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InfoMagic Standards 1994 January
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1991-12-13
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.rs
.\" Troff code generated by TPS Convert from ITU Original Files
.\" Not Copyright ( c) 1991
.\"
.\" Assumes tbl, eqn, MS macros, and lots of luck.
.TA 1c 2c 3c 4c 5c 6c 7c 8c
.ds CH
.ds CF
.EQ
delim @@
.EN
.nr LL 40.5P
.nr ll 40.5P
.nr HM 3P
.nr FM 6P
.nr PO 4P
.nr PD 9p
.po 4P
.rs
\v | 5i'
.sp 2P
.LP
\fBRecommendation\ Q.704\fR
.RT
.sp 2P
.sp 1P
.ce 1000
\fBSIGNALLING\ NETWORK\ FUNCTIONS\ AND\ MESSAGES\fR
.EF '% Fascicle\ VI.7\ \(em\ Rec.\ Q.704''
.OF '''Fascicle\ VI.7\ \(em\ Rec.\ Q.704 %'
.ce 0
.sp 1P
.LP
National option.
.FE
.LP
\fB1\fR \fBIntroduction\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
1.1
\fIGeneral characteristics of the signalling network functions\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
1.1.1
This Recommendation describes the functions and procedures for and relating
to the transfer of messages between the signalling points, which are the
nodes of the signalling network. Such functions and procedures are
performed by the Message Transfer Part at level\ 3, and therefore they assume
that the signalling points are connected by signalling links, incorporating
the functions described in Recommendations\ Q.702 and\ Q.703. The signalling
network functions must ensure a reliable transfer of the signalling messages,
according to the requirements specified in Recommendation\ Q.706, even
in the
case of the failure of signalling links and signalling transfer points;
therefore, they include the appropriate functions and procedures necessary
both to inform the remote parts of the signalling network of the consequences
of a fault, and to appropriately reconfigure the routing of messages through
the
signalling network.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
1.1.2
According to these principles, the signalling network functions
can be divided into two basic categories, namely:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
\fIsignalling message handling\fR , and
.LP
\(em
\fIsignalling network management\fR .
.PP
The signalling message handling functions are briefly summarized in \(sc\
1.2, the signalling network management functions in \(sc\ 1.3. The
functional interrelations between these functions are indicated in
Figure\ 1/Q.704.
.sp 2P
.LP
1.2
\fISignalling message handling\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
1.2.1
The purpose of the signalling message handling functions is to
ensure that the signalling messages originated by a particular User Part
at a signalling point (originating point) are delivered to the same User
Part at the destination point indicated by the sending User Part.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Depending on the particular circumstances, this delivery may be
made through a signalling link directly interconnecting the originating and
destination points, or via one or more intermediate signalling transfer
points.
.PP
1.2.2
The signalling message handling functions are based on the
label contained in the messages which explicitly identifies the destination
and originating points.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The label part used for signalling message handling by the Message Transfer
Part is called the \fIrouting label\fR ; its characteristics are described
in\ \(sc\ 2.
.PP
1.2.3
As illustrated in Figure\ 1/Q.704, the signalling message
handling functions are divided into:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
the
\fImessage routing\fR | unction
, used at each
signalling point to determine the outgoing signalling link on which a message
has to be sent towards its destination point;
.LP
\(em
the
\fImessage discrimination\fR | unction
, used at a
signalling point to determine whether or not a received message is destined
to the point itself. When the signalling point has the transfer capability
and a message is not destined to it, that message has to be transferred
to the
message routing function;
.LP
\(em
the
\fImessage distribution\fR | unction
, used at each
signalling point to deliver the received messages (destined to the point
itself) to the appropriate User Part.
.PP
The characteristics of the message routing, discrimination and
distribution functions are described in\ \(sc\ 2.
.bp
.LP
.rs
.sp 33P
.ad r
\fBFigure 1/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
1.3
\fISignalling network management\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
1.3.1
The purpose of the signalling network management functions is to provide
reconfiguration of the signalling network in the case of failures and to
control traffic in case of congestion. Such a reconfiguration is effected
by use of appropriate procedures to change the routing of signalling traffic
in
order to bypass the faulty links or signalling points; this requires
communication between signalling points (and, in particular, the signalling
transfer points) concerning the occurrence of the failures. Moreover, in
some circumstances it is necessary to activate and align new signalling
links, in
order to restore the required signalling traffic capacity between two
signalling points. When the faulty link or signalling point is restored, the
opposite actions and procedures take place, in order to reestablish the
normal configuration of the signalling network.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
1.3.2
As illustrated in Figure\ 1/Q.704, the signalling network
management functions are divided into:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
\fIsignalling traffic management\fR ,
.LP
\(em
\fIsignalling link management\fR , and
.LP
\(em
\fIsignalling route management\fR .
.PP
These functions are used whenever an event (such as the failure or restoration
of a signalling link) occurs in the signalling network; the list of the
possible events and the general criteria used in relation to each
signalling network management function are specified in \(sc\ 3.
.bp
.PP
1.3.3
\(sc\(sc 4 to 11 specify the procedures pertaining to signalling
traffic management. In particular, the rules to be followed for the
modification of signalling routing appear in \(sc\ 4. The diversion of
traffic according to these rules is made, depending on the particular
circumstances, by means of one of the following procedures: \fIchangeover\fR ,
\fIchangeback\fR , \fIforced rerouting\fR , \fIcontrolled rerouting\fR
and \fIsignalling point\fR \fIrestart\fR . They are specified in \(sc\(sc\
5 to\ 9 respectively. A signalling link may be made unavailable to User
Part generated traffic by means of the management inhibiting procedure
described in \(sc\ 10. Moreover, in the case of congestion at signalling
points, the signalling traffic management may need to slow down
signalling traffic on certain routes by using the \fIsignalling traffic
flow\fR
\fIcontrol\fR procedure specified in \(sc\ 11.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
1.3.4
The different procedures pertaining to signalling link
management are: \fIrestoration\fR , \fIactivation\fR and \fIinactivation\fR
of a signalling link, \fIlink set activation\fR and \fIautomatic allocation\fR
of signalling terminals and signalling data links. These procedures are
specified in \(sc\ 12.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
1.3.5
The different procedures pertaining to signalling route
management are: the \fItransfer\(hyprohibited\fR , \fItransfer\(hyallowed\fR ,
\fItransfer\(hyrestricted\fR , \fItransfer\(hycontrolled\fR ,
\fIsignalling\(hyroute\(hyset\(hytest\fR and
\fIsignalling\(hyroute \(hyset\(hycongestion\(hytest\fR procedures
specified in \(sc\ 13.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
1.3.6
The format characteristics, common to all message signal units
which are relevant to the Message Transfer Part, level\ 3, are specified in
\(sc\ 14.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
1.3.7
Labelling, formatting and coding of the signalling network
management messages are specified in \(sc\ 15.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
1.3.8
The description of signalling network functions in the form of
state transition diagrams according to the CCITT Specification and Description
Language (SDL) is given in \(sc\ 16.
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\fB2\fR \fBSignalling message handling\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
2.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
2.1.1
Signalling message handling comprises message routing,
discrimination and distribution functions which are performed at each
signalling point in the signalling network.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Message routing is a function concerning the messages to be sent, while
message distribution is a function concerning the received messages. The
functional relations between message routing and distribution appear in
Figure\ 2/Q.704.
.LP
.rs
.sp 13P
.ad r
\fBFigure 2/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.bp
.PP
2.1.2
When a message comes from level\ 4 (or is originated at level\ 3,
in the case of Message Transfer Part level 3\ messages), the choice of the
particular signalling link on which it has to be sent is made by the message
routing function. When two or more links are used at the same time to carry
traffic having a given destination, this traffic is distributed among them
by the load sharing function, which is a part of the message routing
function.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
2.1.3
When a message comes from level 2, the discrimination function
is activated, in order to determine whether it is destined to another
signalling point. When the signalling point has the transfer capability
and the received message is not destined to it, the message has to be transmitted
on an outgoing link according to the routing function.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
2.1.4
In the case that the message is destined to the receiving
signalling point, the message distribution function is activated in order to
deliver it to the appropriate User Part (or to the local Message Transfer
Part level\ 3 functions).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
2.1.5
Message routing, discrimination and distribution are based on
the part of the label called the routing label, on the service indicator
and, in national networks, also on the network indicator. They can also
be
influenced by different factors, such as a request (automatic or manual)
obtained from a management system.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
2.1.6
The position and coding of the service indicator and of the
network indicator are described in \(sc\ 14.2. The characteristics of the
label of the messages pertaining to the various User Parts are described
in the
specification of each separate User Part and in \(sc\ 15 for the signalling
network management messages. The label used for signalling network management
messages is also used for testing and maintenance messages (see
Recommendation\ Q.707). Moreover, the general characteristics of the routing
label are described in \(sc\ 2.2.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A description of the detailed characteristics of the message
routing function, including load sharing, appears in \(sc\ 2.3; principles
concerning the number of load\(hyshared links appear in
Recommendation\ Q.705.
.PP
A description of the detailed characteristics of the message
discrimination and distribution functions appears in \(sc\ 2.4.
.RT
.PP
2.1.7
In addition to the normal signalling message handling
procedures it may, as an option, be possible to prevent the unauthorized
use of the message transfer capability of a node. The procedures to be
used are
implementation\(hydependent and further information is given in
Recommendation\ Q.705, \(sc\ 8.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
2.2
\fIRouting label\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
2.2.1
The label contained in a signalling message, and used by the
relevant User Part to identify the particular task to which the message
refers (e.g.\ a telephone circuit), is also used by the Message Transfer
Part to route the message towards its destination point.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The part of the message label that is used for routing is called the \fIrouting
label\fR | nd it contains the information necessary to deliver
the message to its destination point.
.PP
Normally the routing label is common to all the services and
applications in a given signalling network, national or international
(however, if this is not the case, the particular routing label of a message
is determined by means of the service indicator).
.PP
The standard routing label is specified in the following. This label should
be used in the international signalling network and is applicable also
in national applications.
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ There may be applications using a modified label having
the same order and function, but possibly different sizes, of sub\(hyfields
as the
standard routing label.
.RT
.PP
2.2.2
The standard routing label has a length of 32\ bits and is
placed at the beginning of the Signalling Information Field. Its structure
appears in Figure\ 3/Q.704.
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 15P
.ad r
\fBFigure 3/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.PP
2.2.3
The
\fIdestination point code\fR | DPC)
indicates the
destination point of the message. The
\fIoriginating point code\fR (OPC)
indicates the originating point of the message. The coding of these codes is
pure binary. Within each field, the least significant bit occupies the first
position and is transmitted first.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A unique numbering scheme for the coding of the fields will be
used for the signalling points of the international network, irrespective of
the User Parts connected to each signalling point.
.PP
2.2.4
The
\fIsignalling link selection\fR | SLS)
field is used,
where appropriate, in performing load sharing (see \(sc\ 2.3). This field
exists
in all types of messages and always in the same position. The only exception
to this rule is some Message Transfer Part level\ 3 messages (e.g.,\ the
changeover order), for which the message routing function in the signalling
point of
origin of the message is not dependent on the field: in this particular case
the field does not exist as such, but it is replaced by other information
(e.g.,\ in the case of the changeover order, the identity of the faulty
link).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In the case of circuit related messages of the TUP, the field
contains the least significant bits of the circuit identification code (or
bearer identification code, in the case of the Data User Part), and these
bits are not repeated elsewhere. In the case of all other User Parts, the
SLS is an independent field in accordance with the criteria stated in \(sc\
2.2.5.
.PP
In the case of Message Transfer Part level 3 messages, the signalling link
selection field exactly corresponds to the \fIsignalling link code\fR (SLC)
which indicates the signalling link between the destination point and
originating point to which the message refers.
.RT
.PP
2.2.5
From the rule stated in \(sc 2.2.4 above, it follows that the
signalling link selection of messages generated by any User Parts will
be used in the load sharing mechanism. As a consequence, in the case of
User Parts
which are not specified (e.g.,\ transfer of charging information) but for
which there is the requirement to maintain the order of transmission of
the messages, the field should be coded with the same value for all messages
belonging to the same transaction, sent in a given direction.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
2.2.6
The above principles should also apply to modified label
structures that may be used nationally.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
2.3
\fIMessage routing function\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
2.3.1
The message routing function is based on information
contained in the routing label, namely on the destination point code and
on the signalling link selection field; moreover, in some circumstances
the service indicator may also need to be used for routing purposes.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ A possible case for the use of the service indicator
is that which would arise from the use of messages supporting the signalling
route management function (i.e.\ transfer\(hyprohibited, transfer\(hyallowed
and
signalling\(hyroute\(hyset\(hymessages) referring to a destination more
restrictive than a single signalling point (e.g.,\ an individual User Part)
(see \(sc\ 13).
Some specific routing may be required for the MTP Testing User Part (for
further study).
.bp
.PP
The number of such cases should be kept to a minimum in order to apply
the same routing criteria to as many User Parts as possible.
.PP
Each signalling point will have routing information that allows it to determine
the signalling link over which a message has to be sent on the basis of
the destination point code and signalling link selection field and, in
some cases, of the network indicator (see \(sc\ 2.4.3). Typically the destination
point code is associated with more than one signalling link that may be
used to carry the message; the selection of the particular signalling link
is made by means of the signalling link selection field, thus effecting
load
sharing.
.RT
.PP
2.3.2
Two basic cases of load sharing are defined, namely:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
load sharing between links belonging to the same link
set,
.LP
b)
load sharing between links not belonging to the same link
set.
.PP
A load sharing collection of one or more link sets is called a
combined link set.
.PP
The capability to operate in load sharing according to both these
cases is mandatory for any signalling point in the international network.
.PP
In case a), the traffic flow carried by a link set is shared (on the basis
of the signalling link selection field) between different signalling
links belonging to the link set. An example of such a case is given by
a link set directly interconnecting the originating and destination points
in the
associated mode of operation, such as represented in Figure\ 4/Q.704.
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 7P
.ad r
\fBFigure 4/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.PP
In case b) traffic relating to a given destination is shared (on the basis
of the signalling link selection field) between different signalling links
not belonging to the same link set, such as represented in
Figure\ 5/Q.704. The load sharing rule used for a particular signalling
relation may or may not apply to all the signalling relations which use
one of the signalling links involved (in the example, traffic destined
to B is shared between signalling links\ DE and DF with a given signalling
link selection field assignment, while that destined to C is sent only
on link\ DF, due to the
failure of link\ EC).
.PP
As a result of the message routing function, in normal conditions all the
messages having the same routing label (e.g.,\ call set\(hyup messages
related to a given circuit) are routed via the same signalling links and
signalling
transfer points.
.PP
Principles relating to the number of load\(hyshared links appear in
Recommendation\ Q.705.
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 12P
.ad r
\fBFigure 5/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.bp
.PP
2.3.3
The routing information mentioned in \(sc\ 2.3.1 should be
appropriately updated when some event happens in the signalling network,
which is relevant to the concerned signalling point (e.g.,\ failure of
a signalling
link or unavailability of a signalling route). The updating of the routing
information is made according to the particular event (see \(sc\ 3) and to
the signalling routing modification rules specified in \(sc\ 4. If a signalling
transfer point receives a message for destination point code which according
to the routing information does not exist, the message is discarded and
an
indication is given to a management system.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
2.3.4
\fIHandling of level 3 messages\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
2.3.4.1\ \ Messages not related to a signalling link have the signalling
link code\ 0000 (e.g.,\ transfer prohibited and transfer allowed). They are
handled in accordance with the normal routing function, where the signalling
link code (SLC) is used in the same way as SLS for load sharing.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
2.3.4.2\ \ Messages related to a signalling link should be subdivided into
2\ groups:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
Messages that are to be transmitted over a specific
signalling link (e.g., changeback declaration (see \(sc\ 6) and signalling link
test messages (Recommendation Q.707)), where a special routing function must
ensure that these messages are transmitted exclusively over a particular
signalling link.
.LP
b)
Messages that must not be transmitted over a specific
signalling link (e.g., changeover messages and emergency changeover messages
(see \(sc\ 5)), whose transmission over the signalling link defined by the SLC
contained in the label must be avoided.
.sp 2P
.LP
2.3.5
\fIHandling of messages under signalling link congestion\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
2.3.5.1\ \ In the international signalling network, congestion priorities
of messages are only assigned and the decision to discard under congestion
is only made within each User Part. Message discard will only occur in
the MTP
should there be an extreme resource limitation (for the MTP there is no
congestion priority).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In national signalling networks, each message may be assigned by its generating
User Part a congestion priority. This is used by the MTP to
determine whether or not a message should be discarded under signalling link
congestion. \fIN\fR \ +\ 1 levels of congestion priority (0\ \(=\ \fIN\fR
\ \(=\ 3) levels are
accommodated in the signalling network, with 0 being the lowest and \fIN\fR the
highest.
.PP
In national signalling networks using more than one congestion
priority, the highest priority is assigned to signalling network management
messages.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
2.3.5.2
\fIIn national signalling networks using multiple congestion\fR
\fIpriorities\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When a signalling link has been selected for transmitting a
message, comparison of the congestion priority of the message is made with
the congestion status of the selected signalling link (see \(sc\ 3.8). If the
congestion priority is not less than the signalling link congestion status,
that message is transmitted using the selected signalling link.
