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Over the last months, experts from China Telecom and 7layers have successfully completed the full evaluation of the NB-IoT SIM/SAT test cases based on the Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC.
China Telecom plans in future to rely on the Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC (TP115) for NB-IoT tests (USIM/USAT) for certification testing.
Since June 2018 7layers has been listed with “Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC” as a technically certified partner for NB-IoT SIM/SAT conformity test solutions at China Mobile, one of the largest and rapidly growing LTE network operators in Asia. This makes the Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC (TP115) the first reference platform approved by China Mobile for NB-IoT USIM tests.
Before the certification program, China Mobile and 7layer’s Interlab experts performed validation on the Interlab test system for 6 months. “We are very pleased with the approval of China Mobile and that through the validation, we were able to support China Mobile to start their Certification Acceptance Program for NB IoT/USIM”, Interlab Product Manager Magdy Ahmed explains.
The network operator China Telecom also plans in the future for NB-IoT tests (USIM/USAT) to rely on the 7layers test solution. Together with 7layers, China Telecom successfully completed the full evaluation of the Interlab Test Solution in July 2018.
But not only large mobile phone providers such as China Mobile and China Telecom require NB- IoT conformance testing and certification. Leading interest groups such as GCF and PTCRB commit chipset and module manufacturers as well as device manufacturers to this verification of manufacturer and network operator independent interface conformity.
Since 2 years ago 7layers provides with “Interlab Testsolution DEVICE/UICC” a ready-to-use test solution for NB IoT and LTE CAT-M1 in combination with USIM/USAT applications. The test packages include: USIM interaction in NB-IoT networks according to 3GPP TS 31.121 and USAT interaction in NB-IoT and LTE CAT-M1 networks according to 3GPP TS 31.124. The 7layer test solution covers the GCF work item #266 (NB-IoT SIM/SAT) and #125-M/#137-M/#230-M (LTE CAT-M1 USIM/SAT) completely.
In addition to these established GCF/PTCRB work items for conformity tests and certifications, the GCF has now introduced two new work items #301-NB/#301-M for NB IoT and LTE CAT-M1 USIM/USAT, to ensure Rel’14 PSM and eDRX power consumption. As member of 3GPP standardization, the GCF working groups and PTCRB, 7layers has actively helped develop the introduction of the new work items.
The standardized NB-IoT and LTE CAT-M1 technologies allow improved range in buildings, the integration of a high number of devices, low delay sensitivity, low energy consumption and an optimal network architecture in the internet of things.
With Release 13, 3GPP has specified LTE Cat-M1, a low power wide area (LPWAN) technology in licensed spectrum for enhanced machine type communication (eMTC). The technology is used for M2M / IoT applications in areas such as smart home, smart metering, building automation, smart factory, automotive & transportation services, mobile-health applications etc.
“To ensure interoperability between the UICC, integrated in LTE Cat-M1 devices, the radio devices themselves and the mobile networks they are using, GCF and PTCRB have developed new certification requirements”, explains Magdy Ahmed, product manager of the Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC. “We have therefore extended our proven test solution with a further test package, especially geared to evaluate the USIM and USAT applications of LTE Cat-M1 devices. Thanks to its reliability, ease of use and cost effectiveness, the test solution is already in use on a global scale for mobile phone certification testing. With this new test package the solution will also enable the evaluation of the large number of M2M / IoT devices, heading for the global market.”
To enable the authentication of LTE CAT-M1 devices accessing mobile networks and services and to support security critical applications, the 3GPP test specifications TS 31.121 Rel-13 and TS 31.124 Rel-13 include additional USIM and USAT tests for the UICC integrated in LTE CAT-M1 devices.
Based on these specifications, both GCF (Global Certification Forum) and PTCRB have introduced new certification requirements for the qualification of LTE Cat-M1 devices in conjunction with the USIM and USAT features of the integrated UICC, such as
For a smooth and highly automated test process, 7layers has extended its Interlab test solution DEVICE/UICC with the required certification test packages for LTE Cat-M1 USIM and USAT. The commercially available test package runs on our Interlab test solution DEVICE/UICC in conjunction with the R&S CMW500 network simulator.
For more information on our long proven Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC and the new LTE Cat-M1 USIM/USAT test package please take a look here or contact Marketing@Interlab.com