As the global rollout of 5G networks accelerates, the telecom industry faces mounting pressure to ensure seamless performance, scalability, and interoperability across complex network architectures. With billions of devices expected to connect through 5G in the coming years, the stakes for reliability have never been higher, prompting companies to seek robust testing solutions that can keep pace with evolving standards. GL Communications Inc., a prominent name in telecom testing, has stepped up to this challenge with a significant enhancement to their 5G testing capabilities. Their latest offering focuses on Service-Based Interface (SBI) emulation, testing, and monitoring, providing an advanced suite designed to validate core network functions. This development marks a pivotal moment for network operators and equipment manufacturers striving to meet stringent 3GPP Release 17 standards. By addressing the intricate demands of modern 5G infrastructure, this solution aims to bolster confidence in network deployments worldwide, ensuring they can handle real-world demands with precision.
Empowering 5G Networks with Comprehensive Testing Tools
At the heart of this advancement lies the MAPS™ 5G SBI test suite, a versatile platform engineered to emulate and evaluate a wide array of critical 5G network functions. This includes essential components such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Unified Data Management (UDM), and User Plane Function (UPF), among others. Supporting an extensive range of interfaces like N8, N10, N12, and N22, the suite enables thorough testing of both control and user plane procedures. Beyond functional validation, it excels in load testing by generating high volumes of control-plane traffic to assess network performance under stress. The ability to simulate multiple base stations and tens of thousands of User Equipment (UE) further enhances its utility for end-to-end validation. This comprehensive approach ensures that standalone nodes or entire 5G call flows can be rigorously tested, providing telecom professionals with the confidence that their networks can withstand the pressures of large-scale deployment and diverse operational scenarios.
Innovating Workflow Efficiency for Telecom Professionals
A standout feature of the latest MAPS™ 5G SBI release is the integration of a YAML editor, which simplifies the creation of JSON-structured messages for REST-based HTTP APIs central to 5G service-based architectures. This user-friendly tool reduces the complexity of designing and managing JSON templates, streamlining test configuration processes for engineers. Additionally, full compliance with 3GPP standards ensures support for key procedures such as registration, authentication, session management, and secure communication, fostering interoperability across varied network environments. The emphasis on scalability and standards adherence reflects a broader industry trend toward robust, adaptable testing solutions. By addressing the shift to service-based interfaces and the intricacies of HTTP protocols, GL Communications demonstrates a commitment to easing the burden on telecom teams. This innovation not only enhances testing efficiency but also positions the company as a leader in navigating the challenges of 5G deployment, ensuring networks meet the highest benchmarks of reliability and performance.
