Edge STP
Encyclopedia
Edge STPs are networking hardware devices embedded with software that performs routing
, signaling, firewall
, and packet conversion
functions. Their primary purpose is to unify networks that use various transports and signaling protocols
– such as SS7, SIP
, SIGTRAN
, TDM
, IP
, etc. – into cohesive service environments. Unified environments are simpler for telecommunications
companies to manage, and also enable them to cost-effectively transition to next-generation networks based on the Internet Protocol (IP)
.
Edge STPs support voice, data and video services. Among their key functions are optimizing traffic flow; providing advanced load sharing between network segment
s; managing multi-node congestion
; translating addresses; filtering and screening packets; and protecting important information. They also provide on-the-fly translation between networks that employ different transports and signaling protocols. That translation capability enables, for example, services that were designed to run on SS7 to run on IP networks instead, and vice versa.
that supports content-based routing
. DPI is a time-consuming and processor-intensive function that can bog down core network
functions and reduce customer response times. Shifting it to the network edge improves overall network performance
.
Moving functionality to the network edge, companies can add, modify, and expand services without disrupting core network functions. Edge STPs perform a broad range of roles in evolving telecommunications network
s. They include optimizing services such as short message service (SMS)
for improved performance; providing precise security policies to subnetwork
s; preventing service interruptions during switch migrations; and connecting server-based applications to switched networks. In the latter scenario, telecommunications companies that are implementing IP subnetworks use Edge STPs to integrate them with their existing SS7 signaling infrastructure.
SS7
SIGTRAN
STP
Signaling Gateway
The new zone of opportunity in telecom networking is on the edge
US Patent 6940866 - Edge device and method for interconnecting SS7 signaling points(SPs) using edge device
Routing
Routing is the process of selecting paths in a network along which to send network traffic. Routing is performed for many kinds of networks, including the telephone network , electronic data networks , and transportation networks...
, signaling, firewall
Firewall (computing)
A firewall is a device or set of devices designed to permit or deny network transmissions based upon a set of rules and is frequently used to protect networks from unauthorized access while permitting legitimate communications to pass....
, and packet conversion
TDM-to-packet conversion
TDM-to-packet conversion is the process of converting a digital signal in TDM format into packets for carrying over a packet network such as the Internet. This process is also known as the Jesus Conversion...
functions. Their primary purpose is to unify networks that use various transports and signaling protocols
Signalling (telecommunications)
In telecommunication, signaling has the following meanings:*the use of signals for controlling communications...
– such as SS7, SIP
Session Initiation Protocol
The Session Initiation Protocol is an IETF-defined signaling protocol widely used for controlling communication sessions such as voice and video calls over Internet Protocol . The protocol can be used for creating, modifying and terminating two-party or multiparty sessions...
, SIGTRAN
SIGTRAN
SIGTRAN is the name, derived from signaling transport, of the former Internet Engineering Task Force working group that produced specifications for a family of protocols that provide reliable datagram service and user layer adaptations for Signaling System 7 and ISDN communications protocols....
, TDM
Time-division multiplexing
Time-division multiplexing is a type of digital multiplexing in which two or more bit streams or signals are transferred apparently simultaneously as sub-channels in one communication channel, but are physically taking turns on the channel. The time domain is divided into several recurrent...
, IP
Internet Protocol
The Internet Protocol is the principal communications protocol used for relaying datagrams across an internetwork using the Internet Protocol Suite...
, etc. – into cohesive service environments. Unified environments are simpler for telecommunications
Telecommunications network
A telecommunications network is a collection of terminals, links and nodes which connect together to enable telecommunication between users of the terminals. Networks may use circuit switching or message switching. Each terminal in the network must have a unique address so messages or connections...
companies to manage, and also enable them to cost-effectively transition to next-generation networks based on the Internet Protocol (IP)
Internet Protocol
The Internet Protocol is the principal communications protocol used for relaying datagrams across an internetwork using the Internet Protocol Suite...
.
