> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://prosbcdocs.telcobridges.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://prosbcdocs.telcobridges.com/telecom-references/protocols/mtp3-architecture.md). # MTP3 Architecture The [MTP3](https://github.com/telcobridges-main/tmedia-wiki/tree/main/reference/protocols/mtp3/README.md) defines the functions and procedures of the signaling system for signal message handling and signal network management. * Signaling message handling consists of the actual transfer of a signaling message to the proper signaling link or user part. * Signaling network management consists of controlling message routing and configuring the signaling network facilities based on predetermined information and the status of the signaling network facilities. The MTP3 layer is a service provider to the user part such as [ISUP](https://github.com/telcobridges-main/tmedia-wiki/tree/main/reference/protocols/isup/README.md), [SCCP](https://github.com/telcobridges-main/tmedia-wiki/tree/main/reference/protocols/sccp/README.md), and so on. The MTP3 layer is a service user of [MTP2](https://github.com/telcobridges-main/tmedia-wiki/tree/main/reference/protocols/mtp2/README.md) (as shown below). ![MTP3 architecture](https://docs.telcobridges.com/w/images/6/66/MTP3-architecture.jpg) MTP3 Userpart can be used in conjunction with an above local ISUP or SCCP layer and can be used as a standalone and communicates with remote ISUP or SCCP layer (host application). See the connection mode table in the Userpart Configuration section. A MTP3 layer has an Userpart section, which represents a protocol variant. For a Userpart you must define: * Linkset(s) (association of Links) * Routes (for a specific or a range of [DPC](https://github.com/telcobridges-main/tmedia-wiki/tree/main/reference/signalling/dpc/README.md)) A MTP3 Link must be associated with one MTP2 Link. It is a 1-to-1 association. The MTP3 Link defines a physical signaling link between the TX of a node and the adjacent SP (signaling point). A MTP3 Linkset is a collection of 1 to 16 links with the same or different priority, going to the same DPC into a single entity. If you set multiple links with the same priority then you obtain load sharing between these links. The MTP3 always uses the highest priority available link. **NOTE:** Load sharing requires at least two signaling links for all bit rates, but more may be needed at lower bit rates. When two signaling links are used, each of them should be able to carry the total signaling traffic in case of failure of the other link. When more than two links are used, sufficient reserve link capacity should exist to satisfy the availability requirements specified in Recommendation Q.706 (from: ITU-T Recommendation Q.705 section 4.4). A MTP3 Route with Direction as 'Down' indicates the destination point code (DPC) that is an accessible from this configuration node. Each linkset within the route's may have a different priority assigned. If you have multiple linksets with the same priority then you obtain load sharing between these linkset. The MTP3 always used the highest priority available linkset. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://prosbcdocs.telcobridges.com/telecom-references/protocols/mtp3-architecture.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.