Signaling Transfer Point (STP)

The BroadForward Next Generation Signaling Transfer Point (STP) is a complete solution for intelligent routing of SS7 signaling traffic in 2G and 3G networks. It can run standalone or combined – in a container – on a single engine platform and even with other products, such as the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) and BroadForward Firewall.

Replacing end-of-life STPs
The BroadForward STP is the preferred choice for operators looking for a replacement of their legacy STP because of lack of functionality, end-of-life (EOL) or high-risk-vendor (HRV) situations, rationalization plans and network virtualization. In addition, a new wave of replacements has begun in which operators are pushing for cloud-based solutions to achieve a much lower cost base and a unified deployment architecture for their core network infrastructure. The BroadForward STP has the unique ability to support that transition as it can also run in a container in the cloud.

Increasingly operators are forced to replace their STPs and ITPs because they are End-Of-Life or End-Of-Support. While this is unfortunate, it also offers the opportunity to reduce operational cost (OPEX) and move away from the limitations of a legacy SS7 products, often running on proprietary hardware. Most legacy STPs are silo-based point-solutions, meaning they are designed to address a single technology, single protocol and single function. In contrast, The BroadForward STP is a 100% software solution by design.  The BroadForward STP allows operators to achieve consolidation across signaling technologies by combining it with other BroadForward applications such as the Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) on the same single engine software platform running in the cloud on containers. BroadForward has extensive experience in replacing various legacy vendor brands and offers service providers very attractive options to replace a legacy DSC or STP.

BroadForward Next Generation Signaling Transfer Point
The BroadForward STP provides intelligent routing of SS7 signaling traffic in 2G and 3G networks. According to the GSMA (“The Mobile Economy 2022”), 97% of the world’s population is still covered by 2G networks. Therefore, STPs will remain vital components in operator networks and will require new development for the foreseeable future. For that reason BroadForward has designed the STP as a modern, cost-effective, future-proof software product that can run in a container. It provides unrivalled flexibility to implement complex routing logic and services, using a central, easy-to-use configuration and management function. As it is part of BroadForward’s portfolio of converged, multi-protocol signaling products, it can be extended to enable signaling scenarios across 2G/3G, 4G and 5G (SS7, Diameter, HTTP and more).
Also see: BroadForward launches software STP, lands multiple replacement deals, Digicel completes swap-out of EOL ITP’s with BroadForward STP and Voiceworks selects BroadForward Next Generation STP to replace its legacy systems

The BroadForward STP therefore offers a future-proof choice, with major benefits compared to legacy STP products:

  • Support for relevant international standards and variants, including mixed modes for ITU and ANSI
  • Support for M3UA (SGP/IPSP)
  • Support of MTP3 Direct Routing without GTT (e.g. ISUP)
  • Support for M2PA
  • Global Title translation
  • Final GT routing based on SCCP layer
  • Mated pair support
  • SS7 (congestion) management
  • Application (MAP/INAP) layer routing (Application Peeking Function)
  • Flexible Number Register (FNR)
  • GUI based central configuration, management and provisioning
  • Supports SIGTRAN, as well as low speed (T1/E1) and high speed (T1/E1) links via the use of a TDM gateway (optional third party component)
  • Extensive feature set for screening, tracing, filtering, congestion control and throttling
  • Screening capabilities can be based on one or multiple layers (e.g. SCCP, TCAP, MAP, INAP, etc.)
  • Flexible routing on any parameter from M3UA, SCCP and TCAP layer, and/or specific parameters in MAP/INAP via the application peeking functionality
  • Robust and proven, carrier grade solution, highly scalable
  • Supporting high available and geo-redundant deployment models (active/active as well as active/standby)
  • GUI based services orchestration and system management, configurable service logic, no need for scripting or development
  • Optional (on-board) support for:

      Combining network functions
      The BroadForward STP runs on a unique single engine software design, allowing operators to combine multiple functions on the same platform. This provides many benefits, such as:

      • Reduction of integration points, and on-board capability for interworking and interoperability
      • Centralized IT integration, signaling management, configuration, provisioning, subscriber management, reporting and control
      • Centralized use of common network applications (e.g. firewall, number portability, steering of roaming)
      • Easy to operate, uniform operations across domains
      • Single capacity license with free traffic mix across supported protocols

      Hardware-agnostic solution, virtualized deployments
      The BroadForward STP runs on any off-the-shelf hardware or in a virtualized environment. It is a 100% software based solution, hardware-agnostic and support virtualization and cloud deployment as well as containerized application deployment. The STP does not rely on specialist hardware or proprietary operating systems. The ability to deploy the BroadForward STP on a common (shared) platform supports operators and vendors in migrating away from proprietary based appliance systems to a standards based, hardware agnostic, software only, infrastructure.

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