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Keywords: signaling, gatewa, circuit, network, internet, protocol
Network Working Group D. Sprague
Request for Comments: 3094 R. Benedyk
Category: Informational D. Brendes
J. Keller
Tekelec
April 2001
Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface
Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this
memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2001). All Rights Reserved.
IESG Note:
Readers should note that this memo presents a vendor's alternative to
standards track technology being developed by the IETF SIGTRAN
Working Group. The technology presented in this memo has not been
reviewed by the IETF for its technical soundness or completeness.
Potential users of this type of technology are urged to examine the
SIGTRAN work before deciding to use the technology described here.
Abstract
This document proposes the interfaces of a Signaling Gateway, which
provides interworking between the Switched Circuit Network (SCN) and
an IP network. Since the Gateway is the central point of signaling
information, not only does it provide transportation of signaling
from one network to another, but it can also provide additional
functions such as protocol translation, security screening, routing
information, and seamless access to Intelligent Network (IN) services
on both networks.
The Transport Adapter Layer Interface (TALI) is the proposed
interface, which provides TCAP (Transaction Capability Application
Part), ISUP (ISDN User Part), and MTP (Mail Transport Protocol)
messaging over TCP/IP. In addition, TALI provides SCCP (Signalling
Connection Control Part) Management (SCMG), MTP Primitives, dynamic
registration of circuits, and routing of call control messages based
on circuit location.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Overview of the TALI Protocol 6
2.1 Traditional PSTN SS7 Networks 6
2.2 Converged SS7 Networks 8
2.3 TALI Protocol Stack Overview 10
2.3.1 An Alternate TALI Protocol Stack using the SAAL Layer 13
2.3.2 An Alternate TALI Protocol Stack using SCTP 15
2.4 Inputs to the TALI Version 1.0 State Machine 15
3. TALI Version 1.0 17
3.1 Overview of the TALI Message Structure 17
3.1.1 Types of TALI Fields 19
3.2 Detailed TALI Message Structure 20
3.2.1 TALI Peer to Peer Messages 20
3.2.1.1 Test Message (test) 20
3.2.1.2 Allow Message (allo) 21
3.2.1.3 Prohibit Message (proh) 21
3.2.1.4 Prohibit Acknowledgement Message (proa) 21
3.2.1.5 Monitor Message (moni) 22
3.2.1.6 Monitor Acknowledge Message (mona) 22
3.2.2 Service Messages 23
3.2.2.1 SCCP Service Message (sccp) 23
3.2.2.1.1 SCCP Encapsulation using TALI 25
3.2.2.2 ISUP Service Message (isot) 27
3.2.2.2.1 ISUP Encapsulation using TALI 27
3.2.2.3 MTP3 Service Message (mtp3) 28
3.2.2.3.1 MTP3 Encapsulation using TALI 29
3.2.2.4 SAAL Service Message (saal) 30
3.2.2.4.1 MTP3 and SAAL Peer to Peer Encapsulation using TALI 31
3.3 TALI Timers 34
3.3.1 T1 Timer 34
3.3.2 T2 Timer 34
3.3.3 T3 Timer 34
3.3.4 T4 Timer 34
3.3.5 Recommended Defaults and Ranges for the TALI Timers 35
3.4 TALI User Events 35
3.4.1 Management Open Socket Event 35
3.4.2 Management Close Socket Event 36
3.4.3 Management Allow Traffic Event 36
3.4.4 Management Prohibit Traffic Event 36
3.5 Other Implementation Dependent TALI Events 37
3.6 TALI States 37
3.7 TALI Version 1.0 State Machine 38
3.7.1 State Machine Concepts 38
3.7.1.1 General Protocol Rules 38
3.7.1.2 Graceful Shutdown of a Socket 39
3.7.1.3 TALI Protocol Violations 39
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3.7.2 The State Machine 40
3.8 TALI 1.0 Implementation Notes 42
3.8.1 Failure on a TCP/IP Socket 42
3.8.2 Congestion on a TCP/IP Socket 43
3.9 TALI 1.0 Limitations 43
4. TALI Version 2.0 43
4.1 Overview of TALI Version 2.0 Features 45
4.2 TALI Version Identification 47
4.3 Backwards Compatibility 50
4.3.1 Generating Protocol Violations based on Received Messages 53
4.4 Overview of the TALI Message Structure 55
4.4.1 Types of TALI Fields 55
4.5 Detailed TALI Message Structures for New 2.0 Opcodes 58
4.5.1 Management Message (mgmt) 60
4.5.1.1 Routing Key Registration Primitive (rkrp) 61
4.5.1.1.1 RKRP Data Structures 65
4.5.1.1.1.1 Common Fields in all RKRP Messages 65
4.5.1.1.1.2 CIC Based Routing Key Operations 67
4.5.1.1.1.3 SCCP Routing Key Operations 71
4.5.1.1.1.4 DPC-SI, DPC and SI based Routing Key Operations 74
4.5.1.1.1.5 Default Routing Key Operations 76
4.5.1.1.1.6 Support for Multiple RKRP Registration Operations 78
4.5.1.1.1.6.1 Multiple Registrations Support 78
4.5.1.1.1.6.2 Multiple RKRP Operations in a Single Message 80
4.5.1.2 MTP3 Primitive (mtpp) 82
4.5.1.3 Socket Option Registration Primitive (sorp) 87
4.5.2 Extended Service Message (xsrv) 91
4.5.3 Special Message (spcl) 92
4.5.3.1 Special Messages Not Supported (smns) 93
4.5.3.2 Query Message (qury) 93
4.5.3.3 Reply Message (rply) 94
4.5.3.4 Unsolicited Information Message (USIM) 95
4.6 TALI Timers 95
4.7 TALI User Events 95
4.8 TALI States 96
4.9 TALI Version 2.0 State Machine 96
4.9.1 State Machine Concepts 96
4.9.1.1 General Protocol Rules 96
4.9.1.2 Graceful Shutdown of a Socket 97
4.9.1.3 TALI Protocol Violations 97
4.9.2 The State Machine 97
4.10 TALI 2.0 Specification Limitations 101
5. Success/Failure Codes 101
6. Security Considerations 102
7. References 102
8. Acknowledgments 103
9. Authors' Addresses 104
10. Full Copyright Statement 105
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1. Introduction
This document is organized into the following 6 sections:
- Introduction to the document
- Overview of the TALI Protocol
- TALI Version 1.0
- TALI Version 2.0
- Success/Failure Codes
- Security Considerations
The following terms are used throughout this document.
Circuit Identification Code (CIC):
A field identifying the circuit being setup or released. Depending
on SI and MSU Type, this field can be 12, 14 or 32 bits.
Changeover/Changeback (co/cb):
SS7 MTP3 procedure related to link failure and re-establishment.
Far End (FE):
The remote endpoint of a socket connection.
Far End Allowed (FEA):
The FE is ready to use the socket for service PDUs.
Far End Prohibited (FEP):
The FE is not ready to use the socket for service PDUs.
Intelligent Network (IN):
A network that allows functionality to be distributed flexibly at a
variety of nodes on and off the network and allows the architecture
to be modified to control the services.
Management ATM Adaptation Layer (MAAL):
This layer is a component of SAAL. This layer maps requests and
indications between the System Management for the SG and the other
SAAL layers. MAAL includes interfaces to/from SSCOP, SSCF, and
system management. More information can be found in T1.652.
Media Gateway (MG):
A MG terminates SCN media streams, packetizes the media data, if it
is not already packetized, and delivers packetized traffic to the
packet network. It performs these functions in reverse order for
media streams flowing from the packet network to the SCN.
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Media Gateway Controller (MGC):
An MGC handles the registration and management of resources at the
MG. The MGC may have the ability to authorize resource usage based
on local policy. For signaling transport purposes, the MGC serves as
a possible termination and origination point for SCN application
protocols, such as SS7 ISDN User Part and Q.931/DSS1.
MTP3 Framing (MTP3F):
TALI does not require full MTP3 procedures support but rather uses
the MTP3 framing structure (ie: SIO, Routing Label, etc)
Near End (NE):
The local endpoint of a socket connection.
Near End Allowed (NEA):
The NE is ready to use the socket for service PDUs.
Near End Prohibited (NEP):
The NE is not ready to use the socket for service PDUs.
Q.BICC ISUP:
An ISUP+ variant that uses 32 bit CIC codes instead of 14/12 bit CIC
codes. ISUP+, or Q.BICC ISUP, is based on the Q.765.BICC
specification currently being developed in ITU Study Group 11.
Signaling ATM Adaptation Layer (SAAL):
This layer is the equivalent of MTP-2 for ATM High Speed Links
carrying SS7 Traffic as described in GR-2878-CORE [8]. SAAL includes
SSCF, SSCOP and MAAL.
Signaling Gateway (SG):
An SG is a signaling agent that receives/sends SCN native signaling
at the edge of the IP network. The SG function may relay, translate
or terminate SS7 signaling in an SS7-Internet Gateway. The SG
function may also be co-resident with the MGC/MG functions to process
SCN signaling associated with line or trunk terminations controlled
by the MG (e.g., signaling backhaul).
Service Specific Coordination Function (SSCF):
This layer is a component of SAAL. This layer maps the services
provided by the lower layers of the SAAL to the needs of a specific
higher layer user. In the case of the STP, the higher layer user is
the MTP-3 protocol, and the SSCF required is that as defined by
T1.645: SSCF for Support of Signaling at the Network Node Interface
(SSCF at the NNI). More information can be found in T1.645. SSCF
provides the interface between SSCOP and MTP3 and includes the
following functions:
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- Local Retrieve of messages to support link changeover procedures
- Flow control with four levels of congestion
Switched Circuit Network (SCN):
The term SCN is used to refer to a network that carries traffic
within channelized bearers of pre-defined sizes. Examples include
Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs) and Public Land Mobile
Networks (PLMNs). Examples of signaling protocols used in SCN
include Q.931, SS7 MTP Level 3 and SS7 Application/User parts.
Service Specific Connection Oriented Protocol (SSCOP):
This layer is a component of SAAL. This layer provides reliable
point to point data transfer with sequence integrity and error
recovery by selective retransmission. Protocol layer interfaces are
described in T1.637. Aspects of the protocol include flow control,
connection control, error reporting to layer management, connection
maintenance in the prolonged absence of data transfer, local data
retrieval by the user of the SSCOP, error detection of protocol
control information and status reporting. SSCOP provides the link
layer functions that are:
- In-Sequence Delivery
- Flow Control
- Error Detection/Correction
- Keep Alive
- Local Data Retrieval
- Connection Control
- Protocol Error Detection and Recovery
Signaling Transfer Point (STP):
Packet switches that provide CCS message routing and transport. They
are stored programmed switches that use information contained in the
message in conjunction with information stored in memory to route the
message to the appropriate destination signaling point.
2. Overview of the TALI Protocol
2.1 Traditional PSTN SS7 Networks
The traditional PSTN SS7 network consists of 3 types of devices
connected via dedicated SS7 signaling links.
The 3 primary device types for PSTN networks are:
* SSP: Signaling Service Point. These nodes act as endpoints in
the SS7 network, originating SS7 messages as users attempt to
place phone calls. These nodes contain interfaces into the SS7
data network and the SS7 voice network.
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* STP: Signaling Transfer Point. These nodes act primarily as
switches, switching SS7 traffic from node to node throughout the
network until it reaches another endpoint. An important feature
of each STP is to provide SS7 network management functionality
that allows messages to be delivered even when links and devices
fail. STPs also sometimes provide database type services, such as
Global Title Translations and Local Number Portability.
* SCP: Signaling Control Point. These nodes act as databases.
These nodes contain stored data that is used to turn SS7 Queries
into SS7 Replies.
There are 3 primary types of dedicated SS7 signaling links:
* 56Kbps SS7 (DS0, V35, OCU) links. These links implement the MTP-1
and MTP-2 protocols as defined in [1].
* DS1 High Speed Links. These links use the SAAL protocol to
provide an alternative to 56Kbps SS7 links that is based on newer,
faster technology. These links implement the SS7 protocol as
defined in [8].
* E1 Links.
Figure 1 provides an overview of the traditional PSTN network. In
this network, any of the links can be implemented via either 56
Kbps, DS1, or E1 links.
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^
/ \
/SCP\
/-----\
/ \
/ \
/ \
/ \
/---\ +---+ +---+ /---\
| SSP |-----|STP|----|STP|-----| SSP |
\---/ \ /+-+-+\ /+-+-+ \ / \---/
\/ | \/ | \/
/\ | /\ | /\
/---\ / \+-+-+/ \+-+-+ / \ /---\
| SSP |/----|STP|----|STP|/----| SSP |
\---/ +---+ +---+ \---/
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ ^ /
\/ \/
/SCP\
/-----\
Figure 1: The Traditional PSTN Network
2.2 Converged SS7 Networks
In the converged SS7 network, SS7 devices will reside on both the
traditional PSTN network (with dedicated 56 Kbps and DS1 links) and
on the IP network (with Ethernet links based on IP protocol). The
services of SSPs, STPs, and SCPs can be provided by new types of
devices that reside on IP networks. The IP network is not intended
to completely replace the PSTN, rather devices on the 2 types of
networks must be able to communicate with one another and convert
from 1 lower layer protocol to the other.
Signaling Gateways are new devices that may also function as an STP
in the converged network. SGs provide interfaces to:
* devices on the SCN (traditional SSPs, STPs, and SCPs)
* other SGs
* new devices on the IP network
SGs also continue to perform STP functions such as SS7 network
management and some database services (such as GTT and LNP).
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New devices on the IP network include:
* Media Gateway Controllers. In addition to other functions, these
devices control Media Gateways and perform call processing.
* Media Gateways. In addition to other functions, these devices
control voice circuits that are used to carry telephone calls.
MGs + MGCs combine to provide the functionality of traditional
SSPs.
* IP based SCPs. The database services that are related to SS7 can
be moved onto devices on the IP network.
Figure 2 provides an overview of the converged SS7 network.
----- +----+
/\ / \-------------| SG |
/ \----| SCN | +----+ +----+
/SCP \ \ /------| SG | |
------ ----- +----+ |
| | | |
| | | |
| | -----
| | / \ /\
| | | IP |----/ \
| /---\ \ / /SCP \
| | SSP | ----- ------
| \---/ / \
| | / \
/---\ | / \
| SSP | | +---+ +---+
\---/ +----+ |MGC| |MGC|
| | MG | +---+ +---+
| +----+\ \ /
| \ \ /
| \ -----
| \ / \
+----+ | IP |
| MG |-----------\ /
+----+ -----
Figure 2: The Converged SS7 Network
In theory, the TALI protocol can be used between 2 nodes to carry SS7
traffic across TCP/IP. Some of the areas that TALI could be used
include:
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- For SG to SG communication across IP
- For SG to MGC communication across IP
- For SG to IP based SCP communication across IP
- For communication between multiple IP based SCPs
- For communication between multiple MGCs
- For communication between MGCs and MGs
- For other IP devices such as DNS, Policy Servers, etc.
In reality, the communication between MGCs, or between MGC and MG is
probably better suited to using other protocols. With respect to the
Signaling Gateway implementation, the TALI protocol is used to carry
SS7 traffic:
- For SG to SG communication
- For SG to MGC communication
- For SG to IP based SCP communication
2.3 TALI Protocol Stack Overview
The Transport Adapter Layer Interface is the proposed interface that
provides SCCP, ISUP, and MTP messaging encapsulation within a TCP/IP
packet between two switching elements. In addition, TALI provides
SCCP Management (SCMG), MTP Primitives, dynamic registration of
circuits, and routing of call control messages based on circuit
location.
The major purpose of the TALI protocol is to provide a bridge between
the SS7 Signaling Network and applications that reside within an IP
network. Figure 3 provides a simple illustration that highlights the
protocol stacks used for transport of SS7 MSUs on both the SS7 side
and the IP side of the SG.
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SS7 traffic SS7 traffic
via 56Kbps links via TALI
+-----------+ +----+ +--------+
|Traditional| | SG | | IP |
|SS7 Devices|<------>| |<-------->| Devices|
+-----------+ +----+ +--------+
SS7 SS7, TALI, TCP/IP
protocol stack protocol stack
+---------------+ +---------------+
|SS7 application| |SS7 application|
|layer | |layer |
+-------+-------+ +-------+-------+
| TCAP | ISUP | | TCAP | ISUP |
+-------+ | +-------+ |
| SCCP | | | SCCP | |
+-------+-------+ +-------+-------+
| MTP3 | | MTP3 |
+---------------+ +---------------+
| MTP2 | | TALI |
+---------------+ +---------------+
| MTP1 | | TCP |
| (& phy. | +---------------+
| layer) | | IP |
+---------------+ +---------------+
| MAC |
| (& phy. |
| layer) |
+---------------+
Figure 3: TALI Protocol to carry SS7 over TCP/IP
From Figure 3, several observations can be made:
* The TALI layer is used when transferring SS7 over IP.
* When SS7 traffic is carried over a IP network, the MTP2 and MTP1
layers of a traditional 56 Kbps link are replaced by the TALI,
TCP, IP, and MAC layers
* The TALI layer sits on top of the TCP layer.
* The TALI layer sits below the various SS7 layers (MTP3, SCCP/TCAP,
ISUP, and applications). The data from these SS7 layers is
carried as the data portion of TALI service data packets.
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Some of the facts concerning the TALI protocol which are important to
understanding how TALI works that are not evident from Figure 3
include the following:
* Each TALI connection is provided over a single TCP socket.
* The standard Berkeley sockets interface to the TCP is used by
the TALI layer to provide connection oriented service from
endpoint to peer endpoint.
* TCP sockets are based on a Client/Server architecture; one end
of the TALI connection must be defined as the 'server side',
the other end is a 'client'.
* The client/server roles are important only in bringing up the
TCP connection between the 2 endpoint, once the connection is
established both ends use the same Berkeley sockets calls
(send, recv) to transfer data.
* The TCP socket must be connected before the 2 TALI endpoints
can begin communicating.
* TALI provides user control over each TALI connection that is
defined. This control:
* Allows the user to control when each TALI connection will be
made
* Allows the user to control when each TALI connection is allowed
to carry SS7 traffic
* Allows the user to control the graceful shutdown of each socket
* TALI provides Peer to Peer messages. These messages originate
from the TALI layer of one endpoint of the connection and are
terminated at the TALI layer of the other endpoint. Peer to Peer
messages are used:
* To provide test and watchdog maintenance messages
* To control the ability of each socket to carry SS7 service
messages
* TALI provides Service messages. These messages originate from the
layer above the TALI layer of one endpoint of the connection and
are transferred to and terminated at the layer above the TALI
layer of the other endpoint.
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* The service messages provide several different ways to
encapsulate the SS7 messages (SCCP/TCAP, ISUP, and other MTP3
layer data) across the TCP/IP connection.
* As we will see later, different Service opcodes are used to
communicate across the TALI socket exactly how each SS7 message
has been encapsulated.
* A set of TALI timers is defined. These timers are used to
correctly implement the TALI state machine.
2.3.1 An Alternate TALI Protocol Stack using the SAAL Layer
This section presents a different, slightly more complex, TALI
protocol stack that can be used in place of the protocol stack in the
previous section.
