To validate your solution, your test bed must reproduce the complexity and scale of real networks.
Evolved packet core (EPC) architecture improves quality of service and lowers network operating costs. However, mobile network operators must ensure that their EPC solution can deliver a high end-to-end quality of experience (QoE) while addressing a number of complex issues such as IPv4/IPv6 interworking, data and control plane security, user mobility between 2G, 3G and LTE, and high subscriber capacity.
Evolved packet core testing provides assurance that the core devices and end-to-end capabilities of the implementation meet design requirements and QoE expectations.
What to Test
Evolved packet core testing should include the following use cases:
- Interoperability—between network elements across 2G/3G and 4G/LTE
- Scalability—support millions of mobile subscribers in various stages of activation, deactivation and hand-off between cells
- Availability—simultaneous access to the wireless network using various access models while transmitting real-world application data
- Real-world scenarios—complex mobility and load
- Security—end-to-end security and application-aware features
Your test bed must reproduce the complexity and scale required to deliver voice, video and data services with high QoE. Without this level of realism, you can’t have the assurance that the system will perform in a real network.
Spirent Solutions
Evolved Packet Core use cases can be validated using these Spirent test solutions:
