Megaco WG                                                     J. Bouwen
Internet Draft                                        B. Van Doorselaer
Document: <draft-bouwen-megaco-isdn-00.txt>                 M. Dekeyser
Category: Informational                                         Alcatel
                                                            March, 2000


    Issues for Megaco - Sigtran Interworking in ISDN Access Gateways


Status of this Memo

   This document is an Internet-Draft and is in full conformance with
   all provisions of Section 10 of RFC2026 [1].

   Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering
   Task Force (IETF), its areas, and its working groups. Note that
   other groups may also distribute working documents as Internet-
   Drafts. Internet-Drafts are draft documents valid for a maximum of
   six months and may be updated, replaced, or obsoleted by other
   documents at any time. It is inappropriate to use Internet- Drafts
   as reference material or to cite them other than as "work in
   progress."
   The list of current Internet-Drafts can be accessed at
   http://www.ietf.org/ietf/1id-abstracts.txt
   The list of Internet-Draft Shadow Directories can be accessed at
   http://www.ietf.org/shadow.html.


1. Abstract

   This document introduces the concept of an ISDN access gateway in
   the context of Megaco/H.248 and Sigtran protocols. For these ISDN
   access gateways, the ISDN B channels may be controlled by the Media
   Gateway Controller using megaco/H.248 while the User-to-Network
   signaling running over the D channels may be relayed to the Media
   Gateway Controller using either megaco/H.248 or the Sigtran
   protocols.
   The main issues involved are:
   * Megaco/H.248 and Sigtran protocols may interwork in different ways
     in ISDN access gateways, leaving room for non - interoperable
     solutions;
   * Megaco needs additional packages in order to support ISDN
     terminations in the ISDN access gateway;
   * A data service may be offered to ISDN users via the ISDN D-
     channel, introducing the need to introduce a NAS package for the
     D-channel.
   This document addresses these issues, proposes and explains
   different solutions and suggests best practice guideline for megaco
   / sigtran interworking in ISDN access gateways.


2. Conventions used in this document


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3. Introduction

   The Megaco/H.248 protocol [1] defines a framework for the control of
   ISDN Access Gateways by Media Gateway Controllers. Packages specify
   extensions for a specific type of termination in the Media Gateway.
   This Internet Draft investigates issues involved with the support of
   ISDN terminations in ISDN Access Gateways. An important set of
   issues are related to the interaction between Megaco/H.248 and
   Sigtran [2,3] protocols that can be used for the transport of ISDN
   signaling between the ISDN Access Gateway and the Media Gateway
   Controller.

   This document lists several alternative approaches for the
   Megaco/H.248 - Sigtran interworking. It proposes Megaco/H.248
   extensions for the description of ISDN termination properties in the
   form of an ISDN package. However, not all issues can be solved by a
   new package definition, and it is felt that a best common practice
   document is needed to guarantee interoperability. We hope this
   internet draft can start the discussion that will eventually lead to
   such a document.

   Following topics are addressed in this draft:
   * A general naming scheme for ISDN terminations;
   * Alternative backhaul mechanisms for Q.931 [6] signaling;
   * Levels of interworking between Megaco/H.248 and Sigtran. Different
   levels can be discerned, depending on the visibility of the
   signaling transport for Megaco/H.248;
   * Required new termination properties for ISDN;
   * Alternative mechanisms for the control of termination properties;
   * A preliminary discussion on support for packet data transfer in an
   ISDN D-channel.

   This draft does not pretend to present an exhaustive treatment of
   the subject, and several sections require further study. Fax and
   ISDN modems are not addressed. The package definitions are examples
   containing partial functionality tied to a particular implementation
   option. A future complete ISDN package would consist of a
   combination of selected package definitions in this draft. The draft
   focuses on the text-encoded version of the Megaco/H.248 protocol.


4. ISDN Termination Terminology and ISDN Media Gateway Architecture

   This section defines basic ISDN terminology based on Q.920 [5] and
   I.412 [9].

   An ISDN termination typically exists of a number of B channels and
   one D channel.

   A B-channel is a 64 kbit/s channel for the transfer of user
   information streams

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   A D-channel carries signaling information for circuit switching by
   the ISDN.

   Typical ISDN interface structures are:

   Basic access (BA)
        2B+D
        ETSI, ANSI
        The bit rate of the D-channel in this interface structure is 16
        kbit/s)

   2048 kbit/s Primary rate access (PRA):
        30B+D
        ETSI
        The bit rate of the D-channel in the primary rate access
        structure is 64 kbit/s)

   1544 kbit/s Primary rate interface (PRI)
        23B+D
        ANSI
        The bit rate of the D-channel in the primary rate interface
        structure is 64 kbit/s)

   The D-channel uses a layered protocol according to ITU-T
   recommendations Q.920, Q.921, Q.930 and Q.931. The Q.921 Data Link
   uses the DLCI to identify a connection. Figure 1 shows the use of
   the DLCI.

   DLCI        Data Link Connection Identifier
               An address conveyed in a Q.921 message which indicates
               the source and destination of an intended instance of
               communication at the data link layer
               The DLCI is the combination of the TEI and the SAPI

   SAPI        Service Access Point Identifier
               Portion of the DLCI associated with the service access
               point on the network side or the user side of the user-
               network interface. The Service Access Point is the point
               at which the Q.921 data link layer provides services to
               layer 3.

   TEI         Terminal Endpoint Identifier
               Portion of a DLCI associated with one (point-to-point
               data link) or more than one (broadcast data link)
               terminal equipment. The TEI is used to identify a
               specific connection endpoint within a Service Access
               Point.