Figure 3 in the previous section provided a simple illustration that
highlighted the basic TALI protocol stack that can be used to
transport SS7 MSUs between 56 Kbps links on the SS7 side of an SG and
the IP devices.
Figure 4 below illustrates an alternate TALI protocol stack that
includes the SAAL layer as part of the data transferred across the
TCP/IP connection.
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SS7 traffic SS7 traffic
via DS1 links via TALI
+-----------+ +----+ +--------+
|Traditional| | SG | | IP |
|SS7 Devices|<------>| |<-------->| Devices|
+-----------+ +----+ +--------+
SS7 DS1 SS7, TALI, TCP/IP
protocol stack protocol stack
+-----------------+ +-----------------+
| SS7 application | | SS7 application |
| layer | | layer |
+--------+--------+ +--------+--------+
| TCAP | ISUP | | TCAP | ISUP |
+--------+ | +--------+ |
| SCCP | | | SCCP | |
+--------+--------+ +--------+--------+
| MTP3 | | MTP3 |
+-----------------+ +-----------------+
| SAAL | | SAAL |
|(SSCF,MAAL,SSCOP)| |(SSCF,MAAL,SSCOP)|
+-----------------+ +-----------------+
| AAL5 | | TALI |
+-----------------+ +-----------------+
| ATM | | TCP |
| (& phy. | +-----------------+
| layer) | | IP |
+-----------------+ +-----------------+
| MAC |
| (& phy. |
| layer) |
+-----------------+
Figure 4: An Alternate TALI Protocol Stack with SAAL
The following bullets provide a discussion regarding the differences
between these 2 protocol stacks, the reasons for having 2 protocol
stacks, and the advantages of each:
* When the TALI protocol stack is implemented without the SAAL
layer, as in Figure 3, the SEQUENCE NUMBER of the SS7 MSU is NOT
part of the data transferred across the TCP/IP connection. In 56
Kbps SS7 links, the MTP2 header contains an 8 bit sequence number
for each MSU. The sequence number is used to preserve message
sequencing and to support complex SS7 procedures involving MSU
retrieval during link changeover and changeback. As indicated in
Figure 3, the MTP2 header is NOT part of the data transferred
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across the TCP/IP connection. The TALI protocol stack without
SAAL still guarantees correct sequencing of SS7 data (this
sequencing is provided by sequence numbers in the TCP layer),
however that protocol stack can not support SS7 changeover and
changeback procedures.
* When the TALI protocol stack is implemented with the SAAL layer,
as in Figure 4, the SEQUENCE NUMBER of the SS7 MSU IS part of the
data transferred across TCP/IP. In SS7 DS1 links, the SSCOP
trailer contains a 24 bit sequence number for each MSU. This 24
bit sequence number serves the same purposes as the 8 bit SS7
sequence number. As indicated in Figure 4, the SSCOP trailer IS
part of the data transferred across the TCP/IP connection. The
protocol stack in Figure 4 can support SS7 changeover and
changeback procedures.
* Implementing the TALI protocol with SAAL therefore provides
support for SS7 co/cb and data retrieval and can help to minimize
MSU loss as SS7 links are deactivated. However, implementing SAAL
is not a trivial matter. The SAAL layer consists of 3 sublayers
(SSCF, SSCOP, and MAAL), one of which (SSCOP) is quite involved.
It is envisioned that most SS7 to TCP/IP applications will NOT
choose to implement SAAL.
2.3.2 An Alternate TALI Protocol Stack using SCTP
The TALI protocol is dependent on a reliable transport layer below
it. At the initial design of TALI, TCP was the only reliable, proven
transport layer. Simple Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) is
currently being designed as a transport later specifically for
signalling. Once SCTP is a proven and accepted transport protocol,
SCTP can then be used in place of TCP as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
2.4 Inputs to the TALI Version 1.0 State Machine
Figure 5 illustrates the inputs that affect the TALI State Machine.
Inputs to the state machine include:
* Management events (ie: requests from the human user of the TALI
connection) to control the operation of a particular TALI session.
* TALI messages received from the Peer. These messages include peer
to peer messages as well as service data messages.
* Events from the User of the TALI layer. The user is the layer
above TALI in the protocol stack, either the SS7 or SAAL layer.
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* Implementation Dependent Events. Each implementation must provide
inputs into the TALI state machine such as:
* Socket Events
* TALI protocol violations. The TALI state machine must detect
protocol violations and act accordingly.
* Timer events.
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+====+ +============+
| | +---------+ +-------------+ | |
|User| | Service | | Mgmt. Open | | MANAGEMENT |
|Part|<-->| Message | | Mgmt. Close |<-->| |
| | | | | Mgmt. Proh. | | |
| | +---------+ | Mgmt. Allow | +============+
+====+ ^ +-------------+
| ^
| |
v v
+========================================================+
| TALI State Machine |
+========================================================+
^ ^ ^ ^
| | | |
| | | |
v | | |
+---------+ +-----------------+ +-----------+ +------------+
| Received| | Connection est. | | Protocol | | T1 Expired |
| 'test' | | Connection lost | | Violation | | T2 Expired |
| 'allo' | | | | | | T3 Expired |
| 'proh' | +-----------------+ +-----------+ | T4 Expired |
| 'proa' | ^ ^ +------------+
| 'moni' | | | ^
| 'mona' | | | |
| or | | | |
| Service | | | |
| Message | +========================================+
+---------+ | IMPLEMENTATION |
^ | DEPENDENT |
| +========================================+
|
v
+============+
| PEER |
| |
+============+
Figure 5: Overview of Inputs to the TALI 1.0 State Machine
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
3. TALI Version 1.0
This chapter provides the states, messages, message exchange rules
and state machine that must be implemented to provide a TALI version
1.0 protocol layer.
3.1 Overview of the TALI Message Structure
Table 2 provides a summary of the messages and message structure used
in TALI version 1.0.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| OCTET | DESCRIPTION | SIZE | VALUE | TYPE |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 4 Octets | | 4 byte |
| | | | | ASCII |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| | TALI | | 'TALI' | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 4 Octets | | 4 byte |
| | | | | ASCII |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| | Test Service | | 'test' | |
| | Allow Service | | 'allo' | |
| | Prohibit Service | | 'proh' | |
| | Prohibit Service Ack | | 'proa' | |
| | Monitor Socket | | 'moni' | |
| | Monitor Socket Ack | | 'mona' | |
| | SCCP Service | | 'sccp' | |
| | ISUP Service over TALI | | 'isot' | |
| | MTP3 Service over TALI | | 'mtp3' | |
| | Service over SAAL | | 'saal' | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | 2 Octets | | integer |
| | (least significant | | | |
| | byte first) non-0 | | | |
| | if Service or | | | |
| | Socket monitor message| | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | DATA PAYLOAD | variable | | variable |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 2: Message Structure for TALI 1.0
Table 3 indicates the valid values of the LENGTH field for each
version 1.0 opcode. The LENGTH field is always an indication of the
# of bytes contained in the DATA PAYLOAD portion of a general TALI
message.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| OPCODE | VALID LENGTH VALUES | COMMENTS |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| test | 0 bytes | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| allo | 0 bytes | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| proh | 0 bytes | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| proa | 0 bytes | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| moni | 0-200 bytes | A maximum length is provided so |
| | | that the maximum ethernet frame |
| | | size is not exceeded. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| mona | 0-200 bytes | Mona reply length and content must|
| | | match the original moni (with the |
| | | exception of the opcode) |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| sccp | 12-265 bytes | These are the valid sizes for the |
| | | SCCP-ONLY portions of SCCP UDT |
| | | MSUs |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| isot | 8-273 bytes | The length is the number of octets|
| | | in the MTP3 and higher layer(s) of|
| | | the SS7 MSU. This length includes|
| | | the SIO byte, the MTP3 routing |
| | | label, the CIC code, and the |
| | | ISUP Message Type field, and any |
| | | other bytes that may exist as part|
| | | of the SIF (Service Information |
| | | Field) |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| mtp3 | 5-280 bytes | The length is the number of octets|
| | | in the MTP3 and higher layer(s) of|
| | | the SS7 MSU. This length includes|
| | | the SIO byte and the MTP3 routing |
| | | labeld, and any other bytes that |
| | | may exist as part of the SIF |
| | | (Service Information Field) |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| saal | 11-280 bytes | The length is the number of octets|
| | | in the MTP3 and higher layer(s) of|
| | | the SS7 MSU. This length includes|
| | | the SIO byte and all bytes in the |
| | | SIF (Service Information Field) |
| | | field. The MTP3 routing label is |
| | | part of the SIF field. Seven (7) |
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| | | octets of SSCOP trailer is added |
| | | to the message. The SSCOP trailer|
| | | bytes are also included in the |
| | | length. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 3: Valid Length Fields for Each Opcode in TALI 1.0
3.1.1 Types of TALI Fields
Several field types are used in the general TALI message structure.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Field Type | Implementation Notes for that Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|4 byte | * 4 byte ASCII text strings are used to define the |
|ASCII text | sync code and the opcode of the basic TALI message.|
| | * These fields are case sensitive, the coding for |
| | each sync and opcode literal needs to match the |
| | case specified in Table 2. |
| | * The standard ASCII conversion table is used to |
| | transform each character into a byte. |
| | * The order of the ASCII characters is important. |
| | The first character in the string must be the |
| | first character transmitted across the wire. |
| | * For example, if the string being encoded is 'abCD',|
| | the order of the bytes as they are transferred |
| | over the wire must be: |
| | 1st byte: 0x61 ('a') 3rd byte: 0x43 ('C') |
| | 2nd byte: 0x62 ('b') 4th byte: 0x44 ('D') |
| | * The software for each implementation should be |
| | written in a manner that accounts for the required |
| | byte order of transmission (ie: the Big Endian/ |
| | Little Endian characteristics of the processor |
| | need to be dealt with in the software. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Integer | * A 1, 2 or 4 byte field to be treated as an integer |
| | value. Integer fields should be transmitted Least |
| | Significant Byte first across the wire. |
| | * The software for each implementation should be |
| | written in a manner that accounts for the required |
| | byte order of transmission (ie: the Big Endian/ |
| | Little Endian characteristics of the processor |
| | need to be dealt with in the software. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Variable | * The definition of the message structure for this |
| | field is governed by other specifications. |
| | * For example, when transferring MTP3 service data |
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| | via a 'mtp3' opcode, the DATA PAYLOAD begins with |
| | the SIO byte of the MTP3 routing label. The |
| | structure for the entire DATA PAYLOAD is governed |
| | by the MTP3 message structure defined in [1]. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|X byte | * ASCII text fields of sizes other than 4 bytes |
|ASCII text | should be supported according to the same rules |
| | presented for the 4 byte ASCII text fields. For |
| | instance, an 8 byte string such as 'ab01cd23' could|
| | be used, where the 'a' would be the first byte of |
| | the field transmitted out the wire. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 4: Implementation Notes for each Type of TALI field
3.2 Detailed TALI Message Structure
3.2.1 TALI Peer to Peer Messages
The following subsections provide more information regarding the TALI
Peer to Peer messages that are implemented in version 1.0. The TALI
peer to peer messages originate at the TALI layer of 1 end of the
socket connection (the near end) and are terminated at the TALI layer
of the far end of the connection.
3.2.1.1 Test Message (test)
The 'test' message is used by a TALI implementation to query the
remote end of the TALI connection with respect to the willingness of
the remote end to carry SS7 service data. This message asks the
other end: are you ready to carry service data? This message is sent
periodically by each TALI implementation based on a T1 timer
interval. Upon receiving 'test', a TALI implementation must reply
with either 'proh' or 'allo' to indicate the nodes willingness to
carry SS7 service data over that TALI connection.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'test' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length = 0 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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3.2.1.2 Allow Message (allo)
The 'allo' message is sent in reply to a 'test' query, or in response
to some internal implementation event, to indicate that a TALI
implementation IS willing to carry SS7 service data over the TALI
session. This message informs the far end that SS7 traffic can be
transmitted on the socket. 'allo' is one of the 2 possible replies
to a 'test' message. Before SS7 traffic can be carried over a
socket, both ends of the connection need to send 'allo' messages.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'allo' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length = 0 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
3.2.1.3 Prohibit Message (proh)
The 'proh' message is sent in reply to a 'test' query, or in response
to some internal implementation event, to indicate that a TALI
implementation is NOT willing to carry SS7 service data over the TALI
session. This message informs the far end that SS7 traffic can not
be transmitted on the socket. 'proh' is one of the 2 possible
replies to a 'test' message. As long as 1 end of the connection
remains in the 'prohibited' state, SS7 traffic can not be carried
over the socket.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'proh' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length = 0 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
3.2.1.4 Prohibit Acknowledgement Message (proa)
The 'proa' message is sent by a TALI implementation each time a
'proh' is received from the far end. This message is sent to
indicate to the far end that his 'prohibit' message was received
correctly and will be acted on accordingly.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'proa' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length = 0 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
3.2.1.5 Monitor Message (moni)
The 'moni' message provides a generic ECHO capability that can be
used by each TALI implementation as that implementation sees fit. A
TALI version 1.0 implementation does not have to originate a 'moni'
message to be compliant with the 1.0 specification. The primary
intent of this message is to provide a way for the TALI layer to test
the round-trip message transfer time on a socket. A 'mona' message
must be sent in reply to each received 'moni' message. The DATA
portion of a 'moni' message is vendor implementation dependent. The
DATA portion of each 'mona' reply must exactly match the DATA portion
of the 'moni' that is replied to. Regardless of whether an
implementation chooses to send 'moni' or not, 'mona' must be sent in
response to each 'moni' in order to remain compliant with the TALI
protocol.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'moni' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | DATA PAYLOAD| Vendor Dependent |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
3.2.1.6 Monitor Acknowledge Message (mona)
As mentioned above, the 'mona' must be sent in reply to each received
'moni'. The contents of the 'mona' DATA area must match the DATA
area of the received 'moni' message.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'mona' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | DATA PAYLOAD| Vendor Dependent |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
3.2.2 Service Messages
The following subsections provide more information regarding the TALI
Service messages that are implemented in version 1.0. TALI Service
messages are used to carry SS7 MSUs across the IP network. The
information in this section includes details with respect to how to
encapsulate SS7 MSUs into TCP/IP frames using each of the TALI
service opcodes. The TALI service messages originate at the layer
above TALI, are transported across the IP network via a TALI service
message, and are delivered to the layer above TALI at the far end of
the TALI connection.
3.2.2.1 SCCP Service Message (sccp)
The 'sccp' opcode is used to deliver SS7 MSUs with a Service
Indicator of 3 (SCCP) over a TALI connection. This opcode is only
used on TALI protocol stacks that are implemented without SAAL. The
MTP3 layer of the SS7 MSU is NOT part of the data transferred across
TCP/IP for this opcode; the data portion of the TALI 'sccp' message
begins with the first byte of the SCCP data area in the SS7 MSU
(after the MTP3 routing label). The first byte in the SCCP data area
is an SCCP message type field.
Several restrictions on the SCCP messages that this TALI opcode can
carry exist. These restrictions are as follows:
* SCCP messages contain an SCCP message type field. The SCCP
messages that are supported by TALI 1.0 implementations are
limited to Class 0 and Class 1 SCCP messages with a message type
field of either:
* UDT
* UDTS
* XUDT
* XUDTS
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* SCCP messages must contain a Point Code in the 'calling party'
area in order to be transferred across the TCP/IP connection as a
'sccp' message. An implementation may choose to modify the
original SCCP MSU to add an appropriate calling party point code
before transmission across TALI if desired.
* SCCP messages must contain a Point Code in the 'called party' area
in order to be transferred across the TCP/IP connection as a
'sccp' message. An implementation may choose to modify the
original SCCP MSU to add an appropriate called party point code
before transmission across TALI if desired.
* The encoding of the SS7 SCCP MSUs, as they are transmitted across
TALI via 'sccp', should remain compliant with the ANSI
specifications (T1.112 and T1.114) that apply to the SCCP and TCAP
portions of the message respectively.
NOTE 1: SCCP Subsystem Management for the IP based SCP's is supported
via this 'sccp' opcode. SS7 SCCP Management messages are controlled
by an SCMG SS7 process. SCMG sends the management messages via SCCP
UNITDATA (UDT) messages. Therefore, the SCMG messages can be sent
across the TALI connection.
NOTE 2: 'sccp' TALI messages will not include the MTP3 header and
therefore will not retain the original DPC/OPC of the SS7 MSU. Each
TALI implementation needs to consider if/how to provide this DPC/OPC
information in the SCCP portion of the message. For example the DPC
can be replicated to the point code in the SCCP Called Party Address
area and the OPC can be replicated to the point code in the SCCP
Calling Party Address area.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'sccp' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | SCCP Data | SCCP data starting at the first byte after|
| | | the Layer 3 Routing Label (data does not |
| | | include the SIO or Routing Label) |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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3.2.2.1.1 SCCP Encapsulation using TALI
When an SCCP MSU arrives at an SG from a 56 Kbps or DS1 link and is
routed within the SG for transmission to an IP device, the SG
performs the following processing on the SS7 MSU:
* discards the MTP Layer 2 information, CRC and flags
* places the DPC from MTP Layer 3 into the Called Party Address
field of the SCCP layer; the Calling Party Address field is
created if it does not exist and then filled
* places the OPC from MTP Layer 3 into the Calling Party Address
field of the SCCP layer if there is no Calling Party Point Code
* places the modified SCCP and unchanged TCAP data in the service
payload area of the TALI packet
* The SYNC field is set
* The OPCODE is set to 'sccp'
* The LENGTH is set to the number of octets in the SERVICE field
Once the fully formed 'sccp' TALI packet is created, it is handed to
the TCP socket layer and transmitted. The transmission process will
add TCP, IP and MAC header information.
Since the routing information from MTP Layer 3 is placed in the SCCP
part of the outgoing message, no routing information needs to be
saved by the SG.
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SS7 MSU
| Layer 3 | Layer 2 |
| | |
+----+---+-----+-----+-------+---+--+---+---+---+---+----+
|Flag|FCS|TCAP |SCCP |Routing|SIO|LI|FIB|FSN|BIB|BSN|Flag|
| | |Layer|Layer| Label | | | | | | | |
+----+---+-----+-----+-------+---+--+---+---+---+---+----+
| |
| |
| |
TALI +-----------+---+------+----+
Packet | Service |LEN|Opcode|SYNC|
+-----------+---+------+----+
| |
| |
| |
+---------------------------+------+------+------+
IP | TALI Packet |TCP | IP | MAC |
Packet | |Header|Header|Header|
+---------------------------+------+------+------+
Figure 6: Encapsulation of SCCP MSUs using the TALI 'sccp' opcode
When an 'sccp' TALI packet is received on by an SG from an IP device,
the SG performs the following processing on the 'sccp' packet:
* validates the TALI header
* Allocates space for a new SS7 message
* Regenerates the SIO with the Sub-Service Field set to National
Network, priority of zero (0), Service Indicator set to SCCP
* extracts the SCCP/TCAP data from the SERVICE area and places it in
the new SS7 message
* sets the DPC to the SCCP Called Party Point Code
* sets the OPC to the SCCP Calling Party Point Code
* randomly generates the SLS
Once the 'sccp' packet is transformed back into a normal SS7 MSU, the
MSU is routed within the SG according to the normal SS7 routing
procedures.
