Features

This page contains an overview of the features of the STINGA SS7 Simulator product. You can also download the product brochure for a detailed overview of the product features.

Testing

  • Supports both black box and white box testing.
  • Use it for component, function, integration, system, acceptance, and conformance testing.
  • Free conformance test suits included with the system.
  • Easy to develop new test suits based on existing ones.
  • ISUP Interconnect Testing: Comprehensive conformance test suite included free of charge with the SS7 Simulator.
  • Regression Testing: To build test suites is a breeze and enables the user to perform automated regression testing in a cost-efficient way.
  • Mobile Testing: Full support for CAMEL, INAP, MAP and SMS enables the SS7 Simulator to be used for mobile testing against BSCs and MSC/VCRs.
  • IN Testing: Easily build your own test suites with IN messages.
  • Load Testing: The SS7 Simulator is able to generate about 200 calls per second per E1/T1/J1 line interface (dependent of the size of the messages to be sent).

Simulator Processes

The SS7 Simulator product has up to eight simulator processes that can simulate the same or different user parts. These simulators can be connected to the same or to different E1/T1/J1s, and to the same or different timeslots. E.g. one of the simulators can simulate ISUP on one E1, and the other simulator can simulate SCCP on another E1 simultaneously. All the simulator processes can be configured as Terminal (slave timing) and Net (master timing).

Automatic MTP2 and SMH

Layer 2 mechanisms are handled automatically. Point codes can be specified manually, or they are automatically picked up from the first incoming message. SLTM/SLTA handshaking is also automatically handled.

Call & Release Call guides

Call setup and termination are easily done from dialogs which guides the user through the generation of outgoing calls and termination of calls. These guides are combined with a Parameter Builder.

Protocols and User Parts

Simulation of different protocols and user parts like MTP, ISUP, TUP/IUP, SCCP, TCAP, MAP, SMS, IN, MWI and CCBS are supported.

Audio and DTMF Generator/Detector

The DTMF Generator makes it possible to send single DTMF tones and to specify a series of digits to be sent as DTMF tones. When DTMF tones are sent/received, message are printed in the one-line decoding window. Received DTMF tones and audio is played in the PC-speakers for the PCMCIA solutions, and in the connected handset for the PCI solutions. This function is available both through the user interface and scripts.

Parameter Builder

A parameter builder simplifies the parameter building. The value of a parameter in a protocol like ISUP, SCCP, TCAP and CAMEL may be modified by dialogs reflecting the specification. For advanced or out of spec modifications, the user is able to make modifications on hex/bit level. The parameter builder supports protocols such as ISUP/SCCP (including national variants), TCAP and CAMEL.

Call Generation

In call generation mode, one simulator process is only sending messages while the other simulator process is only responding to incoming messages. The Call Generator is able to send about 200 calls per second per interface (dependent of the size of the messages to be sent). Sending with “shared flags” is also supported.

Script Language

A powerful and flexible script language makes it possible to set up a required/desired (protocol/terminal) state, both normal and error states. There are no restrictions on neither format nor content of the messages transmitted/received. Arbitrary manipulation (down to bit level) of messages, parameters and message sequence on the different protocols are allowed. The test scripts may be started manually or they can be automatically triggered by incoming messages. DTMF scripting is supported including branching dependent on the received DTMF string. This is a very comprehensive feature for testing DTMF dependent services.

Remote Control

The simulator application is constructed to be remotely controlled over a IP connection (like a dial-up connection). The graphical user interface is installed on a local PC, while the simulator “agent” is running on a remote PC connected to the test object through the hardware.

Conformance Test Suite Framework

Repeated use of the simulator to perform similar tests is significantly alleviated if a library structure of test scripts is built. Examples of situations where this is recommended are interconnect testing between network operators as well as functional testing, regression testing and conformance testing of terminal equipment and/or network elements. A library of test scripts is available as a framework for the user for building a dedicated test environment. The library is based on the ITU-T Q.782 (MTP Level 3), Q.784 (Basic Call), Q.785 (Supplementary Services) and Q.788 recommendations.

SS7oM3UA Features

  • SS7 simulation over IP (M3UA/SCTP)
  • Simulating an SGP handling several ASPs
  • Simulating one or more ASPs
  • Multiple routing keys
  • Scriptable handling of M3UA endpoints
  • Scriptable handling of SCTP associations
  • Multiple SCTP associations
  • Multiple SCTP streams
  • Multihoming
  • CRC-32c and Adler-32 checksum support
  • Script-based testing
  • Script and Parameter Builder
  • Automatic answering incoming messages

SCT Features

  • Possible to control any bit inside the SCTP protocol
  • Setting gaps in Transmission Sequence Number to test Selective Acknowledgement
  • Setting Stream Numbers
  • Setting Stream Sequence Numbers
  • Testing Retransmission Timers
  • Testing Multihoming
  • Heartbeat Controll on two routes
  • Bundling of Control and Data Chunks
  • Conformance Test Suite Framework based on IETF Conformance Test Specification for SCTP

SSP, STP and SCP simulation

The SS7 Simulator can be used to simulate against SSPs, STPs and SCPs.

Cost-efficient Windows-based Test Instruments

All software and hardware components are running on standard notebook and desktop PCs with Windows, providing cost efficient IT service, fast learning curve, easy and cheap access to replacement units.

Same User Interfaces for all Products Reduce Costs

All test instruments from Utel Systems are based on the same windows user interface framework. The user do not have to focus on how to use different applications, meaning full focus on different protocols and network technologies in use. Same decoding format for monitor and simulator results in time efficient testing.

Simultaneously Protocol Simulation & Analysis

Different protocol simulators and analyzers can easily be used together on the same PC simultaneously. It is possible to simulate on one side of a test object (i.e. a switch) and monitor on the “other” side. By installing two PCMCIA cards in one notebook, it is possible to use both cards to monitor two E1/T1/J1 interfaces or to use one card for protocol monitoring and the other for protocol simulation. A combination of SS7, SIP & SIGTRAN, BICC, V5 and ISDN PRA test instruments are supported.

Remote control for reduced costs

This feature enables efficient use of centralized expert competence and reduced travelling and training costs. The SS7 instrument can be controlled remotely over LAN/WAN (like a dial-up connection). E.g. it is possible to control two separate remote test instruments from one local PC using two B-channels on one ISDN Basic Access.

Open script format

Content and order of any message of information element can be changed. The simulator can therefore simulate any regular or irregular/incorrect protocol implementation and be adapted to new protocol elements.