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       ###########################    ########################### C P
       #       Terminal 1        #    #       Terminal 2        # U R
       #                         #    #                         # S E
       # +--------+  +--------+  #    #       +---------+       # T M
       # | Packet |  | Q.931  |  #    #       |  Q.931  |       # O I
       # | Data   |  | Sign.  |  #    #       |   Sign. |       # M S
       # +--------+  +--------+  #    #       +---------+       # E E
       #     |           |       #    #          |...|          # R S
       #    /|\ SAPI    /|\ SAPI #    #         /|   |\ SAPI    # '
       #    \|/  16     \|/  0   #    #         \|...|/  0      # S
       #     |           |       #    #          |   |          #
       ######|###########|########    ###########|###|###########
             |           |                       |   |
             |TEI88      |TEI88              TEI3|   |TEI8
             |           |                       |   |
             |           +--------+ +------------+   |
             +------------------+ | | +--------------+
                                | | | |
                                | | | |
                             -->| | | |<--D-Channel
                                | | | |
                                | | | +---------------+            N
                    +-----------+ | +-------------+   |            E
                    |             +-----------+   |   |            T
                    |                         |   |   |            W
                   / \ SAPI                  /|'''|'''|\ SAPI      O
                   \ /  16                   \|...|...|/  0        R
                    |                         |   |   |            K
                +--------+                   +---------+
                | Packet |                   |  Q.931  |
                |  Data  |                   |  Sign.  |
                +--------+                   +---------+

    DLCI = SAPI + TEI

    Figure 1 - Relationship between SAPI, TEI and DLCI (based on [5])


   Signaling information arrives in the ISDN Access Gateway over the D-
   channel, and has to forwarded to the call control intelligence in
   the Media Gateway Controller. In this way an ISDN Access Gateway
   contains Signaling Gateway functionality.



5. Naming of ISDN Terminations

   5.1 Complete provisioning

   The Megaco/H.248 protocol specification doesn't contain any
   recommendation for the naming of terminations. The attribution of
   names is considered a matter of implementation. An arbitrary naming


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   scheme necessitates a complete pre-provisioning in both Media
   Gateway and Media Gateway Controller of:

   * A table of ISDN B-channel terminations in Media Gateway and Media
   Gateway Controller, for use in Megaco/H.248 commands for media
   connection establishment.

   * A table of ISDN D-channel terminations in Media Gateway and Media
   Gateway Controller, for transfer of Q.931 message contents between
   Media Gateway and Media Gateway Controller. (See further for
   possible transfer mechanisms)

   * A binding table in the Media Gateway Controller between B-channels
   and the associated D-channels (i.e. a view of the BRI and PRI
   structures).

   5.2 Advantages of a general ISDN Naming Scheme

   The adoption of a consistent naming scheme of ISDN terminations
   would simplify configuration of Media Gateways and Media Gateway
   Controllers, and facilitate their interoperability. The extension of
   a Media Gateway with new terminations - a current practice in Access
   Gateways - could be more easily automated. And finally the use of
   one naming pattern in Megaco/H.248 and IUA/SCTP protocols (see
   further) is almost a prerequisite for a transparent Media Gateway
   Controller implementation.

   5.3 Proposal for an ISDN Termination Naming Pattern

   A possible naming pattern for ISDN terminations could be:

   ISDNTerm / [BA[1-{#BA}] / [D, B[1-2]],
               PRI[1-{#PRI}] / [D, B[1-23]],
               PRA[1-{#PRA}] / [D, B[1-30]]
              ]

   Examples of termination names constructed according to this scheme:

   ISDNTerm/BA93/B1
   ISDNTerm/PRI17/B18
   ISDNTerm/PRI22/D
   ISDNTerm/PRA88/B28

   5.3 Visibility of the D-channel for Megaco/H.248

   The advantages of a naming scheme are coupled to the visibility of
   D-channels to the Megaco/H.248 implementation. Megaco/H.248 can be
   unaware of the existence of D-channels, and only be involved with
   the establishment of media contexts containing B-channels. It's also
   possible to treat D-channels similarly to B-channels, and allow all
   Megaco/H.248 operations on D-channels. This draft discusses a set of
   implementation options, which translate to an increasing visibility
   of the D-channels to Megaco/H.248:

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   * Megaco/H.248 is unaware of the existence of D-channels (par. 7.1)
   * Reference to D-channels is used in Megaco/H.248 for management
   purposes (e.g. blocking/unblocking) (par. 6.1, 6.2, 7.2)
   * Reference to D-channels is used in Megaco/H.248 for Q.931 backhaul
   (par. 6.1, 6.2)
   * Megaco/H.248 references D-channels to set up signaling connections
   (par. 7.3)
   * Megaco/H.248 references D-channels to set up media (packet data)
   connections over the D-channel (par. 10)


6. ISDN Signaling Backhaul Mechanisms

   In the decomposed architecture of Media Gateways and Media Gateway
   Controllers, the call control intelligence resides in the Media
   Gateway Controller. This implies the call control signaling, which
   is transported in the SCN over the D-channel as Q.931 messages, has
   to be relayed from the Media Gateway to the Media Gateway Controller
   and vice versa. One can think of two main approaches to tackle this
   backhauling problem:

   * Using the Megaco/H.248 protocol to transfer the Q.931 information,
   as a set of newly defined events and signals, or as a binary
   attachment to the Megaco/H.248 message.

   * Using the signaling transport protocols developed in the Sigtran
   WG: SCTP [2] and IUA [3] (ISDN Q.921 Adaptation Layer)

   The use of Megaco/H.248 for the transfer of Q.931 messages may be
   considered a sub-optimal solution, as Megaco/H.248 was never
   designed/intended to be a transport protocol. The solution can be
   defended for small residential gateways, when the vendor wishes to
   limit the number of implemented protocol stacks.

   The next paragraphs discuss in more detail the identified options.


   6.1 Translating Q.931 into Megaco/H.248 Events and Signals

   6.1.1 Translation Mechanism

   In a first approach, new events and signals are defined for every
   type of Q.931 message. Events are used to notify the Media Gateway
   Controller of an incoming Q.931 message (from the user to the Media
   Gateway). The Media Gateway translates incoming Q.931 messages into
   the appropriate event, and fills the defined additional event
   parameters with the information elements of the Q.931 messages. The
   Media Gateway Controller instructs the Media Gateway to send out
   Q.931 messages with the use of signals. The Media Gateway constructs
   an outgoing Q.931 message from the information in the received
   signal additional parameters.


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   6.1.2 Package Definition

   The next partial package description gives examples of events and
   signals in a possible Q.931 Translation Package. The example only
   defines additional parameters for the 'Incoming Q.931 SETUP' event.


   Q.931 Translation Package

   Package ID: q931transl
        Version: 1
        Extends: none
        Description:
           This package defines events for every type of Q.931 message
           received by the Media Gateway, and signals for every type of
           Q.931 message the Media Gateway Controller wishes to send
           out to the user via the Media Gateway. Additional event and
           signal parameters are defined for the information elements
           specified in Q.931.


