SS7, the backbone of mobile networks. It is the protocol and makes mobile telephony work. SS7 is the protocol that makes communication between network entities possible. SS7 network structure is very much similar to the TCP/IP network structure. As you can see from the picture SS7 protocol is also derived from OSI model and has got all the 7 different layers.
In TCP/IP you have Ethernet card as your hardware and in SS7 you have SS7 signalling cards. For TCP/IP you have IP addresses that gives a logical structure to the network. In SS7 you have point codes.
All the network elements like HLR, VLR, MSC, SMSC etc are connected to the SS7 network and has got point codes assigned to them. Its almost like having a database server, a web server, an ftp server etc connected to the internet.
You can create your own SMSC, MSC, VLR, HLR or any SS7 network element by using an SS7 signalling card and writing the appropriate software for it. Its like using TCP/IP to create your own web server or FTP server.
[...] SMSC is a part of the operators SS7 network. The SMS gateway is connected to the SMSC. In most cases the SMSC has inbuilt gateways. Any [...]
Pingback by What is an SMS Gateway | Kenney Jacob — June 20, 2007 @ 7:43 am
Hi there,
This is an excellent post. It is so easy to understand by using comparison between TCPIP and SS7. I am looking forward more posting from you. I am very appreciated your effort.
Thank you very much
rgds,
San
Comment by Low San San — August 10, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Ohhhh thanks… Im flattered.
Comment by admin — October 2, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
Pls provide documentation on comparison between TCPIP and SS7.
Comment by Devendra — May 15, 2008 @ 10:46 am
Thank you very much!!!
Hrishikesh and Rahul
You work is appreciated
Comment by Hrishikesh — August 13, 2008 @ 3:06 pm
Thanks a lot for your kindly presentation.
Comment by frenzy_G — February 8, 2009 @ 10:40 am
Nice feeds. plz provide with some vivid info on BSS.
Comment by Sudipto — April 13, 2009 @ 11:22 am
Good primer for SS7. Learnt a great deal. Where can I get in depth Info?
Comment by Olaseni Oluwunmi — June 28, 2009 @ 12:18 am
What would be the steps to get an SMSC account with a mobile provider in Kerala and do you know which provider offers a cheap rate. do you know of any links to any provider websites.
My idea is to purchase a SMS Gateway software which can talk to a SMSC and provide bulk SMS services to my customers. I do not want to use the bulk SMS resellers, instead work the mobile provider directory.
Any inputs would be greatly apprecciated.
Comment by Paul Ukken — August 25, 2009 @ 12:01 am
very useful
Comment by sowmya — September 3, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
Would it be possible to show a detailed block system diagram of a SS7 network and the call setup of a land-line call from one POTS line to another POTS line?
Comment by J. Aegerter — September 14, 2009 @ 5:07 am
Hello,
I want to know when to use TCP/IP stack and when do we go for SS7 stack.
I am new to this and would appreciate help.
Thanks
Comment by Priya Sriavstava — July 21, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
HI kenny,
Its superb comparison between tcpip and SS7.
can u post the brief details of SS7 or do suggest any link to refer.
please post the links in this same,so that many peoples like me can benefit from ur knowledge.
Thanks
P.Mohanraj
Comment by Mohanraj — March 7, 2011 @ 1:17 pm
great work.
easy to understand and helping in clearing the messy mind .
thanks a lot.
regards,
Ronak
Comment by RONAK — May 16, 2011 @ 9:42 am
Hi Kenny,
Congratulations by the article, come to your blog looking for information on this topic, good comparison, helped me to understand the functionality of the SS7 protocol.
As you say, with SS7 can create your own SMSC. to make sending SMS messages, I understand that it requires a server with a SS7 card and an Internet connection.
Then the requirements to send messages would know the details of the service center of the MNO (IP Address, Port number, Username …) to setup the SMSC.
From your knowledge and personal experience. can you tell me if you usually have to pay the MNO for this, and if you have any idea of price, take it as a reference.
Can you please send your reply to my email, I would like to talk to you on this subject and know if you offer consulting or services to implement a SMSC, Thank you.
Best Regards.
Alex.
Comment by Alexander Muñoz M. (Cali - Colombia) — December 15, 2011 @ 8:07 am