Capacity and performance analysis of signaling networks in multivendor environments

The load of common channel signaling networks is being increased through the introduction of new services such as supplementary services or mobile communication services. This may lead to a performance degradation of the signaling network, which affects both the quality of the new services and of the services already offered by the network. In the paper, a generic modeling methodology for the signaling load and the signaling network performance as a result of the various communication services is extended in order to include certain implementation-dependent particularities. The models are obtained by considering the protocol functions of Signaling System No. 7 as specified by the CCITT, as well as the information flows through these functions. With this approach, virtual processor models are derived which can be mapped onto particular implementations. This allows the analysis of signaling networks in a multivendor environment. Using these principles, a signaling network planning tool concept has been developed which provides the distinct loading of hardware and software signaling network resources, and on which hierarchical performance analysis and planning procedures are based. This allows to support the planning of signaling networks according to given service, load, and grade-of-service figures. A simple case study outlines the application of the tool concept to a network supporting Freephone, Credit Card, and ISDN voice services.< >