The Inverse Multiplexing over ATM (IMA) Emulator application can simulate the inverse multiplexing of an ATM cell stream over multiple physical links and retrieve the original stream at the far-end from these physical links. The multiplexing of the ATM cell stream is performed on a cell by cell basis across the multiple physical links. Traffic source can be sequence number, HDL files (containing packets/frames), flat binary file, user-defined frames (ASCII HEX file), and Ethernet data.

The ATM Inverse Multiplexing technique involves inverse multiplexing and de-multiplexing of ATM cells in a cyclical fashion among links grouped to form a higher bandwidth logical link whose rate is approximately the sum of the link rates. This technique provides an effective method of combining the transport bandwidths of multiple links (e.g., DS1/E1 links) grouped to collectively provide higher intermediate rates. This is referred to as an IMA grouping.

Along with AAL0 and AAL5 IMA supports AAL2 which provides bandwidth-efficient transmission of low-rate, short and variable length packets in delay sensitive applications. AAL2 also provides for variable payload within cells and across cells by using segmentation and reassembly technique. AAL type 2 is subdivided into the Common Part Sublayer (CPS) and the Service Specific Convergence Sublayer (SSCS).

GL’s IMA Emulator is available as optional client-server based application with GL’s T1/E1 Analysis hardware. GL also offers ATM analysis application for real-time capture and analysis of ATM IMA cells over T1 E1 lines. Please visit ATM Protocol Analyzer page for more details.

Main Features:

• Performs IMA simulation on up to 16 T1/E1 ports
• ATM links can be created on full or fractional timeslots
• Supports hyper channels with discontinuous (sparse) timeslots
• IMA Frame Length can be set equal to 32, 64, 128, or 256
• Dynamically add/remove (Open/Close) of ATM links without loss in data
• Multiple IMA groups can be created with each group configured with multiple virtual channels for traffic tx/rx.
• Generate and verify end to end traffic on each Virtual Channel
• User configurable ATM (AAL 5, AAL 2) Packet size.
• Payload traffic generation and verification using Sequence number, HDL file (containing packets/frames), Flat Binary file, and User defined frame (ASCII HEX file) for each Virtual Channel independently
• Transmit and receive Ethernet traffic over T1E1 links by operating in bridge mode
• Provides detailed statistics for all IMA groups and each Virtual Channel associated with a group
• Provides end to end traffic verification statistics
• Ideal solution for automated testing using command line scripts

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is a flexible network, which carries voice, video, and data in the same way, i.e. fixed length cells. It has generated a number of revenue opportunities because of its different classes of service support for multimedia traffic, efficient bandwidth management for burst traffic, support for LAN/WAN architecture and high performance via hardware switching.

ATM network basically has two kinds of interfaces i.e. UNI (Interface between ATM User and Public ATM switch) and NNI (Interface between two Public ATM switches). Similar to the OSI Protocol model, ATM has an ATM Layer as Layer 2, ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL) as Layer 3 and other higher layers depending on C-Plane, U-Plane or Layer Management Plane. User information is transferred across U-Plane and signaling messages is transferred across C-Plane. ATM-UNI signaling is used to create and release SVCs along with a particular QoS attached to it depending bandwidth on demand.

GL's ATM Analyzer is used to analyze and decode different ATM protocols like ATM, AAL2 Protocols (CPS-SDU, SSSAR-SDU, and SSCS), AAL5 (CPCS), UNI etc across U plane and C plane of UNI and NNI interface. The analyzer can also decode ATM frames constituting Classical IP over ATM, or CIP based networks, and traditional SS7 Stack (ISUP, SCCP, MAP, CAMEL (CAP) etc) over ATM. The analyzer is also capable of capturing & reassembling frames that were transmitted with Inverse Multiplexing. IMA combines up to 8 T1/ E1 links to form a single high-speed connection with flexible bandwidth options.

GL Communications supports the following types of ATM analyzers:

• Real-time ATM Analyzer (Pre-requisites: GL's field proven E1 or T1 internal cards or USB Laptop E1 or T1 external units, required licenses and Windows XP (or higher) Operating System)
• Offline ATM Analyzers(Pre-requisites: Hardware Dongle and Windows XP (or higher) Operating System)

ATM Analyzer Main Features

• Displays Summary, Detail, Hex-dump, Statistics, and Call Trace Views, the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Summary View displays Dev #, Time Slot, Frame #, VPI/VCI, PT (Payload Type), HEC, OSF, AAL Type, Frame Type, CID, LI, CPI, UUI, SSSAR CID and SSCS message type and more in a tabular format.
• Detail view displays decodes of user-selected frames from the Summary View, the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Hex dump view displays raw frame data as hexadecimal and ASCII octet dump , the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Statistics view displays statistics based on frame count, byte count, frames/sec, bytes/sec etc for the entire capture data.
• Call trace capability based on UNI signaling parameters, VPI/VCI etc.
• CRC verification for AAL5 carrying packet data.
• Support of various UNI Signaling Protocols i.e. UNI 4.0, UNI 3.1 and UNI Q-2931.
• Supports decoding of Classical IP over ATM, Multi-Protocol over ATM, and SS7 signaling over ATM.
• Supports search and filtering capabilities.
• Any protocol field can be added to the summary view, filtering, and search features providing users more flexibility to monitor required protocol fields.
• Ability to configure .ini file to get the proper decoding (customize options such as VPI:VCI values, or detect presence of HEC in ATM header).
• Capability to export Summary View details to comma separated values (CSV) format for subsequent import into a database or spreadsheet.
• Capability to export detail decode information to an ASCII.
• Remote monitoring capability using GL's Network Surveillance System.

Additional features supported by Real-time ATM Analyzer are:

• Captures, decodes, filters, and reassembles AAL-2 and AAL-5 frames in real-time, from within the ATM cells according to user defined VPI/VCI.
• Recorded raw data can be played back using raw data playback application.
• The following variations are accommodated in the software: inverted or non-inverted data, byte reversal or non-reversal, with or without Inverse Multiplexing option.
• Unscrambling of ATM cells based on SDH X^43 + 1 algorithm.
• Multiple streams of ATM traffic on various T1/E1 channels can be simultaneously decoded with different GUI instances.
• Streams may be captured on the selected time slots (contiguous or non-contiguous) and on full bandwidth.

Additional features supported by Offline ATM Analyzer:

• Trace files for analysis can be loaded through simple command-line arguments
• Multiple trace files can be loaded simultaneously with different GUI instances for offline analysis.

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is a flexible network, which carries voice, video, and data in the same way, i.e. fixed length cells. It has generated a number of revenue opportunities because of its different classes of service support for multimedia traffic, efficient bandwidth management for burst traffic, support for LAN/WAN architecture and high performance via hardware switching.

ATM network basically has two kinds of interfaces i.e. UNI (Interface between ATM User and Public ATM switch) and NNI (Interface between two Public ATM switches). Similar to the OSI Protocol model, ATM protocol architecture has an ATM Layer as Layer 2, ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL) as Layer 3, and other higher layers depending on C-Plane, U-Plane or Layer Management Plane. User information is transferred across U-Plane and Signaling messages are transferred across C-Plane. ATM-UNI signaling is used to create and release SVCs along with a particular QoS attached to it depending bandwidth on demand.

GL's OC-3 / STM-1 OC-12 / STM-4 ATM Analyzer is used to analyze and decode different ATM protocols like ATM, AAL2 Protocols (CPS-SDU, SSSAR-SDU, and SSCS), AAL5 (CPCS), UNI and others across U plane and C plane of UNI and NNI interface. The analyzer can also decode ATM frames constituting Classical IP over ATM, or CIP based networks, and traditional SS7 Stack (ISUP, SCCP, MAP, CAMEL(CAP) etc) over ATM.

The ATM Analyzer can capture, decode, filter, and reassemble AAL-2 and AAL-5 frames in real-time, from within the ATM cells according to user defined VPI/VCI. The real-time ATM Analyzer requires GL's LightSpeed1000™ internal PCIe cards or USB external units, along with licenses and Windows® XP (or higher) OS

MAPS™ APS is the high capacity Analog 2-wire Bulk Call Generator used to test a Central Office (CO), PBX, ATAs, Gateway or other telecommunications equipment, which provide local loop interfaces. It includes a compact system comprising of MAPS™ APS, Analog Interfaces, Patch Panels and other optional modules (Fax Emulation and VQT Analysis) in a rackmount system. MAPS™ APS system supports up to 96 independent FXO ports or FXS ports per 1U MAPS™ APS/ALS Server and APSCB-48. More can be achieved by simply scaling the system with a 4U MAPS™ APS Server sporting 2 Octal T1 E1 Cards which can then support up to 384 analog ports.

MAPS™ platform offers automated, scripted, multi-user, multi-protocol, and high capacity Bulk Call Generation. This platform is the basis for all signaling protocols and for traffic generation – whether voice, tones, digits, fax, data, or video, depending on the network support. MAPS™ covers legacy PSTN, TDM, SONET SDH, next generation VoIP, and Wireless protocols, interfaces, and equipment. MAPS™ can support any of the following protocols in TDM networks for establishing the signaling links - CAS, FXO FXS, ISDN, SS7, PPP, GSM, INAP, CAP, and MAP.

Functions

• Test Central Office, PBX, Gateway, Analog/Digital/VoIP Networks
• Manual and Automated Bulk analog call simulation
• Call monitoring and call recording
• Multiple users and tests per system
• FXO capabilities
• Up to 96 independent FXO ports per 1U MAPS™ APS (More can be achieved by scaling)
• Full FXO Functionality via flexible scripts
• Supported call scenarios
• Caller ID
• Two-way Calling
• Three-way Conference Calling
• Three-way Calling with Calling Party Number ID
• VMWI – Voice Mail with MWI (message waiting indicator) & SDT (stutter dial tone)
• Call Waiting – Detect tone, Call ID, Flash to accept call
• Call Forwarding
• FXS capabilities
• Up to 96 independent FXS ports per 1U MAPS™ APS (more can be achieved by scaling)
• Central office simulation with two-way calling
• User-programmable call progress tone generation for different countries/regions:
• Dial tone
• Ringback tone
• Busy tone
• Reorder tone
• Howler tone (extended off-hook signal)
• Ring generation with programmable ring cadence
• Reporting
• Multi-User, Multi-Test, Multi-Reporting
• Executed test cases
• Successful test cases
• Call Failure events
• Call Completion events
• Call Drop (sustain calls) events
• Voice Quality Test MOS Scores
• Delay Measurements (OWD, PDD)
• Pass/Fail Status
• Summarization
• Failure Details Sufficient to determine Root Cause
• PDF and CSV file formats
• Central Database of events/results/errors
• CLI Capabilities
• Fully Automated with CLI and external control
• Remote accessible via CLI
• TCP/IP based Client Server application
• Script-based call simulation and control
• Comprehensive API for call flow control and feature testing
• API for TCL, Python, .NET, Java
• Allows multiple clients to be connected simultaneously
• Reserve/release analog lines through API
• Independent execution available for all lines
• Functionalities
• Basic Telephony functions - On-hook, Off-hook, Detect ringing signal, Dial, Hook flash
• Digit related functions - Send and Detect digits
• File transfer functions - Send and Receive file
• Tone related functions - Detect busy tone, call waiting tone, dial tone, reorder tone, ring-back tone, special dial tone, Send and Detect test tone, tones
• Fax related Functions - Send and Receive fax
• FSK related functions - Detect Caller ID, Detect VMWI
• VQT (Optional) - MOS, E-Model, PESQ, POLQA Scores

Call-center quality engineers, brokerages, government agencies, and other entities have a need to monitor fax transactions. Monitoring is done by recording the analog or IP traffic using suitable call capture applications. These files need to be decoded to investigate issues with protocol messages and Fax image quality.

FaxScan™ application is used to process 2-Wire and 4-Wire voice band capture files as well as Win PCAP captures to provide analysis of the T.38 packets, T.30 frames, decode a Fax TIF image, and general call-flow indicators for detail analysis. It is a valuable T.30 and T.38 debug and test tool, aiding significantly in system development. Fax sessions can contain standard G3 or V.34-based sessions.

FaxScan™ can:

• process up to V.34 T.30 recordings in 2-wire, 4-wire, µ-law, A-law, 16 bit, 14 bit, and 13 bit PCM captures (requires VBA038 License)
• process V.34 T.38 and SIP/RTP PCAP captures (requires PKV104 License) Win PCAP captures can be processed from T.38 packets alone or as part of a capture file with multiple SIP calls.

The application is available as a stand-alone command-line fax analysis application, and as an integrated module within GL's Voice Band Analyzer application.

FaxScan™ can work with popular packet capture applications such as GL’s PacketScan™ or Wireshark®, as well as TDM / 2-Wire capture applications such as GL’s tProbe™ T1 E1 FXO FXS Analyzer, and VQuad™ Dual UTA HD. FaxScan™ is also available as an integrated analysis module within Voiceband Analyzer (VBA032).

FaxScan™ can analyze the captured PCM and PCAP files from the above applications for decoding fax messages. The output of this application includes TIFF-F files containing the fax image, and fields for data rate, resolution, encoding (Modified-Huffman, Modified-Read, Modified-Modified-Read), page size, error-red lines, total lines, total pages, and more.

Main Features

• 3 modes of operation depending on the type of input file: PCM, SIP, andT.38
• Supports 2-wire or 4-wire PCM captures that are sampled at 8-Khz only
• G.711 A-Law, µ-Law encoded 8-bit PCM data formats
• 13-bit linear PCM, and16-bit linear PCM data formats
• Supports Modems: V.8, V.17, V.21, V.27, V.29, V.33, V.34
• Output contains page-by-page packet statistics and Fax image summary
• Fax image output in TIFF-F format (as specified in RFC 2301)
• Creates detailed SIP Ladder diagram files for SIP calls
• Reports Modem Rate, Resolution, Encoding, and Page Size
• 2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400, 16800, 19200, 21600, 24000, 26400, 31200, or 33600 bits per second
• HIGH (204x196dpi), LOW (204x98dpi), or SUPER_HIGH (204x391dpi)
• Modified Huffman (MH), Modified READ (MR), or Modified-Modified READ (MMR)
• A4, B4, or A3
• Single- and multi-page ECM and non-ECM fax sessions are supported
• Decoding of transmitter-only captures is supported for non-ECM faxes

CDMA technology has undergone many stages of revolution to offer improved voice and data service to the end users.

In order to deliver both voice as well as data service with very high transmission rate, CDMA network has incorporated many new nodes and protocols with respect to old 2G or 2.5G networks (GSM and GPRS network).

The latest 3G technology, called CDMA 2000 1xEV-DV is capable of delivering integrated voice and simultaneous multimedia services at peak data rates of 3.09 Mbps to the end subscriber.

IS-2000 is the signaling standard, which defines protocols for several critical 3G CDMA interfaces pertaining to packet transmission namely A1, A7, A9 and A11 (shown below). An IS-2000 compliant Mobile Station (MS) can select either packet-switched data (PSD) or circuit-switched data (CSD) transport. CSD has maximum rate of 19.2 kbps and is delivered over traditional TDM circuits. PSD offers higher data rate for multimedia services. For each data session, a PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) session is created between the Mobile Station and the Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN).

The CDMA2000 network comprises of the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the Core Network. A Mobile Station accesses the CDMA2000 network through the RAN. The RAN consists of the Air Link, Base Station Transceiver Subsystem (BTS), Base Station Controller (BSC), and a part of Packet Control Function (PCF). The RAN maps the Mobile Station ID to a unique link layer identifier that is used to communicate with the PDSN, validate the MS for access service, and maintain the established transmission links. The BTS connects to the BSC through un-channelized T1s and A-bis protocols (proprietary to a particular vendor) based on HDLC.

The BSC routes PSD and CSD messages between the cell sites and the MSC. In addition, the BSC is also responsible for mobility management. It connects to each Mobile Telephone Exchange (MTX) using channelized T1 lines for voice and circuit switched data; and to un-channelized T1 lines for signaling and control messages to the PDSN using Ethernet protocols.

The PCF routes IP data packets between the MS and the PDSN. The PDSN is the Gateway from the RAN into the public and private networks. The PDSN can act as either a standalone Network Access Server (NAS), Home Agent (HA) or a Foreign Agent (FA).

GL's CDMA Protocol Analyzer can be used to analyze and view protocols across A1 (between Base Station Controller and Mobile Switching Centre), A3 and A7 (between two Base Station Controllers), A9 (between Base Station Controller and Packet Control Function), and A11 (between Packet Control Function and PDSN) signaling interfaces as depicted in the above figure

• Between BSC and BTS: Abis
• Between BSC and BSC: A3 and A7 (also known as 'Ater')
• Between BSC and PCF: A9 (also known as 'Aquinter')
• Between BSC and MSC: A1 (also known as 'A')
• Between PCF and PDSN: A11 (also known as 'Aquater')

GL Communications supports the following types of CDMA analyzers:

• Real-time CDMA Analyzer (Pre-requisites: GL's field proven E1 or T1 internal cards or USB Laptop E1 or T1 external units, required licenses and Windows XP (or higher) Operating System)
• Offline CDMA Analyzers (Pre-requisites: Hardware dongle and Windows XP (or higher) Operating System)

Main Features

• Supports decoding of Ethernet-based protocols (across Aquinter and Aquater interfaces), ATM based protocols (across Ater interface), & HDLC based protocols (across A interface).
• Allows customized filtering/searching of the captured data (real-time/offline) by setting various parameters such as VPI/VCI, Payload Type, MAC layer address, Frame length, IP address, Port number and so on based on the interfaces chosen.
• Displays Summary, Detail, Hex-dump, Statistics, and Call Trace Views, the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Summary View displays Device Number, Time Slots:, SubChannels, Frame Number, Time, Frame Length etc in a tabular format.
• Detailed View displays decodes of user selected frame from the Summary View.
• Hex dump view displays raw frame data as hexadecimal and ASCII octet dump, the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Statistics View displays statistics based on frame count, byte count, frames/sec, bytes/sec and so on for the entire data capture.
• Call Detail Record View displays called/ calling number, released calls, call status, & more.
• Capability to export Summary View details to comma separated values (CSV) format subsequent import into a database or spreadsheet.
• Capability to export detail decode information to an ASCII.
• Ability to edit.ini file to configure the A3 A7 IOS related parameters in order to get proper decoding of protocols across A3A7 interface.
• Supports simultaneous decode of multiple streams of CDMA traffic on different T1/E1 channels.
• Any protocol field can be added to the summary view, filtering, and search features providing users more flexibility to monitor required protocol fields.
• Remote monitoring capability using GL's Network Surveillance System.

Additional feature supported by Real-time CDMA Analyzer

• Supports capturing and decoding of Ethernet-based protocols (across Aquinter and Aquater or A9 A11 interfaces), ATM based protocols (across Ater or A3 A7 interfaces), & HDLC based protocols (across A or A1 interface).
• Multiple streams of CDMA traffic on various T1/E1 channels can be simultaneously decoded with different GUI instances.
• For A3 A7 interfaces,
• Captures, decodes, filters, and reassembles (with or without Inverse Multiplexing option) AAL-2 and AAL-5 frames in real-time, from within the ATM cells according to user defined VPI/VCI.
• ATM raw data capturing requires user to specify timeslots, bit inversion, octet bit reversion, user/network side, ATM mapping, scrambling, and inverse multiplexing options.
• Streams may be captured on the selected time slots (contiguous or non-contiguous) and on full bandwidth.
• Unscrambling of ATM cells based on SDH Xˆ43 + 1 algorithm.
• For A1,
• Frames captured can be filtered real-time based on length of frames (FISSU – Length as 5 and LSSU – Length as 7) can be set.
• Supports decoding of frames with FCS of 16 bits and 32 bits, or none.
• Data transmission rate starting from 8kbps to N*64kbps is supported.
• Timeslots selection can be contiguous or non-contiguous.
• Call Detail Recording feature includes data link groups that help in defining the direction of the calls in a given network. and form logical groups comprised of unidirectional (either 'Forward' or 'Backward') data links.
• For A9 and A11,
• Frames captured can be filtered real-time based on Source IP address, Destination IP address, Mac Layer Address, Source/Destination port no etc can be applied.

Additional features supported by Offline CDMA Analyzer:

• Trace files for analysis can be loaded through simple command-line arguments.
• Multiple trace files can be loaded simultaneously with different GUI instances for offline analysis.

Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) is a method of signaling in telephone networks where each channel or timeslot carrying speech also carries with it the signaling and addressing to set up and tear down that same channel. This is commonly referred to as 'in-band' signaling as opposed to 'out-of-band' signaling, such as ISDN or SS7. Signaling bits associated with each voice channel carry 'on-hook' and 'off-hook' status and addressing information in the form of dual tone digits to direct the call to its destination.

GL's CAS Analyzer supports real-time monitoring and decoding of CAS signaling events over T1/E1 networks. Supported standards include MFCR2 and R1 protocols. The Real-time CAS Analyzer works with GL's T1 E1 analyzer hardware and corresponding software licenses (XX600, XX610, XX620, XX630).

Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) simulator is an optional application that works along with the GL's T1/E1 Analyzer Cards and Windows Client/Server software that simulates and analyzes any user-defined CAS protocols.

CAS emulation is also available with GL's Message Automation and Protocol Simulation (MAPS™). MAPS™ is a multi-protocol, multi-technology platform used for the emulation of a variety of communication protocols over IP, TDM, and Wireless networks. MAPS™ CAS can automate the testing procedure allowing the users to establish calls, and send/receive TDM traffic such as DTMF/MF digits, Tones, Voice, and Fax. In addition, GL supports various E1 MFCR2 analysis and simulation solutions.

Main Features

• Displays summary, detail, hex-dump, and statistics views.
• Summary View displays captured timeslot, sub channel, frame#, device#, CAS signaling information like signaling bits, digits, type of digit, tone, frequency of tone, power of tone, on duration and off duration etc.
• Detailed View displays decodes of a user-selected frames from the summary view.
• Statistics View displays statistics based on frame count, byte count, frames/sec, bytes/sec etc for the entire captured data.
• Hex dump View displays the frame information in HEX and ASCII format.
• Streams may be captured on the selected time slots (contiguous or non-contiguous) and on full bandwidth.
• Supports filtering and search based on digits, type of digits, signals etc.
• Exports Summary View information to a comma delimited file for subsequent import into a database or spreadsheet.
• Capability to export detailed decode information to an ASCII file.
• Status bar displaying information regarding running percent utilization, number of frames captured, CRC errors and frame errors etc.
• Any protocol field can be added to the summary view, filtering, and search features providing users more flexibility to monitor required protocol fields.

Supported Protocol

The supported protocol standards in CAS protocol analyzer is MFCR2 and R1.

• CAS-MFCR2
• CAS-R1

Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) is a method of signaling in telephone networks where each channel or timeslot carrying speech also carries with it the signaling and addressing to set up and tear down that same channel. This is referred to as "in-band" signaling. Various types of CAS signaling types include Loopstart, Groundstart, Feature Group D (FGD), Winkstart, E1 MFCR2, and others.

GL's Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) simulator is a client-side application that works along with the GL's T1/E1 Analyzer Cards and Windows Client/Server software. It is an optional application that simulates and analyzes any user-defined CAS protocols by providing signaling bit transitions and forward/backward frequency digits and tones. In order to easily create the user-defined CAS scripts, the CAS simulator includes a script editor. Multiple user-defined protocols may be defined for each of the digital T1/E1 trunks associated with the GL analysis boards. In addition to generating/receiving CAS calls, the CAS simulator also processes the receipt of Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) and Automatic Number Identification (ANI) information.

CAS emulation is also available with GL's Message Automation and Protocol Simulation (MAPS™). MAPS™ is a multi-protocol, multi-technology platform used for the emulation of a variety of communication protocols over IP, TDM, and Wireless networks. MAPS™ CAS can automate the testing procedure allowing the users to establish calls, and send/receive TDM traffic such as DTMF/MF digits, Tones, Fax, and Voice.

In addition, GL supports various E1 MFCR2 analysis and simulation solutions. For more information, visit MFC-R2 Analysis and Emulation webpage.

Supported Protocols

• E1 MFC-R2 (All variants, fully/semi compelled)
• E1 European Digital CAS (EUC), Digital E & M, International Wink Start
• E1 AP2 (Australian P2 protocol)
• T1 Winkstart (R1 wink)
• T1 Loopstart, Groundstart, Immediate Start, Feature Group D
• Any User-Defined CAS Protocol

Main Features

• Accesses the T1 (or E1) analyzer remotely
• Supports called number and calling number identification
• Customized signaling for each channel through scripts
• Ready-to-use scripts for quick testing

DCME testing, analysis and verification is easy with GL's DCME Analyzer. The DCME Analyzer is a PC-based system (Desktop/Laptop) with GL's Dual port USB E1 pod to connect non-intrusively to the bearer side of DCME equipment. Both real-time and post-processing of the bearer signal is possible. In real-time mode, the status of the bearer including synchronization, bearer loading, fax loading and other statistics are easily monitored.

In post processing mode, the entire DCME bearer signal is captured to the PC's hard disk using the available special E1 applications for recording. The captured file is then analyzed with the DCME software.

In the DCME analysis software, the software aligns to the DCME frame, and the DCME control channel(s) are decoded. The data can be displayed to permit bit level analysis and verification of channel mapping and implementation timing of the DCME protocol. DCMEs use variable bit rate encoding to create overload channels to handle overload conditions. Bearer channels are randomly selected for rate reduction. The software identifies the bit mode of each overload and normal channel (4, 3 or 2 bits).

Additionally, the Facsimile Subframe analysis software permits bit level analysis and verification of fax data submultiplexing on the DCME output bearer signal. The DCME Analyzer software calculates the mapping and interleaving algorithms, FEC and permits time of implementation verification.

Main Features:

• DCME analyzer uses GL's Dual port USB E1 pod to provide the capability to test and analyze DCME signals
• Supports ^*1IESS-501 Rev 3 Specifications and equipment such as DTX 360 of ECTel
• Connects non-intrusively to the bearer side of DCME equipment
• Captures the entire DCME bearer signal to the PC's hard disk
• Realtime and post processing of the DCME bearer signal
• Verification of channel mapping and implementation timing of the DCME protocol
• Golay and BCH error correction
• Bit level analysis and verification of facsimile data sub-multiplexing on DCME bearer

Note : ^*1 Although DCME is still used in the Intelsat System, IESS-501 is no longer being updated or distributed since its contents have been subsumed under ITU-T Recommendations G.763 and G.766. Users should, therefore refer to these ITU-T Recommendations for the DCME performance requirements

Voice, data, and video traffic is exploding as smartphones, IP TV, video streaming, and "cloud" based services takeoff. A majority of the backbone transport for these applications continues to be SONET and SDH optical transmission networks. A dominant protocol for IP transport is PoS (Packet over SONET) and another is ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode). Both schemes are packet based, with ATM using fixed size packets of 53 bytes called "cells", and PoS using variable packet sizes closely matching to Ethernet frames.

SONET and SDH transmission network also continue to be used for conventional channelized traffic – carrying many TDM T1, E1, T3, and E3 pipes.

GL's LightSpeed1000™ hardware platform (PCIe Card and USB Pod) is capable of OC-3/12 and STM-1/4 wire-speed processing on quad optical ports for functions such as wire-speed recording and wire-speed playback of Unchannelized and Channelized ATM, PoS, and RAW Traffic.

Two ports out of the 4 ports are meant for SONET/SDH unchannelized and unframed data. The remaining two ports are meant for SONET/SDH channelized data of carrying many independent unframed/framed T1, E1, T3, and E3 streams.

The LightSpeed1000™ comes with software for overall monitoring, BERT, emulation, and protocol analysis with a price tag that compares very favorably with similar test instruments at three times the price.

In an OC-3/STM-1, all 84 T1s or all 63 E1s can be identified and processed in transmit and receive modes. In an OC-12/STM-4, all 336 T1s or all 252 E1s can be identified and processed in transmit and receive modes. The hardware can also be easily configured / programmed for delaying of ATM Cells or PPP packets.

GL Communications has the following variants of OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4 Analyzers:

• Quad OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4 PCI-Express card (Windows® 7 and above 32-bit, 64-bit)
• Portable Quad OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4 Unit (Windows® 7 and above 32-bit, 64-bit)

The card's multiple connectivity using PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet (GigE), USB 2.0 and onboard DDR2 memory makes it suitable for many applications.

Multiple cards are possible in a PC for analysis of four or more directions simultaneously. USB 2.0 interface is used to connect with a Notebook PC for portability. GigE Ethernet ports for testing RAW, BER, RFC2544, RAW SONET/SDH, and Ethernet bridge applications. The hardware is firmware FPGA based making it easy to upgrade in the field for application versatility.

A unique feature of the card is the capability to capture, transmit and process at wirespeed to/from applications and hard disk on all interfaces. An API Toolkit allows users to develop specialized applications.

GL's Dual T1 E1 Express (PCIe) Boards are high-density dual T1 or E1 boards with newer PCIe (x1) bus interface. These cards are identical to the portable tProbe™ units, except for FXO FXS and Datacom functionality.

In addition to the other basic T1/E1 line signals monitoring applications, the Dual T1 E1 Express (PCIe) Boards also support enhanced VF drop and insert capabilities with software selectable VF Tx and Rx impedances (135Ω, 150 Ω, 600 Ω, 900 Ω, or High), Pulse Mask Compliance Testing, Jitter Generation and Measurement applications.

Increased Performance with 64-bit Support

GL’s T1/E1 analyzers supports both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. 64-bit support improves the performance of Protocol Analysers viz., ISDN, ISUP, GSM and allow users to monitor Hundreds to Thousands of Signalling Links simultaneously and continuously. Also, provides improved processing and response time for Statistics, Call Data Records, Search and other such functions.

Enhanced CCA application allows better processing and response time for multiple instances of CCA applications for long run tests. Similarly, all basic Intrusive and Non Intrusive applications such as BERT, Monitoring Applications, Oscilloscope, Spectral Display etc provide better processing and response time for multiple instances of monitoring and simulations windows.

MAPS™ Protocol Emulators are enhanced to provide improved performance for load generation and simulation of Protocols on 16 T1/E1 ports simultaneously.

Client Server commands support Thousands of Tasks simultaneously with number of successful thread creation. This helps to run Tx Rx File, Tx and Rx Tone and Tx Rx Digits on 24/31 Timeslots * 8 Ports * n (where n is the number of Dual T1E1 Express (PCIe) Cards)

GL offers next generation Dual UTA HD hardware unit, which supports all the interfaces and telephony devices as that of Dual UTA unit in a smaller (compact) design, with most of the interfaces on front of the board. The Dual UTA HD is more compact than the previous Dual UTA and includes HD (WB) audio on all interfaces. The latest VQuad™ release also supports both the legacy Dual UTA (v.1) along with the next generation Dual UTA HD (v.2) connected to the same system simultaneously. Up to 12 fully independent devices can run simultaneously on each VQuad™ node, with multiple VQuad™ nodes running in unison for virtually unlimited capacity.

Additionally, the Dual UTA HD (v.2) includes support for testing HD voice using Bluetooth® Wideband, and FXO Wideband along with hardware loopback controlled through the VQuad™ software (including self-test mechanisms). Dual UTA HD hardware also includes Self-Test LED, GPS connect LED, enhanced flexibility added to the VQuad™ Script, and full IPV6 support.

Dual UTA HD contains Side 1 and Side 2, which are completely independent of each other so interfacing with endpoints of a single network or interfacing with two separate networks are plausible scenarios.

As many as 6 Dual UTA HD units can be connected to single GL's VQuad™ software application, simplifying the end-to-end testing of voice, data, video quality, Echo & Delay measurements, and FAX in variety of networks, including Wireless (Bluetooth®, Wi-fi, 3G, 4G, LTE, PTT), VoIP, Analog, and TDM, practically allowing any end-point interfaces.

Enhanced VQuad™ with Dual UTA HD supports two methods of automated testing of mobile devices, Bluetooth and Wired Headset using GL’s new cable, Smartphone with Automated Call Control (ACC). Through the VQuad™ script (or manual operation), calls can be setup and send messages using iPhone SIRI or Android Google Voice available on mobile devices. VQuad™ includes Text-to-Speech technology for automatically creating the necessary voice prompts required to work with Siri or Google Voice.

• Mobile Phones:
• Bluetooth® – Works with all Bluetooth® phones for both call control and send/record audio functions. Bluetooth® also performs RSSI, Battery level functions, Network verification. Supports Bluetooth Narrow Band (NB) with Frequency Range 204Hz to 3404Hz, Wideband (WB) with Frequency Range: 204Hz to 7200Hz.
• Mobile audio interface for Smartphones (iPhone, Android) – includes Audio Headset Jack - 2.5mm (typical) for mobile phones, 3.5mm terminations for Smartphones (iPhone, Android)
• Wired Headset Smartphone ACC connectivity - connects the mobile phone to the Dual UTA HD PTT interface using the GL Smartphone Automated Call Control (ACC) cable
• Mobile Radios with Push-to-Talk functionality: Provides radio keying and sends/records audio.
• RJ-11 POTS lines: Detect dial tone, go off hook, CallerID detection, send digits (two stage dialing), answer calls, detect a variety of Special
  Information Tones (SIT), and much more as well as send/record audio for Voice Quality measurement.
• Handset Phones (POTS, Digital, VoIP): Replaces handset of any telephone (POTS, Digital, VoIP) that contains a coiled cord and handset
• 2-wire Analog (WB, NB - FXO) supporting next generation gateways
• Dual UTA HD 4-wire analog interfaces supporting Tx/Rx Headset including HATS, Mobile Phone Headset, and any Handset Phone (RJ22 connection).

The Dual Universal Telephony Adapter (Dual UTA) is a comprehensive hardware device designed to interface and test the voice and data quality of telecommunication networks. The Dual UTA features all the circuitry necessary to universally adapt to any telephony instrumentation, such as standard Plain Old Telephone Systems (POTS), digital hybrid interfaces, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks, wireless cellular phones and mobile radios including devices that utilize Bluetooth®, Broadband 3G/4G, LTE technologies.

As the name implies the Dual UTA contains a Side 1 and a Side 2. These sides are completely independent of each other so interfacing with endpoints of a single network or interfacing with two completely separate networks are plausible scenarios.

Used in conjunction with GL's VQuad™ software application, the Dual UTA simplifies end-to-end testing of voice, data, video quality, Echo & Delay measurements, and FAX in variety of networks, including Wireless (Bluetooth®, Wi-fi, 3G, 4G, LTE, PTT), VoIP, Analog, and TDM, practically allowing any end-point interfaces.

Hardware Interfaces

• Wireless communication devices (Mobile phones, Smart phones (iPhone, Android), Military/Mobile radio, Bluetooth®, WiMax, WiFi, Broadband 3G/4G, LTE))
• Mobile Phones:
• Bluetooth™® – Works with all Bluetooth™® phones for both call control and send/record audio functions. Bluetooth™® also performs RSSI, Battery level functions, Network verification. Supports Bluetooth Wideband (WB) with 16000 sampling rate.*
• Mobile audio interface for Smartphones (iPhone, Android) – includes Audio Headset Jack - 2.5mm (typical) for mobile phones, 3.5mm terminations for Smartphones (iPhone, Android)
• Mobile Radios with Push-to-Talk (PTT) functionality: Provides radio keying and sends/records audio.
• 2-wire Analog Simulation (RJ-11 FXO port) for connecting to ATA, PSTN, Switch Router
• Detect dial tone, go off hook, CallerID detection, send digits (two stage dialing), answer calls, detect a variety of Special Information Tones (SIT), and much more as well as send/record audio for Voice Quality measurement.
• Handset Phones (POTS, Digital, VoIP): Replaces handset of any telephone (POTS, Digital, VoIP) that contains a coiled cord and handset
• Balanced I/O for connecting to a VoIP Softphone, Head and Torso Simulator (HATS), or any device supporting audio.
• Dual UTA 2-wire FXO or 4-wire analog interfaces supporting Fax testing

* Bluetooth® Wideband support requires newer generation DUAL UTA hardware and firmware upgrades. Contact GL for more details.

Applications

• Send/Record audio for Voice and Data Testing, Echo Measurements over TDM, VoIP, and Wireless networks
• Network One-way delay measurements. (collocated or geographically separated)
• Network Round Trip Delay (RTD) measurements. (collocated or geographically separated)
• Echo measurement and analysis using Echo Measurement Utility (EMU)
• Automated Data Testing (NetTest) including TCP, UDP capacity, VoIP, Route, HTTP, FTP, DNS and SMS
• Acoustic echo canceller testing
• Automatic control of Push-to-talk phones/radios (key/unkey radio)
• Ability to generate and receive T.30 faxes using the Dual UTA 2-wire FXO or 4-wire analog interfaces. Fax testing for additional interfaces such as T1/E1 and VoIP (T.38) are coming soon.

The Dual VF Tx Rx (earlier called as Simplified Audio Client) application is designed exclusively to perform non-intrusive and intrusive VF audio monitoring, VF audio recording, and testing easily. Dual VF Tx Rx provides an alternate & simple GUI similar to the basic applications in T1 E1 Analyzer software to perform analog Tx/Rx functions. SS1 Analyzer and SS1 Dialer applications also have been enhanced to operate in conjunction with the Dual VF Tx Rx and its modules.

Now, Dual VF Tx Rx is available as a part of T1/E1 analyzer basic applications.

Dual VF Tx Rx supports Analog operational mode featuring two VF interfaces per unit, with each VF interface providing independent Tx/Rx functionality.

• Mode 1: VF1 (Tx/Rx) and VF2 (Tx/Rx)
• Mode 2: VF Tx and VF Rx

The application supports Spectral displays, which can be observed for both Tx/Rx directions. Analog signal can also be listened using the inbuilt speaker inside the tProbe™ unit or using stereo headphones if the environment is too noisy.

VF monitor and record functions can be performed simultaneously using appropriate modes. The recording is independently and simultaneously made for both directions. The files are recorded in mu-law format for both directions and can later be analyzed using Goldwave software. Only one direction can also be monitored and recorded on the relevant port.

Additional future enhancements of Dual VF Tx Rx include support for SS7 traffic, Ethernet traffic, digital interface support including BERT, noise measuring (gains/ hits/ dropouts), voice/noise capture to file & playback from file, Digits captured to file and other capabilities.

Main Features

Analog

• Supports two independent VF I/O
• TX and RX simultaneously
• Full tone/digit generation/detection
• Multiple cards supported per system - VF Tx/Rx and VF1 / VF2
• SS1 & DTMF Goldwave Digit record/playback capability
• SS1 emulator and analyzer capture/record/playback capabilities

Digital (coming soon..)

• T1 BERT, Fractional Bert, Pulse mask, Jitter Measurement
• DS0 noise (gains/hits/dropouts), Tone/Freq, Power measuring
• Voice/noise/digits capture /playback support
• T1 and DS0 Record/ Playback Goldwave capability
• SS7 and Ethernet traffic and many more

The Multi-Class Extension to Multi-Link PPP allows a sender to fragment the packets of various priorities into multiple classes of fragments, and allows high-priority packets to be sent between fragments of lower priorities.

MLPPP bundles multiple link-layer channels into a single network-layer channel. Data sent through this channel will be distributed among all the links. It is a technique used to derive larger bandwidth pipe by aggregating smaller bandwidth pipes e.g. from multiple T1s or E1s.

GL's flexible and versatile MC-MLPPP Emulator is GUI based WCS client, which simulates MC-MLPPP and PPP protocols over T1/E1 links. The unit is capable of generating and receiving MC-MLPPP/PPP traffic (with or without impairments). Traffic source can be sequence number, HDL files (containing packets/frames), flat binary file, user-defined frames (ASCII HEX file), and Ethernet data.

MLPPP emulator can be configured as a router or as a bridge to establish connection and route traffic between LANs.

Main Features:

• Performs MC-MLPPP as well as PPP simulation.
• Supports LCP with the following negotiation options.
  
