GL launches latest 5G network test suite

Globally located telecom test and measurement solutions provider GL Communications Inc. has announced at a press gathering the launch of its new 5G Core Network Test Solution, a multi-protocol, a multi-interface test tool.

GL says that its latest 5G Core Emulator Suite (MAPS) currently supports N1 N2 interface between gNB (Next Generation NodeB), and AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) simulation per 3GPP Release 15 standards.

GL has also said that in addition a comprehensive VQuad solution can be used to evaluate voice and data quality over 5G/4G cellular networks.

“GL’s comprehensive Signaling and Traffic Emulation Suites for 5G/4G Wireless Networks, Legacy TDM Networks, and IP Networks, use a common framework/architecture referred to as MAPS," said Vijay Kulkarni CEO of GL communications.“ The architecture provides a programmable, scriptable framework that is independent of any protocol or network, makes it easy to perform cross-domain testing and transition tests to new technology such as 5G. The 5G core network and all its underlying entities can be accurately tested for functionalities and performance."

He further added, “GL's Message Automation and Protocol Simulation (MAPS) supports testing 5G - N1, N2 interfaces which can simulate gNB (gNodeB), and AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) according to 3GPP Release 15 standards. The new application gives the users the unlimited ability to edit NGAP/NAS messages and call scenarios (message sequences)."

"Message Sequences" are generated through scripts. "Messages" are created using message templates. The product supports Mobile traffic core – GTP (ETH101) simulation for user-plane packet transmission and reception services between any two nodes in 5G network. Mobile Traffic Core – Gateway (ETH102) module allows simulation of Gateway Traffic to test media gateway telephony interfaces over IP. These modules also support generation and verification of data traffic such as FTP, Web (HTTP), Video, and more."

Robert Bichefsky, Director of Engineering of GL Communications, added that, “GL’s VQuad Solution, a comprehensive QoS Test Suite for 5G/4G Wireless Networks can evaluate voice and data quality independent of the underlying network such as Cellular/Wireless networks, Land Mobile Radios and Wired networks. When linked with the GL VQT Analyzer, one can automate Voice POLQA measurements and evaluate true ‘User-Experience’ in real-time. In other words, using the VQuad solution fully test voice and data on the GL simulated 5G network, or any network."