Edge STPs support voice, data and video services. Among their key functions are optimizing traffic flow; providing advanced load sharing between network segment
Network segment
A network segment is a portion of a computer network. The nature and extent of a segment depends on the nature of the network and the device or devices used to interconnect end stations.-Ethernet:...
s; managing multi-node congestion
Network congestion
In data networking and queueing theory, network congestion occurs when a link or node is carrying so much data that its quality of service deteriorates. Typical effects include queueing delay, packet loss or the blocking of new connections...
; translating addresses; filtering and screening packets; and protecting important information. They also provide on-the-fly translation between networks that employ different transports and signaling protocols. That translation capability enables, for example, services that were designed to run on SS7 to run on IP networks instead, and vice versa.
Edge STPs at work
Unlike traditional STPs, Edge STPs process packet traffic away from the network core, where sensitive applications and customer information reside. They can either perform simple packet routing or deep packet inspection (DPI)Deep packet inspection
Deep Packet Inspection is a form of computer network packet filtering that examines the data part of a packet as it passes an inspection point, searching for protocol non-compliance, viruses, spam, intrusions or predefined criteria to decide if the packet can...
that supports content-based routing
Routing
Routing is the process of selecting paths in a network along which to send network traffic. Routing is performed for many kinds of networks, including the telephone network , electronic data networks , and transportation networks...
. DPI is a time-consuming and processor-intensive function that can bog down core network
Core network
A core network, or network core, is the central part of a telecommunication network that provides various services to customers who are connected by the access network. One of the main functions is to route telephone calls across the PSTN....
functions and reduce customer response times. Shifting it to the network edge improves overall network performance
Network performance
Network performance refers to the service quality of a telecommunications product as seen by the customer. It should not be seen merely as an attempt to get "more through" the network....
.
Moving functionality to the network edge, companies can add, modify, and expand services without disrupting core network functions. Edge STPs perform a broad range of roles in evolving telecommunications network
Telecommunications network
A telecommunications network is a collection of terminals, links and nodes which connect together to enable telecommunication between users of the terminals. Networks may use circuit switching or message switching. Each terminal in the network must have a unique address so messages or connections...
s. They include optimizing services such as short message service (SMS)
Short message service
Short Message Service is a text messaging service component of phone, web, or mobile communication systems, using standardized communications protocols that allow the exchange of short text messages between fixed line or mobile phone devices...
for improved performance; providing precise security policies to subnetwork
Subnetwork
A subnetwork, or subnet, is a logically visible subdivision of an IP network. The practice of dividing a network into subnetworks is called subnetting....
s; preventing service interruptions during switch migrations; and connecting server-based applications to switched networks. In the latter scenario, telecommunications companies that are implementing IP subnetworks use Edge STPs to integrate them with their existing SS7 signaling infrastructure.
See also
Common Channel SignalingCommon Channel Signaling
In telephony, Common Channel Signaling , in the US also Common Channel Interoffice Signaling , is the transmission of signaling information on a separate channel from the data, and, more specifically, where that signaling channel controls multiple data channels.For example, in the public switched...
SS7
SIGTRAN
SIGTRAN
SIGTRAN is the name, derived from signaling transport, of the former Internet Engineering Task Force working group that produced specifications for a family of protocols that provide reliable datagram service and user layer adaptations for Signaling System 7 and ISDN communications protocols....
STP
Signal Transfer Point
A Signal Transfer Point is a router that relays SS7 messages between signaling end-points and other signaling transfer points . Typical SEPs include service switching points and service control points . The STP is connected to adjacent SEPs and STPs via signaling links...
Signaling Gateway
Signaling gateway
A Signaling Gateway is a network component responsible for transferring signaling messages between Common Channel Signaling nodes that communicate using different protocols and transports...
External links
“Edge device and method for interconnecting SS7 signaling points (SPs) using edge device,” http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6940866.htmlThe new zone of opportunity in telecom networking is on the edge
- http://www.compactpci-systems.com/articles/id/?3178
US Patent 6940866 - Edge device and method for interconnecting SS7 signaling points(SPs) using edge device
- http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6940866/claims.html