Signaling Connection Control Part

SCCP provides connectionless and connection-oriented network services above MTP Level 3. While MTP Level 3 provides point codes to allow messages to be addressed to specific signaling points, SCCP provides subsystem numbers to allow messages to be addressed to specific applications (called subsystems) at these signaling points. SCCP is used as the transport layer for TCAP-based services such as freephone (800/888), calling card, local number portability, wireless roaming, and personal communications services (PCS). Global Title Translation

SCCP also provides the means by which an STP can perform global title translation (GTT), a procedure by which the destination signaling point and subsystem number (SSN) is determined from digits (i.e., the global title) present in the signaling message.

The global title digits may be any sequence of digits (e.g., the dialed 800/888 number, calling card number, or mobile subscriber identification number) pertinent to the service requested. Because an STP provides global title translation, originating signaling points do not need to know the destination point code or subsystem number of the associated service. Only the STPs need to maintain a database of destination point codes and subsystem numbers associated with specific services and possible destinations.

SCCP Message Format

The Service Indicator of the Service Information Octet (SIO) is coded 3 (binary 0011) for SCCP. SCCP messages are contained within the Signaling Information Field (SIF) of an MSU. The SIF contains the routing label followed by the SCCP message contents. The SCCP message is comprised of a one-octet message type field which defines the contents of the remainder of the message (Fig. 15).

Figure 15. SCCP Message Format

Each SCCP message contains a mandatory fixed part (mandatory fixed-length parameters), mandatory variable part (mandatory variable-length parameters), and an optional part which may contain fixed-length and variable-length fields. Each optional part parameter is identified by a one-octet parameter code followed by a length indicator ("octets to follow") field. Optional parameters may occur in any order. If optional parameters are included, the end of the optional parameters is indicated by an octet containing all zeros.