Who Should Attend?

The course is intended for experienced SS7 engineers who needs to extend their technical knowledge on functionality of SS7. Training is focused on messages and parameters, message flows. Therefore it is recommended for engineers with some background in signalling troubleshooting. As and option Tektronix K18 may be used during the training as an example of protocol analyzer.

Course Content

1. Architecture of telecom network, concept of signalling system No.7, and basic terms.
2. MTP L2, MTP L3 protocols.
3. ISUP protocol.
4. SCCP protocol.
5. GSM network survey.
6. BSSMAP and DTAP protocol.
7. LAPD and RSL protocols.
8. ASN.1 concept, TCAP, MAP.
9. Introduction into Tektronix K18 (option).
10. Practical exercises with protocol tester (required access to live SS7 network).

Course Objectives

SS7 Advanced course starts with introduction session, providing participants with fundamental information on structure and architecture of skeleton telecom networks. Concept of common channel signalling is introduced and SS7 model is explained.

In the following sessions, participants will learn about details of each single protocol, constituting together SS7 signalling system: MTP, ISUP and SCCP. For each protocol, structure and role of messages is provided, together with examples of it’s encoding. Additionally basic signalling procedures are explained.

After introducing general SS7 protocols, survey of GSM network is provided. Students will acquire knowledge on structure of GSM network, types of interfaces and information flow in mobile network. Following the survey, participants will learn in deep details about protocols used on each interface: BSSMAP, DTAP, LAPD, RSL, TCAP, MAP.

The concept of the training is to illustrate how the complete network works by means of inter-working of protocols on subsequent interfaces. All theoretical subjects are illustrated with examples taken from real networks (recorded signalling).

As an option, the last day of training may be devoted to practical exercises and practicing of K18 protocol tester usage. This session start with introduction into K18 handling, followed with monitoring of main interfaces of life network. Miscellaneous applications and features of tester are also gradually introduced and demonstrated.

Pre-requisites

The participants should have attended GSM Technology course or should have the equivalent knowledge. Practical experience in GSM would be recommended.

Training Structure

Three or four days training divided into logical sessions.

Methodology

Instructor led training. Live traces and optional exercises with Tektronix K18.