FIELD: communication networks including mobile ones; signaling protocols independent of underlying-layer signaling medium service. SUBSTANCE: signaling protocol of asynchronous transfer mode adapting layer 2 (AYA2) is used in communication network independently of signaling medium service employed in sending signaling messages to and from various network entities such as mobile communication switching centers, radio-link controllers, and cellular-network base stations, for instance in mobile communication network. To this end AYA2 signaling protocol functions area is divided into several functional sublayers: General AYA2 Protocol Division, Medium Coordination Division, and Medium Adapting Division, the latter functioning to convert incoming and outgoing messages so as to make them compatible with AYA2 signaling protocol or, respectively, with underlying-layer signaling medium service. EFFECT: provision for generating signaling protocol independent of signaling medium service. 40 cl, 4 dwg _
