Point code

A SS7 point code is the equivalent of an IP address in an IP network. It is a unique address for a node (Signaling Point, or SP), used in MTP layer 3 to identify the destination of a message signal unit (MSU).

In such a message you will find an OPC (Originating Point Code) and a DPC (Destination Point Code) sometimes documents also referring it as a signaling point code. Depending on the network, a point code can be 24 bits (North America, China), 16 bits (Japan) or 14 bits (ITU standard, International SS7 network and most countries) in length.

ANSI point codes is using 24 bits and mostley in 8-8-8 format ITU point codes are using 14 bits and written in the 3-8-3 format

Fourteen bit point codes can be written in a number of formats. The most common ways are to write it as a decimal number, a hexadecimal number, or in 3-8-3 format (most significant 3 bits, middle 8 bits, least significant 3 bits).

Twenty-four bit point codes are written either as a decimal, hexadecimal or in 8-8-8 format.