MAPS UMTS for IuCS, IuH Interfaces Emulator (Scripted UMTS IuCS and IuH Emulation over IP)

Background
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a 3rd generation mobile technology evolved from GSM (2nd generation) technology. It uses W-CDMA (Wideband CDMA) as radio access technology. With increased spectral efficiency and higher bandwidth, the UMTS network can support greater data rates as well as voice and video data to the wireless end users. The underlying transport layer for UMTS can be Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), or Internet Protocol (IP). Reference User Manual Quick Install Guide Product Brochure View Presentation

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The IP based UMTS network consists of the following elements

NodeB - supporting broadband mobile users Radio Network Controller (RNC) - manages radio resources (NodeBs) and routes traffic to circuit and packet switched elements Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) - circuit switching element for voice Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) - packet switching element for data and video Femto Home NodeB (Femto Cell) - for enhanced coverage indoors and to offload the radio access network Femto Home Node Gateway (HnB-GW) - provides wired broadband interface

To emulate the various components of UMTS, GL utilizes its MAPS foundation architecture a versatile platform for detailed emulation of a wide variety of protocols. MAPS supports emulation of many protocols like ISDN, SS7, GSM, LTE, SIP, Megaco, MGCP, SIGTRAN, and many others. MAPS UMTS IuCS can emulate the RNC (Radio Network Controller) and the MSC (Mobile Switching Centre) by generating RANAP and DTAP signaling messages over SCTP. RANAP and DTAP are:

RANAP is a control plane protocol (Iu interface) between RNC (Radio Network Controller) and CN (Core Network) in the UMTS stack. DTAP - is a layer 3 protocol between the MSC (Mobile Switching Center) and the MS (Mobile Station)

Overview
GLs Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS) designed for UMTS IuH interface can simulate Femto Home Node B (HnB), and a Femto Home Node Gateway (HnB-GW) by generating RANAP and DTAP signaling messages over SCTP as Transport layer. A femtocell is a small cellular base station designed for use in residential or small business environments. Femtocells can offload the RAN and provide better coverage, plus improved data download & upload speeds. IuH links Femto Access Point (HnB) and a Femto Gateway (HnB-GW). The application gives the users the unlimited ability to edit messages and control scenarios (message sequence). Message sequences are generated through scripts. Messages are created using message templates. The application is available as

MAPS - IuCS and IuH (Item # PKS160) RTP Traffic Options in MAPS UMTS IuCS and MAPS UMTS IuH (Item # PKS102)

With the purchase of RTP Core license (PKS102), MAPS RTP traffic commands are available. MAPS supports transmission and detection of various RTP traffic such as, digits, voice file, single tone, and dual tones. Also supports various traffic events simulation during the course of a call, which is listed below: Signaling Events

Answer Call - Used to Accept the Call from DUT Place Call - Places the Call to other End by initiating the Invite Message. Terminate - Terminates the call using BYE Method

RTP Traffic Events digits, tones, files

Send File, Receive File, Stop Send File Send Digits, Detect Digits, Stop Send Digits Send Test Tone, Detect Test Tone Send Tone, Detect Tone, Stop Send Tone

GL Communications also supports the following UMTS analyzers and simulators:

MAPS UMTS IuPS Simulators (PKS164) T1 or E1 UMTS Protocol Analyzer (XX165) Offline UMTS Protocol Analyzer (OLV165) OC-3 / STM-1 UMTS Protocol Analysis (LTS206) OC-12 / STM-4 UMTS Protocol Analysis (LTS306)

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) SMS Testing from within the Wireless Infrastructure using MAPS