.PP
Otherwise, a transfer\(hycontrolled message is sent in response as
specified in \(sc\ 13.7. In this case, the disposition of the concerned message
is determined according to the following criteria:
.RT
.LP
i)
If the congestion priority of the message is greater than or equal to
the signalling link discard status, the message is transmitted.
.LP
ii)
If the congestion priority of the message is less than the
signalling link discard status, the message is discarded.
.sp 2P
.LP
2.4
\fIMessage discrimination and distribution functions\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
2.4.1
The routing criteria and load sharing method described in
\(sc\ 2.3 imply that a signalling point, sending messages pertaining to
a given signalling transaction on a given link, should be able to receive
and process messages pertaining to that transaction, e.g.,\ in response
to the sent ones, coming from any (but only one) link.
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The destination point code field of the received message is
examined by the discrimination function in order to determine whether or not
it is destined to the receiving signalling point. When the receiving
signalling point has the transfer capability and the message is not destined
to it, that message has to be directed to the routing function, as described
in
the previous sections, in order to be sent on the appropriate outgoing link
towards the message destination point.
.PP
When a signalling transfer point detects that a received message
cannot be delivered to its destination point, it sends in response a
transfer\(hyprohibited message as specified in \(sc\ 13.2.
.RT
.PP
2.4.2
If the destination point code of the message identifies the
receiving signalling point, the service indicator is examined by the message
distribution function and the message is delivered to the corresponding User
Part (or to the Message Transfer Part level\ 3).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Should a User become unavailable (User unavailability is an
implementation dependent notion), this is detected by
the MTP. Whether the distribution marked accordingly is implementation
dependent.
.PP
When the distribution function detects that a received message cannot be
delivered to the required User (implementation dependent criteria), a User
Part Unavailable message should be returned to the originating end on a
response basis. In the originating signalling point, the relevant User Part
should be informed via an MTP\(hySTATUS primitive. A mandatory parameter Cause
is included in the MTP status indication with two possible
values:
.RT
.LP
\(em
Signalling Network Congestion,
.LP
\(em
User Part Unavailability.
.PP
The User Part should reduce its traffic in an appropriate manner and take
specific actions.
.PP
2.4.3\fR In the case of a signalling point handling both international
and national signalling traffic (e.g.,\ an international gateway exchange),
the network indicator is also examined in order to determine the relevant
numbering scheme (international or national) and possibly the label structure.
Moreover, within a national network, the network indicator may be examined
to discriminate between different label structures or between different
signalling point numbering if dependent on the network levels (see \(sc\
14.2).
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\fB3\fR \fBSignalling network management\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
3.1.1
The signalling network management functions provide the actions and procedures
required to maintain signalling service, and to restore normal signalling
conditions in the event of disruption in the signalling network,
either in signalling links or at signalling points. The disruption may be
in the form of complete loss of a signalling link or a signalling point,
or in reduced accessibility due to congestion. For example, in the case
of a link
failure, the traffic conveyed over the faulty link should be diverted to
one or more alternative links. The link failure may also result in unavailable
signalling routes and this, in turn, may cause diversion of traffic at other
signalling points in the signalling network (i.e.,\ signalling points to
which no faulty links are connected).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
3.1.2
The occurrence of, or recovery from failures or congestion
generally results in a change of the status of the affected signalling
link(s) and route(s). A signalling link may be considered by level\ 3,
either as
\*Qavailable\*U or \*Qunavailable\*U to carry signalling traffic; in particular,
an
available signalling link becomes unavailable if it is recognized as \*Qfailed\*U,
\*Qdeactivated\*U \*Qblocked
.FS
The \*Qblocked\*U condition arises when the
unavailability of a signalling link does not depend on a failure in the link
itself, but on other causes, such as a \*Qprocessor outage\*U condition in a
signalling point.
.FE
\*U or \*Qinhibited\*U, and it becomes once again available if it is recognized
as \*Qrestored\*U, \*Qactivated\*U, \*Qunblocked\*U or \*Quninhibited\*U
respectively. A signalling route may be considered by level\ 3 as \*Qavailable\*U,
\*Qrestricted\*U or \*Qunavailable\*U too. A signalling point may be \*Qavailable\*U
or
\*Qunavailable\*U. A signalling route set may be \*Qcongested\*U or \*Quncongested\*U.
The detailed criteria for the determination of the changes in the status
of
signalling links, routes and points are described in \(sc\(sc\ 3.2, 3.4
and\ 3.6
respectively.
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
.sp 1
.bp
.PP
3.1.3
Whenever a change in the status of a signalling link, route or
point occurs, the three different signalling network management functions
(i.e.,\ signalling traffic management, link management and route management)
are activated, when appropriate, as follows:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
The signalling traffic management function is used to divert signalling
traffic from a link or route to one or more different links or
routes, to restart a signalling point, or to temporarily slow down signalling
traffic in the case of congestion at a signalling point; it comprises the
following procedures:
.LP
\(em
changeover (see \(sc\ 5),
.LP
\(em
changeback (see \(sc\ 6),
.LP
\(em
forced rerouting (see \(sc\ 7),
.LP
\(em
controlled rerouting (see \(sc\ 8),
.LP
\(em
signalling point restart (see \(sc\ 9),
.LP
\(em
management inhibiting (see \(sc\ 10),
.LP
\(em
signalling traffic flow control (see \(sc\ 11).
.LP
b)
The signalling link management function is used to restore failed signalling
links, to activate idle (not yet aligned) links and to
deactivate aligned signalling links; it comprises the following procedures
(see\ \(sc\ 12):
.LP
\(em
signalling link activation, restoration and
deactivation,
.LP
\(em
link set activation,
.LP
\(em
automatic allocation of signalling terminals and
signalling data links.
.LP
c)
The signalling route management function is used to
distribute information about the signalling network status, in
order to block or unblock signalling routes; it comprises the
following procedures:
.LP
\(em
transfer\(hycontrolled procedure (see \(sc\(sc\ 13.6, 13.7
and 13.8),
.LP
\(em
transfer\(hyprohibited procedure (see \(sc\ 13.2),
.LP
\(em
transfer\(hyallowed procedure (see \(sc\ 13.3),
.LP
\(em
transfer\(hyrestricted procedure (see \(sc\ 13.4),
.LP
\(em
signalling\(hyroute\(hyset\(hytest procedure (see \(sc\ 13.5),
.LP
\(em
signalling\(hyroute\(hyset\(hycongestion test procedure (see
\(sc\ 13.9).
.PP
3.1.4
An overview of the use of the procedures relating to the
different management functions on occurrence of the link, route and point
status changes is given in \(sc\(sc\ 3.3, 3.5 and\ 3.7 respectively.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.2
\fIStatus of signalling links\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
3.2.1
A signalling link is always considered by level\ 3 in one of two possible
major states: available and unavailable. Depending on the cause of
unavailability, the unavailable state can be subdivided into seven possible
cases as follows (see also Figure\ 6/Q.704):
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
unavailable, failed or inactive,
.LP
\(em
unavailable, blocked,
.LP
\(em
unavailable (failed or inactive) and blocked,
.LP
\(em
unavailable, inhibited,
.LP
\(em
unavailable, inhibited and (failed or inactive),
.LP
\(em
unavailable, inhibited and blocked,
.LP
\(em
unavailable, (failed or inactive), blocked and
inhibited.
.PP
The concerned link can be used to carry signalling traffic only if it is
available except possibly for certain classes of test and management
messages. Eight possible events can change the status of a link: signalling
link failure, restoration, deactivation, activation, blocking, unblocking,
inhibiting and uninhibiting; they are described in \(sc\(sc\ 3.2.2 to\ 3.2.9.
.bp
.sp 1P
.LP
3.2.2
\fISignalling link failure\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link (in service or blocked, see \(sc\ 3.2.6) is
recognized by level\ 3 as failed when:
.RT
.LP
a)
A link failure indication is obtained from level\ 2. The
indication may be caused by:
.LP
\(em
intolerably high signal unit error rate (see
Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 10);
.LP
\(em
excessive length of the realignment period (see
Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\(sc\ 4.1 and\ 7);
.LP
\(em
excessive delay of acknowledgements (see
Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\(sc\ 5.3 and\ 6.3);
.LP
\(em
failure of signalling terminal equipment;
.LP
\(em
two out of three unreasonable backward sequence numbers or forward indicator
bits (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\(sc\ 5.3 and\ 6.3);
.LP
\(em
reception of consecutive link status signal units
indicating out of alignment, out of service, normal or emergency terminal
status (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 1.7);
.LP
\(em
excessive periods of level 2 congestion (see
Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 9).
.LP
The first two conditions are detected by the \fIsignal unit\fR \fIerror
rate monitor\fR (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 10).
.LP
b)
A request (automatic or manual) is obtained from a
management or maintenance system.
.PP
Moreover a signalling link which is available (not blocked) is
recognized by level\ 3 as failed when a changeover order is received.
.sp 1P
.LP
3.2.3
\fISignalling link restoration\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link previously failed is restored when both ends of the signalling
link have successfully completed an initial alignment procedure (see Recommendation\
Q.703, \(sc\ 7).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.2.4
\fISignalling link deactivation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link (in service, failed or blocked) is recognized by level\
3 as deactivated (i.e.,\ removed from operation) when:
.RT
.LP
a)
a request is obtained from the signalling link management
function (see \(sc\ 12);
.LP
b)
a request (automatic or manual) is obtained from an external management
or maintenance system.
.sp 1P
.LP
3.2.5
\fISignalling link activation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link previously inactive is recognized by level\ 3 as activated
when both ends of the signalling link have successfully completed an initial
alignment procedure (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.2.6
\fISignalling link blocking\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link (in service, failed or inactive) is recognized as blocked
when an indication is obtained from the signalling terminal that a
processor outage condition exists at the remote terminal (i.e.,\ link status
signal units with processor outage indication are received, see
Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 8).
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ A link becomes unavailable when it is failed or
deactivated or [(failed or deactivated) and blocked] or inhibited. See
Figure\ 6/Q.704.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.2.7
\fISignalling link unblocking\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link previously blocked is unblocked when an
indication is obtained from the signalling terminal that the processor
outage condition has ceased at the remote terminal. (Applies in the case
when the
processor outage condition was initiated by the remote terminal.)
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ A link becomes available when it is restored or activated
or unblocked, or [(restored or activated) and (unblocked)] or uninhibited.
See Figure\ 6/Q.704.
.bp
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 47P
.ad r
\fBFigure 6/Q.704 (feuillet 1 sur 4), (MC), p.6\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.bp
.LP
.rs
.sp 24P
.ad r
\fBFigure 6/Q.704 (feuillet 2 sur 4), (MC), p.7\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 25P
.ad r
\fBFigure 6/Q.704 (feuillet 3 sur 4), (MC), p.8\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.bp
.LP
.rs
.sp 32P
.ad r
\fBFigure 6/Q.704 (feuillet 4 sur 4), (MC), p.9\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.2.8
\fISignalling link inhibiting\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link is recognized as inhibited when:
.RT
.LP
a)
an acknowledgement is received from a remote signalling
point in response to an inhibit request sent to the remote end by the local
signalling link management. Level\ 3 has marked the link locally inhibited;
.LP
b)
upon receipt of a request from a remote signalling point to inhibit a
link and successful determination that no destination will become
inaccessible by inhibiting the link, the link has been marked remotely
inhibited by level\ 3.
.sp 1P
.LP
3.2.9
\fISignalling link uninhibiting\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link previously inhibited is uninhibited
when:
.RT
.LP
a)
a request is received to uninhibit the link from a remote end or from
a local routing function;
.LP
b)
an acknowledgement is received from a remote signalling point in response
to an uninhibit request sent to the remote end by the local
signalling link management.
.bp
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3
\fIProcedures used in connection with\fR
\fIlink status changes\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In \(sc 3.3, the procedures relating to each signalling management
function, which are applied in connection with link status changes, are
listed. See also Figures\ 6/Q.704, 7/Q.704 and\ 8/Q.704. Typical examples
of the
application of the procedures to the particular network cases appear in
Recommendation\ Q.705.
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 48P
.ad r
\fBFigure 7/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.bp
.LP
.rs
.sp 47P
.ad r
\fBFigure 8/Q.704, (N), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.bp
.sp 2P
.LP
3.3.1
\fISignalling link failed\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.1.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: the changeover procedure (see
\(sc\ 5) is applied, if required, to divert signalling traffic from the
unavailable link to one or more alternative links with the objective of
avoiding message loss, repetition or mis\(hysequencing; it includes determination
of the alternative link or links where the affected traffic can be transferred
and procedures to retrieve messages sent over the failed link but not received
by the far end.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.1.2\ \ Signalling link management: the procedures described in
\(sc\ 12 are used to restore a signalling link and to make it available for
signalling. Moreover, depending on the link set status, the procedures
can also be used to activate another signalling link in the same link set
to which the unavailable link belongs and to make it available for signalling.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.1.3\ \ Signalling route management: in the case when the failure
of a signalling link causes a signalling route set to become unavailable or
restricted
, the signalling transfer point which can no longer route
the concerned signalling traffic applies the transfer\(hyprohibited procedures
or transfer\(hyrestricted
procedures described in \(sc\ 13.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.3.2
\fISignalling link restored\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.2.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: the changeback procedure
(see \(sc\ 6) is applied, if required, to divert signalling traffic from one
or more links to a link which has become available; it includes determination
of the traffic to be diverted and procedures for maintaining the correct
message sequence.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.2.2\ \ Signalling link management: the signalling link
deactivation procedure (see \(sc\ 12) is used if, during the signalling link
failure, another signalling link of the same link set was activated; it
is used to assure that the link set status is returned to the same state
as before the failure. This requires that the active link activated during
the link failure is deactivated and considered no longer available for
signalling.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.2.3\ \ Signalling route management: in the case when the
restoration of a signalling link causes a signalling route set to become
available, the signalling transfer point which can once again route the
concerned signalling traffic applies the transfer\(hyallowed procedures
described in \(sc\ 13.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.3.3
\fISignalling link deactivated\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.3.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: as specified in \(sc\ 3.3.1.1.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ The signalling traffic has normally already been removed
when signalling link deactivation is initiated.
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.3.2\ \ Signalling link management: if the number of active
signalling links in the link set to which the deactivated signalling link
belongs has become less than the normal number of active signalling links in
that link set, the procedures described in \(sc\ 12 may be used to activate
another signalling link in the link set.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.3.3\ \ Signalling route management: as specified in \(sc\ 3.3.1.3.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.3.4
\fISignalling link activated\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.4.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: as specified in \(sc\ 3.3.2.1.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.4.2\ \ Signalling link management: if the number of active
signalling links in the link set to which the activated signalling link
belongs has become greater than the normal number of active signalling
links in that
link set, the procedures described in \(sc\ 12 may be used to deactivate
another signalling link in the link set.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.4.3\ \ Signalling route management: as specified in \(sc\ 3.3.2.3.
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.3.5
\fISignalling link blocked\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.5.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: as specified in \(sc 3.3.1.1.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
As a national option, local processor outage may also be applied to the
affected signalling link before commencement of the appropriate signalling
traffic management option. On completion of that signalling traffic management
action, local processor outage is removed from the affected signalling
link. No further signalling traffic management will be performed on that
affected
signalling link until a timer T24 (see \(sc\ 16.8) has expired or been
cancelled, thus allowing time for indications from the remote end to stabilize
as it
carries out any signalling traffic management of its own.
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.5.2\ \ Signalling route management: if the blocking of the link
causes a signalling route set to become unavailable or restricted
,
the signalling transfer point which can no longer route the concerned
signalling traffic applies the transfer\(hyprohibited or transfer\(hyrestricted
procedures described in \(sc\ 13.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.3.6
\fISignalling link unblocked\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.6.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: the actions will be the
same as in \(sc\ 3.3.2.1.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.6.2\ \ Signalling route management: if the link unblocked
causes a signalling route set to become available, the signalling transfer
point which can once again route the signalling traffic in that route set
applies the transfer\(hyallowed procedures described in \(sc\ 13.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.3.7
\fISignalling link inhibited\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
3.3.7.1
Signalling traffic management: as specified in \(sc\ 3.3.1.1.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.7.2\ \ Signalling link management: as specified in \(sc\ 3.3.3.2.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.3.8
\fISignalling link uninhibited\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.8.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: as specified in \(sc\ 3.3.2.1.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.8.2\ \ Signalling link management: as specified in \(sc\ 3.3.4.2.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.3.8.3\ \ Signalling route management: if the link uninhibited causes a
signalling route set to become available, the signalling transfer point
which can once again route the signalling traffic in that route set applies
the
transfer\(hyallowed procedures described in \(sc\ 13.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.4
\fIStatus of signalling routes\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling route can be in three states for signalling traffic
having the concerned destination; these are available, restricted
,
unavailable (see also Figure\ 6/Q.704).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.4.1
\fISignalling route unavailability\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling route becomes unavailable when a transfer\(hyprohibited message,
indicating that signalling traffic towards a particular destination
cannot be transferred via the signalling transfer point sending the concerned
message, is received (see \(sc\ 13).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.4.2
\fISignalling route availability\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling route becomes available when a transfer\(hyallowed
message, indicating that signalling traffic towards a particular destination
can be transferred via the signalling transfer point sending the concerned
message, is received (see \(sc\ 13).
