FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
This invention relates to the area of verification of 3G radio access interface
to an IP switch or Softswitch. Particularly, this invention relates to the luPs interface of UMTS network. More specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for verification of system level functionalities between radio network controllers (RNC), Wireless Softswitch and Wireless gateways and ensure:
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
The purpose of this invention is to present tests that verify the functionality of the connectivity between RNC and Softswitch components. Focus on these tests is to test the luPs protocols on control and data planes. It is needed to execute all the functional tests of adaptors and profiles between RNC and Switch to verify effectiveness of signaling and call processing in the real time and simulated scenarios.
Not all test cases are possible in all platforms; possible platforms where the tests should be run are identified in the cases. When supports for new protocols and call scenarios are implemented, corresponding test cases should be added into this test specification.
luPs has set of signaling and traffic protocols for channeling data between a User agent and Switch, In a Wireless world, company specific Softswitch platform is generally used for processing of service profiles such VOIP and data tunneling. Softswitch is integrated with RNC with same set of protocols and the intention is to reuse as much of the already existing functionality as possible
Depending on internal configuration, the Softswitch initiates Signaling protocol and network establishment with a Data callj-eqSoftswitchst on a 4G network.
1. SOFTSWITCH performs a Data call_req to process data on a bearer network RNC. The RNCresponse will contain an acknowledgement and a confirmation. The addresses of RNC that support the Softswitch Signaling protocol in the 4G networks according to standard OMA procedures. If the PLMN does not support the Data call, then the Signaling protocol returns a negative response. In this case, the SOFTSWITCH contain Softswitch with step 2.

2. The SOFTSWITCH selects a profile from the list received in step 1, and the establishment of synchronization is performed between the SOFTSWITCH and the RNC. The SOFTSWITCH includes the user identity in the initial tunnel establishment. The UE and RNC exchange information (via the Node B and bearer) in order to establish a filtering policy to allow the forwarding of data packets to the Softswitch.
Currently there are no 4G SOFTSWITCH and networks. Hence there is no mechanism for the following features:
1. Performance tests for data traffic : data traffic beyond 20 M bits/ sec and equivalent voice traffic of more than 15000 BHCA ( Busy hour call attempts) are the key parameters for performance tests which needs to be verified on call/data handling network
2. O&M features with respect to 4G networks : Operation and maintenance features are not defined for a 4G network and hence this invention do not cover these parameters
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is primary object of the invention to provide a system and method for testing . signaling and data call processing in a Softswitch-4G interworking system through luPS interfaces and 4G intermediate nodes.
It is another object of the invention to provide mechanisms by which the testing dependencies in System testing of Data call i.e. reduced in 4G network scenarios
It is another object of the invention to provide mechanisms by which a Softswitch is subjected to different profile and network conditions as specified in 3GPP Data call specifications. These scenarios are based on the location of SOFTSWITCH and it's connectivity to the RNC. The invention also provides mechanism of testing the control and data planes on the lu interface in the chosen path between SOFTSWITCH and RNC.
It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism for testing a SOFTSWITCH in the absence of a 4G network, required SOFTSWITCH hardware.
The present invention is related to system tests that verifies the functionality

of SOFTSWITCH for data signaling an traffic with a RNC within a 4G network and, to resolve the above mentioned problems associated with the current systems in 2.5G and 3G networks and provides end-to-end interoperability of SOFTSWITCH and 4G contents. This would require a test setup, which would simulate all the data conditions, originated from Softswitch. From Softswitch up to the selected data base RNC within the PLMN, all the test scenarios are proposed for verification
The system for the invention comprises of a 4G SOFTSWITCH emulator interconnected to a 4G delivery network consisting of a RNC, Node b-and their interfaces, intermediate RF interfaces which could be simulated on a TCP/IP port.
The method of the invention comprises of mechanisms, which would be solving the problems associated with the following Specifications and network scenarios:
Complete suite of GSM (Rel. 5) compliance for a mobile switch. Interfaces include
• RNC interface
• HLR interface
• PSTN interface
• MSC to MSC interface
• AAA interface
Test efforts
• Test methodology.
• Generation of test plans for ETSI GSM Release 5 standards compliance
• Test case identification and creation.
• Automated test script generation and implementation.
• System load test creation and testing.
1. Signaling path is established between the Softswitch and RNC within PLMN, based on UE profiles and the gateway path. This addressing is a logical functionality, which does the authentication (AAA) in the PLMN, and decides the path to be taken by each packet. For the sake of discussion, the selected profiles under synchronization & logical functionality is shown co-existing with database-RNC, but as such this functionality can be residing in any