• PPP options: MRU (Maximum Receive Unit), ACFC (Address and Control Field Compression), PFC (Protocol Field Compression), Magic Number, LQR (Link Quality Report), Reporting Period in tens of millisecond, Authentication, and Link Bandwidth Control.
• MLPPP Options: MRRU (Maximum Received Reconstructed Unit), Short Sequence Number Format, Long sequence header format, Endpoint Discrimination, PPP in MLPPP, and Multi-class option.
• Multi-Class Options: Multilink Header Format.
• Supports the following NCPs -
  
• IPCP - RFC 1332 (The PPP Internet Protocol Control Protocol) and RFC 1877 (PPP Internet Protocol Control Protocol Extensions for Name Server Addresses) standards.
• BCP - RFC 3518 (Point-to-Point (PPP) Bridging Control Protocol) standard.
• PPPMuxCP - RFC 3153.
• Payload traffic generation and verification using Sequence number, HDL file (containing packets/frames), Flat Binary file, Ethernet traffic, and User defined frames (ASCII HEX file) for each class independently.
• Transmit and receive Ethernet traffic over T1E1 links by operating either in bridge or router mode.
• Provides PPP Multiplexing feature to send / receive multiplexed PPP and MLPPP frames confirming to RFC 3153.
• Supports up to 16 T1/E1 ports.
• Supports PAP and CHAP authentication protocols

• Differential link delay insertion between PPP links during transmission.
• User configurable timers and counters like Restart-timer, Max-Configure, Max-Terminate, and Max-Failure.
• User configurable bandwidth using flags.
• Supports hyper channels with discontinuous (sparse) timeslots.
• Supports full or fractional timeslots for PPP Link.
• Supports Fragmentation and Reassembly at MLPPP level.
• Supports Van Jacobson Compression (RFC 1144) and IP Header Compression (RFC 2507 and RFC 3544).
• Supports RTP Compression enabling IP/UDP/RTP compression conforming to RFC 2508.
• Dynamically add/remove (open/close) PPP links without loss in data.
• Supports various impairments at PPP layer - CRC error, frame error, frame duplication, and more.
• Supports various Fragment/Packet impairments for each Class at MLPPP level.
• Provides detailed PPP and MLPPP statistics.
• Provides detailed test (Tx/Rx) results per class / per link in GUI as well as through log file in command line.
• Ideal solution for automated testing using command line scripts.
• Support for HDLC framing with CRC16, CRC32 or without CRC.

References

• RFC 1661 Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).
• RFC 1662 PPP links in HDLC framing.
• RFC 1990 Multi-link PPP bundles.
• RFC 2686 Multi-class extensions to PPP.
• RFC 1332 PPP Internet Protocol Control Protocol.
• RFC 1877 PPP Internet Protocol Control Protocol Extensions for Name Server Addresses.
• RFC 3518 PPP Bridging Control Protocol.
• RFC 1144 VanJacobson Compression.
• RFC 3544 IPHC Compression.
• RFC 2507 only IP Compression.
• RFC 2508 Compressed RTP.
• RFC 3153 PPP Network Control Protocol for PPP Multiplexing (PPPMuxCP).

The File based HDLC Record/Playback (Hdlcfunc) module is an optional application that allows HDLC Traffic Capture/Playback. It also allows transmission/reception of *.HDL frames files located on the server and on client.

• Ability to Tx and Rx HDLC frames (using WCS) on 12 ports simultaneously on full bandwidth TS 0-23 in a 12 ports system.
• Ability to Tx on 6 ports and Rx on 6 ports simultaneously on full bandwidth (TS 0-23), in a 12 ports system
• Ability to Tx on 8 ports and Rx on 8 ports simultaneously on 8TS pipe per card - 512 kbps pipe (TS 0-7) in a 16 ports system
• Ability to Tx on 6 ports and Rx on 6 ports simultaneously on 16 TS pipe per card (TS0-15 1024kbps) in a 12 ports system
• Ability to Tx on 46 individual TS and Rx on 46 individual TS (64K/56K) with hundred flags in a 4 ports system
• Ability to Tx on 31 individual TS and Rx on 31 individual TS (64K/56K) with Ten flags in a 4 ports system
• Ability to Tx on 25 individual TS and Rx on 25 individual TS (64K/56k) with one flag in a 4 ports system

The application allows:

• Displays the command syntax.
• Receiving HDLC frames in HDL files located on the server.
• Transmitting HDLC frames from an HDL file located on the server.
• Receiving HDLC frames in HDL files located on the client.
• Transmitting HDLC frames from an HDL file located on the client.

Important Syntax Notation Notes

Whenever HdlcFuncT(E)1:Xxx is used in a command syntax implies that HdlcFuncT1: XXX must be used for T1 cards and HdlcFuncE1:Xxx must be used for E1 cards

All the parameters must be entered in the order defined by the syntax. [parm] means that the parameter is optional and can be omitted.

Parameters in capital like CONT, EOF, and FLAGS must be entered as is.

Parm1|Parm2|Parm3 - parameter is mandatory, one of the choices Parm1, Parm2 or Parm3 must be specified

Sub channels are specified as 0xSM - sub-channel mask, for example 0x01 or 0xFE or 0xC0

Parameters specified in a syntax with all small letters usually need to be substituted by a specific value, while parameters in all capitals must be entered as they are specified.

Frame Relay is commonly used data link protocol based on packet switching technology. It is mainly incorporated by the corporate data networks due to its cost-effective data transmission, and flexible bandwidth. Frame relay is mostly used to connect local area networks with major backbones; also used in public wide area networks and in private network environments with leased lines over T1/E1 lines.

Frame Relay access is usually at data rates range of 56 to 2Mbps. Low bit-rate voice compression algorithms such as ITU G.723.1 and G.729A permit the greatest number of simultaneous multiple calls while maintaining high quality voice. The data packets in Frame Relay are relayed as HDLC frames at the data link layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.

GL's Frame Relay Protocol Analyzer can be used to analyze and decode frames conforming to Q.921, Q.922, LAPF, Frame Relay Forum standard -FRF.9 and FRF.12, Multiple Protocol Encapsulation, LCP RFC1661, Q.933 SVC and LMI SNAP, PPP, IP, SMTP, POP3 and so on.

GL Communications supports the following types of Frame Relay analyzers:

• Real-time Frame Relay Analyzer (Pre-requisites: GL's field proven E1 or T1 internal cards or USB Laptop E1 or T1 external units, required licenses and Windows XP (or higher) Operating System)
• Remote/Offline Frame Relay Analyzer (Pre-requisites: Hardware Dongle, and Windows XP (or higher) Operating System)

In addition the following application is supported that further helps in emulating Frame Relay protocol:

• Frame Relay Emulation using Client-Server

Frame Relay Analyzer Main Features

• Supports decoding of encapsulated protocols, and long frames up to 16 Kbytes.
• Analyze Permanent Virtual Connection (PVC) and Switched Virtual Connection (SVC) frames.
• Supports filtering and search based on LAPF parameters and Q.933 layer parameters such as DLCIs, Message Type, FECN, BECN, DE, NLPID's TCP, IP, SMTP, POP3, and so on.
• Displays Summary, Detail, Hex-dump, Statistics, and Call Trace Views, the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Summary View displays LAPF information like DLCI, FECN, BECN, Q.933 Message Type, IP address, TCP/UDP port address, and etc in a tabular format.
• Detail View decodes of user selected frame from the Summary View.
• Statistics View displays statistics based on frame count, byte count, frames/sec, bytes/sec etc for the entire capture data.
• Hex dump view displays raw frame data as hexadecimal and ASCII octet dump, the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Call Detail View displays called/ calling number, released calls, call status, & more.
• Call Detail Recording feature includes data link groups that help in defining the direction of the calls in a given network and form logical groups comprised of unidirectional (either 'Forward' or 'Backward') data links.
• Capability to export Summary View details to a comma separated values (CSV) format for subsequent import into a database or spreadsheet.
• Capability to export detail decodes information to an ASCII file.
• Any protocol field can be added to the summary view, filtering, and search features providing users more flexibility to monitor required protocol fields.
• Remote monitoring capability using GL's Network Surveillance System.

Additional features supported by Real-time/Remote Frame Relay Analyzer are

• Supports capturing of encapsulated protocols, and long frames up to 16 Kbytes.
• Streams can be captured on the selected time slots (contiguous or non-contiguous), sub-channels or full bandwidth. Frames may also be contained in either one, n x 64 kbps, or n x 56 kbps data channels.
• The following variations are accommodated in the software: inverted or non-inverted data, byte reversal or non-reversal.
• Supports decoding of FRF.12 fragment with both UNI-NNI fragmentation and End-to-End fragmentation.
• Supports decoding of frames with FCS of 16 bits and 32 bits, or none
• Recorded trace files can be played back using HDLC Playback application
• Multiple streams of traffic on various T1/E1 channels can be simultaneously decoded with different GUI instances
• Multiple remote clients may access a single T1/E1 server, Also, the T1/E1 server is fully functional while being accessed as a server. Thus, a user may perform T1/E1 operations locally on the server while a remote client is accessing the same server in real time. (For Remote Analyzers only).

Additional features supported by Offline Frame Relay Analyzer:

• Trace files for analysis can be loaded through simple command-line arguments.
• Multiple trace files can be loaded simultaneously with different GUI instances for offline analysis.

GPRS Service was introduced (in the late 90's and early 2000's) to enhance data carrying capabilities of the basic GSM Network.

GL Communications supports the following types of GPRS analyzers:

For GPRS over IP transport

• GPRS Protocol Analysis over IP (PKV103) is available as an optional module within PacketScan™ analyzer (PKV100) or PacketScan™ HD analyser (PKV120/PKV122) upon additional licensing. With this additional license, the PacketScan™ permits continuous monitoring of GPRS data connectivity over Gb, and Gn/Gp interface. (Pre-requisites: Hardware Dongle, and Windows® System)

For GPRS over TDM transport

• T1 E1 Real-time GPRS Analyzer (XX155) is available as an optional module within T1E1 Analyzer. With this software, the T1 E1 Analyzer permits continuous real-time monitoring of GPRS data connectivity over Gb interface. (Pre-requisites: GL's field proven E1 or T1 internal cards or USB based external units, required licenses and Windows® System)
• T1 E1 Offline GPRS Analyzers (OLV155) is available as an independent software that allows to decode and analyze pre-recorded traces of GPRS data over Gb interface. (Pre-requisites: Hardware Dongle, and Windows® System)

GL's GPRS Protocol Analyzer offers powerful features to capture, monitor, decode, and collect statistics of GPRS messages over IP and TDM. It provides valuable information about routing area update, PDP activations, and traffic patterns in the network.
The GPRS Protocol Analyzer when connected between SGSN and BSS elements of a GPRS network, permits the monitoring of Gb interface. Similarly, when connected between SGSN and GGSN elements, permits monitoring of the Gn/Gp interface.

Highlights

• Supports filtering and search features based on parameters such as Data Link, Network Service, BssGp, LLC, Gprs Mobility/Session Mgmt, SMS, TOM and SNDCP
• Summary view displays information such as DLCI, FECN, BECN, SAPI, CTL, Session Mgmt Message etc
• For GPRS over T1 E1 Interface,
• Streams can be captured on the selected time slots (contiguous or non-contiguous), sub-channels or full bandwidth. Frames may also be contained in either one, n x 64 kbps, or n x 56 kbps data channels.
• Supports decoding of frames with FCS of 16 bits and 32 bits, or none.
• Capturing filter based on length of frames (FISU - Length as 5 and LSSU - Length as 7) can be set.
• Call Detail Recording feature includes data link groups that help in defining the direction of the calls in a given network and form logical groups comprised of unidirectional (either 'Forward' or 'Backward') data links.
• Recorded trace files can be played back using HDLC Playback application.

Related Applications

• MAPS GPRS Gb Emulator
• MAPS GPRS Gn Gp Emulator
• GSM GPRS Wireless Lab
• Centralized 2G / 3G Network Monitoring
• GSM Protocol Analysis
• UMTS Protocol Analysis

Bridge and Monitor Connections

• Monitor from a DSX-Patch Panel
• Bridge Mode Connections for Monitoring T1/E1 Signals for RJ-45
• Bridge Mode Connections Alternative Method
• RJ-45 Connections

GSM being one of the first mobile communications standard, was predominantly over traditional TDM network. It continues to be the default standard in many parts of the world. With recent developments, communications over the Global System for Mobile (GSM) network can be exchanged over TDM transport networks as well as with IP or Ethernet transport services.

GSM networks operate in three different frequency ranges,

• GSM 900 (operates in the 900 MHz frequency range; is used in most parts of the world -Europe, most of Asia, Australia, Africa, Middle East)
• GSM 1800 or DCS 1800 (operates in the 1800 MHz frequency range; is found in a number of countries including France, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and Russia)
• PCS 1900 or DCS 1900 - ( used in the United States and Canada).

GL Communications supports the following types of GSM analyzers:

For GSM over IP transport

• GL's GSM Protocol Analyzer (PK103) is available as an optional module within PacketScan™ analyzer (PKV100) or PacketScan™ HD analyser (PKV120/PKV122) upon additional licensing.. With the support of this additional license, PacketScan™ can be used to analyze the protocol exchanged between the MSC & BSC (A-interface) and BSC & BTS (Abis-interface) nodes of GSM network over IP backhaul. Additionally, with the support of PKV105 license PacketScan™ can handle MAP, CAP, and INAP interfaces.

For GSM over TDM transport

• T1 E1 Real-time GSM Analyzer (XX150) is available as an optional module within T1E1 Analyzer. With this software, the T1 E1 Analyzer permits continuous real-time monitoring of are A (Interface b/w BSC and MSC), A-bis (Interface b/w BSC and BTS), Mobis (Motorola Proprietary Interface b/w BSC and BTS and also b/w BSC and PCU), Gs (Interface between SGSN and MSC), Ls / Lb / Lp Interface (Interface between MSC and SMLC), Up (Interface between UNC (UMA network controller) and MS). (Pre-requisites: GL's field proven E1 or T1 internal cards or USB based external units, required licenses and Windows® System)
• T1 E1 Offline GSM Analyzer (OLV150) (Pre-requisites: Hardware Dongles and Windows® System)

GL's GSM Protocol Analyzer is used to analyze GSM protocols, a switching and signaling telecommunication protocol between MSC & BSC, BSC & BTS, MSC & SMLC, UMA & MS. and so on. GSM analyzer also supports decoding proprietary 'Mobis' Interface (Motorola equivalent of the GSM A-bis interface) with additional license XX151 between BSC (Base Station Controller) - BTS (Base Transceiver Station) and BSC (Base Station Controller) - PCU (Packet Controller Unit).

GL’s GSM Protocol Analyzer supports complete analysis, decode and monitoring of GSM-R (GSM-Railway) - an international wireless communications standard for railway communication and applications.

Other interfaces supported include GSM-R (GSM Railwaysstandard), Gs (Interface between SGSN and MSC), Ls / Lb / Lp Interface (Interface between MSC and SMLC), and Up (Interface between UNC (UMA network controller) and MS).

Highlights

• Interfaces supported are A (Interface b/w BSC and MSC), A-bis (Interface b/w BSC and BTS), Mobis (Motorola Proprietary Interface b/w BSC and BTS and also b/w BSC and PCU), Gs (Interface between SGSN and MSC), Ls / Lb / Lp Interface (Interface between MSC and SMLC), Up (Interface between UNC (UMA network controller) and MS).
• Supports decoding of GSM-R as per EIRENE specification (H 22 T 0001 2) and ETSI TS 102 610 standards to verify and monitor GSM-R Network
• Summary View displays MTP2, MTP3 information, GSM Message types, information about various channels used during the call, frequency hopping and so on in a tabular format.
• Decoding of many RR layer non-transparent messages such as "System Information", "Measurement Result", "Immediate Assignment" etc.
• Call Detail View displays call statistics such as number of active/completed calls, durations of the completed calls, Type of Call (e.g. SMS/Location Update/Authentication/Speech Call), IMSI/TMSI associated with each call.
• Call Detail Recording feature includes data link groups that help in defining the direction of the calls in a given network and form logical groups comprised of unidirectional (either 'Forward' or 'Backward') data links.
• For GSM over T1 E1 interface
• Streams can be captured on the selected time slots (contiguous or non-contiguous), sub-channels or full bandwidth.
• Real-time filtering based on the frame length.
• Supports decoding of frames with FCS of 16 bits and 32 bits, or none.
• Recorded trace files can be played back using HDLC Playback application.
• Multiple streams of GSM traffic on various T1/E1 channels can be simultaneously decoded with different GUI instances.
• Frames can be transmitted or captured in either, n x 64 kbps, or n x 56 kbps data channels.
• The variations accommodated in the software are inverted or non-inverted data, and byte reversal or non-reversal.

Related Applications

• MAPS™ GSM A Emulator
• MAPS™ GSM Abis Emulator
• MAPS™ MAP Emulator
• MAPS™ SIGTRAN Emulator
• SS7 Analyzer
• SIGTRAN Analyzer
• GSM-GPRS Wireless Lab

The HDLCTerr module performs multi-channel HDLC emulation and analysis. It permits frame error testing and transmission of memory generated sequences of fixed or variable length HDLC frames, GL *.HDL Trace file frames, and various bandwidth streams.

In an OC-3/OC-12 channelized HDLCTerr module, 1040 T1s or 1701 E1s can be identified and processed in transmit and receive mode.

The HDLCHpio module performs file–based HDLC record and playback actions. It permits receive / transmit of HDLC streams of various bandwidth (hyper channel, timeslot, and multiple sub-channel streams per timeslot).

In an OC-3 channelized HDLCHpio module, 2016 T1s or 1953 E1s can be identified and processed in transmit and receive mode. In an OC-12 channelized HdlcHpio application, 2640 T1s or 2325 E1s can be identified and processed in transmit and receive mode.

File based High Throughput HDLC Record/Playback (HdlcHpio)

The module performs file–based HDLC record and playback actions. It takes advantage of Multi-core CPU and offers high throughput & permits receive / transmit of HDLC streams of various bandwidth over multiple Links and Channels (hyper channel, timeslot, and multiple sub-channel streams per timeslot). It also provides users the option to speed up /slow down the transmission.

It permits

• Receiving and transmitting HDLC streams of various bandwidths from single or multiple GL HDL trace files
• Receiving and transmitting hyperchannel (N x 64 kbps) streams, timeslot streams (64 kbps) and subchannel streams
  (n x 8 kbps).
• Transmitting and receiving multiple subchannels within a single timeslot.

GL's *.HDL trace files contain port, timeslot and timing information. During playback, this information can be used to replay frames on the same timeslots preserving the timing information

Key Features

• Port, timeslot, subchannel translation Port/timeslot numbers can be translated (groomed) before playback. For example, if the frames were captured on port 1 timeslot 23, port 2, timeslot 23, ... port 8 timeslot 23 they can be ordered to play on port 1 timeslot 1, port 1 timeslot 2, ..., port 1 timeslot 8.
• Time preservation, speeding up and slowing down during playback Playback can either preserve the inter-frame timing of the originally captured *.hdl trace file frames or playback frames faster / slower than the originally captured frames. In addition the original timing can also be modified by specifying number of flags to insert between frames.
• Advanced performance support for multiprocessor computers The module is designed to take full advantage of the multiprocessor PCs. By default, it is using all the processors available to the Windows OS using an adaptive thread pools. However, the task can be directed to use fewer processors, to achieve optimal performance coexisting with other processor intensive applications or WCS tasks running on the computer.
• Flexible transmit options Frames from *.hdl trace files can be transmitted either once (till the end of the trace file is reached), continuously in a round robin fashion (the first frame is transmitted again when the end of the trace file is reached), or up to the limited frame count. Each stream can have different characteristics.
• Flexible receive options Received streams can be placed in the same or multiple *.HDL trace files. Files can be circular to limit disk space. In circular files, new frames will eventually replace earlier frames.
• Extensive documentation The module comes with the detailed documentation and examples that help to reduce the learning curve. Simple yet flexible and versatile syntax makes it easier for users to use the software.
• Real-time counters The module allows users to monitor (query) the following attributes when the task is in progress
• Total HDLC tx / rx stream count
• Running tx / rx stream count
• Under run count
• Malformed frame count
• CRC (FCS) error count

The HDLC is a protocol operating at the data link layer. The HDLC protocol embeds information in a data frame allowing data flow control and error correction. Each flag consists of eight bits – (01111110).

