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3GPP Wireless Core Network Testing


Evolved Packet Core (EPC) Testing

LTE Evolved Packet Core (EPC) Testing

The EPC components - MME, SGW and PDN-GW - together with the eNode B handle user mobility, unique bandwidth and quality requirements of multiplay applications and error situations. Testing of these components must exercise multiple connection scenarios and real-world combinations of voice, video and data traffic to ensure proper, scaled operation.

EPC-specific testing challenges include:

  • Capacity and performance - with thousands of eNode Bs potentially carrying up to 3Gbps of traffic each, the capacity of the EPC could quickly become an issue in terms of high availability, validation, and network configuration.
  • Media - a typical LTE mobile user will concurrently run many types of applications including voice, texting, video viewing, and e-mail updates. Real-world traffic is required to fully validate QoE enforcement and the effect of gating and policy control on the network.
  • Quality of service - expressed in jitter, latency, packet dropped, and other measurements are key performance indicator in an all-IP network.
  • Interoperability with 2G/3G networks - LTE will likely be deployed in small islands in a sea of existing 2G/3G networks.
  • Multiple architectures - MMEs, SGWs and PDN-GWs may be combined into single hardware units. Different combinations and network structures are possible.
  • End-to-end data and control plane security - IPSec, TLS and other security is required in some EPC components and optional in others.

GGSN Testing

Ixia's IxLoad supports the 3GPP GTP protocol, enabling IxLoad to simulate serving GPRS support nodes (SGSNs) and subscribers' user equipment, thus permitting test engineers to perform highly scalable and flexible testing on gateway GPRS support nodes (GGSNs). Most modern GGSNs perform deep packet inspection (DPI), requiring testers to exercise GGSNs with stateful and realistic multiplay traffic. IxLoad provides an intuitive GUI that allows easy and flexible definition of stateful application traffic flows.

AAA testing

AAA testing Every network requires a AAA server for access control, accounting and authorization. IxLoad provides a perfect solution with support for the RADIUS protocol for AAA, GGSN served subscriber IP address allocation, and multiplay traffic generation. Generated traffic simulates both the mobile subscribers and the network side servers.

  

"Bouyges Telecom has been using both Ixia and Catapult for several years now to test both core and edge of our 3G network. We're glad to see the combined companies working diligently to deliver new and innovative solutions to help us roll out services faster with higher success rates."

Jean-Marc Pascal, Bouyges Telecom

Ixia TV

Net Events-hosted LTE webinar featuring Alcatel-Lucent, Dell 'Oro Group and Ixia
A 55 min on-demand video webinar featuring analyst Dell 'Oro Group's insights into wireless market trends, Alcatel-Lucent's expertise on LTE network design, and Ixia's advice on LTE testing methodologies.

Library

Datasheets

Brochures

  • Wireless Network Testing (3.13 MB ) open in new window
  • IP Test Solutions (11 MB ) open in new window - discusses Ixia's testing solutions for switching and routing, triple-play delivery, IMS, data center operations, Carrier Ethernet, network assessment, and broadband access performance and conformance.
  • Multiplay Testing (20.79 MB ) open in new window - this brochure discusses multiplay devices and networks. It explores how Ixia's solutions cover all forms of multiplay traffic, especially peer-to-peer.

White Papers

  • Wireless Network Testing (1.06 MB ) open in new window - A study on the evolution of wireless networking technology and strategies for testing LTE, IMS, EPC and UMTS network components and services.
  • Single Carrier FDMA in LTE (1.05 MB ) - A deep-dive into SC-FDMA technology
  • eNode B Wraparound Testing (1.07 MB ) - A discussion of the need to stress every interface of the eNode B, along with suggested eNode B test methodologies.
  • Testing Multiplay Networks (3.52 MB ) open in new window - Modern carrier, ISP, and Enterprise networks now carry a wide mix of traffic, with Web, P2P, streaming and download in the lead. A wide range of general and specialized devices are used to generate and forward traffic, with careful attention to quality of service and other performance metrics. This paper discusses the impact of testing these devices and Ixias solutions.
  • Strategies for Managing the P2P Phenomenon open in new window - The growth in P2P traffic and its high-bandwidth characteristics is discussed. P2P challenges for networking devices in a multiplay environment are described. Various solutions and test methodologies are explored, with special emphasis on the use of stateful, policy-based QoS management.
  • Developing a Holistic Testing Strategy for Ensuring a Successful IPTV Deployment (775.6 KB ) open in new window - offers a systematic approach to testing an IPTV transport infrastructure in its early and predeployment stages.

Presentations

Solution

  • LTE eNode B Testing - supports the LTE air interface and performs radio resource management. Also includes testing for Serving Gateway (SGW), Mobility Management Entity (MIME), and Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW).
  • 3G UMTS Radio Access Network Testing - includes HSPA testing, Packet Data testing, protocol analysis and node validation
  • IMS Testing - performs network simulation, network validation, node validation and gateway testing.

News and Press

Events

MobiSys
June 15-18, 2010
Focus: Design, implementation, usage, and evaluation of mobile computing and wireless systems, applications, and services
Venue: JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
Location: San Francisco, CA
Additional information:Ixia is a silver patron sponsor for the event.

Press Releases