.RT
.LP
.sp 1
.bp
.sp 1P
.LP
3.4.3
\fISignalling route restricted\fR |
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling route becomes restricted when a transfer\(hyrestricted
message, indicating that the signalling traffic towards a particular
destination is being transferred with some difficulty via the signalling
transfer point sending the concerned message is received (see \(sc\ 13).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.5
\fIProcedures used in connection with\fR
\fIroute status changes\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In \(sc 3.5 the procedures relating to each signalling management
function, which in general are applied in connection with route status
changes, are listed. See also Figures\ 6/Q.704 and 8/Q.704. Typical examples
of the
application of the procedures to particular network cases appear in
Recommendation\ Q.705.
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.5.1
\fISignalling route unavailable\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.5.1.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: the forced rerouting procedure
(see \(sc\ 7) is applied; it is used to transfer signalling traffic to the
concerned destination from the link set, belonging to the unavailable route,
to an alternative link set which terminates in another signalling transfer
point. It includes actions to determine the alternative route.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.5.1.2\ \ Signalling route management: because of the unavailability
of the signalling route, the network is reconfigured; in the case that a
signalling transfer point can no longer route the concerned signalling
traffic, it applies the procedures described in \(sc\ 13.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.5.2
\fISignalling route available\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.5.2.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: the controlled rerouting
procedure (see \(sc\ 8) is applied; it is used to transfer signalling traffic
to the concerned destination from a signalling link or link set belonging to
an available route, to another link set which terminates in another signalling
transfer point. It includes the determination of which traffic should be
diverted and procedures for maintaining the correct message sequence.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.5.2.2\ \ Signalling route management: because of the restored
availability of the signalling route, the network is reconfigured; in the
case that a signalling transfer point can once again route the concerned
signalling traffic, it applies the procedures described in \(sc\ 13.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.5.3
\fISignalling route restricted\fR |
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.5.3.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: the controlled rerouting
procedure (see \(sc\ 8) is applied; it is used to transfer signalling traffic
to
the concerned destination from the link set belonging to the restricted
route, to an alternative link set if one is available to give more, if
possible,
efficient routing. It includes actions to determine the alternative
route.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.5.3.2\ \ Signalling route management: because of restricted availability
of the signalling route, the network routing is, if possible, reconfigured;
procedures described in \(sc\ 13 are used to advise adjacent signalling
points.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.6
\fIStatus of signalling points\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling point can be in two states; available or unavailable (see
Figure\ 6/Q.704). However, implementation dependent congestion states may
exist.
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.6.1
\fISignalling point unavailability\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.6.1.1\ \ Unavailability of a signalling point itself: A signalling point
becomes unavailable when all connected signalling links are unavailable.
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
.sp 1
.bp
.sp 1P
.LP
3.6.1.2\ \ Unavailability of an adjacent signalling point: A signalling
point considers that an adjacent signalling point becomes unavailable
when:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
all signalling links connected to the adjacent signalling
point are unavailable and
.LP
\(em
the adjacent signalling point is inaccessible.
.sp 2P
.LP
3.6.2
\fISignalling point availability\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.6.2.1\ \ Availability of a signalling point itself: A signalling point
becomes available when at least one signalling link connected to this
signalling point becomes available.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.6.2.2\ \ Availability of an adjacent signalling point: A signalling point
considers that an adjacent signalling point becomes available when:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
at least one signalling link connected to the adjacent
signalling point becomes available and that signalling point has restarted,
or
.LP
\(em
the adjacent signalling point becomes accessible on the
reception of a transfer allowed message or a transfer restricted
message (see \(sc\ 13.4).
.sp 2P
.LP
3.7
\fIProcedure used in connection with point status changes\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.7.1
\fISignalling point unavailable\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
There is no specific procedure used when a signalling point becomes unavailable.
The transfer prohibited procedure is used to update the status of the recovered
routes in all nodes of the signalling network (see \(sc\ 13.2).
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.7.2
\fISignalling point available\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.7.2.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: the signalling point restart
procedure (see \(sc\ 9) is applied; it is used to restart the traffic between
the signalling network and the signalling point which becomes available.
This
restart is based on the following criteria:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
avoid loss of messages
.LP
\(em
limit the level 3 load due to the restart of a signalling
point
.LP
\(em
restart, as much as possible, simultaneously in both
directions of the signalling relations.
.sp 1P
.LP
3.7.2.2\ \ Signalling link management: The first step of the signalling
point restart procedure attempts to restore the signalling links of the
point which becomes available; the signalling link restoration procedure
is used (see
\(sc\ 12);
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.7.2.3\ \ Signalling route management: The second step of the signalling
point restart procedure consists of updating the signalling route states
before carrying traffic to the point which becomes available and in all
adjacent
points; the transfer prohibited and transfer restricted
procedures are
used (see \(sc\ 13).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
3.7.3
Signalling point congested: (implementation\(hydependent option,
see \(sc\ 11.2.6).
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
3.8
\fISignalling network congestion\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In \(sc\ 3.8, criteria for the determination of signalling link
congestion status and signalling route set congestion status are specified.
The procedures relating to each signalling network management function,
which
in general are applied in connection with congestion status changes, are
listed.
.RT
.LP
.sp 1
.bp
.sp 2P
.LP
3.8.2
\fICongestion status of signalling links\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.2.1\ \ When predetermined levels of MSU fill in the transmission or
retransmission buffer are crossed, an indication is given to level\ 3 advising
of congestion/congestion abatement. The location and setting of the congestion
thresholds are considered to be implementation\(hydependent.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ The criterion for setting the congestion thresholds is
based on: (1) the proportion of the total (transmit and retransmit) buffer
capacity that is occupied, and/or (2) the total number of messages in the
transmit and retransmit buffers. (The buffer capacity below the threshold
should
be sufficient to overcome load peaks due to signalling network management
functions and the remaining buffer capacity should allow User Parts time to
react to congestion indications before message discard occurs.) The monitoring
may be performed in different ways depending on the relative sizes of the
transmit and retransmit buffers. In the case of a relatively small retransmit
buffer, monitoring of the transmit buffer may be sufficient. In the case
of a relatively large retransmit buffer, both the transmit buffer and retransmit
buffer occupancies may need to be monitored.
.LP
a)
In the international signalling network, one congestion onset and one
congestion abatement threshold are provided. The congestion abatement threshold
should be placed lower than the congestion onset threshold in order to
provide hysteresis during the process of recovering from congestion.
.LP
b)
In national signalling networks, with multiple congestion
thresholds, \fIN\fR (1\ \(=\ \fIN\fR \ \(=\ 3) separate thresholds are
provided for detecting
the onset of congestion. They are called congestion onset thresholds and
are numbered 1,\ . | | ,\ \fIN\fR , respectively. \fIN\fR separate thresholds
are provided for monitoring the abatement of congestion. They are called
congestion abatement
thresholds and are numbered 1,\ . | | , \fIN\fR , respectively.
.LP
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.2.2\ \ In national signalling networks with multiple congestion
thresholds \fIN\fR separate thresholds are provided for determining
whether, under congestion conditions, a message should be discarded or
transmitted using the signalling link. They are called congestion discard
thresholds and are numbered 1,\ . | | ,\ \fIN\fR , respectively.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Congestion discard threshold \fIn\fR (\fIn\fR \ =\ 1,\ . | | ,\ \fIN\fR
) is placed higher than congestion onset threshold \fIn\fR in order to
minimize
message loss under congestion conditions.
.PP
Congestion discard threshold \fIn\fR (\fIn\fR \ =\ 1,\ . | | ,\ \fIN\fR
\ \(em\ 1) should be placed at or lower than congestion onset threshold
\fIn\fR \ +\ 1 in order to
make congestion control effective.
.PP
When the current buffer occupancy does not exceed congestion discard threshold
1, the current signalling link discard status is assigned the zero
value.
.PP
Each congestion abatement threshold should be placed lower than the
corresponding congestion onset threshold in order to provide hysteresis
during the process of recovering from congestion.
.PP
In national signalling networks with \fIN\fR > 1, the congestion abatement
threshold \fIn\fR (\fIn\fR \ =\ 2,\ . | | ,\ \fIN\fR ) should be placed
higher than
the congestion onset threshold \fIn\fR \ \(em\ 1 so as to allow for a precise
determination of signalling link congestion status.
.PP
Congestion abatement threshold 1 should be placed higher than the
normally engineered buffer occupancy of a signalling link.
.PP
Under normal operation, when the signalling link is uncongested, the signalling
link congestion status is assigned the zero value.
.PP
At the onset of congestion, when the buffer occupancy is increasing, the
signalling link congestion status is determined by the highest congestion
onset threshold exceeded by the buffer occupancy. That is, if congestion
onset
threshold \fIn\fR (\fIn\fR \ =\ 1,\ . | | ,\ \fIN\fR ) is the highest
congestion
onset threshold exceeded by the current buffer occupancy, the current
signalling link congestion status is assigned the value \fIn\fR (see
Figure\ 8a/Q.704).
.bp
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 17P
.ad r
\fBFigure 8a/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.PP
At the abatement of congestion, when the buffer occupancy is
decreasing, the signalling link congestion status is determined by the
lowest congestion abatement threshold below which the buffer occupancy
has dropped.
That is, if congestion abatement threshold \fIn\fR (\fIn\fR \ =\ 1,\ . | | ,\
\fIN\fR ) is the lowest congestion abatement threshold below which the
current buffer
occupancy has dropped, the current signalling link congestion status is
assigned the value \fIn\fR \ \(em\ 1 (see Figure\ 8b/Q.704).
.PP
The use of the signalling link congestion status is specified in
\(sc\ 2.3.5.2.
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 18P
.ad r
\fBFigure 8b/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.PP
When the current buffer occupancy exceeds congestion discard
threshold \fIn\fR (\fIn\fR \ =\ 1, . | | , \fIN\fR \ \(em\ 1), but does
not exceed congestion
discard threshold
\fIn\fR \ +\ 1, the current signalling link discard status is assigned
the value \fIn\fR (see Figure\ 8c/Q.704).
.bp
.LP
.rs
.sp 16P
.ad r
\fBFigure 8c/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.PP
When the current buffer occupancy exceeds congestion discard
threshold\ \fIN\fR , the current signalling discard status is assigned the
value\ \fIN\fR .
.PP
The use of the signalling link discard status is specified in
\(sc\ 2.3.5.2.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.2.3\ \ In national signalling networks using multiple signalling
link congestion states without congestion priority, \fIS\fR \ +\ 1(1\ \(=\
\fIS\fR \ \(=\ 3)
levels of signalling link congestion status are accommodated in the signalling
network, 0 being the lowest and \fIS\fR the highest.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The signalling link congestion status is determined by a timing
mechanism after the buffer occupancy exceeds the congestion onset threshold,
or drops below the congestion abatement threshold. Under normal operation,
when
the signalling link is uncongested, the signalling link congestion status is
assigned the zero value.
.PP
At the onset of congestion, when the buffer occupancy exceeds the
congestion onset threshold, the first signalling link congestion status is
assigned a value\ \fIs\fR , predetermined in the signalling network.
.PP
If the signalling link congestion status is set to
\fIs\fR (\fIs\fR \ =\ 1,\ . | | ,\ \fIS\fR \ \(em\ 1) and the buffer occupancy
continues to be
above the congestion onset threshold during Tx, the signalling link congestion
status is updated by the new value \fIs\fR \ +\ 1.
.PP
If the signalling link congestion status is set to
\fIs\fR (\fIs\fR \ =\ 1,\ . | | ,\ \fIS\fR ) and the buffer occupancy
continues to be
below the abatement threshold during Ty, the signalling link congestion
status is updated by the new value \fIs\fR \ \(em\ 1.
.PP
Otherwise, the current signalling link congestion status is maintained
(see Figure 8d/Q.704).
.PP
The congestion abatement threshold should be placed lower than the
congestion onset threshold.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.3
\fIProcedures used in connection with link congestion status\fR
\fIchanges\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In \(sc\ 3.8.3, the procedures relating to each signalling network
management function, which in general are applied in connection with link
congestion status changes, are listed.
.PP
Signalling route management: in the case when the congestion of a
signalling link causes a signalling route set to become congested, the
transfer\(hycontrolled procedure (see \(sc\(sc\ 13.6 and 13.7) is used,
if required, to notify originating signalling points that they should reduce
the concerned
signalling traffic towards the affected destination.
.bp
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 19P
.ad r
\fBFigure 8d/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.4
\fICongestion status of signalling route sets\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
At each originating signalling point, there is associated with
each signalling route set a congestion status, which indicates the degree of
congestion in the signalling route set.
.RT
.LP
a)
In the international signalling network, two states are
provided, congested and uncongested.
.LP
If a link in a signalling route towards a given destination
becomes congested, the congestion status of the signalling route set towards
the affected destination is changed to congested.
.LP
When a transfer controlled message relating to a given
destination is received, the congestion status of the signalling route set
towards the affected destination is indicated to the level\ 4 User Parts in
accordance with the transfer\(hycontrolled procedure specified in \(sc\
13.6. The
congestion status is not retained by level\ 3 at the receiving signalling
point.
.LP
b)
In national signalling networks with multiple congestion
levels
corresponding to the \fIN\fR \ +\ 1 levels of signalling link congestion,
there are \fIN\fR \ +\ 1 values of signalling route set congestion status,
with\ 0
being the lowest and \fIN\fR the highest.
.LP
Normally the congestion status of a signalling route set is
assigned the zero value, indicating that the signalling route set is
uncongested.
.LP
If a signalling link in the signalling route set to a given
destination becomes congested, the congestion status of the signalling route
set is assigned the value of the signalling link congestion status, if it is
higher than the current signalling route set congestion status.
.LP
When a transfer\(hycontrolled message relating to a given
destination is received, the congestion status of the signalling route set
towards that destination is updated, in accordance with the transfer\(hycontrolled
procedure as specified in \(sc\ 13.7.
.LP
The congestion status of the signalling route set towards that destination
may be decremented in accordance with the
signalling\(hyroute\(hyset\(hycongestion\(hytest procedure as specified
in \(sc\ 13.9.
.bp
.LP
c)
In national signalling networks using multiple congestion
levels
without congestion priority, there are \fIS\fR \ +\ 1 values of
signalling route set congestion states, with 0 being the lowest and \fIS\fR the
highest.
.LP
Normally the congestion status of a signalling route set is
assigned the zero value, indicating that the signalling route set is
uncongested.
.LP
If a local signalling link in the signalling route set to a
given destination becomes congested, the congested status of the signalling
route set is assigned the value of the signalling link congestion status,
if it is larger than the current signalling route set congestion status.
.LP
When a transfer\(hycontrolled message relating to a given
destination is received, the congestion status of the signalling route set
towards that destination is updated in accordance with the transfer\(hycontrolled
procedure as specified in \(sc\ 13.8. The congestion status of the route
set
towards the congested destination is not retained by level\ 3 at the receiving
signalling point.
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.5
\fIProcedures used in connection with route set congestion\fR
\fIstatus changes\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In \(sc\ 3.8.5, the procedures relating to each signalling network
management function, which in general are applied in connection with route
set congestion status changes, are listed.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.5.1\ \ Signalling traffic management: the signalling traffic flow
control procedure (see \(sc\ 11) is applied; it is used to regulate the
input of
signalling traffic from User Parts to the concerned signalling route
set.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
3.8.5.2\ \ Signalling route management: as a national option, the
signalling\(hyroute\(hyset\(hycongestion\(hytest procedure (see \(sc\ 13.9)
is applied; it is used to update the congestion status of the concerned
signalling route set
until the congestion status is reduced to the zero value.
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\fB4\fR \fBSignalling traffic management\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
4.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
4.1.1
The signalling traffic management function is used, as
indicated in \(sc\ 3, to divert signalling traffic from signalling links
or routes, or to temporarily reduce it in quantity in the case of congestion.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
4.1.2
The diversion of traffic in the cases of unavailability or
availability or restriction
of signalling links and routes is
typically made by means of the following basic procedures, included in the
signalling traffic management function:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
signalling link unavailability (failure, deactivation, blocking or inhibiting):
the changeover procedure (see \(sc\ 5) is used to divert signalling traffic
to one or more alternative links (if any);
.LP
\(em
signalling link availability (restoration, activation,
unblocking or uninhibiting): the changeback procedure (see \(sc\ 6) is used to
divert signalling traffic to the link made available;
.LP
\(em
signalling route unavailability: the forced rerouting procedure (see
\(sc\ 7) is used to divert signalling traffic to an alternative route (if
any);
.LP
\(em
signalling route availability: the controlled rerouting
procedure (see \(sc\ 8) is used to divert signalling traffic to the route made
available;
.LP
\(em
signalling route restricted
: the controlled rerouting
procedure (see \(sc\ 8) is used to divert signalling traffic to an alternative
route (if any);
.LP
\(em
signalling point availability: the signalling point restart
procedure (see \(sc\ 9) is used to divert the signalling traffic to (or
via) the
point made available.
