Internet Engineering Task Force
INTERNET DRAFT                                                  Authors
draft-toivanen-sccp-etheric-00.txt                       Harri Toivanen
August 1998                                           Oy LM Ericsson Ab
Expires: March 1999                                       Petteri Laamo
                                                      Oy LM Ericsson Ab
                                                           George Wayne
                                       Advanced Computer Communications
                                                     Paul Harding-Jones
                                       Advanced Computer Communications


          Simplified Call Control Protocol - Etheric

Status of this Memo

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documents of the Internet Engineering task Force (IETF), its areas,
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Abstract

This memo describes Simplified Call Control Protocol called Etheric
between Signalling System 7 (SS7) controlled Public Switched Telephony
Network (PSTN) and Network Access Server (NAS) created by Oy LM
Ericsson Ab in co-operation with Advanced Computer Communications inc
(ACC).

1. General Information

1.1 Introduction

The Etheric 1.0 is the protocol used to control traffic between Public
Switched Telephony Network GateWay (PSTN-GW, initially PSTN exchange)
and Network Access Server (NAS) for call setup and release as well as
for circuit maintenance. The signalling uses TCP/IP.

1.2 Terms and Abbreviations

Direction backwards
        Messages which are sent against the call set-up direction

Direction forwards
        Messages which are sent towards the call set-up direction.

GS
        Group Switch.

IP
        Internet Protocol.

Node
        In this document, one end of the Etheric protocol, i.e. NAS or
        PSTN-GW.


TCP
        Transmission Control Protocol.

TDM
        Time Division Multiplexed line.



2. Function

2.1 General




                PSTN-GW             IP-connection
            --------------------+
                                I
                +----------+    I
                I          I    I
                I IP-      I    I
                I terminal +------------------+
                I          I    I             I
                +----------+    I             I
                                I             I
                       TDM interfaces         I
                                I             I
                +------+        I  +--------+ I
                I      I        I  I        I I
                I      I        I  I  NAS 1 I I
                I      I        I  I        I I
                I GS   +-----------+        +-+
                I      I        I  I        I I
                I      I        I  +--------+ I
                I      I        I             I
                I      I        I             I
                I      I        I             I
                I      I        I  +--------+ I
                I      I        I  I        I I
                I      I        I  I  NAS 2 I I
                I      I        I  I        I I
                I      +-----------+        +-+
                I      I        I  I        I I
                I      I        I  +--------+ I
                I      I        I             I
                I      I        I    ...      I
                I      I        I             I
                I      I        I             I
                I      I        I             I
                I      I        I  +--------+ I
                I      I        I  I        I I
                I      I        I  I  NAS n +-I
                I      I        I  I        I I
                I      +-----------+        +-+
                I      I        I  I        I
                I      I        I  +--------+
                I      I        I
                +------+        I
                                I
            --------------------+


The figure above shows the configuration between PSTN-GW and NASs.

The Etheric signalling protocol between the PSTN-GW and  the NASs is of
common channel type.

IP-connection is used as the signaling path. TCP is used for reliable
transfer of signalling information.

As shown in the figure a group of NASs can be connected to the PSTN-GW.
The PSTN-GW and NASs connected to the same IP-connection form an IP
subnet where the PSTN-GW and each NAS have own IP-addresses. One NAS
can be connected to one PSTN-GW only.

Each NAS connected to the PSTN-GW with TDM interfaces is considered a
'signalling destination' identified by an IP address. While the Etheric
signalling is transferred over the IP-connection the data traffic is
transferred  over the TDM interfaces.

The Etheric protocol is a message oriented protocol based on ITU-T
Q.767. The protocol identifies the timeslots in TDM interfaces used for
traffic by means of a Circuit Identification Code (CIC). CICs are
unique per signalling destination, i.e. per NAS. The CICs are numbered
so that consecutive timeslots have consecutive CICs within a TDM
interface.

The Etheric protocol has procedures for automatic recovery from
signalling TCP connection failures.

The protocol also includes procedures for circuit management which
allow the two ends of a signalling connection to align the circuit
status after a manual action or an outage situation.

2.2 Security Considerations

Because of nature of the Etheric protocol it must be secured either by
separating IP-connection(s) containing signalling traffic from payload
or encrypting IP-connection(s) below Etheric-level.

This memo does not contain more about security matters.

2.3 Reliability Aspects

For increased reliability two parallel IP-connections can be used by the
Etheric signalling. The PSTN-GW and each NAS are connected to both
IP-connections. The two signalling TCP connections are then set up over
the two separate IP-connections. This is also the case when a pair of IP
addresses is used to identify the signalling destination.

2.4 Message Format

The signalling information is transferred by means of signalling
messages. A message consists of length indicator and a variable length
signalling information field (SIF) which carries the information
between PSTN-GW and NAS.



+-----+--------+
I     I        I
I     I Length I
I SIF I Infor- I
I     I mation I
I     I        I
+-----+--------+


2.4.1 LENGTH INFORMATION


+---------------------+
I                     I
I      byte 0         I
I                     I
+---+-----------------+
I   I                 I
I F I byte1.B6-B0     I
I   I                 I
+---+-----------------+



byte0      : not used, coded as 0

byte1.B6-B0: message length

             (number of bytes in the message,

              the length information part excluded)



The F bit is reserved and MUST be set to 0.


2.4.2 SIGNALLING INFORMATION FIELD (SIF)



+---------------------+
I                     I
I    Circuit          I
I    Identification   I
I    Code             I
I                     I
+---------------------+
I                     I
I    Message type     I
I    Code             I
I                     I
+---------------------+
I                     I
I    Mandatory        I
I    fixed part       I
I                     I
+---------------------+
I                     I
I    Mandatory        I
I    variable part    I
I                     I
+---------------------+


2.4.3 CIRCUIT IDENTIFICATION CODE (CIC)

    8    7    6    5    4    3    2    1
+-------------------------------------------+
I                                           I
I     CIC least significant bits            I
I                                           I
+---------------------+---------------------+
I                     I                     I
I    spare            I    CIC  most        I
I                     I    significant bits I
I                     I                     I
+---------------------+---------------------+



The spare bits MUST be set to 0.


2.4.4 MESSAGE TYPE CODE

The message type code consists of a one octet field and is mandatory
for all messages. The message type code uniquely defines the function
and format of message.

The allocation with reference to the appropriate descriptive section of
this specification is found in section 2.5.

2.4.5 Formatting Principles

Each message consists of a number of parameters listed and described in
section 2.6. Each parameter has a name which is coded as a single octet
(see section 2.6.2). The length of a parameter may be fixed or
variable, and a length indicator of one octet may be included as
described in section 2.6.1.