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3.2.2.2 ISUP Service Message (isot)
The 'isot' opcode is used to deliver SS7 MSUs with a Service
Indicator of 5 (ISUP) over a TALI connection. This opcode is only
used on TALI protocol stacks that are implemented without SAAL. The
MTP3 layer of the SS7 MSU IS part of the data transferred across
TCP/IP for this opcode; the data portion of the TALI 'isot' message
begins with the SIO byte of the MTP3 header in the SS7 MSU.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'isot' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | ISUP Data | Raw ISUP data starting at the Layer 3 SIO |
| | | field. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
3.2.2.2.1 ISUP Encapsulation using TALI
When an ISUP MSU arrives at an SG from a 56 Kbps or DS1 link and is
routed within the SG to a IP device, the SG performs the following
processing on the SS7 MSU:
* discards the MTP Layer 2 information, CRC and flags
* places MTP Layer 3 into the SERVICE payload area of the TALI
packet
* The SYNC field is set
* The OPCODE is set to 'isot'
* The LENGTH is set to the number of octets in the SERVICE field
Once the fully formed 'isot' TALI packet is created, it is handed to
the TCP socket layer and transmitted. The transmission process will
add TCP, IP and MAC header information.
Since the routing information is placed in the TALI Packet, no
routing information needs to be saved by the SG.
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SS7 MSU
| Layer 3 | Layer 2 |
| | |
+----+---+----+----+---+-------+---+--+---+---+---+---+----+
|Flag|FCS|ISUP|Msg.|CIC|Routing|SIO|LI|FIB|FSN|BIB|BSN|Flag|
| | |Part|Type| |Label | | | | | | | |
+----+---+----+----+---+-------+---+--+---+---+---+---+----+
| /
| /
| |
TALI +-----------------------+---+------+----+
Packet | Service |LEN|Opcode|SYNC|
+-----------------------+---+------+----+
| /
| ---------
| /
+----------------------------+------+------+------+
IP | TALI Packet |TCP | IP | MAC |
Packet | |Header|Header|Header|
+----------------------------+------+------+------+
Figure 7: Encapsulation of ISUP MSUs using the TALI 'isot' opcode
When an 'isot' TALI packet is received on an SG from an IP device,
the SG performs the following processing on the 'isot' packet:
* validates the TALI header
* Allocates space for a new SS7 message
* extracts the MTP Layer 3 data from the SERVICE area and places it
in the new SS7 message
Once the 'isot' packet is transformed back into a normal SS7 MSU, the
MSU is routed within the SG according to the normal SS7 routing
procedures.
3.2.2.3 MTP3 Service Message (mtp3)
The 'mtp3' opcode is used to deliver SS7 MSUs with a Service
Indicator of 0-2, 4, 6-15 (non-SCCP, non-ISUP) over a TALI
connection. This opcode is only used on TALI protocol stacks that
are implemented without SAAL. The MTP3 layer of the SS7 MSU IS part
of the data transferred across TCP/IP for this opcode; the data
portion of the TALI 'mtp3' message begins with the SIO byte of the
MTP3 header in the SS7 MSU.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'mtp3' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | Layer 3 MSU | Raw MSU data starting at the Layer 3 SIO |
| | Data | field. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
3.2.2.3.1 MTP3 Encapsulation using TALI
When an SS7 MSU with SI=0-2,4,6-15 arrives at an SG from a 56 Kbps or
DS1 link and is routed within the SG to an IP device, the SG performs
the following processing on the SS7 MSU:
* discards the MTP Layer 2 information, CRC and flags
* places MTP Layer 3 into the SERVICE payload area of TALI packet
* The SYNC field is set
* The OPCODE is set to 'mtp3'
* The LENGTH is set to the number of octets in the SERVICE field
Once the fully formed 'mtp3' TALI packet is created, it is handed to
the TCP socket layer and transmitted. The transmission process will
add TCP, IP and MAC header information.
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SS7 MSU
| Layer 3 | Layer 2 |
| | |
+----+---+-----------+-------+---+--+---+---+---+---+----+
|Flag|FCS|Other Layer|Routing|SIO|LI|FIB|FSN|BIB|BSN|Flag|
| | |3 Data |Label | | | | | | | |
+----+---+-----------+-------+---+--+---+---+---+---+----+
| /
| ------
| /
TALI +----------------+---+------+----+
Packet | Service |LEN|Opcode|SYNC|
+----------------+---+------+----+
| /
| --
| /
+----------------------------+------+------+------+
IP | TALI Packet |TCP | IP | MAC |
Packet | |Header|Header|Header|
+----------------------------+------+------+------+
Figure 8: Encapsulation of SS7 MSUs with SI!=3,5,13 using 'mtp3'
When an 'mtp3' TALI packet is received by an SG from an IP device,
the SG performs the following processing on the 'mtp3' packet:
* validates the TALI header
* Allocates space for a new SS7 message
* extracts the MTP Layer 3 data from the SERVICE area and places it
in the new SS7 message
Once the 'mtp3' packet is transformed back into a normal SS7 MSU, the
MSU is routed within the SG according to the normal SS7 routing
procedures.
3.2.2.4 SAAL Service Message (saal)
The 'saal' opcode is used to deliver SS7 MSUs with any Service
Indicator over a TALI connection. This opcode is only used on TALI
protocol stacks that are implemented with SAAL. The 'saal' opcode is
also used to transmit SAAL peer to peer packets (SSCF peer to peer
packets and SSCOP peer to peer packets other than SS7 service data)
over a TALI connection.
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When used to transfer SS7 MSUs, the MTP3 layer of the SS7 MSU IS part
of the data transferred across TCP/IP for this opcode; the data
portion of the TALI 'saal' message begins with the SIO byte of the
MTP3 header in the SS7 MSU and ends with the last byte of the SSCOP
trailer.
When used to transfer SSCF/SSCOP peer to peer messages the data
portion of the TALI 'saal' message includes the entire SSCOP PDU.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'saal' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | Layer 3 | Raw MSU data starting at the Layer 3 SIO |
| | Data | field. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| (X+1) | SSCOP | Zero (0) to three (3) octets of padding |
| ..Y | Trailer | plus 4 octets for the trailer data. The |
| | | total length of the Layer 3 Data and the |
| | | SSCOP trailer must be a multiple of 4. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
or
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'saal' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | SAAL Peer | Raw SSCF/SSCOP peer to peer packets are |
| | to Peer | also transferred over the TALI connection |
| | message | using this 'saal' opcode. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
3.2.2.4.1 MTP3 and SAAL Peer to Peer Encapsulation using TALI
When an SS7 MSU (with any SI) arrives at an SG from a 56 Kbps or DS1
link and is routed within the SG for transmission to an IP device,
the SG performs the following processing on the SS7 MSU:
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* discards the MTP Layer 2 information, CRC and flags
* the MSU is passed from an MTP3 processing software layer to the
SSCF and SSCOP layers (the SAAL layers). These layers convert the
SS7 MSU into an SSCOP PDU. Part of this conversion includes
adding an SSCOP trailer.
* the SSCOP PDU (whether it is a peer to peer SAAL message or SS7
MSU in an SSCOP PDU) is copied into the SERVICE payload area of
the TALI packet
* The SYNC field is set
* The OPCODE is set to 'saal'
* The LENGTH is set to the number of octets in the SERVICE field
Once the fully formed 'saal' TALI packet is created, it is handed to
the TCP socket layer and transmitted. The transmission process will
add TCP, IP and MAC header information.
Since the routing information is placed in the TALI Packet, no
routing information needs to be saved by the SG.
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SS7 MSU
| Layer 3 | Layer 2 |
| | |
+----+---+-----------+-------+---+--+---+---+---+---+----+
|Flag|FCS|Other Layer|Routing|SIO|LI|FIB|FSN|BIB|BSN|Flag|
| | |3 Data |Label | | | | | | | |
+----+---+-----------+-------+---+--+---+---+---+---+----+
| |
| |
| |
+-------+-----------------------+
|SSCOP | Service |
|Trailer| |
+-------+-----------------------+
| |
+-------+-----------------------+---+------+----+
|Service with SSCOP Trailer |LEN|Opcode|SYNC|
+-------+-----------------------+---+------+----+
| /
| -----------------
| /
+----------------------------+------+------+------+
| TALI Packet |TCP | IP | MAC |
| |Header|Header|Header|
+----------------------------+------+------+------+
Figure 9: Encapsulation of SAAL PDUs using the TALI 'saal' opcode
When an 'saal' TALI packet is received at the SG from an IP device,
the SG performs the following processing on the 'saal' packet:
* validates the TALI header
* Allocates space for a new SSCOP PDU message
* extracts the SSCOP PDU data from the SERVICE area and places it in
the new SSCOP PDU message
Once the 'saal' packet is transformed back into a normal DS1 SSCOP
PDU, the SSCOP PDU is passed to the SAAL layer for receive
processing. If the SSCOP PDU is a peer to peer pdu, it is processed
completely in the appropriate SAAL layer. If the SSCOP PDU is an SS7
MSU, the MSU is transformed back to a normal SS7 MSU and is routed
within the SG according to the normal SS7 routing procedures.
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3.3 TALI Timers
Version 1.0 of the TALI specification defined 4 TALI timers that are
used as part of the TALI state machine. These timers are generically
named 'T1' through 'T4'. Brief descriptions of each timer are
provided in the following subsections. Timer expiration events for
each of the T1-T4 timers appear as inputs to the TALI state machine.
For exact processing of each timer (when to start/stop, how to
process timer expirations), refer to the TALI state machine.
Both ends of the TALI connection have there own T1-T4 timers. The
T1-T4 timer values can be set on each end of the connection
independent of the settings on the far end. For each timer, a
default value and range is recommended in the following sections.
3.3.1 T1 Timer
The T1 timer represents the time interval between the origination of
a 'test' message at each TALI implementation. Each time T1 expires,
the TALI implementation should send a 'test'.
3.3.2 T2 Timer
The T2 timer represents the amount of time that the Peer has to
return an 'allo' or a 'proh' in response to a 'test'. If the far end
fails to reply with 'allo' or 'proh' before T2 expires, the sender of
the 'test' treats the T2 expiration as a protocol violation. Note
that T2 must be < T1 in order for these timers to work as designed.
3.3.3 T3 Timer
The T3 timer controls how long the near end should continue to
process Service Data that is received from the far end after a
Management Prohibit Traffic Event has occurred (at the near end).
This timer is used when a transition from NEA-FEA (both ends allowed
to send service data) to NEP-FEA (only far end willing to send
service data) occurs. On that transition, it is reasonable to expect
that the far end needs some amount of time to adjust its TALI state
machine and divert service data traffic away from this socket. The
T3 timer controls the amount of time the far end has to divert
traffic.
3.3.4 T4 Timer
The T4 timer represents the time interval between the origination of
a 'moni' message at each TALI implementation. Each time T4 expires,
the TALI implementation should send a 'moni'.
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3.3.5 Recommended Defaults and Ranges for the TALI Timers
The following table provides the recommended default and configurable
range for each TALI timer.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Name| Min | Max |Default| Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| T1 | 100ms | 60sec | 4 sec | Send test PDU timer |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| T2 | 100ms | 60sec | 3 sec | Response timer for an allo or proh |
| | | | | response to test message. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| T3 | 100ms | 60sec | 5 sec | Timer controls how long to process |
| | | | | rcvd serv data after an NE |
| | | | | transition from NEA to NEP. System |
| | | | | is waiting for a proa response to |
| | | | | the first proh send when NE |
| | | | | transitions from NEA to NEP. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| T4 | 100ms | 60sec |10 sec | Send moni PDU timer |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 5: Timers
NOTE: The value of T1 must be at least one (1) millisecond greater
than T2. This is to prevent the system from a lockup in the T1
expired condition. If T1 is equal or less than T2, it will expire
and restart T2 and not enforce responses to the test message.
Enforcement of minimum and maximum timer values is implementation
dependent.
3.4 TALI User Events
Each TALI implementation must provide several user event controls
over the behavior of the TALI state machine for each TALI connection.
The user interface to provide these capabilities is implementation
specific.
3.4.1 Management Open Socket Event
The 'mgmt open socket' event, together with the 'mgmt close socket'
event, allows the user to control when each defined TALI connection
will form a TCP socket connection. When 'open socket' for a
particular TALI connection occurs, the TALI connection should begin
trying to form a TCP socket connection to the peer.
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The steps that are taken to connect are dependent on the
client/server role of that end of the TALI connection. The exact
steps to perform these tasks are implementation dependent and may
differ based on the TCP stack being used.
In general, TALI clients form socket connections by using the BSD
sockets calls:
Socket()
Bind()
Connect()
In general, TALI servers form socket connections by using the BSD
sockets calls:
Socket()
Bind()
Listen()
Accept()
3.4.2 Management Close Socket Event
The 'mgmt close socket' event can be issued by the user when it is
desired that the TCP socket for a TALI socket, be closed immediately,
or discontinue its attempts to connect to the peer. After acting on
'close socket', the TALI connection will not be established until
'mgmt open socket' is issued.
3.4.3 Management Allow Traffic Event
The 'mgmt allow traffic' event, together with the 'mgmt prohibit
traffic' event, allows the user to control when each defined TALI
connection will be willing to carry SS7 service data over that
particular TALI connection. When 'mgmt allow traffic' is issued, the
TALI implementation becomes willing to carry service data. The TALI
state for the near end should transition to NEA (near end allowed) if
the connection is already established.
3.4.4 Management Prohibit Traffic Event
The 'mgmt prohibit traffic' event is the opposite of 'allow traffic'.
When 'mgmt prohibit traffic' is issued, the TALI implementation
becomes un-willing to carry SS7 service data over that particular
TALI connection. The TALI state for the near end should transition
to NEP (near end prohibited) if the connection is already
established.
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3.5 Other Implementation Dependent TALI Events
In addition to timers, each TALI implementation needs to be able to
detect, and react accordingly, for the following events:
* Connection Established. When the TCP socket connection is
initially established the TALI state machine must be notified.
* Connection Lost. When the TCP socket connection is lost, due to
socket errors during reads/writes, the TALI state machine must be
notified.
* Protocol Violations. Any violation of the TALI protocol as
discussed in 3.7.1.3.
3.6 TALI States
The TALI version 1.0 specification is based on a state machine that
considers 6 TALI states. Each end of the TALI connection maintains
its own TALI state.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| OOS | The TALI connection is out of service. This usually|
| | corresponds to a user event to 'close' the socket, |
| | or a user event to 'deactivate the SS7 link'. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Connecting | The TALI layer is attempting to establish a TCP |
| | socket connection to the peer. Servers are |
| | 'accepting', clients are 'connecting'. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NEP-FEP | The TCP socket connection is established. Neither |
| | side of the connection is ready to use the socket |
| | for service PDUs. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NEP-FEA | The TCP socket connection is established. The NE is|
| | not ready to use the socket for service PDUs. The |
| | FE is ready to use the socket for service PDUs. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NEA-FEP | The TCP socket connection is established. The NE is|
| | ready to use the socket for service PDUs. The FE is|
| | not ready to use the socket for service PDUs. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NEA-FEA | The TCP socket connection is established. Both |
| | sides are ready to use the socket for service PDUs. |
| | This is the only state where normal bi-directional |
| | SS7 data transfer occurs. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 6: TALI States
3.7 TALI Version 1.0 State Machine
This section provides the state machine that must be followed by each
TALI implementation in order to be compliant with this specification.
3.7.1 State Machine Concepts
Before presenting the actual state machine, several concepts are
discussed.
3.7.1.1 General Protocol Rules
1. Neither side can send service data unless both sides are allowed.
2. Each side initializes to the prohibited state for both near end
and far end.
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3. State changes between the NEx-FEx states are signaled with either
an 'allo' or 'proh'.
4. Each side can poll the far end's state with a 'test'. Upon
sending 'test', T1 and T2 should always be restarted.
5. Each side polls the far end with a 'test' every T1 expiration.
6. The reply to a 'test' is based on the state of the near end only.
7. The reply to a 'test' is either 'allo' or 'proh'.
8. A far end signals the last service PDU has been transmitted with
either a 'proh' or a 'proa'.
9. Upon receiving a 'proh', the receiver must always reply with
'proa'.
10. The NE cannot gracefully close a socket unless a 'proh' is sent
and 'proa' is received.
11. On the transition from NEA to NEP, after sending a 'proh', the
near end must continue to process received service data until a
'proa' is received or until a T3 timer expires.
3.7.1.2 Graceful Shutdown of a Socket
The state table treats a management request to close the socket as a
'hard' shutdown. That is, it will close the socket immediately
regardless of the current state. Therefore, the correct steps to
ensure a graceful shutdown of a socket (from the NEA_FEP or NEA_FEA
states) is:
1. Management issues a Management Prohibit Traffic Event on the
socket.
2. Management will wait for T3 to expire.
3. Management can then issue a Close Socket Event on the socket.
3.7.1.3 TALI Protocol Violations
Each TALI implementation must detect when violations of the TALI
protocol have occurred and react accordingly. Protocol violations
include:
* Invalid sync code in a received message
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* Invalid opcode in a received message
* Invalid length field in a received message
* Not receiving an 'allo' or 'proh', in response to the origination
of a 'test' , before the T2 timer expires
* Receiving Service Messages on a prohibited socket.
* TCP Socket errors - Connection Lost
In the state machine that follows, State/Event combinations that
should be treated as protocol violations are indicated via a 'PV' in
the state/event cell. All of the 'PV' events are then processed as
per the 'Protocol Violation' row in the table.
3.7.2 The State Machine
Internal Data required for State Machine:
boolean sock_allowed. This flag indicates whether the NE is allowed
to carry Service Messages.
