More Information

Introduction

This module provides a brief introduction to the concepts and technologies associated with intelligent networks for mobile communications. Mobile IN capabilities are becoming increasing important as mobile network operators strive to deploy advanced value-added services to their customers.

Research

Wholesale Mobile Report

Secrets of MVNO Success

Mobile in Minute papers

IN Concepts

All intelligent networking for telecommunications involves the concept of a "query/response" system. This system entails the notion of distributed intelligence wherein a database is queried for information necessary for call processing. For example, a mobile communication switch or Mobile Switching Center (MSC), that is equipped with mobile IN call logic, can launch a message or "query" to a database hosted by a network element called a Service Control Point (SCP). The SCP processes the request and issues a "response" to the MSC so that it may continue call processing as appropriate.

Wireless intelligent networking is more complex than fixed network based intelligent networking due to the dynamic nature of mobile communications and thus the need for mobility management.

As the world evolves to embrace Internet protocol (IP) technologies, the notion of "network intelligence" is also evolving. The need to leverage IN to support convergence of traditional circuit switched with packet-based networks grows daily.

SS7

SS7 is a critical component of modern telecommunications systems. SS7 is a communications protocol that provides signaling and control for various network services and capabilities. While the Internet, wireless data, and related technology have captured the attention of millions, many forget or don't realize the importance of SS7. Every call in every network is dependent on SS7. Likewise, every mobile phone user is dependent on SS7 to allow inter-network roaming. SS7 is also the "glue" that sticks together circuit switched (traditional) networks with Internet protocol based networks.

SS7 Architecture

SS7 is comprised of a series of interconnected network elements such as switches, databases, and routing nodes. Each of these elements is interconnected with links, each of which has a specific purpose. The routing nodes are the heart of the SS7 network and are called a Signal Transfer Point (STP). STPs are connected to Service Switching Points (SSP) that are switches equipped with SS7 control logic. SSP switches are connected to the STPs via Access links (A links). STPs also connect to databases called Service Control Points (SCP) via A links. The SCP is the network element that contains service control logic such as instructions for converting an 8XX (toll-free) number into a routable number.

WIN, INAP, and CAMEL

Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN), Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP), and Customized Applications for Mobile Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) mobile IN technologies all have their origin in the same Intelligent Network Conceptual Model (INCM). However, WIN is the standard for ANSI-41 based networks, CAMEL is the standard for GSM based networks, and INAP is actually a European fixed network standard for which many vendors have created proprietary extensions to enable service delivery capabilities.

Capabilities

The reasons for deploying mobile IN technologies are to provide value-added capabilities for purposes such as cost reduction, improved service delivery, increased variety and quality of services, and rapid service creation and deployment.

These capabilities rely on underlying mobile networking technologies to handle mobility management functions. Together with mobile networking, mobile IN capabilities allow the mobile network operator to deploy a variety of advanced and/or value-added applications.

Applications

Mobile IN enables value-added applications such as:

• One number service
• Prepaid service
• Location based services
• Call management services
• FreePhone (toll-free calling)

More Information

See: www.mobileIN.com and the book Wireless Intelligent Networking published by Artech House (www.artechhouse.com).