2.5 Message Type Codes

The abbreviations used in this section are :

F       mandatory fixed length parameter
V       mandatory variable length parameter



+---------------------------+-----------+-------------+
I                           I           I             I
I     message type          I   code    I  reference  I
I                           I           I             I
+---------------------------+-----------+-------------+
I                           I           I             I
I ADDRESS COMPLETE (ACM)    I 0000 0110 I   2.5.1     I
I                           I           I             I
I ANSWER (ANM)              I 0000 1001 I   2.5.2     I
I                           I           I             I
I BLOCKING (BLO)            I 0001 0011 I   2.5.3     I
I                           I           I             I
I BLOCKING                  I 0001 0101 I   2.5.4     I
I ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (BLA)     I           I             I
I                           I           I             I
I CIRCUIT GROUP RESET (GRS) I 0001 0111 I   2.5.5     I
I                           I           I             I
I CIRCUIT GROUP RESET       I 0010 1001 I   2.5.6     I
I ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (GRA)     I           I             I
I                           I           I             I
I CONNECT (CON)             I 0000 0111 I   2.5.7     I
I                           I           I             I
I INITIAL ADDRESS (IAM)     I 0000 0001 I   2.5.8     I
I                           I           I             I
I RELEASE (REL)             I 0000 1100 I   2.5.9     I
I                           I           I             I
I RELEASE COMPLETE (RLC)    I 0001 0000 I   2.5.10    I
I                           I           I             I
I RESET CIRCUIT (RSC)       I 0001 0010 I   2.5.11    I
I                           I           I             I
I UNBLOCKING (UBL)          I 0001 0100 I   2.5.12    I
I                           I           I             I
I UNBLOCKING                I 0001 0110 I   2.5.13    I
I ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (UBA)     I           I             I
I                           I           I             I
+---------------------------+-----------+-------------+


2.5.1 ADDRESS COMPLETE (ACM)

Indicates that all the address signals required for routing the call to
the called party have been received.

direction : backward


+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
I Backward call   I   2.6.9   I  F   I    1     I
I indicators      I           I      I          I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+

2.5.2 ANSWER (ANM)

Indicates that the call has been answered.

This message is used to start metering the charge to the calling
subscriber.

direction : backward


+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+



2.5.3 BLOCKING (BLO)

Sent only for maintenance purposes to the node at the other end of a
circuit, to cause an engaged condition of that circuit for subsequent
calls outgoing from that node. When a circuit is used in the bothway
mode of operation a node receiving the blocking message must be capable
of accepting incoming calls on the concerned circuit unless it has also
sent a blocking message.

direction : both

+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.5.4 BLOCKING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (BLA)

Sent in response to a blocking message indicating that the circuit has
been blocked.

direction : both

+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.5.5 CIRCUIT GROUP RESET (GRS)

Sent to release all circuits connected to one NAS when, due to memory
mutilation or other causes, it is unknown whether for example, a
release or release complete message is appropriate for each of the
circuits in the group. If at the receiving end a circuit is remotely
blocked, reception of this message  should cause that condition to be
removed.

direction : both

+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+

The CIC in the GRS message is not relevant, and will be coded as 0 when
sent.


2.5.6 CIRCUIT GROUP RESET ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (GRA)

Sent in response to a circuit group reset message and indicating that
the requested group of circuits has been reset.

direction : both


+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+

The CIC in the GRA message is not relevant, and will be coded as 0 when
sent.


2.5.7 CONNECT (CON)

Indicates that all the address signals required for routing the call to
the called party have been received and that the call has been
answered.

This message is used to start metering the charge to the calling
subscriber.

direction : backward

+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.5.8 INITIAL ADDRESS (IAM)

Initiates seizure of an outgoing circuit and transmits number and other
information relating to the routing and handling of a call.

direction : forward

+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
I Forward call    I   2.6.8   I  F   I    1     I
I  indicators     I           I      I          I
I                 I           I      I          I
I Calling party's I   2.6.6   I  F   I    1     I
I  category       I           I      I          I
I                 I           I      I          I
I Transmission    I   2.6.10  I  F   I    1     I
I  medium         I           I      I          I
I  requirement    I           I      I          I
I                 I           I      I          I
I Called  party   I   2.6.4   I  V   I  2 - 17  I
I  number         I           I      I          I
I                 I           I      I          I
I Calling party   I   2.6.5   I  V   I  2 - 10  I
I  number         I           I      I          I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.5.9 RELEASE (REL)

Indicates that the circuit has been released due to the reason (cause)
supplied and is ready to be put into the idle state on receipt of the
release complete message.

direction : both


+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
I Cause           I   2.6.7   I  F   I    1     I
I indicators      I           I      I          I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.5.10 RELEASE COMPLETE (RLC)

Is sent in response to the receipt of a release message, or if
appropriate, to a reset circuit message, when the circuit concerned has
been brought into the idle condition.

direction : both


+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.5.11 RESET CIRCUIT (RSC)

Sent to release a circuit when, due to memory mutilation or other
causes, it is unknown whether for example, a released or a release
complete message is appropriate. If at the receiving end the circuit is
blocked, reception of this message should cause that condition to be
removed.

direction : both


+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.5.12 UNBLOCKING (UBL)

Sent to the node at the other end of the circuit to cancel, in that
node, the engaged condition of the circuit caused by a previously sent
blocking message.

direction : both


+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.5.13 UNBLOCKING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (UBA)

Sent in response to an unblocking message indicating that the circuit
has been unblocked.

direction : both


+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I    parameter    I reference I type I  length  I
I                 I           I      I (octets) I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+
I                 I           I      I          I
I Message type    I   2.5     I  F   I    1     I
I                 I           I      I          I
+-----------------+-----------+------+----------+


2.6 Parameters

2.6.1 FORMAT

2.6.1.1 MANDATORY FIXED PART

Those parameters that are mandatory and of fixed length for a
particular message type will be contained in the mandatory fixed part.
The position, length and order of the parameters is uniquely defined by
the message type, thus the names of the parameters and the length
indicators are not included in the message.


+--------------------------+
I                          I
I MANDATORY PARAMETER  A   I
I                          I
+--------------------------+
.                          .
.       ...                .
.                          .
+--------------------------+
I                          I
I MANDATORY PARAMETER  F   I
I                          I
+--------------------------+


2.6.1.2 MANDATORY VARIABLE PART

Mandatory parameters of variable length will be included in the
mandatory variable part. Pointers are used to indicate the beginning of
each parameter. Each pointer is encoded as a single octet. The name of
each parameter and the order in which the pointers are sent is implicit
in the message type. Parameter names are, therefore, not included in
the message. The details of how pointers are encoded is found in
section 2.6.1.5. The number of parameters, and thus the number of
pointers is uniquely defined by the message type.

All the pointers are consecutive at the beginning of the mandatory
variable part. Each parameter contains the parameter length indicator
followed by the contents of the parameters.


+--------------------------+
I                          I
I POINTER TO PARAMETER M   +--+
I                          I  I
+--------------------------+  I
.                          .  I
.       ...                .  I
.                          .  I
+--------------------------+  I
I                          I  I
I POINTER TO PARAMETER P   +-----+
I                          I  I  I
+--------------------------+  I  I
I                          I  I  I
I LENGTH OF PARAMETER  M   I-+  I
I                          I     I
+--------------------------+     I
I                          I     I
I   PARAMETER  M           I     I
I                          I     I
+--------------------------+     I
.                          .     I
.       ...                .     I
.                          .     I
+--------------------------+     I
I                          I     I
I LENGTH OF PARAMETER  P   I----+
I                          I
+--------------------------+
I                          I
I   PARAMETER  P           I
I                          I
+--------------------------+




2.6.1.3 FORMAT OF PARAMETER IN MANDATORY VARIABLE PART


+--------------------------+
I                          I
I LENGTH OF PARAMETER M    I
I                          I
+--------------------------+
I                          I
I PARAMETER M CONTENTS     I
I                          I
+--------------------------+


2.6.1.4 CODING OF THE LENGTH INDICATOR

The length indicator field is binary coded to indicate the number of
octets in the parameter content field. The length indicated does not
include the parameter name octet or the length indicator octet.

2.6.1.5 CODING OF THE POINTERS

The pointer value (in binary) gives the number of octets between the
pointer itself (included) and the first octet (not included) of the
parameter associated with that pointer.

