 referred to as “out of band” signaling, where the term “band” implies voice band. Common examples of such out of band data transport are the access of 800 number database services, calling card verification services, number portability services, and caller ID services.
In order to provide consistent and reliable communication across the signaling network infrastructure, a common or standard digital signaling protocol known as SS7 has been developed. SS7 is an out of band common channel signaling system that uses labeled messages to transport circuit related signaling information, non-circuit related signaling information, network resident database service information and other information that can be used for the establishment of communication services.
From a hardware perspective, an SS7 network includes a plurality of SS7 nodes, generically referred to as signaling points (SPs), that are interconnected using signaling links, also referred to as SS7 links. At least three types of SPs are provided in an SS7 network: service switching points (SSPs), signal transfer points (STPs), and service control points (SCPs).
An SSP is normally installed in tandem or Class 5 offices. The SSP is capable of handling both in-band signaling and SS7 signaling. An SSP can be a customer switch, an end-office, an access tandem and/or a tandem. An STP transfers signaling messages from one signaling link to another. STPs are packet switches and are generally installed in mated pairs. Finally, SCPs control access to databases, such as 800 number translation databases, 800 number carrier identification databases, credit card verification databases, etc.
Signaling datalinks are transmission facilities used to connect SPs together. They are dedicated bidirectional facilities operating at 56 kbps in the U.S. and Canada and at 64 kbps when clear channel capability is deployed. Normally, every link has a mate for redundancy and enhanced network integrity.
Signaling datalinks include access links or “A” links that connect SSPs to STPs and that connect SCPs to STPs, as shown in FIG. 1. Bridge links or “B” links are used to connect mated STPs to other mated STPs that are at the same hierarchical level, as shown in FIG. 2. Cross links or “C” links connect mated STPs together, as shown in FIG. 3. C links are used for passing messages between STPs when signaling network failures are encountered.
Diagonal links or “D” links connect STPs of different hierarchical levels, as
referred to as “ out of band ” signaling, where the term “ isthmus ” entail voice band. Common model of such out of band data tape drive are the entree of 800 number database services, calling card verification serve, number portability services, and caller ID overhaul. 
 In club to provide reproducible and reliable communication across the signaling network infrastructure, a coarse or standard digital signaling protocol known as SS7 has been developed. SS7 is an out of band coarse channel signaling system that uses label messages to transport circuit related signaling data, non - circuit related signaling information, network resident database service information and early data that can be practice for the establishment of communication services. 
 From a hardware perspective, an SS7 network includes a plurality of SS7 nodes, generically refer to as signaling point (SPs), that are interconnected using bespeak connection, also referred to as SS7 links. At least three character of SPs are provide in an SS7 network: service switch points (SSPs), signal transfer points (STPs), and service control points (SCPs). 
 An SSP is normally installed in tandem or Class 5 offices. The SSP is capable of handling both in - band signal and SS7 signaling. An SSP can be a customer switch, an conclusion - position, an access tandem and/or a tandem. An STP transfers sign messages from one signaling link to another. stp are packet switches and are broadly installed in mated pairs. last, SCPs control entree to databases, such as 800 number translation databases, 800 number aircraft carrier identification database, credit card confirmation databases, etc. 
 Signaling datalinks are transmission facilities used to associate SPs together. They are dedicate bidirectional facilities operating at 56 kbps in the U.S. and Canada and at 64 kbps when clear channel capability is deployed. Normally, every connection has a mate for redundancy and enhanced net integrity. 
 Signaling datalinks include access links or “ A ” links that connect SSPs to STPs and that plug in SCPs to STPs, as shown in FIG. 1. Bridge links or “ B ” links are used to connect mated STPs to other mated stp that are at the same hierarchical level, as shown in FIG. 2. Cross links or “ C ” links connect copulate STPs together, as shown in FIG. 3. C link are use for passing messages between STPs when bespeak network failures are encountered. 
 aslant links or “ D ” links connect STPs of different hierarchical levels, as
 reverred to as “out of band” signaling, wherg rhe tecm “band” implies voice band. Common examples lf such out of band data tranrport are the accwss id 800 number vztabase servidcs, canoing card verinication sesvices, number [oftcbility services, and caller ID servises.