.bp
.PP
Each procedure includes different elements of procedure, the
application of one or more of which depends on the particular circumstances,
as indicated in the relevant sections. Moreover, these procedures include
a
modification of the signalling routing, which is made in a systematic way,
as described in \(sc\(sc\ 4.2 to\ 4.7.
.PP
4.1.3
The signalling traffic flow control procedures are used in the
case of congestion, in order to limit signalling traffic at its source. The
procedures are specified in \(sc\ 11.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
4.2
\fINormal routing situation\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
4.2.1
Signalling traffic to be sent to a particular signalling point
in the network, is normally routed to one or, in the case of load sharing
between link sets in the international network, two link sets. A load sharing
collection of one or more link sets is called a combined link set. Within
a
link set, a further routing may be performed in order to load share the
traffic over the available signalling links (see \(sc\ 2).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
To cater for the situations when signalling links or routes become unavailable,
alternative routing data are defined.
.PP
For each destination which may be reached from a signalling point, one
or more alternative link sets (combined link sets) are allocated. An
alternative combined link set may consist of one or more (or all) of the
remaining available link sets, which may carry signalling traffic towards
the concerned destination. The possible link set (combined link sets) appear
in a certain priority order. The link set (combined link set) having the
highest
priority is used whenever it is available. It is defined that the normal
link set (combined link set) for traffic to the concerned destination.
The link set (combined link set) which is in use at a given time is called
the current link set (combined link set). The current link set (combined
link set) consists
either of the normal link set (combined link set) or of an alternative
link set (combined link set).
.PP
For each signalling link, the remaining signalling links in
the link set are alternative links. The signalling links of a link set are
arranged in a certain priority order. Under normal conditions the signalling
link (or links) having the highest priority is used to carry the signalling
traffic.
.PP
These signalling links are defined as normal signalling links, and
each portion of load shared traffic has its own normal signalling link.
Signalling links other than normal may be active signalling links (but not
carrying any signalling traffic at the time) or inactive signalling links
(see \(sc\ 12).
.RT
.PP
4.2.2
Message routing (normal as well as alternative) is in principle
independently defined at each signalling point. Thus, signalling traffic
between two signalling points may be routed over different signalling links
or paths in the two directions.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
4.3
\fISignalling link unavailability\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
4.3.1
When a signalling link becomes unavailable (see \(sc\ 3.2)
signalling traffic carried by the link is transferred to one or more
alternative links by means of a changeover procedure. The alternative link
or links are determined in accordance with the following criteria.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
4.3.2
In the case when there is one or more alternative signalling
links available in the link set to which the unavailable link belongs, the
signalling traffic is transferred within the link set to:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
an active and unblocked signalling link, currently not
carrying any traffic. If no such signalling link exists, the
signalling traffic is transferred to
.LP
b)
one or possibly more than one signalling link currently
carrying traffic. In the case of transfer to one signalling
link, the alternative signalling link is that having the highest
priority of the signalling links in service.
.PP
4.3.3
In the case when there is no alternative signalling link within
the link set to which the unavailable signalling link belongs, the signalling
traffic is transferred to one or more alternative link sets (combined link
sets) in accordance with the alternative routing defined for each destination.
For a particular destination, the alternative link set (combined link set)
is the link set (combined link set) in service having the highest
priority.
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Within a new link set, signalling traffic is distributed over
the signalling links in accordance with the routing currently applicable for
that link set; i.e.,\ the transferred traffic is routed in the same way
as the traffic already using the link set.
.sp 2P
.LP
4.4
\fISignalling link availability\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
4.4.1
When a previously unavailable signalling link becomes available
again (see \(sc\ 3.2), signalling traffic may be transferred to the available
signalling link by means of the changeback procedure. The traffic to be
transferred is determined in accordance with the following criteria.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
4.4.2
In the case when the link set, to which the available
signalling link belongs, already carries signalling traffic on other signalling
links in the link set, the traffic to be transferred is the traffic for
which the available signalling link is the normal one.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The traffic is transferred from one or more signalling links,
depending on the criteria applied when the signalling link became unavailable
(see \(sc\ 4.3.2).
.PP
4.4.3
In the case when the link set (combined link set) to which the
available signalling links belongs, does not carry any signalling traffic
[i.e.,\ a link set (combined link set) has become available], the traffic
to be transferred is the traffic for which the available link set (combined
link set) has higher priority than the link set (combined link set) currently
used.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The traffic is transferred from one or more link sets (combined
link sets) and from one or more signalling links within each link set.
.sp 1P
.LP
4.5
\fISignalling route unavailability\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When a signalling route becomes unavailable (see \(sc\ 3.4) signalling
traffic currently carried by the unavailable route is transferred to an
alternative route by means of forced re\(hyrouting procedure. The alternative
route (i.e.\ the alternative link set or link sets) is determined in accordance
with the alternative routing defined for the concerned destination
(see\ \(sc\ 4.3.3).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
4.6
\fISignalling route availability\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When a previously unavailable signalling route becomes
available again (see \(sc\ 3.4) signalling traffic may be transferred to the
available route by means of a controlled rerouting procedure. This is
applicable in the case when the available route (link set) has higher priority
than the route (link set) currently used for traffic to the concerned
destination (see \(sc\ 4.4.3).
.PP
The transferred traffic is distributed over the links of the
new link set in accordance with the routing currently applicable for that
link set.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
4.7
\fISignalling route restriction\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When a signalling route becomes restricted (see \(sc\ 3.4), signalling
traffic carried by the restricted route is, if possible, transferred to
an
alternative route by means of the controlled rerouting procedure, if an
equal priority alternative is available and not restricted. The alternative
route is determined in accordance with alternate routing defined for the
concerned
destination (see \(sc\ 4.3.3).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
4.8
\fISignalling point availability\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When a previously unavailable signalling point becomes available
(see \(sc\ 3.6), signalling traffic may be transferred to the available
point by
means of a signalling point restart procedure (see \(sc\ 9).
.RT
.LP
.sp 1
.bp
.LP
\fB5\fR \fBChangeover\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
5.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
5.1.1
The objective of the changeover procedure is to ensure that
signalling traffic carried by the unavailable signalling link is diverted to
the alternative signalling link(s) as quickly as possible while avoiding
message loss, duplication or mis\(hysequencing. For this purpose, in the normal
case the changeover procedure includes buffer updating and retrieval, which
are performed before reopening the alternative signalling link(s) to the
diverted traffic. Buffer updating consists of identifying all those messages
in the retransmission buffer of the unavailable signalling link which have
not
been received by the far end. This is done by means of a hand\(hyshake
procedure, based on changeover messages, performed between the two ends
of the
unavailable signalling link. Retrieval consists of transferring the concerned
messages to the transmission buffer(s) of the alternative link(s).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
5.1.2
Changeover includes the procedures to be used in the case of
unavailability (due to failure, blocking or inhibiting) of a signalling
link, in order to divert the traffic pertaining to that signalling link
to one or
more alternative signalling links.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
These signalling links can be carrying their own
signalling traffic and this is not interrupted by the changeover
procedure.
.PP
The different network configurations to which the changeover
procedure may be applied are described in\ \(sc\ 5.2.
.PP
The criteria for initiation of changeover, as well as the
basic actions to be performed, are described
in \(sc\ 5.3.
.PP
Procedures necessary to cater for equipment failure or other
abnormal conditions are also provided.
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
5.2
\fINetwork configurations for changeover\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
5.2.1
Signalling traffic diverted from an unavailable signalling link
is routed by the concerned signalling point according to the rules specified
in \(sc\ 4. In summary, two alternative situations may arise (either for
the
whole diverted traffic or for traffic relating to each particular
destination):
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
i)
traffic is diverted to one or more signalling links of the same link set, or
.LP
ii)
traffic is diverted to one or more different link
sets.
.PP
5.2.2
As a result of these arrangements, and of the message routing
function described in \(sc\ 2, three different relationships between the new
signalling link and the unavailable one can be identified, for each
particular traffic flow. These three basic cases may be summarized as
follows:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
the new signalling link is parallel to the unavailable one (see Figure\
9/Q.704);
.LP
b)
the new signalling link belongs to a signalling route other than that
to which the unavailable signalling link belongs, but this signalling route
still passes through the signalling point at the far end of the
unavailable signalling link (see Figure\ 10/Q.704);
.LP
c)
the new signalling link belongs to a signalling route other than that
to which the unavailable signalling link belongs, and this signalling route
does not pass through the signalling point acting as signalling transfer
point, at the far end of the unavailable signalling link (see
Figure\ 11/Q.704).
.LP
.rs
.sp 6P
.ad r
\fBFigure\ 9/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.bp
.LP
.rs
.sp 12P
.ad r
\fBFigure\ 10/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 12P
.ad r
\fBFigure\ 11/Q.704, (M), p.\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.PP
Only in the case of c) does a possibility of message
mis\(hysequencing exist: therefore its use should take into account the overall
service dependability requirements described in Recommendation\ Q.706.
.sp 2P
.LP
5.3
\fIChangeover initiation and actions\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
5.3.1
Changeover is initiated at a signalling point when a signalling
link is recognized as unavailable according to the criteria listed in
\(sc\ 3.2.2.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The following actions are then performed:
.LP
a)
transmission and acceptance of message signal units on the concerned
signalling link is terminated;
.LP
b)
transmission of link status signal units or fill in signal units, as
described in Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 5.3, takes place;
.LP
c)
the alternative signalling link(s) are determined according to the rules
specified in \(sc\ 4;
.LP
d)
a procedure to update the content of the retransmission
buffer of the unavailable signalling link is performed as specified in
\(sc\ 5.4
below;
.LP
e)
signalling traffic is diverted to the alternative signalling link(s)
as specified in \(sc\ 5.5 below.
.PP
In addition, if traffic toward a given destination is diverted to an alternative
signalling link terminating in a signalling transfer point not
currently used to carry traffic toward that destination, a transfer\(hyprohibited
procedure is performed as specified in \(sc\ 13.2.
.PP
5.3.2
In the case when there is no traffic to transfer from the
unavailable signalling link action, only item\ b) of \(sc\ 5.3.1 is
required.
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
5.3.3
If no alternative signalling link exists for signalling traffic towards
one or more destinations, the concerned destination(s) are declared
inaccessible and the following actions apply:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
i)
the routing of the concerned signalling traffic is blocked and the concerned
messages already stored in the transmission and retransmission
buffers of the unavailable signalling link, as well as those received
subsequently, are discarded |
.FS
The adequacy of this procedure to meet the
acceptable dependability objective in terms of loss of messages requires
further study.
.FE
;
.LP
ii)
a command is sent to the User Part(s) (if any) in order to stop generating
the concerned signalling traffic;
.LP
iii)
the transfer\(hyprohibited procedure is performed, as
specified in \(sc\ 13.2;
.LP
iv)
the appropriate signalling link management procedures are performed,
as specified in \(sc\ 12.
.PP
5.3.4
In some cases of failures or in some network configurations,
the normal buffer updating and retrieval procedures described in \(sc\(sc\
5.4 and\ 5.5 cannot be accomplished. In such cases, the emergency changeover
procedures
described in \(sc\ 5.6 apply.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Other procedures to cover possible abnormal cases appear in
\(sc\ 5.7.
.sp 2P
.LP
5.4
\fIBuffer updating procedure\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
5.4.1
When a decision to changeover is made, a changeover order is
sent to the remote signalling point. In the case that the changeover was
initiated by the reception of a changeover order (see \(sc\ 5.2) a changeover
acknowledgement is sent instead.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A changeover order is always acknowledged by a changeover
acknowledgement, even when changeover has already been initiated in accordance
with another criterion.
.PP
No priority is given to the changeover order or changeover
acknowledgement in relation to the normal traffic of the signalling link on
which the message is sent.
.RT
.PP
5.4.2
The changeover order and changeover acknowledgement are
signalling network management messages and contain the following
information:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
the label, indicating the destination and originating
signalling points and the identity of the unavailable signalling link;
.LP
\(em
the changeover\(hyorder (or changeover\(hyacknowledgement) signal; and
.LP
\(em
the forward sequence number of the last message signal unit accepted
from the unavailable signalling link.
.PP
Formats and codes of the changeover order and the changeover
acknowledgement appear in \(sc\ 15.
.PP
5.4.3
Upon reception of a changeover order or changeover
acknowledgement, the retransmission buffer of the unavailable signalling
link is updated (except as noted in \(sc\ 5.6), according to the information
contained in the message. The message signal units successive to that indicated
by the
message are those which have to be retransmitted on the alternative signalling
link(s), according to the retrieval and diversion procedure.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
5.5
\fIRetrieval and diversion of traffic\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When the procedure to update the retransmission buffer content is completed,
the following actions are performed:
.RT
.LP
\(em
the routing of the signalling traffic to be diverted is
changed;
.LP
\(em
the signal traffic already stored in the transmission buffers and retransmission
buffer of the unavailable signalling link is sent directly towards the
new signalling link(s), according to the modified routing.
.PP
The diverted signalling traffic will be sent towards the new
signalling link(s) in such a way that the correct message sequence is
maintained. The diverted traffic has no priority in relation to normal
traffic already conveyed on the signalling link(s).
.bp
.sp 2P
.LP
5.6
\fIEmergency changeover procedures\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
5.6.1
Due to the failure in a signalling terminal it may be
impossible for the corresponding end of the faulty signalling link to determine
the forward sequence number of the last message signal unit accepted over
the unavailable link. In this case, the concerned end accomplishes, if
possible,
the buffer updating procedures described in \(sc\ 5.4 but it makes use of an
emergency changeover order or an emergency changeover acknowledgement instead
of the corresponding normal message; these emergency messages, the format
of
which appears in \(sc\ 15, do not contain the forward sequence number of the
last accepted message signal unit. Furthermore, the signalling link is taken
out of service, i.e.\ the concerned end initiates, if possible, the sending
of \fIout\(hyof\(hyservice\fR link status signal units on the unavailable
link
(see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 5.3).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When the other end of the unavailable signalling link receives the emergency
changeover order or acknowledgement, it accomplishes the changeover procedures
described in \(sc\(sc\ 5.4 and\ 5.5, the only difference being that it
does not perform either buffer updating or retrieval. Instead, it directly
starts sending the signalling traffic not yet transmitted on the unavailable
link on the alternative signalling link(s).
.PP
The use of normal or emergency changeover messages depends on
the local conditions of the sending signalling point only, in
particular:
.RT
.LP
\(em
an emergency changeover order is acknowledged by a changeover acknowledgement
if the local conditions are normal; and
.LP
\(em
a changeover order is acknowledged by an emergency changeover acknowledgement
if there are local fault conditions.
.PP
5.6.2
Time\(hycontrolled changeover
is initiated when the exchange of changeover messages is not possible or
not desirable, i.e.,\ if any (or
several) of the following cases apply:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
i)
No signalling path exists between the two ends of the
unavailable link, so that the exchange of changeover messages
is impossible.
.LP
ii)
Processor outage indication is received on a link. In this case, if the
remote processor outage condition is only transitory,
sending of a changeover order could result in failure of the link.
.LP
iii)
A signalling link currently carrying traffic has been
marked (locally or remotely) inhibited. In this case, time
controlled changeover is used to divert traffic for the inhibited
link without causing the link to fail.
.PP
When the concerned signalling point decides to initiate changeover in such
circumstances, after the expiry of a time T1 (see \(sc\ 16.8), it starts
signalling traffic not yet transmitted on the unavailable signalling link on
the alternative link(s); the purpose of withholding traffic for the time\ T1
(see \(sc\ 16.8) is to reduce the probability of message mis\(hysequencing.
.PP
\fR An example of such a case appears in Recommendation\ Q.705,
Annex\ A.
.PP
In the abnormal case when the concerned signalling point is not
aware of the situation, it will start the normal changeover procedure and
send a changeover order; in this case it will receive no changeover message
in
response and the procedure will be completed as indicated in \(sc\ 5.7.2.
Possible reception of a transfer\(hyprohibited message (sent by an involved
signalling transfer point on reception of the changeover order, see
\(sc\ 13.2) will not affect changeover procedures.
.RT
.PP
5.6.3
Due to failures, it may be impossible for a signalling point
to perform retrieval even if it has received the retrieval information
from the far end of the unavailable signalling link. In this case, it starts
sending new traffic on reception of the changeover message (or on time\(hyout
expiry, see
\(sc\(sc\ 5.6.2 and\ 5.7.2); no further actions in addition to the other normal
changeover procedures are performed.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
5.7
\fIProcedures in abnormal conditions\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
5.7.1
The procedures described in this section allow the completion
of the changeover procedures in abnormal cases other than those described in
\(sc\ 5.6.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
5.7.2
If no changeover message in response to a changeover order is
received within a timer\ T2 (see \(sc\ 16.8), new traffic is started on the
alternative signalling link(s).
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
5.7.3
If a changeover order or acknowledgement containing an
unreasonable value of the forward sequence number is received, no buffer
updating or retrieval is performed, and new traffic is started on the
alternative signalling link(s).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
5.7.4
If a changeover acknowledgement is received without having
previously sent a changeover order, no action is taken.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
5.7.5
If a changeover order is received relating to a particular
signalling link after the completion of changeover from that signalling
link, an emergency changeover acknowledgement is sent in response, without
any
further action.