At the end of the frame, a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) is used to verify the data integrity. The FCS also known as cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is calculated using polynomial xˆ16 + xˆ12 + xˆ5 + 1 (FCS 16 bits) or xˆ0+xˆ1+xˆ2+xˆ4+xˆ5+xˆ7+xˆ 8+xˆ10+xˆ11ˆxˆ12+xˆ16+xˆ22+xˆ23+xˆ26+xˆ32 (FCS 32 bits). Idle periods in the data channel contain only flags.

GL's HDLC protocol analyzer provides the capability to capture, and analyze HDLC data on a full duplex T1 or E1 line. The data channel may utilize all or a fractional part of the T1 or E1 line. Also there may be multiple data channels within the T1or E1 line. After setting the HDLC data channel parameters and starting the decoding process, the main screen displays the received HDLC frames in hex format. Flags are stripped, all other data is presented, including CRC bytes.

GL Communications supports the following types of HDLC analyzers:

• Real-time HDLC Analyzer (Pre-requisites: GL's field proven E1 or T1 internal cards or USB Laptop E1 or T1 external units, required licenses and Windows XP (or higher) Operating System)
• Remote/Offline HDLC Analyzer (Pre-requisites: Hardware Dongle and Windows XP (or higher) Operating System)

In addition the following HDLC applications are supported that further help in transmitting and capturing pre-defined HDLC frames:

• HDLC Playback
• HDLC Impairment Utility
• HDLC Tx RxTest Application
• Automated HDLC Testing using Client-Server

HDLC Analyzer Main Features

• Displays Summary, Detail, Hex dump, Statistics, and Call Detail Views; the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Summary View displays timeslot, sub channel, frame#, device#, LAPD, LAPF specific information and IP information like source/destination IP address, TCP source port, TCP destination port etc.
• Supports decoding of LAPF, LAPD, LAPD+IP, LAPX+IP, X.25, Cisco HDLC Protocols.
• Detail View displays decodes of user-selected frames from the Summary View.
• Statistics View displays statistics based on frame count, byte count, frames/sec, bytes/sec etc for the entire captured data
• Hex dump View displays the frame information in HEX and ASCII format; the contents of this view can also be copied to clipboard.
• Supports filtering and search features based on C/R, SAPI, TEI, CTL, P/F, N(S), N(R) and FUNC
• Any protocol field can be added to the summary view, filtering, and search features providing users more flexibility to monitor required protocol fields.
• Capability to export Summary View details information to a comma delimited file for subsequent import into a database or spreadsheet.
• Capability to export detailed decode information to an ASCII file.
• Status bar displaying information regarding running percent utilization, Number of frames captured, CRC errors and Frame errors etc.
• Remote monitoring capability using GL's Network Surveillance System.

Additional features supported by Real-time/Remote HDLC Analyzer:

• Streams can be captured on the selected time slots (contiguous or non-contiguous), sub-channels or full bandwidth. Frames may also be contained in either one, n x 64 kbps, or n x 56 kbps data channels.
• Other variations accommodated in the software are inverted or non-inverted data, byte reversal or non-reversal.
• Real-time capture filter can be set for filtering frames based on frame length.
• Multiple streams of HDLC traffic on various T1/E1 channels can be simultaneously decoded with different GUI instances.
• Supports decoding of frames with FCS of 16 bits and 32 bits, or none.
• Captured frames can later be used for traffic simulation using HDLC Transmit/Receive/Playback application.
• Multiple remote clients may access a single T1/E1 server, the T1/E1 server is fully functional while being accessed as a server. Thus, a user may perform T1/E1 operations locally on the server while a client is accessing the same server, in real time (For Remote Analyzers only).

Additional features supported by Offline HDLC Analyzer:

• Trace files for analysis can be loaded through simple command-line arguments.
• Multiple trace files can be loaded simultaneously with different GUI instances for offline analysis.

GL’s vHandi™ is a compact portable hand-held FXO simulator (Foreign Exchange Office) that can simulate an analog phone. The vHandi™ call and voice tests can be completely automated or manually performed. The vHandi™ can work with GL’s VQuad™, Voice Quality Test, and WebViewer™ applications to perform centralized voice quality measurements and analysis.

The vHandi™ comprises of -

• FXO RJ-11 port
• Ethernet RJ-45 port
• USB mini port

The FXO port on the vHandi™ connects to an FXS port performing call and traffic simulation. The vHandi™ supports any FXS port including PSTN, ATA or Gateway. The vHandi™ is powered as well as managed via the USB connection. With an internal SD card, vHandi™ can be used as a mass storage device when plugged into the USB port of the PC.

With the Ethernet port, vHandi™ can be connected to the LAN, or directly to the PC for file transfers as depicted in the figure below. Transfer of recorded voice files from the vHandi™ to the remote PC can be completely automated using vHandi™ Listener and scripting.

Functions Supported by vHandi™

• Supports manual and automated operations
• ON hook and OFF hook (loop closure) for place call and answer call
• Loop Current Drop detection (auto disconnect)
• Ring Detection for incoming calls
• Transmit and capture traffic (digits, tones, and voice)
• Energy Detection for path confirmation or auto script synchronization
• Manual/Auto transfer recorded files to remote PCs using Ethernet port
• Speaker provided to hear incoming/outgoing audio from 2-wire established call
• LED indication for the battery charge level for vHandi™
• Generates Call Events, Error Event and Traffic Events – automatically sent to the Central System
• Automate IVR testing and Quality of Service testing
• Send/Record Voice files to be used in Voice Quality Measurements per ITU-T standards (PESQ, POLQA) using GL Voice Quality Test (VQT) software
• vHandi™ works directly with GL’s VQuadTM solution for sending/recording voice files over the network.
• Full IVR test and analysis
• vHandi™ can be placed anywhere in the network waiting for an incoming call. When an incoming call is detected, vHandi™ will auto answer the call and perform a pre-defined IVR and/or Voice analysis tests prior to disconnecting the call and again waiting for the next incoming call.

The GL's LinkTest™ Dual E1 is a handheld dual-port tester for E1 and data communications (V.11 / X.24, V.24/RS232, V.35, V.36/RS449, EIA-530, EIA-530A) interfaces. Port A is full featured 2048 kb/s interface. On the other hand, Port B usage is configurable (2048 kb/s TX/RX, co-directional, clock input). The LinkTest™ Dual E1 has an external DC input but it also has internal batteries. This makes this tester suitable for field testing applications.

With the support of a large range of software options for E1 services and sub rate multiplexing system, this handheld unit provides a scalable test solution for E1 and data testing. It provides a large, clear screen with a full set of physical layer tests for E1 balanced and unbalanced circuits including BERT, VF, round trip delay and signal level.

Main Features

• Multi-interface capability: V.24/RS232, V.11/X.24, V.35, V.36/RS449,
• Supports ITU-T G.711 encoding with A law, G.703 (E1 2.048 Mbit/s), G.704, G.703 co-directional
• ITU-T G.821, G.826, and M.2100 performance analysis
• Supported Line codes – HDB3 (High-density bipolar with three zeroes), AMI (Alternate mark inversion)
• Rugged, hand-held, battery operated, low-cost, and software upgradable design for field use
• Carry out generation and analysis of both framed signals (as per ITU-T G.704) and unframed tests
• Collection of call records from remote locations
• CAS signaling generation and monitoring
• Extensive error detection and alarm generation for detecting bit errors, frame errors, signal defects and anomalies
• Error Insertion at physical level, frame level, and patter level – Modes are Single, Rate, Burst or Continuous burst
• BER patterns - PRBS 11, PRBS 15, PRBS 20, PRBS 23, All 1 or their inverted versions
• VF tone generation and measurement, drop and insert
• Frequency, clock slip, round trip delay, and signal level measurement
• Jitter measurement as per ITU-T G.823 standard
• Pulse mask testing as per ITU-T G.703 standard
• Reports and generates all events to verify your circuit performance, including frequency level and other functions to ensure a healthy support of any customer applications
• Reports can be generated in PDF and Text formats

Applications

The LinkTest™ Dual E1 tester is a simple to use, rugged handset, used for installation, commissioning and maintenance of digital networks. The unit is an excellent tester for network operators, contractors and enterprise users who have to manage fixed and mobile networks that are using E1 and Datacom backhaul circuits.

The main applications include digital voice and data testing, jitter measurement, wander measurement, and pulse mask compliance. It can be used for maintaining and troubleshooting PDH, Synchronization, and Datacom links. Upgradable software via an integrated USB interface is offered.

Testing IP network performance with high volume calls is increasingly important to Wireless Carriers, Internet Service Providers, and Equipment vendors to ensure that quality of experience does not degrade with call intensity, volume, or protocol. Load and stress testing are important to verify stability of IP network and network elements pre- and post-deployment.

MAPS™ HD RTP (PKS109) is an advanced bulk call generator used to simulate high volume calls with traffic. It is available as special purpose rackmount network appliance with 4x1GigE NIC capable of high call intensity (hundreds of calls/sec) and high volume of sustained calls (tens of thousands of simultaneous calls/platform).

MAPS™ (Message Automation and Protocol Simulation) is GL’s standard framework for emulation of IP, TDM, and Wireless protocols.

MAPS™ HD RTP (PKS109) is an advanced bulk call generator used to simulate high volume calls with traffic. It is available as special purpose rackmount network appliance with 4x1GigE NIC capable of high call intensity (hundreds of calls/sec) and high volume of sustained calls (tens of thousands of simultaneous calls/platform).

The network appliance performs signaling and traffic generation for a vast array of communication protocols covering IP and Wireless networks. It supports simulation of SIP, IMS SIP UE, GSM A, BICC, MGCP, H.248/Megaco, and provides non-reference based voice quality using E-model (R-factor) and MOS with five mapping scales.

MAPS™ HD network appliance is designed to easily achieve up to 20,000 endpoints per appliance (5000 per port). Using a stack of multiple servers, a larger test system with 100K-200K calls (all controlled from a single Master Controller.) is achievable for enterprise to carrier grade testing.

The network appliance provides a modular and flexible solution to generate real voice calls using industry standard voice codecs such as G.711 A/µ-law, G.722, G.722.2 (AMR-WB), G.722.1, G.726, G.729A/B, GSM (EFR, FR and HR), AMR (Narrowband and Wideband), EVRC, EVRCB, EVRC-C, iLBC, Speex, SpeexWB, RFC 2833, and user-defined codecs for voice and tones.

GL also provides PacketScan™ HD (PKV120) for High Density IP Traffic Analysis w/ 4x1GigE Network Monitoring and PacketScan™ FB (PKV121), a File Based IP Traffic Analyzer Server for near real-time processing of traces.

MAPS™ HD Characteristics:

• Transport over UDP and TCP, IPv4 and IPv6, and TLS for secure transport
• Unique endpoint emulation using IP address, MAC address, and VLAN tagging
• Easily achieve up to 20,000 endpoints per appliance (5000 per port)
• Up to 350 calls per second (with RTP traffic)
• Scales to around 100,000 to 200,000 endpoints with use of Master Controller for single point of control
• Manage 10+ MAPS™ systems with single point of control from Master Controller
• Simulate various traffic conditions to measure the performance and capability of an IP network element
• Simulate complete protocol state machine to troubleshoot the network issues
• Powerful Load Generation, Scheduler, and Command Line Interface (CLI) for automation, remote control, and load testing
• Configurations, test scripts, and profiles can be saved and reused on a different systems
• Easy-to-use MAPS™ scripting interface (UI) for test scripts to be created
• User can modify any signalling messages, message parameters, and/or information elements.
• User can also add, modify or remove any optional parameter depending on specific feature of interest.
• Packet level fault insertion can be performed by impairing any bit / byte of a message.
• Real-time monitoring and reporting of registration and call statistics
• Statistics can be viewed on any pair of endpoints
• Export data to other applications for customized user report

Generally, today’s applications are intended to work on different networks such as enterprise networks, storage, cloud services, web services, ftp, audio/video streaming, etc. Typically, such applications have a client and server components, communicating over a Wide Area Network (WAN) link, whether it be mobile traffic, VoIP, IPTV over the public internet, or database access via the corporate intranet. Application developers can easily test their applications on a local LAN but require testing with the realistic network conditions prior to live deployment. Conducting tests on real WAN links is expensive or simply not feasible in most cases.

IP WAN Link Emulators help to test the performance of such WAN network-dependent applications by emulating the WAN conditions in a local setup easily and cost effectively. Typically, WAN links suffer from Packet effects such as Packet Loss, Packet Corruption, Packet Duplication and Packet reordering with additional burden on end-to-end applications to compensate for these impairments. Such frames are dropped at end points causing retransmissions. GL’s WAN IP Link Emulators (IPNetSim™, IPLinkSim™) provide all necessary features to emulate these Packet effects and study network behaviour.

IPNetSim™ is an optional application available within PacketExpert™ platforms (PXG100 and PXN100).

IPNetSim™ emulates a bidirectional WAN IP Link with a 10 Gbps or a 10/100/1000 Mbps full duplex link. For each direction, incoming traffic can be identified into separate user defined streams (up to 16 streams for 1 Gbps pipe and up to 4 streams for 10 Gbps pipe). These user defined streams can be modified to simulate network impairments.

IPLinkSim™ option with PacketExpert™ platforms (PXG100 and PXN100) also supports a single stream WAN IP Link with a 10 Gbps or a 10/100/1000 Mbps full duplex link, where all the incoming traffic is streamed as a single link which can be modified to simulate network impairments.

Both IPNetSim™ and IPLinkSim™ applications are available as rackmount appliance with PXN100 and mTOP™ (MT001). mTOP™ solution (MT001), is a 1U rack mount enclosure within which PacketExpert™ 10GX (PXN100) USB units can be stacked to provide high density GigE ports form factor solution for testing GigE switches, routers and network conditions. The multi-device appliance incorporates all the features of a single portable unit along with the necessary PC hardware with Windows® OS and remote accessibility via Ethernet Remote Desktop.

Simply connect PacketExpert™ IPNetSim™ or IPLinkSim™ unit in series with existing optical or electrical links and introduce any impairment type to test the various applications in the lab prior to live deployment.

Both IPNetSim™ and IPLinkSim™ provides several user-defined impairments such as Bandwidth Throttling, Latency, Jitter, Packet Loss, Packet Reordering, Packet Duplication, Packet Corruption, Error Insertion, etc. Bandwidth Throttling simulates slower WAN links like RS232/DSL/Modem/T1/E1/T3/E3 etc. Latency can be used to recreate the constant or varying delay caused by various factors in the network. In addition to the above listed impairment types, IPLinkSim™ can also emulate Congestion in the network by generating additional background traffic.

Both IPNetSim™ and IPLinkSim™ supports Command line Interface (CLI) to access all the functionalities remotely using TCL clients and MAPS™ CLI client/server architecture.

Main Features

• IPNetSim™ operates in multi-stream mode. Emulates bidirectional multiple WAN Link (16 streams on 1 Gbps ports and 4 streams on 10 Gbps ports) per unit
• IPLinkSim™ operates in a single stream mode and emulates only 1 bidirectional WAN Link per unit
• mTOP™ offer rack-mountable, high density, multi-device support. Stack multiple rack units to handle large number of ports. Scalable solution for unlimited number of ports
• Emulate WAN conditions separately and independently on each direction. Acts as a transparent bidirectional link or a simple Ethernet Bridge for easy integration with any test setup.
• ”Stream Definition” feature in IPNetSim™

• classifies traffic on each port into separate streams (up to 16 streams on 1 Gbps ports and 4 streams on 10 Gbps ports); Streams can be defined with various header fields like Source/Destination MAC Address, VLAN Id, MPLS Label, Source/Destination Ipv4 Address, Source/Destination UDP ports
• Supports both Raw (bit level) and Packet mode (header fields) stream configurations
• Up to 120 bytes wide stream definitions covering entire packet header from MAC to UDP and also Payload
• For each stream definition, offset can be set to any byte within the packet (from 0 to 2047) which gives flexibility to define any fields within any protocol headers, and even the payload
• Independent per stream WAN impairments helps emulate different WAN links in a single device

• Detailed per stream Tx Rx frames statistics for easy performance monitoring
• Live throughput graphs per stream to visualize the effects of WAN impairments on the traffic
• Check the stability or performance of the network with various real-world WAN Impairments including:
• Bandwidth control option to emulate various WAN link speeds (Modem, DSL, T1/E1/T3/E3/OC3/OC12 etc) – 1 Kbps up to 10 Gbps
• Latency/Delay (0 milliseconds up to 1.5 seconds per stream (for 1Gbps link)/0.5 seconds per stream (for 10 Gbps link) – single delay, uniform, random distributions) to emulate various wired, wireless, and network elements
• Packet Loss (loss rate % of total packets 0–100%)
• Packet Reordering (reordering rate (0-100%) with Delay Range of up to 2 seconds
• Packet Duplication (percentage of total packets duplicated 0 - 100%)
• Logic Error Insertion (10^-1 to 10^-9 error rate) within Ethernet packet to emulate faulty network devices or interference
• Maximum Frame Size supported – 2048 bytes
• Supports both Periodic (constant and predictable) and Random (unpredictable real-world conditions) impairments such as Packet Loss, Packet Reordering, Packet Duplication, and Error Insertion
• Supports transmission of Ethernet Pause frame with user-defined quanta used to throttle Ethernet link overload
• Command Line Interface for automated testing and remote accessibility

GL's IPNetSim™ Handheld is a hand-held battery operated instrument that can simulate the real-time IP and Carrier Ethernet network dynamics by means of hardware controlled packet delay, loss, jitter, errors, bandwidth limitations, congestion, and duplication. IPNetSim™ Handheld offers to manage network behaviors of up to 1 Gbps rates with accuracy always better than 1ms.

IPNetSim™ Handheld is an invaluable tool for IP equipment manufacturers, R&D departments, Network Operators, ISP and Triple Play service providers that test and verify a wide variety of projects to determine whether a network application or device is appropriate for operation in such networks.

IPNetSim™ Handheld is equipped with hardware based impairments generator, and dual GbE ports, to emulate the dynamics of real Ethernet / IP networks.

Main Features

• Shape and manage up to 16 independent flows of traffic with predefined QoS.
• Impairment generation on each flow including Latency, Packet Loss, Duplication, Delay, Jitter
• Impairments as per ITU-T Y.1541 standard
• Jumbo frames support up to 17 kBytes
• Traffic shaping and Traffic Policing
• Events: Packet loss, delay, error, duplication, jitter, bandwidth limitations, and congestion,
• Events are implemented at Ethernet layer
• Users can place errors within IP protocols or edit the Ethernet/IP fields
• Customizable filters defined by field contents on Ethernet, IP, UDP and TCP headers
• Configurable, either deterministic or random, time delays can be inserted in every filter
• Ability to replicate complex network dynamic by means of modifying Bandwidth and QoS parameters
• Capable of processing and computing statistics over fractions of the Ethernet traffic meeting specific conditions
• Detailed event log window with per flow viewing of the events.
• Remote access via VNC

Applications

• Verify the tolerance and the quality of video, audio or data applications either working in development laboratories or directly connected to commercial networks
• Test QoS factors of Multi-play applications including critical Data Access, Video Streaming, Internet, VoIP, IMS, HDTV, and IPTV
• Test routers, switches, VoIP handsets, VoIP PBXs, set-top boxes, and VoD servers
• Evaluate the stability of switches and routers under static or dynamic traffic load conditions over minutes, hours ordays.
• Quality of Service (QoS), Quality of Experience (QoE) testing
• Satellite communications
• Submarine links

GL’s ISDN Emulator for T1E1 network is available as GUI based as well as Command-line based applications through which the various ISDN configurations can easily be created, thereby allowing the ISDN Emulator to be fully functional within a few minutes.

The client-server based ISDN Emulator emulates ISDN calls over T1/E1 links. It also allows configuring the ISDN layer parameters, called/calling numbering plan/type, ISDN service type, place or accept call for each timeslot or for the whole trunk, switch and subscriber emulation, simple NFAS setup for T1, and performs various other tasks on remote clients. Additionally, the Windows Client-Server based ISDN Emulator application offers following advantages.

• Simultaneous testing of high capacity T1/E1 systems through a single client
• Remotely control ISDN emulation using simple commands by client applications
• Collection of call records from remote locations

Main Features:

• Switch and Subscriber emulation
• Nearly all ISDN standards and variants are supported. Variants for T1 analyzers include AT & T #4ESS, AT & T #5ESS, Bellcore #5ESS, National ISDN 2, Nortel, DMS – 250, and Siemens EWSD, while for E1, Variants are Belgium, China, Europe, France, Britain, Germany, and Sweden
• Supported protocol layers - LAPD and Q.931 Layers
• 1 to 4 configurable signaling links
• Performs simple NFAS setup for T1 and various other tasks on remote T1/E1 server.
• Call records for complete or incomplete calls
• Place call or accept call for each timeslot or for the whole trunk.

GL's LTE Protocol Analyzer within PacketScan™ - All IP Protocol Analyzer is capable of capturing, decoding and performing various test measurements across various interfaces i.e. S1, S3, S4, S5 (or S8), S6a, S10, S11, S13 and X2 interfaces of the LTE network. Wide range of codec support, including AMR WB, and extensive per-call reports.

GL's LTE Protocol Analyzer is an optional module (PKV107) available with additional licensing with PacketScan analyzer (PKV100). The analyzer offers powerful features to capture and monitor live signaling and traffic over LTE networks.

Related Applications

• MAPS™ LTE eGTP Emulator
• MAPS™ LTE X2 AP Emulator
• MAPS™ LTE S1 Emulator
• LTE Wireless Lab
• MAPS™ IMS Emulator
• MAPS™ Diameter Emulator
• IMS Protocol Analysis
• Centralized LTE-IMS Network Monitoring

Voice, data, and video traffic is exploding as smartphones, IP TV, video streaming, and "cloud" based services takeoff. A majority of the backbone transport for these applications continues to be SONET and SDH optical transmission networks. A dominant protocol for IP transport is PoS (Packet over SONET) and another is ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode). Both schemes are packet based, with ATM using fixed size packets of 53 bytes called "cells", and PoS using variable packet sizes closely matching to Ethernet frames.

SONET and SDH transmission network also continue to be used for conventional channelized traffic – carrying many TDM T1, E1, T3, and E3 pipes.

GL's LightSpeed1000™ hardware platform (PCIe Card and USB Pod) is capable of OC-3/12 and STM-1/4 wire-speed processing on quad optical ports for functions such as wire-speed recording and wire-speed playback of Unchannelized and Channelized ATM, PoS, and RAW Traffic.

Two ports out of the 4 ports are meant for SONET/SDH unchannelized and unframed data. The remaining two ports are meant for SONET/SDH channelized data of carrying many independent unframed/framed T1, E1, T3, and E3 streams.

The LightSpeed1000™ comes with software for overall monitoring, BERT, emulation, and protocol analysis with a price tag that compares very favorably with similar test instruments at three times the price.

In an OC-3/STM-1, all 84 T1s or all 63 E1s can be identified and processed in transmit and receive modes. In an OC-12/STM-4, all 336 T1s or all 252 E1s can be identified and processed in transmit and receive modes. The hardware can also be easily configured / programmed for delaying of ATM Cells or PPP packets.

GL Communications has the following variants of OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4 Analyzers:

• Quad OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4 PCI-Express card (Windows® 7 and above 32-bit, 64-bit)
• Portable Quad OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4 Unit (Windows® 7 and above 32-bit, 64-bit)

The card's multiple connectivity using PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet (GigE), USB 2.0 and onboard DDR2 memory makes it suitable for many applications.

Multiple cards are possible in a PC for analysis of four or more directions simultaneously. USB 2.0 interface is used to connect with a Notebook PC for portability. GigE Ethernet ports for testing RAW, BER, RFC2544, RAW SONET/SDH, and Ethernet bridge applications. The hardware is firmware FPGA based making it easy to upgrade in the field for application versatility.

A unique feature of the card is the capability to capture, transmit and process at wirespeed to/from applications and hard disk on all interfaces. An API Toolkit allows users to develop specialized applications.

FXS and FXO are ports used by analog phone lines or phones. A Foreign Exchange Subscriber (FXS) port supplies ring voltage, battery current, dial tone and voice signals. Foreign Exchange Office (FXO) delivers an on-hook/off-hook indication (loop closure), DTMF digits, voice signals, and is usually a phone or fax machine.
The FXO and FXS ports on tProbe™ unit allows to simulate all of the above features. Also, the FXO port on the tProbe™ permits non-intrusive capture and analysis of voice-band signals from a two-wire telephone line. The FXS port on tProbe™ emulates a two-wire FXS service such as a telephone wall jack.
GL's Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) platform is a general purpose protocol emulator tool for various protocols encountered in the telecom space. GL's MAPS™ FXO FXS is one such advanced test tool that supports emulation of functions of Foreign Exchange Subscriber (FXS) by analog phone lines and Foreign Exchange Office (FXO) by phones using the FXO and FXS ports on a tProbe™ unit. MAPS™ provides a facility to place call/answer incoming call on both FXO and FXS ports and automate the entire testing process using scripts.
MAPS™ FXO FXS Emulator includes features to handle different types of traffic like tones, digits (DTMF, MF, MFR2F, MFR2B), voice files, fax, and more. Data width of the traffic being sent/ received over the FXO/FXS ports can be extended up to 16 bits to improve signal to noise performance. Also, GL’s MAPS™ FXO FXS application can be used to simulate CAMA trunks connected to the 911 selective router (SR) and can be configured for non-intrusive monitoring of 911 services. CAMA simulation capabilities include - seize the line, wait for wink, dial ANI, wait for call connect, detect seizure from far side, provide wink, wait for ANI, and connect the call. CAMA monitoring capabilities include - seizure and wink start detection, onhook and offhook detection and MF digit (ANI) detection.
Also refer to Analog Terminal (FXO) and Network Port (FXS) Testing using tProbe™ Client Server webpage for various FXO FXS testing scenarios using client server.

Main Features

• Script based simulation of 2-Wire Telephone Port (FXO) and Telephone Wall Jack (FXS) for complete automation
• GUI and CLI based testing of FXO/FXS for automation and remote access
• Stand-alone testing of FXO/FXS with loopback
• Supports input and output signals of 8K samples/sec, u-law, A-law, and 16-bit Linear PCM
• FXO/FXS termination supports for over 70 different termination characteristics (different countries).
• Functions supported by FXO port
• 'ON hook' and 'OFF hook' (loop closure)
• Transmit and Capture Traffic (digits, tones, and voice)
• 2-Wire Calling/Answering, Caller ID, T1 E1 to 2-Wire FXO Drop or Insert, PC to 2-Wire FXO Drop or Insert
• Functions supported by FXS port
• Detection of "ON hook" and "OFF hook" status
• Ring and Battery Voltage Generation, Dial Tone Generation
• Transmit and Capture Traffic (digits, tones, and voice)
• T1 E1 FXS Drop or Insert, PC to 2-Wire FXS Drop or Insert
• FXO FXS Simulation (both originating and termination calls) of CAMA Type Trunks for 911 Circuits
• FXO Monitoring of CAMA Type Trunks for 911 Circuits
• Loud speaker provided to hear the voice being transmitted on FXO/FXS ports.
• Send/Receive fax image (TIFF format) file over FXO and FXS ports

Digital Signal Formats

FXO/FXS supports following digital signal formats:

• A-Law: This is the 8-bit codebook format typically used in E1 systems.
• µ-Law: This is the 8-bit codebook format typically used in T1 systems.
• 16-bit Linear: This is a 16-bit linear signal. Intel ("little-endian") byte ordering is used. (Currently this feature is supported only by FXO).

Applications

• Testing (simulation, and monitoring) 911, E-911, and NG-911 systems
• Testing gateways, VoIP ATAs, telephone lines, handsets, VoIP PBX.
• Voice quality testing, 2wire call automation, Caller ID.
• Monitoring signaling, voice, and tones on telephone lines non-intrusively.
• Generation and reception of traffic on 2-wire telephone lines.
• Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability.
• Ready scripts make testing procedure simpler, less time consuming and hence time to market products
• Remote operation of FXO FXS ports over TCP/IP

BICC (Bearer Independent Call Control protocol) is a call control protocol based on ISUP and is used between the serving nodes to support ISDN services independent of the bearer and signaling transport technology.

GL’s MAPS™ (Message Automation & Protocol Simulation) is an advanced and versatile protocol simulator/tester that can simulate a variety of protocols encountered in the telecom space, including SIP, MGCP, UMTS, GSM, MLPPP, MEGACO, ISDN, CAS, SS7, and many more. Now, MAPS™ BICC IP product line bearing the same acronym is used to emulate all the BICC interfaces over both TDM and IP. It is designed to specifically simulate BICC call control signaling as defined by ITU-T standards between Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) and Gateway MSC (GMSC) server nodes. In addition, it also supports error tracking, regression testing, conformance testing, load testing, and call generation. It can run pre-defined test scenarios against test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

MAPS™ BICC IP Emulator supports powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor, and Profile Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using BICC IP call control messages and parameters.

GL’s MAPS™ BICC IP currently supports the following procedures emulating MSC (VLR), and GMSC entities in the network-

• Successful Basic Call procedure with enBloc and Overlap operation
• Setup procedures
• Mid Call Procedures
• Normal Call Release Procedures
• Unsuccessful call Setup
• Codec modification/mid-call Codec negotiation procedures

With the purchase of RTP Core license (PKS102), MAPS™ BICC IP supports transmission and detection of various RTP traffic such as, digits, voice file, single tone, dual tones, IVR, FAX*, and Video*. With regular RTP traffic, the maximum Simultaneous Calls up to 2500, and Calls per Second up to 250 is achievable. Almost all industry standard voice codec supported.

GL’s MAPS™ BICC IP is also available in High Density version (requires a special purpose network appliance and PKS109 RTP HD licenses). This is capable of high call intensity (hundreds of calls/sec) and high volume of sustained calls (tens of thousands of simultaneous calls/platform).

** Some of these traffic types requires additional licenses – contact GL for more information

GL also provides various set of 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. Please visit Protocol Analysis page for more details.

Traditional telecommunications networks usually limited to making and receiving voice calls are now supporting enhanced services such as prepaid calling, tele-voting, number portability, call transfer, and so on. Such enhanced Intelligent Network (IN) services were standardized by the ITU-T standards body.

The CAMEL protocol architecture is based on the Intelligent Network (IN) standards, and uses the CAMEL Application Part (CAP) protocol.

CAMEL the IN control protocol, is used between the gsmSSF and the gsmSCF. All CAMEL service requests are directed to a gsmSCF. The gsmSCF is a functional entity where the CAMEL services reside. The node in which the gsmSCF resides is called the 'Service Control Point' (SCP).

The capability of CAMEL Application Part (CAP) is defined by means of 'operations', which means one entity, starts a procedure in the peer entity. The transfer of the CAP operations between the gsmSSF and the gsmSCF is done through the GSM, GPRS, and UMTS networks.

The IN control protocol at the exchange is handled by the Service Switching Function (SSF). The SSF passes call control from the exchange to the SCP and relays back the instructions to the exchange.

GL's Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) is a multi-protocol, multi-technology platform used for the emulation of a variety of communication protocols over IP, TDM, and Wireless networks. MAPS™ can be used to test signaling over legacy networks (such as CAS, SS7, ISDN, PPP and more), IP networks (such as SIP, MGCP, MEGACO, SIGTRAN, Diameter…) and also the Wireless technologies including GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks. Recently, CAMEL (Customized Applications for Mobile networks Enhanced Logic) Application Part (CAP) Protocol emulation capability has been added.

GL's MAPS™ CAP Emulator can emulate CAP (CAMEL Application Part) supplementary services such as unified messaging, prepaid, and toll-free (Freephone). These services are available in TDM and IP based GSM, GPRS, UMTS networks. CAP information flow is defined between functional entities such as Service Control Function (SCF) and Service Switching Function (SSF) distributed across network executing services.

MAPS™ CAP functionality covers the ITU and ANSI variants of GSM, GPRS, UMTS implementing M3UA, M2PA, MTP3 and ISUP protocols over TDM and IP. CAP can be transported using 'traditional' protocols carried by Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) in TDM (T1 and E1) or over IP using SIGTRAN. With the popularity of the internet and IP, a special IP protocol called SIGTRAN is rapidly gaining acceptance to transport protocol signaling over IP.

MAPS™ CAP scripts, suitable for testing objects reliably and accurately validated for compliance with ANSI and ITU specifications. It is suitable for controlling telecommunication services such as Camel Voice Call Service – which includes Prepaid Call, Toll-free call (free phone), Low Balance Call Services (release on low balance, play announcement on low balance), Camel GPRS Service, Camel SMS Service, and Camel Initiate Call Attempt (ICA) Service.

The tester supports testing network elements SSF and SCF, error tracking, regression testing, conformance testing, and load testing/call generation. It can run pre-defined test scenarios against CAP interface test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

MAPS™ Emulator supports powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor, and Profile Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using CAP messages and parameters.

MAPS™ supports Command Line Interface (CLI) and when configured as server-side application enables remote controlling of the application through multiple command-line based clients including TCL, Python, VBScript, Java, and .Net, using MAPS™ client-server architecture (requires additional license).

GL also provides various set of 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. Please visit Protocol Analysis page for more details.

Possible applications include:

• Multi-protocol, Multi-interface Simulation
• Test Service Usage Charging for Voice, Data, SMS, etc
• Cost-of-call verification through balance check
• Test Premium Calling and Toll-Free Services
• Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability.
• Performance testing, Load Testing, Functional testing, Regression testing and Conformance testing of network elements.
• Ready scripts make testing procedure simpler, less time consuming and hence time to market products.
• Test response of network against protocol message modification, or corruption
• Inter-operability testing of networks

Signaling that occurs between switches (such as PBXs, local exchange carrier and interexchange carrier) in telephone networks is sent either within the voice traffic or on a separate dedicated signaling channel. Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) is a method of signaling where a channel or timeslot carrying speech also carries with it the signaling and addressing to set up and tear down calls. This supervisory signaling carried as "on-hook" and "off-hook". The addressing is carried as DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) or as MF (Multi Frequency). This form of signaling is still used to route calls on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) including subscriber lines like 2wire local loops, on trunks between central offices (CO), and on access trunks such as PBXs. Typical CAS signaling methods are: Loop Start, R1, MFC-R2, SS5, Sweden P7, FGD, and other variants of these methods.

In the T1 world, CAS protocols are implemented through "robbed bit signaling", a unique way of signaling that has always caused confusion among engineers. In the E1 world, CAS protocols are implemented through time-shared use of timeslot 16. In both systems, dual tones representing digits are used for ANI and DID identifiers.

CAS emulation is added to GL's Message Automation and Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) platform. MAPS™ is a protocol simulation and conformance test tool that supports a variety of protocols such as SIP, MEGACO, MGCP, SS7, ISDN, GSM, MAP, CAS, LTE, UMTS, SS7 SIGTRAN, ISDN SIGTRAN, SIP I, GSM AoIP, Diameter and many others.

MAPS™ CAS Emulator is a client-side application that works along with GL’s T1/E1 Analyzer Cards and Windows Client/Server software. This test tool is used to perform testing using CAS signaling and transmission and detection of TDM traffic over T1/E1 using scripts, and offers a complete solution for testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of devices and networks implementing CAS. MAPS™ CAS automates the testing procedure with ready scripts for inbound and outbound calls. Calls are established, once the signaling information such as signaling bits, DTMF/MF digits, or Tones are sent or detected.

MAPS™ CAS is widely used for following test solutions-

• High density FXO Simulation - supports up to 96 Analog Channels
  (using MAPS™ CAS and Channel Bank)
• Testing Hybrid networks - using MAPS™ CAS and MAPS™ SIP/MGCP
  (using MAPS™ CAS, Channel Bank, and MAPS™ SIP/MGCP)

GL’s MAPS™ CAS Emulator requires additional licenses:

• XX610 - Client Server w/Tx-Rx File
• XX620 - Client Server w/Dtmf
• XX630 - Client Server w/Dsp
• Channel Bank (APSCB-24 or APSCB-48) for 2wire emulation
• XXXFT0 - Fax emulation option

MAPS™ CAS includes powerful utilities like Profile Editor and Script Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified for CAS Signaling. The test configuration window allows users to configure various CAS signaling types including R1 digit parameters, flow control parameters, forward/ backward tone parameters and various others to transmit and receive CAS inbound and outbound signals.

MAPS™ CAS also supports simulation of CAMA trunks connected to the 911 selective router (SR). CAMA type signaling trunks are used to provide the calling party’s Automatic Number Identification (ANI) to the selective router. The selective router then routes the call to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) based on the calling party’s location. Both analog and digital (T1) CAMA simulations are supported. Analog simulation requires an additional channel bank specially configured for CAMA.

MAPS™ application supports a Command Line Interface (CLI) such as the Java, VBScripts, TCL, Python scripting tools, to provide the capability of remote operation, automation, and multi-site connectivity.

With the purchase of additional licenses (xx610, xx620, xxFT0) traffic can be simulated over T1/E1 interfaces. Supported traffic includes transmission and detection of TDM digits, voice files, single tone, dual tone, speech and FAX. Also supports various traffic events simulation during the course of a call.

The Diameter protocol is intended to provide a framework for Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) applications such as network access, roaming, and IP mobility. The AAA protocols are used to determine whether the user is allowed to connect to the network (Authentication) and use a particular service (Authorization). It is also used to track network resources used by end-user for accurate billing (Accounting).

AAA protocols such as TACACS and RADIUS were initially deployed to provide dial-up PPP and terminal server access. Over time, with the growth of the Internet and the introduction of new access technologies, including wireless, DSL, Mobile IP and Ethernet, routers and network access servers (NAS) have increased in complexity and density, putting new demands on AAA protocols. As a result, the Diameter protocol has been chosen as the AAA protocol in all next generation fixed and mobile IP- based networks (IMS, LTE). The Diameter protocol is a considerably more sophisticated protocol for mobility management, policy and charging (online and offline) control. It is designed to support data, services, and applications with extreme flexibility and is expected to replace all legacy protocols such as MAP, LDAP, Radius, and others.

LTE Diameter network also includes LCS (LoCation Services) specific elements and entities, their functionalities, interfaces, as well as communication messages, necessary to implement the positioning functionality in a cellular network. LoCation Services (LCS) architecture follows a client/server model with the gateway mobile location centre (GMLC) acting as the server providing information to External LCS Clients.

MAPS™ Diameter can simulate S6a, , S13, s13’, Cx/Dx, Gx, Gy,Rx, SLg, SLh and Gy interfaces and LTE IMS network elements such as the MME (Mobility Management Entity), HSS (Home Subscriber Server), AF (Application Function), PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function), CSCF (Call Session Control Function), SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node), PCEF (Policy and Charging Enforcement Function), EIR (Equipment Identity Register), PDN GW (Packet Data Network Gateway), AS (Application Server), CTF (Charging Trigger Function), and OCS (Online Charging System).

MAPS™ Diameter is enhanced to simulate Location Service (LCS) based SLh and SLg interfaces between the GMLC <-> HSS and GMLC <->MME defined for the Control Plane as per 3GPP TS 23.271 specifications.

The application is available as -

• MAPS™ Diameter (Item # PKS139) for S6a, S13, S13', Cx/Dx, Gx, Rx, Sh, Gy, SLh, and SLg interfaces
  Other interfaces such as Rf, Dh, Gq, Zh, Zn, Wa, Wd, Wx, Wm, Wg, Pr will also be supported by the application in near future.
  The application supports both SCTP (Stream Control Transmission) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) transport protocol layers for PSTN signalling messages over IP networks. MAPS™ Diameter also supports TCP/TLS (Transport Layer Security) for the secured information transfer.
• MAPS™ Diameter Emulator includes powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor, and Profile Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using Diameter messages and parameters. "Message sequences" are generated through scripts. "Messages" are created using message templates. These features give the users the unlimited ability to edit messages on supported interfaces to support various procedures listed below.
  MAPS™ also supports an End-to-End 4G LTE Communications Network Lab with all components to simulate E-UTRAN, EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and IMS, allowing complete testing of the LTE-IMS network.

Possible applications include:

• Simulate up to thousands of Smartphones (UEs) powering up and down
• Authenticate and confirm security procedures
• Temporary addressing management for mobility and security
• Real-time applications of location-based services such as up-to-date information for vehicle tracking, stolen assets tracking, temperature, traffic services, emergency services, etc.