Initial Conditions:
sock_allowed = FALSE
state = OOS
no timers running
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| State| OOS |Connecting| NEP-FEP | NEP-FEA | NEA-FEP | NEA-FEA |
|Event | | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|T1 Exp. | | |Send test|Send test|Send test|Send test|
| | | |Start T1 |Start T1 |Start T1 |Start T1 |
| | | |Start T2 |Start T2 |Start T2 |Start T2 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|T2 Exp. | | | PV | PV | PV | PV |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|T3 Exp. | | | PV | PV | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|T4 Exp. | | |Send moni|Send moni|Send moni|Send moni|
| | | |Start T4 |Start T4 |Start T4 |Start T4 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv test| | |Send proh|Send proh|Send allo|Send allo|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv allo| | | Stop T2 | Stop T2 | Stop T2 | Stop T2 |
| | | | NEP-FEA | | NEA-FEA | |
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv proh| | | Stop T2 | Stop T2 | Stop T2 | Stop T2 |
| | | |Send proa|Send proa|Send proa|Flush or |
| | | | | NEP-FEP | | reroute |
| | | | | | |Send proa|
| | | | | | | NEA-FEP |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv proa| | | Stop T3 | Stop T3 | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv moni| | |Convert |Convert |Convert |Convert |
| | | | to mona | to mona | to mona | to mona |
| | | |Send mona|Send mona|Send mona|Send mona|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv mona| | |Implemen-|Implemen-|Implemen-|Implemen-|
| | | |tation |tation |tation |tation |
| | | |dependent|dependent|dependent|dependent|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv | | | PV |If T3 run| PV |Process |
| Service| | | | Process | | |
| | | | |Else PV | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Connect.| | Start T1 | | | | |
|Estab. | | Start T2 | | | | |
| | | Start T4 | | | | |
| | |(if non-0)| | | | |
| | |if sock_ | | | | |
| | | allowed | | | | |
| | | = TRUE | | | | |
| | | send allo| | | | |
| | | send test| | | | |
| | | NEA-FEP | | | | |
| | |else | | | | |
| | | send proh| | | | |
| | | send test| | | | |
| | | NEP-FEP | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Connect.| | | PV | PV | PV | PV |
|Lost | | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Protocol| | |Stop all |Stop all |Stop all |Stop all |
|Violat. | | | timers | timers | timers | timers |
| | | |Close the|Close the|Close the|Close the|
| | | | socket | socket | socket | socket |
| | | |Connect- |Connect- |Connect- |Connect- |
| | | | ing | ing | ing | ing |
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Mgmt. |Open | | | | | |
|Open |socket| | | | | |
|Socket |Conne-| | | | | |
| | cting| | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Mgmt. | |Close the |Stop all |Stop all |Stop all |Stop all |
|Close | | socket | timers | timers | timers | timers |
|Socket | |OOS |Close the|Close the|Close the|Close the|
| | | | socket | socket | socket | socket |
| | | |OOS |OOS |OOS |OOS |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Mgmt. |sock_ |sock_allo-|sock_all-|sock_all-|sock_all-|sock_all-|
|Prohibit|allow-| wed=FALSE| owed= | owed= | owed= | owed= |
|Socket |ed = | | FALSE | FALSE | FALSE | FALSE |
| |FALSE | | | |send proh|send proh|
| | | | | |start t3 |start t3 |
| | | | | | NEP-FEP | NEP-FEA |
| | | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Mgmt. |sock_ |sock_allo-|sock_all-|sock_all-|sock_all-|sock_all-|
|Allow |allow-| wed=TRUE | owed= | owed= | owed= | owed= |
|Traffic |ed = | | TRUE | FALSE | TRUE | TRUE |
| |TRUE | |send allo|send allo| | |
| | | | NEA-FEP | NEA-FEA | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|User |reject| reject | reject | reject | reject | send |
|Part |data | data | data | data | data | data |
|Msgs. | | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 7: TALI 1.0 State Machine
3.8 TALI 1.0 Implementation Notes
Several aspects of the expected TALI 1.0 implementation have not been
specifically addressed in the state machine or previous text (or else
they were presented but will be reiterated here). These
implementation notes in some cases have to do with the expected
behavior of the software layer above the TALI layer.
3.8.1 Failure on a TCP/IP Socket
* The failure to read or write from a TCP socket shall be detected
and generate a connection lost event.
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3.8.2 Congestion on a TCP/IP Socket
* Message streams can be monitored for congestion via implementation
dependent methods.
* One possible definition of congestion for the previous requirement
might be when a TCP socket is blocked.
3.9 TALI 1.0 Limitations
Several limitations with the TALI 1.0 specification and
implementation are identified:
* For SCCP traffic, only UDT and XUDT Class 0 and Class 1 traffic
should be managed by this protocol.
* When the MTP3 Routing Label is not part of the data transmitted
across the wire, priority zero (0) traffic is used for all traffic
when the SIO is regenerated.
4. TALI Version 2.0
Version 2.0 of the TALI specification provides several additions to
the Version 1.0 specification. The 2.0 additions are provided by
introducing three new TALI opcodes. The basic functionality and most
of the details of the TALI 1.0 implementation are NOT changed by the
2.0 additions.
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The table below provides a summary of the messages and message
structure used in TALI version 2.0.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| OCTET | DESCRIPTION | SIZE | VALUE | TYPE |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 4 Octets | | 4 byte ASCII |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| | TALI | | 'TALI' | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 4 Octets | | 4 byte ASCII |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| | Test Service | | 'test' | |
| | Allow Service | | 'allo' | |
| | Prohibit Service | | 'proh' | |
| | Prohibit Service Ack| | 'proa' | |
| | Monitor Socket | | 'moni' | |
| | Monitor Socket Ack | | 'mona' | |
| | SCCP Service | | 'sccp' | |
| | ISUP Service o/TALI | | 'isot' | |
| | MTP3 Service o/TALI | | 'mtp3' | |
| | Service o/SAAL | | 'saal' | |
| | Management Message | | 'mgmt' | |
| | Extended Service Msg| | 'xsrv' | |
| | Special Message | | 'spcl' | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | 2 Octets | | integer |
| | (least significant | | | |
| | byte first) non-0 | | | |
| | if Service or | | | |
| | Socket monitor msg | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..X | DATA PAYLOAD | variable | | variable |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Due to the minimal amount of change from 1.0, this chapter will only
provide:
* Detailed information regarding how a TALI implementation can
identify itself as a 2.0 vs. a 1.0 implementation
* Detailed information regarding how to provide backward
compatibility for a connection to a far end that is only TALI 1.0
capable
* Detailed information regarding the new 2.0 opcodes
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* Detailed information regarding any other changes to the
information presented in previous sections that need to be
implemented in order to be 2.0 compatible.
Therefore, readers of this chapter should read this from the point of
view of modifying an existing TALI 1.0 implementation to support the
new 2.0 features.
4.1 Overview of TALI Version 2.0 Features
A small number of changes to a 1.0 TALI implementation are required
to support 2.0. Figure 10 illustrates the inputs that affect the 2.0
TALI State Machine. The reader may notice that the only differences
from the inputs for 1.0 are as follows:
Three new TALI opcodes can be sent/received between a TALI node and
its peer. The new opcodes are:
* 'mgmt'
* 'xsrv'
* 'spcl'
Three new User Part capabilities need to be supported by the layer of
code above the TALI layer in each implementation. The user part
needs to provide support for 'mgmt', 'xsrv', and 'spcl' data.
More information about the 3 new opcodes is provided in individual
sections in this chapter. However, a brief description of the
purpose of each of these opcodes is as follows:
* 'mgmt' - This opcode is intended to allow MANAGEMENT data, or data
that will manage the operation of the device, to pass between the
TALI endpoints. Examples of this management data include:
* configuration data, such as which SS7 traffic streams a peer
would like to receive over a specific socket
* SS7 Network Management data, such as information regarding
point code (un)availability and congestion.
* Enabling/disabling various socket options, such as options
regarding which messages are supported, or how to format data.
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* 'xsrv' - Extended Service Opcodes. It is envisioned that the TALI
protocol could be extended to carry other types of traffic that
are not covered by the 1.0 service data opcodes ('sccp', 'isot',
'mtp3', or 'saal'). By defining a new 'xsrv' service opcode, the
TALI protocol is opened up to the possibility of being used for
other types of data transport.
* 'spcl' - Special services. It is envisioned that vendors may want
to build special services into their TALI implementations that are
only activated when the implementation is connected to other
equipment implementing the same special services. This opcode is
intended to provide a general means to discover more information
regarding who the TALI session is connected to, and a means to
enable special features based on the vendor/implementation on the
far end.
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+====+ +---------+ +============+
| | | Service | +-------------+ | |
|User| | Message,| | Mgmt. Open | | MANAGEMENT |
|Part|<-->| MGMT, | | Mgmt. Close |<-->| |
| | | XSRV, | | Mgmt. Proh. | | |
| | | SPCL | | Mgmt. Allow | +============+
+====+ +---------+ +-------------+
^ ^
| |
v v
+========================================================+
| TALI State Machine |
+========================================================+
^ ^ ^ ^
| | | |
v | | |
+---------+ | | |
| Received| +-----------------+ +-----------+ +------------+
| 'test', | | Connection est. | | Protocol | | T1 Expired |
| 'allo', | | Connection lost | | Violation | | T2 Expired |
| 'proh', | | | | | | T3 Expired |
| 'proa', | +-----------------+ +-----------+ | T4 Expired |
| 'moni', | ^ ^ +------------+
| 'mona', | | | ^
| 'mgmt', | | | |
| 'xsrv', | | | |
| 'spcl', | | | |
| or | +========================================+
| Service | | IMPLEMENTATION |
| Message | | DEPENDENT |
+---------+ +========================================+
^
|
v
+============+
| PEER |
| |
+============+
Figure 10: Overview of Inputs to the TALI 2.0 State Machine
4.2 TALI Version Identification
The TALI 1.0 specification did not provide a simple means to perform
TALI version identification. However, the general purpose 'moni'
message from 1.0 can be used to solve this problem in 2.0.
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Recall from 1.0 that the 'moni' message was very loosely defined in
the 1.0 spec:
* The primary purpose of the 'moni' message was to provide a general
purpose ECHO capability. It was envisioned that an important task
that the ECHO capability could provide would be to measure Round
Trip TALI/TALI processing time.
* The data portion of the 'moni' message could be from 0-200 bytes
long. The use of the data area was completely implementation
specific.
* There were no requirements that an implementation ever send a
'moni'.
* If an implementation did send 'moni', it should use the T4 timer
to control the frequency of the outgoing 'moni'.
* The receiver of the 'moni' should not make any assumptions as to
the data portion of the 'moni'. The receiver should simply
convert the 'moni' into a 'mona' and return the message with the
same data portion.
TALI 2.0 implementations should use the 'moni' message to provide
version identification as per the following bullets:
* The primary purpose of the 'moni' message is now twofold:
* To provide version identification
* To continue to provide a general purpose ECHO capability that
can be used to measure Round Trip time or perform other
implementation specific tasks.
* The data portion of the 'moni' message is now divided into 2
portions
* A portion dedicated to version identification, 12 bytes long,
with a specific format that must be followed
* Followed by a free format section that can be used in a
completely implementation specific manner.
* The overall length of the data portion for a 'moni' should still
not exceed 200 bytes. This is required to maintain backward
compatibility with 1.0 implementations that may check for a
maximum length of 200 bytes on the 'moni' opcode.
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* If a TALI implementation wants to identify itself as a version 2.0
node, it must send a 'moni' encoded as per Table 8. Every 'moni'
it sends should conform to the encoding in Table 8. The version
label should not change from 'moni' to 'moni'. The data following
the version label can change from 'moni' to 'moni' and can
continue to be used for RTT calculations, or other purposes.
* If a TALI implementation is trying to determine if the far end of
the TALI connection has implemented version 2.0, the
implementation must examine any received 'moni' messages that
arrive from the far end and see if they conform to the new
stricter 'moni' encoding in Table 8. On receiving 'moni', a TALI
2.0 node will compare the 12 bytes of data in the VER LABEL field
with a list of predetermined strings to determine the
functionality of the TALI node it is connected to. If the data
doesn't match any of the predetermined strings, the Far End is
assumed to be a TALI 1.0 node.
* Each TALI implementation must assume that the far end of the
connection is a 1.0 implementation until an arriving 'moni'
announces that the far end supports TALI version 2.0. If a 'moni'
never arrives, the implementation knows the far end has
implemented version 1.0 of the specification.
* TALI 1.0 implementations can receive newly encoded 'moni' messages
and simply ignore the data. The 1.0 implementations will continue
to operate as if the far end is always a 1.0 node (ignore the data
portion of the 'moni', convert 'moni' to 'mona', and return the
'mona').
* The next section provides more information regarding backwards
compatibility (2.0 implementations connected to devices that
implemented version 1.0 of the specification).
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |4 byte ASCII|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'moni' |4 byte ASCII|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length (includes the version | Integer |
| | | label and data fields) | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..21 | Ver. Label | 'vers xxx.yyy' | 12 byte |
| | See note | | ASCII |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 22..X | DATA | Vendor Dependent | Variable |
| | | Maximum length of this | |
| | | message (as coded in octets 8| |
| | | -9, and stored in bytes 10-X)| |
| | | should not exceed 200 bytes. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 8: Version Control 'moni' Message
NOTE: xxx.yyy = provides the Major and Minor release number of the
TALI specification being implemented.
001.000 = Tali version 1.0
002.000 = Tali version 2.0 // this specification.
002.001 = Tali version 2.1 // a minor change to 2.0
003.000 = Tali version 3.0
and so on.
The 'vers 002.000' field is an 12 byte field of field type 'ascii
text'. As such, 'v' should be the first byte of the field that is
transmitted out the wire.
4.3 Backwards Compatibility
As part of adding new functionality to the TALI specification,
backwards compatibility from TALI version 2.0 to version 1.0 is
required. Backwards compatibility is important since TALI 2.0 nodes
may be connected to far ends that only support version 1.0; it is
important that these 2 implementations continue to inter-operate, and
that the 2.0 node falls back to supporting only 1.0 opcodes in this
situation.
The previous section described how a TALI 2.0 implementation can use
the 'moni' it sends to identify itself as a 2.0 node and how it can
use the 'moni' it receives to determine if the far end is also a 2.0
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node. In addition to the discussion in the previous section, the
following bullets provide details regarding how backwards
compatibility must be achieved:
* As documented in the version 1.0 specification, TALI 1.0
implementations that receive TALI messages with 'mgmt', 'xsrv',
and 'spcl' opcodes will treat the message as a Protocol Violation
(invalid opcode received). The Protocol Violation will cause the
socket to be dropped immediately.
* It is therefore required that a 2.0 implementation only send
'mgmt', 'xsrv', and 'spcl' opcodes, after it has used a received
'moni' message to determine that the far end is a 2.0 (or later)
implementation and has identified itself as a 2.0 (or later)
implementation.
* Each TALI 2.0 implementations must use the 'moni' as described in
the previous section to identify themselves as 2.0, and to learn
if the far end is 2.0.
* Each TALI 2.0 implementation should maintain a variable as part of
its state machine, 'far_end_version'. The 'far_end_version'
should be initialized to 1.0 when the socket is established. Each
time a 2.0 implementation receives 'moni', it should update the
'far_end_version' variable. If the 'moni' did not contain a
version label, the 'far_end_version' should be reset to 1.0. If
the 'moni' did contain a version label for 2.0 (or a later
version), the 'far_end_version' should be set accordingly.
* Each time a 2.0 implementation receives a new 2.0 opcode ('mgmt',
'xsrv', and 'spcl') from the far end, it should examine the '
far_end_version'. If the 'far_end_version' indicates the far end
is a 1.0 implementation, the received TALI message should be
treated as a Protocol Violation (invalid opcode). If the
'far_end_version' is 2.0 (or later), the 2.0 implementation should
process the received 'mgmt/xsrv/spcl' according to that nodes
capabilities for that opcode.
* Each time a 2.0 implementation receives a request to send a TALI
message with a 2.0 opcode ('mgmt/xsrv/spcl') from a higher layer
of software, it should examine the 'far_end_version'. If the
'far_end_version' indicates the far end is a 1.0 implementation,
the request to send the 2.0 opcode should be denied or ignored (an
implementation decision) and the 2.0 opcode must NOT be sent to
the far end. If the 'far_end_version' indicates the far end is
2.0 (or later), the request can be satisfied and the TALI message
with the 2.0 opcode can be sent to the far end.
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* Each TALI 2.0 implementation can provide a varying level of
support for each of the three new 2.0 opcodes ('mgmt/xsrv/spcl').
In other words, an implementation may wish to only support SOME OF
the primitives within the new opcodes. The level of support for
each 2.0 opcode ('mgmt/xsrv/spcl') is independent of the other two
2.0 opcodes.
* The basic message structure for TALI messages using the new 2.0
opcodes is presented in Table 9.
* The minimal level of support that is required for each of the 2.0
opcodes (mgmt/xsrv/spcl) is to be able to receive TALI messages
with these opcodes, recognize the new opcode, and ignore the
message without affecting the state machine. The TALI state
should not change. The socket connection should stay up. In
other words, a 2.0 implementation can elect to ignore any received
'mgmt/xsrv/spcl' messages, if that implementation does not care to
support the capability intended by that particular opcode.
* A partial level of support for a 2.0 opcode could be implemented.
Partial support may consist of understanding the data structure
for the 2.0 opcode, but only supporting some of the variants of
the opcode. The message structure for each of the new 2.0 opcodes
consists of an extra 'Primitive' field that follows the TALI
opcode and message length fields. Each 'Primitive' is used to
differentiate a variant of the opcode. It is envisioned that each
new 2.0 opcode can be extended by adding new 'Primitives', as more
capabilities are defined for the opcode, without having to add new
TALI opcodes. A 2.0 implementation may understand and be willing
to act on some of the 'Primitives' for an opcode, but not others.
Receiving variants of a 2.0 opcode that an implementation does not
understand need to be ignored and not affect the 2.0 state
machine.
* The full level of support for a 2.0 opcode could be implemented.
This support would consist of understanding and fully supporting
every 'Primitive' within the 2.0 opcode.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |4 byte ASCII|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'mgmt', 'xsrv' or 'spcl' |4 byte ASCII|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length (length of the rest | Integer |
| | | of this packet) | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | 'wxyz', or a 4 byte text | 4 byte |
| | See note | that is appropriate for the | ASCII |
| | | given opcode | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 14..X | DATA | The content of the data area | Variable |
| | | is dependent on the opcode/ | |
| | | primitive combination | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 9: Basic Message Structure for New 2.0 TALI Opcodes
NOTE: The Primitive field acts as a modifier for each opcode.
Within an opcode, different operations or groups of operations can be
defined and supported. The Primitive identifies each different
operation or set of operations.
4.3.1 Generating Protocol Violations based on Received Messages
As implied by some of the bullets before Table 9, it is a goal of the
2.0 TALI specification to relax some of the error checking associated
with the processing of received TALI messages.
Version 1.0 of this specification was very strict in detailing the
fields that were checked for each received message. As each received
message was processed, the SYNC code, opcode and length field of the
message was checked; if any of these fields were invalid an internal
protocol violation was generated. The processing of the protocol
violation caused the socket to go down. In addition to the 3
specific checks (sync, opcode, length), the overall philosophy of
version 1.0 was to treat any received data that the receiver did not
understand, or which the receiver deemed to contain incorrectly coded
fields as protocol violations.
Version 2.0 introduces the possibility of partial support for
opcodes, partial support for primitives, and partial support for
various fields (such as support for ANSI Pt Codes, but not ITU Pt
Codes). Thus, the overall philosophy of how to treat received data
that the receiver does not support needs to be relaxed from the
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strict treatment in version 1.0. Version 2.0 implementations should
be more tolerant when they receive messages they do not support (or
which they believe contain incorrectly coded fields). This tolerance
should include NOT treating these receives as protocol violations.
Version 2.0 implementations should perform the following level of
strict/loose checks on the received messages:
* Checks against the sync codes, opcodes and lengths for version 1.0
and version 2.0 opcodes should be performed (against Table 3 and
Table 11). Invalid data in these fields should be treated as
cause for protocol violations.
* Checks against the opcode field for messages with new 2.0 opcodes
(mgmt/xsrv/spcl) should be performed to determine whether the
message can be processed by the implementation. If an
implementation chooses to NOT support a particular 2.0 opcode, the
received message should be discarded, internal data (such as
measurements, logs of messages, user notifications) could record
the event, and the TALI state should NOT be affected.
* Checks against the primitive field for messages with new 2.0
opcodes (mgmt/xsrv/spcl) should be performed to determine whether
the message can be processed by the implementation. If an
implementation does not understand a particular primitive, or has
chosen NOT to implement the features for a particular primitive,
the received message should be discarded, internal data (such as
measurements, logs of messages, user notifications) could record
the event, and the TALI state should NOT be affected.