Main Features

Simulates RNC, MSC, Home NodeB (HnB) and Home NodeB Gateway (HN GW) entities. Generates and process all Mobility Management, Session Management, RANAP and DTAP messages. User controlled access to RANAP, and DTAP messages. Ready scripts for Mobile Originating, Mobile Terminating, Location Updating procedures for quick testing Supports Authentication, TMSI Reallocation, Encryption, and other optional procedures Provides fault insertion, and erroneous call flows testing capability. Impairments can be applied to messages to simulate error conditions Supports RTP traffic generation and reception (requires additional license) Supported Codecs: G.711 (A-law / Mu-law - 64kbps), G.711 App II (ALaw and MuLaw with VAD Support), G.729, G.729B (8 kbps), G.726 (5 bit 40 kbps/4 bit 32 kbps/3 bit 24 kbps/2 bit 16 kbps), G726 (40/32/24/16 kbps with VAD), GSM (13.2 kbps) AMR (4.75, 5.15, 5.9, 6.7, 7.4, 7.95, 10.2, & 12.2 kbps) (optional codec) AMR_WB EVRC (Rates - 1/8, and 1), EVRC0 (optional codec), EVRC_B (Rates - 1/8, , , and 1), EVRCB0 (optional codec), EVRC_C SMV (Modes - 0, 1, 2 and 3- Available if licenses are provided or owned, please call GL) iLBC (for 20msec), iLBC_13_33 (for 30msec) SPEEX, G722, G722.1, SPEEX_WB Supports customization of call flows and message templates using Script editor and Message editor. 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 Script based & protocol independent software architecture.

Provides call statistics and associated captured events and error events during call simulation.

Supported Protocols Standards

UMTS IuH Protocol Stack UMTS IuCS Protocol Stack Supported Protocols IuCS Interface SCCP MTP3 RANAP MM / CC RR SMS IuH Interface RUA RANAP MM / CC RR SMS Specification Used Q.713, CCITT (ITU-T) Blue Book Q.703, ITU-T Blue Book 3GPP TS 25.413 V9.1.0 3GPP TS 24.008 V5.16.0 (2006-06) 3GPP TS 04.18 V8.13.0 3GPP TS 03.40 V7.5.0 & 3GPP TS 04.11 V7.1.0 GSM 03.38 version 7.2.0 Release 1998 3GPP TS 25468 V9.1.0 3GPP TS 25.413 V9.1.0 3GPP TS 04.08 V7.17.0 3GPP TS 04.18 V8.13.0 3GPP TS 03.40 V7.5.0 & 3GPP TS 04.11 V7.1.0 GSM 03.38 version 7.2.0 Release 1998

Test Configuration
The test configuration window allows users to configure the necessary parameters in order to establish communication between MAPS and the DUT.

The MAPS UMTS configuration window consists of SCTP configuration for IuCS, and IuH interfaces. SCTP Transaction Type allows to configure MAPS as Server initiating the message transmission, and also to configure MAPS as a Client to receive/process the messages. Default Profile is used to configure MAPS emulator as RNC and MSC nodes to simulate the UMTS IuCs and IuH interfaces.

Screenshot of Testbed Setup to configure MAPS as UMTS IuCS and IuH Nodes

Call Generation
Call Generation option allows the user to simulate outgoing communications where an outgoing call is initiated by sending call control messages using proper scripts and profiles. The profile allows necessary parameters of call control messages to be changed during runtime. Messages are exchanged between the MAPS and the DUT. MAPS application acts as either the Caller or resides at the network terminal acting as Callee. IuCS Interface In IuCS interface, MAPS acts as either RNC to test MSC (DUT) or MSC to test RNC (DUT) and simulates the following call flow scenarios: Testing MSC (Mobile Originating Call (MOC) Flow)

Mobile Originating Call Scenario The MOC call is initiated by the user equipment (UE). On receiving the CM Service Request message from UE, the network initiates authentication procedures. After the authentication procedures, the request is accepted and the Call Control procedures will start and the call is established. The MAPS acts as RNC and initiates the Mobile Originating Call flow by sending CM Service Request to the DUT (MSC). The DUT on receipt of a CM SERVICE REQUEST message sends a CC connection confirm message in response MAPS then completes the call as in Mobile Originating Call (MOC) call flow.