2.6.2 PARAMETER NAMES


+-----------------------+-----------+-------------+
I                       I           I             I
I    parameter name     I   code    I  reference  I
I                       I           I             I
+-----------------------+-----------+-------------+
I                       I           I             I
I CALLED PARTY NUMBER   I 0000 0100 I   2.6.4     I
I                       I           I             I
I CALLING PARTY NUMBER  I 0000 1010 I   2.6.5     I
I                       I           I             I
I CALLING PARTY'S       I 0000 1001 I   2.6.6     I
I CATEGORY              I           I             I
I                       I           I             I
I CAUSE INDICATORS      I 0001 0010 I   2.6.7     I
I                       I           I             I
I FORWARD CALL          I 0000 0111 I   2.6.8     I
I INDICATORS            I           I             I
I                       I           I             I
I BACKWARD CALL         I 0010 1001 I   2.6.9     I
I INDICATORS            I           I             I
I                       I           I             I
I TRANSMISSION MEDIUM   I 0000 0010 I   2.6.10    I
I REQUIREMENT           I           I             I
I                       I           I             I
+-----------------------+-----------+-------------+


2.6.3 PARAMETER NAME VS MESSAGE TABLE


+-----------------------+-----------+-------------+
I                       I           I             I
I    parameter name     I parameter I  messages   I
I                       I   type    I             I
I                       I           I             I
+-----------------------+-----------+-------------+
I                       I           I             I
I CALLED PARTY NUMBER   I    V      I IAM         I
I                       I           I             I
I CALLING PARTY NUMBER  I    V      I IAM         I
I                       I           I             I
I CALLING PARTY'S       I    F      I IAM         I
I CATEGORY              I           I             I
I                       I           I             I
I CAUSE INDICATORS      I    F      I REL         I
I                       I           I             I
I BACKWARD              I    F      I ACM         I
I CALL INDICATORS       I           I             I
I                       I           I             I
I FORWARD CALL          I    F      I IAM         I
I INDICATORS            I           I             I
I                       I           I             I
I TRANSMISSION MEDIUM   I    F      I IAM         I
I REQUIREMENTS          I           I             I
I                       I           I             I
+-----------------------+-----------+-------------+


2.6.4 CALLED PARTY NUMBER

length : 2 - 17 octets

   8    7    6    5    4    3    2    1
+----+----------------------------------+
I                                       I
IOdd/I   Nature of address              I
IevenI      indicator                   I
I                                       I
+----+--------------+-------------------+
I                   I                   I
I   2nd address     I   1st address     I
I      signal       I     signal        I
I                   I                   I
+-------------------+-------------------+
I                   :                   I
I                   :                   I
I                   :                   I
+-------------------+-------------------+
I                   I                   I
I     Filler        I    nth  address   I
I (if necessary)    I     signal        I
I                   I                   I
+-------------------+-------------------+


Odd/Even Indicator



0      Even number of address signals

1      Odd number of address signals



Nature of Address Indicator

0 0 0 0 0 0 0      Spare
0 0 0 0 0 0 1      Reserved
0 0 0 0 0 1 0      Reserved
0 0 0 0 0 1 1      National (significant) number
0 0 0 0 1 0 0      International number
0 0 0 0 1 0 1
to
1 1 1 1 1 1 1      Spare

Address Signal

0 0 0 0            Digit 0
0 0 0 1            Digit 1
0 0 1 0            Digit 2
0 0 1 1            Digit 3
0 1 0 0            Digit 4
0 1 0 1            Digit 5
0 1 1 0            Digit 6
0 1 1 1            Digit 7
1 0 0 0            Digit 8
1 0 0 1            Digit 9
1 0 1 0            Spare
1 0 1 1            Code 11
1 1 0 0            Code 12
1 1 0 1            Spare
1 1 1 0            Spare
1 1 1 1            Reserved

The most significant address signal is sent first. Subsequent address
signals are sent in successive 4-bit fields.

Filler

In the case of odd number of address signals, the filler code 0 0 0 0
is inserted after the last address signal.


2.6.5 CALLING PARTY NUMBER
length : 2 - 10 octets

   8    7    6    5    4    3    2    1
+----+----------------------------------+
I    I                                  I
IOdd/I   Nature of address              I
IevenI      indicator                   I
I    I                                  I
+----+--------------+---------+---------+
I    I              I         I         I
I NI I Reserved     IPresent. I Screen- I
I    I              I ind.    I   ing   I
I    I              I         I         I
+----+--------------+---------+---------+
I                   I                   I
I   2nd address     I   1st address     I
I      signal       I     signal        I
I                   I                   I
+-------------------+-------------------+
I                   :                   I
I                   :                   I
I                   :                   I
+-------------------+-------------------+
I                   I                   I
I     Filler        I    nth  address   I
I (if necessary)    I     signal        I
I                   I                   I
+-------------------+-------------------+

Odd/Even Indicator

0      Even number of address signals
1      Odd number of address signals

Nature of Address Indicator

0 0 0 0 0 0 0      Spare
0 0 0 0 0 0 1      Reserved
0 0 0 0 0 1 0      Reserved
0 0 0 0 0 1 1      National (significant) number
0 0 0 0 1 0 0      International number
0 0 0 0 1 0 1
to
1 1 1 1 1 1 1      Spare

Screening Indicator

0 0                Not available
0 1                User provided, verified and passed
1 0                Reserved
1 1                Network provided

When Sreening Indicator is coded 00 the fields:

Nature of Address Indicator, Address Presentation Restricted Indicator
and Calling Party Number Incomplete Indicator are not used and coded as
0.

Address Presentation Restricted Indicator

0 0                Presentation allowed
0 1                Presentation restricted
1 0                Reserved
1 1                Spare



Calling Party Number Incomplete Indicator (NI)

0                  Complete
1                  Incomplete

Address Signal

0 0 0 0            Digit 0
0 0 0 1            Digit 1
0 0 1 0            Digit 2
0 0 1 1            Digit 3
0 1 0 0            Digit 4
0 1 0 1            Digit 5
0 1 1 0            Digit 6
0 1 1 1            Digit 7
1 0 0 0            Digit 8
1 0 0 1            Digit 9
1 0 1 0            Spare
1 0 1 1            Code 11
1 1 0 0            Code 12
1 1 0 1
to
1 1 1 1            Spare

The most significant address signal is sent first. Subsequent address
signals are sent in successive 4-bit fields.

Filler

In the case of odd number of address signals, the filler code 0 0 0 0
is inserted after the last address signal.

The reserved bits are coded as 0.