* Checks against other field types in messages with new 2.0 opcodes
(such as checking the encoding of a Point Code field for a valid
Pt Code type) should also be performed in a 'soft' manner. Errors
found in individual fields should cause the received message to be
discarded, internal data (such as measurements, logs of messages,
user notifications) could record the event, and the TALI state
should NOT be affected.
The goals behind introducing this gentler treatment of errors in
received data are as follows:
* To keep the socket up in order to perform the primary purpose of
the connection (ie: to continue to transport SS7 data) in spite of
improperly formatted/unsupported TALI messages related to other
features/extensions/etc.
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* To allow applications to support and use some of the features for
a particular TALI revision without requiring the application to
implement all of the functionality for the TALI revision.
* To increase the extensibility of the protocol. Looser receive
checks are preferred in order to be able to add new primitives and
new primitive operations as they are defined.
4.4 Overview of the TALI Message Structure
The basic message structure for all TALI messages is unchanged with
the addition of new 2.0 opcodes. The base TALI header still consists
of SYNC + OPCODE + LENGTH, as described in Table 2.
The message structure for the new 2.0 opcodes was shown in Table 9.
These messages define an extra required field, PRIMITIVE, that
follows the LENGTH field of Table 2.
4.4.1 Types of TALI Fields
Table 4 in the version 1.0 specification provided implementation
notes for all the 'types of fields' found in the 1.0 specification.
Version 2.0 of TALI continues to use all of the types provided in
Table 4, and also defines some new fields that are used in TALI
messages that use the new 2.0 opcodes. The following table
introduces the new field types that are introduced with version 2.0.
The types in Table 10 are used in addition to the types in Table 4 to
implement the 2.0 TALI protocol.
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+-----------+------------------------------------------------------+
|Field Type | Implementation Notes for that Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|SS7 Point | Used to transmit point code information for ANSI or |
|Code | ITU variants of point codes across the TALI interface|
| | * The point code structure is 4 bytes. Byte 3 is used|
| | to identify the TYPE of point code. The actual |
| | point code is then encoded in bytes 0-2 (w/byte 0 |
| | being the least significant byte and the first byte|
| | transmitted across the wire) |
| | * Byte 3: encoding of the type of point code (PC) |
| | 0 = an ANSI Full PC |
| | 1 = an ITU International Full PC w/ a 3/8/3 coding |
| | scheme for zone/area/identifier |
| | 2 = an ITU National Full PC w/ a raw 14 bit PC |
| | 3 = unused |
| | 4 = an ANSI Cluster PC |
| | * For ANSI Full PC w/byte 3=0. These point codes are|
| | 24 bit point codes as follows: |
| | Byte 2 = Network |
| | Byte 1 = Cluster |
| | Byte 0 = Member |
| | * For ITU International Full PC (3/8/3) w/byte 3=1. |
| | These point codes use 14 bits (stored in the 14 |
| | least significant bits in bytes 0&1). Byte 2 is |
| | unused. The 14 bits should be interpreted as 3 |
| | bits of zone, 8 bits of area and 3 bits of |
| | signaling point identifier. The 3 bits of |
| | signaling point identifier are the 3 least |
| | significant bits. |
| | * For ITU National Full PC w/byte 3=2. These point |
| | codes use 14 bits (stored in the 14 least |
| | significant bits in bytes 0&1). Byte 2 is unused. |
| | The 14 bits represent a single 14-bit quantity that|
| | constitutes the point code. |
| | * For unused w/byte 3=3. Bytes 0 through 2 are |
| | undefined. |
| | * For ANSI Cluster PC, w/byte 3=4. These point codes|
| | are 24 bit point codes as follows: |
| | Byte 2 = Network |
| | Byte 1 = Cluster |
| | Byte 0 = 0. This field is ignored and should be |
| | coded as 0...all members of the cluster are implied|
| | * Byte 0 is the first byte that is transmitted across|
| | the wire, followed by byte 1, byte 2, then byte 3. |
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Bit-Field | * Field containing an array of N bits, where N is a |
| | multiple of 8. Bit-Field types should be |
| | transmitted such that the byte containing bits 0 |
| | through 7 is transmitted across the wire first, |
| | followed by the byte containing bits 8 through 15, |
| | etc. |
| | * The software for each implementation should be |
| | written in a manner that accounts for the required |
| | byte order of transmission (ie: the Big Endian/ |
| | Little Endian characteristics of the processor need|
| | to be dealt with in the software). |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Version |A TALI version label is a 12 byte ASCII text field. |
|Label |The label is of a format 'vers xxx.yyy', where xxx.yyy|
| |are used to identify the version such as 002.000. As |
| |with other ASCII text fields, the first byte of the |
| |text field (the 'v') should be the first byte |
| |transmitted out the wire. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Primitive |Messages that use the new TALI 2.0 opcodes all have a |
| |4 byte text ASCII field referred to as a Primitive. |
| |The Primitive acts as a modifier for the opcode. This |
| |allows a single opcode to be used to perform multiple |
| |actions. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Primitive |A Primitive can be used to specify either a specific |
|Operation |action or a set of actions. When the Primitive field |
| |is used to specify a set of actions, an operation |
| |field is used to pick a specific operation within that|
| |group of actions. Operation fields are 4 byte integers|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Private |Various RFC documents have detailed a set of assigned |
|Enterprise |numbers (RFC 1700, Assigned Numbers) and defined data |
|Code |structures (RFC 1155, Structure and Identification of |
|(PEC) |Management Information for IP-based Internets) |
| |that are used on IP networks to provide network |
| |management information. |
| |Network Management Object Identifiers (OID) are used |
| |to recognize specific organizations, companies, |
| |protocols, and so on, in a manner that all vendors can|
| |agree on. |
| |An Object Identifier exists which uniquely describes |
| |each company that does business in the data/telecomm |
| |industry. That OID is referred to as an 'SMI Network |
| |Management Private Enterprise Code', which we are |
| |shortening to Private Enterprise Code of PEC in this |
| |document for simplicity. Each PEC is assumed to have |
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| |a defined prefix of |
| |'iso.org.dod.internet.private.enterprise' or |
| |(1.3.6.1.4.1). |
| | |
| |The PEC for each company can be found via a file at: |
| |ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in-notes/iana/assignments/ |
| | enterprise-numbers |
| | |
| |To encode the PEC for a vendor in each implementation |
| |of TALI, a 2 byte integer field is used. The contents|
| |of the integer field should match the PEC code for |
| |that company in the file mentioned above. |
| | |
| |For example, Tekelec, which has a PEC of 323, will |
| |code this 2 byte field as '0x0143'. |
| | |
| |Like other integer fields, the PEC value is |
| |transmitted Least Significant Byte first across the |
| |ethernet wire. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 10: Implementation for new field types introduced in TALI 2.0
4.5 Detailed TALI Message Structures for New 2.0 Opcodes
The message structures for opcodes defined in version 1.0 of TALI are
unchanged from the information presented earlier, with the exception
of the 'moni' message. The 2.0 format for the 'moni' message was
described earlier.
Detailed message structures, and discussion of the capabilities, for
each of the new 2.0 opcodes is provided in the following sections.
Before discussing each opcode individually, Table 11 provides the
minimum and maximum value of the LENGTH field that should be
supported for each new opcode (as well as 'moni/mona'). Table 11
additionally shows the impact of ITU support that was added in 2.0.
The routing label for ITU point codes only uses 4 octets instead of 7
octets as ANSI requires.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Opcode | Valid Length | Comments |
| | Field Values | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| moni | 0-200 bytes | The overall length of the data portion |
| | | for 'moni' on TALI 2.0 implementations |
| | | is unchanged from version 1.0 of the |
| | | specification and remains at 200 bytes |
| | | to provide backwards compatibility. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| mona | 0-200 bytes | The overall length of the data portion |
| | | for 'mona' on TALI 2.0 implementations |
| | | is unchanged from version 1.0 of the |
| | | specification and remains at 200 bytes |
| | | to provide backwards compatibility. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| mgmt | 4-4096 bytes | The minimum length of 4 bytes is required|
| | | to provide space for the Primitive field.|
| | | The maximum length allows large TCP |
| | | packets to be supported if desired. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| xsrv | 4-4096 bytes | The minimum length of 4 bytes is required|
| | | to provide space for the Primitive field.|
| | | The maximum length allows large TCP |
| | | packets to be supported if desired. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| spcl | 4-4096 bytes | The minimum length of 4 bytes is required|
| | | to provide space for the Primitive field.|
| | | The maximum length allows large TCP |
| | | packets to be supported if desired. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| sccp | 9-265 bytes | These are the valid sizes for the |
| | | SCCP-ONLY portions of SCCP UDT MSUs. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| isot | 8-273 bytes | The length is the number of octets that |
| | | in the MTP3 and higher layer(s) of the |
| | | SS7 MSU. This length includes the SIO |
| | | byte and all bytes in the SIF (Service |
| | | Information Field) field. The MTP3 |
| | | routing label is part of the SIF field. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| mtp3 | 8-280 bytes | The length is the number of octets that |
| | | in the MTP3 and higher layer(s) of the |
| | | SS7 MSU. This length includes the SIO |
| | | byte and all bytes in the SIF (Service |
| | | Information Field) field. The MTP3 |
| | | routing label is part of the SIF field. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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| saal | 8-280 bytes | The length is the number of octets that |
| | | in the MTP3 and higher layer(s) of the |
| | | SS7 MSU. This length includes the SIO |
| | | byte and all bytes in the SIF (Service |
| | | Information Field) field. The MTP3 |
| | | routing label is part of the SIF field. |
| | | Seven (7) octets of SSCOP trailer is |
| | | added to the message. The SSCOP trailer |
| | | bytes are also included in the length. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 11: Valid Length Fields for Opcodes Affected by TALI 2.0
4.5.1 Management Message (mgmt)
The 'mgmt' opcode is intended to allow Management data, or data that
will manage the operation of the device, to pass between the TALI
endpoints over the socket connection. 'mgmt' messages can be
received and processed in any of the TALI NEx-FEx states. Three
PRIMITIVES are defined for use with this opcode:
* 'rkrp' - Routing Key Registration Primitive. This primitive
allows the nodes to configure the SS7 traffic streams that they
wish to receive over each socket. This 'routing key registration'
is performed in-band, via TALI messages.
* 'mtpp' - MTP3 Primitives. This primitive allows SS7 MTP3 network
management messages regarding the (un)availability and congestion
states of SS7 devices to be passed to the IP devices SG.
* 'sorp' - Socket Options Registration Primitive. This primitive
allows various socket options to be enabled/disabled by each TALI
device.
As of version 2.0, the only defined primitives for the 'mgmt' opcode
are 'rkrp', 'mtpp', and 'sorp'. In the future, more primitives can
be added to this opcode to extend the Management capabilities of the
SG or IP devices. The basic message structure for the 2.0 'mgmt'
messages for all 3 of these primitives is as follows:
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'mgmt' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | 'rkrp', 'mtpp' or 'sorp' Each of these |
| | | primitives specify a group of applicable |
| | | management operations. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 14..17 | Primitive | The operation field specifies the one |
| | Operation | operation within the group of operations |
| | | identified by the primitive. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 18.. | Message | The content of the message data area is |
| | Data | dependent on the combination of opcode/ |
| | | primitive/operation fields. Each of those|
| | | combinations could use a different message|
| | | data structure. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 12: Message Structure for 'mgmt' opcode
4.5.1.1 Routing Key Registration Primitive (rkrp)
The 'rkrp' primitive allows IP nodes to modify the application
routing key table in the SG by sending TALI messages to configure the
SS7 traffic streams that they wish to receive over each socket. This
'routing key registration' is performed in-band, via TALI messages,
as an alternative to using the SG user interface to configure the
routing keys.
Recall from earlier discussion in this document that the
specification supports five (5) types of fully specified routing
keys:
* A key for SCCP traffic, where key = DPC-SI-SSN, where SI=3.
* A key for ISUP traffic, where key = DPC-SI-OPC-CIC Range, where
SI=5. The CIC values for traditional ISUP are 14 bit quantities
in ANSI networks and 12 bit quantities in ITU networks.
* A key for TUP traffic, where key = DPC-SI-OPC-CIC Range, where
SI=4. This key is only supported for ITU networks. The CIC
values for TUP keys are 12 bit quantities in ITU networks.
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* A key for QBICC traffic (an extension of ISUP which uses 32 bit
CIC codes), where key = DPC-SI-OPC-CIC, where SI=13. The CIC
values for QBICC keys are 32 bit quantities for ANSI and ITU
networks.
* A key for OTHER-MTP3-SI (non-SCCP, non-ISUP, non-QBICC for ANSI
and non-SCCP, non-ISUP, non-QBICC, non-TUP for ITU) traffic, where
key = DPC-SI
Each of these keys is fully specified key where the exact content of
the MSU to be routed must match the data in the routing key.
Extensions to the routing keys have been added that will support
'partial match' or 'default' routing keys. The purpose of these
extensions is to improve the handling of MSU traffic when no fully
specified routing key exists that matches the MSU. Partial match and
default routing keys are used when the SG can not find a fully
specified routing key that can be used to route an MSU. Partial
match keys can be used to provide closest-match routing such as
'ignore the CIC' for ISUP/QBICC/TUP traffic, or 'ignore the SSN' for
SCCP traffic. Default keys are used when no full or partial routing
key has been found as a last resort destination to route the MSU to.
The types of partial and default keys defined by the protocol are
discussed in the following table. The 4th column in the table
indicates the data structure that is used in the TALI rkrp message to
perform operations on each partial/default key type. Note: The order
of the keys in the table (from top to bottom) matches the
hierarchical search order that an SG will use to attempt to find a
routing key to use for an MSU. The partial and default keys are only
used after attempting to find a fully specified key that matches the
MSU.
Sprague, et al. Informational [Page 63]
RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
+--------+------------+--------------------------------+-----------+
|Key | Key | Comments | Cross |
|Type | Attributes | | Reference |
+--------+------------+--------------------------------+-----------+
|Partial | DPC-SI-OPC |Used as backup routes for CIC | 4.5.1.1.2 |
| | |based traffic (but ignoring the | |
| | |CIC field). | |
+--------+------------+--------------------------------+-----------+
|Partial | DPC-SI |Used as backup routes for CIC | 4.5.1.1.4 |
| | |based or SCCP traffic (but | |
| | |ignoring the OPC-CIC or SSN). | |
| | |Routes traffic based solely on | |
| | |DPC and SI of the MSU. | |
+--------+------------+--------------------------------+-----------+
|Partial | DPC |Used as a backup route for any | 4.5.1.1.4 |
| | |MSU type. Routes traffic based | |
| | |solely on the DPC field. | |
+--------+------------+--------------------------------+-----------+
|Partial | SI |Used as a backup route for any | 4.5.1.1.4 |
| | |MSU type. Routes traffic based | |
| | |solely on the SI field. | |
+--------+------------+--------------------------------+-----------+
|Default | - |If no other type of routing key | 4.5.1.1.5 |
| | |for an MSU can be found, use | |
| | |this one. | |
+--------+------------+--------------------------------+-----------+
Table 13: Partial and Default Routing Keys (in hierarchical order)
The specific capability requested in each 'rkrp' message is indicated
via an 'RKRP Operation' field. These capabilities include:
* ENTER: The ENTER operation creates an association between a
specific socket and a specific application routing key. The
socket of the association is always the socket that the 'rkrp' was
received on. The application routing key identifies an SS7
traffic stream that should be carried over that socket. Multiple
sockets can be associated with the same application routing key,
if so, they all receive traffic in a 'load sharing' mode. An
override field can be used to remove any other socket associations
for a particular routing key and add a single socket association.
The ENTER operation is applicable for fully specified SCCP keys,
CIC based keys (ISUP, Q.BICC, and TUP), OTHER-MTP3-SI keys, and
all types of partial keys and to the default routing key.
* DELETE: The DELETE operation deletes an association between a
specific socket and a specific application routing key. The
socket of the association is always the socket that the 'rkrp' was
Sprague, et al. Informational [Page 64]
RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
received on. Other socket associations for the same application
routing key are NOT affected by the deletion. When the last
socket association for a routing key is deleted, the entire
routing key entry is removed from the database. The DELETE
operation operation is applicable for fully specified SCCP keys,
CIC based keys (ISUP, Q.BICC, and TUP), OTHER-MTP3-SI keys, and
all types of partial keys and to the default routing key.
* SPLIT: The SPLIT operation is used to convert a single application
routing key into 2 application routing keys that together cover
the same SS7 traffic stream as the original key. Immediately
after a split is performed, both of the resulting entries retain
the same socket associations as the original routing key. When
the split is completed, the socket associations can be modified
for each of the 2 resulting ranges independent of the other range.
The split operation is only applicable to fully specified CIC
based keys (ISUP, QBICC, and TUP). Each fully specified CIC based
key is uniquely identified by the combination of DPC/SI/OPC/CIC
range. The CIC range is a continuous set of numbers from
CICS(start) to CICE(end); the CIC range in the application routing
key corresponds to the CIC value in a CIC based MSU.
* RESIZE: The RESIZE operation is used to modify the CIC range in
for a single application routing key. The resize operation is
only applicable to fully specified CIC based routing keys. The
resize operation replaces the CICS/CICE values for a routing key
with a new CIC range (NCICS/NCICE). A wide variety of NCICS/NCICE
ranges can be supported based on the existing CICS/CICE; just
about the only restriction is that the new range can not already
exist in the database and can not overlap any other entry in the
database. The socket associations for the routing key are NOT
affected by the change in CICS/CICE. The SPLIT operation is
applicable only to fully specified CIC based keys (ISUP, Q.BICC,
and TUP).
The list of RKRP Operations (and their encodings) that are supported
for TALI version 2.0 is as follows:
0x0001 - ENTER ISUP KEY
0x0002 - DELETE ISUP KEY
0x0003 - SPLIT ISUP KEY
0x0004 - RESIZE ISUP KEY
0x0005 - ENTER Q.BICC ISUP KEY
0x0006 - DELETE Q.BICC ISUP KEY
0x0007 - SPLIT Q.BICC ISUP KEY
0x0008 - RESIZE Q.BICC ISUP KEY
0x0009 - ENTER SCCP KEY
0x000A - DELETE SCCP KEY
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0x000B - ENTER OTHER-MTP3-SI KEY
0x000C - DELETE OTHER-MTP3-SI KEY
0x000D - ENTER TUP KEY (ITU only)
0x000E - DELETE TUP KEY (ITU only)
0x000F - SPLIT TUP KEY (ITU only)
0x0010 - RESIZE TUP KEY (ITU only)
0x0011 - ENTER DPC-SI-OPC PARTIAL KEY
0x0012 - DELETE DPC-SI-OPC PARTIAL KEY
0x0013 - ENTER DPC-SI PARTIAL KEY
0x0014 - DELETE DPC-SI PARTIAL KEY
0x0015 - ENTER DPC PARTIAL KEY
0x0016 - DELETE DPC PARTIAL KEY
0x0017 - ENTER SI PARTIAL KEY
0x0018 - DELETE SI PARTIAL KEY
0x0019 - ENTER DEFAULT
0x001A - DELETE DEFAULT KEY
0x001B - MULTIPLE REGISTRATION SUPPORT
The message data area of the 'rkrp' messages will differ based on
which RKRP Operation is specified. Several different structures are
used, the correct structure can be identified by the RKRP Operation
field.