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\fB6\fR \fBChangeback\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
6.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
6.1.1
The objective of the changeback procedure is to ensure that
signalling traffic is diverted from the alternative signalling link(s)
to the signalling link made available as quickly as possible, while avoiding
message loss, duplication or mis\(hysequencing. For this purpose (in the
normal case),
changeback includes a procedure to control the message sequence.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
6.1.2
Changeback includes the basic procedures to be used to perform
the opposite action to changeover, i.e.\ to divert traffic from the alternative
signalling link(s) to a signalling link which has become available (i.e.,\
it
was uninhibited, restored or unblocked). The characteristics of the alternative
signalling link(s) from which changeback can be made are described in \(sc\
5.2. In all the cases mentioned in \(sc\ 5.2 the alternative signalling
links can be
carrying their own signalling traffic and this is not interrupted by the
changeback procedures.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Procedures necessary to cater for particular network
configuration or other abnormal conditions are also provided.
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ The term \*Qalternative signalling link(s)\*U refers to
signalling link(s) terminating in the signalling point at which a changeback
is initiated (see also \(sc\ 4).
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
6.2
\fIChangeback initiation and actions\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
6.2.1
Changeback is initiated at a signalling point when a
signalling link is restored, unblocked or uninhibited, and therefore it
becomes once again available, according to the criteria listed in \(sc\(sc\
3.2.3 and\ 3.2.7. The following actions are then performed:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
the alternative signalling link(s) are determined, to which traffic normally
carried by the signalling link made available was previously diverted (e.g.,\
on occurrence of a changeover);
.LP
b)
signalling traffic is diverted (if appropriate, according to the criteria
specified in \(sc\ 4) to the concerned signalling link by means of the
sequence control procedure specified in \(sc\ 6.3; traffic diversion can
be
performed at the discretion of the signalling point initiating changeback,
as follows:
.LP
i)
individually for each traffic flow (i.e., on
destination basis);
.LP
ii)
individually for each alternative signalling link
(i.e.,\ for all the destinations previously diverted on that
alternative signalling link);
.LP
iii)
at the same time for a number of, or for all the
alternative signalling links.
.PP
On occurrence of changeback, it may happen that traffic towards
a given destination is no longer routed via a given adjacent signalling
transfer point, towards which a transfer\(hyprohibited procedure was previously
performed on occurrence of changeover (see \(sc\ 5.3.1); in this case a
transfer\(hyallowed procedure is performed, as specified in \(sc\ 13.3.
.PP
In addition, if traffic towards a given destination is diverted
to an alternative signalling link terminating in a signalling transfer point
not currently used to carry traffic toward that destination, a
transfer\(hyprohibited procedure is performed as specified in \(sc\ 13.2.
.bp
.RT
.PP
6.2.2
In the case when there is no traffic to transfer to the
signalling link made available, none of the previous actions are
performed.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
6.2.3
In the case that the signalling link made available can be used to carry
signalling traffic toward a destination which was previously declared inaccessible,
the following actions apply:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
i)
the routing of the concerned signalling traffic is unblocked and transmission
of the concerned messages (if any) is
immediately started on the link made available;
.LP
ii)
a command is sent to the User Part(s) (if any) in order to
restart generating the concerned signalling traffic;
.LP
iii)
the transfer\(hyallowed procedure is performed, as specified
in \(sc\ 13.3. However, in national networks, when the recovered
link is not on the normal route for that destination, the
transfer\(hyrestricted
procedure may be performed as
specified in \(sc\ 13.5.
.PP
6.2.4
In the case that the signalling link made available is used to carry signalling
traffic towards a destination which was previously declared
restricted, the following actions apply:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
i)
the concerned signalling traffic is rediverted and
transmission of the concerned messages (if any) is immediately
started on the link made available;
.LP
ii)
when the recovered link is on the normal route for that
destination, the status of the route is changed to available;
otherwise, the status of the route remains unchanged.
.PP
6.2.5
If the signalling point at the far end of the link made
available currently is inaccessible, from the signalling point initiating
changeback (see \(sc\ 9 on Signalling Point Restart), the sequence control
procedure specified in \(sc\ 6.3 (which requires
communication between the two concerned signalling points) does not apply;
instead, the time\(hycontrolled diversion specified in \(sc\ 6.4 is performed.
This is made also when the concerned signalling points are accessible, but
there is no signalling route to it using the same outgoing signalling link(s)
(or one of the same signalling links) from which traffic will be
diverted.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
6.3
\fISequence control procedure\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
6.3.1
When a decision is made at a given signalling point to divert a given traffic
flow (towards one or more destinations) from an alternative
signalling link to the signalling link made available, the following actions
are performed if possible (see \(sc\ 6.4):
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
i)
transmission of the concerned traffic on the alternative
signalling link is stopped; such traffic is stored in a
\fIchangeback buffer\fR ;
.LP
ii)
a changeback declaration is sent to the remote signalling point of the
signalling link made available via the concerned
alternative signalling link; this message indicates that no more
message signal units relating to the traffic being diverted to
the link made available will be sent on the alternative
signalling link.
.PP
6.3.2
The concerned signalling point will restart diverted traffic
over the signalling link made available when it receives a changeback
acknowledgement from the far signalling point of the link made available;
this message indicates that all signal messages relating to the concerned
traffic
flow and routed to the remote signalling point via the alternative signalling
link have been received. The remote signalling point will send the
changeback acknowledgement to the signalling point initiating changeback in
response to the changeback declaration; any available signalling route
between the two signalling points can be used to carry the changeback
acknowledgement.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
6.3.3
The changeback declaration and changeback acknowledgement are
signalling network management messages and contain:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\(em
the label, indicating the destination and originating
signalling points, and the identity of the signalling link to
which traffic will be diverted;
.LP
\(em
the changeback\(hydeclaration (or changeback\(hyacknowledgement)
signal, and
.LP
\(em
the changeback code.
.PP
Formats and codes of the changeback declaration and changeback
acknowledgement appear in\ \(sc\ 15.
.bp
.PP
6.3.4
A particular configuration of the changeback code is
autonomously assigned to the changeback declaration by the signalling point
initiating changeback; the same configuration is included in the changeback
acknowledgement by the acknowledging signalling point. This allows
discrimination between different changeback declarations and acknowledgements
when more than one sequence control procedures are initiated in parallel,
as
follows.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
6.3.5
In the case that a signalling point intends to initiate
changeback in parallel from more than one alternative signalling link, a
sequence control procedure is accomplished for each involved signalling
link, and a changeback declaration is sent on each of them; each changeback
declaration is assigned a different configuration of the changeback code.
Stopped traffic is stored in one or more changeback buffers (in the latter
case, a changeback buffer is provided for each alternative signalling link).
When the changeback acknowledgement relating to that alternative signalling
link is received, traffic being diverted from a given alternative signalling
link can be restarted on the signalling link made available, starting with
the content of the changeback buffer; discrimination between the different
changeback acknowledgements is made by the changeback code configuration,
which is the same as that sent in the changeback declaration.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
This procedure allows either reopening the recovered signalling
link to traffic in a selective manner (provided that different changeback
buffers are used) as soon as each changeback acknowledgement is received, or
only when all the changeback acknowledgements have been received.
.sp 2P
.LP
6.4
\fITime\(hycontrolled diversion procedure\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
6.4.1
The time\(hycontrolled diversion procedure is used at the end of the signalling
point restart procedure (see \(sc\ 9) when an adjacent signalling
point becomes available, as well as for the reasons given in \(sc\ 6.2.5. An
example of such a use appears in Figure\ 12/Q.704.
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 11P
.ad r
\fBFigure\ 12/Q.704, (M), p.
.sp 1P
.RT
.ad b
.RT
.PP
In this example, on failure of signalling link AB, traffic towards the
destination\ D was directed to signalling link\ AC. When AB becomes
available, the point\ A considers itself as the neighbour of a point which
restarts and applies the signalling point restart procedure (see \(sc\ 9).
.PP
6.4.2
When changeback is initiated after the signalling point restart procedure,
the adjacent signalling point of the point which is restarting stops traffic
to be directed from the alternative signalling link(s) for a time T3, after
which it starts traffic on the signalling link(s) made available. The
time delay minimizes the probability of out\(hyof\(hysequence delivery to the
destination point(s).
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
6.5
\fIProcedures in abnormal conditions\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
6.5.1
If a changeback acknowledgement is received by a signalling
point which has not previously sent a changeback declaration, no action is
taken.
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
6.5.2
If a changeback declaration is received after the completion of
the changeback procedure, a changeback acknowledgement is sent in response,
without taking any further action. This corresponds to the normal action
described in \(sc\ 6.3.2 above.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
6.5.3
If no changeback acknowledgement is received in response to a
changeback declaration within a time T4 (see \(sc\ 16.8), the changeback
declaration is repeated and a new timer\ T5 (see \(sc\ 16.8), is started. If no
changeback acknowledgement is received before the expiry of\ T5, the maintenance
functions are alerted and traffic on the link made available is started.
The
changeback code contained in the changeback acknowledgement message makes it
possible to determine, in the case of parallel changebacks from more than
one reserve path, which changeback declaration is unacknowledged and has
therefore to be repeated.
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\fB7\fR \fBForced rerouting\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
7.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
7.1.1 \fR The objective of the forced rerouting procedure is to restore,
as quickly as possible, the signalling capability between two signalling
points towards a particular destination, in such a way as to minimize the
consequences of a failure. However, since the unavailability of a signalling
route is, in
general, caused by the fact that the concerned destination has become
inaccessible to a signalling transfer point, a probability of message loss
exists (see \(sc\ 5.3.3). Therefore, the structure of the signalling network
should be such as to reduce the probability of signalling route unavailability
to limits compatible with the overall dependability requirements
(see Recommendation\ Q.706).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
7.1.2
Forced rerouting is the basic procedure to be used in the case
where a signalling route towards a given destination becomes unavailable
(due to, for example, remote failures in the signalling network) to divert
signalling traffic towards that destination to an alternative signalling
route outgoing from the concerned signalling point. Signalling links pertaining
to
the alternative signalling route can be carrying their own signalling traffic
(relating to different signalling routes), and this is not interrupted
by the forced rerouting procedure.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
7.2
\fIForced rerouting initiation and actions\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
7.2.1
Forced rerouting is initiated at a signalling point when a
transfer\(hyprohibited message, indicating a signalling route unavailability is
received.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The following actions are then performed:
.LP
a)
transmission of signalling traffic towards the concerned
destination on the link set(s) pertaining to the unavailable route is
immediately stopped; such traffic is stored in a \fIforced rerouting buffer\fR
;
.LP
b)
the alternative route is determined according to the rules specified
in \(sc\ 4;
.LP
c)
as soon as action b) is completed, the concerned signalling traffic is
restarted on a link set pertaining to the alternative
route, starting with the content of the forced rerouting buffer;
.LP
d)
if appropriate, a transfer\(hyprohibited procedure is performed (see
\(sc\ 13.2.2).
.PP
7.2.2
In the case when there is no signalling traffic to be diverted from the
unavailable route, action\ b) and\ d) apply.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
7.2.3 \fR If no alternative route exists for signalling traffic towards
the concerned destination, that destination is declared inaccessible, and
the actions specified in \(sc\ 5.3.3 apply.
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
\fB8\fR \fBControlled rerouting\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
8.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
8.1.1
The objective of the controlled rerouting procedure is to
restore the optimal signalling routing and to minimize mis\(hysequencing of
messages. Therefore, controlled rerouting includes a time\(hycontrolled traffic
diversion procedure, which is the same as that used in some cases of changeback
(see\ \(sc\ 6.4).
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
8.1.2
Controlled rerouting is the basic procedure to be used in the following
two cases:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
when a signalling route towards a given destination becomes
available (due to, for example, recovery of previous remote failures in the
signalling network), to divert back signalling traffic towards that destination
from the alternative to the normal signalling route outgoing from the concerned
signalling point;
.LP
b)
when a transfer\(hyrestricted
message is received, after
signalling traffic management has decided that alternative routing is
appropriate (e.g.,\ because it would be more efficient than routing via
the link set over which the transfer\(hyrestricted message was received).
.PP
Signalling links pertaining to the alternative signalling route
can be carrying their own signalling traffic (relating to different routes)
and this is not interrupted by the controlled rerouting procedure.
.sp 2P
.LP
8.2
\fIControlled rerouting initiation and actions\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
8.2.1
Controlled rerouting is initiated at a signalling point when a
transfer\(hyallowed message, indicating that the signalling route has
become available, is received; also when a transfer\(hyrestricted
message is received.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The following actions are then performed:
.LP
a)
transmission of signalling traffic towards the concerned
destination on the link set belonging to the alternative route or the route
over which the transfer\(hyrestricted
message was received is stopped; such traffic is stored in a \*Qcontrolled
rerouting buffer\*U; a timer\ T6 (see \(sc\ 16.8), is started;
.LP
b)
if the signalling point serves as a signalling transfer point, a transfer\(hyprohibited
procedure is performed for the route made available (or the alternative
route in the case of reception of a transfer\(hyrestricted
message, if the alternative route was not previously used), and a
transfer\(hyallowed procedure for the alternative one (or on the restricted
route in the case of the reception of a transfer\(hyrestricted
message) (see
\(sc\(sc\ 13.2.2 and 13.3.2, respectively);
.LP
c)
at the expiry of T6, the concerned signalling traffic is
restarted on an outgoing link set pertaining to the signalling route made
available, or the alternative route in the case of reception of the
transfer\(hyrestricted
message, starting with the content of the controlled rerouting buffer;
the aim of the time delay is to minimize the probability of out\(hyof\(hysequence
delivery to the destination point(s).
.PP
8.2.2 \fR In the case when there is no signalling traffic to be diverted
from the route made available, only action\ b) applies.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
8.2.3 \fR If the destination was inaccessible or restricted
,
when the route is made available, then the destination is declared accessible
and actions specified in \(sc\(sc\ 6.2.3 and\ 6.2.4 apply (if appropriate).
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
\fB9\fR \fBSignalling point restart\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
This procedure uses the Traffic Restart Allowed message (TRA) which contains:
.RT
.LP
\(em
the label indicating the originating signalling point and
adjacent destination signalling point;
.LP
\(em
the traffic restart allowed signal.
.PP
The format and coding of this message appear in \(sc\ 15.
.sp 1P
.LP
9.1
\fIActions in a signalling point (having the transfer function)\fR
\fIwhich restarts\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling point restarts when it becomes available
(see \(sc\ 3.6.2.1). A signalling point which restarts starts a timer\ T18 and
starts activating all its signalling links (see\ \(sc\ 12).
.PP
When the first signalling link of a signalling link set is available, message
traffic terminating at the far end of the linkset is immediately
restarted (see also\ \(sc\ 9.5).
.PP
The restarting signalling point takes into account any transfer
prohibited, transfer restricted
(see \(sc\ 13) and traffic
restart allowed messages received.
.PP
When all signalling links are available T18 is stopped.
.bp
.PP
When T18 is stopped or expires, the following actions are
taken:
.RT
.LP
\(em
the signalling point starts a timer T19 during which it
expects to receive additional transfer prohibited, transfer restricted
(see \(sc\ 13) and traffic restart allowed messages;
.LP
\(em
when all traffic restart allowed messages are received T19 is stopped.
.PP
When T19 is stopped or expires, the signalling point starts a
timer T20 during which:
.LP
\(em
it broadcasts eventually transfer prohibited and transfer
restricted
messages (see\ \(sc\ 13), taking into account
signalling links which are not available and any transfer prohibited and
transfer restricted
messages eventually received;
.LP
\(em
when all these operations are completed, timer T20 is
stopped.
.PP
When T20 is stopped or expires, the signalling point broadcasts
traffic restart allowed messages to all adjacent signalling points and
restarts the remaining traffic.
.sp 1P
.LP
9.2
\fIActions in a restarting signalling point (having no transfer\fR
\fIfunction)\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
An SP which restarts starts a timer T21 and starts activating all its signalling
links (see \(sc\ 12).
.PP
When the first signalling link of a signalling linkset is available, message
traffic terminating at the far end of the linkset is immediately
restarted (see also\ \(sc\ 9.5).
.PP
The restarting signalling point takes into account transfer prohibited
and transfer restricted messages
(see \(sc\ 13). If a traffic
restart allowed message is received T21 is stopped. When T21 is stopped or
expires, the signalling point restarts the remaining traffic.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
9.3
\fIActions in a signalling point X adjacent to a restarting\fR
\fIsignalling point Y\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Signalling point X knows that signalling point Y is restarting when signalling
point\ Y becomes accessible (see \(sc\ 3.6.2.2). There are three cases
to consider:
.RT
.LP
i)
Signalling points X and Y have the transfer function
.LP
a)
When signalling point Y becomes accessible because a
direct linkset becomes available, signalling point\ X
takes the following action:
.LP
\(em
starts a timer T21
.LP
\(em
immediately restarts traffic terminating in
signalling point\ Y (see also \(sc\ 9.5)
.LP
\(em
sends any eventual transfer prohibited and
transfer restricted
messages to signalling
point\ Y (see\ \(sc\ 13)
.LP
\(em
sends a traffic restart allowed message to
signalling point\ Y
.LP
\(em
takes into account the eventual transfer
prohibited and transfer restricted
messages
received from SP\ Y (see\ \(sc\ 13).
