SS7 Testing and Analysis for an NGN Solution
Two SS7 testing and analysis programs for an NGN Solution are described below. These programs focus on the SS7 interface between the NGN Solution and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Telcordia also conducts testing/analysis of SS7 over IP used within an NGN Solution.
SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis
The objective of the SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis program is to provide comprehensive testing and analysis of the SS7 implementation for conformance to a relevant set of SS7 criteria (e.g., ANSI specifications, Telcordia generic requirements, or ITU-T recommendations). The work effort includes extensive testing and analysis. Telcordia provides an impact assessment and priority rating (Critical, Major, Minor, Information) for any analysis findings identified. The results of the analysis are documented in a Distributable Technical Analysis Report, which is delivered to the NGN Solution supplier. The NGN Solution supplier can distribute the report to third parties.
Sample NGN Solution Test Configuration
The basic SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis program covers the following functional areas: MTP Level 2, MTP Level 3 (SSP functionality), and ISUP (originating/terminating or tandem functionality). This program also covers SCCP and TCAP layer functionality if the NGN Solution provides TCAP applications, such as LNP, Toll-Free, and/or CNAM.
Typically, the SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis program also includes conducting an end-to-end voice call using the NGN Solution interconnected to a real STP and SSP (serving as the PSTN). This call is used to determine whether an end-to-end voice call can be established with other real network elements in a sunny-day scenario. Telcordia also offers the SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis program, which provides more extensive interoperability testing/analysis as described below.
SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis
The objective of the SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis program is to determine the behavior and overall network impact of deploying the NGN Solution into a real (multi-supplier) node environment. Typically, the test configuration consists of the NGN Solution, two SSPs, and one STP (pair). Telcordia provides an impact assessment and priority rating (Critical, Major, Minor, Information) for any analysis findings identified with the NGN Solution. The results of the analysis are documented in a Distributable Technical Analysis Report, which is delivered to the NGN Solution supplier. The NGN Solution supplier can distribute the report to third parties.
The functional areas analyzed include: basic SS7 protocol tests to observe the responses and interactions of the NGN Solution with off-net (PSTN) network elements, simulated stress events to emulate both intra- and inter-network trouble conditions (e.g., persistent congestion), abnormal conditions (e.g., link failures and oscillations), and maintenance/management scenarios (e.g., circuit blocking).
The SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis program could also include additional/different SSPs as well as an SCP (e.g., to conduct end-to-end testing/analysis of data base access services/functionality, such as LNP).
Combined Program
If an NGN Solution supplier moves forward with both the SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis program and the SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis program, there are some efficiencies/synergies (e.g., generation of a single Technical Analysis Report). The SS7 conformance testing/analysis is conducted first, followed by the SS7 network interoperability testing/analysis.