   EVENTS

   Incoming Q.931 SETUP

        EventID: setup (Ox0001)
        Q.931 SETUP message received from user
        ObservedEventsDescriptor Parameters
                Protocol Discriminator
                        ParameterID: protdiscr (0x0001)
                        Type: String
                        Default value = Q931UN
                Call Reference Length
                        ParameterID: crl (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer
                        Length of call reference value in octets
                Call Reference Value
                        ParameterID: crv (0x0003)
                        Type: Integer
                        Numerical value of call reference parameter
                Called Party Number
                        ParemeterID: cldpty
                        Type: String
                Calling Party Number
                        ParameterID: clgpty
                        Type: String

   Incoming Q.931 SETUP ACKNOWLEDGE

        EventID: setupack (0x0002)
        Q.931 SETUP ACK received from user



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   Incoming Q.931 ALERTING
        EventID: alerting (0x0003)
        Q.931 ALERTING message received from user

   Incoming Q.931 CONNECT

        EventID: connect (0x0004)
        Q.931 CONNECT message received from user

   Incoming Q.931 CONNECT ACKNOWLEDGE

        EventID: connectack (0x0005)
        Q.931 CONNECT ACKNOWLEDGE received from user

   etc.


   SIGNALS

   Outgoing Q.931 SETUP

        SignalID: setup (0x0001)
        Instruction to send Q.931 SETUP message to user
        SignalType: Brief
        Additional Parameters
                Protocol Discriminator
                        ParemeterID: protdiscr (0x0001)

        etc.


   Although straightforward, this mechanism leads to the definition of
   a huge ISDN package, and puts a considerable processing burden on
   the Media Gateway. It is therefore not further developed in this
   draft.


   6.2 Embedding Q.931 messages in Megaco/H.248

   6.2.1 Generic Q.931 event and signal

   Q.931 messages can be embedded in Megaco/H.248 messages as binary
   data. The event/signal mechanism is used to define a generic Q.931
   event/signal. The Media Gateway uses the 'q931in' event to notify an
   incoming Q.931 message has been received. The Q.931 message itself
   is appended to the Megaco message containing the notify as a binary
   attachment. The Media Gateway Controller uses a similar process to
   convey Q.931 messages to the Media Gateway. With a modify command
   containing the 'Q931out' signal, the Media Gateway Controller
   requests the Media Gateway to send out the Q.931 message that is
   attached to the Megaco/H.248 message.



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   6.2.2 Embedding mechanism

   This draft proposes to use the MIME mechanism to embed binary Q.931
   message into the Megaco/H.248 message. The current practice to
   define MIME attachments for SIP is the main reason for this choice.
   Content-type of the attachment is defined as q931/application. The
   content-type is an additional parameter for the q931in event and
   q931out signal. Other additional parameters are the Content Length
   and the Content Transfer Encoding method.

   6.2.3 Q.921 Addressing

   To ensure the outgoing signaling message is addressed to the proper
   Terminal Endpoint and Service, the Media Gateway has to receive from
   the Media Gateway Controller the TEI and SAPI for a particular Q.931
   message. For incoming Q.931 messages, the Media Gateway has to
   include the Q.921 addressing (DLCI) in the to the Media Gateway
   Controller forwarded Q.931 message. The Q.921 DLCI can be included
   in the Megaco/H.248 messages at two positions: in additional
   parameters for the q931in event and q931 signal, or it can be
   prepended to the binary Q.931 attachment. The additional parameter
   mechanism is preferred because it also allows identification of the
   DLCI when no MIME attachment is present, as required in some layer
   management events/signals described in paragraph 6.2.7.


   6.2.4 Package definition

   Q.931 Tunneling Package


   Package ID: q931tunn
        Version: 1
        Extends: none
        Description:
           This package defines a generic event for an incoming Q.931
           message, and a generic signal for an outgoing Q.931 message.
           The binary Q.931 messages (supplemented by the Q.921 DLCI)
           are appended to the Megaco/H.248 message as binary MIME
           attachments. Additional parameters for the description of
           the MIME content are defined accordingly.


   EVENTS

   Incoming Q.931 Message

        EventID: q931in (0x0001)
        Media Gateway reports an incoming Q.931 message has been
        received
        ObservedEventsDescriptor Parameters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer

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                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer
                Content Length
                        ParameterID: contlen (0x0003)
                        Type: Integer
                        The length of the mime attachment containing
                        the Q.931 message (and Q.921 DLCI) in number of
                        bytes
                Content Type
                        ParameterID: conttype (0x0004)
                        Type: String
                        The type of the embedded MIME attachment:
                        q931/application
                Content Transfer Encoding
                        ParameterID: encod (0x0005)
                        Type: String
                        The encoding method for the MIME attachment:
                        binary


   SIGNALS

   Outgoing Q.931 Message

        SignalID: q931out (0x0001)
        Media Gateway Controller requests Media Gateway to send out
        Q.931 message that is contained in the MIME attachment
        SignalType: Brief
        Additional Parameters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer
                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer
                Content Length
                        ParameterID: contlen (0x0003)
                        Type: Integer
                        The length of the mime attachment containing
                        the Q.931 message (and Q.921 DLCI) in number of
                        bytes
                Content Type
                        ParameterID: conttype (0x0004)
                        Type: String
                        The type of the embedded MIME attachment:
                        q931/application
                Content Transfer Encoding
                        ParameterID: encod (0x0005)
                        Type: String
                        The encoding method for the MIME attachment:
                        binary


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   6.2.5 Example Megaco message 1: DLCI in binary MIME attachment

   Following message is an example of a notification by a Media Gateway
   of an incoming Q.931 setup message. As is clear from the
   Megaco/H.248 message contents, the Media Gateway is not aware of the
   type of Q.931 message it received.