component reachable by Softswitch, adaptors and 4G network. Incase its not residing along with database-RNC; the information on user ID has to be exchanged between authentication RNC and SOFTSWITCH. For further discussion in this proposition, all the SOFTSWITCH profiles are shown residing in data base-RNC as an example, though it doesn't mandate it to be co-existing. These profiles are applied at the SOFTSWITCH and 4G database RNC. The SOFTSWITCH receives the acknowledgement of authenticated i User ID from AAA RNC and filters based on the status and location, and distributes to the respective RF bearer, which makes data flow and real-time synchronization possible between Softswitch and 4G database RNC.
2. Using the Data call mechanism, based on profiles selected for connectivity,, it would be possible to verify the performance management based on the latency of the RF data link, which has limited packet through put in the in the current 2.5G/3G networks.
3. Based on the bearer interfaces with the user agent, SOFTSWITCH shall be assigning a best path for RNC via lu links. This would allow tunneling of packets either in locally or remotely. Based on the method of signaling, two methods are provided to enable effective testing on all the 4G RF interfaces
4. Making use of advantages of Signaling protocol, the data traffic is compared to cater for better performance, scalability and easy of implementation.
Accordingly this invention explains a method for verification of 4G wireless interfaces for a Softswitch wherein the said method is used to test different protocols available on RNC and SOFTSWITCH in a 4G network through a local method or remote method where in the local method comprising the steps of:
connecting the Softswitch emulator to the local RNC through IRDA, TCP/IP,
USB or a serial port;
selecting a data profile ; and
initiating a Signaling protocol from SOFTSWITCH, where the remote method comprising the steps of:
connecting a UE supported 4G network through RF bearers wcdma, cdmalx
EV DO or Wi MAX where the said connection is established by initiating a data
call and connection to a data access point on the 4G network.

The data profile is a contact, e-mail, MMS or video. Testing the signaling protocol SOFTSWITCH to a local data base of RNC is done with a SOFTSWITCH calIreq_Softswitch which is the SOFTSWITCH identity for assigning a unique call label and for each IP address a channel type req_Softswitch used for any of the local interfaces such as IRDA, Blue tooth or a serial interface. On authentication and channel allocation, all the intermediate and end nodes in the path between Softswitch and the data base RNC are connected through the selected interface where the through put is chosen as per the UE profile and each profile is filtered at data base RNC based on the interface and the location of SOFTSWITCH. Connection between data base RNC-SOFTSWITCH is initiated IP packet reaches the RNC through the lu interface established between SOFTSWITCH and RNC where the data base at RNC takes the packets through the inter-working protocols and Node b, till completion of call processing of selected profile. When a voice call is selected for RNC, data packet destined for a particular SOFTSWITCH reaches 4G data base at RNC and the IMSI is verified by the AAA of Softswitch, and a channel on respective RF bearer such as wcdma, cdma 1XEV DO or Wi MAX handles the flow type and the SOFTSWITCH-agent profile. The data packet traverses through the PLMN up to 4G data base RNC, using 4G intermediate nodes and data base at RNC tracks profiles to be traversed to a remote SOFTSWITCH. Simulated 4G bearers using a standard protocol simulator is used in place of 4G real time networks which eliminates dependencies on a 4G SOFTSWITCH and the networks. The call_ req__Softswitch is forwarded by Access Point to the data base on RNC for the specified interface using Data call protocol along with IMSI, which assist 4G gateway in identifying the location from which SOFTSWITCH is accessing the network. The data base on RNC forwards the acknowledgment for the signaling initiation req__channel to SOFTSWITCH as it knows the location of SOFTSWITCH from the Access point from which the request_Softswitch is forwarded where this information is carried over to the RF interface or a 4G network simulator. The local tests are performed using an emulator set up which uses a SOFTSWITCH emulator, PC suite for test cases, and a flash device to load the software under test and the remote tests are performed using a 4G network simulator with RF bearers such as wcdma, cdmalXEvDOorWiMAX.
Accordingly this invention also explains a system for verification of 4g wireless interfaces for a Softswitch wherein the said system comprise a 4G