.LP
When a traffic restart allowed message is received
from signalling point\ Y, timer\ T21 is stopped. When T21 is
stopped or expires, signalling point\ X restarts any
remaining traffic to\ Y, and broadcasts transfer allowed
messages concerning\ Y, and all SPs made accessible
via\ Y.
.LP
b)
When signalling point Y becomes accessible on
reception of a transfer allowed or transfer
restricted
message (see \(sc\ 13), signalling
point\ X sends to signalling point\ Y any required
transfer prohibited and transfer restricted
messages
on the available route.
.LP
ii)
Signalling point X has a transfer function and signalling
point\ Y has not
.LP
a)
When signalling point Y becomes accessible because a
direct signalling linkset becomes available, signalling
point\ X takes the following actions:
.LP
\(em
immediately restarts traffic terminating in
signalling point\ Y (see also \(sc\ 9.5)
.LP
\(em
eventually sends to signalling point Y any
transfer prohibited and transfer restricted
messages (see \(sc\ 13)
.LP
\(em
broadcasts transfer allowed messages concerning
signalling point\ Y and sends a traffic restart
allowed message to it.
.bp
.LP
b)
When signalling point Y becomes accessible
on reception of a transfer allowed or transfer
restricted
message, signalling point\ X sends to
signalling point\ Y any required transfer prohibited and
transfer restricted
messages on the available
route.
.LP
iii)
Signalling point X does not have the transfer function and
signalling point\ Y does or does not have the transfer
function.
.LP
Signalling point X takes the following action:
.LP
\(em
immediately restarts traffic terminating at
signalling point\ Y (see also \(sc\ 9.5)
.LP
\(em
starts a timer T21
.LP
\(em
takes into account any eventual transfer prohibited
and transfer restricted
message
received.
.LP
On the receipt of a traffic restart allowed message,
timer\ T21 is stopped. When T21 is stopped or expires,
signalling point\ X restarts any remaining
traffic.
.sp 1P
.LP
9.4
\fIActions in signalling point X on receipt of unexpected TRA message\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
If X has no STP function, no further action is taken.
.PP
If X has the STP function, then X sends to the adjacent point Y, from which
the TRA message was received, the appropriate TFP and TFR messages.
X\ then operates normally.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
9.5
\fIGeneral rules\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When a signalling point restarts, it considers, at the beginning of the
point restart procedure, all signalling routes to be allowed. A signalling
route set test message received in a restarting signalling point (during
the
point restart procedure) is ignored.
.PP
Signalling route set test messages received in a signalling point
adjacent to a restarting signalling point (before T21 expires) are handled,
but the replies consider that all signalling routes using the restarting
point are prohibited. When T21 is stopped or expires these signalling routes
are allowed unless a transfer prohibited or transfer restricted
message has been
received from the restarting signalling point during\ T21.
.PP
The procedure includes the general rule that late events
[e.g.,\ restoration of a link after T18 expires, transfer prohibited or
transfer restricted
messages received after T19 expires,\ etc.] are treated outside the restart
procedure.
.PP
All messages concerning another destination received in a restarting signalling
point are treated normally during the point restart procedure. All messages
concerning a local MTP user received in a restarting signalling point (Service
Indicator\ !=\ 0000) are treated normally. All messages received with
Service Indicator\ =\ 0000 in a restarting signalling point, for the signalling
point itself, are treated as described in the signalling point restart
procedure; those messages not described elsewhere in the procedure are
discarded and no action is taken (message groups\ CHM, ECM, FCM, RSM, MIM
and\ DLM).
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
\fB10\fR \fBManagement inhibiting\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
10.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Signalling link management inhibiting is requested by management
when it becomes necessary e.g.,\ for maintenance or testing purposes (for
example, if the link experiences too many changeovers and changebacks in a
short time, or there is a significant link error rate), to make or keep a
signalling link unavailable to User Part\(hygenerated signalling traffic.
Management inhibiting is a signalling traffic management action, and does
not cause any link status changes at level\ 2. A signalling link is marked
\*Qinhibited\*U under the management inhibiting procedure. In particular, a
signalling link that was active and in service prior to being inhibited
will remain so, and will thus be able to transmit maintenance and test
messages.
.PP
Inhibiting of a signalling link may be requested by management
functions at either end of the link. The request is granted, provided that
the inhibiting action does not cause any previously accessible destinations
to
become inaccessible at either end of the signalling link. The request may
also be refused under certain circumstances such as congestion.
.bp
.PP
A signalling link normally remains inhibited until uninhibiting is
invoked in the signalling point at which inhibiting was initiated. Uninhibiting
is initiated either at the request of a management function or by routing
functions at either end of the signalling link when it is found that a
destination has become inaccessible for signalling traffic and the link sets
associated with routes to that destination contain inhibited links. Unless
unavailable for other reasons, uninhibiting causes the signalling link
to enter the available state and changeback to be initiated.
.PP
Periodic tests are made on the inhibit status of inhibited links. Such
periodic tests should not add significantly to the traffic load on the
signalling network, and remove the need for a signalling point to perform
inhibit tests at signalling point restart.
.PP
If a test on the inhibit status of a link reveals discrepancies
between the signalling points at each end of the link, the link is either
uninhibited or force uninhibited as appropriate, to align the inhibit status
at each end of the link.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
10.2
\fIInhibiting initiation and actions\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When at signalling point \*QX\*U a request is received from a
management function to inhibit a signalling link to signalling point\ \*QY\*U,
the following actions take place:
.RT
.LP
a)
A check is performed at signalling point \*QX\*U to determine
whether, in the case of an available link, inhibiting will result in a
destination becoming inaccessible, or in the case of an unavailable link,
signalling point\ \*QY\*U is inaccessible. If either is the case, management is
informed that the inhibiting request is denied.
.LP
b)
If inhibiting is permitted, signalling point \*QX\*U sends an
inhibit message to signalling point\ \*QY\*U indicating that it wishes
to inhibit
the signalling link identified in the message.
.LP
c)
Signalling point \*QY\*U, on receiving the inhibit message from \*QX\*U,
checks whether, in the case of an available link, inhibiting will result
in a destination becoming inaccessible and, if so, an inhibit denied message
is returned to signalling point\ \*QX\*U. The latter then informs the management
function which requested inhibiting that the request cannot be granted.
.LP
d)
If the signalling point \*QY\*U finds that inhibiting of the
concerned link is permissible, it sends an inhibit acknowledgement to
signalling point\ \*QX\*U and marks the link remotely inhibited.
.LP
If the link concerned is currently carrying traffic,
signalling point\ \*QY\*U sends the inhibit acknowledgement via that link and
diverts subsequent traffic for it, using the time controlled changeover
procedure. \*QY\*U then starts inhibit test timer\ T23.
.LP
e)
On receiving an inhibit acknowledgement message, signalling point\ \*QX\*U
marks the link locally inhibited and informs management that the link is
inhibited.
.LP
If the link concerned is currently carrying traffic,
signalling point\ \*QX\*U diverts subsequent traffic for that link, using the
time\(hycontrolled changeover procedure. \*QX\*U then starts inhibit test
timer\ T22.
.LP
f
)
When changeover has been completed, the link while
inhibited, will be unavailable for the transfer of user\(hygenerated traffic
but still permits the exchange of test messages.
.LP
g)
If, for any reason, the inhibit acknowledgement message is not received,
a timer\ T14 expires and the procedure is restarted including
inspection of the status of the destination of the inhibit message. If the
destination is not available, management is informed.
.PP
At most two consecutive automatic attempts may be made to inhibit a particular
signalling link.
.PP
A signalling point may not transmit an inhibit message for a
particular signalling link if it has already transmitted an uninhibit message
for that link, and neither an acknowledgement for that uninhibit message
has
been received nor has the uninhibit procedure finally timed out.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
10.3
\fIUninhibiting initiation and actions\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Signalling link uninhibiting is initiated at the signalling point which
originally caused the link to be inhibited, upon receipt of an uninhibit
or forced uninhibit request.
.bp
.PP
In a given signalling point, an uninhibit request may be initiated for
a locally inhibited link by the management or signalling routing control
function, while a forced uninhibit request may be initiated for a remotely
inhibited link by the signalling routing control function only.
.PP
Signalling routing control will initiate signalling link uninhibit if an
inhibited link is found to be a member of a link set in a route to a
destination which has become inaccessible.
.PP
If such signalling routing control uninhibiting were unsuccessful
because of a failed or blocked inhibited link, and if that link later recovers
or becomes unblocked with the destination still unavailable, uninhibiting
is
re\(hyattempted.
.PP
A signalling point may not transmit an uninhibit message for a
particular signalling link if it has already transmitted an inhibit message
for that link, and neither an acknowledgement for that inhibit message
has been
received nor has the inhibit procedure finally timed out.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
10.3.1
\fIManagement\(hyinitiated uninhibiting\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Upon receipt of an uninhibiting request from the management
function of signalling point\ \*QX\*U regarding an inhibited link to signalling
point\ \*QY\*U, the following actions take place:
.RT
.LP
a)
A check is performed at signalling point \*QX\*U to determine
whether an uninhibit message can be sent to signalling point\ \*QY\*U,
either over an available route, or if all routes to signalling point\ \*QY\*U
are unavailable, over the concerned inhibited link. If all routes to signalling
point\ \*QY\*U are
unavailable and the concerned inhibited link is marked failed or processor
outage, management is informed that uninhibiting is not possible.
.LP
b)
If uninhibiting is possible, signalling point \*QX\*U sends an uninhibit
signalling link message to signalling point\ \*QY\*U indicating that the
link identified in the message should be uninhibited.
.LP
c)
Upon receipt of the uninhibit link message, signalling
point\ \*QY\*U returns an uninhibit acknowledgement message to signalling
point\ \*QX\*U and cancels the remote inhibit indication. If no local inhibited,
failed or
blocked condition exists on the link, it is put in the available state and
changeback is initiated.
.LP
d)
On receipt of the uninhibit acknowledgement message,
signalling point\ \*QX\*U cancels the local inhibit indication and informs
management that the link has been uninhibited. If no remote inhibited,
failed or blocked condition exists on the link, it is put in the available
state and changeback is initiated.
.LP
e)
If, for any reason, the uninhibit acknowledgement message is not received,
a timer\ T12 expires. If this is the first expiry of T12 for this uninhibition
attempt on this link, the procedure is restarted including
inspection of the status of the destination of the unhibit message. If the
destination is not available, or T12 has expired for the second time during
the uninhibition attempt on this link, management is informed, and the
uninhibition is abandoned.
.sp 1P
.LP
10.3.2
\fISignalling routing control initiated uninhibiting\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Upon receipt of an uninhibit request from signalling routing
control at signalling point\ \*QX\*U regarding an inhibited link to signalling
point\ \*QY\*U, the following actions take place:
.RT
.LP
a)
A check is performed at signalling point \*QX\*U to determine
whether the concerned inhibited link is marked failed or blocked. If it is,
then signalling point\ \*QX\*U is unable to transmit an uninhibit message to
signalling point\ \*QY\*U, uninhibiting is therefore not possible, and the
uninhibiting attempt is abandoned.
.LP
b)
If uninhibiting is possible, a further check is performed
by signalling point\ \*QX\*U to determine whether inhibiting initiated
by \*QX\*U
(local inhibiting) or inhibiting initiated by \*QY\*U (remote inhibiting) is in
effect.
.LP
c)
If local inhibiting is in effect, then the actions described in \(sc\(sc\
10.3.1\ b), c), d) and\ e) take place. If uninhibition is abandoned,
step\ f) below is taken.
.bp
.LP
d)
If remote inhibiting is in effect, then signalling point \*QX\*U requests
forced uninhibiting of the signalling link by sending a force
uninhibit signalling link message to signalling point\ \*QY\*U, which will then
initiate uninhibiting in accordance with the description given in \(sc\(sc\
10.3.1\ b), c), d) and\ e).
.LP
The force uninhibit signalling link message is transmitted down the link
to be uninhibited.
.LP
e)
If, for any reason, an uninhibit signalling link message is not received
in response to the force uninhibit message, a timer\ T13 expires. If this
is the first expiry of T13 for this uninhibition attempt on this link,
the procedure is restarted including inspection of the status of the inhibited
link. If the link is marked failed or blocked, or timer\ T13 has expired
for the second time during uninhibition of this link, management is informed
and the
uninhibition is abandoned.
.LP
f
)
If an attempt to uninhibit a signalling link is
abandoned, signalling routing control attempts to uninhibit the next inhibited
link to signalling point\ \*QY\*U, starting from a) above. The search continues
until either a link is successfully uninhibited or all possible links to
\*QY\*U in the routing table have been exhausted, or the destination has
become available for other reasons.
.sp 1P
.LP
10.4
\fIReceipt of unexpected management inhibition messages\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
An inhibit signalling link message concerning an inhibited signalling
link is answered with an inhibit acknowledgement message without
taking any further action.
.LP
b)
An uninhibit signalling link message concerning an
uninhibited
signalling link is answered with an uninhibit acknowledgement message without
taking any further action.
.LP
c)
A force uninhibit signalling link message concerning an
uninhibited link is answered with an uninhibit signalling link message
without taking any further action.
.LP
d)
If an inhibit acknowledgement message is received and no
inhibit signalling link message is outstanding for the concerned link, no
action is taken.
.LP
e)
If an uninhibit acknowledgement message is received and no uninhibit
signalling link message is outstanding for the concerned link, no
action is taken.
.sp 1P
.LP
10.5
\fIManagement inhibited link status and processor recovery\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
After a local processor recovery that involves loss of
inhibit status information, the signalling point will mark all
links as uninhibited, and message traffic will be restarted.
.LP
b)
If messages for Level 4 are received on an inhibited
signalling link, the messages will be discriminated and
distributed.
.sp 1P
.LP
10.6
\fIInhibit test procedure\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
When a signalling link becomes management inhibited, periodic tests are
started to guard the inhibition status at each end of the
link.
.RT
.PP
10.6.1
A local inhibit test is performed when timer T22 expires at
signalling point\ X and the concerned link is marked locally inhibited.
In this case a local inhibit test message is sent to the signalling point\
Y at the
other end of the link, and timer\ T22 is restarted.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Reception of a local inhibit test message causes:
.LP
i)
no action, if the concerned link is marked remotely
inhibited at the receiving signalling point\ Y or:
.LP
ii)
the force uninhibit procedure to be invoked at the
receiving signalling point\ Y, if the concerned link is not marked remotely
inhibited at Y. This procedure causes the locally inhibited status of the
link at X to be cancelled.
.PP
If a timer T22 expires and the concerned link is not locally
inhibited, no further action is taken.
.PP
10.6.2
A remote inhibit test is performed when timer T23 expires at
signalling point\ Y and the concerned link is marked remotely inhibited.
In this case a remote inhibit test message is sent to signalling point\
X at the other end of the link, and timer\ T23 is restarted.
.bp
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Reception of a remote inhibit test message causes:
.LP
i)
no action, if the concerned link is marked locally inhibited at the receiving
signalling point\ X or:
.LP
ii)
the uninhibit procedure to be invoked at the receiving
signalling point\ X, if the concerned link is not marked locally inhibited
at X. This procedure causes the remotely inhibited status of the link at
Y to be
cancelled.
.PP
If a timer T23 expires and the concerned link is not remotely
inhibited, no further action is taken.
.sp 2P
.LP
\fB11\fR \fBSignalling traffic flow control\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The purpose of the signalling traffic flow control function is to limit
signalling traffic at its source in the case when the signalling network
is not capable of transferring all signalling traffic offered by the user
because of network failures or congestion situations.
.PP
Flow control action may be taken as a consequence of a number of
events; the following cases have been identified:
.RT
.LP
\(em
Failure in the signalling network (signalling links or
signalling points) has resulted in routeset unavailability. In this situation,
flow control may provide a short term remedy until more appropriate actions
can be taken.
.LP
\(em
Congestion of a signalling link or signalling point has
resulted in a situation where reconfiguration is not appropriate.
.LP
\(em
Failure of a part has made it impossible for the user to
handle messages delivered by the Message Transfer Part.
.PP
When the normal transfer capability is restored, the flow control functions
initiate resumption of the normal traffic flow.
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2
\fIFlow control indications\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The need for the following indications has been identified.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.1
\fISignalling route set unavailability\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In the case when no signalling route is available for traffic
towards a particular destination (see \(sc\(sc\ 5.3.3 and\ 7.2.3) an indication
is
given from the Message Transfer Part to the local user parts informing them
that signalling messages destined to the particular signalling point cannot
be transferred via the signalling network. Each user then takes appropriate
actions in order to stop generation of signalling information destined
for the inaccessible signalling point.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.2
\fISignalling route set availability\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In the case when a signalling route becomes available for traffic to a
previously unavailable destination (see \(sc\(sc\ 6.2.3 and\ 8.2.3), an
indication is given from the Message Transfer Part to the local user parts
informing them that signalling messages destined to the particular signalling
point can be
transferred via the signalling network. Each user then takes appropriate
actions in order to start generation of signalling information destined
for the now accessible signalling point.
