signaleringsnetværk

A signaleringsnetværk, or signaling network, is a critical component in telecommunications and computer networks responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating communication sessions. It operates independently from the network that carries the actual user data (the bearer network). The primary function of a signaling network is to exchange control information, ensuring that calls are set up correctly, resources are allocated, and connections are maintained or dropped as needed.

In telephony, signaling networks have evolved significantly. Early systems used in-band signaling, where control signals were sent on the same channel as the voice data. This was prone to interference and inefficient. The development of out-of-band signaling, such as Signaling System No. 7 (SS7), revolutionized telecommunications. SS7 is a set of protocols that enables complex network features like call forwarding, caller ID, and inter-network roaming. It uses dedicated communication links for signaling messages, separating them from voice traffic.

In the context of the internet and IP-based networks, protocols like Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and H.323 serve as signaling mechanisms. SIP is widely used for voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing, handling the initiation, modification, and termination of interactive user sessions. These signaling networks are essential for the seamless operation of modern communication services, enabling everything from a simple phone call to complex multimedia conferencing. They ensure that the network infrastructure can efficiently handle the control aspects of communication, allowing user data to flow smoothly.