   +--------------------------------------------------------------+
   |MEGACO/1 [124.124.124.222]:55555                              |
   |Transaction = 10004 {                                         |
   |    Context = - {                                             |
   |            Notify = ISDNTerm/BA17/D {                        |
   |                    ObservedEvents = 2222 {                   |
   |                            Q931tunn/q931in {                 |
   |                                    contlent 187,             |
   |                                    conttype application/q931,|
   |                                    encod binary              |
   |                            }                                 |
   |                    }                                         |
   |            }                                                 |
   |    }                                                         |
   |}                                                             |
   +--------------------------------------------------------------+
   |                Q.921 DLCI (SAPI + TEI)                       |
   +--------------------------------------------------------------+
   |                                                              |
   |                Q.931 Binary Message                          |
   |                                                              |
   +--------------------------------------------------------------+

   6.2.6  Example Megaco message 2: DLCI in ObservedEventsDescriptor

   +--------------------------------------------------------------+
   |MEGACO/1 [124.124.124.222]:55555                              |
   |Transaction = 10004 {                                         |
   |    Context = - {                                             |
   |            Notify = ISDNTerm/BA17/D {                        |
   |                    ObservedEvents = 2222 {                   |
   |                            Q931tunn/q931in {                 |
   |                                    contlent 187,             |
   |                                    conttype application/q931,|
   |                                    encod binary,             |
   |                                    tei 88,                   |
   |                                    sapi 0}                   |
   |                    }                                         |
   |            }                                                 |
   |    }                                                         |
   |}                                                             |
   +--------------------------------------------------------------+
   |                                                              |
   |                Q.931 Binary Message                          |
   |                                                              |
   +--------------------------------------------------------------+

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   6.2.7 Q.921 Management and Error Messages

   In addition to the backhauling of Q.931 from the ISDN access gateway
   to the Media Gateway Controller and vice versa, it is also a
   requirement that during operation Q.921 management messages can be
   exchanged between the ISDN access gateway and the Media Gateway
   Controller. This can be achieved by extending the Q.931Tunneling
   package with a Q.921 management event and signal.

   The approach described in this section creates a specific Q.921
   adaptation layer for Q.931, to be transported inside Megaco messages
   with the event/signal mechanism. The following package description
   is based on the Q.921


   Q.931 Tunneling Package - Continued

   EVENTS

   Q.921 Data Link Establishment Confirmation

        EventID: q921estabconf (0x0002)
        Media Gateway confirms data link has been established
        ObservedEventsDescriptor Parameters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer
                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer

   Q.921 Data Link Release Confirm

        EventID: q921relconf (0x0003)
        Media Gateway confirms data link has been released
        ObservedEventsDescriptor Parameters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer
                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer

   Q.921 Data Link Release Indication

        EventID: q921relind (0x0004)
        Media Gateway reports data link has been released
        ObservedEventsDescriptor Parameters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer

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                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer
                Reason
                        ParameterID: reason (0x0003)
                        Type: String
                        Possible Values:
                                Management Layer generated release
                                Physical Layer Alarm generated release
                                Other messages for further study


   Q.921 Unit Data In

        EventID: q921udin (0x0005)
        Media Gateway reports an incoming Q.921 unit data message. The
        Protocol Data Unit is contained in the MIME attachment
        ObservedEventsDescriptor Parameters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer
                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer
                Content Length
                        ParameterID: contlen (0x0003)
                        Type: Integer
                        The length of the mime attachment containing
                        the Q.921 unit datat message in number of bytes
                Content Type
                        ParameterID: conttype (0x0004)
                        Type: String
                        The type of the embedded MIME attachment:
                        q921/application
                Content Transfer Encoding
                        ParameterID: encod (0x0005)
                        Type: String
                        The encoding method for the MIME attachment:
                        binary


   SIGNALS

   Q.921 Data Link Establishment Request

        SignalID: q921estreq (0x0002)
        Media Gateway Controller requests Media Gateway to establish
        data link in D-channel
        SignalType: Brief
        Additional Parameters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer

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                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer

   Q.921 Data Link Release Request

        SignalID: q921relreq (0x0003)
        Media Gateway Controller requests Media Gateway to release the
        data link
        SignalType: Brief
        Additional Paremeters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer
                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer
                Reason
                        ParameterID: reason (0x0003)
                        Type: String
                        Possible Values:
                                Management Layer generated release
                                Other messages for further study

   Q.921 Unit Data Out

        SignalID: q921udout (0x0004)
        Media Gateway Controller requests Media Gateway to send out
        Q.921 unit data message that is contained in the MIME
        attachment
        SignalType: Brief
        Additional Parameters
                Q.921 Terminal Equipment Identifier
                        ParameterID: tei (0x0001)
                        Type: Integer
                Q.921 Service Access Point Identifier
                        ParameterID: sapi (0x0002)
                        Type: Integer
                Content Length
                        ParameterID: contlen (0x0003)
                        Type: Integer
                        The length of the mime attachment containing
                        the Q.921 unit data message in number of bytes
                Content Type
                        ParameterID: conttype (0x0004)
                        Type: String
                        The type of the embedded MIME attachment:
                        q921/application
                Content Transfer Encoding
                        ParameterID: encod (0x0005)
                        Type: String
                        The encoding method for the MIME attachment:
                        binary

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   This package needs further study. At the moment no events/signals
   for error messages have been defined. Analysis is required to assess
   to what extent Megaco/H.248 ErrorDescriptors cover required error
   reporting.


   6.3 Using Sigtran protocols: IUA over SCTP

   The third solution for the backhauling problem is the use of the
   signaling transport protocols developed in Sigtran. It involves the
   generic signaling transport protocol SCTP [2], and the ISDN Q.921
   Adaptation Layer (IUA) [3]. Figure 2 shows the envisaged
   architecture. An SCTP association is set up between the Media
   Gateway and the Media Gateway Controller for the relay of Q.931
   signaling and Q.921 management information. The SCTP association
   contains unidirectional streams. Every D-channel is mapped to an MG-
   >MGC stream and an MGC->MG stream, as proposed in [3]. The mapping
   of a particular D-channel to an SCTP stream is a matter of
   implementation, but the use of the same stream identification number
   in both directions seems a logical choice.

   The Media Gateway Controller uses Megaco/H.248 to create and remote
   media contexts containing B-channel terminations. Signaling
   associated with the B-channels is transferred between Media Gateway
   and Media Gateway Controller as unmodified Q.931 binary messages.

   Megaco/H.248 is not directly concerned with the Q.931 backhaul
   mechanism. However, some interaction between the two protocols is
   required. References to D-channels can show up in both Megaco/H.248
   and IUA messages. Some synchronization is needed between the
   Megaco/H.248 ServiceChange messages and the initiation/release of
   SCTP associations. These issues are explored in more detail in the
   next chapter


   Figure 3 shows the contents of a message conveyed over an SCTP
   stream. Only some elements of the SCTP message header are shown. The
   IUA header contains a reference to the relevant D-channel, and the
   Q.921 addressing information.














