INAP Signaling Tester

Test Harness & Test Suite for the Validation of of INAP CS1 and CS2 Implementations.

INAP Conformance Test Architecture

Overview

The INAP Signaling Tester is a test environment for the INAP (Intelligent Network Application Part) signaling specification as defined by the ETSI and ITU-T standards. It is a SAFIRE based test harness able to run pre-defined ACATS test scenarios against INAP test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

The SAFIRE graphical editor allows new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using the INAP interface library (API), which defines the INAP messages and parameters. The test harness includes an INAP protocol analyzer for on-line capture and decode of the signaling in real-time both during tests and as a stand-alone tracer for live systems.

The INAP Signaling Tester is suitable for conformance tests, functional tests, factory tests & acceptance tests.

Key Features

• Fully integrated, complete test environment for INAP CS1 & CS2
• ISO conformant test scenarios giving framework coverage of INAP CS1 & CS2
• Graphical development environment & libraries for creating new INAP CS1 & CS2 tests
• Compatible with ACATS INAP Professional Test Suite (not included)
• Expandable for MAP, CAP for complete core network testing and validation
• INAP CS1 & CS2 Reference Test Object

VoIP Architecture

Description

The INAP Signaling Tester was designed to be a complete solution for INAP signaling test requirements.  It has the key components:

• INAP Test Harness including codec & lower layers
• ACATS INAP Framework Test Suite
• INAP Interface Library
• INAP Protocol Analyzer

The INAP test harness uses the powerful SAFIRE environment to provide advanced features like

• Graphical editing (flow diagram representation)
• Automated execution of test campaigns
• Slow motion replay with synchronized trace & breakpoints
• Test reports with statistics (also HTML)
• Real-time, high performance protocol analysis

Using the INAP Signaling Tester, test objects can be accurately, reliably and comfortably validated for compliance with the ITU-T Q.1218 INAP CS-1 & ITU-T Q.1228 INAP CS-2 standards.  It is suitable for manufacturers, network operators and service providers to address all stages of the development cycle, regression testing through to type approval, acceptance testing & certification (note: requirements may be country/organization specific).

The ACATS INAP Framework Test Suite includes test scenarios for the validation of INAP services by simulating the controlled interaction on the INAP interfaces

• SSF <-> SCF
• SCF <-> SRF
• SSF <-> SCF
• SSF <-> SCF

SAFIRE Editor Sample

The framework test suite contains a selection of important scenarios, which can be used to confirm the basic functionality of a INAP test object. They are also an excellent basis for customization and enhancement according to specific needs.

The available INAP Framework Test Scenarios are based on different INAP procedures, such as:

• Originated Calls procedures
• Terminated Calls procedures
• Procedures for serving network dialed services
• Charging Activities
• Notification of non-traffic events to the CSE

An upgrade is available for the ACATS INAP Professional Test Suite, which offers extensive coverage of the INAP signaling test requirements.

INAP CS1 & CS2 Reference Test Object

For reference a virtual test harness is included, that allows test scenarios to be run off-line against a software-only test object under controlled conditions.  The test harness uses a software bus to replace the physical connection and an accurate software model as the test object.  Normally fully automated execution of tests is possible, but in some specific cases the test object allows/requires user interaction during the tests.

Run Test Scenarios against the INAP Reference Test Object

Specifications & Test Specifications

• ITU-T Q.1218 INAP CS-1
• ITU-T Q.1228 INAP CS-2

Related Products & Services

• Full engineering services available for critical project development and acceptance testing
• CAP and SS7 extensions for complete intelligent network testing
• SIGTRAN module to test without E1/T1 hardware
• INAP national variables available