What is Signaling System 7 (SS7)? A Definitive Guide

Language is the medium we use to communicate with each other in our daily lives. In the technological domain, protocols are the language used by devices to communicate and work with each other. SS7 is one such framework consisting of a family of protocols, that has revolutionized how voice calls, SMS, and data services are delivered. With technology’s continuous evolution, SS7 now faces a complex interplay of innovation and security. This blog post explores this interesting topic in depth.  Let’s get started!

What is SS7 in Telecom?

SS7 stands for Signaling System 7 and is also known as SS7 signaling. It is a global standard comprising a set of protocols used for telecommunications signaling for PSTN communication networks. 

Let’s put it in simple words for you.

Primarily, SS7 protocols are used for PSTN telephone calls i.e. set up and tear down. However, the usage of SS7 protocols expands to several other areas such as SMS, local number portability, etc. 

Before SS7 came into existence, telecom networks relied on in-band signaling i.e. control signals were sent over the same path as voice communication. This in-band signaling was easily vulnerable to frauds such as tone-based highjacking. SS7 made a transformative shift by introducing out-of-band signaling, that offered many benefits including: 

• Improved call setup time and routing speed 
• Increased security as signaling separated from voice channels 
• Reduced congestion on voice paths. 

Originally termed as Common Channel Interoffice Signaling, SS7 standard was introduced in 1970 and was deployed in circuit-switched networks like the PSTN. While many national variations of SS7 protocols adhere to ANSI and ETSI standards, the Chinese and Japanese TTC variants offer unique characteristics.

It was during the 1980s, that the actual standardization took place i.e. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) formalized the SS7 protocol and it became the global standard for signaling in telecom. Certainly, the interoperability of this protocol across different carriers and vendors was ensured. 

Now that we have learned about how SS7 came into existence, let’s move ahead and learn more about some of the key components of the SS7 network.  

What are SS7 Switches?

SS7 switches are an important backbone component of the SS7 network. These specialized networking devices are responsible for routing and managing signaling traffic. The very purpose of SS7 switches is to manage the communication between network elements in a PSTN or cellular network. These switches mainly interconnect with SS7-capable devices like HLR, VLR, and SCP, or other telephone network switches and are not used to connect a local exchange to a customer.

There are many functions that SS7 handles, including:

• Call setup and tear down
• Call routing
• Advanced calling features
• Short Message Service (SMS) transmission
• Database queries

Components of SS7 Switches 

SS7 switches consist of specialized nodes in an SS7 network, including:

• Signal Transfer Point (STP)

A crucial component of the SS7 network, STP is responsible for routing signaling messages between different elements within the network and ensuring that messages are directed to the correct destination.

• Service Switching Point (SSP)

SSPs are responsible for initiating and terminating signaling communication for setting up calls or services. 

• Service Control Point (SCP)

SCPs interfaces with databases like HLR or VLR to provide advanced services (e.g., toll-free call routing or prepaid billing).

What are SS7 Signaling Links?

SS7 signaling points are the points of interconnection between different network elements. They can be classified into two main types: 

• Point Codes: These are unique codes assigned to network elements, such as switches and routers. 
• Service Codes: These are codes that identify specific services, such as voice, SMS, and data.

What are SS7 Signaling Modes?

Signaling modes are the paths taken by signaling messages between network nodes. SS7 networks mainly prefer 2 types of signaling modes i.e. Associated Mode and Quasi-Associated Mode. However, there’s another mode called the Non-associated signaling mode, which is sometimes used but not preferred. Let’s understand these signaling modes in more details, one by one:

• Associated Mode

In this type of signaling mode, signaling messages are associated with a specific call and are transmitted on the same channel as the voice or data traffic. This mode is ideal for simple and small setups without complex routing needs.

• Non-Associated Signaling

In non-associated signaling, the signaling messages do not travel over the same channel or path as the user data, but instead, they are routed through an entirely separate signaling network. This mode is ideal for large, complex networks and improves network resilience as messages are routed dynamically

• Quasi-Associated Mode

Quasi-Associated Signaling is a hybrid mode where signaling messages take an indirect path via one or more intermediate STPs, but these paths are pre-determined. Once the messages reach a final STP, they are delivered directly to the destination node.

How does Signaling System 7 work for SMS?