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                        SCTP Association |
                                         |
                ################         |          ################
                #              #         v          # +--------+   #
                # *************#********************#*** Q.931 |   #
                # * ***********#********************#*** Sign. |   #
      D*********#** *          #         ^          # +--------+   #
     B1---------#-  * +-----+  #                    # |   IUA  |   #
     B2---------#---*-|-o o-|--#--------> RTP       # +--------+   #
                #   * +-----+  #        (Media)     # |  SCTP  |   #
                #   *          #                    # +--------+   #
      D*********#****          #                    #              #
     B1---------#-    +-----+  #                    #              #
     B2---------#-----|-o o-|--#--------> RTP       #              #
          .     #     +-----+  #        (Media)     #              #
          .     #              #                    #              #
    B31---------#-             #                    #              #
                #              #                    #              #
                ################                    ################

                 Media Gateway                        Media Gateway
                                                       Controller

                   Figure 2 - Megaco + IUA/SCTP Architecture



                +-------------------------------------+      ^
                !                 ...                 !      !
                !                                     !      !
                +------------------+------------------+      !
                ! Originating Port ! Destination Port !      !
                +------------------+------------------+      !
                ! StreamID = 17    !                  !      !
                +-------------------------------------+      !
                !                                     !      !
                !   +-----------------------------+   !  ^   !
                !   !      Adaptation Layer       !   !  !   !
                !   !      Common Header          !   !  !   !
                !   +-----------------------------+   !  !   !
                !   !       'ISDN/PRI17/D'        !   !  !   !S
                !   +-----------------------------+   !  !I  !C
                !   !            SAPI             !   !  !U  !T
                !   +-----------------------------+   !  !A  !P
                !   !            TEI              !   !  !   !
                !   +-----------------------------+   !  !   !
                !   !           Q.931             !   !  !   !
                !   !           DATA              !   !  !   !
                !   +-----------------------------+   !  v   !
                +-------------------------------------+      v

            Figure 3 - Contents of IUA/SCTP Q.931 Backhauling Message


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7. Megaco - Sigtran interworking

   7.1 Minimal interworking

   A first scenario encompasses minimal interworking between
   Megaco/h.248 and IUA/SCTP. The Megaco/H.248 implementation is
   unaware of the existence of D-channels and the backhauling
   mechanism. At start-up the Media Gateway informs the Media Gateway
   Controller of its existence with a Megaco/H.248 ServiceChange
   message. The next step is the initiation of an SCTP association for
   the signaling backhaul. assuming that no SCTP association has been
   created between the Media Gateway Controller and the ISDN acces
   gateway as a transport layer for the megaco/H.248 protocol). In case
   the megaco/H.248 protocol uses one or more SCTP streams, one should
   take care that different stream identifiers are used for the Q.931
   backhauling and for the streams used by the megaco/H.248 protocol.
   Table 1 lists the dependencies between ServiceChange messages and
   the management of the SCTP association.

   +==================================================================+
   | Megaco/H.248 ServiceChange      | SCTP Association               |
   +==================================================================+
   | RESTART (Root or all ISDN terms)| INIT SCTP Association          |
   |                                 | by Media Gateway               |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | GRACEFUL Shutdown (Root or all  | TERMINATE SCTP Association     |
   | ISDN terminations)              | by Media Gateway               |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | FORCED Shutdown (Root or all    | ABORT SCTP Association         |
   | ISDN terminations)              | by Media Gateway               |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | DISCONNECTED                    | Check if SCTP Association is   |
   |                                 | still operational, INIT other- |
   |                                 | wise                           |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | HANDOFF (sent by MGC1 to MG, to | 1. MG TERMINATEs SCTP Assoc.   |
   | hand off from MGC1 to MGC2)     |    to MGC1                     |
   |                                 | 2. MG INITs SCTP Association   |
   |                                 |    to MGC2                     |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | FAILOVER (sent by MG1 to MGC, to| 1. If SCTP Association between |
   | change from MG1 to MG2)         |    MG1 and MGC was not aborted,|
   |                                 |    ABORT by MGC                |
   |                                 | 2. INIT SCTP Assoc. by MG2     |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+

   Table 1 - Synchronization between ServiceChange and SCTP Association
           Management for minimal Megaco - SCTP interworking





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   Remarks:

   1. The table assumes Megaco/H.248 itself doesn't run over SCTP. If
   this is the case, the same SCTP association could also be used for
   signaling backhaul.

   2. The synchronization requirements for a Restart, a Graceful or
   Forced Shutdown are valid when the complete Media Gateway is
   affected (i.e. the referenced termination is 'root'), or when the
   complete set of available ISDN terminations is involved (i.e. the
   ISDN part of the Media Gateway). For the restart of shutdown of one
   ISDN termination, no changes in the SCTP association are required
   (since once the SCTP association has been established, there is no
   need to set up or tear down the flows inside the association).


   7.2 Referencing D-channels for management

   In a second scenario D-channels are visible for the Megaco/H.248
   implementation, and can hence be addressed in Megaco/H.248 messages.
   This would be a logical situation if a standardized naming pattern
   is used, which is downloaded by the Media Gateway Controller from
   the Media Gateway when it restarts (a feature scheduled for the next
   Megaco/H.248 version).

   If D-channels are only used for the transfer of Q.931 signaling, D-
   channel terminations will not be added to Megaco/H.248 contexts.
   They can however be audited to get their current status (see par.
   for ISDN termination properties), and can be referenced in
   ServiceChange commands (to block/unblock a D-channel).

   When D-channels can contain packet data, visibility of the D-channel
   for Megaco/H.248 is clearly a necessity. In this case, a specific
   type of NAS package could be foreseen. See chapter 10 for a
   preliminary discussion of this topic.

   The synchronization requirements between Megaco/H.248 ServiceChange
   and the establishment/release of the SCTP association are identical
   to the ones presented in paragraph 7.1 (Table 1).


   7.3 Megaco/H.248 controlled SCTP stream set-up

   In this scenario the set-up of the SCTP association is controlled by
   the Media Gateway Controller. The Media Gateway Controller
   furthermore uses Megaco/H.248 commands to explicitly bind D-channels
   to SCTP streams. It creates contexts for this purpose that contain
   the D-channel and the associated SCTP streams. The properties of the
   SCTP terminations are described with SDP. Extensions to SDP are
   required to indicate the transport protocol is SCTP, the format is
   IUA (Q.921 Adaptation Layer), and to reference the SCTP stream
   identifier. The example Megaco message below creates a signaling
   context:

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   MEGACO/1 [123.123.123.4]:55555
   Transaction = 10003 {
        Context = $ {
                Add = ISDNTerm/BA17/D,
                Add = $ {
                        Media { Stream = 65 {
                                LocalControl { Mode = SendReceive},
                                Local {         v=0
                                                c=IN IP4 124.124.124.22
                                                m=control 7777 sctp iua
                                                a=stream:17 }
                                Remote {        v=0
                                                c=IN IP4 123.123.123.4
                                                m=control 7777 sctp iua
                                                a=stream:17 }
                                }
                        }
                }
        }
   }

   A few new items are introduced in this message:

   Stream = 65
        A number different from 1 has been chosen, as this is reserved
        for audio.

