A signal transfer point, or STP, is an essential component of telecommunication networks, commonly referred to as part of the SS7 architecture. STP is vital for different messaging functions, including SMS, roaming, and number translation.
Understanding SS7 and the Role of STP
SS7 is a protocol used globally for managing signaling in mobile networks and PSTNs (Public Switched Telephone Networks). It is responsible for phone communication, internetwork roaming, SMS messages, caller ID, call forwarding, and prepaid billing.
Signaling messages provide various instructions to networks, allowing operators to initiate calls, locate devices, and identify users. On the other hand, the term "voice/data traffic" refers to the actual data being transferred during these calls.
SS7 transferred data between STPs and SEPs (Signaling End Points). It is also worth mentioning that SEPs commonly include SCPs (Service Control Points) and SSPs (Service Switching Points). In this configuration, STP is connected to other STPs and adjacent SEPs via signaling links.
A next-generation signaling transfer point is responsible for intelligent routing between SS7 components. Its main functionality includes load balancing, routing, redundancy and resilience, call setup coordination, as well as security and screening.
Why STPs Became Essential
In the 1980s, the number of telephone users increased dramatically. This prompted changes in infrastructure, which simply couldn't support the influx of traffic. In time, companies switched to proprietary operating systems, each with its own set of benefits.
Eventually, operators developed SEP technology, which offered enhanced resilience, scalability, and efficiency. Moder SEPs are responsible for number portability, call forwarding, roaming, and other functions. Managing a network without this component is financially impossible, as it would require direct signaling links. STPs also ensure higher service integrity and interoperability.
The Legacy Hardware Era — and Its Limits
Proprietary hardware-based STP solutions were vital components for decades. They provided some major benefits in terms of performance and reliability, but as operators switched to cloud-native, their flaws became glaring.
Today, network providers face numerous challenges, including high maintenance expenses, vendor lock-ins, and scaling to new demands. Luckily, with the development of multi-protocol signaling, we can combine legacy STPs with modern solutions, allowing operators to ward off incoming threats and benefit from real-time features.
The Shift Toward Virtualized STPs
The introduction of NFV (Network Functions Virtualization) completely changed the discourse in the telecom industry. Instead of relying on robust, monolithic infrastructure, companies could now switch to scalable, flexible cloud-native solutions.
The change also affected traditional STP products, which were previously proprietary appliances, configured for particular vendors and with fixed capacity. In comparison, a modern STP offers much more flexibility, as you can run it on a container or a virtual machine, deployed in a private, public, or hybrid environment.
As a result, these STPs ensure effortless scalability, lower TCO, and faster deployment. They support Diameter and HTTP/2 and can be deployed closer to the user. Other standard features include dynamic service chaining and zero-touch provisioning, making them essential transformative components.
Modern STP Capabilities
Modern virtual STPs are smart signaling gateways that can translate protocols for different network generations. They can easily detect anomalies, making them essential for current and future security challenges. Most importantly, they can be deployed on the cloud and allow unlimited scaling.
STP offers the following capabilities:
- IP SIGTRAN interface support for SS7
- GTT or Global Title Translation
- Security screening and firewalling for massage
- Number portability lookups.
Modern STP serves as a bridge between 4G and 5G, helping you circumvent potential interoperability and compliance issues. It allows you to switch between solutions as you slowly prepare for the introduction of 6G technologies.
Case in Point: Titan.ium’s Approach
Titan.ium stands out as an excellent solution for modern hybrid environments. The software-based STP can work on COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) hardware or a cloud environment. Its enormous flexiblity allows you to avoid vendor lock-ins and deploy all the standard features, while also offering extended capabilities.
The platform supports traditional SS7 services, including roaming, call setup, number portability, and SMS routing. Furthermore, as a comprehensive solution, it works for both legacy and modern networks. For example, it also supports IP-based protocols, including Diameter, SIGTRAN, SIP, and HTTP/2, which are commonly used for IMS, 5G, and 4G deployments.
The great thing about STP is that it works for both 5G and legacy networks. The flexibility will reduce network providers' operational costs while being a great future-proof choice.
Why STPs Still Matter in the 5G Era
Many professionals believe that SS7 has become obsolete, which couldn't be further from the truth. Together with STP, these remain vital components for telecom signaling, allowing roaming, SMS, voice calling, and other traditional features. Furthermore, many countries still demand support for legacy networks.
As such, operators require STPs for interoperability between 5G and 2G/3G/4G networks. Given that mixed networks are still alive and well, we have to find solutions that would combine 5G SA, LTE, and legacy tech. By relying on STP, we can ensure roaming between different era networks, resulting in seamless global telecommunications.
STP is vital for protocol interworking, supporting SIGTRAN, SS7, HTTP/2, and SIP, and allows operators to go from cloud-native core to legacy switches. The component serves for point code mapping, global title translation, ANSI/ITU interworking, GSM MAP screening, and various other purposes. Furthermore, STP also has a role in security, affecting signaling firewalls. It also protects IP-based and legacy networks from various attacks.
Its unparalleled automation and scaling make STP critical for digital transformation. Like any other component that can be deployed near the network edge, it ensures low-latency performance for various devices. STP helps operators launch new services, including IoT platforms, slicing, and private networks.
Although often disregarded, STPs are integral for modern SS7 signaling. Without it, global telecommunication networks simply couldn't work at the same capacity as they wouldn't have the same agility and scalability potential. Furthermore, providers would have to deal with much higher operating costs.
Back in the day, STPs were created as specialized hardware that you could deploy at the company level. Although they give businesses full control over their digital processes, they were also expensive to deploy and required regular maintenance. By changing to a software-based solution, companies are now able to deploy networks and services faster, enjoy real-time updates, and lower TCO.
If you're a modern telco, you shouldn't even think of whether or not you need a modern STP. These solutions provide maximum network integration flexibility, allowing users to run different networks and configurations. So, contact Titan.ium team today and modernize your network!