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
11.2.3
\fISignalling route set congestion (International signalling\fR
\fInetwork)\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.3.1\ \ When the congestion status of a signalling route set changes to
congested, the following actions will be taken:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
i)
When a message signal unit from a local User Part is
received for a congested route set the following actions are performed:
.LP
a)
The MSU is passed to level\ 2 for transmission.
.LP
b)
A congestion indication primitive will be returned to each level\ 4 User
Part, for the initial message and for at least every
\fIn\fR \ messages (\fIn\fR \ =\ 8) received for the congested destination.
The congestion indication primitive contains as a parameter the\ DPC of
the affected
destination.
.bp
.LP
ii)
When a message signal unit is received at an STP for a
congested route set, the following actions take place:
.LP
a)
The MSU is passed to level 2 for
transmission.
.LP
b)
A transfer controlled message is sent to the
originating
point for the initial message and for every \fIn\fR \ messages (\fIn\fR
\ =\ 8) received
from any originating point for the congested route set or for every link
of the congested route set or for every linkset of the congested
route set.
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.3.2\ \ After the reception of a transfer controlled message, the
receiving signalling point informs each level\ 4 User Part of the affected
destination by means of a congestion indication primitive specified in
\(sc\ 11.2.3.1\ i).
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.3.3\ \ When the status of a signalling route set changes to uncongested,
normal operation is resumed. Resumption of message transmission towards
the
concerned destination is the responsibility of the level\ 4 User Parts.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.4
\fISignalling route set congestion (National option with congestion\fR
\fIpriorities)\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In the case when the congestion status of a signalling route set
changes as a result of either the receipt of a transfer controlled message
relating to a particular destination (see \(sc\ 13.7) or an indication of local
signalling link congestion, or due to the signalling route\(hyset\(hycongestion\(hytest
procedure (see \(sc\ 13.9) an indication is given from the Message Transfer
Part to the local level\ 4 informing it about the current congestion status
of the
signalling route set. Each user then takes appropriate actions in order
to stop generation of signalling messages destined for the affected signalling
point
with congestion priorities lower than the specified congestion status.
Messages received from the local level\ 4 with congestion priorities lower
than the
current signalling route set congestion status are discarded by the Message
Transfer Part.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.5
\fISignalling route set congestion (National options without\fR
\fIcongestion priorities)\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
For national signalling networks using multiple signalling link
congestion states without congestion priority, \fIS\fR \ +\ 1(1\ \(=\ \fIS\fR
\ \(=\ 3) levels
of route set congestion status are provided.
.PP
The procedure is the same as that specified in \(sc\ 11.2.3, except that
the congestion indication primitive contains the congestion status as a
parameter in addition to the\ DPC of the affected destination.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.6
\fISignalling point/signalling transfer point congestion\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The detection of congestion onset and abatement in a signalling
point or signalling transfer point should, if required, be implementation
dependent. Any resulting action taken, and messages and primitives sent,
should align with those procedures, messages and primitives specified for
signalling route set congestion.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.7
\fIMTP user flow control\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
If the Message Transfer Part is unable to distribute a received
message to a local User Part because that User Part is unavailable, (User
Part unavailability is an implementation dependent notion), the Message
Transfer
Part sends a User Part Unavailable\ (UPU) message to the Message Transfer
Part at the originating signalling point.
.PP
When the originating signalling point's Message Transfer Part receives
a User Part Unavailable message, it:
.RT
.LP
a)
informs the management process,
.LP
b)
sends an indication (MTP\(hySTATUS with the appropriate
parameters) to the affected local User Part informing it that that User
Part at the particular remote signalling point is unavailable.
.bp
.PP
The user should then take appropriate action in order to stop
generation of signalling information for the unavailable User Part.
.PP
The User Part Unavailable message contains:
.RT
.LP
\(em
the label, indicating the destination and originating
points;
.LP
\(em
the user part unavailable signal;
.LP
\(em
the identity of the unavailable user part.
.PP
The format and coding of this message appear in \(sc\ 15.
.PP
When the Message Transfer Part is again able to distribute received
messages to a previously unavailable local User Part, that Message Transfer
Part delivers the received messages to that User Part.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
11.2.8
\fIUser part congestion\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
User part congestion procedures in the MTP are for further
study.
.RT
.LP
\fB12\fR \fBSignalling link management\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
12.1
\fIGeneral\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
12.1.1
The signalling link management function is used to control the locally
connected signalling links. The function provides means for
establishing and maintaining a certain predetermined capability of a link
set. Thus, in the event of signalling link failures the signalling link
management function controls actions aimed at restoring the capability
of the link set.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Three sets of signalling link management procedures are specified in the
following sections. Each set corresponds to a certain level of
automation as regards allocation and reconfiguration of signalling equipment.
The basic set of signalling link management procedures (see \(sc\ 12.2)
provides no automatic means for allocation and reconfiguration of signalling
equipment. The basic set includes the minimum number of functions which
must be provided for international application of the signalling system.
.PP
Two alternative sets of signalling link management procedures are
provided as options and include functions allowing for a more efficient
use of signalling equipment in the case when signalling terminal devices
have switched access to signalling data links.
.RT
.PP
12.1.2
A signalling link set consists of one or more signalling links having a
certain order of priority as regards the signalling traffic conveyed by
the link set (see \(sc\ 4). Each signalling link in operation is assigned
a
signalling data link and a signalling terminal at each end of the signalling
data link.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The signalling link identity is independent of the identities of the constituent
signalling data link and signalling terminals. Thus, the
identity referred to by the Signalling Link Code (SLC) included in the
label of messages originated at Message Transfer Part level\ 3 is the signalling
link
identity and not the signalling data link identity or the signalling terminal
identity.
.PP
Depending on the level of automation in an application of the
signalling system, allocation of signalling data link and signalling terminals
to a signalling link may be made manually or automatically.
.PP
In the first case, applicable for the basic signalling link management
procedures, a signalling link includes predetermined signalling terminals
and a predetermined signalling data link. To replace a signalling terminal
or
signalling data link, a manual intervention is required. The signalling data
link to be included in a particular signalling link is determined by bilateral
agreement (see also Recommendation\ Q.702).
.PP
In the second case for a given signalling point, a signalling link
includes any of the signalling terminals and any of the signalling data
links applicable to a \fIlink group\fR . As a result of, for example, signalling
link
failure, the signalling terminal and signalling data link included in a
signalling link, may be replaced automatically. The criteria and procedures
for automatic allocation of signalling terminals and signalling data links
are
specified in \(sc\(sc\ 12.5 and\ 12.6 respectively. The implementation of these
functions requires that for a given link group any signalling terminal
can be connected to any signalling data link.
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ A link group is a group of identical signalling links
directly connecting two signalling points. A link set may include one or
more link groups.
.bp
.RT
.PP
12.1.3
When a link set is to be brought into service, actions are
taken to establish a predetermined number of signalling links. This is
done by connecting signalling terminals to signalling data links and for
each
signalling link performing an initial alignment procedure (see
Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7.3). The process of making a signalling link
ready to carry signalling traffic is defined as \fIsignalling link activation\fR
.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Activation of a signalling link may also be applicable, for
example when a link set is to be extended or when a persisting failure makes
another signalling link in the link set unavailable for signalling
traffic.
.PP
In the case of signalling link failure, actions should be taken to
restore the faulty signalling link, i.e.\ to make it available for signalling
again. The restoration process may include replacement of a faulty signalling
data link or signalling terminal.
.PP
A link set or single signalling link is taken out of service by means of
a procedure defined as \fIsignalling link deactivation\fR .
.PP
The procedures for activation, restoration and deactivation are
initiated and performed in different ways depending on the level of automation
applicable for a particular implementation of the signalling system. In
the
following, procedures are specified for the cases when:
.RT
.LP
a)
no automatic functions are provided for allocation of
signalling terminals and signalling data links (see \(sc\ 12.2).
.LP
b)
an automatic function is provided for allocation of
signalling terminals (see \(sc\ 12.3).
.LP
c)
automatic functions are provided for allocation of
signalling terminals and signalling data links (see \(sc\ 12.4).
.LP
12.2
\fIBasic signalling link management procedures\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
12.2.1
\fISignalling link activation\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.2.1.1\ \ In the absence of failures, a link set contains a certain
predetermined number of active (i.e.\ aligned) signalling links. In addition,
the link set may contain a number of inactive signalling links, i.e.\ signalling
links which have not been put into operation. Predetermined signalling
terminals and a signalling data link are associated with each inactive
signalling link.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The number of active and inactive signalling links in the absence of failures,
and the priority order for the signalling links in a link set,
should be identical at both ends of the link set.
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ In the typical case, all signalling links in a link
set are active in the absence of failures.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.2.1.2\ \ When a decision is taken to activate an inactive signalling
link, initial alignment starts. If the initial alignment procedure is successful,
the signalling link is active and a signalling link test is started. If
the
signalling link test is successful the link becomes ready to convey signalling
traffic. In the case when initial alignment is not possible, as determined
at Message Transfer Part level\ 2 (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7),
new initial
alignment procedures are started on the same signalling link after a time\
T17 (delay to avoid the oscillation of initial alignment failure and link
restart. The value of\ T17 should be greater than the loop delay and less
than timer\ T2, see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7.3). If the signalling
link test fails, link
restoration starts until the signalling link is activated or a manual
intervention is made.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.2.2
\fISignalling link restoration\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
After a signalling link failure is detected, signalling link
initial alignment will take place. In the case when the initial alignment
procedure is successful, a signalling link test is started. If the signalling
link test is successful the link becomes restored and thus available for
signalling.
.PP
If initial alignment is not possible, as determined at Message
Transfer Part level\ 2 (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7), new initial
alignment
procedures may be started on the same signalling link after a time\ T17 until
the signalling link is restored or a manual intervention is made e.g.\ to
replace the signalling data link or the signalling terminal.
.PP
If the signalling link test fails, the restoration procedure is
repeated until the link is restored or a manual intervention made.
.bp
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.2.3
\fISignalling link deactivation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
An active signalling link may be made inactive by means of a
deactivation procedure, provided that no signalling traffic is carried
on that signalling link. When a decision has been taken to deactivate a
signalling link the signalling terminal of the signalling link is taken
out of service.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.2.4
\fILink set activation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link set not having any signalling links in service is started
by means of a link set activation procedure. Two alternative link set activation
procedures are defined:
.RT
.LP
\(em
link set normal activation,
.LP
\(em
link set emergency restart.
.sp 1P
.LP
12.2.4.1
\fILink set normal activation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Link set normal activation is applicable when a link set is to be put into
service for the first time (link set initial activation) or when a
link set is to be restarted (link set normal restart); the latter is applicable
for example in the case when:
.RT
.LP
\(em
all signalling links in a link set are faulty,
.LP
\(em
a processor restart in a signalling point makes it necessary to re\(hyestablish
a link set,
.LP
\(em
a signalling point recognizes other irregularities concerning the interworking
between the two signalling points,
.LP
provided that none of the above events create an emergency situation.
.PP
When link set normal activation is initiated, signalling link
activation starts on as many signalling links as possible. (All signalling
links
in the link set are regarded as being inactive at the start of the procedure.)
.PP
The signalling link activation procedures are performed on each
signalling link in parallel as specified in \(sc\ 12.2.1 until the signalling
links are made active.
.PP
Signalling traffic may, however, commence when one signalling link is successfully
activated.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.2.4.2
\fILink set emergency restart\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Link set emergency restart is applicable when an immediate
reestablishment of the signalling capability of a link set is required,
(i.e.\ in a situation when the link set normal restart procedure is not fast
enough). The precise criteria for initiating link set emergency restart
instead of normal restart may vary between different applications of the
signalling
system. Possible situations for emergency restart are, for
example:
.RT
.LP
\(em
when signalling traffic that may be conveyed over the link
set to be restarted is blocked,
.LP
\(em
when it is not possible to communicate with the signalling
point at the remote end of the link set.
.PP
When link set emergency restart is initiated, signalling link
activation starts on as many signalling links as possible, in accordance
with the principles specified for normal link set activation. In this case,
the
signalling terminals will have emergency status (see Recommendation\ Q.703,
\(sc\ 7) resulting in the sending of status indications of type \*QE\*U
when applicable.
Furthermore, the signalling terminals employ the emergency proving procedure
and short time\(hyout values in order to accelerate the procedure.
.PP
When the emergency situation ceases, a transition from emergency to
normal signalling terminal status takes place resulting in the employment of
the normal proving procedure and normal time\(hyout values.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.2.4.3
\fITime\(hyout values\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The initial alignment procedure (specified in Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\
7.3) includes time\(hyouts the expiry of which indicates the failure of
an
activation or restoration attempt.
.bp
.RT
.LP
12.3
\fISignalling link management procedures based on automatic\fR
\fIallocation of signalling terminals\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
12.3.1
\fISignalling link activation\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.1.1\ \ In the absence of failures a link set contains a certain
predetermined number of active (i.e.\ aligned) signalling links. The link set
may also contain a number of inactive signalling links.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
An inactive signalling link is a signalling link not in operation. A predetermined
signalling data link is associated with each inactive
signalling link; however, signalling terminals may not yet be allocated.
.PP
The number of active and inactive signalling links in the absence of failures,
and the priority order for the signalling links in a link set, should be
identical at both ends of the link set.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.1.2\ \ Whenever the number of active signalling links is below the
value specified for the link set, actions to activate new inactive signalling
links should be taken automatically. This is applicable, for example, when
a link set is to be brought into service for the first time (see \(sc\
12.3.4) or when a link failure occurs. In the latter case, activation starts
when the restoration
attemps on the faulty link are considered unsuccessful (see \(sc\ 12.3.2).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The signalling link(s) to activate is the inactive link(s) having the highest
priority in the link set.
.PP
Generally, if it is not possible to activate a signalling link, an
attempt to activate the next inactive signalling link (in priority order) is
made. In the case when an activation attempt performed on the last signalling
link in the link set is unsuccessful, the \*Qnext\*U signalling link is
the first inactive signalling link in the link set (i.e.\ there is a cyclic
assignment).
.PP
Activation of a signalling link may also be initiated manually.
.PP
Activation shall not be initiated automatically for a signalling link previously
deactivated by means of a manual intervention.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.1.3\ \ When a decision is taken to activate a signalling link, the
signalling terminal to be employed has to be allocated at each end.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The signalling terminal is allocated automatically by means of the function
defined in \(sc\ 12.5.
.PP
In the case when the automatic allocation function cannot provide a
signalling terminal the activation attempt is aborted.
.PP
The predetermined signalling data link which may be utilized for other
purposes when not connected to a signalling terminal must be removed from
its alternative use (e.g.\ as a speech circuit) before signalling link
activation
can start.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.1.4\ \ The chosen signalling terminal is then connected to the signalling
data link and initial alignment starts (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\
7).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
If the initial alignment procedure is successful, the signalling link is
active and a signalling link test is started. If the signalling link
test is successful the link becomes ready to convey signalling
traffic.
.PP
If initial alignment is not possible, as determined at Message
Transfer Part level\ 2 (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7), the activation is
unsuccessful and activation of the next inactive signalling link (if any)
after a time\ T17 is initiated. Successive initial alignment attempts may,
however,
continue on the previous (faulty) signalling link after a time\ T17 until
it is restored or its signalling terminal is disconnected (see \(sc\ 12.5).
.PP
In view of the fact that if it is not possible to activate a
signalling link an attempt is made to activate the next inactive signalling
link in a link set, it may be that the two ends of a link set continuously
attempt to activate different signalling links. By having different values
of initial alignment time out\ T2 at the two ends of the link set (see
\(sc\ 12.3.4.3) it is ensured that eventually both ends of the link set
will attempt to
activate the same signalling link.
.bp
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
12.3.2
\fISignalling link restoration\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.2.1\ \ After a signalling link failure is recognized, signalling link
initial alignment will take place (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7).
In the case when the initial alignment is successful, a signalling link
test is started. If the signalling link test is successful the link becomes
restored and thus
available for signalling. If the initial alignment is unsuccessful or the
test fails, the signalling terminals and signalling link may be faulty
and require replacement.
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.2.2\ \ The signalling terminal may be automatically replaced in
accordance with the principles defined for automatic allocation of signalling
terminals (see \(sc\ 12.5). After the new signalling terminal has been
connected to the signalling data link, signalling link initial alignment
starts. If
successful, the signalling link is restored.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
If initial alignment is not possible or if no alternative
signalling terminal is available for the faulty signalling link, activation
of the next signalling link in the link set (if any) starts. In the case
when it is not appropriate to replace the signalling terminal of the faulty
signalling link (e.g.\ because it is assumed that the signalling data link
is faulty)
activation of the next inactive signalling link (if any) is also initiated.
In both cases successive initial alignment attempts may continue on the
faulty
signalling link after a time\ T17 until a manual intervention is made or the
signalling terminal is disconnected (see \(sc\ 12.5).