Here, we will discuss the working of SS7, particularly for SMS delivery to understand how SS7 plays a crucial role in the delivery of SMS messages: 

• Message Creation

When you compose an SMS message on your phone, it’s converted into a specific format.

• Sending to the Mobile Network

Your phone sends the SMS to the nearest mobile network tower.

• SS7 Network Involvement

The mobile network then uses the SS7 network to route the SMS to the recipient’s network.

• Message Routing

The SS7 network, consisting of various switches and routers, determines the optimal path for the SMS.  It may pass through multiple networks and countries before reaching the destination network.  

• Delivery to the Recipient’s Phone

The SMS is finally delivered to the recipient’s mobile phone, which decodes and displays the message.

Several key components of SS7 contribute to the entire process of successful delivery of SMS messages. Let’s take a look:

The Emergence of SIGTRAN

With the expansion of mobile networks in the 1990s, SS7 further solidified its role as a critical protocol. When in 2000s the internet and VoIP technology ushered in, traditional circuit-switched networks began transitioning to packet-switched systems. During this time, though SS7 remained dominant, it faced challenges in terms of security, scalability and adaptability to IP-based networks.

SIGTRAN stands for Signaling Transport protocol. Primarily, this protocol was developed to address the limitations of SS7, enabling it to operate over IP networks. In other words, SIGTRAN emerged as a solution to integrate SS7 signaling with the modern IP infrastructure, while addressing its scalability and security shortcomings. 

This transition brings several advantages for the telecom signaling, including:

• Better Scalability and Flexibility 

IP-based networks can handle a much larger volume of signaling traffic. SIGTRAN leverages the inherent scalability and flexibility, thus allowing for easier network expansion and adaptation to changing traffic patterns.

• Cost Efficiency 

SIGTRAN utilizes existing IP infrastructure, thus reducing the dependency on costly SS7-specific hardware and leased lines. This helps in reducing CAPEX i.e. capital expenditure associated with dedicated signaling networks. Furthermore, IP networks make efficient use of resources, which lowers the operational costs i.e. OPEX.

• Enhanced Security 

SS7 lacks encryption, however, SIGTRAN can employ advanced security mechanisms such as encryption and authentication. Additionally, SIGTRAN allows the use of secure IP protocols such as IPsec and TLS. Altogether, this helps protect against eavesdropping, message tampering, and other threats.

Key Protocols in SIGTRAN

The SIGTRAN family of protocols includes several names, of which we are going to discuss the main 3 protocols, as mentioned below:

• Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP)

The SCTP protocol offers features like multi-streaming and multi-homing for reliable, ordered, and flow-controlled transport of signaling messages. 

• M3UA (Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation)

It maps SS7 messages onto SCTP / Adapts SS7’s MTP Level 3 for IP networks, enabling seamless communication between SS7 and IP domains.

• SUA (Signaling Connection Control Part User Adaptation Layer)

It Enables SCCP user messages and service interfaces to traverse IP networks via an SCTP adaptation layer. 

Overall, In summary, while SS7 and SIGTRAN serve the same purpose for SMS delivery, SIGTRAN modernizes the process by leveraging IP networks, offering greater efficiency and scalability. Let’s move ahead to discuss how SS7 and SIGTRAN coexist in modern networks. 

SS7 and SIGTRAN Interworking in SMS Delivery

Today, many telecommunications networks employ a hybrid approach i.e. combining SS7 and SIGTRAN. This interworking brings together complex protocols and mechanisms to ensure a smooth transition to IP-based signaling. In hybrid networks, SS7 is used for legacy systems like 2G, 3G networks. In 4G/LTE and IP-based systems, SIGTRAN bridges SS7 with these networks.

Our platform, REVE SMS, is designed to support both SS7 and SIGTRAN, providing robust and scalable solutions for SMS delivery in various network environments. 

Let’s move further to understand how our SMS platform effectively makes use of SS7 framework for successful SMS delivery. 

How REVE SMS Leverages SS7 for SMS Delivery?

SS7 remains a cornerstone in traditional telecom networks like GSM and PSTN, making it an essential component for SMS delivery in legacy systems. REVE SMS harnesses SS7 to enable seamless message delivery through:

• Direct Connectivity with Legacy Networks

REVE SMS utilizes SS7 to connect directly with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and key elements like SMSC (Short Message Service Centers). This ensures fast and reliable message transmission across global networks.