In order to simplify the implementation, each of these structures
will define a structure that will support all of the operations
required for the key type. This means that based on the rkrp
operation, some of the fields will be required, and some of the
fields will not be applicable for each RKRP message. Unused fields
should be initialized to 0 by the sender and ignored by the receiver.
4.5.1.1.1 RKRP Data Structures
4.5.1.1.1.1 Common Fields in all RKRP Messages
In the following subsections several different data structures to be
used for various RKRP operations are presented. It should be noted
that each of these data structures has the following fields in
common. The data structure below should begin at byte 14 of the TALI
message as shown in Table 12.
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP | Identifies which 'rkrp' | Integer |
| | Operation | operation is desired. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Request/ | Identifies whether the 'rkrp'| Integer |
| | Reply | message is a request (from an| |
| | | IP node to SG) for some type | |
| | | of 'rkrp' action, or a reply | |
| | | to a previous request (from | |
| | | the SG back to the IP node). | |
| | | This integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0000=Request | |
| | | 0x0001=Reply. See Success/ | |
| | | Failure code for more info. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Success/ | Provides a success/failure | Integer |
| | Failure | indication as part of the | |
| | Code | reply back to the IP node | |
| | | for each processed request. | |
| | | This field is only used when | |
| | | the Request/Reply field is | |
| | | 0x0001. This field uses the | |
| | | encodings from in section 5. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 14: Common Fields in ALL 'rkrp' Data Structures
The primary purpose of requiring the data structures for all RKRP
operations to begin with these same fields, is to provide a means for
a receiver to reply to unknown RKRP messages in a consistent manner.
When an implementation receives an RKRP request message it does not
understand, it should turn the request into a reply and use the
success/failure code to indicate that the operation is not supported
(with an RKRP Reply Code of Unsupported rkrp Operation).
It is a requirement that these common fields continue to be used as
new RKRP operations are added to this specification. This will
ensure that the capability described in the previous paragraph will
always exist.
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
4.5.1.1.1.2 CIC Based Routing Key Operations
The data structure used for 'rkrp' messages related to MSUs which are
CIC based (ISUP, Q.BICC ISUP, and TUP (ITU only)) is as presented in
the next table. The data structure below should begin at byte 14 of
the TALI message as shown in Table 12.
Note 1: The number of bits used in each CIC field will vary based on
the SI and network type.
* ISUP operations (0x0001 - 0x0004) are assumed to use 14 bit CIC
values from the corresponding fields in the structure when DPC/OPC
indicate an ANSI network (12 bits used in ITU networks). Only the
14(12) least significant bits of the 32 bit CIC field will be
used.
* Q.BICC ISUP operations (0x0005 - 0x0008) are assumed to use 32 bit
CIC values from the corresponding fields in the structure.
* TUP operations (0x000d - 0x0010) are assumed to use 12 bit CIC
values from the corresponding fields in the structure when DPC/OPC
indicate an ITU network. Only the 12 least significant bits of
the 32 bit CIC field will be used. TUP operations are not
supported for ANSI networks.
Note 2: This same structure should be used to specify the partial key
= DPC-SI-OPC(ignoreCIC). When specifying a DPC-SI-OPC partial key,
the CIC fields in this structure should be set to 0 by the sender.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP | Identifies which 'rkrp' | Integer |
| | Operation | operation is desired. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Request/ | Identifies whether the 'rkrp'| Integer |
| | Reply | message is a request (from an| |
| | | IP node to SG) for some type | |
| | | of 'rkrp' action, or a reply | |
| | | to a previous request (from | |
| | | the SG back to the IP node). | |
| | | This integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0000=Request | |
| | | 0x0001=Reply. See Success/ | |
| | | Failure code for more info. | |
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Success/ | Provides a success/failure | Integer |
| | Failure | indication as part of the | |
| | Code | reply back to the IP node | |
| | | for each processed request. | |
| | | This field is only used when | |
| | | the Request/Reply field is | |
| | | 0x0001. This field uses the | |
| | | encodings listed in section | |
| | | 5. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP flags | This is a 2 byte bit-field | Bit-field |
| | | that provides 16 possible | |
| | | flags that can control | |
| | | various aspects of the | |
| | | operation. | |
| | | Bit 0 - An Override bit is | |
| | | used on the ENTER operation | |
| | | to control how the socket | |
| | | associations for a routing | |
| | | key should be manipulated. | |
| | | This flag determines if the | |
| | | ENTER is to add the given | |
| | | socket association in a | |
| | | 'load-sharing' mode or if | |
| | | the new association should | |
| | | replace (Override) all | |
| | | existing associations. This | |
| | | flag is only examined on | |
| | | ENTER operations. | |
| | | Bit 0=0, Load Sharing Mode | |
| | | Bit 0=1, Override Mode | |
| | | Bits 1-15, currently | |
| | | undefined | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | SI | Service Indicator. The SI | Integer |
| | | field in an SS7 MSU | |
| | | identifies the type of | |
| | | traffic being carried by the | |
| | | MSU (0=SNM, 3=SCCP, 5=ISUP, | |
| | | etc). Each application | |
| | | routing key must specify a | |
| | | specific SI value that it | |
| | | relates to. | |
| | | SI should be 5 for ISUP keys.| |
| | | SI should be 13 for Q.BICC | |
| | | ISUP keys. | |
| | | SI should be 4 for TUP keys. | |
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | DPC | Destination Point Code. Each| SS7 Point |
| | | SS7 MSU contains a DPC that | Code |
| | | identifies the destination | |
| | | for the MSU. Each | |
| | | application routing key must | |
| | | specify a specific DPC value | |
| | | that it relates to. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | OPC | Origination Point Code. Each| SS7 Point |
| | | SS7 MSU contains a OPC that | Code |
| | | identifies the source of the | |
| | | MSU. ISUP routing keys must | |
| | | each specify a single OPC | |
| | | that the application routing | |
| | | key relates to. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | CICS | Circuit Identification Code | Integer |
| | | Start. Each SS7 ISUP MSU | |
| | | contains a CIC code. Each | |
| | | ISUP/QBICC/TUP routing key | |
| | | identifies a range of CIC | |
| | | values that are applicable | |
| | | for the routing key. The | |
| | | CICS value is the low end of | |
| | | the CIC range. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | CICE | Circuit Identification Code | Integer |
| | | End. Each SS7 ISUP MSU | |
| | | contains a CIC code. Each | |
| | | ISUP/QBICC/TUP routing key | |
| | | identifies a range of CIC | |
| | | values that are applicable | |
| | | for the routing key. The | |
| | | CICE value is the high end | |
| | | of the CIC range. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | SPLIT CIC | The SPLIT field is used on | Integer |
| | | the SPLIT operation to | |
| | | specify where in the existing| |
| | | CIC range (given by CICS/ | |
| | | CICE) an existing routing key| |
| | | should be split into 2 | |
| | | routing keys. To be valid, | |
| | | the following relationship | |
| | | must be true before the SPLIT| |
| | | is performed: | |
| | | CICS < SPLIT <= CICE. | |
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
| | | After the SPLIT is performed,| |
| | | the 2 routing keys are as | |
| | | follows: | |
| | | CICS to SPLIT-1 | |
| | | SPLIT to CICE | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | NCICS | The NCICS and NCICE fields | Integer |
| | | are used on the RESIZE | |
| | | operation to specify how the | |
| | | CIC range for existing | |
| | | routing key should be | |
| | | modified. NCICS specifies | |
| | | the new value that should | |
| | | replace the existing CICS | |
| | | value in the routing key. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | NCICE | The NCICS and NCICE fields | Integer |
| | | are used on the RESIZE | |
| | | operation to specify how the | |
| | | CIC range for existing | |
| | | routing key should be | |
| | | modified. NCICE specifies | |
| | | the new value that should | |
| | | replace the existing CICE | |
| | | value in the routing key. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 15: Message Data Structure CIC based Routing Key Operations
The following table indicates the Required (R), or Not Applicable
(NA) status for each field of the message data structure in Table 15
based on the RKRP Operation field. As mentioned previously, unused
fields (those marked NA) should be initialized to 0 by the sender and
ignored by the receiver.
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Operation | ENTER | DELETE | SPLIT | RESIZE | ENTER/DELETE |
| | (ISUP,| (ISUP, | (ISUP,| (ISUP, | PARTIAL DPC |
| | QBICC,| QBICC, | QBICC,| QBICC, | SI OPC KEY |
| Field | TUP) | TUP) | TUP) | TUP) | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Request/Reply | R | R | R | R | R |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Success/Failure | R | R | R | R | R |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| RKRP Flags | R | R | R | R | R |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| SI | R | R | R | R | R |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| DPC | R | R | R | R | R |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| OPC | R | R | R | R | R |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| CICS | R | R | R | R | NA |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| CICE | R | R | R | R | NA |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| SPLIT CIC | NA | NA | R | NA | NA |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NCICS | NA | NA | NA | R | NA |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NCICE | NA | NA | NA | R | NA |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 16: Required/Not Applicable Fields for CIC based Routing Keys
4.5.1.1.1.3 SCCP Routing Key Operations
The data structure used for 'rkrp' messages related to SCCP routing
keys is presented in the next table. The data structure below should
begin at byte 14 of the TALI message as shown in Table 12.
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP | Identifies which 'rkrp' | Integer |
| | Operation | operation is desired. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Request/ | Identifies whether the 'rkrp'| Integer |
| | Reply | message is a request (from an| |
| | | IP node to SG) for some type | |
| | | of 'rkrp' action, or a reply | |
| | | to a previous request (from | |
| | | the SG back to the IP node). | |
| | | This integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0000=Request | |
| | | 0x0001=Reply. See Success/ | |
| | | Failure code for more info. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Success/ | Provides a success/failure | Integer |
| | Failure | indication as part of the | |
| | Code | reply back to the IP node | |
| | | for each processed request. | |
| | | This field is only used when | |
| | | the Request/Reply field is | |
| | | 0x0001. This field uses the | |
| | | encodings listed in section | |
| | | 5. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP flags | This is a 2 byte bit-field | Bit-field |
| | | that provides 16 possible | |
| | | flags that can control | |
| | | various aspects of the | |
| | | operation. | |
| | | Bit 0 - An Override bit is | |
| | | used on the ENTER operation | |
| | | to control how the socket | |
| | | associations for a routing | |
| | | key should be manipulated. | |
| | | This flag determines if the | |
| | | ENTER is to add the given | |
| | | socket association in a | |
| | | 'load-sharing' mode or if | |
| | | the new association should | |
| | | replace (Override) all | |
| | | existing associations. This | |
| | | flag is only examined on | |
| | | ENTER operations. | |
| | | Bit 0=0, Load Sharing Mode | |
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| | | Bit 0=1, Override Mode | |
| | | Bits 1-15, currently | |
| | | undefined | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | SI | Service Indicator. The SI | Integer |
| | | field in an SS7 MSU | |
| | | identifies the type of | |
| | | traffic being carried by the | |
| | | MSU (0=SNM, 3=SCCP, 5=ISUP, | |
| | | etc). Each application | |
| | | routing key must specify a | |
| | | specific SI value that it | |
| | | relates to. | |
| | | SI should be 3 for SCCP keys.| |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | DPC | Destination Point Code. Each| SS7 Point |
| | | SS7 MSU contains a DPC that | Code |
| | | identifies the destination | |
| | | for the MSU. Each | |
| | | application routing key must | |
| | | specify a specific DPC value | |
| | | that it relates to. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | SSN | SubSystem Number. Each SCCP | Integer |
| | | MSU contains a subsystem | |
| | | number that identifies the | |
| | | SCCP subsystem that should | |
| | | process the MSU. SCCP | |
| | | routing keys must each | |
| | | specify a single SSN that | |
| | | the application routing key | |
| | | relates to. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 17: Message Data Structure SCCP Routing Key Operations
The following table indicates the Required (R), or Not Applicable
(NA) status for each field of the message data structure in Table 17
based on the RKRP Operation field. As mentioned previously, unused
fields (those marked NA) should be initialized to 0 by the sender and
ignored by the receiver.
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
+--------------------------------------------+
| Operation | ENTER SCCP | DELETE SCCP |
| Field | | |
+--------------------------------------------+
| Request/Reply | R | R |
+--------------------------------------------+
| Success/Failure | R | R |
+--------------------------------------------+
| RKRP Flags | R | R |
+--------------------------------------------+
| SI | R | R |
+--------------------------------------------+
| DPC | R | R |
+--------------------------------------------+
| SSN | R | R |
+--------------------------------------------+
Table 18: Required/Not Applicable Fields for SCCP Routing Keys
4.5.1.1.1.4 DPC-SI, DPC and SI based Routing Key Operations
The data structure used for 'rkrp' messages related to DPC-SI based
(either full keys for non-sccp, non-cic based traffic, or partial
keys for CIC based or SCCP), DPC based (partial key), and SI based
(partial key) operations is as presented in the next table. The data
structure below should begin at byte 14 of the TALI message as shown
in Table 12.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP | Identifies which 'rkrp' | Integer |
| | Operation | operation is desired. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Request/ | Identifies whether the 'rkrp'| Integer |
| | Reply | message is a request (from an| |
| | | IP node to SG) for some type | |
| | | of 'rkrp' action, or a reply | |
| | | to a previous request (from | |
| | | the SG back to the IP node). | |
| | | This integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0000=Request | |
| | | 0x0001=Reply. See Success/ | |
| | | Failure code for more info. | |
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Success/ | Provides a success/failure | Integer |
| | Failure | indication as part of the | |
| | Code | reply back to the IP node | |
| | | for each processed request. | |
| | | This field is only used when | |
| | | the Request/Reply field is | |
| | | 0x0001. This field uses the | |
| | | encodings from section 5. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP flags | This is a 2 byte bit-field | Bit-field |
| | | that provides 16 possible | |
| | | flags that can control | |
| | | various aspects of the | |
| | | operation. | |
| | | Bit 0 - An Override bit is | |
| | | used on the ENTER operation | |
| | | to control how the socket | |
| | | associations for a routing | |
| | | key should be manipulated. | |
| | | This flag determines if the | |
| | | ENTER is to add the given | |
| | | socket association in a | |
| | | 'load-sharing' mode or if | |
| | | the new association should | |
| | | replace (Override) all | |
| | | existing associations. This | |
| | | flag is only examined on | |
| | | ENTER operations. | |
| | | Bit 0=0, Load Sharing Mode | |
| | | Bit 0=1, Override Mode | |
| | | Bits 1-15, currently | |
| | | undefined | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | SI | Service Indicator. The SI | Integer |
| | | field in an SS7 MSU | |
| | | identifies the type of | |
| | | traffic being carried by the | |
| | | MSU (0=SNM, 3=SCCP, 5=ISUP, | |
| | | etc). Each application | |
| | | routing key must specify a | |
| | | specific SI value that it | |
| | | relates to. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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RFC 3094 Tekelec's Transport Adapter Layer Interface April 2001
| 4 | DPC | Destination Point Code. Each| SS7 Point |
| | | SS7 MSU contains a DPC that | Code |
| | | identifies the destination | |
| | | for the MSU. Each | |
| | | application routing key must | |
| | | specify a specific DPC value | |
| | | that it relates to. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 19: Message Data Structure DPC/SI, DPC and SI based Routing
Key Operations
The following table indicates the Required (R), or Not Applicable
(NA) status for each field of the message data structure in Table 19
based on the RKRP Operation field. As mentioned previously, unused
fields (those marked NA) should be initialized to 0 by the sender and
ignored by the receiver.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Operation | ENTER/ | ENTER/ | ENTER/ | ENTER/ |
| | DELETE | DELETE | DELETE | DELETE |
| | OTHER | DPC-SI | DPC | SI |
| Field | MTP3 SI | PARTIAL | ONLY | ONLY |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Request/Reply | R | R | R | R |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Success/Failure | R | R | R | R |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| RKRP Flags | R | R | R | R |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| SI | R | R | NA | R |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| DPC | R | R | R | NA |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
Table 20: Required/Not Applicable Fields for DPC/SI, DPC
and SI based Routing Keys
4.5.1.1.1.5 Default Routing Key Operations
The data structure used for 'rkrp' messages related to entering and
deleting a default routing key is as presented in the next table.
The data structure below should begin at byte 14 of the TALI message
as shown in Table 12.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP | Identifies which 'rkrp' | Integer |
| | Operation | operation is desired. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Request/ | Identifies whether the 'rkrp'| Integer |
| | Reply | message is a request (from an| |
| | | IP node to SG) for some type | |
| | | of 'rkrp' action, or a reply | |
| | | to a previous request (from | |
| | | the SG back to the IP node). | |
| | | This integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0000=Request | |
| | | 0x0001=Reply. See Success/ | |
| | | Failure code for more info. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Success/ | Provides a success/failure | Integer |
| | Failure | indication as part of the | |
| | Code | reply back to the IP node | |
| | | for each processed request. | |
| | | This field is only used when | |
| | | the Request/Reply field is | |
| | | 0x0001. This field uses the | |
| | | encodings listed in section | |
| | | 5. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP flags | This is a 2 byte bit-field | Bit-field |
| | | that provides 16 possible | |
| | | flags that can control | |
| | | various aspects of the | |
| | | operation. | |
| | | Bit 0 - An Override bit is | |
| | | used on the ENTER operation | |
| | | to control how the socket | |
| | | associations for a routing | |
| | | key should be manipulated. | |
| | | This flag determines if the | |
| | | ENTER is to add the given | |
| | | socket association in a | |
| | | 'load-sharing' mode or if | |
| | | the new association should | |
| | | replace (Override) all | |
| | | existing associations. This | |
| | | flag is only examined on | |
| | | ENTER operations. | |
| | | Bit 0=0, Load Sharing Mode | |
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| | | Bit 0=1, Override Mode | |
| | | Bits 1-15, currently | |
| | | undefined | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 21: Message Data Structure for Default Routing Keys
The following table indicates the Required (R), or Not Applicable
(NA) status for each field of the message data structure in Table 21
based on the RKRP Operation field. As mentioned previously, unused
fields (those marked NA) should be initialized to 0 by the sender and
ignored by the receiver.
+-------------------------------------+
| Operation | ENTER | DELETE |
| Field | DEFAULT | DEFAULT |
+-------------------------------------+
| Request/Reply | R | R |
+-------------------------------------+
| Success/Failure | R | R |
+-------------------------------------+
| RKRP Flags | R | R |
+-------------------------------------+
Table 22: Required/Not Applicable Fields for Default Routing Keys
4.5.1.1.1.6 Support for Multiple RKRP Registration Operations
The intent of support for multiple RKRP operations within a single
TALI message (opcode = 'mgmt', primitive = 'rkrp') is to decrease the
message count and byte overhead on network transmission when
performing massive registration sequences.
This functionality is added by 2 mechanisms:
* a new RKRP operation (0X001B, MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS SUPPORT) is
defined. This operation is meant to be used in a query/reply
manner to determine if the far end supports multiple RKRP
registrations per TALI message before using such capability.
* The basic 'rkrp' message structure is extended to allow multiple
rkrp operations to follow one another in a tali message.