   M = control 7777 sctp iua
        control: already defined in the SDP specification
        7777: sctp port number for this association
        sctp: transport protocol, new protocol in SDP
        iua: format, new protocol in SDP

   a= stream:17
        New SDP attribute specifying the SCTP stream to be added to the
        newly created context

   The Media Gateway will assign a name to the SCTP ephemeral
   termination in its response, as is defined for RTP sessions.

   This mechanism offers the Media Gateway Controller detailed control
   of the binding between D-channels and SCTP streams. The advantages
   for the backhauling application are not immediately clear. However,
   future applications may require the by the Media Gateway Controller
   managed establishment of SCTP streams (for further study).

   Remark that Megaco/H.248 is not used for the establishment/release
   of an SCTP association. Only SCTP streams are addressed with
   Megaco/H.248 commands. The requirements for synchronization between
   Megaco/H.248 ServiceChange and the management of the SCTP
   association are listed in Table 2.


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   +==================================================================+
   | Megaco/H.248 ServiceChange      | SCTP Association               |
   +==================================================================+
   | RESTART (Root or all ISDN terms)| INIT SCTP Association          |
   |                                 | by Media Gateway Controller    |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | GRACEFUL Shutdown (Root or all  | TERMINATE SCTP Association     |
   | ISDN terminations)              | by Media Gateway               |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | FORCED Shutdown (Root or all    | ABORT SCTP Association         |
   | ISDN terminations)              | by Media Gateway               |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | DISCONNECTED                    | Check if SCTP Association is   |
   |                                 | still operational, INIT other- |
   |                                 | wise                           |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | HANDOFF (sent by MGC1 to MG, to | 1. MGC1 TERMINATEs SCTP Assoc  |
   | hand off from MGC1 to MGC2)     |    to MG                       |
   |                                 | 2. MGC2 INITs SCTP Association |
   |                                 |    to MG                       |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+
   | FAILOVER (sent by MG1 to MGC, to| 1. If SCTP Association between |
   | change from MG1 to MG2)         |    MG1 and MGC was not aborted,|
   |                                 |    ABORT by MGC                |
   |                                 | 2. INIT SCTP Assoc. by MGC     |
   +------------------------------------------------------------------+

   Table 2 - Synchronisation between ServiceChange and SCTP Association
           Management for MGC controlled association set-up



   7.4 Data in D-channel

   When D-channels can contain packet data, visibility of the D-channel
   for Megaco/H.248 is clearly a necessity. See chapter 10 for a
   preliminary discussion of this topic.



8. Properties of ISDN Terminations

   8.1 ISDN Termination type

   It may be interesting for the Media Gateway Controller to find out
   the channel type of a particular ISDN termination, if it is not able
   to deduce it from its name. (In cases where no self-explanatory
   naming pattern is used, or when Media Gateway Controller doesn't
   support implicit definition of channel type by the naming pattern.)





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   PROPERTIES

   Channel Type
        PropertyID: chantype (0x0001)
        Identifies the type of ISDN channel for a ISDN termination
        Type: Enumeration
        Possible Values:
           "BA D"        D-channel in basic access interface
           "BA B"        B-channel in basic access interface
           "PRA2048 D"   D-channel in 2048kbit primary rate interface
           "PRA2048 B"   B-channel in 2048kbit primary rate interface
           "PRI1544 D"   D-channel in 1544kbit primary rate interface
           "PRI1544 B"   B-channel in 1544kbit primary rate interface
        Defined in: TerminationState
        Characteristics: Read


   8.2 Interface Identifiers and Associated D-channel

   A D-channel in one PRI may be used to transfer signaling for a set
   of PRI's. The other PRI's have in this case 24 or 31 B-channels. The
   Q.931 messages received on the D-channel refer to the relevant B-
   channel in the Interface Identifier information element [6]. The
   Interface Identifier is a binary provisioned identifier for the
   primary rate interfaces. The ISDN package 'Interface Identifier'
   property contains this value. Another B-channel property 'Associated
   D-channel' contains the associated D-channel, in the naming
   convention used by the Media Gateway to refer to ISDN terminations.
   These properties are defined as read-only, as it is not the
   intention to use Megaco/H.248 to make such configurations.

   PROPERTIES

   Q.931 Interface Identifier
        PropertyID: interfaceid (0x0002)
        Contains the binary interface identifier used in Q.931 messages
        when a D-channel in a PRI has been provisioned to act as
        signalling channel for several PRIs.
        Type: Integer
        Possible Values:
        Defined in: TerminationState
        Characteristics: Read

   Associated D-channel
        PropertyID: assocd (0x0003)
        Contains the name of the D-channel termination that is
        associated with this B-channel
        Type: String
        Possible Values:
        Defined in: TerminationState
        Characteristics: Read



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   8.3 Layer 1 Activation

   In current ISDN access gateway architectures, the layer 1
   functionality for Basic Interfaces is split between the access
   gateway and the entity containing call control (the local exchange).
   In this draft we model the required interaction related to layer 1
   between the Media Gateway and the Media Gateway Controller on the
   existing decomposition practice in the SCN. More specifically, the
   control protocol messages defined in V5 [7,8] are used as a basis
   for the information exchange within Megaco/H.248.

   The Media Gateway Controller is informed by the Media Gateway about
   the layer 1 availability of the ISDN termination (operational/non-
   operational). In addition, the Media Gateway Controller supports the
   activation/deactivation procedure for Basic Interfaces, as defined
   in ITU Recommendation I.430 [4]. Primary Rate Interfaces are
   permanently activated.

   Maintenance of the Access Digital Section and customer lines is the
   responsibility of the Media Gateway. The operation of loopbacks or
   activation/deactivation of the digital section is only controlled by
   the Media Gateway. No information related to these functions
   is transmitted to the Media Gateway Controller.

   The transfer of messages for the layer 1 management with the
   event/signal mechanism is discussed in paragraph 9.3.1.