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ In the case when a signalling terminal cannot be replaced,
activation of the next signalling link is only initiated if the link set
includes an alternative link group having access to signalling terminals
other than the one used by the signalling link for which restoration is
not
possible.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.3
\fISignalling link deactivation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In the absence of failures a link set contains a specified number of active
(i.e.\ aligned) signalling links. Whenever that number is exceeded
(e.g.\ as a result of signalling link restoration), the active signalling
link having the lowest priority in the link set is to be made inactive
automatically provided that no signalling traffic is carried on that signalling
link.
.PP
Deactivation of a particular signalling link may also be initiated
manually, for example in conjunction with manual maintenance activities.
.PP
When a decision has been taken to deactivate a signalling link, the
signalling terminal and signalling data link may be disconnected.
.PP
After deactivation, the idle signalling terminal may become part of
other signalling links (see \(sc\ 12.5).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.4
\fILink set activation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling link set not having any signalling links in service
is started by means of a link set activation procedure. The objective of the
procedure is to activate a specified number of signalling links for the link
set. The activated signalling links should, if possible, be the signalling
links having the highest priority in the link set. Two alternative link set
activation procedures are defined:
.RT
.LP
\(em
link set normal activation,
.LP
\(em
link set emergency restart.
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.4.1
\fILink set normal activation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Link set normal activation is applicable when a link set is to be put into
service for the first time (link set initial activation) or when a
link set is to be restarted (link set normal restart); the latter is
applicable, for example, in the case when:
.RT
.LP
\(em
all signalling links in a link set are faulty;
.LP
\(em
a processor restart in a signalling point makes it necessary to re\(hyestablish
a link set;
.LP
\(em
a signalling point recognizes other irregularities concerning the interworking
between the two signalling points, e.g.\ that a certain
signalling data link is associated with different signalling links at the
two ends of the link set;
.LP
provided that none of the above events create an emergency situation.
.bp
.PP
When link set normal activation is initiated, signalling link
activation starts on as many signalling links as possible. (All signalling
links in the link set are regarded as being inactive at the start of the
procedure). If activation cannot take place on all signalling links in
the link set (e.g., because a sufficient number of signalling terminals
is not
available), then the signalling links to activate are determined in accordance
with the link priority order.
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ All idle signalling terminals may not necessarily be made
available for link set activation. Thus making possible, for example,
restoration of faulty signalling links in other link sets at the same
time.
.PP
The signalling link activation procedures are performed as specified in
\(sc\ 12.3.1.
.PP
If the activation attempt for a signalling link is unsuccessful
(i.e.\ initial alignment is not possible), activation of the next inactive
signalling link, if any, in the priority order is initiated. (Inactive links
exist in the case when the number of signalling terminals available is less
than the number of signalling links defined for the link set). According
to the principles for automatic allocation of signalling terminals defined
in \(sc\ 12.5, the signalling terminal connected to the unsuccessfully
activated signalling
link will typically be connected to the signalling data link of that signalling
link for which the new activation attempt is to be made.
.PP
When a signalling link is successfully activated, signalling traffic may
commence.
.PP
After the successful activation of one signalling link, the activation
attempts on the remaining signalling links continue in accordance with
the
principles defined in \(sc\ 12.3.1, in such a way that the signalling links
having the highest priorities are made active. This is done in order to
obtain, if
possible, the normal configuration within the link set. Signalling link
activation continues until the predetermined number of active signalling
links is obtained.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.4.2
\fILink set emergency restart\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Link set emergency restart is applicable in the case the link set normal
restart procedure is not fast enough. Emergency restart is performed in
the same way as link set normal activation except that, in the case of
emergency restart, the emergency proving procedure and the short emergency
time\(hyout values (see\ Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7) are employed in
order to
accelerate the procedure (see further \(sc\ 12.2.4.2).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.3.4.3
\fITime\(hyout values\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The values of the initial alignment time\(hyout T2 (see
Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7) will be different at the two ends of the
link set, if automatic allocation of signalling terminals or signalling
data links is
applied at both ends of a signalling link set.
.RT
.LP
12.4
\fISignalling link management procedures based on automatic\fR
\fIallocation of signalling data links and signalling terminals\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
12.4.1
\fISignalling link activation\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.1.1\ \ In the absence of failures a link set contains a certain
predetermined number of active (i.e.\ aligned) signalling links. The link set
may also contain a number of inactive signalling links.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
An inactive signalling link is a signalling link currently not in operation.
It is not associated with any signalling terminal or signalling data link
(i.e.\ the signalling link is only identified by its position in the link
set).
.PP
The number of active and inactive signalling links (in the absence of failures),
and the priority order for the signalling links in a link set,
should be identical at both ends of the link set.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.1.2\ \ Whenever the number of active signalling links is below the
value specified for the link set, actions to activate new inactive signalling
links should be taken automatically. This is, for example, applicable when
a link set is to be brought into service for the first time (see \(sc\
12.4.4) or when a link failure occurs. In the latter case, activation starts
when the restoration
attempts on the faulty link are considered unsuccessful (see \(sc\ 12.4.2).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The signalling link(s) to activate is the inactive link(s) having the highest
priority in the link set.
.bp
.PP
If it is not possible to activate a signalling link an attempt to
activate the next inactive signalling link (in priority order) is made.
In the case when an activation attempt performed on the last signalling
link in the
link set is unsuccessful, the \*Qnext\*U signalling link is the first inactive
link in the link set (i.e.\ a cyclic assignment).
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ Activation of the next signalling link is only initiated
if the link set includes an alternative link group, having access to other
signalling terminals and/or other signalling data links than the signalling
link for which activation is not possible.
.PP
Activation of a particular signalling link may also be initiated upon receiving
a request from the remote signalling point, or by a manual request.
.PP
Activation shall not be initiated automatically for a signalling link previously
inactivated by means of a manual intervention.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.1.3\ \ When a decision is taken to activate a signalling link, the
signalling terminals and signalling data link to be employed have to be
allocated.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
A signalling terminal is allocated automatically by means of the function
defined in \(sc\ 12.5.
.PP
The signalling data link is allocated automatically by means of the
function defined in \(sc\ 12.6. However, in conjunction with link set activation
the identity of the signalling data link to use may be predetermined (see
further \(sc\ 12.4.4). A signalling data link which is not connected to a
signalling terminal may be utilized for other purposes, e.g.\ as a speech
circuit. When the data link is to be employed for signalling, it must be
removed from its alternative use.
.PP
In the case when the automatic allocation functions cannot provide a signalling
terminal or a signalling data link, the activation attempt is
aborted.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.1.4\ \ When the signalling data link and signalling terminal to be
used for a particular signalling link are determined, the signalling terminal
is
connected to the signalling data link and signalling link initial alignment
starts (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7). If the initial alignment procedure
is successful, the signalling link is active and a signalling link test
is
started. If the signalling link test is successful the link becomes ready to
convey signalling traffic.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
If initial alignment is not possible, as determined at Message
Transfer Part level\ 2 (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7), alternative
signalling data links are automatically connected to the signalling terminal,
until an
initial alignment procedure is successfully completed. In the case when the
function for automatic allocation of signalling data links cannot provide an
alternative signalling data link, the activation is regarded as unsuccessful
and activation of the next inactive signalling link (if any) is initiated
(see, however, the Note to \(sc\ 12.4.1.2 above). Successive initial alignment
attempts may continue on the previous signalling link after a time\ T17
until it is
activated or its signalling terminal is disconnected (see \(sc\ 12.5).
.sp 2P
.LP
12.4.2
\fISignalling link restoration\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.2.1\ \ After a signalling link failure is recognized, signalling link
initial alignment will take place (see Recommendation\ Q.703, \(sc\ 7).
In the case when the initial alignment is successful, a signalling link
test is started. If the signalling link test is successful the link becomes
restored and thus
available for signalling.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
If the initial alignment is unsuccessful or if the test fails the signalling
terminal and signalling data link may be faulty and require
replacement.
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.2.2\ \ The signalling data link may be automatically replaced by an
alternative, in accordance with the principles defined in \(sc\ 12.6. After
the new signalling data link has been connected to the signalling terminal,
signalling link initial alignment starts. If successful, the signalling
link is restored. If not, alternative data links are connected to the signalling
terminal, until an initial alignment procedure is successfully completed.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
If the automatic allocation function cannot provide a new
signalling data link, activation of the next inactive signalling link (if
any) is initiated (see, however, the Note to \(sc\ 12.4.1.2). Successive
initial
alignment attempts may, however, continue on the previous (faulty) signalling
link after a time\ T17 until it is restored or its signalling terminal
is
disconnected.
.bp
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.2.3\ \ The signalling terminal may be automatically replaced in
accordance with the principles defined in \(sc\ 12.5. After the new signalling
terminal has been connected to the signalling data link, signalling link
initial alignment starts. If successful, the signalling link is restored. If
not, activation of the next signalling link in the link set (if any) starts
(see, however, the Note to \(sc\ 12.4.1.2).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Successive initial alignment attempts may, however, continue on
the previous (faulty) signalling link after a time\ T17 until it is restored
or, for example, the signalling terminal or signalling data link is disconnected.
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ Activation of the next signalling link in the link set
should not be initiated as long as one of the activities described in
\(sc\(sc\ 12.4.2.2 and\ 12.4.2.3 above is taking place.
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.3
\fISignalling link deactivation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In the absence of failures, a link set contains a specified number of active
(i.e.\ aligned) signalling links. Whenever that number is exceeded
(e.g.\ as a result of signalling link restoration) the active signalling link
having the lowest priority in the link set is to be made inactive
automatically, provided that no signalling traffic is carried on that
signalling link.
.PP
Deactivation of a particular signalling link may also be initiated
manually, e.g.\ in conjunction with manual maintenance activities.
.PP
When a decision has been taken to deactivate a signalling link, the
signalling terminal and signalling data link may be disconnected. After
deactivation the idle signalling terminal and signalling data link may
become parts of other signalling links (see \(sc\(sc\ 12.5 and\ 12.6).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.4.4
\fILink set activation\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Link set activation is applicable in the case when a link set not having
any signalling links in service is to be started for the first time or
after a failure (see \(sc\ 12.3.4). The link set activation procedure is
performed as specified in \(sc\ 12.3.4, also as regards the allocation
of signalling data
links, i.e.\ signalling data links are allocated in accordance with
predetermined list assigning a signalling data link to some or all of the
signalling links in the link set. This is done in order to cater for the
situation when it is not possible to communicate with the remote end of the
link set (see\ \(sc\ 12.6). However, when a signalling link has become active,
signalling data link allocation may again be performed automatically
(i.e.\ activation of a signalling link takes place as specified in
\(sc\ 12.4.1).
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.5
\fIAutomatic allocation of signalling terminals\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
In conjunction with the signalling link activation and restoration procedures
specified in \(sc\(sc\ 12.3 and\ 12.4, signalling terminals may be allocated
automatically to a signalling link. A signalling terminal applicable to
the
link group is allocated in accordance with the following principles:
.RT
.LP
a)
an idle signalling terminal (i.e. a signalling terminal not connected
to a signalling data link) is chosen if possible;
.LP
b)
if no idle signalling terminal is available, a signalling
terminal is chosen which is connected to an unsuccessfully restored or
activated signalling link.
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ Activation and restoration is regarded as unsuccessful
when it is not possible to complete the initial alignment procedure
successfully (see \(sc\(sc\ 12.3 and\ 12.4).
.PP
Measures should be employed to ensure that signalling terminal to be allocated
to signalling links are able to function correctly (see
Recommendation\ Q.707).
.PP
A link set may by assigned a certain number of signalling terminals. A
signalling terminal may be transferred from a signalling link in one link
set to a signalling link in another set [in accordance with\ b) above]
only when the remaining number of signalling terminals in the link set
is not below the
specified value.
.PP
\fINote\fR \ \(em\ From a link set with a minimum number of signalling
terminals, only one signalling terminal and signalling data link may be
removed at a time (e.g.\ for testing, see Recommendation\ Q.707).
.bp
.RT
.sp 2P
.LP
12.6
\fIAutomatic allocation of signalling data links\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.PP
12.6.1
In conjunction with the signalling link activation and
restoration procedures specified in \(sc\ 12.4, signalling data links may be
allocated automatically. Any signalling data link applicable to a link group
may be chosen for a signalling link within that link group.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The signalling data links applicable to a link group are
determined by bilateral agreement and may, for example, include all speech
circuits between two exchanges. A signalling data link may also be established
as a semipermanent connection via one or more intermediate exchanges.
.PP
When a potential signalling data link is not employed for signalling, it
is normally used for other purposes (e.g.\ as a speech circuit).
.PP
The identity of the signalling data link to be used for a particular signalling
link is determined at one of the two involved signalling points and reported
to the remote end by a signalling data link connection order message. The
signalling point controlling the choice of signalling data link is the
signalling point initiating the activation or restoration procedure or,
in the case when both ends initiate the procedure at the same time, the
signalling
point having the highest signalling point code (included in the label of the
message).
.RT
.PP
12.6.2
When a signalling data link has been chosen at a signalling
point, the data link is made unavailable for other uses (e.g.\ as a speech
circuit) and an order to connect the appointed signalling data link to a
signalling terminal is sent to the signalling point at the remote end of the
signalling link.
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
The signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder message contains:
.LP
\(em
the label, indicating the destination and originating
signalling points and the identity of the signalling link to activate or
restore;
.LP
\(em
the signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder;
.LP
\(em
the identity of the signalling data link.
.PP
Formats and codes for the signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder
message appear in \(sc\ 15.
.PP
12.6.3
Upon reception of the signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder,
the following applies:
.sp 9p
.RT
.LP
a)
In the case when the signalling link to which a received
signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder message refers is inactive
as seen from the receiving signalling point, the message is regarded as
an order to activate the concerned signalling link, resulting in, for example,
allocation of a
signalling terminal. The signalling data link indicated in the
signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder is then connected to
the associated
signalling terminal and signalling link initial alignment starts. An
acknowledgement is sent to the remote signalling point.
.LP
If it is not possible to connect the appointed signalling
data link to a signalling terminal (e.g.\ because there is no working signalling
terminal available), the acknowledgement contains an indication informing
the remote signalling point whether or not an alternative signalling data
link
should be allocated to the concerned signalling link.
.LP
b)
If the signalling point receives a
signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder when waiting for an acknowledgement,
the order is disregarded in the case when the signalling point code of
the
receiving signalling point is higher than the signalling point code of the
remote signalling point. If the remote signalling point has the higher
signalling point code, the message is acknowledged and the signalling data
link referred to in the received message is connected.
.LP
c)
If a signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder is received in
other situations (e.g.\ in the case of an error in procedure), no actions are
taken.
.PP
The signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyacknowledgement contains
the label, indicating the destination and originating signalling points
and the identity of the signalling link to activate or restore, and one
of the
following signals:
.LP
\(em
connection\(hysuccessful signal, indicating that the
signalling data link has been connected to a signalling terminal;
.LP
\(em
connection\(hynot\(hysuccessful signal, indicating that it was not possible
to connect the signalling data link to a signalling terminal, and that
an alternative signalling data link should be allocated;
.LP
\(em
connection\(hynot\(hypossible signal, indicating that it was not
possible to connect the signalling data link to a signalling terminal,
and that no alternative signalling data link should be allocated.
.bp
.PP
The formats and codes for the signalling data link connection
acknowledgement message appear in\ \(sc\ 15.
.PP
12.6.4
When the signalling point initiating the procedure receives a
message indicating that signalling data link and signalling terminal have
been connected at the remote end, the signalling data link is connected
to the
associated signalling terminal and initial alignment starts (see \(sc\ 12.4).
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
If the acknowledgement indicates that it was not possible to
connect the signalling data link to a signalling terminal at the remote
end, an alternative signalling data link is allocated and a new
signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder is sent (as specified
above). However, if the acknowledgement indicates that no alternative signalling
data link should be allocated, the activation or restoration procedure
is terminated for the
concerned signalling link.
.PP
If no signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyacknowledgement or order is
received from the remote signalling point within a time\ T7 (see \(sc\ 16), the
signalling\(hydata\(hylink\(hyconnection\(hyorder is repeated.
.RT
.PP
12.6.5
When a signalling data link is disconnected in conjunction with signalling
link restoration or deactivation, the signalling data link is made idle
(and available, e.g.\ as a speech circuit).
.sp 9p
.RT
.sp 1P
.LP
12.7
\fIDifferent signalling link management procedures at the two ends of\fR
\fIa link set\fR
.sp 9p
.RT
.PP
Normally both ends of a link set will use the same signalling link management
procedures.
.PP
However, if one end uses the basic signalling link management
procedures, the other end may use the signalling link management procedures
based on automatic allocation of signalling terminals. In that case a
signalling link includes a predetermined signalling terminal at one end, a
predetermined signalling data link and at the other end, any of the signalling
terminals applicable to the concerned link group.
.PP
If one end of a link set uses the basic signalling link management
procedures and the other end uses the signalling link management procedures
based on automatic allocation of signalling terminals, the values of the
initial alignment time\(hyout\ T2 do not have to be different at the two
ends of
the link set.
.RT
.LP
.rs
.sp 25P
.sp 2P
.LP
\fBMONTAGE: \(sc 13 SUR LE RESTE DE CETTE PAGE\fR
.sp 1P
.RT
.LP
.bp