MAPS UMTS IuCS configured to act as RNC

MOC Call Generation Flow at RNC Node Whenever Mobile Station (MS) moves out of its location to a new location then it needs to inform the network about its new location. The UE initiates the call by sending location update message to network & on receiving acknowledgment, the LU call gets terminated. The MAPS can act as RNC initiating the Location Updating Call flow by sending Location Updating Request to the Network (MSC). The DUT on receipt of a LOCAION UPDATING REQUEST message sends a CC Connection Confirm message in response MAPS then simulates the completes the call as in Location Updating Call (LUC) call flow.

Screenshot of Location Updating Call Scenario

Screenshot of LUC Call Generation Flow at RNC Node Testing RNC (Mobile Terminating Call (MTC) Flow) The MTC is initiated by Network by sending Paging message towards UE. Here, the UE is the receiver of a call. UE will send the Paging Response message. The rest of the call flow is same as a MOC call. MAPS can act as Mobile Station Controller (MSC) processing the call flow by initiating the Paging message to the Mobile Station (RNC). The DUT (RNC) on receipt of a Paging message sends a Paging Response message back to MSC. MAPS then completes the call as in Mobile Terminating Call (MTC) flow.

MAPS UMTS configuration at MSC node

Screenshot of Mobile Terminating Call Scenario

Screenshot of MTC Call Generation Flow at MSC Node IuH Interface The IuH Interface Emulator simulates RANAP signaling and call control messages between the HnB-GW and HnB nodes. MOC, MTC, and LU call flows scenarios have been explained for the interface. Testing HnB-GW (Mobile Originating Call (MOC) Flow) MAPS acts as HnB and tests the DUT that is configured to act as Home Node B- Gateway (HnBGW). Here, MAPS initiates the Mobile Originating Call messages towards HnB-GW and responds to messages from HnB-GW (DUT). The test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (HnB) sends CM SERVICE REQUEST to DUT (HnB-GW). The DUT on receipt of a CM SERVICE REQUEST message starts Authentication Procedure by sending Authentication Request message as depicted in the figure.

MAPS UMTS IuH configuration at HnB node

Screenshot of Mobile Originating Call (MOC) Flow

Screenshot of MOC Call Generation Flow at HnB Node

Testing HnB-GW (Location Updating Call (LUC) Flow) Whenever mobile station (MS) moves out of its location to a new location then it needs to inform the network about its new location. The test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (HnB), UE initiates the Location Updating procedure by sending LOCATION UPDATING REQUEST to DUT (HnB-GW). HnB-GW on receipt of Location Updating Request message starts Authentication Procedure by sending Authentication Request message as depicted in the figure, provided as a link below.

Screenshot of Location Updating Call (LUC) Flow

Screenshot of LUC Call Generation Flow at HnB Node Testing HnB (Mobile Terminating Call (MTC) Flow) MAPS acts as HnB-GW and test the DUT that is configured as HnB (Home Node B). Here, MAPS initiates the Mobile Terminating Call messages towards HnB and responds to messages from HnB (DUT). IuH interface signaling scenario (messages between HnB (Home Node B) and HnB-GW (Home Node B - Gateway)) is same as IuCS Call scenario. The test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (HnB-GW) at network initiates the paging procedure for CS services by sending PAGING request to DUT (HnB).The DUT (RNC) on receipt of a Paging message sends a Paging Response message back to MSC. MAPS then completes the call as in Mobile Terminating Call (MTC) call flow.

MAPS UMTS IuH configuration at HnB Gateway node

Screenshot of Mobile Terminating Call (MTC) Flow

Screenshot of MTC Call Generation Flow at HnB-GW Node

Call Reception

Call generated from other entity can be automatically detected in call reception window by presetting the required scripts in the Incoming Call Handler window. IuCS Interface Testing RNC (MOC Call Flow) This test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (MSC) on receipt of a CM SERVICE REQUEST message from RNC, sends a CC Connection Confirm message in response. MAPS then completes the call as in Mobile Originating Call (MOC) call flow.

MOC Call Reception Flow at MSC Node Testing RNC (LUC Call Flow) This test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (MSC) on receipt of a LOCATION UPDATING REQUEST message from RNC, replies with CC connection confirm message as depicted in the figure.

