5G network testing involves the simulation of control plane signaling with network and data traffic to ensure that the network’s functionalities and performance meet the 5G standard defined by 3GPP. GL Communications Inc. announced a new advanced 5G Core network test suite that enables network operators, equipment manufacturers and service providers to test and analyze their 5G Core networks for optimal functionality.
The Message Automation and Protocol Simulation (MAPS) suite offers 5G emulation capabilities and the emulation of other protocols in the 4G, 3G, 2G, SIGTRAN, time-domain multiplexing (CAS, SS7, ISDN, etc.) and voice over IP (SIP, RTP etc.) domains. The MAPS software suite enables “rigorous” testing and troubleshooting of network infrastructure, software applications and user equipment (UE) for compliance.
“The MAPS framework tests core network functionalities and performance with multiple base stations and tens of thousands of UEs, allowing any network element to be replaced with the device under test for wrap-around testing,” GL said.
The suite supports control plane signaling and user plane traffic in 5G networks and emulates all 5G interfaces including N1N2, N4, N8, N10, N11, N12, N13, N17, N20, N21, N22, N29 and N51. It also supports HTTP2/TLS and REST APIs emulation in 5G Core, as well as Python APIs for scripting and automation. Each MAPS server supports multiple Python clients and each client can connect to multiple MAPS servers.
(Source: GL Communications Inc.)
The 5G Emulators test 5G NR base stations and 5G Core Network Functions according to 3GPP standards. Using mobile phones and other emulated wireless networks, a complete 5G Lab can be operated in real-time to make voice over New Radio (VoNR) calls and interoperate with 4G, 3G, 2G, PSTN and VoIP networks. MAPS 5G Lab enables end-to-end testing using real and simulated UEs.
The 5G network’s End-to-End architecture delivers seamless interoperability. It connects the 5G Access Network (gNodeB), Access and Mobility Management Function, Authentication Server Function, Network Slice Selection Function, Unified Data Management, Session Management Function, Equipment Identity Register, Short Message Service Function, Network Exposure Function and User Plane Function to data servers or application functions and the EPC/IMS core.
GL’s End-to-End Wireless Network Emulation Test Suite provides a full-fledged live network and integrated solutions for emulating, monitoring and troubleshooting any wireless network, including 5G, 4G and 3G, all conforming to industry standards.
The 5G Protocol Analyzer monitors live 5G networks including the ability to capture, decode and collect statistics over the N1N2, N4, N8, N10, N11, N12 and N13 interfaces. It can build call detail records, save 5G calls and compute statistics on calls including voice quality and packet loss.
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