In a multichannel communications system, signaling in which one channel in each link is used for signaling to control, account for, and manage traffic on all channels of the link. Note: The channel used for common-channel signaling does not carry user information. 2. A signaling method in which a single channel conveys, by means of labeled messages, signaling information relating to a multiplicity of circuits or calls and other information, such as that used for network management.