GL also provides a GUI based All-IP PacketScan Analyzer for on-line capture and decode of the Diameter signaling in real-time both during tests and as a stand-alone tracer for live systems.

Main Features

• Supports simulation of real-time LTE network using “MAPS 4G Wireless Lab Suite”.
• Emulator can be configured as MME, HSS, PCRF, PCEF, CSCF, SGSN, PDN GW, EIR, AF, AS, CTF and OCS entities to emulate S6a, S13, S13’, Cx/Dx, Gx, Rx, SLg, SLh, and Gy interfaces.
• Supports simulation of Location Services (LCS) based SLh and SLg interfaces between the GMLC <-> HSS and GMLC <->MME entities.
• User-friendly GUI for generating hundreds of UE Signaling (Load Testing) over SCTP/TCP Layers.
• Support for TCP/TLS for secured information transfer
• Ready scripts for procedures over interfaces such as -
  
• Procedures over S6a interface
• Location Management, Subscriber Data Handling, Authentication, Fault Recovery, and Notification
• Procedures over Rx interface
• AA-Request/Answer, Re-Auth-Request/Answer, Abort-Session-Request/Answer, and Session-Termination-Request/Answer, Subscription to Notification of Signalling Path Status, Access Network Charging Information Notification, Reporting Access Network Information, and Provisioning of AF Signalling Flow Information
• Procedure over Gx interface
• IPCAN Session Establishment and Modification
• Procedure over S13, and S13' interface
• ME (Mobile Equipment) Identity Check procedure
• Procedure over Gy interface
• Immediate Event Charging (IEC), Event Charging with Unit Reservation (ECUR), Session Charging with Unit Reservation (SCUR)
• CC-Request/Answer, Re-Auth-Request/Answer Procedures
• Procedure over SLh, SLg interfaces
• Location Request/Response
• Emergency Location Request/Response
• Repeated Location Report

GPRS, or General Packet Radio Service, was introduced (in the late 90's and early 2000's) to enhance data carrying capabilities of the basic GSM Network. Initially it used the conventional T1 E1 transport and frame relay protocol. Also as the wireless infrastructure evolved towards IP, the migration of 2G systems to IP interface provided many advantages including increased throughput, capacity, and economy.

To permit our customers to emulate, test, and verify GPRS Gb over IP, GL offers MAPS™ GPRS Gb (PKS131), a multi-protocol, multi-technology platform that also supports many other protocol families including TDM, IP, ATM, and Wireless.

MAPS™ GPRS Gb supports simulation of BSS (Base Station Subsystem) and the SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) network elements over IP transmission protocol. MAPS™ GPRS Gb also supports SGSN Pooling feature to test and verify redundancy, load balancing, and scalability of network. SGSN pooling solution overcomes the restriction of a BSC node connecting to just one SGSN. It introduces a new routing mechanism which allows a BSC belonging to an SGSN Pool, connect to all SGSNs in that pool. This permits a mobile station to roam freely without a need to change the serving SGSN.

Besides testing network elements (SGSN and BSS), the tester also involves error tracking, regression testing, and load testing/call generation. MAPS™ GPRS Gb interface Emulator supports various procedures including Network Service Control, Identity Check, Combined GPRS / IMSI Attach, and Routing Area Update. It can run pre-defined test scenarios against the interface test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

MAPS™ GPRS Gb Interface Emulator supports powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor, and Profile Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified as per the protocol standards listed in the table below.

MAPS™ GPRS Gb supports ETH103 - Mobile Traffic simulation over Gb interface between BSC and SGSN. Currently, this module transmits the pre-canned HTTP file (*.txt) between BSC and SGSN nodes. It multiplexes both signaling and traffic over Gb interface.

By mimicking real-world customer behavior in lab environments, our solutions allow mobile operators and equipment manufacturers to verify their wireless networks before deployment. In other words, one can setup a virtual real-time network simulating all the network elements using “MAPS 2G Wireless Lab Suite”. The test suite supports simulation of Gprs Gb, Gn Gp, and other interfaces in GPRS network required to simulate PS data traffic.

GL also provides an independent GUI based GPRS protocol analyzer -TDM (optional application – XX155) and GPRS protocol analyser – IP (optional application – PKV103) for online capture and decode of the signaling in real-time and as well as offline.

Main Features

• Setup a virtual real-time network simulating 2G-GSM GPRS network elements using ‘MAPS™ 2G Wireless Lab Suite’
• Simulates SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) and BSS (Base Station Subsystem) elements in GPRS Gb interface over IP.
• Simulates Control plane Gb mode.
• Supports SGSN pooling to test and verify redundancy, load balancing, and scalability of network
• Generates hundreds of Control Signaling (Load Testing).
• Generates and processes NS (Network Service), BSSGP (Base Station Subsystem GPRS Protocol), and various GPRS session procedure messages.
• Supports Gb interface procedures including Network Service Control, Identity Check, Combined GPRS / IMSI Attach, and Routing Area Update
• Insertion of impairments to create invalid messages.
• Supports GTP Traffic (GTP User Plane Data) which includes: verification like BERT testing, HTTP traffic generation capability, GGSN can actually be connected to real IP network to simulate Gateway testing
• Supports customization of call flows and message templates using Script and Message editors.
• Supports scripted call generation and automated call reception.
• Provides Call Statistics and Events Status.
• Automation, Remote access, and Schedulers to run tests 24/7

Applications

• Complete analysis and simulation capability.
• Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability.
• Functional testing, Regression testing and Conformance testing of network elements.
• Ready scripts makes testing procedure simpler, less time consuming and hence time to market products.
• QoS requests for greater or lesser bandwidth.
• GSM GPRS lab setup can be used in educational institutions for training purposes

GSM is a globally accepted standard for digital cellular communications. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communication and is an open, digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services. A GSM network is made up of multiple functional entities and interfaces that facilitate sending and receiving of signaling and traffic messages. It is a collection of transceivers, controllers, switches, routers, and registers.

The GSM network can be divided into following broad parts.

• The Mobile Station (MS)
• The Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
• The Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)
• The Operation Support Subsystem (OSS)

The MS and the BSS communicate across the Um interface, also known as the air interface or radio link. BTS and BSC will communicate across A-bis interface and The BSS communicates with the Network Service Switching center across the A interface.

At the MSC, the information is mapped across the A interface to the MTP Layers 1 through 3 from the BSC. Here the equivalent set of radio resources is called the BSS MAP. The BSS MAP/DTAP and the MM and CM are at the upper layers of Layer 3 protocols. This completes the relay process. Through the control-signaling network, the MSCs interact to locate and connect to users throughout the network. Location registers are included in the MSC databases to assist in the role of determining how and whether connections are to be made to roaming users.

GL’s MAPS™ GSM A Emulator is an advanced protocol simulator/tester for GSM simulation over A Interface that can simulate MSC and BSC network elements for exchanging BSSMAP and DTAP messages as defined by 3GPP standards. The tester supports Error tracking, regression testing, conformance testing, load testing/call generation and generation of high volumes of GSM traffic over TDM as well as IP interface. It is able to run pre-defined test scenarios against GSM A interface test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

With the purchase of RTP licenses (PKS102, PKS108), MAPS™ GSM A IP supports CS Domain RTP traffic such as –Tx Rx File, Tones, Digits, FAX, User-defined traffic, IVR, Loopback and VQT.

With the purchase of RTP Core license (PKS102), MAPS™ GSM A supports transmission and detection of various RTP traffic such as, digits, voice file, single tone, dual tones, IVR, FAX*, Video*, and VQT*. With regular RTP traffic, the maximum Simultaneous Calls up to 2500, and Calls per Second up to 250 is achievable. Almost all industry standard voice codec supported.

MAPS™ GSM A IP supports mobility management procedures over GSM A interface such as Location Management Procedure, Mobile Originating and Terminating Procedures, and Handover Management Procedures. It supports send/receive SMS simultaneously using signaling channel with the voice/data/fax services over a GSM network.

GSM A Interface Emulator supports powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor and Profile Editor which allow custom call scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified.

With the purchase of TDM traffic licenses (xx610, xx620, xxFT0) GSM traffic can be simulated over T1/E1 interfaces. Supported traffic includes transmission and detection of digits, voice files, single tone, dual tones, FAX, Dynamic VF, User defined Traffic, IVR, and VQT.

GL has enhanced the MAPS™ protocol emulation tool to simulate multi-protocol and multi-interface offering a complete range of test solutions, covering the entire 2G, 3G, and 4G network.

By mimicking real-world customer behavior in lab environments, our solutions allow mobile operators and equipment manufacturers to verify their wireless networks before deployment. In other words, one can setup a virtual real-time network simulating all the network elements using “MAPS 2G Wireless Lab Suite”. The test suite supports simulation of GSM Abis, GSM A, C/D/E, Gb, and GnGp interfaces.

MAPS™ GSM A IP is also available in High Density version (requires a special purpose network appliance and PKS109 RTP HD licenses). This is capable of high call intensity (hundreds of calls/sec) and high volume of sustained calls (tens of thousands of simultaneous calls/platform).

** Some of these traffic types requires additional licenses – contact GL for more information

Main Features

• Simulate BSC or MSC nodes
• Complete GSM A signaling simulation over IP along with RTP traffic
• Supports transmission and detection of RTP traffic – Auto digits, voice file, single /dual tones, Fax, IVR, and User defined traffic
• Access to all BSSMAP and DTAP message parameters like TMSI, IMSI, CIC, MCC, LAC, and more
• User controlled access to optional parameters such as timers
• Supports Authentication, TMSI Reallocation, Encryption, and other optional procedures
• Ready scripts for Mobile Originating, Mobile Terminating, Location Updating procedures, Mobile Originating and Terminating SMS, and Handover Management procedures
• Auto packet impairment with Latency, Packet Effects, and Packet Loss
• Supported codec types include G.711, G.729, G.726, GSM, AMR, EVRC, SMV, iLBC, SPEEX, G.722, and more. *AMR, EVRC variants requires additional licenses.
• User-friendly GUI for configuring the SCTP/TCP Layer
• HD appliance supports high density call simulation of up to 20,000 calls with traffic (5000 calls per port) – Requires additional hardware and licenses
• Setup a virtual real-time GSM network simulating all the network elements using ‘2G and 2.5G GSM GPRS Communications Network Lab Suite ’
• Supports all Call Control, Mobility Management, Radio Resource Management, SMS (Short Message Service), and Handover Management procedures
• Multiple UE related information can be accessed directly from Database, CSV files, or through regular XML Profiles for bulk call generation
• CSV or Database based profiles support massive number of UE records, and also support SMS calls ratio option to dynamically control the ratio of SMS and Voice calls to be generated
• Supports user defined graphs and statistics for monitoring performance of Signaling and RTP traffic
• Export call statistics PDF and XML file format report generation
• Customization of traffic parameters to be calculated and displayed for voice quality metrics such as Listening MOS, Conversational MOS, Packet Loss, Discarded Packets, Out of Sequence Packets, Duplicate Packets, Delay and Jitter.

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communication and is an open, digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services.

A GSM network is made up of multiple functional entities and interfaces that facilitate sending and receiving of signaling and traffic messages. It is a collection of transceivers, controllers, switches, routers, and registers.

The GSM network can be divided into following broad parts.

• The Mobile Station (MS)
• The Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
• The Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)
• The Operation Support Subsystem (OSS)

The MS and the BSS communicate across the Um interface, also known as the air interface or radio link. BTS and BSC will communicate across Abis interface and The BSS communicates with the Network Service Switching center across the A interface.

The Abis interface is used between the BTS and BSC. At this level, the radio resources at the lower portion of Layer 3 are changed from the RR to the Base Transceiver Station Management (BTSM). The BTS management layer is a relay function at the BTS to the BSC.

The RR protocols are responsible for the allocation and reallocation of traffic channels between the MS and the BTS. These services include controlling the initial access to the system, paging for MT calls, the handover of calls between cell sites, power control, and call termination. The RR protocols provide the procedures for the use, allocation, reallocation, and release of the GSM channels. The BSC still has some radio resource management in place for the frequency coordination, frequency allocation, and the management of the overall network layer for the Layer 2 interfaces.

GL’s MAPS™ is an advanced protocol simulator/tester for GSM Abis interface simulation over TDM and IP that can simulate BTSM messages and signaling specification as defined by 3GPP standards. The tester supports testing network elements BTS and BSC, Error tracking, regression testing, conformance testing, load testing/call generation and generation of high volumes of GSM traffic. It is able to run pre-defined test scenarios against GSM Abis interface test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

MAPS™ emulator for GSM Abis protocol over TDM (with XX693 license) and over IP (with PKS134 license) supports powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor and Profile Editor, which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using BTSM messages and parameters.
MAPS™ GSM Abis over TDM supports TRAU traffic with additional licenses. The TRAU Traffic commands includes Transmit TRAU DTMF Digits (Send TRAU File, Send TRAU Tones), Receive Actions (Monitor TRAU Digits, Rx TRAU File, Monitor TRAU Tones), and Stop Traffic Actions.

GL has enhanced the MAPS™ protocol emulation tool to simulate multi-protocol and multi-interface offering a complete range of test solutions, covering the entire 2G, 3G, and 4G network.

By mimicking real-world customer behavior in lab environments, our solutions allow mobile operators and equipment manufacturers to verify their wireless networks before deployment. In other words, one can setup a virtual real-time network simulating all the network elements using “MAPS™ 2G Wireless Lab Suite”. The test suite supports simulation of GSM Abis, GSM A, C/D/E, Gb, and GnGp interfaces.

MAPS™ GSM Abis over IP supports CS Domain RTP traffic with additional PKS102 licenses. Supported RTP traffic types include – Auto Traffic Tx Rx File, Tones, Digits, FAX, User-defined traffic, and IVR.

With the purchase of RTP Core license (PKS102), MAPS™ GSM Abis supports transmission and detection of CS Domain RTP traffic such as, digits, voice file, single tone, dual tones, IVR, FAX*, and Video*. With regular RTP traffic, the maximum Simultaneous Calls up to 2500, and Calls per Second up to 250 is achievable. Almost all industry standard voice codec supported.

** Some of these traffic types requires additional licenses – contact GL for more information

GL also provides an independent GUI based GSM protocol analyzer for TDM interfaces (optional application – XX150) and PacketScan™ for IP interfaces (optional application – PKV100) for online capture and decode of the signaling in real-time both during tests and as a stand-alone tracer for live systems.

Possible applications include:

• Setup a virtual real-time network simulating 2G-GSM GPRS network elements using ‘MAPS™ 2G Wireless Lab Suite’
• Multi-protocol, Multi-interface Simulation
• Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability.
• Performance testing, Load Testing, Functional testing, Regression testing and Conformance testing of network elements.
• Ready scripts makes testing procedure simpler, less time consuming and hence time to market products.
• Test response of network against protocol message modification, or corruption
• Inter-operability testing of networks
• Wrap-around testing (WAT)
• SMS Testing from within the Wireless Infrastructure using MAPS™

GPRS and UMTS are evolutions of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks. GPRS is a 2.5G mobile communications technology that enables mobile wireless service providers to offer their mobile subscribers with packet-based data services over GSM networks. Common applications of GPRS includes: Internet access, intranet/corporate access, instant messaging, and multimedia messaging. GPRS is standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Program (3GPP).

The GPRS/UMTS packet core is primarily composed of two major network elements:

• Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) — A gateway that provides mobile cell phone users access to a public data network (PDN) or specified private IP network. The GGSN feature provides both the 2.5G GPRS and 3G UMTS GGSN functions.
• Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) — connects the Radio Access Network (RAN) to the GPRS/UMTS core and tunnels user sessions to the GGSN. The SGSN sends data to and receives data from mobile stations, and maintains information about the location of a mobile station (MS). The SGSN communicates directly with the MS and the GGSN.

GTP (GPRS Tunneling Protocol) allows multi-protocol packets to be tunneled through the UMTS/GPRS Backbone between GGSN and SGSN.

GL’s MAPS™ Gn Gp Interface Emulator is an advanced protocol simulator/tester for GTP simulation over Gn, Gp interfaces that can simulate GTP messages and signaling specification as defined in 3GPP TS 29.060 GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) standard. The tester supports testing network elements SGSN and GGSN, error tracking, regression testing, and load testing/call generation. It can run pre-defined test scenarios against GTP interface test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.
GTP Interface Emulator supports powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor, and Profile Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using GTP messages and parameters.
GL’s MAPS™ Gn Gp software benefits Network Equipment Providers of SGSN, and GGSN entities, with -

• Accelerated time to market
• Reduced development costs
• Reduced project risk of internally-developed GTP applications

GL has enhanced the MAPS™ protocol emulation tool to simulate multi-protocol and multi-interface offering a complete range of test solutions, covering the entire 2G, 3G, and 4G network.

By mimicking real-world customer behavior in lab environments, our solutions allow mobile operators and equipment manufacturers to verify their wireless networks before deployment. In other words, one can setup a virtual real-time network simulating all the network elements using “MAPS 3G Wireless Lab Suite”. The test suite supports simulation of IuH, IuCS, IuPS, C/D/Gr/Gd, and GnGp interfaces.

The product supports Mobile traffic core – GTP (ETH101) simulation for user-plane packet transmission and reception services between any two nodes in UMTS networks. Mobile Traffic Core – Gateway (ETH102) module allows simulation of Gateway Traffic to test media gateway telephony interfaces over IP. These modules also support generation and verification of data traffic such as Email, FTP, Web (HTTP), Video, and more.

MAPS™ GnGp Server with PacketLoad appliance supports massive simulation of UEs (up to 500000) with high-volume user-plane mobile data traffic simulation (up to 4 Gbps or 40 Gbps) for both UMTS, and LTE networks.

Main Features

• Setup a virtual real-time network simulating 3G-UMTS network elements using ‘MAPS™ 3G Wireless Lab Suite’
• Simulates SGSN and GGSN.
• Supports GTP Control plane.
• Generates hundreds of Control Signaling (Load Testing).
• Generates and processes GTP messages.
• Supports GTP Traffic (GTP User Plane Data) which includes: verification like BERT testing, HTTP traffic generation capability, GGSN can actually be connected to real IP network to simulate Gateway testing
• High-volume user plane traffic simulation possible with support of Packet Load appliance; both 4Gbps and 40Gbps variants are available to suit customer needs.
• Auto generation feature allows Massive UE simulation for high density load testing.
• Insertion of impairments to create invalid messages.
• Supports customization of call flows and message templates using Script and Message editors.
• Supports scripted call generation and automated call reception.
• Script based & protocol independent software architecture.
• Provides Call Statistics and Events Status.
• Automation, Remote access, and Schedulers to run tests 24/7

Applications

• Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability.
• Functional testing, Regression testing and Conformance testing of network elements.
• Ready scripts makes testing procedure simpler, less time consuming and hence time to market products.
• QoS requests for greater or lesser bandwidth.
• UMTS lab setup can be used in educational institutions for training purposes

Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem, popularly known as “IMS”, is built on Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) as the base to further support packaging of voice, video, data, fixed, and mobile services on a single platform to end users. It provides a unique convergence platform for different types of networks – whether it is mobile, satellite, broadband, cable, and fixed networks, with a goal of building an efficient interoperating networks.

GL’s MAPS™ SIP IMS test suite provide an advanced full-fledged network environment that enables user to test their applications, devices, and services prior to deployment on a real-time network. It can be used to simulate all or specific elements within IMS network infrastructure using simple ready-to-use test bed setups.

The network architecture shown above outlines the IMS Core Network elements which can be simulated using GL's MAPS™ SIP IMS test tool.

MAPS™ SIP IMS test suite is capable of simulating multiple UEs and IMS core elements such as P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF, PCRF, MGCF which provides the IMS core network. With the help of mobile phones, and other simulated wireless networks, the VoLTE Lab setup can be operated in real-time for making VoLTE calls and also for interworking with PSTN and VoIP networks. It includes ready-to-use scripts, as per IETF specification. Test scripts include general messaging and call flow scenarios for multimedia call session setup and control over IP networks. Logging and pass/fail results are also reported. Test cases verify conformance of actions such as registration, call control, proxies and other servers.

Lately, MAPS™ IMS Multi Interface emulator is designed to simulate end-to-end Online and Offline charging procedures, interacting with SIP (UEs) and Diameter (OCS, OFCS) interfaces.

