains sales and engineering ofces around the world.

    About the Author

    Tom Jenkins has over 40 years experience in telecommunications. During his career,

    he has held positions related to SS7 Signaling including: Technical Support Manager,

    Manager of Product Management for STPs, International Sales Director for SS7

    Test Equipment, and Vice President Sales and Marketing for SS7 Test Equipment.

    In 1997 Tom started Center Point Consulting, Inc., providing SS7, SIGTRAN, and

    SIP training to over 2500 students worldwide. Tom has been actively involved with

    telecommunications signaling including SS7, SIGTRAN, and SIP for 26 years. Today,

    Tom is the Senior Director of Xpress products for PTs Next-Generation Applica-

    tions. You can contact Tom at [email protected].

    PT is a trademark of Performance Technologies, Inc.

    The names of other companies, products, or services may be the trademarks, registeredtrademarks, or service marks of their respective owners in the United States and/or other countries.