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Sonus Signaling Solutions for Diameter and SS7
The Sonus Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) family of products provides a flexible, robust, carrier-grade solution for control and
management of Diameter and SS7 signaling in fixed and wireless networks. Sonus DSCs are designed to address the performance,
capacity, scalability, and roaming needs of 4G/LTE networks. They perform critical functions for a wide variety of networks and
services. These include:
• Centralized Routing
• Deployment of Multiple HSSs
• PCRF Binding
• Roaming to 2G/3G Networks
• Security
• Inter-Network Topology Hiding
• Transport Layer Security (TLS)
• IPsec
• Routing Segmentation (IPX services)
Sonus DSCs provide network planners and architects the flexibility to deploy only the specific features and functionality needed
for their network or service. Each Diameter routing feature can be deployed individually or combined within the same device for
network customization. Sonus DSCs provide all functionality required for both core and edge within IMS and LTE networks. These
functions include:
• Diameter Routing Agent (DRA)
• Diameter Edge Agent (DEA)
• Subscription Location Function (SLF)
• Interworking Function (IWF)
Sonus DSC 8000
The Sonus DSC platform, based on the Enhanced MicroTCA specification along with
high-performance processing and high-speed IP-based fabric switching, is highly
tuned for Diameter routing and SS7 applications.
Carrier-Grade Platform
• xTCA Open Standards 8U platform
• Rear I/O connections as defined by MicroTCA.4 standard
• High Throughput
• 40GbE aggregated redundant uplinks
• Carrier-Grade, Five-Nines Availability
• Redundant MCH modules for platform monitoring and management
(power, sanity, etc.)
• Redundant Ethernet switches providing two 10GbE and two 1GbE
connections per blade
• Redundant power supplies
• All critical components hot swappable (power supplies, blades, fans)
• Telco telecom alarm for critical, major, minor
• Telco clock distribution
Sonus DSC SWe
Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) are playing an increasing
role in today’s next generation and cloud networks. To leverage the benefits of NFV, Sonus separated
its field-proven Diameter and SIGTRAN SS7 software from the DSC 8000 hardware, and designed it to
operate on industry standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers. This allows network operators the
ability to rapidly deploy DSC features and functionalities with greater flexibility.
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Sonus DSC Functionality
Diameter Routing Agent
The 3GPP defined the DRA capabilities to bind a user’s information to a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) after the
establishment of a data session, referred to as an IP-CAN session. This concept guarantees that all policy-related information
regarding a specific call is handled by the same PCRF. The Sonus DSC allows for multiple PCRFs (regardless of quantity or
manufacturer) to be deployed within a network. This capability allows the carrier the option of deploying multiple PCRFs from
multiple vendors, removing the fear of being locked in to a single vendor. The DRA functionality ensures that messages regarding a
user session are routed consistently to the same PCRF.
Diameter Edge Agent
GSMA described the Diameter Edge Agent in the context of roaming, and as such it would be used on the boundaries between two
interconnected roaming partners. When used as a DEA, the Sonus DSC adheres to the GSMA specifications listed in PDR IR.88. The
Sonus DSC provides the following capabilities:
• Offers a single point of contact into a mobile service provider’s network
• Prevents the export of network topologies
• Operates as either a Diameter Relay or a Diameter Proxy
• Provides a powerful set of routing and screening functions to protect the network
• Route or Screen on any Message
• Route or Screen on any AVP
• Shape traffic on an interconnected network basis
Subscription Location Function (SLF)
When designing their networks, many mobile network operators choose to deploy multiple HSS servers to reduce the chances that
the failure of one HSS will cause an outage of very large proportions. This type of network architecture requires a Subscription
Locator Function (SLF) for determining the HSS that is relevant to a particular subscriber’s information. The SLF function is used
by the I-CSCF, S-CSCF, AS, MME, and the AAA server to resolve the Subscriber/ HSS information. The Sonus DSC provides the
Subscription Locator Function as defined by 3GPP, thus providing network operators with additional tools to ensure the reliability
and survivability of their networks.
Interworking Function (IWF)
As service providers start the deployment of LTE/EPC networks to provide enhanced capabilities to their subscribers, a problem
arises when these subscribers roam to non-LTE/EPC-based networks, i.e. 2G/3G networks. The network architectures and the
underlying protocols are different:
• 2G/3G uses SS7/TCAP/MAP to manage mobility
• LTE/EPC uses Diameter to manage mobility
Sonus DSC addresses the issue of roaming to disparate networks by fully supporting the 3GPP specification for interworking
between Diameter and MAP, thus allowing LTE/EPC subscribers to roam seamlessly between LTE/EPC networks and 2G/3G
networks.
Sonus Signaling Transfer Point (STP) Solutions
The Sonus DSC 8000 and DSC SWe deliver all the standard features and functionality expected of an STP solution, including
Gateway Screening and Global Title Translation, while also offering extended capabilities and features, such as Signaling Gateway
(M3UA/SUA) and Point Code Emulation. The DSC SWe is targeted at SIGTRAN SS7 applications.