Screenshot of LUC Call Reception Flow at MSC Node Testing MSC (MTC) This test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (RNC) on receipt of a PAGING Message from MSC, replies with PAGING RESPONSE message as depicted in the figure. MAPS (RNC) then completes the call as in MTC call flow.

Screenshot of MTC Call Reception Flow at RNC Node

IuH Interface Testing HnB (MOC) This test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (HnB-GW) on receiving service request initiates Authentication Procedure, sends Authentication Request message as a response to HnB (DUT).

MOC Call Reception Flow at HnB-GW Node Testing HnB (LUC Call Flow) This test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (HnB-GW) on receiving LOCATION UPDATING REQUEST initiates Authentication process, sends Authentication Request message as a response to HnB (DUT).

Screenshot of LUC Call Reception Flow at HnB-GW Node Testing HnB-GW (MTC Call Flow) This test is performed to ensure that the MAPS (HnB) on receipt of a PAGING Message from HnBGW, replies with PAGING RESPONSE message as depicted in the figure. Also, MAPS (HnB) simulates the complete call flow as in MTC call flow.

Screenshot of MTC Call Reception Flow at RNC Node

Bulk Call Simulation MAPS supports Bulk Call Simulation and Stress/Load Testing capabilities through Load Generation feature. Load Generation window helps users configure Stress/Load Testing parameters such as Call per second (CPS) or Busy hour call attempts (BHCA), Max Simultaneous Calls and Burst parameters.

Screenshot of Load Generation Parameters

Customization of Call Flow and Messages Using Pre-Processing Tools

Script Editor - The script editor allows the user to create / edit scripts and to define variables for the protocol fields. The script uses pre-defined message templates to build call flow and perform send and receive actions. Script editor provides options to run the test for multiple iterations in sequential or random flow. Commands allow retransmission of messages with specific interval. It also includes traffic commands to send and monitor voice, tones, digits, on the created sessions. It includes raw commands (send/monitor signaling bits, monitor power level, set idle code, and end task) to send WCS commands directly from MAPS to the server.

Screenshot of Script Editor

Profile Editor - Profiles are used to provide the user configured values to the fields in the Messages (i.e. Message Template in MAPS) through variables which are going to change during the course of a call. The XML defines a set of multiple profiles with varying parameter values that allow users to configure call instances in call generation and to receive calls.

Screenshot of Profile Editor

Message Editor - The Message Template is a *.HDL file that comprises of protocol encoding parameters with preset values. It is required to create a message template for every message in a protocol. The message templates are called within the scripts to perform scenario based testing.

Screenshot of Message Editor

Call Flow & Script Execution Control

Message Sequence - MAPS provides protocol trace with full message decoding, custom trace, and graphical ladder diagrams of call flow with time stamp while simulation is running. Call flow graph allows to easily verifying the messages exchanged between MAPS and DUT. See Call Generation and Call Reception for details Script Contents & Script Flow - The Scripts Contents window displays the contents of the script selected for call generation or reception. The Script Flow window displays the set of statements successfully executed by MAPS to help users in troubleshooting a particular the call scenario. Events & Event Profile Editor - User-defined events allow redirection of script execution on-thego. The custom parameters in the events can also be changed during script execution using Event Profiles.

Screenshot of Script Contents and Script Flow

Call Statistics, Events, Link Status

Call Statistics & Status - By default, all call handling scripts (irrespective of the type of the functions) are assessed by MAPS to provide statistical information about Total Calls, Active Calls, Completed Calls, Passed Calls, Failed Calls, and Calls/Sec . It is also possible to characterize the statistical information under different groups of call handling scripts under a unique heading. In addition, Call Generation and Call Reception windows provide useful call status & script execution results. In addition, Call Generation and Call Reception windows provide useful call status & script execution results.

Screenshot of Call Statistics and Status Events Reporting MAPS provides Event Log, Error Events, and Captured Errors windows that log the captured events and errors encountered during the progress of the call.

Screenshot of Event Log Link Status - Link Status window indicates transport related information of the protocol, for example, if SCTP is used as transport, it indicates if the association is Up or Down in the Link Status window