SS7: Converged Wireline and Next Generation Wireless Testing
The convergence of SS7 with 3GPP IP access networks has created the need for network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) to demonstrate that their equipment can interwork reliably with other network elements in each service provider's architecture, and interconnect with other telecommunications networks.
Signaling System #7 (SS7), known as CCITT #7 in Europe, is the most prevalent signaling system for public switched telephone networks (PSTN) and wireless carrier networks. As next-generation networks evolve into "all-IP" architectures, SS7 over Internet Protocol (IP) is becoming more prevalent. SS7 is essential for seamless interworking between wireline and wireless networks. Next-generation wireless networks will continue to use SS7 signaling for voice services.
Testing of signaling gateway (SGW) devices requires the ability to completely surround the device under test (DUT) with emulated network elements on all its interfaces. This includes support for SS7 interfaces (SS7 ISUP/TCAP), SGW/media gateway controller (MGC) interfaces, and SGW-to-SGW interfaces. The tester must be able to exercise all three interfaces simultaneously in a coordinated fashion.
SS7 testing in the all-IP 3G architecture involves validating multiple technologies and protocols simultaneously such as:
- SGW testing
- Media gateway (MGW) and MGC testing
- Bearer traffic testing
Ixia's test solution for MGC and MGW devices is used in conjunction with a SGW tester to provide a complete IP access system validation. It completely surrounds the DUT with simulated network elements for all its interfaces, including support for the SGW/MGC interface, MGC/MGW interface, and MGC/Gatekeeper interface. Ixia's solution can exercise all interfaces simultaneously in a coordinated fashion, as well as use session initiated protocol (SIP) for the MGC-to-MGC interface.
Ixia tests (or emulates) the following SS7 network devices:
- SGW
- MGW
- Gateway mobile service switching center (GMSC)
- Signaling transfer point (STP)
- Signaling control point (SCP)
- Service switching point (SPP)
Ixia's test solution terminates bearer traffic for both PSTN and IP at the MGW device. It allows the user to generate voice, data, and video traffic to exercise the bearer data handling capabilities of the MGW DUT. The user can measure quality of service parameters such as latency, delay, and jitter.
Converged Wireline and Next Generation Wireless Test Configuration
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