The scope of this document is restricted to: ? The identification of SS7 related equipment ? Associated organizational responsibilities to declare a Duplex/Simplex condition (Internally and Externally) ? Maintenance of network integrity during an incident ? STP node simplex outages Purpose This document provides guidance to operators and maintenance organizations of Signaling Transfer Points (STP) in the telecommunications industry. Suggested work functions and preventative measures are included in this document that should be performed and or taken in order to minimize the potential for loss of an STP and the subsequent customer impact. This document is generic in principle@ and should be modified to meet particular companies operating needs and procedures. Acronyms describing systems or work centers are provided for example only. Where organizational structures differ from company to company it is recommended@ where applicable that the responsibilities and actions outlined in this document be assigned and performed by the appropriate organization. This document does not replace or supersede any existing con tracts@ tariffs or any other legally binding document.