Few of the IMS network entities and their functionalities are:

• P-CSCF – receives requests from UE and then either servers the request or forwards it to other servers
• a SIP proxy
• first point of contact for the IMS terminal
• discovers its P-CSCF
• locates I-CSCF for the user
• provides subscriber authentication
• I-CSCF – acts as contact point in the operator’s network
• forwards SIP request or response to the S-CSCF
• Used for SIP functions such as Registration
• S-CSCF – maintains sessions for the registered users
• central node of the signalling plane
• handles SIP registrations, routing services, enforces the policy

MAPS™ can be used to simulate all of the interfaces listed above in an IMS network. A single MAPS™ can act as more than one entity at a time and generating required messages in the network.

The application is available as

• MAPS™ SIP IMS Protocol Emulator (Item # PKS127)

MAPS™ SIP IMS Emulator includes ready-to-use scripts, as per IETF specification. Test scripts include general messaging and call flow scenarios for multimedia call session setup and control over IP networks. Logging and pass/fail results are also reported. Test cases verify conformance of actions such as registration, call control, proxies and other servers.

The application gives the users the unlimited ability to edit protocol specific messages and control scenarios (message sequences). "Message sequences" are generated through scripts. "Messages" are created using message templates.

GL also provides an All-IP Packet Analyzer PacketScan™ for real-time capture and decode of the SIP signalling and RTP media for live systems.

Features

• Simulates P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF, PCRF, HSS, BGCF, MGCF elements in LTE IMS network supporting Cx/Dx, Rx, Gx, Gm, Mw, SGi, Mi, and Mj interfaces
• Simulate multiple UEs
• Supports IMS multi interface configuration simulating end-to-end Online and Offline charging procedures
• Supports both signaling and traffic simulation (RTP from simulated UE's and GTP from Real UE's) between any two IMS nodes
• Supports simulation of core network, access network, roaming architecture, interworking with other networks
• Complete IMS lab for End to End test solution.
• Test environment allows user to test each IMS network elements independently using single interface simulation or multi interface simulation
• Any of the network element within the lab environment can be replaced by DUT to test particular node working
• Integrate IMS core network easily with 2G, 3G, 4G or any PSTN networks to test any call scenario using remote MAPS™
• Build customized call scenarios as MAPS™ provides complete script based solution
• Test any applications and services using IMS core network
• Remote control/monitor all the interwork interfaces and elements using Remote MAPS™ application
• Cost effective solution

Traditional telecommunications networks usually limited to making and receiving voice calls are now supporting enhanced services such as prepaid calling, tele-voting, number portability, call transfer, and so on. Such enhanced Intelligent Network (IN) services were defined by the ANSI and ITU-T standards. The core IN specifications defines Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP) as an application-layer protocol used in Intelligent Networks (IN). INAP is part of SS7 protocol suite and used for services such as single number translation (800), local number portability, incoming call management (do not disturb or call forwarding), backup call destinations in case of disaster, Apply Charging for the call duration, Establish Temporary Connection, Connect to Resources, and similar services. This protocol runs on top of TCAP and is deployed using SS7 or SIGTRAN.

The communication between SSPs in the SS7 network uses ISUP signaling. The communication between the SSP and the SCP takes place using the TCAP layer of SS7. As the SSP handles calls, the SCP is queried for information about how to process the IN service calls.

The functionality provided by the Intelligent Network (IN) is applicable to mobile/wireless networks, which includes mobility management to the task of implementing distributed IN services.

Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP) provides the communication between the Functional Entities such as SSF and SCF, typically layered over TCAP similar to the mobile protocols. The Telephone exchange uses TCAP, SCCP and INAP.

The Service Switching Function (SSF) normally resides within the SSP and the Service Control Function (SCF) within the SCP. As the SSP handles calls, the SCP is queried for information about how to process the IN service calls. In IN network Service Switching Point (SSP) sends an INAP Initial Detection Point (IDP) message to the Service Control Point (SCP).

GL's Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) is an advanced protocol simulator/tester for INAP (Intelligent Network Application Part) services. The tester supports testing network elements gsmSCF and gsmSSF, error tracking, regression testing, conformance testing, and load testing/call generation. It is able to run pre-defined test scenarios against INAP test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

MAPS™ INAP functionality covers the ITU and ANSI variants of SS7 implementing M3UA, M2PA, M2UA, MTP3 and ISUP protocols over TDM and IP transport protocols. INAP can be transported using 'traditional' SS7 protocols carried by Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) in TDM (T1 and E1) or over IP using SIGTRAN. With the popularity of the internet and IP, a special IP protocol called SIGTRAN is rapidly gaining acceptance to transport SS7 signaling over IP.
MAPS™ INAP scripts are suitable for testing objects reliably and accurately validated for compliance with ANSI, and ITU-T specifications.

As per ANSI specifications, the supported services are CNAM (Calling Name Delivery), LNP (Local Number Portability), and Toll-free 800 Number over TCAP layer as per ANSI. There are few other procedures supported such as Prepaid Voice Call Service, Toll Free Voice Call Service, Low Balance Voice Call Service, and Initiate Call Attempt (ICA) Service over IP as per ITU-T specifications.

The application gives the users the unlimited ability to edit INAP messages and to create IN service scenarios (message sequences). "Message sequences" are generated through scripts. "Messages" are created using message templates.

MAPS™ supports Command Line Interface (CLI) and when configured as server-side application enables remote controlling of the application through multiple command-line based clients including TCL, Python, VBScript, Java, and .Net, using MAPS™ client-server architecture (requires additional license).

GL also provides an independent GUI based SS7 protocol analyzers (optional application – XX120) and SIGTRAN Analyzer for online capture and decode of the signaling in real-time both during tests and as a stand-alone tracer for live systems.
Possible applications include:

• Multi-protocol, Multi-interface Simulation
• Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability
• Performance testing, Load Testing, Functional testing, Regression testing and Conformance testing of network elements
• Ready scripts make testing procedure simpler, less time consuming and hence time to market products
• Test response of network against protocol message modification, or corruption
• Inter-operability testing of networks

The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) system allows voice, data and video to be transmitted simultaneously across the world using end-to-end digital connectivity. ISDN, based on the telephony network, was conceived to provide multiple voice and non-voice services over a single network and a digital user network interface over regular phone lines, instead of dedicated and isolated user-network interfaces.

ISDN is an integrated solution for providing basic telephony and data services, and additional supplementary telephony services. ISDN services are grouped in three service categories:

• Bearer service
• Teleservice
• Supplementary service

The user-to-network interface is provided in two flavors:

• Basic interface structure - two B-channels and one 16 Kbit/s D-channel (2B+D)
• Primary rate B-channel interface structure - 30 B-channels and one 64 Kbit/s D-channel, (30B+D)

From the point of view of the OSI architecture, an ISDN line has a stack of three protocols

• Layer 1 - Physical Layer
• Layer 2 - Data Link Layer (known as LAPD protocol)
• Layer 3 - Network Layer (the ISDN protocol)

GL’s MAPS™-ISDN is an advanced protocol simulator/tester for ISDN simulation over TDM (T1 E1) and generates high volumes of ISDN traffic. The tester can simulate ISDN signaling as defined by ITU-T Q.931, 5ESS, 4ESS, BELL, DMS-100, DMS-250, and QSIG ECMA standards. MAPS™ application can also emulate signaling as per Q.921, referred to as LAPD (Link Access Protocol - D Channel), a Data Link protocol used over ISDN's D channel. This test tool is used to perform testing using ISDN and LAPD protocol messages over T1/E1, and offers a complete solution for testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of devices and networks implementing PRI ISDN.

MAPS™-ISDN also incorporates the flexibility to modify ISDN and LAPD call parameters & message contents (arbitrary manipulation of messages, information elements and message sequence on the different protocols). This flexibility ensures that the MAPS™-ISDN communicates with the system under test. It is even possible to emulate a complete ISDN connection (switch to subscriber) all in the same PC with a dual interface card or dual portable analyzer unit.

The application is enhanced to support ISDN and LAPD conformance test suite to provide reliable communication over the network. MAPS™ ISDN and LAPD Conformance test suite is a product that helps service providers to check their ISDN network for conformity to its standard specifications - ITU-T Q.931 for ISDN and Q.921 for LAPD.

The ISDN Conformance test suite is used to conform various ISDN and LAPD call states over T1 E1, offering a complete solution for testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of devices and networks implementing PRI ISDN. It is useful to test ISDN products designed for either U or S/T interface, including network terminations, Type 1 terminating equipment, and terminal adapters.

The application supports powerful utilities like Message Editor and Script Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using ISDN messages and parameters.

GL also provides a GUI based ISDN protocol analyzer (optional application – xx100) for on-line capture and decode of the signaling in real-time both during tests and as a stand-alone tracer for live systems.

Main Features

• ISDN Switch and Subscriber simulation over TDM (E1/T1)
• Ability to generate high volumes of ISDN traffic over established calls – DTMF/MF digits, voice files, single /dual tones
• Multiple T1/E1 line interfaces supported
• Access to all ISDN Message Parameters such as Setup, Connect, Release messages, and more
• Access to LAPD SABME, UA, RR, DISC signaling messages at layer 2.
• Supports complete ISDN and LAPD conformance test suite
• Simulated ISDN conformance call states include U0 (Null state), U01 (Call Initiated call), U3 (Outgoing call proceeding), U4 (Call delivered), U8 (Connect request), U10 (Active), U11 (Disconnect request), U19 (Release request), U25 (Overlap receiving), and R0 (Null state)
• Simulated LAPD conformance call states include TEI Assigned state, Multiple Frame Established state, and Timer Recovery state
• Example Scenarios in ISDN conformance Test Suite
• Verification of Device behavior for events in a given state
• Verification of Bearer capability negotiation
• Verification of enbloc & overlap signaling
• Verification and Validation of protocol related timers.
• Sequence Number Verification in LAPD
• Verification of Re-Transmission of messages in a given state.
• Verification of State Variables V(S) and V(R) in LAPD
• Verify if N(R) counter is using modulo 128 addition in LAPD

• Provides various release cause codes such as rejected, no user response, user busy, congested, and so on to troubleshoot the problems in ISDN
• Supports NFAS testing for T1 only
• User controlled access to optional ISDN parameters such as timers
• Impairments can be applied to messages to simulate error conditions
• Ready-to-use scripts for quick testing
• Bulk Call Simulation for Performance testing, Load testing, Functional testing, and Regression testing of network elements

ISDN is a very common protocol in the legacy network. There are two types - PRI (Primary Rate Interface or 23B +D) for T1 E1 lines and BRI (Basic Rate Interface, or 2B + D) for lower speed digital lines. As PSTN networks migrate to Next Generation Networks (NGNs), a need for conversion and transport of signaling and media (voice) is necessary. NGNs are IP based systems, therefore protocols have been developed to reliably transport/adapt Q.920s (data link layer) and Q.930s (Layer 3 user messages) TDM protocols.

This adaptation is performed by two IP based protocols within SIGTRAN, called SCTP and IUA. SIGTRAN, shortened form of Signaling Transmission, is the standard for conversion, transport, and encapsulation of SS7 and ISDN over IP. It is one of the most important transition elements in moving from legacy TDM to NGN IP networks.

As shown above, a Signaling Gateway (SG) on the TDM side connects to standard PRI T1 E1 lines (or BRI) and translates the ISDN messages to SIGTRAN IP format. It supports the same application and call management functions as ISDN but uses two protocol layers on top of Internet Protocol (IP): Stream Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) and ISDN Q.921-User Adaptation Layer (IUA). The SG talks to a Media Gateway Controller, which in turn performs further routing and signaling decisions within the NGN. The protocol architecture of ISDN SIGTRAN is shown below.

Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) is a powerful protocol test simulation platform supporting a wide range protocols such as SIGTRAN (SS7 over IP), SS7 over TDM (T1 E1), ISDN over TDM (T1 E1), GSM-A & GSM-Abis over TDM, Megaco, SIP, and MGCP over IP.

GL’s MAPS™ SIGTRAN ISDN over IP is an advanced protocol simulator/tester used for ISDN simulation over IP. The tester can simulate a complete ISDN connection SG to MGC, where ISDN signaling is defined by the ITU-T Q.921 / Q.931 standards. MAPS™ SIGTRAN ISDN over IP is a powerful tool that can be used to perform detailed testing of ISDN protocol messages over IP, and offers a complete solution for testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of devices and networks implementing PRI ISDN and BRI ISDN.

MAPS™ SIGTRAN ISDN over IP can act as the SG when testing the MGC or as the MGC when testing the SG as shown below.

MAPS™ SIGTRAN ISDN over IP also incorporates the flexibility to modify ISDN call parameters & message contents (arbitrary manipulation of messages, information elements and message sequence on the different protocols). This flexibility ensures that the MAPS™ SIGTRAN ISDN over IP communicates with the system under test.

The application is available as -

• MAPS™ ISDN SIGTRAN Emulator (Item # PKS135)
  MAPS™ ISDN SIGTRAN Emulator supports both PRI (Primary Rate Interface or 23B +D) and BRI (Basic Rate Interface, or 2B + D) ISDN network types. ISDN BRI is referred to as 2B + D, as it includes 2 bearer ‘B’ channels each with 64 kbit/s rate and one 16 kbit/s signaling channel ('D' channel or data channel). ISDN PRI when carried over an E1 includes 30 'B' channels and over T1 has 23 ‘B’ channels of 64 kbit/s, shared with 'D' channel of 64 kbit/s.
  MAPS™ ISDN SIGTRAN protocol test tool simulates complete ISDN connection from TDM to Signaling Gateway (SG) and Media Gateway Controller (MGC) supporting both PRI ISDN (with traffic) and BRI ISDN interfaces. MAPS™ ISDN SIGTRAN connects to traditional ISDN interfaces and IP-enabled signaling nodes and offloads TDM traffic to IP networks. The various supported TDM traffic types include File, Digits, Tones, FAX, IVR, Dynamic VF, and Voice Quality Testing. MAPS™ can be configured to auto start the traffic over ISDN signaling or manually define traffic at run time.
  MAPS™ SIGTRAN ISDN over IP supports powerful utilities like Message Editor and Script Editor which allows creating new scenarios or modifying the existing scenarios using ISDN messages and parameters.
  Also available is an independent GUI based SIGTRAN (ISDN over IP) Protocol Analyzer for online capture and decode of the signaling in real-time both during tests and as a stand-alone tracer for live systems.

Main Features

• Simulates ISDN signaling over IP (ISDN-SIGTRAN)
• Generates and process all ISDN messages such as Setup, Connect, Release messages, and more
• Switch and Subscriber Emulation
• Supports interfacing with both high-speed PRI (Primary Rate Interface or 23B +D) and low-speed BRI (Basic Rate Interface, or 2B + D) digital lines.
• User controlled access to optional ISDN parameters such as timers
• Provides various release cause codes such as rejected, no user response, user busy, congested, and so on to troubleshoot the problems in ISDN
• Impairments can be applied to messages to simulate error conditions
• Supports TDM traffic (including digits, voice file, tones, IVR, FAX, Dynamic VF, IVR and Voice Quality Testing) over IP.
• Supports Client-Server functionality requires additional license; clients supported are TCL, Python, VBScript, Java, and .Net
• Automation, Remote access, and Schedulers to run tests 24/7

The SS7 (C7) IUP is UK national standard protocol used to interconnect two Public Network Operators. The IUP feature was derived from the standards of the Public Network Operators - Interconnect Signaling Committee (PNO-ISC).

The IUP comprises a number of call set up, release, and supervision protocols which provide additional Call Control Procedures. The call setup protocols are used to perform bearer establishment and call establishment procedures. The call release protocol is used to perform bearer release procedure. The supervision protocols are used to exchange call status information between networks.

GL’s Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) is a powerful Protocol Test platform-supporting a wide range protocols such as SS7 over TDM (T1/E1), ISDN over TDM, GSM A interface & GSM A bis interface over TDM, Megaco, SIP, MGCP, SIGTRAN and others over IP.

MAPS™ IUP is an advanced protocol simulator used to simulate UK specific SS7 IUP in British Telecom (BT) networks. It is designed to simulate interconnect route between Incoming and Outgoing Networks as defined by the PNO-ISC/INFO/004(IUP) and TGS/SPEC/006 specifications. MAPS™ IUP functionality covers the UK variant of SS7 implementing MTP2, MTP3 protocol standards over TDM (T1/E1) transport layer. Ready scripts are available supporting various protocol services including Basic Call Service protocol (IFAM, IAM, ACI, Bearer Establishment), Request Service protocol, Nodal End-to-End Data protocol, Enveloped ISUP Essential Service protocol, and ISDN Call Handling Service protocol.

The tester supports testing network elements, error tracking, regression testing, conformance testing, load testing/call generation and generation of high volumes of traffic. It is able to run pre-defined test scenarios against ISUP test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

The MAPS™ IUP supports powerful tools like Message Editor, Script Editor and Profile Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using ISUP messages and parameters. It gives the flexibility of modifying any message so that we can easily duplicate the messages generated by any node to resolve interoperability issues.

GL also provides an independent GUI based SS7 protocol analyzer for online capture and decode of the signaling in real-time both during tests and as a stand-alone tracer for live systems.

Possible applications include:

• Multi-protocol, Multi-interface Simulation
• Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability
• Performance testing, Load testing, Functional testing, Regression testing and Conformance testing of network elements
• Ready scripts makes testing procedure simpler, less time consuming and hence time to market products
• Test response of network against protocol message modification, or corruption
• Inter-operability testing of networks

Main Features

• IUP simulation over TDM (T1/E1)
• Multiple T1/E1 line interfaces supported
• Supported procedures include Basic Call Service protocol (IFAM, IAM, ACI, Bearer Establishment), Request Service protocol, Nodal End-to-End Data protocol, Enveloped ISUP Essential Service protocol, and ISDN Call Handling Service protocol
• Supports generation & detection of TDM traffic - Auto Traffic Voice, Digits, Tones, IVR, FAX, Dynamic VF, and User-defined traffic
• User-friendly GUI for configuring the SS7 MTP Layers
• User Configurable Signaling Links
• User-configured Circuit Mapping, i.e., defines Circuit Identification Codes (CIC) and map these CICs to Timeslots/Trunks in order to enable Voice/Data traffic
• Supports MTP2 and MTP3 protocol machine
• Multiple MTP links
• Supports client-server functionality through Command Line Interface (CLI) such as the Python, and TCL (requires additional license)
• Supports scripted call generation and automated call reception
• Provides protocol trace with full message decoding, and graphical ladder diagrams of call flow with time stamp
• Provides call statistics with associated captured events and error events during call simulation

CSFB is a technology devised to allow Voice and SMS services to travel over LTE (packet-based all-IP) networks, which cannot normally handle circuit switched services. So, when a LTE device is used to place a voice call or send SMS, the device "falls back" to the 3G or 2G network to complete the call or to deliver the SMS. During such a call scenario, the UE changes its radio access technology from LTE to a 2G/3G technology that supports circuit-switched services. A new interface (called SGs) between the MME and the MSC is required.

The SGs Application Part (SGsAP) protocol messages are used on the SGs interface between the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in the Evolved Packet System (EPS) and the Visitor Location Register (VLR), to allow location management co-ordination and to relay certain messages related to GSM circuit switched services over the EPS system. The basis for the interworking between a VLR and an MME is the existence of a SGs association between the entities per UE. The SGs association is only applicable to UEs with CS Fallback capability activated. CSFB is an interim solution for LTE operators until we have full support for voice over LTE.

GL’s Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) SGs Emulator is designed to realize the CS fallback function for Voice and SMS delivery via the Circuit Switched (CS) core network using SGs interface between the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in the Evolved Packet System (EPS) and the Visitor Location Register (VLR), as defined in 3GPP TS 29.118 specifications (SGsAP) SGs interface.
The application is available as

• MAPS™ LTE SGs (Item # PKS146) for SGs interface

The MAPS™ SGs Emulator implements the following SGsAP procedures when associations between an MME and a VLR are established:

• Paging for Non-EPS Services
• Location Update for Non-EPS Services
• Non-EPS Alert
• Explicit IMSI Detach from EPS Services
• Explicit IMSI Detach from Non-EPS Services
• Implicit IMSI Detach from Non-EPS services
• VLR Failure
• MME Failure
• MM Information
• Tunnelling of NAS Messages
• Mobile Terminating and Mobile Originating SMS Services

Coming soon is the MAPS™ SGs emulator integration with GL’s multi-protocol and multi-interface lab test solution, covering entire 2G, 3G, and 4G networks simulating CSFB over SGs interface between LTE MME and UTRAN MSC.