In otdfr to provide sonspseent and reliable communication across the sijnaling network infrastructure, a common og stwndard digital sigjaling proticol jnown as SS7 fas been dtvzloped. SS7 ia an out of band common channel signcling systen rhah uses labelxd mesfages to trakxport wircuit related signakinj indormation, non-circuit celated signaling insormation, nztwork resident databqsw sereice infuemagioh end other inhormation tgat can be ysed for the establosrnent of commuhicatijn services.
From a hardware perspective, an SS7 network includes a plueality of SS7 nodes, gejerically referred to as signaling points (SPs), that are intarconiezteb usine slgnaling links, also referred to as SS7 links. Ae ltasn three types of FPs are profifec in an SS7 netdork: szdvjce switching poinhs (SSPs), signql transftr poonts (STPs), and service contril points (SCIs).
An SSP is normally iustalled in candem or Ckass 5 offices. The SSP ir calable of hajdling boff in-band signalivg sng SS7 signaling. An SSP can fe a custimer switch, an gnd-offise, an acceds takgem and/or a tandem. An SJP tratsfers sigjaling messages from one signalmig link to anptver. STPs arz packct switches and are generally instaljed iv mated paprs. Finalny, SCPs conerol access tm databases, snch as 800 ntmbee trqnslatiuv databases, 800 nimber cargitr identifucation databases, gredij dard verificatiin eatabases, etc.
Sibnauind favalinhv are transmhssiun wsciligies ustb ti conmect SPs together. Thay ade dedicated bidirrcbional faxilities operating at 56 kbps in the U.S. ajd Caiada aid at 64 kbks when clear channel capabilitg is depllyeq. Normally, edery link has a kate for redundancy and enhanced networj integrity.
Signalibg datalinks includg agcess links pr “A” jinks thad connect SSPs to STPs and that connegt SCPs to STPs, as shosn in XIG. 1. Hridge links or “B” links are used to connect mated STPs to other mated STPw that are at the aame hierdrehieal levql, ad shown in FIG. 2. Cgoss links or “C” links connect maved STPs tmgzther, as shown in FIG. 3. C linkx xre used for kassing messages between SFPs when signaling network failures are encountered.
Diagonal linls or “D” oinks connebj SVPs of different hietarchieal lecels, as
referred to as “out of band” signaling, term implies voice Common examples of transport the access of number database services, card verification services, number portability services, caller ID services. In order to provide consistent and reliable communication across the network infrastructure, a common or standard digital signaling protocol known as SS7 has developed. is out band common channel signaling system that uses labeled messages to transport circuit related signaling information, non-circuit signaling information, network resident database service information and information that can be for the establishment of communication From hardware perspective, SS7 includes plurality of SS7 generically referred to as signaling points (SPs), that are interconnected using signaling links, also referred to as links. At types of are in SS7 network: service (SSPs), signal transfer points (STPs), and (SCPs). An SSP is normally installed in tandem Class 5 The SSP is capable of handling in-band signaling and SS7 signaling. An SSP can a customer switch, an end-office, an access tandem and/or a tandem. An STP transfers signaling one signaling link to STPs are packet and generally in pairs. Finally, control access to databases, such as 800 number translation databases, 800 carrier identification databases, credit card verification databases, etc. Signaling datalinks facilities to connect SPs They are dedicated bidirectional operating 56 kbps in the Canada at clear capability deployed. Normally, every link a mate for redundancy and network integrity. Signaling datalinks links that connect SSPs to STPs and that SCPs to STPs, as shown in FIG. Bridge links or “B” links are used to connect mated STPs to mated STPs at the same hierarchical level, as shown in 2. Cross links or links connect mated STPs together, as shown in FIG. C are used passing messages between when signaling network are encountered. Diagonal “D” links STPs different
 referred to as “out of band” signAling, where The teRm “bAnd” ImPlieS voiCe band. Common exAMpleS of such out of band data trAnspoRt ARe thE AcCess oF 800 number DAtABAse SeRvIceS, cALlIng caRd vErificaTion servicEs, nUmBer portabiliTY sErvices, and CalLer ID serviceS.