   Primary Rate Interfaces are permanently activated and don't make use
   of the activation/deactivation procedure. Also Basic Interfaces can
   be permanently activated. The activation policy for a Basic
   Interface is specified in a new ISDN termination property:

   PROPERTIES

   Activation Policy
        PropertyID: permact (0x0004)
        Specifies if the Basic Interface is permanently activated, or
        if the activation/deactivation procedure should be followed.
        Type: Boolean
        Possible Values:
                True: permanent activation is installed
                False: activation/de-activation procedure
        Defined in: TerminationState
        Characteristics: Read


   8.4 Blocked/Unblocked States

   The blocked/unblocked states for ISDN terminations are directly
   mapped onto the Megaco/H.248 defined termination states of inservice
   and outofservice.


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   See paragraph 9.2 for the related Megaco/H.248 messages


9. Controlling ISDN Termination Properties

   9.1 Modifying Termination Properties

   Megaco/H.248 offers three methods to modify and retrieve the state
   of terminations:

   1. The Media Gateway Controller can change the state of a
      termination with the Modify method, and can read it with the
      Audit method. This mechanism doesn't allow the Media Gateway to
      report changes in state.

   2. The event/signal mechanism allows the Media Gateway Controller to
      order the Media Gateway to modify a termination state (signal),
      and to report state changes (event notification). It is the
      appropriate mechanism for call-related states.

   3. The ServiceChange method is used by the Media Gateway Controller
      to modify states that are not call-related (inservice,
      outofservice). The Media Gateway can use it to send unsolicited
      state change reports.

   9.2 ServiceChange for Blocking/Unblocking

   The ServiceChange methods and servicechange reasons currently
   defined in Megaco/H.248 seem sufficient to support the
   blocking/unblocking capabilities currently offered by the V5
   specification. Table 3 maps Megaco ServiceChange methods and reasons
   on the V5 control function elements for the management of ISDN
   terminations.

   Remark 1: Termination reference

   Blocking and unblocking messages refer to the complete ISDN
   termination (B-channels and D-channel), and will for example contain
   a termination identifier of the form ISDNTerm/BA17/*.

   D-channel blocking and unblocking only influences the D-channel. The
   termination identifier will look like ISDNTerm/BA17/D.


   Remark 2: performance grading

   Performance Grading allows the Media Gateway to inform the Media
   Gateway Controller predefined performance thresholds have been
   passed. New ServiceChange reasons 'Normal Performance' and 'Degraded
   Performance level X' can be defined for this purpose, to be used
   with Restart and Forced ServiceChange methods.



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   Alternatively, a new event can be defined, with an additional
   parameter specifying the performance grade (remark that this
   contradicts the earlier defined philosophy to use signals and events
   for call-related state exchange).

   EVENTS

   Performance Grade

        EventID: perfgrade (0x0001)
        Media Gateway reports change in performance grade
        Additional Parameters
                Grade
                        ParameterID: grade (0x0001)
                        Type: Enumeration
                        Possible Values: normalGrade, degraded


   +==================================================================+
   !Direct!           V5            !   Megaco/H.248 ServiceChange    !
   !MG-MGC!    Function Elements    ! Method ! Reason                 !
   +======+=========================+========+========================+
   !  <-  !FE201 Unblock            !Restart ! 903:MGC Directed Change!
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  ->  !FE202 Unblock            !Restart ! 900:Service Restored   !
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  <-  !FE203 Block              !Forced  ! 903:MGC Directed Change!
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  ->  !FE204 Block              !Forced  ! 905: Termination taken !
   !      !                         !        !      out of service    !
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  ->  !FE205 Block Request      !Graceful! 905: Termination taken !
   !      !                         !        !      out of service    !
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  ->  !FE206 Performance Grading! ?      ! See remark 2           !
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  <-  !FE207 D-channel Block    !Forced  ! 903:MGC Directed Change!
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  <-  !FE208 D-channel Unblock  !Restart ! 903:MGC Directed Change!
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  ->  !FE209 TE out of service  !Forced  ! 904/905/906 ...        !
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+
   !  ->  !FE210 Failure inside     !Forced  ! Additional reasons can !
   !      !      network            !        ! be defined in required !
   +------+-------------------------+--------+------------------------+

   Table 3: ServiceChange for blocking/unblocking of ISDN Terminations







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   9.3 Messages for Layer 1 Activation

   9.3.1 Megaco/H.248 Signals/Events

   Following package description defines the events and signals for
   layer 1 management by the Media Gateway Controller:

   ISDN Layer 1 Management Package

   Package ID: isdnlay1
        Version: 1
        Extends: none
        Description:
           This package defines signals/events for the activation/de-
           activation procedure for ISDN Basic Interfaces, as defined
           in ITU-T Recommendation I.430 [4].

   EVENTS

        Event name: Activation initiated by user
                EventID: useract(0x0001)
                Description:

        Event name: DS activated
                EventID: dsact (0x0002)
                Description:

        Event name: Access activated
                EventID: accessact (0x0003)
                Description:

        Event name: Access deactivated
                EventID: accessdeact (0x0004)
                Description:

   SIGNALS

        Signal name: Activate access
                SignalID: activaccess (0x0005)
                Description:
                SignalType: OO

        Signal name: Deactivation access
                SignalID: deactivaccess (0x0006)
                Description:
                SignalType: OO


   PROCEDURES

   See G.964 chapter 14 [7]


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   9.3.2 SCTP Transport of Activation Messages

   An alternative approach is to exchange layer 1 management messages
   within the SCTP streams that are used for the layer 2 management.
   Messages for this purpose are based on the format for Sigtran
   adaptation layer messages, as shown in Figure 4.

               0     7 8    15 16           31
              +---------------+---------------+
              | Vers | Spare  |   Msg Type    |
              +-------------------------------+
              |   Tag (0x1)   |     Length    |
              +-------------------------------+
              |    Interface Identifier       |
              +-------------------------------+

       Figure 4 - Layer 1 Activation Management Messages

   Version:     version of layer 1 activation management protocol = 01
   Spare
   Msg Type:    see further
   Tag:         code for Interface Identifier information element
   Length:      length in number of octets of Interface Identifier
   Interface ID:String identifier for the ISDN termination, constructed
                According to the ISDN termination naming pattern

   The defined messages are:

        Activation Initiated by User            0101
        DS Activated                            0102
        Access Activated                        0103
        Access Deactivated                      0104
        Activate Access                         0105
        Deactivate Access                       0106

   A protocol id for the layer 1 activation management protocol will
   have to be defined in SCTP.