4.5.1.1.1.6.1 Multiple Registrations Support
A new RKRP operation and accompanying data structure are defined to
determine if a far end device supports multiple RKRP registration
operations per TALI message.
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The data structure used for the 'multiple registrations support'
operation is as presented in the next table. The data structure
below should begin at byte 14 of the TALI message as shown in Table
12.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | RKRP | Identifies which 'rkrp' | Integer |
| | Operation | operation is desired. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Request/ | Identifies whether the 'rkrp'| Integer |
| | Reply | message is a request (from an| |
| | | IP node to SG) for some type | |
| | | of 'rkrp' action, or a reply | |
| | | to a previous request (from | |
| | | the SG back to the IP node). | |
| | | This integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0000=Request | |
| | | 0x0001=Reply. See Success/ | |
| | | Failure code for more info. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Success/ | Provides a success/failure | Integer |
| | Failure | indication as part of the | |
| | Code | reply back to the IP node | |
| | | for each processed request. | |
| | | This field is only used when | |
| | | the Request/Reply field is | |
| | | 0x0001. This field uses the | |
| | | encodings listed in section | |
| | | 5. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | Operations | This field is used by the | Integer |
| | Per Message | reply to tell the requester | |
| | | the maximum # of RKRP | |
| | | registration operations per | |
| | | TALI message that are | |
| | | supported by the | |
| | | implementation. | |
| | | * This field should be set | |
| | | to 0 when the request/ | |
| | | reply field is set to | |
| | | Request. | |
| | | * This field should be set to| |
| | | the Maximum # of operations| |
| | | per TALI message that a | |
| | | TALI implementation is | |
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| | | willing to support when the| |
| | | request/reply field is set | |
| | | to Reply. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 23: Message Data Structure for Multiple Registrations Support
Operation
The following table indicates the Required (R), or Not Applicable
(NA) status for each field of the message data structure above. As
mentioned previously, unused fields (those marked NA) should be
initialized to 0 by the sender and ignored by the receiver.
+-------------------------------------------------+
| Operation | MULTIPLE | MULTIPLE |
| | REGISTRATIONS | REGISTRATIONS |
| | SUPPORT | SUPPORT |
| Field | REQUEST | REPLY |
+-------------------------------------------------+
| Request/Reply | R | R |
+-------------------------------------------------+
| Success/Failure | R | R |
+-------------------------------------------------+
| Operations Per | R | R |
| Message | | |
+-------------------------------------------------+
Table 24: Required/Not Applicable Fields for Multiple Registrations
Support Operation
4.5.1.1.1.6.2 Multiple RKRP Operations in a Single Message
After using the MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS SUPPORT operation to determine
that the far end supports multiple RKRP operations per TALI message,
a device wishing to use this functionality can begin sending more
than 1 registration request/reply per message. To do so, the basic
message structure for an 'mgmt' opcode (presented in Table 12) can be
extended so that each operation directly follows the previous
operation in the TALI message. An example showing a TALI message
with 3 RKRP operations in it would look as follows:
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'mgmt' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length. The length should be set such that|
| | | all (3 in this example) operations are |
| | | accounted for. |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | 'rkrp' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 14..17 | Primitive | The fisrt operation field identifies a |
| | Operation | specific rkrp operation to be performed. |
| | #1 | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 18..x | Message | The length of the message data (and the |
| | Data for | interpretation of those bytes) for |
| | Operation | operation #1 depends on the message data |
| | #1 | required for rkrp operation #1 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| x+1.. | Primitive | The fisrt operation field identifies a |
| x+4 | Operation | specific rkrp operation to be performed. |
| | #2 | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| x+5..y | Message | The length of the message data (and the |
| | Data for | interpretation of those bytes) for |
| | Operation | operation #2 depends on the message data |
| | #2 | required for rkrp operation #2 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| y+1.. | Primitive | The fisrt operation field identifies a |
| y+4 | Operation | specific rkrp operation to be performed. |
| | #3 | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| y+5..z | Message | The length of the message data (and the |
| | Data for | interpretation of those bytes) for |
| | Operation | operation #3 depends on the message data |
| | #3 | required for rkrp operation #3 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 25: Message Structure for 'mgmt' opcode with multiple
'rkrp' operations in 1 TALI Message
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It should be reiterated that in order to avoid unpredictable
behavior, a node using the 'multiple registrations per TALI msg'
capability must be sure the far end device supports the capability.
The only way to be sure of this is to successfully send a MULTIPLE
REGISTRATION SUPPORT request and receive a MULTIPLE REGISTRATION
SUPPORT reply.
4.5.1.2 MTP3 Primitive (mtpp)
The 'mtpp' primitive allows IP nodes to receive status regarding
point code (un)availability and congestion levels. These messages
provide information similar to the TFP/TFA (TransFer Prohibited and
TransFer Allowed), TFC (TransFer Congested) and RCT (Route Congestion
Test) messages that are encoded as SS7 SNM (Signaling Network
Management) MSUs in traditional SS7 networks. The 'mtp3 primitives'
allow this status information to be transferred in-band, via TALI
messages, to the IP nodes.
The specific information provided in each 'mtpp' message is indicated
via an 'MTPP Operation' field. These capabilities provided by the
various MTPP Operation fields include:
* POINT CODE UNAVAILABLE: This primitive operation announces that an
SS7 Point Code is Unavailable (ie: the SG has NO route available
to send traffic for the destination). The PT CODE field indicates
which SS7 Pt Code this operation is concerned with.
* POINT CODE AVAILABLE: This primitive operation announces that an
SS7 Point Code is Available (ie: the SG has SOME route available
to send traffic for the destination). The PT CODE field indicates
which SS7 Pt Code this operation is concerned with.
* REQUEST FOR POINT CODE STATUS: This primitive operation provides a
way for one end of the connection to poll the other end for the
available/unavailable status of a specific SS7 pt code. For
instance, the IP node can poll the SG - Can you send traffic
successfully for the destination indicated? The receiver of the
request will reply to the request with either a point code
available or pt code unavailable primitive respectively.
* CLUSTER UNAVAILABLE: This primitive operation announces that an
entire Cluster of SS7 Point Codes (ex: 10-10-*) are Unavailable
(ie: the SG has NO route available to send traffic for any of the
destinations in that cluster). The PT CODE field indicates which
SS7 Cluster Pt Code this operation is concerned with.
* CLUSTER AVAILABLE: This primitive operation announces that at
least 1 SS7 Point Code within a cluster is Available (ie: the SG
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has SOME route available to send traffic for at least 1 of the
destinations in that cluster). The PT CODE field indicates which
SS7 Cluster Pt Code this operation is concerned with.
* REQUEST FOR CLUSTER STATUS: This primitive operation provides a
way for one end of the connection to poll the other end for the
available/unavailable status of a cluster of SS7 pt codes. For
instance, the IP node can poll the SG - Can you send traffic
successfully for any of the destinations in the cluster? The
receiver of the request will reply to the request with either a
cluster available or cluster unavailable primitive respectively.
* CONGESTED DESTINATION: This primitive operation announces that the
path towards an SS7 Point Code is Congested. The PT CODE field
indicates which SS7 Pt Code this operation is concerned with. The
CONGESTION LEVEL field indicates the severity of the congestion.
* REQUEST FOR CONGESTION STATUS: This primitive operation provides a
way for one end of the connection to poll the other end for the
congestion status of an SS7 pt code. For instance, the IP node
can poll the SG - Is the path to the specified destination still
congested? This request is used to abate congestion towards an
SS7 destination.
* As an implementation note: Upon receiving this request, the SG
will generate and send a Route Congestion Test (RCT), SS7
Network Management Message with a priority set to match the
congestion level in the request. The RCT is sent towards the
SS7 destination. If the SS7 destination is still congested,
the RCT will result an SS7 Transfer Controlled (TFC) arriving
back at the SG, which will be converted into a CONGESTED
DESTINATION primitive and sent on to the IP node.
* USER PART UNAVAILABLE: SS7 nodes send User Part Unavailable
messages when a user part that is mounted on a node is no longer
available for service. This primitive operation provides a way
for an IP Node to receive the same information as the SS7 UPU
message.
In order to simplify the implementation, a single data structure is
defined to be used for all of the 'mtpp' operations. Depending on
the 'mtpp operation', some of the fields will be required, and some
of the fields will not be applicable for each MTPP message. Unused
fields should be initialized to 0 by the sender and ignored by the
receiver. The data structure used for 'mtpp' messages is as
presented in the next table. The data structure below should begin
at byte 14 of the TALI message as shown in Table 12.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | MTPP | Identifies which 'mtpp' | Integer |
| | Operation | operation/capability is | |
| | | provided in this message. | |
| | | This integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0001 = PC Unavailable | |
| | | 0x0002 = PC Available | |
| | | 0x0003 = Request for PC | |
| | | Status | |
| | | 0x0004 = Cluster Unavailable | |
| | | 0x0005 = Cluster Available | |
| | | 0x0006 = Request for Cluster | |
| | | Status | |
| | | 0x0007 = Congested | |
| | | Destination, w/Cong | |
| | | Level | |
| | | 0x0008 = Request for | |
| | | Congestion Status | |
| | | 0x0009 = User Part | |
| | | Unavailable | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | Concerned | Identifies the SS7 Point Code| SS7 Point |
| | Point | that is relevant to the mtpp | Code |
| | Code | operation. The mtpp | |
| | | operation is concerning this | |
| | | point code (or cluster). | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | Source | This field is only used on | SS7 Point |
| | Point | the 'Congested Destination' | Code |
| | Code | and 'Request for Congestion | |
| | | Status' operations. | |
| | | * When used in an 'Congestion| |
| | | Destination' operation, | |
| | | this field contains the Pt | |
| | | Code of the Source of the | |
| | | traffic that was | |
| | | experiencing congestion as | |
| | | it made its way to the | |
| | | Concerned Pt Code. In | |
| | | terms of the original SS7 | |
| | | MSUs (the TransFer | |
| | | Controlled MSU) that | |
| | | provided congestion | |
| | | information, the CPC of the| |
| | | TFC is the 'Concerned Point| |
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| | | Code' of the resulting MTPP| |
| | | primitive and the DPC of | |
| | | the TFC is the 'Source | |
| | | Point Code' of the | |
| | | resulting MTPP primitive. | |
| | | * When used in an 'Request | |
| | | for Congestion Status' | |
| | | operation, this field | |
| | | indicates which Source Pt | |
| | | Code is trying to abate the| |
| | | congestion of the concerned| |
| | | Pt Code. In terms of the | |
| | | original SS7 MSUs (the | |
| | | Route Congestion Test MSU) | |
| | | that is used to poll for | |
| | | congestion, the DPC of the | |
| | | RCT is the 'Concerned Point| |
| | | Code' of the MTPP primitive| |
| | | and the OPC of the RCT is | |
| | | the 'Source Point Code' of | |
| | | the MTPP primitive. | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Congestion | This field is used on the | Integer |
| | Level | 'Congested Destination' and | |
| | | 'Request for Congestion | |
| | | Status' operations to | |
| | | indicate the congestion level| |
| | | of the destination. This | |
| | | integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0000 = Congestion Level 0 | |
| | | 0x0001 = Congestion Level 1 | |
| | | 0x0002 = Congestion Level 2 | |
| | | 0x0003 = Congestion Level 3 | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | Cause Code | This field is used on the | Integer |
| | | 'User Part Unavailable' | |
| | | operation to indicate the | |
| | | Cause Code for why the UPU is| |
| | | being sent. This integer | |
| | | field uses the following | |
| | | encodings: | |
| | | 0x0000 = Cause Unknown | |
| | | 0x0001 = User Part Unequipped| |
| | | 0x0002 = User Part | |
| | | Inaccessible | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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| 2 | User ID | This field is used on the | Integer |
| | | 'User Part Unavailable' | |
| | | operation to indicate which | |
| | | user part is unavailable. The| |
| | | User ID field identifies the | |
| | | type of traffic that was | |
| | | unavailable (0=SNM, 3=SCCP, | |
| | | 5=ISUP, etc). | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 26: Message Data Structure for use with the 'mtpp' Primitive
The following table indicates the Required (R), or Not Applicable
(NA) status for each field of the message data structure in Table 26
based on the MTPP Operation field. As mentioned previously, unused
fields (those marked NA) should be initialized to 0 by the sender and
ignored by the receiver.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Field | Concerned | Source | Congestion | Cause | User |
| | Point | Point | Level | Code | ID |
| Operation | Code | Code | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| PC Unavailable | R | NA | NA | NA | NA |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| PC Available | R | NA | NA | NA | NA |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Request for PC | R | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Status | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Cluster | R | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Unavailable | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Cluster | R | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Available | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Request for | R | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Cluster Status | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Congested | | | | | |
| Destination w/ | R | R | R | NA | NA |
| Cong. Level | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Request for | | | | | |
| Congestion | R | R | R | NA | NA |
| Status | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| User Part | R | NA | NA | R | R |
| Unavailable | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 27: Required/Not Applicable Fields for MTPP Operations
4.5.1.3 Socket Option Registration Primitive (sorp)
The 'sorp' primitive allows IP nodes to set various options on a
socket by socket basis. This allows the IP node some control over
the communication that will occur across the TALI connection. The
'sorp' primitives allows this socket option control to be transferred
in-band, via TALI messages, to the IP nodes.
The SORP primitives capabilities that are available to the IP device
in SG are as follows:
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* Set SORP Flags: Used to set the flags bit field. The receiver of
this message should store the bit settings indicated in the SORP
Flag field.
* Request Current SORP Flags Settings: Used to poll for the status
of the bit field options. The receiver of this message should
send a Reply w/ Current SORP Flag settings.
* Reply w/ Current SORP Flag Settings: Used to reply to a poll,
indicating the current bit field settings to the far end.
As of TALI 2.0, each socket option is stored as a bit in a 32 bit
bit-field. Each bit in the field indicates the setting for 1 option.
A bit field with a 0 value indicates the option is DISABLED. A bit
field with a 1 value indicates the option is ENABLED. The following
options are currently supported:
* ENABLE/DISABLE BROADCAST PHASE MTPP PRIMITIVES: Traditional STPs
send Broadcast Phase TFPs and TFAs to all adjacent nodes when the
point code availability changes for destinations in the STP's SS7
routing table. These Broadcast Phase TFA/TFP SS7 messages are
converted into TALI mtpp primitives by SG nodes such as the SG.
The ENABLE/DISABLE BROADCAST PHASE MTPP PRIMITIVES options allow
each IP node to tell the remote end whether the IP node wants to
receive the mtpp primitives that result from SS7 broadcast phase
messages.
* As an implementation note: In the SG, each defined socket has a
flag, 'enable_broadcast_phase_primitives', which is initialized
to FALSE each time the socket connects. The IP node should
send the ENABLE BROADCAST PHASE MESSAGES operation to the SG to
announce that it wants to receive unsolicited status changes
for a particular socket. As the SG is determining where to
send broadcast phase TFAs/TFPs, it will interrogate the
'enable_broadcast_phase_primitives' flag for each socket on
that socket.
* ENABLE/DISABLE RESPONSE METHOD MTPP PRIMITIVES: Traditional STPs
send Response Method TFPs to adjacent nodes when the adjacent
nodes continue to send MSUs to the STP that can not be delivered
(ie: the STP has told the adjacent node that a destination is
Unavailable, but the adjacent node continues to send traffic
destined for that unavailable DPC to the STP). These Response
Method messages are sent in response to MSUs that are received at
the STP. These Response Method TFP messages are converted into
TALI mtpp primitives by SG nodes such as the SG. The
ENABLE/DISABLE RESPONSE METHOD MTPP PRIMITIVES options allow each
IP node to tell the remote end whether the IP node wants to
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receive the mtpp primitives that result from SS7 response method
messages. In addition to response method TFPs, 2 other SS7
Network Management messages, namely TFCs (transfer controlled) and
UPUs (user part unavailable), fall into this RESPONSE METHOD
grouping. TFCs and UPUs are similar to response method TFPs due
to the fact that a previous action by the IP Node (sending traffic
toward some destination) has caused a response method event back
to the IP Node. The primary difference between response method
TFPs versus response method TFCs/UPUs is that the response method
TFP is converted to an MTPP primitive and sent back to only the
original socket, while response method TFCs/UPUs may need to be
replicated to multiple sockets (after being converted to mtpp
primitives) since there is no way to tell which socket caused the
response method event.
* As an implementation node: In the SG, each defined socket has a
flag, 'enable_response_method_primitives', which is initialized
to FALSE each time the socket connects. The IP node should
send the ENABLE RESPONSE METHOD MTPP PRIMITIVES operation to
the SG to announce that it wants to receive response method
TFPs when appropriate for a particular socket. Before the SG
sends a response method TFP (converted to a mtpp primitive)
back to an IP node, the SG will interrogate the
'enable_response_method_primitives' flag for that socket and
only perform the send if the flag allows it.
* ENABLE/DISABLE NORMALIZED SCCP: Version 1.0 of TALI specified that
the 'sccp' TALI opcode must be used on point to multipoint
connections in order to transmit SCCP MSUs between the SG and IP
nodes. When using the 'sccp' opcode, the MTP3 header portion of
the original SS7 MSU was stripped from the MSU and was NOT part of
the data transmitted across the TALI connection. The sender of
the 'sccp' TALI message was responsible for duplicating the
DPC/OPC fields from the MTP3 header into appropriate fields in the
SCCP portion of the message (into the Called/Calling Party Address
Pt Code fields) before sending as a 'sccp' opcode. This option
provides a way to send SCCP MSUs across TALI point to multipoint
connections that includes the MTP3 header as part of the data
transmitted, and does NOT involve any modification to the original
SS7 SCCP MSU. When the ENABLE NORMALIZED SCCP primitive is
received, SCCP MSUs should be sent across the TALI interface using
the 'mtp3' opcode. This transmission should include the entire
MTP3 header + the sccp portion of the original MSU. No
modification of the original SS7 MSU should occur. When the
DISABLE NORMALIZED SCCP primitive is received, SCCP MSUs should be
sent across the TALI interface using the 'sccp' opcode as
specified in version 1.0 of TALI.
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* ENABLE/DISABLE NORMALIZED ISUP: Version 1.0 of TALI specified that
the 'isot' TALI opcode must be used on point to multipoint
connections in order to transmit ISUP MSUs between the SG and IP
nodes. When using the 'isot' opcode, the original SS7 MSU,
including the MTP3 header portion, was transmitted in a 'isot'
TALI message. This option indicates that the far end would prefer
to receive ISUP MSUs using the 'mtp3' TALI opcode as opposed to
the 'isot' opcode. When the option is ENABLED, the 'mtp3' opcode
is used to transmit ISUP MSUs, including the MTP3 header, across
the TALI connection. When the option is DISABLED, the 'isot'
opcode is used as in TALI Release 1.0.
