STP Platform

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FAQ

What is STP (Signal Transfer Point) in telecom?

A Signal Transfer Point (STP) is a core network element in the SS7 (Signaling System No. 7) telecommunication network. It is responsible for routing signalling messages between different network elements within the telecom infrastructure. An STP acts like a router for signalling traffic, directing messages such as call setup requests, SMS routing, number lookups, and roaming status updates between network nodes and external mobile networks.
In short, it ensures that signalling messages reach the correct destination quickly, reliably, and efficiently.

 

What is an STP Platform?

An STP Platform is a software-based solution that replicates the functionality of a traditional hardware STP – routing SS7 signalling messages (such as MAP, CAP, and SCCP) over IP-based SIGTRAN connections. Modern STP platforms, like HORISEN’s, are fully virtualized and vendor-neutral, offering routing intelligence, load balancing, and redundancy without legacy hardware limitations. They are essential for any SMSC, HLR, MNP engine, or voice application requiring SS7 signalling connectivity.

Why is an STP Platform important for the messaging business?

In messaging environments where high traffic volumes and direct-to-carrier routes are crucial, an STP Platform ensures reliable delivery, smart routing, and failover capabilities. It prevents misrouted or delayed signalling messages, optimizes international routing paths, and enables centralized SS7 link management – all of which are vital to keeping SMS services fast, secure, and cost-efficient.

How does an STP Platform benefit a wholesale SMS trading business?

For SMS wholesalers and aggregators, an STP Platform eliminates the need for multiple direct SS7 links with every operator. Instead, it intelligently routes SMS signalling traffic to the correct operator using global point codes and routing tables. This increases routing flexibility, reduces operational overhead, improves delivery rates, and cuts costs associated with maintaining redundant links. It essentially helps you scale your SMS trading operations with less complexity and more control.

Who can benefit from using an STP Platform?

HORISEN STP Platform is built for MNOs, MVNOs, SMS aggregators, interconnect hubs, CPaaS providers, and signalling solution vendors who manage SS7-based messaging and voice traffic. It’s ideal for any business requiring dynamic signalling routing, centralized SS7 control, and simplified interconnection with international partners or roaming hubs.

Is HORISEN STP Platform offered as a cloud service or on-premise solution?

Yes. HORISEN STP Platform is available as both a cloud-hosted SaaS solution and as a dedicated on-premise deployment. You can host it on your infrastructure or have it deployed and managed on HORISEN’s carrier-grade, Swiss-based infrastructure.

Can HORISEN STP Platform integrate with my existing messaging setup?

Absolutely. The STP Platform is designed to be vendor-neutral and modular. It integrates seamlessly with existing SMSCs, gateways, and MNP engines via SIGTRAN M3UA SS7 interfaces. Whether you are modernizing legacy systems or building from scratch, integration is straightforward and scalable.

What makes HORISEN STP Platform “carrier-grade” and scalable?

HORISEN STP Platform is engineered to telecom-grade standards, supporting multiple SS7 links, signalling point codes, and full redundancy. It scales effortlessly to handle large signalling volumes – ideal for peak periods and high-throughput use cases. The architecture includes automatic route management, load balancing, and link failover mechanisms to guarantee uninterrupted signalling.

Do I need STP expertise or special hardware to use HORISEN’s STP Platform?

No. HORISEN abstracts the complexity of telecom signalling protocols like SCCP and MAP. The platform includes, routing management, screening and performance monitoring. Whether hosted or deployed on your hardware, HORISEN’s expert team handles the initial setup and provides continuous support – no need for in-house STP specialists or legacy telecom equipment.

Is HORISEN STP Platform customizable?

Yes. You can configure routing rules, fallback logic, ratio distribution and  control signalling links behaviour. The platform can be tailored to suit your interconnect strategies and signalling requirements -whether you need country-specific logic, priority routing, or integration with custom traffic filters.

What is the pricing for HORISEN STP Platform?

Pricing is customized based on your deployment model, link volume, and technical requirements. Whether you are looking for a SaaS setup or a full on-premise deployment, we will provide a tailored quote. Contact us at www.horisen.com/contact to request a pricing proposal aligned with your business.

How do I get started or schedule a demo?

To explore how HORISEN STP Platform can optimize your SS7 signalling operations, visit www.horisen.com/contact to book a free consultation or demo with our technical team.

What protocols does the STP Platform support?

HORISEN STP Platform supports SIGTRAN over M3UA, which enables SS7 signalling over IP networks. It handles MTP, SCCP-level routing and is compatible with  TCAP/MAP/CAP layers. It also supports direct interworking with all network elements including SMSCs, MNP platforms, and HLRs using standardized interface.

What is the difference between an STP Platform and an SCCP Signalling Service?

HORISEN STP Platform is a routing engine that controls and directs SS7 signalling traffic using global point codes, global titles and customized rules, and link management. In contrast, HORISEN’s SCCP Signalling Service offers a turnkey connectivity model – giving you access to global SS7 networks via HORISEN’s pre-established signalling agreements. If you want full routing control and internal management, the STP Platform is the better fit. If you want fast global connectivity with minimal setup and costs, the SCCP Signalling Service is ideal.

Which is better for my business: STP Platform or SCCP Signalling Service?

It depends on your business goals. If you require deep routing control, custom signalling logic, and integration with your own links or infrastructure, the STP Platform is the better fit. If your priority is fast global access to SS7 networks without managing signalling links yourself, the SCCP Signalling Service offers a faster path to market. Book a consultation at www.horisen.com/contact and we will recommend the best model for your business.

How does HORISEN SS7 Platform integrate with the STP Platform?

HORISEN SS7 Platform integrates tightly with HORISEN’s STP Platform to deliver centralized, intelligent, and resilient signalling operations. The STP Platform acts as the routing brain, directing SMS and signalling messages from the SS7 Platform to the correct operator or destination. It eliminates the need for direct connections to each peer, optimizing message delivery paths and reducing latency. Together, they form a robust SS7 stack for global-scale, carrier-grade messaging.

How secure is HORISEN STP Platform?

HORISEN STP Platform is secured by design. It includes SS7-level access control, screening mechanism, signalling message validation, and DDoS protection at the link layer. All signalling traffic can be encrypted using VPN and the system supports dynamic MTP3 routing updates, redundant link monitoring and failover to maintain uptime and protect against disruption.

 

What kind of support does HORISEN provide for STP Platform?

HORISEN offers 24/7 professional support, onboarding, and maintenance. Our in-house signalling and messaging experts assist with integration, point code configuration, traffic routing, and platform scaling. You will have a direct line to specialists – not generic ticketing systems.

Is onboarding and training included?

Yes. HORISEN provides full onboarding, including custom configuration, STP setup, and route mapping support. Our training department, recognized twice by the Antonio Meucci Awards, delivers detailed product training to help your team operate and manage the STP Platform effectively.