Point Code Emulation for SS7 Network Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The SS7 signaling network faces limitations in expanding without re-architecturing due to scarce point codes and time-consuming reprogramming, and existing solutions are limited in extending services beyond ISUP messages.
Innovation Solution
A point code emulation system and method that routes TCAP messages by extracting and replacing point codes and transaction identifiers between subnets, allowing the SS7 network to be divided into multiple subnets and sharing TCAP traffic load, thereby expanding the network without re-architecturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SS7 network grows in size and complexity, then the network capacity and functionality are improved, but point codes become scarce and network re-architecturing becomes necessary which is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the SS7 signaling network into multiple virtual sub-networks using a single physical network infrastructure. By implementing virtual network identifiers and logical segmentation, the system can support multiple independent networks without requiring physical network division, thus avoiding time-consuming re-architecturing while maintaining network capacity and functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If new point codes are created to accommodate network growth, then the network can address more nodes, but the cost and complexity of reprogramming switches increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a point code translation mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the physical network infrastructure and the logical network requirements. This translation layer maps multiple virtual point codes to a limited set of physical point codes, allowing the network to address more nodes without requiring proportional increases in physical point codes or complex switch reprogramming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network is re-architected to expand capacity, then more nodes can be supported, but service disruption and reconfiguration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual network configuration that allows network expansion and reconfiguration without physical changes to the underlying infrastructure. Virtual network parameters can be modified, added, or removed through software configuration, enabling the network to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining continuous service availability and avoiding disruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a point code emulation apparatus and method for dividing a Common Channel Signaling System No. 7 (or SS7) signaling network into two or more networks. The point code emulator is adapted to receive TCAP messages from two or more subnets and converts, for the messages crossing over the subnets, the information of the TCAP messages, including originating point code, destination point code, and transaction identifier, (and optionally, calling party number and called party number), and forwards to the other one of the two or more subnets. Correspondence among the two or more subnets may be provisioned by an authorized user of the system, may be learned automatically by the system based on ISUP message correspondences or previous TCAP transactions, or may be automatically discovered by the system broadcasting messages to nodes in the destined one of the two or more subnets.