2.6.6 CALLING PARTY'S CATEGORY

length : 1 octet

    8    7     6    5    4    3    2    1
+-----------------------------------------+
I                                         I
I      CALLING PARTY'S CATEGORY           I
I                                         I
+-----------------------------------------+

Categories

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0     Reserved

to

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1     Reserved

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0     Normal subscriber (default)

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1     Reserved

0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0     Reserved

0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1     Test call

0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0     Reserved

to

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1     Reserved


2.6.7 CAUSE INDICATORS
length : 1 octet   8    7    6    5   4   3   2   1

+---+-----------------------------+

I 1 I       Cause Value           I

IextI                             I

+---+-----------------------------+

Cause value

Class 0 0 0 and 0 0 1, normal event:

000 0001   (1)     Unallocated (unassigned) number
000 0011   (3)     No route to destination
000 0100   (4)     Send special information tone
001 0000   (16)    Normal clearing
001 0001   (17)    User busy
001 0010   (18)    No user responding
001 0011   (19)    No answer from user
001 0101   (21)    Call reject
001 0110   (22)    Number changed
001 1011   (27)    Destination out of order
001 1100   (28)    Address incomplete
001 1111   (31)    Normal, unspecified

Class 0 1 0, resources unavailable:

010 0010   (34)    No circuit available
010 0110   (38)    Network out of order
010 1001   (41)    Temporary failure
010 1010   (42)    Switching equipment congestion
010 1100   (44)    Requested channel not available
010 1111   (47)    Resource unavailable, unspecified

Class 0 1 1, service or option not available:

011 1001   (57)    Bearer capability not authorized
011 1010   (58)    Bearer capability not presently
                   available
011 1111   (63)    Service or option not available,
                   unspecified

Class 1 0 0, service or option not implemented:

100 0001   (65)    Bearer capability not implemented
100 1111   (79)    Service or option not implemented,
                   unspecified

Class 1 0 1, invalid message (e.g. parameter out of
                              range):

101 1111   (95)    Invalid message, unspecified

Class 1 1 0, protocol error (e.g. unknown message):

110 0110   (102)   Recover on timer expiry
110 1111   (111)   Protocol error, unspecified

Class 1 1 1, interworking:

111 1111   (127)   Interworking, unspecified

Extension indicator (ext)

0       Reserved
1       Last octet

2.6.8 FORWARD CALL INDICATORS

length : 1 octet

  8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I
I H I G I F I E I D I C I B I A I
I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I
+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

A         ISDN access indicator

0         Originating access non-ISDN
1         Originating access ISDN

B to H    Reserved

The reserved bits are coded as 0.

2.6.9 BACKWARD CALL INDICATORS

length : 1 octet

  8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I
I H I G I F I E I D I C I B I A I
I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I   I
+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+

A     In-band information indicator

0     no-indication
1     in-band information or an appropriate pattern
      is now available

B to H   Reserved

The reserved bits are coded as 0.


2.6.10 TRANSMISSION MEDIUM REQUIREMENT

length : 1 octet

  8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1
+---------------------------------+
I                                 I
+---------------------------------+


Transmission medium requirement

0000 0000  speech
0000 0001  64 kbit/s restricted
0000 0010  64 kbit/s unrestricted
0000 0011  3.1 khz audio
0000 0100  reserved
0000 0101  reserved
0000 0110  spare
0000 0111  reserved
0000 1000  reserved
0000 1001  reserved
0000 1010  reserved
0000 1011
   to
1111 1111  spare

2.7 Message Sequences for Different Traffic Cases

2.7.1 Succsessful Call Set-up and Release

2.7.1.1 Non-auto answer

Alerting Indication with Address Complete Indication

             (A)                     (B)

IAM includes  I        IAM            I
all address   I --------------------> I
signals       I                       I
              I        ACM            I
Inform A-user I <-------------------- I B user sends ALERT.
with ALERT.   I                       I
              I                       I
              I                       I
              I                       I
              I        ANM            I The B-user answers,
              I <-------------------- I ring tone removed.
              I                       I
                       ...
              I                       I
              I        REL            I cause = normal clearing
              I --------------------> I
              I        RLC            I
              I <-------------------- I


Note that NAS will not generate tones.

2.7.1.2 Auto Answer
             (A)                     (B)

IAM includes  I        IAM            I
all address   I --------------------> I
signals       I                       I
              I        CON            I Routing is
              I <-------------------- I completed, the
              I                       I B-user has answered
                       ...
              I                       I
              I        REL            I cause = normal clearing
              I --------------------> I
              I        RLC            I
              I <-------------------- I



2.7.2 Signalling in Relation to Blocking

2.7.2.1 Blocking, Single Circuit, Maintenance or Hardware Failure
        Oriented

             (A)                     (B)

              I                       I
              I        BLO            I
              I --------------------> I
              I                       I
              I        BLA            I
              I <-------------------- I
              I                       I

2.7.2.2 Unblocking, Single Circuit, Maintenance or Hardware Failure
        Oriented

             (A)                     (B)

              I                       I
              I        UBL            I
              I --------------------> I
              I                       I
              I        UBA            I
              I <-------------------- I
              I                       I


2.7.3 Interworking Cases

2.7.3.1 ISUP-Etheric, non-auto answer

         ISUP                  Etheric

(A) ---------------> (B) ---------------> (C)



 I       IAM           I                     I
 I ------------------> I        IAM          I
 I                     I ------------------> I
 I                     I        ACM          I
 I       ACM           I <------------------ I
 I <------------------ I                     I
 I                     I        ANM          I
 I       ANM           I <------------------ I
 I <------------------ I                     I
 I                     I                     I
                       ...
 I                     I                     I
 I *)    REL           I                     I
 I ------------------> I       REL           I
 I       RLC           I ------------------> I
 I <------------------ I       RLC           I
 I                     I <------------------ I

    *) cause = normal clearing

2.7.3.2 ISUP-Etheric, auto answer

         ISUP                  Etheric

(A) ----------------> (B) ----------------> (C)

 I       IAM           I                     I
 I ------------------> I        IAM          I
 I                     I ------------------> I
 I                     I        CON          I
 I       ACM           I <------------------ I
 I <------------------ I                     I
 I       ANM           I                     I
 I <------------------ I                     I
 I                     I                     I
                       ...
 I                     I                     I
 I *)    REL           I                     I
 I ------------------> I       REL           I
 I       RLC           I ------------------> I
 I <------------------ I       RLC           I
 I                     I <------------------ I

    *) cause = normal clearing

2.7.3.3 DSS1-Etheric

         DSS1                  Etheric

(A) ----------------> (B) ----------------> (C)

 I       SETUP         I                     I
 I ------------------> I                     I
 I       CALL PROC     I                     I
 I <------------------ I        IAM          I
 I                     I ------------------> I
 I                     I        ACM          I
 I       ALERTING      I <------------------ I
 I <------------------ I                     I
 I                     I                     I
 I                     I        ANM          I
 I       CONNECT       I <------------------ I
 I <------------------ I                     I
 I                     I                     I
 I       CONN ACK      I                     I
 I ------------------> I                     I
                       ...
 I                     I                     I
 I *)    DISCONNECT    I                     I
 I ------------------> I       REL           I
 I       RELEASE       I ------------------> I
 I <------------------ I       RLC           I
 I       REL COM       I <------------------ I
 I ------------------> I                     I

    *) cause = normal clearing


2.8 Basic Call Control and Signalling Procedures

2.8.1 Basic Procedures

The basic call control procedure is divided into three phases; call
set-up, the data/conversation phase and call clear-down. Messages are
used to establish and terminate the different phases of a call.
Standard inband supervisory tones are returned to the caller to provide
information on call progress.


2.8.2 Successful Call Set-up from PSTN-GW to NAS

2.8.2.1 Forward address signalling

a) Circuit selection

When the originating exchange has received the complete selection
information from the calling party (or an intermediate exchange has
received the information via ISUP or other inter-exchange signalling),
and has determined that the call is to be routed to target
organisation, selection of a suitable, free circuit takes place and an
Initial Address Message is sent to NAS.

The selection of the route will depend on the called party number and
connection type required.

In addition, in the case of a subscriber with digital access, the
set-up message contains bearer capability information which is analyzed
by the originating exchange to determine the correct connection type.
The information received from the access interface is used to set the
value of the Transmission Medium Requirement parameter.

