Isolating faulty routing tables in SS7 networks: present and future

The author presents the standardized method used to isolate faulty routing tables in SS7 packet switched networks, and suggests an alternative for the future. The present method used has a drawback: the extra load it induces on the network. Furthermore, it requires the audit logic, with its associated software packages, in all the SS7 nodes. The alternative suggested by this article does not induce any extra load on the network. It does not require any special audit logic in the SS7 nodes. However, it requires a TMN infrastructure. There is no doubt that TMN will gradually become a reality. But before TMN products are available on a large scale, SS7 network operators will have to do with the existing method. Routing tables can be audited using the existing method, but extra care is needed in order to avoid overloading the network. Audits therefore have to be done with circumspection. They need to be carefully scheduled, especially when used to test periodically and thoroughly all the routing tables of an SS7 network