A signaling point that is the source of a message. [T1.226-1992]

In a transmission system, a path used for system control, synchronization, checking, signaling, and service signals used in system management and operations rather than for the data, messages, or calls of the users.

A node in a signaling network that either originates and receives signaling messages, or transfers signaling messages from one signaling link to another, or both. [After T1.110-1987] [After T1.234-1993]

A binary code uniquely identifying a signaling point in a signaling network. This code is used, according to its position in the label either as destination point code or as originating point code. [T1.110-1987] [T1.226-1992]

See data signaling rate.

A predetermined path described by a succession of signaling points that may be traversed by signaling messages directly by a signaling point towards a specific destination point. [T1.110-1987]

A set of protocols that exchanges information between telecommunication systems and networks for establishing, maintaining, and terminating telephone calls within the PSTN.
Note: SS7 is a prerequisite for implementation of an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). Signaling System No.7 is described in ITU-T Recommendations and ANSI American National Standards.

In TDM carrier systems, a time slot starting at a particular phase or instant in each frame and allocated to the transmission of signaling (supervisory and control) data.

Actions and procedures intended to limit signaling traffic at its source in the case when the signaling network is not capable of transferring all signaling traffic offered by the user parts, because of network failures or overload situations. [T1.110-1987] [T1.226-1992]

Functions that control, and when necessary, modify, routing information used by message routing information to control the transfer of signaling traffic in a manner that avoids irregularities in message flow. [T1.226-1992]