This document addresses the protocol to implement SS7 signaling interconnection in a distributed IPCablecom PSTN Gateway architecture. Specifically, it defines the messages and procedures for transporting SS7 ISUP, TCAP, and TUP messages between the IPCablecom control functions (Media Gateway Controller and Call Management Server) and the SS7 Signaling Gateway.
Areas beyond the scope of the document include:
- Address layer management (SNMP), security, and measurements; these are covered in other IPCablecom documentation.
- Implementation and vendor dependent issues, such as performance, functional distribution, network configuration, etc.
- Details about CMS, MGC, and other media communication applications.
In addition, note that from time to time this document refers to the voice communications capabilities of an IPCablecom network in terms of "IP Telephony." The legal/regulatory classification of IP-based voice communications provided over cable networks and otherwise, and the legal/regulatory obligations, if any, borne by providers of such voice communications, are not yet fully defined by appropriate legal and regulatory authorities and are beyond the scope of this document. Nothing in this document is addressed to, or intended to affect, those issues. In particular, while this document uses standard terms such as "call," "call signaling," "telephony," etc., it should be recalled that while an IPCablecom network performs activities analogous to these PSTN functions, the manner by which it does so differs considerably from the manner in which they are performed in the PSTN by telecommunications carriers, and that these differences may be significant for legal/regulatory purposes. Moreover, while reference is made here to "IP Telephony," it should be recognized that this term embraces a number of different technologies and network architecture, each with different potential associated legal/regulatory obligations. No particular legal/regulatory consequences are assumed or implied by the use of this term.