Multiple Protocol Support
The Sonus STP solution offers the full suite of SS7 protocols, including ANSI/ETSI/ITU and SIGTRAN (M2PA, M2UA, M3UA, SUA).
With this flexibility, Sonus STP can seamlessly bridge disparate networks.
Optional Global Title Translation (GTT)
GTT is available in basic, enhanced, or expanded configurations, and frees originating signaling points from the burden of having to
know every potential destination to which a message for services, such as wireless roaming, toll-free calling, or CLASS, might have
to be routed.
Optional Gateway Screening (GWS)
GWS is an optional security feature available on the Sonus STP. This capability gives network administrators control of the flow of
SS7 messages into or through a signaling network. Gateway Screening determines if inbound and outbound messages should be
discarded based on given criteria. If a message is accepted, it continues its MTP or SCCP processing (e.g., routing). Measurements
and statistics are kept for rejections and screening validations to monitor the GWS configuration.
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Optional Signaling Gateway (SG)
Sonus STP also has a Signaling Gateway option that serves as a signaling bridge between SS7 and VoIP networks. Typically this is
used in conjunction with softswitches, media gateways, and application servers. Interoperability is assured with IETF M3UA and SUA
protocol support for connection-oriented and connectionless (SCCP) services.
Optional Point Code Emulation™ (PCE)
PCE is a powerful feature that enables service providers to transparently configure and manipulate SS7 nodes without disrupting
or reconfiguring the public SS7 network. This is a cost-effective solution for expanding networks where new point codes are rare
and expensive, and where minimizing the number of direct SS7 links is an asset. For more information, please see the Point Code
Emulation™ datasheet.
Onboard Protocol Conversion
Sonus STP is able to translate between global SS7 variants with their onboard protocol conversion feature, thereby allowing
customers to transparently deploy their own IP network solution throughout the world.
Technical Specifications
Specification
DSC 8000
DSC SWe
IETF RFC 6733 “Diameter Base Protocol”
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3GPP
3GPP Diameter Agent Support: DRA, IWF
TS.23.203
TS.29.213
TR.29.909
TS.29.305
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No PCRF load balancing
GSMA
GSMA Diameter Agent Support: DEA
GSMA PDR IR.88 “LTE Roaming Guidelines”
GSMA PDR IR.33 “GPRS Roaming Guidelines”
GSMA PDR IR.34 “Inter-Service Provider IP Backbone Guidelines”
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MTP Specifications
ITU-T Q.700 through Q.707
ITU-T Q.703 Annex A
ANSI T1.111-1992 Message Transfer Part GR246-Core T1.111 (Telcordia)
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No TDM or ATM links
SCCP Specifications
ITU-T Q.711 through Q.714
Connectionless: Class 0 and 1
Connection-Oriented: Class 2
ETSI ETS 300 589
ANSI T1.112
SCTP: RFC2960 RFC3309
M2PA: RFC4165
M3UA: RFC4666
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System
Physical Dimension:
17.5" w X 14" h X 17.4" d
443mm w X 355mm w X
442mm d
Weight: 39lbs / 36kg
Mounting: front
4 cores; 2 GHz or higher
5GB of RAM
4 virtual NICs (1-MGMT, 1 HA,
and 2 packet ports)
65GB hard disk space
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About Sonus Networks
Sonus Networks, Inc. is a leader in IP networking with proven expertise in delivering secure, reliable and scalable next-generation
infrastructure and subscriber solutions. Sonus products include session border controllers, policy/routing servers, and media and signaling
gateways. In 2012, Sonus launched its Partner Assure program to provide turnkey sales support and training to authorized resellers around
the world. To date, more than 100 companies have joined the Partner Assure program. For more information, visit www.sonus.net.
Sonus Networks North
American Headquarters
Sonus Networks APAC
Headquarters
Sonus Networks Limited
EMEA Headquarters
4 Technology Park Drive
Westford, MA 01886
U.S.A.
Tel: +1-855-GO-SONUS
1 Fullerton Road #02-01
One Fullerton
Singapore 049213
Singapore
Tel: +65-68325589
Edison House
Edison Road
Dorcan, Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 5JX
Tel: +44-14-0378-8114
To learn more, call Sonus at 855-GO-SONUS
or visit us online at www.sonus.net
The content in this document is for informational purposes only and is subject to change by Sonus Networks without notice. While reasonable efforts have been made in the preparation
of this publication to assure its accuracy, Sonus Networks assumes no liability resulting from technical or editorial errors or omissions, or for any damages resulting from the use of this
information. Unless specifically included in a written agreement with Sonus Networks, Sonus Networks has no obligation to develop or deliver any future release or upgrade or any feature,
enhancement or function.
Copyright © 2014 Sonus Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Sonus is a registered trademark of Sonus Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks or
registered service marks may be the property of their respective owners.
DS-1401 9/11
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