In this section:

Overview

It is important for operators to be aware of the traffic levels and patterns transiting their systems. This information is used for the following:

  • Network design
  • Link Utilization Optimization
  • Growth Management
  • Accounting for inter-carrier traffic
  • Verification of services and features
  • Verification of inter-carrier agreements
  • Optimization of inter-carrier traffic
  • Troubleshooting

There are three basic methods for gathering of data measurements:

  • Industry Standard Operational Measurements
  • Gateway and Specialized Accounting
  • Integrated Monitoring Feed

For detailed information about the DSC data measurements, refer to Data Measurements Reference.

Operational Measurements

As a full featured STP and Diameter Router, the DSC provides industry-standard Operational Measurements (OMs). Through this function the operator can obtain information required to understand network activity levels and past events and trends. This is data required for Network Engineering and current operations. These measurements allow evaluation of system performance as it relates to a network.

The data measurements are recorded in real-time and are written to ASCII comma separated value (CSV) files that can be obtained at any time (refer to Retrieving Files). These files can then be loaded into spreadsheets, databases, third-party applications or reviewed directly.

Graphical representation of the data measurements is also supported (refer to Graphing Data Measurements).  

The intervals are gathered in files and accumulated in the following three time slots:

  • 5 - every 5 minutes
  • 30 - every 30 minutes
  • d - every 24 hours (daily, with accumulation intervals ending at midnight)

Gateway and Specialized Accounting

The Gateway Accounting (GWA) functionality is a licensed enhancement to the GWST to allow network administrators to support cascade remuneration of the SS7 messages coming into or through a signaling network from the SS7 linksets or M3UA/SUA ASPs. The accounting method used is based on the ITU Recommendation Q.752 and applied to all SS7 variants. It is the responsibility of the user to properly define the necessary accounting rules based on the Accounting Traffic Criteria for MTP3 and/or SCCP for any remunerations.

For detailed information about GWA Accounting, refer to Gateway Accounting Data Measurement.

Integrated Monitoring Feed

Monitoring traffic across a traditional STP requires an investment by the operator in probe equipment for each link used. However, the DSC allows the operator to send a copy of all MSUs transiting the system to any application connecting on TCP/IP. 

Every MSU that enters or leaves these platforms can be copied and sent over IP for off-board monitoring, eliminating the need for probes to monitor SS7 and SIGTRAN traffic.

When configuring the Integrated Monitoring Feed (IMF), the operator can choose only a subset of messages to be sent to the receiver application. Up to five separate receiver applications may be connected at one time.

For those looking for a simple troubleshooting tool and who do not want to create a receiver application, this feed can be sent directly to a file ready for Wireshark.

Full information on this interface is available in the API guide (refer to User Application Protocol Reference).

For detailed information about IMF, refer to Configuring the Integrated Monitoring Feed and about Wireshark, refer to Configuring Wireshark.

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