TCAP ( Transaction Capabilities Application Leaves ) is a binary protocol network SS7 encapsulated by the protocol SCCP.

It allows the transmission of not-directed applicatives information incoming call different Point Codes network of indication, in particular for the intelligent networks (IN). TCAP proposes a department of communication connected (or not for messages TC_UNI) for the protocols of higher level. That implies a management of the connection and states of transaction (permanence of the dialog). In a network IN, TCAP encapsulates mainly requests MAP, INAP or OMAP intended for the localization, mobility, the prepayment and SMS.

Protocol TCAP is divided into two encapsulated distinct layers one in the other:

• the compromise part which manages the states of the dialog and connection between the two point codes communicating.
• the components part, encapsulated by the compromise part, which manages the type of exchanged information.

Standards

• Standards ITU (1988 - blue book - and 1992 - white book -)
• Standards ANSI (1990 - 1996 - 2000)