At an intermediate exchange the connection type is set according to the
signalling information received via inter-exchange signalling.

The connection types allowed are:

- speech.
- 64 kbit/s restricted.
- 64 kbit/s unrestricted.
- 3.1 kHz audio.

The connection type will be included in the Initial Address Message,
(as Transmission Medium Requirement). The Initial Address Message
conveys implicitly the meaning that the indicated circuit has been
seized.

b) Initial Address Message

The Initial Address Message contains all the information that is
required to route the call to the correct target organisation.

All Initial Address Messages will include a Calling Party Category
Parameter, a Called Party Number Parameter (minimum of 1 address
signal), a Calling Party Number Parameter (can have an indicator that
calling party number is not included) and a Transmission Medium
Requirement Parameter.

The Transmission Medium Requirement Parameter contains the connection
type e.g. 64 kbit/s unrestricted.

c) Completion of transmission path

Through connection of the transmission path will be completed in the
backward direction immediately after the reception of the Address
Complete Message (the transmission path is completed in the forward
direction on receipt of a Connect or Answer Message).

d) Await address complete

When the PSTN-GW has sent the Initial Address Message the awaiting
address complete timer T7 is started.  If timer T7 expires the
connection is released and an indication is returned to the calling
subscriber.

2.8.2.2 Address Complete Message and Connect Message

Return of Address Complete Message from NAS

An Address Complete Message will be sent from the NAS as soon as it has
reserved all necessary resources to handle the incoming call (connected
the modem etc.).

Return of Connect Message from NAS

The Connect Message signifies both address complete and answer
conditions.

Receipt of Address Complete/Connect Message at PSTN-GW

Intermediate exchange

Upon receipt of an Address Complete Message an intermediate exchange
will send the corresponding Address Complete Message to the preceding
exchange. If this is the controlling exchange the awaiting answer
timer(T9) is started. If timer(T9) expires the connection is released
and an indication is sent to the calling subscriber.

If a Connect Message is received at an intermediate exchange instead of
an Address Complete Message, a Connect Message will be sent to the
preceding exchange.

Originating exchange

a) On receipt of an Address Complete Message an alerting indication is
   passed to the calling party if possible.

b) On receipt of the Address Complete Message the awaiting address
   complete timer (T7) is stopped and the awaiting answer timer (T9) is
   started if this is the controlling exchange. If timer (T9) expires
   the connection is released and an indication is sent to the calling
   subscriber.

c) If the Connect Message is received then, the awaiting address
   complete timer(T7) is stopped.

2.8.2.3 Answer Message

On detection of answer the controlling exchange will stop timer (T9).

Return of Answer Message from NAS

When the call is connected to the target organisation the NAS
terminates the transmission path and the ringing tone is removed if
applicable. An Answer Message to the PSTN-GW is sent.

Receipt of Answer Message at PSTN-GW

When the PSTN-GW receives an Answer Message indicating the required
connection has been completed, the transmission path is connected
through in the forward direction, if not already connected.

The calling party is informed (originating exchange) or a corresponding
Answer Message is sent to the preceding exchange (intermediate
exchange).

Return of answer from automatic terminals

When connections are set-up to terminals having an automatic answer
feature, the alerting indication may not be received. When the
connection from NAS to target organisation is set up an Answer Message
is sent provided that an Address Complete Message has been sent,
otherwise the Connect Message is sent.

2.8.3 Successful Call Set-up from NAS to PSTN-GW

2.8.3.1 Forward address signalling

a) Selection of called party

Upon receipt of an Initial Address Message the destination exchange
will analyze the called party number to determine to which party the
call should be connected. It will also check the called party's line
condition. If the connection is allowed the destination exchange will
setup a connection to the called party.

An intermediate exchange, on receipt of an Initial Address Message,
will analyze the called party number and the other routing information
(TMR) to determine the routing of the call. If the intermediate
exchange can route the call using the connection type specified in the
Transmission Medium Requirement Parameter, a free inter-exchange
circuit is seized and an Initial Address Message (or corresponding
signalling information in other signalling systems) is sent to the
succeeding exchange.

2.8.3.2 Address Complete Message and Connect Message

Return of Address Complete Message from destination exchange

An Address Complete Message will be sent from the destination exchange
as soon as it has been determined that the complete called party number
has been received, or an alerting indication is received from the
called party. However there is no direct mapping from alerting,
received from the access signalling system, to address complete.

Return of Connect Message from the destination exchange

If a connect indication is received from the ISDN access under the
following conditions,

- no alerting indication received from the ISDN access, and
- an Address Complete Message has not yet been sent by the destination
  exchange,

a Connect Message is sent by the destination exchange. This Connect
Message signifies both address complete and answer conditions.

The destination exchange will through connect before the Connect
Message is sent.

Receipt of Address Complete/Connect Message at an intermediate exchange

Upon receipt of an Address Complete/Connect Message an intermediate
exchange will send an Address Complete/Connect Message to NAS.

2.8.3.3 Answer Message

Return of Answer Message

When the called party answers (destination exchange), or if Answer
Message (or corresponding signalling information) is received
(intermediate exchange), PSTN-GW connects through the transmission path
and the ringing tone is removed if applicable.  An Answer Message to
NAS is sent.

2.8.4 Unsuccessful Call Set-up

If at any time in the call set-up the connection cannot be completed a
Release Message is returned. This message contains the reason (cause
code).

2.8.4.1 Actions at the node initiating a Release Message

The initiating node (PSTN-GW or NAS) immediately starts the release of
the switched path (if established). The node sends a Release Message to
the other node and timers T1 and T5 are started to ensure that a
Release Complete Message is received. (Expiration of timers T1 and T5
are covered in section 2.8).

2.8.4.2 Actions at the node receiving a Release Message

On receipt of a Release Message, the release of the switched path is
started.

In addition, the receiving node will (if applicable) attempt to re-route the call.

When the switched path is released, a Release Complete Message is sent.

2.8.5 Normal Call Release

The release procedures are based on a two message (Release, Release
Complete) approach whereby the Release Message initiates release of the
circuit switched connection.

The same procedures are used irrespective of whether the release is
initiated from PSTN-GW or NAS.

Actions at the release initiating node

On receipt of a request to release the call, the node immediately
starts the release of the switched path. A Release Message is sent to
the other node and timers T1 and T5 are started to ensure that a
Release Complete Message is received.

Actions at the release receiving node

On receipt of a Release Message, the node will start the release of the
switched path. When the switched path is released a Release Complete
Message is returned to the other node.

2.8.5.1 Collision of Release Messages

In the case when two points in the connection both initiate the release
of a call, a Release Message may be received after the release of the
switched path is initiated. In this case, a Release Complete Message is
returned to the node from which the concerned Release Message was
received. The Release Complete Message will be sent when the switched
path is released.

2.8.6 Network Features

2.8.6.1 Automatic repeat attempt

Automatic repeat attempt, as defined in Recommendation Q.12 is
provided:

i)      on detection of dual seizure (at the non-control node);

ii)     on receipt of a Blocking Message after sending an Initial
        Address Message and before any backward message has been
        received;

iii)    on receipt of a Reset Circuit Message after sending an Initial
        Address Message and before a backward message has been
        received;

iv)     on receipt of an unreasonable message during call set up.

2.8.6.2 Blocking and unblocking of circuits

The Blocking and Unblocking Messages are provided to permit the
switching equipment or maintenance system to remove from (and return
to) traffic, circuits because of a fault or to permit testing.

