SS7 (C7) testing

Common Channel Signalling System No. 7 (SS7 or C7) applies to network equipment. The ITU-T standards define the procedures and protocol by which network elements in the PSTN exchange information over a digital signalling network to effect wireless and wired call setup, routing and control, and to provide enhanced call features.

Signaling System No 7 (SS7) is the generic protocol used within the telecommunications network. The protocol stack is split into 7 levels (as it predates the OSI 7 layer model). There are many different versions of the higher levels of SS7 protocol, each one relating to the particular technology using the network. (eg. ISUP for ISDN, MAP for Mobile, INAP for Intelligent Networks, TUP for basic telephony, etc)

As SS7 is specific to network equipment devices that incorporate this technology generally fall outside of formal regulation. Manufacturers of such devices often have to satisfy specific conformance tests that are set by the purchasing telco.

Conformance Testing

TRaC has extensive knowledge of the different types of SS7 protocol, together with experience of pretesting devices in preparation for formal conformance testing.

Typically conformance testing has to be performed at the telco’s private facilities. As such lead times tend to be very long and failing to satisfy the requirements at the first run through can cause significant delays.

By having pretesting in preparation for the formal conformance tests, many of TRaC’s customers have identified and fixed problem areas well before the formal testing stage. In this way, they have minimised the possibility of any delays.

Below are listed some example test standards that can be pretested at TRaC:

	Definition standard	Test standard
Physical Level	ITU-T G.703	ITU-T G.703
MTP Level	ITU-T Q.701-704	ITU-T Q.781 & 782
User Part Level	ITU-T Q.761-764	ITU-T Q.784.2

The Complete Package

Our managed service includes gaining the necessary Telecoms, Radio, EMC, Safety and Environmental Assessment for your device.

TRaC facilities offers a wide range of accredited Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and wireless testing services. Our experienced staff can assist with all EMC requirements for compliance testing to European and international standards, and can advise on pre-compliance investigative testing, which is invaluable in product development. More »

TRaC can provide safety testing and certification for electronic / electrical products to meet the growing needs for worldwide compliance. More »

TRaC provides environmental testing and evaluation to European and international environmental standards, and to customer bespoke specifications and purchase requirements. TRaC has accreditation to test to a wide range of environmental standards, including many of the IEC60068 series as well as ETSI 300-019. More about climatic testing capabilities » More about dynamic testing capabilities »

Testing at TRaC is only a small part of what we can do to aid you in achieving your "product to market" goals. The Approvals Group at TRaC offers a completely managed service for all key markets around the world. More »

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