By mimicking real-world customer behavior in lab environments, our solutions allow mobile operators and equipment manufacturers to verify their wireless networks before deployment. In other words, one can setup a virtual real-time network simulating all the network elements using “MAPS 2G 3G 4G Wireless Lab Suite”. The test suit supports simulation of 2G, 3G, and 4G entities and connecting interfaces.

Main Features

• Setup a virtual real-time network simulating 4G-LTE network elements using ‘MAPS™ 4G Wireless Lab Suite’
• Simulates LTE MME and UTRAN MSC.
• Supports the following SGs interface fallback procedures:
• Paging for non-EPS Services
• Location Update for Non-EPS Services
• Non-EPS Alert
• Explicit IMSI Detach from EPS Services
• Explicit IMSI Detach from Non-EPS Services
• Implicit IMSI Detach from Non-EPS services
• VLR Failure
• MME Failure
• MM Information
• Tunneling of NAS Messages
• Mobile Terminating and Mobile Originating SMS Services
• Insertion of impairments to create invalid messages
• Supports customization of call flow and message templates using Script and Message Editor.
• Ready-to-use scripts for quick testing
• Supports scripted call generation and automated call reception.
• Provides Call Statistics and Events Status.
• Automation, Remote access, and Schedulers to run tests 24/7

eGTP, also called evolved- GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP) or GTP version 2 (GTPv2), is primarily used in LTE for exchanging user traffic over GTP tunnels across the various S(x) interfaces as shown in the diagram above. GTPv2 allows for both user traffic (GTPv2-U) and signaling (GTPv2-C) to traverse through the tunnel.

GTPv2-C is used to control signaling for bearer management between Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (SGW) and the Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (PGW) elements in an EPC network. GTPv2-C protocol is used over S3, S4, S5, S8, S10, S11 and S16 interfaces. GTPv2-U is used to identify the transport bearer and carry encapsulated packets through the identified bearer. GTPv2-U protocol is used over S1-U, X2, S4, S5, and S8 interfaces.

The user (UE) has very high-speed RF connection to the nearest local tower. This high-speed connection is always ON, as long as the mobile is powered up. LTE is an all IP infrastructure with service priority built in – audio and video are given priority. All necessities like IP address, authentication, and security are validated. Instant resources over RF (the air) and IP (internal network) are made available depending on what the user is attempting to do. Also, LTE is designed for compatibility with older 2G and 3G mobile systems.

LTE S11 and S5/S8 network elements include MME (to handle signaling of control plane), Serving gateway and Public Data Network (PDN) gateway (to handle mobility management tasks within LTE and other radio networks) as depicted in the picture above.

GL’s Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) designed for testing LTE – eGTP interfaces (S3, S4, S5, S8, S10, S11 and S16) can simulate MME (Mobility Management Entity), SGW (Serving Gateway) and PDNGW (PDN Gateway) as defined in specification 3GPP TS 29.274 Evolved GPRS Tunnelling Protocol for Control Plane (eGTP-c).

Additionally, MAPS™ LTE eGTP can support simulation of user-plane packet (GTPv2-U) traffic in LTE network with support of Mobile traffic Core - GTP (ETH101) application and user-plane Gateway traffic with support of Mobile Traffic Core – Gateway (ETH102) application. eGTP-c (i.e., GTPv2) supports path and tunnel management procedures within LTE network.

The application is available as

• MAPS™ - LTE-eGTP (Item # PKS142) for eGTP interfaces

The application gives the users the unlimited ability to edit eGTP messages and call scenarios (message sequences). "Message sequences" are generated through scripts. "Messages" are created using message templates.

GL has enhanced its MAPS™ protocol emulation tool to simulate multi-protocol and multi-interfaceoffering a complete range of test solutions, covering the entire 2G, 3G, and 4G network.

By mimicking real-world customer behavior in lab environments, our solutions allow mobile operators and equipment manufacturers to verify their wireless networks before deployment. In other words, one can setup a virtual real-time network simulating all the network elements using “MAPS 4G Wireless Lab Suite”. The test suite supports simulation of S1-MME, S11, S5/S8, and other required eGTP interfaces.

GL also provides a GUI based LTE 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.

Main Features

• Setup a virtual real-time network simulating 4G-LTE network elements using ‘MAPS™ 4G Wireless Lab Suite’
• Simulates MME, SGW and PDN GW elements in the LTE eGTP interface.
• Supports both Control Plane and User-plane simulation across different interfaces
• Supports Path Management and Tunnel Management procedures over eGTP interfaces
• Massive UE simulation (up to 500000) with Auto generation feature for high density load testing
• Generates and responds to hundreds of UE Signaling (Load testing)
• Generates and process GTP-C messages (valid and invalid).
• Supports GTP Traffic (GTP User Plane Data) which includes: verification like BERT testing, HTTP traffic generation capability - requires additional licensing ‘ETH101’.
• Option to offload GTP traffic to Gateway (GGSN)- requires additional licensing ‘ETH102’
• High-volume eGTP-u (User Plane) traffic simulation possible with support of ‘Packet Load’ appliance; both 4Gbps and 40Gbps variants are available to suit customer needs.
• Automation, Remote access, and Schedulers to run tests 24/7

The above diagram depicts some of the internals of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The user (UE) has very high speed RF connection to the nearest local tower. This high speed connection is always ON, as long as the mobile is powered up. LTE is an all IP infrastructure with service priority built in – audio and video are given priority. All necessities like IP address, authentication, and security are validated. Instant resources over RF (the air) and IP (internal network) are made available depending on what the user is attempting to do. Also, LTE is designed for compatibility with older 2G and 3G mobile systems.

eNode B is the base station in the LTE/SAE S1 interface and also includes MME (to handle signaling of control plane) as shown in the network diagram above.

GL’s Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) designed for testing LTE – S1 interface (any interface excluding Air interface) can simulate eNodeB (Evolved Node B), and MME (Mobility Management Entity).
The application is available as

• MAPS™ - LTE-S1 (Item # PKS140) for S1-MME interface

MAPS™ is also capable of simulating S11 and S5/S8 (LTE-eGTP) interfaces. Refer to MAPS™ LTE eGTP (S3, S4, S5, S8, S10, S11 and S16) webpage for more details. Other interfaces such as S4, S11, and S12 will also be supported by the application in near future.

The application gives the users the unlimited ability to edit S1-AP/NAS messages and call scenarios (message sequences). "Message sequences" are generated through scripts. "Messages" are created using message templates.
Possible applications include:

• Simulate up to 500 Smartphones (UEs) powering up and down
• Authenticate and confirm security procedures
• QoS requests for greater or lesser bandwidth
• Temporary addressing management for mobility and security

GL Communications has enhanced its MAPS™ protocol emulation tool to simulate multi-protocol and multi-interface offering a complete range of test solutions, covering the entire 2G, 3G, and 4G network.

By mimicking real-world customer behavior in lab environments, our solutions allow mobile operators and equipment manufacturers to verify their wireless networks before deployment. In other words, one can setup a virtual real-time network simulating all the network elements using “MAPS 4G Wireless Lab Suite”. The test suit supports simulation of S1-MME, S11, S5/S8, and other eGTP interfaces along with Diameter interfaces.

The product supports Mobile traffic core – GTP (ETH101) simulation for user-plane packet transmission and reception services between any two nodes in LTE and UMTS networks. Mobile Traffic Core – Gateway (ETH102) module allows simulation of Gateway Traffic to test media gateway telephony interfaces over IP. These modules also support generation and verification of data traffic such as Email, FTP, Web (HTTP), Video, and more.

GL also provides a GUI based LTE 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.

Main Features

• Setup a virtual real-time network simulating 4G-LTE network elements using ‘MAPS™ 4G Wireless Lab Suite’
• Simulates eNodeB and MME.
• Supports LTE Control plane.
• Generates hundreds of UE Signaling (Load Testing).
• Generates and process S1/NAS (valid and invalid) messages.
• Supports GTP Traffic (GTP User Plane Data) which includes: verification like BERT testing, HTTP traffic generation capability, GGSN can actually be connected to real IP network to simulate Gateway testing
• Insertion of impairments to create invalid messages
• Supports customization of call flow and message templates using Script and Message Editor.
• Ready-to-use scripts for quick testing
• Supports scripted call generation and automated call reception.
• Provides Call Statistics and Events Status.
• Automation, Remote access, and Schedulers to run tests 24/7

Mobile networks are in the process of transitioning to Long Term Evolution, a Fourth Generation (4G), all packet network architecture. It will permit vastly higher data rates to mobile smart phones, making voice, video, and data truly integrated for the first time - through a single access technology.

In simple terms, LTE consists of a "Packet Core" and a network of eNodeBs (as shown in the figure). eNodeBs have two interfaces, the X2 interface permits eNodeBs to intercommunicate with each other directly, and the S1 interface permits communication with the "Packet Core".

The X2 is the interconnecting interface between two eNodeBs in LTE network and supports both Control Plane and User Plane. The principle Control Plane protocol is X2-AP (X2 Application Protocol) resides on SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol).

LTE X2-AP is responsible for the following functions:

• Mobility Management - this enables the serving eNodeB to move the specified UE responsibility to a target eNodeB.
• Load Management - procedure to report resource status, overload indications and current traffic loading between the eNodeBs
• Reporting of General Error Situations - procedure to report general error situations
• Re-setting /Setting the X2 – procedure to setup or reset X2 interface by exchanging the necessary information between the eNodeBs
• eNodeB Configuration Update - procedure to update the application level data required for the eNodeBs to interoperate in the network.

GL's Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) is a multi-protocol, multi-technology platform used for the emulation of a variety of communication protocols over IP, TDM, and Wireless networks. MAPS™ can be used to test signaling over legacy networks (such as CAS, SS7, ISDN, PPP and more), IP networks (such as SIP, MGCP, MEGACO, SIGTRAN, Diameter…) and also the Wireless technologies including GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks.

GL's MAPS™ designed for X2 Application Protocol (X2-AP) is used to co-ordinate handovers and perform load management between eNodeB (Evolved Node B) network elements - Source eNodeB and Target eNodeB. The MAPS™ X2-AP test tool is designed with specific test cases, as per LTE 3GPP mobile standards.

MAPS™ LTE X2-AP Interface Emulator supports powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor, and Profile Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using messages and parameters.
The application can be integrated within GL’s End-to-End Communications Network Lab (EE-CNL) providing reliable solution to vendors and service providers for simulation, monitoring, and troubleshooting the network using ‘MAPS™ 4G Wireless Lab Suite’.

Possible applications include:

• Simulate up to 500 Smartphones (UEs) powering up and down
• Authenticate and confirm security procedures
• QoS requests for greater or lesser bandwidth
• Temporary addressing management for mobility and security

GL also provides a GUI based LTE 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.

Main Features

• Setup a virtual real-time network simulating 4G-LTE network elements using ‘MAPS™ 4G Wireless Lab Suite’
• Simulate two eNodeB elements in LTE X2-AP interface.
• Supports LTE Control plane.
• Generates hundreds of UE Signaling (Load Testing).
• Generates and process X2-AP (valid and invalid) messages.
• Supports Mobility Management, Load Management, Reporting of General Error Situations, Re-setting X2, Setting up the X2, and eNodeB Configuration Update procedures.
• Insertion of impairments to create invalid messages.
• Supports customization of call flow and message templates using Script and Message Editor.
• Ready-to-use scripts for quick testing.
• Supports scripted call generation and automated call reception.
• Script based & protocol independent software architecture.
• Provides Call Statistics and Events Status.
• Automation, Remote access, and Schedulers to run tests 24/7

Mobile Application Part (MAP) is an application layer protocol used by various elements in GSM, UMTS, and GPRS mobile core networks to provide services to mobile phone users.

MAP can be transported using 'traditional' SS7 protocols in TDM (T1 and E1) or over IP using SIGTRAN.

SIGTRAN is a stack of networking protocols having Stream Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) for stream management over IP, and a bunch of user adaptation (UA) layers over it. Supported adaptation layers are M2PA (MTP2 Peer-to-Peer), M3UA (MTP 3 User), and M2UA (MTP2 User).

As illustrated in the diagram above, some of the GSM/UMTS circuit switched interfaces such as C (between HLR & MSC), D (between HLR and VLR), E (between GMSC and MSC), F (between MSC and EIR), H (between HLR and AuC) and Packet-switched interfaces such as Gc (between GGSN and HLR), Gr (between SGSN and HLR), Gf (SGSN and EIR), Gd (between SGSN & SMS-GMSC) use Mobile Application Part (MAP) protocol.

MAP over IP network also includes LCS (LoCation Services) specific elements and entities, their functionalities, interfaces, as well as communication messages, necessary to implement the positioning functionality in a cellular network. LoCation Services (LCS) architecture follows a client/server model with the gateway mobile location centre (GMLC) acting as the server providing information to External LCS Clients.

The "radio" and "core" network partition is shown above for GSM and UMTS networks. Elements and interfaces that comprise the core network are briefly described below.
Common services provided by MAP are “Location Services”, "Location Tracking", "Roaming", "Subscription Information", "Short Message Service", and many more.

GL's MAPS™ (Message Automation & Protocol Simulation) product line bearing the same acronym, is used to emulate all the MAP interfaces listed above – both TDM and IP.

MAPS™ is an advanced and versatile protocol simulator/tester that can simulate a variety of protocols encountered in the telecom space, including SIP, MGCP, UMTS, GSM, MLPPP, MEGACO, ISDN, CAS, SS7, and many more. MAPS™ MAP supports emulation of all the GSM and UMTS MAP interfaces. MAPS™ MAP currently supports various procedures emulating MSC (VLR), HLR, EIR, and SMSC entities and H, C, D, E, F interfaces in the network. Supported procedures include Location Update, Retrieve Roaming Number, Remote User Status, Check IMEI Service, and others. The product also supports send/receive SMS (Short Message Service) simultaneously using signaling channel with the voice/data/fax service over GSM network.

MAPS™ MAP is enhanced to simulate LoCation Services (LCS) over Lg and Lh interfaces connecting GMLC <-> MSC and GMLC <-> HLR entities. Supported LCS procedures includes Provide Subscriber Location, Subscriber Location Report, and Routing Info for LCS respectively, as per 3GPP TS 23.271 specifications.

In addition to supporting MAP network elements connected by the interfaces listed, it also supports error tracking, regression testing, conformance testing, load testing, and call generation. It can run pre-defined test scenarios against test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.
MAPS™ MAP Emulator supports powerful utilities like Message Editor, Script Editor, and Profile Editor which allow new scenarios to be created or existing scenarios to be modified using MTP3 layer (over TDM) and M3UA, M2PA layers (over IP) messages and parameters.

MAPS™ supports Command Line Interface (CLI) and when configured as server-side application enables remote controlling of the application through multiple command-line based clients including TCL, Python, VBScript, Java, and .Net, using MAPS™ client-server architecture (requires additional license).

GL also provides various set of protocol analyzers for on-line capture and decode of the signaling in real-time both during tests and as a stand-alone tracer for live systems. Please visit Protocol Analysis page for more details.

Possible applications include:

• Multi-protocol, Multi-interface Simulation
• Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability.
• Performance testing, Load Testing, Function al testing, Regression testing and Conformance testing of network elements.
• Ready scripts makes testing procedure simpler, less time consuming and hence time to market products.
• Test response of network against protocol message modification, or corruption
• Inter-operability testing of networks
• Wrap-around testing (WAT)
• Real-time applications of location-based services such as up-to-date information for vehicle tracking, stolen assets tracking, temperature, traffic services, emergency services, etc.
• SMS Testing from within the Wireless Infrastructure using MAPS™

The Media Gateway Control Protocol (MEGACO/H.248) is a signalling and call control protocol used between the Media Gateway Controller (MGC) and Media Gateway (MG) for supporting multimedia stream transmission. The MGC uses Megaco/H.248 to instruct MG about the events, media, signals to be played on Terminations, to create a Context, and to audit the status of the Terminations involved in the conversion of media from one type of network, to the media required in other type of the network.

GL’s MAPS™ MEGACO (H.248) Protocol Emulator supports Trunking Gateway and Residential Gateway simulation using binary based H.248 protocol and text based MEGACO protocol in Digital and Analog network respectively.

MAPS™ now supports both binary and textual encoding protocol versions. The binary encoding is based on Basic Encoding Rules (BER) description of the protocol and text encoding is based on Augmented Backus-Naur Form (ABNF) description. The MEGACO/H.248 protocol is implemented in binary encoding over 2G/3G core network. However, it can be still used in traditional text based encoding in IP networks as well. It is typically used for providing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like voice and fax between different networks – such as IP Networks and the PSTN, IP Networks and Wireless Networks (2G/3G) or entirely within IP Networks.
The MAPS™ MEGACO (H.248) also supports Conformance Scripts (requires PKS123 licenses), which includes 200+ test cases as per Megaco specification of ETSI TS 102 374-2 document. Test suite includes in-built scripts which tests the functionality of the Media Gateway for Megaco protocol valid and in-valid behaviour.

With the purchase of RTP Core license (PKS102), MAPS™ MEGACO supports transmission and detection of various RTP traffic such as, digits, voice file, single tone, dual tones, IVR, FAX*, and Video*. With regular RTP traffic, the maximum Simultaneous Calls up to 2500, and Calls per Second up to 250 is achievable. Almost all industry standard voice codec supported.

GL’s MAPS™ MEGACO is also available in High Density version (requires a special purpose network appliance and PKS109 RTP HD licenses). This is capable of high call intensity (hundreds of calls/sec) and high volume of sustained calls (tens of thousands of simultaneous calls/platform).

GL also offers MAPS™ Media Gateway Controller (MGC - PKS300), a multi interface simulator is configured to handle call control between the Signaling Gateway (SG) and Media Gateway (MG) in the network to perform end-to-end test scenario by simulating SIGTRAN, MEGACO and MGCP interfaces. GL recommends purchasing additional MG simulation with appropriate RTP licenses for high density traffic simulation.

** Some of these traffic types requires additional licenses – contact GL for more information

The Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) is a signaling and call control protocol used between the Media Gateway Controller (MGC) and Media Gateway (MG). The MGC uses MGCP to instruct MG about the events, media, signals to be played on Endpoint, to create a Connection, and to audit the status of the Endpoints and connections involved in the conversion of media from one type of network, to the media required in other type of the network. The Media Gateway uses MGCP to report events (such as off-hook, or dialed digits) to the Call Agent.

GL's Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) designed for MGCP testing can simulate MGC to test Media Gateways with various types of calls. It can also control scenario involved in Media conversion. This test tool can also be used to perform protocol conformance testing (MGCP protocol implementations) as per IETF Standard according to RFC 3435.

The application is available as

MAPS™ MGCP Protocol Emulation with Conformance Test Suite (Item # PKS124)

The MAPS™ MGCP Protocol Conformance Scripts is designed with 70+ test cases, as per RFC 3435. Test suite includes in-built scripts, which tests the functionality of the Media Gateway for MGCP protocol valid and in-valid behaviour.

With the purchase of RTP Core license (PKS102), MAPS™ MGCP supports transmission and detection of various RTP traffic such as, digits, voice file, single tone, dual tones, IVR, FAX*, and Video*. With regular RTP traffic, the maximum Simultaneous Calls up to 2500, and Calls per Second up to 250 is achievable. Almost all industry standard voice codec supported.

GL’s MAPS™ MGCP is also available in High Density version (requires a special purpose network appliance and PKS109 RTP HD licenses). This is capable of high call intensity (hundreds of calls/sec) and high volume of sustained calls (tens of thousands of simultaneous calls/platform).

GL also offers MAPS™ Media Gateway Controller (MGC) a multi interface simulator is configured to handle signaling and call control between the Signaling Gateway (SG) and Media Gateway (MG) in the network. With the purchase of PKS300 MAPS™ MGC multi-interface license, end-to-end test scenario can be setup simulating SIGTRAN, MEGACO and MGCP interfaces. GL recommends purchasing additional MG simulation with appropriate RTP licenses for high density traffic simulation.