K1297-G20 Series Protocol Tester

Features & Benefits

• Simultaneous Monitoring on All G_x-interfaces (G_a, G_b, G_c, G_d, G_f, G_i, G_n, G_p, G_r, G_s)
• Monitoring on A_bis-interfaces (Alcatel, Ericsson, Lucent, Motorola, Nokia, Nortel, Siemens)
• GPRS/EDGE support for selected manufacturer proprietary A_bis interfaces
• Automatic Configuration of GPRS/EDGE A_bis-interface channels
• Single Call and Transaction Trace on G_b-, G_n-, G_r-, G_c-, G_p-interface
• Multi Interface Call Trace on G_b, G_r, G_n/G_p and A interface in case data sessions are interrupted by voice calls
• Deciphering on G_b-interface up to a Value of 5000 Users
• Monitoring and Analysis of GPRS Sessions and Crucial QoS Parameters at the G_b-interface (GPRS G_b Monitor/Analyzer)
• Simulation and Emulation of All Network Elements (BSS, SGSN, GGSN, VLR, HLR)
• Simulation of an Entire GPRS Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) Including Internet Access
• Traffic Generation Across the GPRS Network for End-to-End Diagnostics
• Simulation of up to 100,000 Subscribers (BSS or SGSN) Per Interface Module
• Support for Gb over IP (GbIP)

Applications

• Network Optimization and Troubleshooting
• Functional and Interoperability Testing
• Evaluate Delays, Transmission Rates, and Round Trip Time
• Conformance Testing
• Replace (emulate) a Network Element (e.g., HLR) by a Protocol Tester
• Replace (emulate) a Network Subsystem by a Protocol Tester
• Capacity Tests for Control- and User Plane

GPRS Software

Tektronix GPRS software offers complete test solutions for functional tests of GPRS network elements, monitoring and analysis of GPRS networks, and end-to-end service quality testing. A combination of monitoring, simulation, and emulation functions, as well as capability of conformance and interoperability testing is provided, chiefly needed during design and installation/deployment of GPRS networks. This also includes monitoring and analysis functions needed during field trials, operation and maintenance, and network optimization.

GPRS reference model.

Solutions for Network Monitoring and Optimization

Monitoring

GPRS network managers struggle with the difficult problems of network installation, deployment, and optimization. GPRS software for the K1297 consists of all necessary GPRS features and applications that help users overcome their most difficult network issues. They can be carried out in off-line mode and online mode.

Single Interface and Multi Interface Call and Transaction Traces

Single Interface Call and Transaction Traces allow a fast overview about all data and messages related to a call/transaction. This offers fast and easy analysis of subscriber-related problems.

The “Multi Interface Call Trace” application is an expert software that permits tracing calls/sessions in real-time and off-line as they evolve over multiple interfaces.

Simple parameters are used to identify the subscriber (for example, IMSI) and to trigger the search. The call/session is traced even if parameters identifying the subscriber change dynamically during the transactions (such as IMSI, P-TMSI). The call/session is traced even if it spans multiple interfaces (for example Gb, Gr, Gn) and involves different network elements (for example SGSN, HLR, GGSN).

Call Trace User Interface.

The GUI allows drill-down troubleshooting from the problem symptom to the root cause with just a mouse-click.

The “Overview Window” lists detected calls/sessions and highlights their status (normal, failed) at a glance for quick problem identification, and allows filtering out uninteresting (normal) calls.

The “Arrow Diagram” graphically displays, in a very intuitive way, the message flow (arrows) and network elements (vertical lines) involved in a call/session without requiring a deep protocol knowledge.

The “Detailed Monitor Window” shows all the details of protocol messages and parameters for in-depth troubleshooting of root cause of problems.

Multi Interface Call and Transaction Trace Application.

Deciphering

GPRS network operators transmit ciphered data between GPRS terminals and the network more often then they previously have. Whenever enciphering is switched on in GPRS networks, all signaling data and payload above the protocol layer Logical Link Control (LLC) are encrypted. K1297-G20 Protocol Testers supply the first deciphering test and observation tools, enabling analysis and processing of all data above the protocol layer LLC.