• Real-Time Routing and Signaling

With SS7, our platform ensures efficient message routing by communicating with databases such as HLR (Home Location Register) to verify subscriber information and determine the correct destination for SMS.

• Support for Advanced Features

Beyond basic SMS delivery, REVE SMS supports advanced SS7 features like delivery receipts (DLRs) and message prioritization, critical for time-sensitive communication in industries like banking or healthcare.

Besides SS7, REVE SMS platform also supports SIGTRAN for SMS delivery, which is explained in the next section. 

How does REVE SMS Optimizes SMS Delivery with SIGTRAN?

As networks evolve towards IP-based infrastructures, SIGTRAN plays a pivotal role in modernizing SMS delivery. REVE SMS supports SIGTRAN to bring the benefits of IP transport to telecom signaling, offering:

• High Scalability for Growing Traffic

SIGTRAN allows REVE SMS to handle large volumes of SMS traffic efficiently, leveraging packet-switched networks for cost-effective and scalable delivery. This is especially critical for businesses managing high message volumes, such as e-commerce promotions or bulk messaging campaigns.

• Seamless Integration in Hybrid Networks

In networks transitioning from traditional SS7 to IP-based systems, SIGTRAN enables REVE SMS to operate as a bridge, ensuring compatibility with both legacy and modern infrastructures.

• Enhanced Reliability and Performance

Using SCTP, SIGTRAN minimizes latency and packet loss, ensuring faster and more reliable SMS delivery even during network congestion.

Why Supporting Both Protocols Matters?

The diversity in the global telecom network infrastructures is the primary reason for supporting both SS7 and SIGTRAN protocols. While each protocol caters to specific technological environments, having dual support ensures comprehensive compatibility. 

• Supporting Legacy Networks

SS7 is deeply integrated into PSTN networks and dominant in regions with established legacy systems. By supporting SS7, REVE SMS ensures compatibility with these networks, without requiring infrastructure upgrades. This is extremely beneficial for operators that prioritize cost-effective and reliable services using their existing infrastructure. 

• Supporting Modern IP-Based Networks

In recent times, telecom operators have rapidly shifted towards modern IP-based networks, owing to these networks’ flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. By supporting SIGTRAN, REVE enables operators to leverage the benefits of these modern networks. 

• Hybrid Networks

Many telecom operators operate hybrid networks, where SS7 and SIGTRAN coexist. Such scenarios are common when transitions happen from legacy to IP-based infrastructures. By supporting both SS7 and SIGTRAN, REVE SMS ensures that messages can seamlessly traverse the mixed environments, thus providing a unified solution that adapts to any infrastructure. 

This versatility ensures that REVE SMS can meet the needs of global businesses, regardless of the telecom infrastructure in place. 

Conclusion: What is SS7?

The combination of SS7 and SIGTRAN has revolutionized SMS delivery, supporting billions of messages sent daily with unmatched reliability and global reach. While SS7 laid the foundation with its robust signaling capabilities, SIGTRAN has modernized the process by integrating IP-based networks, offering scalability, speed, and cost-efficiency. 

With over 5.5 billion mobile phone users worldwide relying on SMS for personal and business communication, the role of SS7 and SIGTRAN remains critical. As telecommunications evolve with technologies like 5G, these protocols will continue to adapt, ensuring the seamless delivery of SMS in an increasingly connected world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is SS7 important for SMS-based businesses?

SS7 ensures reliable delivery of SMS messages, which is critical for applications like OTPs, alerts, and marketing campaigns.

How can businesses transition from SS7 to modern systems?

Businesses can adopt SIGTRAN or fully IP-based systems like SIP to benefit from lower costs, greater scalability, and enhanced security.

What are the security risks associated with SS7?

SS7 vulnerabilities include unauthorized access, call interception, SMS spoofing, and location tracking.

What are the main components of SS7 networks?

The main components of an SS7 network are the SSP (Service Switching Point), STP (Signaling Transfer Point), and SCP (Service Control Point).

Why is SS7 still in use despite its vulnerabilities?

SS7 remains widely used because it is integral to legacy telecommunications systems and global infrastructure.