The functions that are performed by the message transfer part at level 3 and are common to, and independent of, the operation of individual signaling links. They include the signaling message handling functions and the signaling network management functions.
Note: The message handling functions include functions for message distribution, message discrimination, and message routing. [T1.110-1987][T1.226-1992]

Functions that control the current message routing and configuration of signaling network facilities based on predetermined data and current information about the status of the signaling network. [T1.226-1992]

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.