GSM A Signaling Tester

Test Harness & Test Suite for the Validation of GSM A Interface Implementations.

GSM A Interface Conformance Test Architecture

Overview

The GSM A Signaling Tester is a test environment for the BSSAP and Interface Layer 3 signaling specification as defined by the ETSI standards.  It is a SAFIRE based test harness able to run pre-defined ACATS test scenarios against BSC or MSC 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 BSSAP & Mobile Radio Interface Layer 3 libraries (API), which defines the GSM A messages and parameters.  The test harness includes a GSM A 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 GSM A Signaling Tester is suitable for conformance tests, functional tests, factory tests & acceptance tests.

Key Features

• Fully integrated, complete test environment for GSM A
• ISO conformant test scenarios giving framework coverage of GSM A
• Graphical development environment & libraries for creating new GSM A tests
• Expandable for other GSM/GPRS interfaces for complete core network testing & validation
• GSM A Reference Test Object

Network Architecture

Description

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

• GSM A Test Harness including Mobile RI L3 (RR, MM, CC, GMM, SM, GCC), BSSAP codecs & lower layers
• GSM A Framework Test Suite
• GSM A Interface Library
• GSM A Protocol Analyzer

The GSM A interface 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 GSM A Signaling Tester , test objects can be accurately, reliably and comfortably validated for compliance with the ETSI 3GPP TS 24 008, 44 068 & 08.08.  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 GSM A Framework Test Suite includes test scenarios for the validation of network elements by simulating the controlled interaction with other GSM A entities such as

• MSC/VLR
• BSC

SAFIRE Editor Sample

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

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

GSM A 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 GSM A Reference Test Object

Specifications & Test Specifications

• 3GPP TS 24 008 (Mobile Radio Interface L3)
• 3GPP TS 44 068 (Group Call Control GCC)
• 3GPP TS 08.08 (BSSAP)

Related Products & Services

• Please refer to our wide range of Signaling Testers & Protocol Analyzers for Mobile Radio & Mobile Core
• Professional engineering services for project development & test execution
• Training workshops (customized agendas on request)
• OEMs, contact us for bundling offers!