SOFTSWITCH emulator interconnected to a 4G delivery network consisting of a RNC, Node b and their interfaces, and an intermediate RF interfaces which is simulated on a TCP/IP port.
Accordingly this invention also explains a system for verification of 4g wireless interfaces for a Softswitch wherein the said system is used to test different protocols available on RNC and SOFTSWITCH in a 4G network locally or remotely where in the local method , the said system comprise:
means for connecting the Softswitch emulator to the local RNC .through IRDA,
TCP/IP, USB or a serial port;
means for selecting a data profile ; and
means for initiating a Signaling protocol from SOFTSWITCH, where in remote method the said system comprise:
means for connecting a UE supported 4G network through RF bearers
wcdma, cdmalx EV DO or Wi MAX where the said connection is established
by initiating a data call and connection to a data access point on the 4G
network.
The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description as follows:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Figurel shows the different network nodes of a Softswitch-4G inter-working system, involved in Signaling protocol.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the innovation. Numerous specific details are described to provide a through understanding of the present invention. However in certain instances well-known or conventional details are not described in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail.
The present invention provides a system and method to test different protocols such as NBAP, RANAP, and PDCP, GTP etc., available on RNC and

SOFTSWITCH in a 4G network either through local method or remote method.
The method of the invention comprises of mechanisms of testing the Signaling protocol SOFTSWITCH to a local data base of RNC with a SOFTSWITCH ca!lreq_Softswitch the authentication for IMSI, which is the SOFTSWITCH identity for assigning a unique call label and for each IP address a channel type req_Softswitch for any of the local interfaces such as IRDA, Blue tooth or a serial interface. Up on authentication and channel allocation, all the intermediate and end nodes in the path between Softswitch and the data base RNC are-connected through the selected interface. Through put is chosen as per the UE profile, for each profile is filtered at data base RNC based on the interface and the location of SOFTSWITCH. When connection between, Data base RNC-SOFTSWITCH is initiated IP packet reaches the RNC through the lu interface established between SOFTSWITCH and RNC. Data base at RNC takes the packets through the inter-working protocols and Node b, till completion of call processing of selected profile. When a voice call is selected for RNC, data packet destined for a particular SOFTSWITCH, it reaches 4G data base at RNC, the IMSI is verified by the AAA of Softswitch, and a channel on respective RF bearer such as wcdma, cdma 1XEV DO or Wi MAX will handle the flow type and the SOFTSWITCH-agent profile. The packet traverses through the PLMN up to 4G data base RNC, using 4G intermediate nodes, where data base at RNC tracks profiles to be traversed to a remote SOFTSWITCH. In the absence of a real hardware for SOFTSWITCH, an emulator of a SOFTSWITCH is used. Similarly in place of 4G real time networks, simulated 4G bearers using a standard protocol
simulator is used. This would be eliminating dependencies on a 4G SOFTSWITCH
*
and the networks. This invention would be providing all the advantages of testing the functionality of a Signaling and traffic protocols of a SOFTSWITCH on a 4G network and ensure interoperability of the system.
The subsequent subsections detail the test scenarios and the method of testing Used in the invention:
Operation of the Invention
Verification of Signaling protocol is performed as mentioned below: 1. In a local method, Softswitch emulator is connected to the local RNC through

IRDA, TCP/IP, USB or a serial port. A data profile such as contacts, e-mail, MMS, video is selected and a Signaling protocol is initiated from SOFTSWITCH.
2. In remote method, a UE supporting 4G network is connected to the SOFTSWITCH emulator through RF bearers such as wcdma, cdmalx EV DO or Wi MAX. This is established by initiating a data call and connection tea data access point on the 4G network.
3. This call_ req_Softswitch is forwarded by Access Point to the data base on RNC for the specified interface using Data call protocol along with IMSI, which would assist 4G gateway in identifying the location from which SOFTSWITCH is trying to access the network.
4. Remote data base RNC knows the location of SOFTSWITCH form the Access point from which the request_Softswitch is forwarded. Data base on RNC forwards the acknowledgment for the signaling initiation req_channel to SOFTSWITCH is attached: This information is carried over the RF interface or a 4G network simulator.
5. All the local tests are performed using an emulator set up as given in the Figure 1. The setup uses a SOFTSWITCH emulator, PC suite for test cases, flash device to load the software under test.
6. All the remote tests are performed using a 4G network simulator with RF bearers such as wcdma, cdma 1XEv DO or Wi MAX. The test setup is given in Figure 1.
7. A test methodology to address end to end test life cycle from unit tests to Interoperability and maintenance tests are illustrated in Figure 1 .
Test setup details ( Figure 1) Test resources
> Protocol tester

