Mobile phones are a big part of our daily lives. When we call someone, send a text, or check our voicemail, many systems work in the background to make sure everything goes smoothly. One of the important systems that help in mobile communication is called the MAP Protocol.
In this article, we will learn about:
- What the MAP Protocol is
- What error codes are and why they happen
- What supplementary services are
- The meaning of different MAP error and service codes
Let’s break it down into simple terms.
Contents
- 1 What is MAP Protocol?
- 2 What are MAP Error Codes?
- 3 Common MAP Error Codes and What They Mean
- 3.1 1. Unknown Subscriber (Error Code: 1)
- 3.2 2. Roaming Not Allowed (Error Code: 8)
- 3.3 3. Illegal Subscriber (Error Code: 9)
- 3.4 4. Bearer Service Not Provisioned (Error Code: 10)
- 3.5 5. Teleservice Not Provisioned (Error Code: 11)
- 3.6 6. Call Barred (Error Code: 13)
- 3.7 7. System Failure (Error Code: 34)
- 3.8 8. Data Missing (Error Code: 36)
- 3.9 9. Unexpected Data Value (Error Code: 45)
- 4 Why MAP Errors Are Important
- 5 What are Supplementary Services?
- 6 Common Supplementary Service Codes
- 6.1 1. Call Forwarding (SS Code: 2)
- 6.2 2. Call Barring (SS Code: 3)
- 6.3 3. Call Waiting (SS Code: 1)
- 6.4 4. Calling Line Identification Presentation (CLIP) (SS Code: 30)
- 6.5 5. Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) (SS Code: 31)
- 6.6 6. Call Hold (SS Code: 4)
- 6.7 7. Multi-party (Conference Call) (SS Code: 5)
- 6.8 8. Advice of Charge (SS Code: 8)
- 7 Using Supplementary Services on Your Phone
- 8 Troubleshooting Supplementary Services
- 9 Summary
What is MAP Protocol?
MAP stands for Mobile Application Part. It is a communication protocol used in mobile networks. A protocol is like a set of rules that computers and mobile systems use to talk to each other.
MAP is part of a bigger system called SS7 (Signaling System No. 7). SS7 handles signaling between different parts of the telephone network. This means it helps mobile phones:
- Find out where other phones are
- Set up calls
- Send text messages
- Use services like call forwarding or caller ID
MAP works behind the scenes every time we do something on our phone that needs help from the mobile network.
What are MAP Error Codes?
When something goes wrong in the mobile network, the MAP protocol sends an error code. This code helps engineers and systems understand what the problem is.
For example:
- Maybe your phone number isn’t found in the network.
- Maybe a service you are trying to use isn’t available right now.
- Maybe there is a problem with your account settings.
Each kind of problem has a unique error code. The code usually comes as a number or a short message.
Let’s look at some common MAP error codes.
Common MAP Error Codes and What They Mean
Here are some examples of MAP error codes:
1. Unknown Subscriber (Error Code: 1)
- Meaning: The mobile number is not recognized in the system.
- Example: If you try to call or message a number that is not registered, this error appears.
2. Roaming Not Allowed (Error Code: 8)
- Meaning: The user is not allowed to roam in another network.
- Example: If you travel abroad and your phone cannot connect to the local network, this might be the reason.
3. Illegal Subscriber (Error Code: 9)
- Meaning: The subscriber is not allowed to use the service.
- Example: If someone has been blocked by the network provider.
4. Bearer Service Not Provisioned (Error Code: 10)
- Meaning: A certain data or call service is not active for this user.
- Example: Trying to send a fax or data call without the correct service.
5. Teleservice Not Provisioned (Error Code: 11)
- Meaning: Voice or SMS services are not enabled.
- Example: If SMS is disabled for a user, this code may show.
6. Call Barred (Error Code: 13)
- Meaning: The user is not allowed to make or receive the call.
- Example: Someone may have set up call blocking.
7. System Failure (Error Code: 34)
- Meaning: Something is wrong in the network system.
- Example: Temporary problem in the operator’s system.
8. Data Missing (Error Code: 36)
- Meaning: Some important information is missing.
- Example: The system can’t find user profile data.
9. Unexpected Data Value (Error Code: 45)
- Meaning: The system got a strange or wrong value.
- Example: Programming or technical error in the network.
Why MAP Errors Are Important
MAP error codes help mobile network engineers fix problems quickly. When a customer complains about call or message issues, the network checks these codes to understand what went wrong.
Without these codes, finding and solving problems would take much longer.
What are Supplementary Services?
Supplementary services are extra features you get with your mobile phone, apart from calling and texting. These services make your phone more useful.
Some examples of supplementary services are:
- Call forwarding
- Call waiting
- Caller ID
- Call barring
- Conference calling
These services are often controlled by codes you can dial from your phone (like 21 for call forwarding).
In the MAP protocol, each supplementary service has a code that identifies it in the system.
Common Supplementary Service Codes
Here are some commonly used supplementary services and their MAP codes.
1. Call Forwarding (SS Code: 2)
- Use: To forward your calls to another number.
- Example: Forward calls when busy, unreachable, or no answer.
2. Call Barring (SS Code: 3)
- Use: To block certain types of calls.
- Example: Block outgoing international calls or incoming calls while roaming.
3. Call Waiting (SS Code: 1)
- Use: To be notified when another call comes in while you are already on the phone.
4. Calling Line Identification Presentation (CLIP) (SS Code: 30)
- Use: To show the number of the person calling you.
5. Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) (SS Code: 31)
- Use: To hide your number when calling others.
6. Call Hold (SS Code: 4)
- Use: To put a call on hold while answering another.
7. Multi-party (Conference Call) (SS Code: 5)
- Use: To talk to more than one person at the same time.
8. Advice of Charge (SS Code: 8)
- Use: To see the cost of a call or service.
Each of these services is handled using the MAP protocol when a user activates, uses, or deactivates them.
Using Supplementary Services on Your Phone
Most supplementary services can be used by dialing special codes.
For example:
- Call forwarding:
- Activate:
*21*number# - Deactivate:
#21#
- Activate:
- Call barring:
- Activate:
*33*PIN# - Deactivate:
#33*PIN#
- Activate:
- Call waiting:
- Activate:
*43# - Deactivate:
#43#
- Activate:
These are simple commands that talk to the MAP protocol in the background to activate or turn off the service.
Troubleshooting Supplementary Services
Sometimes, supplementary services don’t work properly. Here are some reasons:
- The service is not available in your plan.
- There is a temporary network problem.
- The command was entered incorrectly.
- There is a problem with the SIM card or phone settings.
When these problems happen, the MAP protocol might send back an error code (like the ones we discussed earlier) to help identify the problem.
Summary
Let’s quickly go over what we’ve learned:
- The MAP Protocol helps mobile networks talk to each other and handle services like calls and messages.
- Error codes are used when something goes wrong in the network.
- These codes help engineers find and fix problems quickly.
- Supplementary services are extra features like call forwarding, caller ID, or call waiting.
- Each supplementary service has its own code and can be activated using special commands.
- Both MAP error codes and service codes are important for keeping the mobile network running smoothly.
Understanding these codes can help you get better service and know what to do when something isn’t working right.