Since the circuits have bothway capability, the Blocking Message can be
originated by either node. The receipt of a Blocking Message, will have
the effect of, prohibiting non test calls on the relevant circuit
outgoing from the PSTN-GW and all calls from NAS (Test calls are only
initiated from PSTN-GW to  NAS). This condition will remain until an
Unblocking Message is received, but will not prohibit test calls
incoming to the NAS. Test calls generated in the outgoing direction
from the PSTN-GW that sent the Blocking Message will also be processed.
Non-test Initial Address Messages will result in an abnormal  case.

An acknowledgement sequence is always required for the Blocking and
Unblocking Message. This is performed using the Blocking
Acknowledgement Message or the  Unblocking Acknowledgement Message. The
acknowledgement is not sent until the appropriate action, either
blocking or unblocking has been taken. The Release Message should not
override a blocking message and return circuits to service which might
be faulty.

The blocked circuit will be returned to service:
- on transmission of the Unblocking Acknowledgement Message at one end,
- on reception of the Unblocking Acknowledgement Message at the other
  end.

Other actions on receipt of a Blocking Message

In the event of a Blocking Message being received, after an Initial
Address Message has been sent in the opposite direction on that
circuit, and before a backward message relating to that call has been
received, an automatic repeat  attempt will be made on another circuit.
The node receiving the Blocking Message releases the original call
attempt in the normal manner after sending the Blocking Acknowledgement
Message and will not seize that circuit for subsequent calls.

If the Blocking Message is received

- after an Initial Address Message has been sent for that circuit in
  the opposite direction and after at least one backward message
  relating to that call has been received, or

- after an Initial Address Message has been received for that circuit
  beforehand, the node will not seize that circuit for subsequent
  calls.

The fact that the circuit is engaged on a call will not delay
transmission of the Blocking (Unblocking) Acknowledgement Message.

If a Blocking Message is sent and subsequently an Initial Address
Message is received in the opposite direction, the following action is
taken;

- for test calls, the call should be accepted in NAS, if possible. In
  the case where the test call cannot be accepted, the Blocking Message
  must be repeated;
- for calls other than test calls, the Blocking Message must be
  repeated and the Initial Address Message discarded.

When a circuit is blocked by use of the Blocking Message the
maintenance system should be informed at both ends of the circuit.

Abnormal blocking procedures

The following procedures are designed to cover abnormal cases which may
occur in the blocking/unblocking procedures.

i)      if a Blocking Message is received for a blocked circuit, a
        Blocking Acknowledgement Message will be sent;
ii)     if an Unblocking Message is received for an unblocked circuit,
        an Unblocking Acknowledgement Message will be sent.
iii)    if a Blocking Acknowledgement Message, which is not expected as
        an acknowledgement for a Blocking Message, is received;

- relating to a circuit which is locally blocked, the Blocking
  Acknowledgement Message is discarded;

- relating to a circuit which is not locally blocked, then the
  maintenance system is notified.

iv)     if an Unblocking Acknowledgement Message, which is not an
        expected response to an Unblocking Message, is received;

- relating to a circuit which is not locally blocked, the received
  Unblocking Acknowledgement Message is discarded;

- relating to a circuit which is locally blocked then the maintenance
  system is notified.

v)      If a non test Initial Address Message is received on a remotely
        blocked circuit, the remotely blocked state of the circuit is
        removed and the Initial Address Message is processed normally
        unless the circuit is also locally blocked in which case the
        Initial Address Message is discarded. However it should not be
        the preferred method of unblocking a circuit.

2.8.7 Abnormal Conditions

2.8.7.1 Dual seizure

Because circuits have the capability of bothway operation, it is
possible that the two nodes will attempt to seize the same circuit at
approximately the same time.

Detection of dual seizure

A dual seizure is detected by a node from the fact that it receives an
Initial Address Message for a circuit for which it has sent an Initial
Address Message, but before it receives a valid backwards message.

Preventive Action

An opposite order of selection is used at each node of a bothway
circuit group. PSTN-GW will always select circuits from the lowest
device (CIC) number end and NAS from the highest device number of a
circuit group.

Actions to Be Taken on Detection of Dual Seizure

The PSTN-GW will control all circuits. On detection of a dual seizure,
the call being processed by the controlling node (PSTN-GW) for that
circuit will be completed and the received Initial Address Message will
be disregarded.

Under these conditions, the call being processed by the controlling
node will be allowed to continue. The call being processed by the
non-controlling node will be dropped and the switch-path released. A
Release Message will not be sent. The non-controlling node will make an
automatic repeat attempt on the same or on an alternative route.

2.8.7.2 Reset of circuits

In systems which maintain circuit status in memory there may be
occasions when the memory becomes mutilated. In such a case the
circuits must be reset to the idle condition at both nodes to make them
available for new traffic. Since the system with the mutilated memory
does not know whether the circuits are idle, busy outgoing, busy
incoming, blocked, etc., Reset Circuit Messages or a Circuit Group
Reset Message should be sent as appropriate for the affected circuits.

Reset Circuit Message

On receipt of a Reset Circuit Message the receiving (unaffected) node
will;

a) if it is the incoming or outgoing node on a connection in any state
   of call set-up or during a call, accept the message as a Release
   Message and respond by sending a Release Complete Message, after the
   circuit has been made idle;

b) if the circuit is in the idle condition, accept the message as a
   Release Message and respond by sending a Release Complete Message;

c) if it has previously sent a Blocking Message, or if it is unable to
   release the circuit as described above, respond with a Blocking
   Message. If an incoming or outgoing call is in progress, this call
   should be released and the circuit returned to the blocked
   condition. A Release Complete Message is sent following the Blocking
   Message. The Blocking Message should be acknowledged by the affected
   exchange. If the acknowledgement is not received, the repetition
   procedure should be followed;

d) if it has previously received a Blocking Message, respond by
   releasing a possible outgoing call or call attempt on the circuit,
   remove the blocked condition, restore the circuit to the idle state,
   and respond with a Release Complete Message;

e) if the message is received after the sending of an Initial Address
   Message but before receipt of a backward message relating to that
   call, clear the circuit and make an automatic repeat attempt on
   another circuit if appropriate;

f) if the message is received after having sent a Reset Circuit
   Message, respond by a Release Complete Message. After receipt of the
   appropriate acknowledgement  message, the circuit should be made
   available for service.

g) clear any interconnected circuits by the appropriate method (e.g.
   release).

The affected node will then reconstruct its memory according to the
received response(s) to the Reset Circuit Message, and respond to the
message(s) in the normal way i.e. send Blocking Acknowledgement Message
in response to a Blocking Message. If the circuit is in a blocked
condition, blocking procedures should be re-initiated.

If no Release Complete Message is received in acknowledgement to the
Reset Circuit Message within time T16, the Reset Circuit Message should
be repeated. If an acknowledgement for the message is not received
within time T17 after the initial Reset Circuit Message, the
maintenance system should be notified. However, the sending of the
Reset Circuit Message should continue at time T17 intervals until
maintenance intervention occurs.

Circuit Group Reset Message

If all circuits at either node are affected by a memory mutilation,
Circuit Group Reset Message should be used to make them available for
new traffic.

