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Aculab’s SS7 signalling monitor is a software option that can be used in conjunction with Aculab’s enabling technology hardware and SS7 software, to produce sophisticated monitoring and data capture applications for use in SS7 networks. Due to universal concerns over revenues, fraud, customer satisfaction, and growing security fears, monitoring and surveillance solutions are on the increase. Additionally, in many countries the legally sanctioned interception of private communications is mandatory. The SS7 signalling monitor from Aculab provides developers with a powerful means of creating a variety of critical applications for key market sectors.
Architecture
The SS7 signalling monitor software can be used with any Aculab board fitted with a PMXC module or having on-board trunk connections and an appropriate signalling DSP. Configurations are available to enable the dynamic capture and monitoring of signalling information in up to 64 bi-directional links, carried within up to 8 software selectable E1/T1 trunks, per board.
Usefully, protocol variants (e.g., ITU-T, ANSI, China ISUP) are configurable on a per link basis, and traffic from multiple signalling links can be merged into a single TCP/IP connection to an application. Multiple boards can be used for distributed, scalable, high density traffic monitoring, filtering, analysis and recording systems. In this respect, Prosody X makes an ideal enabling platform for SS7 monitoring applications that is independent of the network switch type.
The monitor API follows Aculab’s consistent approach and can co-exist with SS7 signalling APIs (ISUP and TCAP), as well as the Prosody X API when enhanced applications, such as recording of speech bearer traffic, are needed. Additionally, ISDN or CAS protocols can be used in parallel with the monitor, which means the legal intercept standard format for delivery of data to law enforcement agencies can be readily met.
Three capture modes are provided; the non-invasive mode requires a high impedance line tap for passive interception of signalling traffic on E1/T1 trunks, the active pass through mode provides a cost effective alternative, and a local traffic mode allows the capture of data from a co-existing signalling application.
Monitor and decode levels
Individual ISUP calls can be tracked and captured raw or decoded and filtered message data is passed to an application. Three decode levels are presented, and the developer also has the option of adding alternative, user-defined decoders. Choosing raw HDLC presents Level 2 MSU data directly to an application with no MTP3 or user part decode. An auto-decode buffers the MTP3 payload, and can be set for all traffic, or for explicit decode of selected messages. And the ISUP decoder presents ISUP message data to the application, either automatically, or via API control. A powerful search and filter capability can be used to specify which messages an application needs to capture from within each monitored traffic stream. Additionally, the API enables all ISUP message parameters to be decoded by application request.
SS7 signalling can be monitored to detect call placement and/or service or feature interaction, and to determine parameters such as caller ID (CLI/ANI), circuit identification code (CIC), dialled number, point code (DPC/OPC), redirection number, and time stamp information. This is particularly important for mobile calls, which are substantially more difficult to tap into than fixed networks, because usage could be anywhere where the home operator and its roaming partners provide service.
The SS7 signalling monitor assists in call surveillance, and results in essential information being extracted by an application to trigger local recording (fully associated signalling) or remote recording (quasi-associated/mobile calls) of calls when filtering criteria has been met. The media processing resources of Prosody X can be used to record such calls. Importantly, this enables lawful intercept requirements for capture of both signalling data and call content to be met.
Monitoring systems
Developers and systems integrators can quickly and easily integrate Aculab’s signalling monitor to construct solutions for service providers who have a number of compelling needs. From increasing ARPU, to improving customer satisfaction and meeting lawful intercept obligations, operators have a need for monitoring solutions. Products can be created to capture, filter and record network traffic for analysis, to help manage and optimise fixed and mobile (wireless) networks, to aid management of mobile roaming and billing, and for statutory surveillance purposes.
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