ABSTRACT: The Common Channel Signaling (CCS) Network has been the foundation technology for nearly all revenue-producing services in the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) network. Carriers must ensure that its CCS network continues to support services and regulatory requirements reliably, even as new technologies and interconnection scenarios are being introduced into the PSTN.

To grow and maintain this important revenue-generating network, it is necessary to understand the inner workings of the CCS network. For service providers just entering the area of local competition, this requires that employees be brought up to speed quickly and efficiently on the aspects of and issues associated with operating a CCS network.

Notes on Common Channel Signaling (CCS) Networks, another release in the popular Telcordia Notes series, provides a comprehensive overview of the CCS network. From the history, background, and basic elements through a discussion of what the future may bring, this Special Report covers important aspects that make up the CCS network.

This Special Report is intended to serve as a tutorial for anyone trying to master the complexities of the CCS network. The discussion of the CCS network is broken up into manageable pieces that allow you to understand the different aspects that make up the CCS network. Specifically, you will learn:

• Background Information- Learn the motivations that drove the creation of the CCS networks, while also getting a high-level overview of the technologies that existed before the emergence of CCS networks
• CCS Network Architecture - Learn about the different network architecture models being used in industry today, and review the specific network elements that make up the CCS network
• CCS Network Management - Understand the systems that are used to manage the CCS networks
• Signaling Protocol - Learn about the SS7 protocol, which is used extensively in CCS networks to communicate between network elements. The different layers that make up the SS7 protocol are also described
• Services - Learn how the CCS network is used to provide supplementary voice services. This will give you an understanding of how all the elements of the CCS network work to provide these network services
• Standards - Review the different Standards bodies that are involved in formulating procedures that enable the CCS network to work efficiently