On receipt of a Circuit Group Reset Message the receiving (unaffected)
node will;

a) restore the circuits to the idle state;
b) send the appropriate Blocking Message(s) if it had previously sent
   Blocking Message(s);
c) respond by a Circuit Group Reset Acknowledgement Message;
d) if it had previously received (a) Blocking Message(s) for one or
   more of the circuit(s) involved, the blocked condition will be
   removed and the circuits will be made available for service;
e) if a Circuit Group Reset Message is received after having sent a
   Circuit Group Reset Message or a Reset Circuit Message the concerned
   circuits, are made available for service after receipt of the
   appropriate acknowledgement message;
f) appropriate messages should be sent on interconnected circuits to
   release them.

The affected node will then reconstruct its memory according to the
possibly received Blocking Messages and the received Circuit Group
Reset Acknowledgement Message. It will respond to the possibly received
Blocking Messages in the normal way. If the circuit is in a blocked
condition, blocking procedures should be re-initiated.

If no acknowledgement to a Circuit Group Reset Message is received
within time T22, the Circuit Group Reset Message should be repeated. If
an acknowledgement for the Circuit Group Reset Message is not received
within time T23 after sending the initial Circuit Group Reset Message
the maintenance system should be notified. However, the sending of the
Circuit Group Reset Message should continue at time T23 intervals until
maintenance intervention occurs.

Abnormal circuit group reset message procedures

i) if a Circuit Group Reset Acknowledgement Message is received which
   is not a correct response to a sent Circuit Group Reset Message, it
   is discarded.


2.8.7.3 Failure in the blocking/unblocking sequence

A node will repeat the Blocking (Unblocking) Message on failure to
receive the appropriate acknowledgement in response to one of these
messages before the respective timer T12 (T14) expires.

If the appropriate acknowledgement is not received within time T13
(T15) after sending the initial Blocking (Unblocking) Message, the
maintenance system  should be alerted, the repetition of the Blocking
(Unblocking) Message should  be continued at time T13 (T15) intervals
until maintenance intervention occurs  and the circuit is taken out of
(returned to) service as appropriate.

2.8.7.4 Receipt of unreasonable/unrecognized signalling information
        Messages

Undetected errors at the TCP/IP level and exchange malfunctions may
produce signalling information Messages that are either ambiguous or
inappropriate.

The following are considered message format errors:

a) The message length is less than the number of octets required for
   the fixed mandatory part and the mandatory variable pointers.
b) A mandatory variable pointer points beyond the message length.
c) A mandatory variable causes the overall message length to be
   exceeded.


When a message format error is detected the message shall be discarded.

Note : A format error can only be detected when the message is
       recognized. For the purposes of format error detection, the
       message length is interpreted as the received message length.

Message format error checks are performed on all messages.

The procedures listed below do not include the procedures for blocking,
unblocking and reset, these are covered in separate sections.

Handling of unrecognized information

Unrecognized messages and parameters should be discarded without
disrupting normal call handling.

Unrecognized parameter values should be handled according to the Table
1.

The following actions are defined

Default           : Handle as if default value was
                    received

Discard Parameter : Entire parameter is discarded

Release           : Call is released with appropriate
                    cause value

Table 1 Required Actions for Unrecognised Parameter Values

+----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
I                                  I                                I
I Parameter Field Name             I Required Action                I
I                                  I                                I
+----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
I                                  I                                I
I Called Party Number              I                                I
I . Nature of address indicator    I Send release with cause 28     I
I . Address signals                I Send release with cause 28     I
I . Filler                         I Default: 0000                  I
I                                  I                                I
+----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
I                                  I                                I
I Calling Party Number             I                                I
I . Nature of address indicator    I Discard parameter              I
I . Address presentation           I Default: 01 'presentation      I
I   restricted indicator           I              restricted'       I
I . Screening indicator            I Discard parameter              I
I . Address signals                I Discard parameter              I
I . Filler                         I Default: 0000                  I
I                                  I                                I
+----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
I                                  I                                I
I Calling Party's Category         I                                I
I . Categories                     I Default: 0000 1010 'ordinary   I
I                                  I                     subscriber'I
I                                  I                                I
+----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
I                                  I                                I
I Cause Indicators                 I                                I
I . Cause value                    I Default: 'Unspecified within   I
I                                  I           class xxx'           I
I                                  I                                I
+----------------------------------+--------------------------------+
I                                  I                                I
I Transmission Medium Requirement  I                                I
I . Transmission medium requirementI Send release with cause 65     I
I                                  I                                I
+----------------------------------+--------------------------------+


2.8.7.5 Handling of Unexpected Messages

An unexpected message is one which contains a valid message type code
but has been received in the wrong phase of the call.

In order to resolve possible ambiguities in the state of a circuit when
unexpected messages are received the following will apply;

a) if a Release Message is received relating to an idle circuit it will
   be acknowledged with a Release Complete Message;
b) if a Release Complete Message is received relating to an idle
   circuit it will be discarded;
c) if a Release Complete Message is received relating to a busy circuit
   for which a Release Message has not been sent, the circuit will be
   released and a Release Message will be sent.
d) if other unexpected messages are received, the following actions
   will be undertaken;

- if the circuit is idle, the Reset Circuit Message is sent;
- if the circuit has been seized by a call, after receipt of a backward
  message required for the call set-up, the unreasonable signalling
  information is discarded;
- if the circuit has been seized by a call, before receipt of a
  backward message required for the call set-up, the Reset Circuit
  Message is sent. If the circuit is seized by an incoming call, the
  call will be released. If the circuit is seized by an outgoing call,
  an automatic repeat attempt is provided on another circuit.

2.8.7.6 Failure to receive a "Release Complete" Message - Time T1 and
        T5

If a Release Complete Message is not received in response to a Release
Message before time T1, the Release Message is retransmitted.

If no Release Complete Message is received on the expiry of timer T5,
the node shall;

i)      send a Reset Circuit Message;
ii)     alert the maintenance system;
iii)    remove the circuit from traffic;
iv)     continue the sending of the Reset Circuit Message at time T17
        intervals until maintenance action occurs.

2.8.7.7 Other Failure Conditions

Call-failure

The call-failure indication (cause #31) is sent in a Release Message
whenever a call attempt fails and other specific signals do not apply.
Reception of the Release Message at intermediate exchange will cause
the Release Message to be sent to preceding exchanges. If the
signalling does not permit theRelease  Message to be sent, the
appropriate signal, tone or announcement is sent to  the preceding
exchange.

2.8.8 Start-up Procedures

The start-up procedure between PSTN-GW and NAS is a manually controlled
procedure. It is initiated by PSTN-GW for each circuit. After the
start-up procedure the circuits are in manually blocked condition.

During the process of placing circuits into service, unacknowledged
circuit supervision messages will most likely be reported to
maintenance system. In  order to minimize this impact, it is
recommended that coordination takes place  between PSTN-GW and NAS and
established procedures for placing circuits into service be followed
(Circuits are first taken into service in NAS and then in PSTN-GW).
Lack of coordination may result in inefficient use of exchange and
maintenance resources.

2.8.8.1 Initial procedure for putting circuits into service

     PSTN-GW     ---->     NAS

             -----RSC---->

             <----RLC-----


           * <----BLO-----

             -----BLA---->


             -----BLO----> **

             <----BLA-----



*)  PSTN-GW updates the remote blocking condition (Circuit blocked in
    NAS)

**) NAS updates the remote blocking condition (Circuit blocked in
    PSTN-GW)


Circuits are deblocked


     PSTN-GW     ---->     NAS

             -----UBL---->  (1)

             <----UBA-----


             <----UBL-----  (2)

             -----UBA---->



(1) Circuit is deblocked in PSTN-GW.