The data structure used for 'sorp' messages is as presented in the
next table. The data structure below should begin at byte 14 of the
TALI message as shown in Table 12.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description | Field Type |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | SORP | Identifies which 'sorp' | Integer |
| | Operation | operation/capability is | |
| | | provided in this message. | |
| | | This integer field uses the | |
| | | following encodings: | |
| | | 0x0001 = Set SORP Flags | |
| | | 0x0002 = Request Current | |
| | | SORP Flags Settings | |
| | | 0x0003 = Reply w/ Current | |
| | | SORP Flag Settings | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | SORP Flags | A 4 byte bit-field that uses | Bit-Field |
| | | each bit as an enabled/ | |
| | | disabled flag for a | |
| | | particular socket option. | |
| | | Bit x = 0 indicates the | |
| | | option is DISABLED. | |
| | | Bit x = 1 indicates the | |
| | | option is ENABLED. | |
| | | The assignments for each BIT | |
| | | are as follows: | |
| | | Bit 0 = Broadcast Phase MTPP | |
| | | Primitives | |
| | | Bit 1 = Response Method MTPP | |
| | | Primitives | |
| | | Bit 2 = Normalized SCCP | |
| | | Bit 3 = Normalized ISUP | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 28: Message Data Structure to be used for 'sorp' Primitive
4.5.2 Extended Service Message (xsrv)
The Extended Service, 'xsrv', opcode is added to the TALI 2.0
protocol to lay the groundwork for providing a means to transport
other types of service traffic (beyond 'sccp', 'isot', 'mtp3', and
'saal') in future revisions of this protocol without having to define
a new opcode as each new service type is identified and added. The
PRIMITIVE field will uniquely identify each new service type as they
are added. It is envisioned that some 'xsrv' messages can be
received and processed in any of the TALI NEx-FEx state, while some
other 'xsrv' messages can only be received and processed in the NEA-
FEA state (such as Service data in version 1.0 of TALI).
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There are no specific PRIMITIVES defined for this opcode in this
release. It is expected that some new service messages will be added
in the future. This opcode provides for grouping of the new service
data types.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'xsrv' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | To be determined |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 14.. | Message | To be determined |
| 2000 | Data | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
4.5.3 Special Message (spcl)
The Special Message, 'spcl', opcode is added to the TALI 2.0 protocol
to provide a way for vendors to build special services into their
TALI implementations that are only activated when the implementation
is connected to other equipment implementing the same special
services. 'spcl' messages can be received and processed in any of
the TALI NEx-FEx states. This opcode is intended to provide a
general means to discover more information regarding who the TALI
session is connected to, and to provide means to enable special
features based on the vendor/implementation on the far end.
As part of the 2.0 specification, 4 primitives are initially defined
for this opcode:
* 'smns' - Special Messages Not Supported.
* 'qury' - Query.
* 'rply' - Reply.
* 'usim' - UnSolicited Information Message.
Additional primitives can be added in future versions of the TALI
protocol.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'spcl' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | 'smns' - special messages not supported |
| | | 'qury' - query |
| | | 'rply' - reply |
| | | 'usim' - UIM (unsolicited information msg)|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 14..X | Data | Vendor dependent |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
4.5.3.1 Special Messages Not Supported (smns)
This message is sent as a response to a 'spcl' message with a 'qury'
PRIMITIVE. A node may send out this message when it wants the Far
End to know that it does not support 'spcl' messages and wishes not
to receive them in the future.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'spcl' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | 'smns' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
4.5.3.2 Query Message (qury)
This message can be sent to Query the far end of the connection (ie:
try to find out more information about the VENDOR, TALI version, or
other features). It is expected that each 2.0 implementation would
respond to a 'qury' with a 'rply'.
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+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'spcl' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | 'qury' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
4.5.3.3 Reply Message (rply)
The 'rply' message provides a way for a TALI 2.0 implementation to
identify itself in more detail. The information included in the
reply includes:
* PEC - a 2 byte field that identifies the vendor for the TALI
implemenation.
* Version Number - a 12 byte field that identifies the TALI version
of the implementation.
* Other Vendor Specific Data - the format of any remaining data that
a particular vendor wants to provide is specific to each vendor.
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'spcl' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | 'rply' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 14..15 | PEC | Private Enterprise Code * |
| | | (Vendor ID Number, Integer Field) |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 16..27 | Version | 'vers xxx.yyy' |
| | Label | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 28..? | Other Vendor| Free Format data area, specific to each |
| | Specific | vendor |
| | Data | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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*See Table 4 for details on the PEC field.
4.5.3.4 Unsolicited Information Message (USIM)
A 'usim' provides the same information as the 'rply' primitive. The
'usim' can be sent at any time by a 2.0 implementation (whereas the
'rply' should only be sent in reply to a 'qury').
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Octets | Field Name | Description |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 0..3 | SYNC | 'TALI' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4..7 | OPCODE | 'spcl' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8..9 | LENGTH | Length |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10..13 | Primitive | 'usim' |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 14..15 | PEC | Private Enterprise Code * |
| | | (Vendor ID Number, Integer Field) |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 16..27 | Version | 'vers xxx.yyy' |
| | Label | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 28..? | Other Vendor| Free Format data area, specific to each |
| | Specific | vendor |
| | Data | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
4.6 TALI Timers
Version 2.0 of the TALI specification does not introduce any new
timers. The T1-T4 timers defined previously remain in effect.
While, it is expected that most implementations wishing to identify
themselves as 2.0 (or later) would use a non-zero value for T4 - this
is a not a hard requirement. The only requirement for identifying
yourself as 2.0 is to send at least 1 'moni' as per the 2.0 format
upon connection establishment.
4.7 TALI User Events
Version 2.0 of the TALI specification does not introduce any new user
events. The user events defined in Section 3.4 (mgmt open, mgmt
close, mgmt allow, mgmt proh, connection established, connection
lost) remain in effect.
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4.8 TALI States
Version 2.0 of the TALI specification does not introduce any new TALI
states. The TALI states defined in Section 3.6 remain in effect.
4.9 TALI Version 2.0 State Machine
This section provides the state machine that must be followed by each
TALI 2.0 implementation in order to be compliant with this
specification. As mentioned throughout this document, a 2.0
implementation is based on several small additions to a 1.0
implementation and each 2.0 implementation must be willing to inter-
operate in a backwards compatible mode (a 2.0 implementation
connected to a 1.0 implementation must fall back to 1.0 features
only).
4.9.1 State Machine Concepts
Before presenting the actual state machine, several concepts are
discussed.
4.9.1.1 General Protocol Rules
A set of general protocol rules was presented in the 1.0
specification, in section 3.7.1.1; those rules are still applicable
to 2.0 implementations. In addition to those earlier rules, the
following rules are also applicable to 2.0 nodes:
* A 2.0 implementation should identify the TALI version it has
implemented via the 'moni' message
* A 2.0 implementation should process any received 'moni' messages,
attempting to determine the TALI version of the far end. A 2.0
implementation must use an internal flag, such as
'far_end_version', to track the TALI version that the far end of
the connection has implemented. The 'far_end_version' flag should
be initialized to version 1.0.
* A 2.0 implementation should reject/ignore internal requests (from
software layers in it's own product, or requests from the
management interface for the device) to send TALI messages that
require 2.0 opcodes when the far end is a 1.0 implementation. A
2.0 implementation should only send TALI messages that require new
2.0 opcodes (mgmt, xsrv, spcl) when it knows the far end is
capable of processing those opcodes (when 'far_end_version' is 2.0
or greater).
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* Upon receiving a TALI message with a 2.0 opcode, a 2.0
implementation should interrogate its 'far_end_flag'; if the far
end is not 2.0 or greater, the arrival of the message should be
treated as a Protocol Violation. If the far end is 2.0 or
greater, the message should be processed according to the nodes
2.0 capabilities, or ignored (if the node has chosen not to
implement any 2.0 functionalities).
4.9.1.2 Graceful Shutdown of a Socket
The steps to perform a graceful shutdown of each socket were
presented in the 1.0 specification, in section 3.7.1.2. Those steps
are not changed for 2.0 implementations.
4.9.1.3 TALI Protocol Violations
Each TALI implementation must detect when violations of the TALI
protocol have occurred and react accordingly. Protocol violations
include:
* Invalid sync code in a received message
* Invalid opcode in a received message
* Invalid length field in a received message
* Not receiving an 'allo' or 'proh', in response to the origination
of a 'test' , before the T2 timer expires
* Receiving Service Messages on a prohibited socket.
* TCP Socket errors - Connection Lost
* Receiving a TALI message with a 2.0 opcode ('mgmt', 'xsrv', '
spcl') from a far end that has not identified itself as a 2.0
implementation.
In the state machine that follows, State/Event combinations that
should be treated as protocol violations are indicated via a 'PV' in
the state/event cell. All of the 'PV' events are then processed as
per the 'Protocol Violation' row in the table.
4.9.2 The State Machine
Internal Data required for State Machine:
* boolean sock_allowed. This flag indicate whether the NE is
allowed to carry Service Messages.
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* Far_end_version. This enumeration should track the TALI version
of the far end of the socket.
Initial Conditions:
sock_allowed = FALSE
far_end_version = 1.0
state = OOS
no timers running
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| State| OOS |Connecting| NEP-FEP | NEP-FEA | NEA-FEP | NEA-FEA |
|Event | | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|T1 Exp. | | |Send test|Send test|Send test|Send test|
| | | |Start T1 |Start T1 |Start T1 |Start T1 |
| | | |Start T2 |Start T2 |Start T2 |Start T2 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|T2 Exp. | | | PV | PV | PV | PV |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|T3 Exp. | | | PV | PV | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|T4 Exp. | | |Send moni|Send moni|Send moni|Send moni|
| | | |Start T4 |Start T4 |Start T4 |Start T4 |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv test| | |Send proh|Send proh|Send allo|Send allo|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv allo| | | Stop T2 | Stop T2 | Stop T2 | Stop T2 |
| | | | NEP-FEA | | NEA-FEA | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv proh| | | Stop T2 | Stop T2 | Stop T2 | Stop T2 |
| | | |Send proa|Send proa|Send proa|Flush or |
| | | | | NEP-FEP | | reroute |
| | | | | | |Send proa|
| | | | | | | NEA-FEP |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv proa| | | Stop T3 | Stop T3 | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv moni| | |Update |Update |Update |Update |
| | | |'far end |'far end |'far end |'far end |
| | | |version' |version' |version' |version' |
| | | |based on |based on |based on |based on |
| | | |moni |moni |moni |moni |
| | | |Convert |Convert |Convert |Convert |
| | | | to mona | to mona | to mona | to mona |
| | | |Send mona|Send mona|Send mona|Send mona|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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|Rcv mona| | |Implemen-|Implemen-|Implemen-|Implemen-|
| | | |tation |tation |tation |tation |
| | | |dependent|dependent|dependent|dependent|
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv | | | PV |If T3 run| PV |Process |
| Service| | | | Process | | |
| | | | |Else PV | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv mgmt| | |If FE< |If FE< |If FE< |If FE< |
| | | | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV |
| | | |Else |Else |Else |Else |
| | | | Process | Process | Process | Process |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv xsrv| | |If FE< |If FE< |If FE< |If FE< |
| | | | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV |
| | | |Else |Else |Else |Else |
| | | | Process | Process | Process | Process |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Rcv spcl| | |If FE< |If FE< |If FE< |If FE< |
| | | | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV | 2.0 PV |
| | | |Else |Else |Else |Else |
| | | | Process | Process | Process | Process |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Connect.| | Start T1 | | | | |
|Estab. | | Start T2 | | | | |
| | | Start T4 | | | | |
| | |(if non-0)| | | | |
| | |if sock_ | | | | |
| | | allowed | | | | |
| | | = TRUE | | | | |
| | | send allo| | | | |
| | | send test| | | | |
| | | NEA-FEP | | | | |
| | |else | | | | |
| | | send proh| | | | |
| | | send test| | | | |
| | | NEP-FEP | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Connect.| | | PV | PV | PV | PV |
|Lost | | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Protocol| | |Stop all |Stop all |Stop all |Stop all |
|Violat. | | | timers | timers | timers | timers |
| | | |Close the|Close the|Close the|Close the|
| | | | socket | socket | socket | socket |
| | | |Connect- |Connect- |Connect- |Connect- |
| | | | ing | ing | ing | ing |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
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|Mgmt. |Open | | | | | |
|Open |socket| | | | | |
|Socket |Conne-| | | | | |
| | cting| | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Mgmt. | |Close the |Stop all |Stop all |Stop all |Stop all |
|Close | | socket | timers | timers | timers | timers |
|Socket | |OOS |Close the|Close the|Close the|Close the|
| | | | socket | socket | socket | socket |
| | | |OOS |OOS |OOS |OOS |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Mgmt. |sock_ |sock_allo-|sock_all-|sock_all-|sock_all-|sock_all-|
|Prohibit|allow-| wed=FALSE| owed= | owed= | owed= | owed= |
|Socket |ed = | | FALSE | FALSE | FALSE | FALSE |
| |FALSE | | | |send proh|send proh|
| | | | | |start t3 |start t3 |
| | | | | | NEP-FEP | NEP-FEA |
| | | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Mgmt. |sock_ |sock_allo-|sock_all-|sock_all-|sock_all-|sock_all-|
|Allow |allow-| wed=TRUE | owed= | owed= | owed= | owed= |
|Traffic |ed = | | TRUE | FALSE | TRUE | TRUE |
| |TRUE | |send allo|send allo| | |
| | | | NEA-FEP | NEA-FEA | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|User |reject| reject | reject | reject | reject | send |
|Part |data | data | data | data | data | data |
|Msgs. | | | | | | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Request | | |If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|
|to Tx | | | Ignore | Ignore | Ignore | Ignore |
|mgmt | | |Else |Else |Else |Else |
| | | | Process | Process | Process | Process |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Request | | |If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|
|to Tx | | | Ignore | Ignore | Ignore | Ignore |
|xsrv | | |Else |Else |Else |Else |
| | | | Process | Process | Process | Process |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Request | | |If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|If FE<2.0|
|to Tx | | | Ignore | Ignore | Ignore | Ignore |
|spcl | | |Else |Else |Else |Else |
| | | | Process | Process | Process | Process |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Table 29: TALI 2.0 State Machine
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4.10 TALI 2.0 Specification Limitations
Several limitations with the TALI 2.0 specification are identified.
These are considered possible areas for expansion of the protocol in
the future:
* Support for different types of routing keys is limited. It is
envisioned that new routing key types will need to be added and
supported as new applications are identified.
* An opcode, or new primitive within an existing opcode, could be
added as a means of returning unknown or unsupported data to the
sender. In addition to discarding and storing internal debug
data, an implementation may want to return the original TALI
message to the sender when the receiver of the message deems the
message to be unknown, unsupported, or incorrectly formatted.
5. Success/Failure Codes
The following list provides all the known success/failure codes that
are being used for the rkrp feature. New defines will be added to
the end of the list as they are identified.
Error # Meaning
1 Transaction successfully completed.
2 Length of TALI msg is insufficient to contain all
required information for rkrp operation
3 Unsupported 'rkrp' operation
4 Invalid SI. SI must be in range 0..15
5 Invalid SI/operation combination. Split and resize only
supported for SI=4,5,13. Enter, delete and override
supported for all SI.
6 Invalid DPC. Point code cannot be zero, and must be full
point code.
7 Invalid SSN. SSN must be in range 0..255.
8 Invalid OPC. Point code cannot be zero, and must be full
point code.
9 Invalid CICS. Must be in range appropriate for SI and PC
type.
10 Invalid CICE. Must be in range appropriate for SI and PC
type.
11 Invalid CIC range. CICS must be less than or equal to
CICE. On a split operation, CICS must be strictly less
than than CICE (cannot split an range with only one
entry).
12 Invalid NCICS. Must be in range appropriate for SI and
PC type.
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13 Invalid NCICE. Must be in range appropriate for SI and
PC type.
14 Invalid new CIC range. NCICS must be less than or equal
to NCICE.
15 Invalid SPLIT value. Must be in range appropriate for
SI and PC type. Must be greater than CICS and less than
or equal to CICE.
16 No free entries in table.
17 CIC range overlaps but does not match existing entry.
18 Entry already has 16 associations.
19 Entry to be changed not found in table.
20 New entry would overlap another entry (allowed to overlap
the entry being changed, but no others).
21 Entry to be deleted not found in table.
22 TUP routing keys are not supported for ANSI networks
6. Security Considerations
TALI is an interface for the transport of SS7 traffic and management
messages across an IP network. As with traditional PSTN networks,
the IP networks using TALI are expected to well engineered systems.
The use of virtual private networks and firewalls is to be expected.
In addition, the use of IPSEC will bring added security benefit to
the network.
7. References
[1] Bell Communications Research, Specification of Signaling System
Number 7, GT-246-CORE, Bellcore, Issue 1, December 1994.
[2] Postel, J., "Internet Protocol", STD 5, RFC 791, September 1981.
[3] Postel, J., "Internet Control Message Protocol", STD 5, RFC 792,
September 1981.
[4] Postel, J., "Transmission Control Protocol", STD 7, RFC 793,
September 1981.
[5] Logical Link Control, IEEE 802.2 and ISO 8802.2
[6] Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection
(Ethernet), IEEE 802.3 and ISO 8802-3 CSMA/CD.
[7] Virtual LAN, IEEE 802.1 Q and ISO 8802-1Q CSMA/CD.
[8] Bell Communications Research, Generic Requirements for CCS Nodes
Supporting ATM High-Speed Signaling Links (HSLs), GR-2878-CORE,
Issue 1, Bellcore, November 1995.
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[9] Bell Communications Research, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
and ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL) Protocols, GR-1113-CORE,
Bellcore.
[10] American National Standards Institute, B-ISDN Signaling ATM
Adaptation Layer - Service Specific Connection Oriented Protocol
(SSCOP), T1.637.
[11] American National Standards Institute, B-ISDN Signaling ATM
Adaptation Layer - Service Specific Coordination Function for
Support of Signaling at the Network Node Interface (SSCF at the
NNI), T1.645.
[12] American National Standards Institute, B-ISDN Signaling ATM
Adaptation Layer - Layer Management for the SAAL at the NNI,
T1.652.
8. Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Ken Morneault for his comments and
contributions to the document.
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9. Authors' Addresses
David Sprague
Tekelec
5200 Paramount Pkwy.
Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: +1 919-460-5563
EMail: david.sprague@tekelec.com
Dan Brendes
Tekelec
5200 Paramount Pkwy.
Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: +1 919-460-2162
EMail: dan.brendes@tekelec.com
Robby Benedyk
Tekelec
5200 Paramount Pkwy.
Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: +1 919-460-5533
EMail: robby.benedyk@tekelec.com
Joe Keller
Tekelec
5200 Paramount Pkwy.
Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: +1 919-460-5549
EMail: joe.keller@tekelec.com
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Full Copyright Statement
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2001). All Rights Reserved.
This document and translations of it may be copied and furnished to
others, and derivative works that comment on or otherwise explain it
or assist in its implementation may be prepared, copied, published
and distributed, in whole or in part, without restriction of any
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included on all such copies and derivative works. However, this
document itself may not be modified in any way, such as by removing
the copyright notice or references to the Internet Society or other
Internet organizations, except as needed for the purpose of
developing Internet standards in which case the procedures for
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followed, or as required to translate it into languages other than
English.
The limited permissions granted above are perpetual and will not be
revoked by the Internet Society or its successors or assigns.
This document and the information contained herein is provided on an
"AS IS" basis and THE INTERNET SOCIETY AND THE INTERNET ENGINEERING
TASK FORCE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE INFORMATION
HEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Acknowledgement
Funding for the RFC Editor function is currently provided by the
Internet Society.
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