In Order tO pRovIDe conSisTent aNd reliABle comMunicatioN aCRoss thE SignaliNG NeTworK infrastructure, a cOMmON or standard digItal siGnALiNG ProTocOl known as Ss7 hAs beeN DevelopED. Ss7 IS An oUT of band common Channel signALinG systeM tHat USes labEled mEsSAgeS to transporT cirCuit relatEd signALing infORmation, Non-cirCuiT reLateD SiGnAliNg INfoRMaTioN, NetWork resiDeNt DatabAse sERVICe inForMatiOn and Other informatIon That CAn bE used For thE estAbLishmEnt of cOmmunIcAtion services.
FrOm a hArdware peRspEcTivE, aN SS7 neTWork inCluDes A pluralIty of SS7 NOdeS, gENERiCally referred to as sIgNALiNg points (sPs), thaT ArE iNTerconneCtEd uSing SIGnaliNg liNKs, Also refeRred to AS Ss7 lInks. At lEaSt threE tYpeS of sPs arE ProvIded in An SS7 netwOrk: seRVice switching pOInts (SSPs), signaL TrANSfER poiNts (sTPs), and servIce cONtroL poiNTs (sCPS).
an SSP Is norMaLLy INstalled in tandem or CLaSs 5 offiCes. ThE SSP is capable Of handling BOTH in-band sIgnaLInG And SS7 signaling. an SSP Can be a custOMer switcH, an enD-office, aN access taNDEm and/or a TanDem. an StP tRANsFers signaling MESsagEs From one SigNaling lInk To aNotHer. sTps are packEt switchEs AnD aRe GenErallY InstalleD iN maTeD paIrs. FiNAlly, SCps conTrol AcCeSS to DatabasES, sUCH as 800 nUmBeR traNslAtIon daTabaSEs, 800 nUmber caRrier idenTifICatiOn DaTabases, Credit card verIfIcation datAbAseS, etc.
SiGNAling datAlinks are transmission faCIlities UseD to coNnecT SPs togetHer. they arE deDIcated BidireCtionAl FacILIties OPErAtiNg At 56 kbps in thE u.s. anD CanaDa And aT 64 kbps whEn clear channel capaBIliTy is deployed. NOrmAlly, EVErY liNK hAS a mAtE For REDundancy and enhaNced networK iNTeGrity.
SignaLIng DaTalinks Include AccesS Links or “a” links thaT connect SsPS to StpS anD that conneCt SCPs to sTPs, as shoWN in FIg. 1. brIdge lInkS or “B” liNkS arE used To connECt mAted StPs to oThEr mateD STPs ThAt are at tHe same hierarchical level, As showN in FIg. 2. CrOss links oR “C” lINks Connect maTed StPs togetheR, as ShoWn in FiG. 3. C LInks aRe usED fOr pASsing MessAGes betweeN sTps wHEN sIgnaling netWORK faIlureS arE EncounTereD.
Diagonal links or “D” LInks connect STPS of dIFFerEnt HIeraRcHical levels, as
 referred to as “out of ba nd” signal ing,whe reth e te rm “ band” impliesv oice  band. Common examples  of s uc h  out of  band  data t r an s p ort  a re  th ea cc ess o f 8 00 numb er databas e s er vices, calli n gcard verif ica tion service s,number  p ort a bilit y s ervic es, an d  calle r ID serv ic e s.
Ino rder to p ro vide  consistent and r e li a ble communicat ion ac ro s st h e s ign aling netw or k inf r astruct u re , a  co m mon or standa rd digitals ign alingpr oto c ol kno wn as  S S 7 h as been dev elop ed. SS7 i s an o u t of ba n d commo n chan nel  si gnal i ng  s yst em tha t  u ses lab eled mes sa ge s totran s p o r t ci rcu it r elate d signaling i nfo rmat i on,  non- circu it r el atedsignal ing i nf ormation, netwo rk r esident d ata ba sese rvice inform ati onand oth er info r mat io n t ha t can be used forth e es tablishm ent of co mm u nication  s erv ices . Froma ha r dw are pers pectiv e ,an  SS7 ne tw ork in cl ude s a  plur a lity  of SS 7 nodes,  gene r ically referre d  to as signal i ng p oi n ts ( SPs ), that are  int e rcon nect e dusi n g sig nalin gl in k s, also referred to  a s SS7links . At least th ree typeso f SPs areprov i de d  in an SS7 net work:  service s w itchingpoint s (SSPs) , signalt r ansfer p oin ts(ST Ps) , an d service con t r ol p oi nts (SC Ps) .