> TTCNTau
> Softswitch under test
> Workstations with MS Office Software.
Test coverage
Functional tests: . A detailed test plan is prepared during the pre-study. Test cases
for the functional tests are identified during the test execution phase.
BSS and MSC interfaces (luPs, Gb, A, MAP) come with huge set of protocol layers. Following is the strategy for verifying functionality of these protocols. For example for luPS/Gb interface:
A protocol tester can be used in place of a network element (BSS) to produce desired test conditions and monitor. For instance, when testing Gb the test equipment can simulate/Emulate RNC behavior, keeping the other interfaces of the switch independent of the network. This allows to test Core functionality and regression tests of Softswitch modules.
Conformance tests: Verification of UMTS stacks implemented on a Softswitch is based on ETSI / ITU standards. These tests ensure the system under development to inter-operate, exchange and handle information with the other network elements.
A protocol tester can emulate / simulates both as the user / network. While available standards are built in the existing test suits of protocol emulator, TTCN compiler allows the tester to build test suits to test the SUT ( Softswitch under test) against selective requirements/standards. TTCN allows the test suits to be converted as C executables.
Performance tests : Performance of GSM / GPRS stacks implemented on a Softswitch is conducted using a protocol simulator as load generator. Following are the typical load values for different interfaces:
> luPS: 1.4Mbps per E1 link
> A/SS7: 30,000 BHCA
> MAP: 100,000 transactions

Test setup Features
> Simulation on up to 32 communication channels on up to 16 links at the same
time (up to 4 links
in one window, up to 8 communication channels on up to 4 links per PRIME-board)
> Emulation on Gb Interface (BSS):
FR (only GPRS), NS, BSSGP, LLC, SNDCP ^ > IP or SNDCP packet generator and comparator (15Kbytes typical per context)
> Simulation of two physical links
> Monitoring of one physical link
> Uses E1 or DS1 Interface
> (GSM/DCS 1800/PCS 1900):Phase 2,
> CDMA: APLUS,IS41B,IS41C,SMS TR ( Standards)
Simultaneous simulation and testing Network Elements of a Mobile Network (including HLR,VLR and others) TTCN compiler, concurrent TTCN compiler and editor with ASN.1 ability available
The above-presented description is of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The manner and process of making and using it is in such a full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable to any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use this invention. New embodiments in particular, which also lie within the scope of the invention can be created, in which different details of the different examples can in a purposeful way be combined with one another.
This invention is however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that disclosed above which are fully equivalent. Consequently, it is not the intention to limit this invention to the particular embodiment disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally expressed by the following claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND DEFINITONS THEREOF
Ul User Interface
UE User Equipment
HW Hardware
ETSI European Telecommunication standards Institute
ITU International Telecommunication union
RNC Radio network controller
RF Radio Frequency
HLR Home location register
VLR visiting location register
PSTN Public service telephone network
MSC Mobile switching center
AAA Authentication, Authorization and accounting
ASN Abstract state notation
luPS lu ( ETSI standard) interface for packet services
MAP Media access protocol
A A interface ( ETSI standard)
Gb GPRS packet data interface
OMA Open Mobile alliance
PLMN Public Land Mobile network
GSM Global system for mobile communication
GPRS General packet radio service
USB Universal serial bus
MMS Multimedia message service
cdma coded decimal multiple access
cdma 1X EV DO cdma evolution data only
UMTS Universal Mobile Telephone system
Wi MAX wide band multiple access
NBAP Node B application part
RANAP Radio access network application part
PDCP Packet data convergence protocol
BSS Base Station system
GTP GPRS tunneling protocol
TTCN Tree and tabular combined notation