   9.4 ServiceChange for new Terminations

   To support the on-line installation of new (ISDN) terminations in
   the Media Gateway, and new ServiceChange reason is defined "New
   Termination(s)", to be used with the Restart method.


10. Packet data in the D-channel

   Data connections over the B-channel (e.g. for Internet access) are
   not discussed in this draft. The D-channel however can also be used
   for the transport of packet data. In this way an always-on internet

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   connection can be offered to the user. An internet connection over
   the D-channel can be used to signal the arrival of new messages in
   the user's mailbox. A B-channel will be opened for download of the
   packet data.

   This section addresses required extensions to the Megaco/H.248
   protocol and SDP to support the use of the D-channel for packet data
   different from Q.931 signaling.

   The Q.921 SAPI differentiates between Q.931 signaling and packet
   data. The SAPI has the value of 0 for Q.931, and 16 for packet data.
   The presence of both Q.931 signaling and packet data necessitates
   the creation of ephemeral terminations on top of the ISDN B-channel
   termination.

   The Megaco/H.248 message below shows a possible approach to the
   problem.

   MEGACO/1 [123.123.123.4]:55555
   Transaction = 10003 {
        Context = $ {
                Add = ISDNTerm/BA17/D/$ {
                        Media { Stream = 66 {
                                LocalControl { Mode = SendReceive},
                                Remote {        v=0
                                                c=ISDN DLCI 88
                                                m=data 16 ppp }
                                }
                        },
                Add = $ {
                        Media { Stream = 66 {
                                LocalControl { Mode = SendReceive},
                                --Remote and Local descriptors for
                                IP network data session-- }}
                        }
        }
   }




   The message contains the following new items:

   Add = ISDNTerm/BA17/D/$
        Requests the Media Gateway to create an ephemeral termination
        within the D-channel. The Media Gateway will indicate in its
        response the assigned termination identifier. This is new
        functionality in Megaco/H.248 for SCN terminations.

   Stream = 66
        A value different from 1 has been selected, as this one is
        reserved for audio


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   c=ISDN DLCI 88
        The network is the ISDN, with Q.921 DLCI as addressing scheme
        The Terminal Equipment Identifier is 88.

   m=data 16 ppp
        A data stream is set up to Service Access Point 16, over PPP.

   The creation of an ephemeral termination on the IP side is basically
   no different from dial-in connections from analogue lines, and is
   not further discussed.



11. Conclusion - Recommendations

   This draft discusses issues related to the support of ISDN
   terminations in Access Gateways. Several approaches to the
   identified problems have been introduced. We propose to follow the
   next guidelines for the further development of this effort:


11.1 VoIP Residential Gateways

   For residential gateways (implementing ISDN Basic Access) the use of
   the Megaco - MIME tunneling mechanism for Q.931 signalling backhaul
   (discussed in paragraph 6.2) is a viable approach. A residential
   ISDN BA gateway package should contain the following components:
   * The signals/events defined in paragraphs 6.2.4 (Q.931) and 6.2.7
   (Q.921), with Additional Parameters for TEI and SAPI.
   * The ISDN channel type termination property (paragraph 8.1)
   * Layer 1 management events/signals (paragraph 9.3)


11.2 General VoIP ISDN Access Gateways

   For all non-residential ISDN Access Gateways the IUA/SCTP Sigtran
   protocols should be used for Q.931 signaling backhaul. The
   interwoeking scenario of paragraph 7.2 is preferred: D-channels are
   visible for the Megaco/H.248 protocol, but Megaco/H.248 is not used
   for the establishment of SCTP backhauling streams.

   An ISDN Access Gateway ISDN package should contain the following
   components:
   * The ISDN termination properties defined in paragraph 8;
        ISDN ChannelType (paragraph 8.1)
        Q.931 Interface Identifier (paragraph 8.2)
        Associated D-Channel (paragraph 8.3)
        Activation Policy (paragraph 8.4)
   * Layer 1 management events/signals (paragraph 9.3).

   New ServiceChange reasons should be registered with IANA for
   * Performance Grading reporting (if possible within the ISDN
   package) (paragraph 9.2 Remark 2, ServiceChange option);

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   * Installation of new terminations (paragraph 9.4).

   Furthermore, a best practice document should contain:
   * A standardized naming pattern for ISDN terminations (paragraph
   5.2);
   * Synchronization between ServiceChange and SCTP association
   management (Table 1);


11.3 Packet Data in D-Channel Applications

   This subject needs additional study. Procedures have to be defined
   to interoperate with NAS packages (for ISDN terminations). The
   preliminary proposal in this draft requires:
   * An extension of SDP for the description of packet data streams in
   ISDN D-channels;
   * The possibility in the next version of Megaco/H.248 to define
   ephemeral terminations on top of SCN terminations (D-channels).


12. Security Considerations

   For further study.


13. References


   [1] Megaco Protocol
       draft-ietf-megaco-protocol-07.txt, February 2000

   [2] Simple Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP)
       draft-ietf-sigtran-sctp-06.txt, February 2000

   [3] ISDN Q.921-User Adaptation Layer (IUA)
       draft-ietf-sigtran-iua-01.txt, October 1999

   [4] ITU-T Recommendation I.430 (1995), Basic user-network interface
   - layer 1 specification

   [5] ITU-T Recommendation Q.920 (1993), ISDN user-network interface
   data link layer - General Aspects

   [6] ITU-T Recommendation Q.931 (1998), ISDN user-network interface
   layer 3 specification

   [7] ITU-T Recommendation G.964 (1994), V-Interfaces at the digital
   local local exchange - V5.1-interface for the support of access
   network

   [8] ETSI Standard ETS 300 324 (1994), V interfaces at the digital
   Local Exchange - V5.1 interface for the support of Access Network


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   [9] ITU-T Recommendation I.412 (1998), ISDN user-network interfaces,
   interface structures and access capabilities.


14. Acknowledgements


15. Author's Addresses

   Jan Bouwen
   Alcatel Bell
   F. Wellesplein 1
   B-2000 Antwerpen
   Belgium
   Email: jan.bouwen@alcatel.be

   Bart Van Doorselaer
   Alcatel Bell
   F. Wellesplein 1
   B-2000 Antwerpen
   Belgium
   Email: bart.van_doorselaer@alcatel.be

   Miek Dekeyser
   Prins Boudewijnlaan 47-49
   B-2650 Edegem
   Belgium
   Email: miek.dekeyser@alcatel.be


























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