Deciphering solution - enciphered messages.


Deciphering solution - deciphered messages.

The GPRS Deciphering application decrypts Control- and User Plane messages on the Gb-Interface not only for GPRS but also for UMTS mobiles (e.g. after an Intersystem Change for PS-Services from UTRAN to GSM BSS). It supports the GPRS Encryption Algorithm-1 and -2 (GEA 1 and GEA-2). In automatic mode the application collects ciphering keys (Kc or CK) from the Gr-Interface (see picture below). In manual mode no access to the Gr-Interface is required. This is a special use case for test labs, where the user can manipulate the ciphering key.

Ciphering Key collection on the Gr Interface.

RLC/MAC Reassembling

The RLC/MAC reassembling application picks up frames at the GPRS A_bis interface that are cut into slices of different sizes depending on the coding scheme and assembles them to the original frame. This comprises LLC frames and RLC control frames.

Benefits of RLC/Mac Monitoring on the Abis-Interface:

• Verification of PCU transportation layer implementation (NEM only).
• Verification/Observation of Air Interface parameter (e.g. Power level, Receiver sensitivity).
• Analysis of faulty behavior related to the Air Interface (e.g. Retransmissions).
• Compliance verification of Mobiles and Network (Interoperability).

Automatic Configuration of Abis GPRS/EDGE interface (Siemens)

The GPRS/EDGE Automatic Configuration is an application that guides the technicians in configuring the instrument for A_bis monitoring and allows them to reduce overhead time needed for instrument set-up. Once the RSL link on the A_bis interface has been identified, the application automatically configures all the necessary logical links containing USER DATA FRAMEs and assigns the proper bandwidth to the logical links.

GPRS G_b Monitor/Analyzer

The GPRS G_b Monitor application provides an extensive overview on the traffic that is actually running on the G_b-interface of a GPRS network. Numerous filter possibilities, including cell ID, IMEI, IMSI, and IP addresses, are available; measuring Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, such as throughput and response time, is easily accomplished.

GPRS G_b monitor.

The GPRS G_b Analyzer application, which is placed on top of the GPRS G_b Monitor, provides crucial statistics, detects failed GMM, SM procedures and enables easy and rapid troubleshooting.

Solutions for Active Testing

Simulation/Emulation of GPRS Network Elements

Create and emulate functioning network elements for test purposes. Emulate multiple network elements (NE) in parallel to real NE for complex test scenarios. Compare reaction of emulated to real NE.

Home Location Register Emulation

Replace expensive Home Location Register (HLR) in test networks. Take advantage of features such as fault tolerant reaction and fast reset capability. Parameters are easy to set.

Base Station Subsystem and Mobile Emulation

Emulate thousands of mobiles (MS) on multiple Base Station Subsystems (BSS) with one K1297 Protocol Tester. By emulating MS and BSS, you'll be able to identify Network Switching Subsystem (SGSN, GGSN, HLR, PDN) problems quickly and easily.

Network Switching Subsystem Emulation

Browse the Web with a GPRS mobile and BSS connected to K1297-G20 Protocol Tester, replacing the entire GPRS core network. Find BSS or mobile problems by reducing error possibilities by emulating the complete Network Switching Subsystem (NSS).

Short Message Service Testing

Ensure Short Message Service (SMS) functionality via GPRS G_b- and G_d-interface.

Integrated Test Functions

Integrated test functions in Mobile/Base Station Subsystem provide fast and easy testing and execution of:

• GPRS attach/detach
• IMSI attach/detach
• Combined GPRS/IMSI attach/detach
• Location area updates
• Routing area updates
• Cell reselection
• PDP Context activation/modification/deactivation
• Transfer of IP data
• Paging for CS and PS

Enhanced Test Tools

The enhanced Test Management System enables local and/or remote automated and regression testing with the K1297-G20, reducing manual test time. ISO Standards require change management support; with the "shared file system approach," users can fulfill these requirements and successfully complete regression testing according the ISO standards. Automatically recording files for all test cases provides test results in full detail, down to the bit level, if needed.