NS Network Service protocol
BSSGP Base station system gateway protocol
LLC Lower link control
SNDCP Service network data control protocol
DCS Digital communication system

CLAIM:
1. A method for verification of 4g wireless interfaces for a Softswitch wherein the said
method is used to test different protocols available on RNC and SOFTSWITCH in a
4G network through a local method or remote method where in the local method
comprising the steps of:
connecting the Softswitch emulator to the local RNC through IRDA, TCP/IP, USB or a serial port ; selecting a data profile ; and initiating a Signaling protocol from SOFTSWITCH, where the remote method comprising the steps of:
connecting a UE supported 4G network through RF bearers wcdma, cdmalx EV DO or Wi MAX where the said connection is established by initiating a data call and connection to a data access point on the 4G network.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data profile is a contact, e-mail* MMS
or video.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein testing the signaling protocol
SOFTSWITCH to a local data base of RNC is done with a SOFTSWITCH
callreq_Softswitch which is the SOFTSWITCH identity for assigning a unique call
label and for each IP address a channel type req_Softswitch used for any of the local
interfaces such as IRDA, Blue tooth or a serial interface.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein on authentication and channel allocation, all the intermediate and end nodes in the path between Softswitch and the data base RNC are connected through the selected interface where the through put is chosen as per the UE profile and each profile is filtered at data base RNC based on the interface and the location of SOFTSWITCH.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein when connection between data base RNC-SOFTSWITCH is initiated IP packet reaches the RNC through the lu interface established between SOFTSWITCH and RNC where the data base at RNC takes the packets through the inter-working protocols and Node b, till completion of call

processing of selected profile.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein when a voice call is selected for RNC, data packet destined for a particular SOFTSWITCH reaches 4G data base at RNC and the IMSI is verified by the AAA of Softswitch, and a channel on respective RF bearer such as wcdma, cdma 1XEV DO or Wi MAX handles the flow type and the SOFTSWITCH-agent profile.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein data packet traverses through the PLMN up to 4G data base RNC, using 4G intermediate nodes and data base at RNC tracks profiles to be traversed to a remote SOFTSWITCH.
8. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, simulated 4G bearers using a standard protocol simulator is used in place of 4G real time networks which eliminates dependencies on a 4G SOFTSWITCH and the networks.
9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein call_ req_Softswitch is forwarded by Access Point to the data base on RNC for the specified interface using Data call protocol along with IMSI, which assist 4G gateway in identifying the location from which SOFTSWITCH is accessing the network.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein data base on RNC forwards the acknowledgment for the signaling initiation req_channel to SOFTSWITCH as it knows the location of SOFTSWITCH from the Access point from which the request_Softswitch is forwarded where this information is carried over to the RF interface or a 4G network simulator.
11. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the local tests are performed using an emulator set up which uses a SOFTSWITCH emulator, PC suite for test cases, and a flash device to load the software under test.
12. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the remote tests are performed using a 4G network simulator with RF bearers such as wcdma, cdma 1XEv DO or Wi MAX.

13. A system for verification of 4g wireless interfaces for a Softswitch wherein the
said system comprise a 4G SOFTSWITCH emulator interconnected to a 4G delivery
network consisting of a RNC, Node b and their interfaces, and an intermediate RF
interfaces which is simulated on a TCP/IP port.
14. A system for verification of 4g wireless interfaces for a Softswitch wherein the
said system is used to test different protocols available on RNC and SOFTSWITCH
in a 4G .network locally or remotely where in the local method , the said system
comprise:
means for connecting the Softswitch emulator to the local RNC through IRDA, TCP/IP, USB or a serial port; means for selecting a data profile ; and means for initiating a Signaling protocol from SOFTSWITCH, where in remote method the said system comprise:
means for connecting a UE supported 4G network through RF bearers wcdma, cdmalx EV DO or Wi MAX where the said connection is established by initiating a data call and connection to a data access point on the 4G network.
15. A method for verification of 4g wireless interfaces for a Softswitch substantially
as herein described particularly with reference to the drawings.
16. A system for verification of 4g wireless interfaces for a Softswitch substantially as
herein described particularly with reference to the drawings.