In Mobile Telecommunication, Signaling is the use of messages for controlling communications between the different elements within the Mobile Network. This may constitute an information exchange concerning the establishment and control of a telecommunication voice call, SMS, or data session.
Across all available Mobile Technologies different protocols are being used and require specific routing and security capabilities per domain which are listed below:
▫ 2G/3G network: SS7 Signaling MAP/CAP
▫ 4G/LTE network: Diameter Signaling
▫ 5G network: HTTP/2 Signaling
Diameter Router and Edge Agent in MNO and IPX Service Providers network
Front end of IMS/EPC platforms e.g. OCS, PCRF, AAA, HSS, SGSN for overloading
LTE Roaming Gateway
Inter Working Function between 2G/3G and 4G networks
IPLOOK's Mobile Signaling Solution
Control your Mobile Network Communication
It is important that within each Mobile Technology messages can be routed to a correct destination within the Home PLMN and for roaming purposes from and towards each Visited PLMN. Next to that, Protocol Interworking capabilities are vital to support technology fallback from 4G to 3G when losing coverage or to support Circuit Switched FallBack (CSFB).
IPLOOK is a leading expert in intelligent routing and interworking solutions for 2G/3G, 4G/LTE, 5G, IMS, Fixed Wireless and M2M networks. We deliver Single Engine Signaling solutions and network applications for the telecommunications industry.
Features
SCCP routing
Support for SIGTRAN standards M3UA
» MTP3/SCCP/TCAP
Routing Management
Routing rules based on:
» Peer Role
» Contents of AVP
» Application ID
GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) is a set of IP-based communication protocols used to carry GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) in GSM, UMTS and LTE networks. It enables an endpoint on a GSM or UMTS network to move its position within the network, while being continuously connected to the Internet via the same GGSN. In order to achieve this, the GTP protocol always transmits user-plane data from the SGSN to which the user's location belongs to the GGSN on which it is based.
The GPRS core network uses these three GTP protocols:
▫ GTP-U is used to provide one or more tunnels for each PDP context to transmit user data
▫ GTP-C is used for control purposes
▫ GTP is used to transfer billing data from each GGSN to the Charging Gateway Function (CGF)
A Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) is a functional element in a 3G or 4G (such as LTE) network which provides real-time routing capabilities to ensure that messages are routed among the correct elements in a network. The DRA was introduced by the 3GPP to address the increased Diameter signaling traffic and growing complexity of 4G LTE networks.
Networks with complex architectures and multiple Diameter nodes require an advanced Diameter contextual routing engine. Choosing a DRA that' s capable of advanced contextual routing is essential to managing network complexity and capitalizing on all that 4G LTE has to offer.
A Signal Transfer Point(STP) is used in an SS7 or CC7 network. The STPs transfer SS7 messages between interconnected nodes (signaling endpoints) based on information contained in the SS7 address fields. Typical SEPs include service switching points (SSPs) and service control points (SCPs). The STP is connected to adjacent SEPs and STPs via signaling links.
STP supports any-to-any signaling connectivity between SS7 via IP SIGTRAN interfaces for maximum network integration flexibility. The STP offers all the standard features and functionality expected of an STP solution, including Gateway Screening and Global Title Translation, while also offering extended capabilities and features such as Signaling Gateway and Point Code Emulation.
SMSC (Short Message Service Center) is the core platform in mobile communication networks responsible for the storage, forwarding, and routing of SMS messages. It ensures the reliable transmission of messages within the network and supports point-to-point messaging, broadcast messages, and application-to-person (A2P) communication. With high concurrency processing capabilities, strong protocol compatibility (supporting SMPP, SS7, etc.), and flexible routing strategies, SMSC is widely applicable to operators, MVNOs, and enterprise messaging platforms. Its visualized management interface and real-time monitoring features enable customers to efficiently manage SMS services with ease, security, and stability.
The USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) network element is a critical component in mobile communication networks, enabling fast, interactive communication between users and operator systems. It transmits data over GSM networks in a session-based format, typically using commands like *123#, allowing users to access services without an internet connection.
As the core of the USSD platform, the USSD network element is responsible for parsing, routing, and processing USSD requests. It is commonly used in scenarios such as balance inquiries, plan subscriptions, mobile payments, and banking services. Compared to SMS, USSD offers faster response times, real-time interaction, and requires no message storage, making it ideal for high-interactivity services.
GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) is a set of IP-based communication protocols used to carry GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) in GSM, UMTS and LTE networks. It enables an endpoint on a GSM or UMTS network to move its position within the network, while being continuously connected to the Internet via the same GGSN. In order to achieve this, the GTP protocol always transmits user-plane data from the SGSN to which the user's location belongs to the GGSN on which it is based.
The GPRS core network uses these three GTP protocols:
▫ GTP-U is used to provide one or more tunnels for each PDP context to transmit user data
▫ GTP-C is used for control purposes
▫ GTP is used to transfer billing data from each GGSN to the Charging Gateway Function (CGF)
A Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) is a functional element in a 3G or 4G (such as LTE) network which provides real-time routing capabilities to ensure that messages are routed among the correct elements in a network. The DRA was introduced by the 3GPP to address the increased Diameter signaling traffic and growing complexity of 4G LTE networks.
Networks with complex architectures and multiple Diameter nodes require an advanced Diameter contextual routing engine. Choosing a DRA that' s capable of advanced contextual routing is essential to managing network complexity and capitalizing on all that 4G LTE has to offer.
A Signal Transfer Point(STP) is used in an SS7 or CC7 network. The STPs transfer SS7 messages between interconnected nodes (signaling endpoints) based on information contained in the SS7 address fields. Typical SEPs include service switching points (SSPs) and service control points (SCPs). The STP is connected to adjacent SEPs and STPs via signaling links.
STP supports any-to-any signaling connectivity between SS7 via IP SIGTRAN interfaces for maximum network integration flexibility. The STP offers all the standard features and functionality expected of an STP solution, including Gateway Screening and Global Title Translation, while also offering extended capabilities and features such as Signaling Gateway and Point Code Emulation.
SMSC (Short Message Service Center) is the core platform in mobile communication networks responsible for the storage, forwarding, and routing of SMS messages. It ensures the reliable transmission of messages within the network and supports point-to-point messaging, broadcast messages, and application-to-person (A2P) communication. With high concurrency processing capabilities, strong protocol compatibility (supporting SMPP, SS7, etc.), and flexible routing strategies, SMSC is widely applicable to operators, MVNOs, and enterprise messaging platforms. Its visualized management interface and real-time monitoring features enable customers to efficiently manage SMS services with ease, security, and stability.
The USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) network element is a critical component in mobile communication networks, enabling fast, interactive communication between users and operator systems. It transmits data over GSM networks in a session-based format, typically using commands like *123#, allowing users to access services without an internet connection.
As the core of the USSD platform, the USSD network element is responsible for parsing, routing, and processing USSD requests. It is commonly used in scenarios such as balance inquiries, plan subscriptions, mobile payments, and banking services. Compared to SMS, USSD offers faster response times, real-time interaction, and requires no message storage, making it ideal for high-interactivity services.