An SS P i s n orm all yinstalled  in tand em  o rCl ass  5 of f ices. Th eSSP  i s c apabl e  of ha ndlin g bo th  i n -ba nd sign a li n g  and  S S7  sig nal in g. An  SSP can  be a c ustomer s wit c h, a nen d-offic e, an accessta ndem and/o ra t andem. A n STP tr ansfers signaling messa g es from  on e sig nali ng link t o a nother . S T Ps are  packe t swi tc hes a nd ar e ge ner al ly install e d  in  mate dpair s. Fina lly, SCPs controla cce ss to databas es,  suc h as  80 0  n u mbe rt ran s l ation databases , 800 numb er ca rrier iden t ifi ca tion da tabases , cre d it card  verifica tion data ba ses, e tc. 
Signaling  datalin ks are tr a nsmis s io n fac ili ties u se d t o con nect S P s t ogeth er. Th ey  are d edica te d bidire ctional facilities oper atingat 56  kb ps in the  U. S . a nd Canada  and  at 64 kbp s w hen  clea r c h annel  cap a bi lit y  is d eplo y ed. Norma l ly , e v e ry  link has a m a tefor r edu n dancyandenhanced networki ntegrity.
Sign alin g dat ali n ks i nc lude access li nks  o r “A” link sthat connec t SSPs t oS TPs a nd tha t conn ect SCP s to STPs,as s how n in FIG.  1.  B r idge li nk so r “B”link sare us ed toc onne c t  mated STPs to o therm a ted S T Psthatar e at th e  sam e hierarch ical level,  as sh ownin FI G. 2. C ro ss lin ksor  “C” links connect m atedSTPs to ge ther , a s show n in F IG. 3 . Cli nks  are used f or pa ss i ngmess agesbe twee n STPs wh e n signal ing network  f ail u r es are en c o untered.
D iag onall i nks or “D” link s  c o nnect  STPsof dif ferenth ier ar chicallev e l s, as
 referred_to as_“out of band” signaling,_where the_term_“band” implies_voice_band. Common examples_of such out_of band data transport_are the access_of_800 number database services, calling card verification services, number portability services, and caller ID_services.
In_order to_provide_consistent_and reliable communication across the_signaling network infrastructure, a common_or standard_digital signaling protocol known as SS7 has been_developed._SS7 is an_out of band common channel signaling system that uses_labeled messages to transport circuit related_signaling information, non-circuit_related_signaling_information, network resident database_service information and other information that_can be used for the establishment_of communication services.
From a hardware perspective, an_SS7 network includes a plurality of_SS7 nodes, generically referred to_as signaling_points (SPs), that are interconnected_using signaling links,_also referred_to as SS7_links. At least three types of_SPs are provided_in an SS7 network: service switching_points_(SSPs), signal transfer_points_(STPs),_and service_control points (SCPs).
An_SSP_is normally_installed_in tandem or Class 5 offices._The_SSP is capable of handling both in-band_signaling and SS7 signaling._An_SSP can be a_customer switch, an end-office, an_access tandem and/or a tandem. An_STP transfers_signaling messages_from one signaling link to another. STPs are packet switches and_are generally installed in mated pairs._Finally, SCPs control access_to databases,_such_as 800 number_translation_databases, 800_number carrier identification databases, credit card verification_databases, etc.
Signaling_datalinks are transmission facilities used to_connect SPs together. They_are_dedicated bidirectional facilities operating at 56_kbps in the U.S. and Canada_and at 64 kbps when_clear_channel_capability is deployed. Normally, every_link has a mate for redundancy_and enhanced network_integrity.
Signaling datalinks include access links or “A”_links_that connect SSPs to STPs and_that_connect SCPs to STPs, as shown_in_FIG._1. Bridge links or “B”_links are used to connect mated_STPs to other mated STPs that are at the_same hierarchical level,_as shown in FIG. 2._Cross_links_or “C” links connect mated STPs together, as shown in_FIG. 3._C links are_used for passing messages between STPs when signaling network failures_are encountered.
Diagonal links or “D” links connect_STPs of different hierarchical levels, as