(2) Circuit is deblcoked in NAS. (The circuits can be deblocked first
    either in NAS or PSTN-GW.)


The Circuits are now ready for traffic.

2.8.9 Loadsharing

The signalling is loadshared between the two TCP connections.

The messages with even CIC use one TCP connection, and the messages
with odd CIC the other connection. Following conditions are exceptions
to that principle:

All messages are then sent on the working TCP connection, if the other
connection is not working.

Group Reset Message is always acknowledged using the same TCP
connection upon which it was received.

Blocking messages are always acknowledged using the same TCP connection
upon which it was received. The reason for this is the exchange of
blocking messages after restart situations when one TCP connection may
not be started yet.


2.8.10 TCP/IP Connection Break

If the TCP/IP connection (or both connections in case of duplicated
Ethernet) between PSTN-GW and NAS goes down, the following actions take
place:

- All circuits are blocked for new calls.
- Calls in set-up phase are released without exchanging release
  messages.
- Calls in Active state are kept.

PSTN-GW tries to open the TCP/IP connection after a supervised time. If
the opening does not succeed, PSTN-GW retries to open the connection
until it succeeds. The time, after which PSTN-GW tries to open the
connection, is 2 - 3 seconds at the first try. After that the
supervision time is increased at each try, until the maximum time limit
is reached. After that the a new try is done with an  interval of the
maximum time.

The timeout values are:

- Increase step 1 - 120 seconds, default value 15 seconds
- Maximum interval 4 - 300 seconds, default value 120 seconds

When the TCP/IP connection (at least one connection in case of
duplicated Ethernet) comes up, the following actions take place:

- All circuits are deblocked.
- A Reset Circuit Message is sent for the calls that were released
  during the time the TCP/IP connections were down.


2.9 Timers


+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I SYMBOL I   TIME-OUT   I    CAUSE FOR INITIATION    I
I        I     VALUE    I                            I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 1    I4-60          IWhen Release Message is     I
I        ISeconds       Isent                        I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 5    I1-15          IWhen initial Release        I
I        IMinutes       IMessage is sent             I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 7    I20-30         IWhen Initial Address        I
I        ISeconds       IMessage is sent             I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 9    I1-4           IWhen Address Complete       I
I        IMinutes       IMessage is received         I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 12   I4-60          IWhen Blocking Message is    I
I        ISeconds       Isent                        I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 13   I1-15          IWhen initial Blocking       I
I        IMinutes       IMessage is sent             I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 14   I4-60          IWhen Unblocking Message is  I
I        ISeconds       Isent                        I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 15   I1-15          IWhen initial Unblocking     I
I        IMinutes       IMessage is sent             I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 16   I4-60          IWhen Reset Circuit Message  I
I        ISeconds       Iis sent not due to expiry   I
I        I              Iof T5                       I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 17   I1-15          IWhen initial Reset Circuit  I
I        IMinutes       IMessage is sent             I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 22   I4-60          IWhen Circuit Group Reset    I
I        ISeconds       IMessage is sent             I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+
I        I              I                            I
I T 23   I1-15          IWhen initial Circuit Group  I
I        IMinutes       IReset Message is sent       I
I        I              I                            I
+--------+--------------+----------------------------+


+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I        I                          I                                 I
I SYMBOL I    NORMAL TERMINATION    I          AT EXPIRY              I
I        I                          I                                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I        I                          I                                 I
I T 1    I At receipt of the        I Retransmit Release Message and  I
I        I Release Complete message I start timer T1                  I
I        I                          I                                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I        I                          I                                 I
I T 5    I At receipt of the        I Send Reset Circuit Message,     I
I        I Release Complete message I alert maintenance personnel and I
I        I                          I remove the circuit from         I
I        I                          I service, stop T1, start T17.    I
I        I                          I Procedure continues until       I
I        I                          I maintenance intervention        I
I        I                          I occurs.                         I
I        I                          I                                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I        I                          I                                 I
I T 7    I When the condition for   I Release all equipment and       I
I        I normal release of        I connection                      I
I        I address and routing      I (Send Release Message)          I
I        I information is met (     I                                 I
I        I receipt of ACM, CON,     I                                 I
I        I messages)                I                                 I
I        I                          I                                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I        I                          I                                 I
I T 9    I At the receipt of Answer I Release connection              I
I        I Message                  I send back Release Message       I
I        I                          I                                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+


+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I        I                          I                                 I
I SYMBOL I     NORMAL TERMINATION   I           AT EXPIRY             I
I        I                          I                                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I T 12   I At receipt of Blocking   I Retransmit Blocking Message     I
I        I Acknowledgement Message  I and restart T12                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I T 13   I At receipt of Blocking   I Retransmit Blocking Message,    I
I        I Acknowledgement Message  I alert maintenance personnel,    I
I        I                          I restart T13 and stop T12.       I
I        I                          I Procedure continues until       I
I        I                          I maintenance intervention        I
I        I                          I occurs.                         I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I T 14   I At receipt of Unblocking I Retransmit Unblocking Message   I
I        I Acknowledgement Message  I and restart T14                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I T 15   I At receipt of Unblocking I Retransmit Unblocking Message   I
I        I Acknowledgement Message  I alert maintenance personnel,    I
I        I                          I restart T15 and stop T14.       I
I        I                          I Procedure continues until       I
I        I                          I maintenance intervention        I
I        I                          I occurs.                         I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I T 16   I At the receipt of the    I Retransmit Reset Circuit        I
I        I Release Complete Message I Message and restart T16         I
I        I (acknowledgement)        I                                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I T 17   I At the receipt of the    I Alert maintenance personnel,    I
I        I Release Complete Message I retransmit Reset Circuit        I
I        I (acknowledgement)        I Message, restart T17, stop T16. I
I        I                          I Procedure continues until       I
I        I                          I maintenance intervention        I
I        I                          I occurs.                         I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I T 22   I At the receipt of the    I Retransmit Circuit Group Reset  I
I        I Circuit Group Reset      I Message and restart T22         I
I        I Acknowledgement Message  I                                 I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+
I T 23   I At the receipt of the    I Alert maintenance personnel,    I
I        I Circuit Group Reset      I retransmit Circuit Group Reset  I
I        I Acknowledgement Message  I Message, restart T23, stop T22. I
I        I                          I Procedure continues until       I
I        I                          I maintenance intervention        I
I        I                          I occurs.                         I
+--------+--------------------------+---------------------------------+

3. References

[1] ITU-T Recomendation Q.767. Specifications of Signalling system
    No. 7. Applications of the ISDN User Part of CCITT Signalling
    System No. 7 for international ISDN connections.

4. Intellectual property rights

Authors are not aware of any IPR issues covering this draft. However,
we have not done a proper screening on this and it may be that there
are some patents, even inside Ericsson, covering all or part of this
internet draft.

5. Authors

        Harri Toivanen
        Oy LM Ericsson Ab
        02420 JORVAS
        Finland
        Phone: +358-9-299 2247
        Email: Harri.Toivanen@ericsson.com

        Petteri Laamo
        Oy LM Ericsson Ab
        02420 JORVAS
        Finland
        Phone: +358-9-299 2747
        Email: Petteri.Laamo@lmf.ericsson.se

        George Wayne
        Advanced Computer Communications
        340 Storke Road
        Santa Barbara, CA 93117
        U.S.A.
        Email: gwayne@acc.com

        Paul Harding-Jones
        Advanced Computer Communications
        340 Storke Road
        Santa Barbara, CA 93117
        U.S.A.
        Email: phj@acc.com