service control point (IN) (SCP)

The service control point ( SCP) is a central network component of the ITU/ ETSI reference architecture of intelligent networks( IN).

As a service control node, it handles traffic routing for connections and the collection of subscriber, charging and statistical data with the support of central databases. As a central node, the SCP is responsible for all service handling.

Components of the intelligent network (IN)

The service control point belongs to the Physical Entities( PE) and is located on the physical layer, the Physical Plane( PP), of the Intelligent Network Conceptional Model( INCM). It can be a computer or a database system that executes service programs and provides customer service through a switching system. The Service Control Point (SCP) is connected to the Service Management Point( SMP) and the Service Switching Point( SSP).

Switching tasks of the intelligent network are executed via the Intelligent Network Application Protocol( INAP), which is based on SS7 signaling.