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Ensure devices achieve conformance and carrier acceptance
The Protocol Conformance Toolset provides access to 3GPP-defined protocol conformance tests for 5G NR Releases 15, 16, and 17, including USIM / USAT, IMS, LBS, LTE, RedCap, NB-IoT with NTN support, MCX, and C-V2X. Keysight collaborates with major chipset vendors, device manufacturers, and test labs to ensure the latest features are being tested. Request a quote for the Protocol Conformance Toolset today. Want to learn more about this solution? Explore the resources below.
Validated test cases
Keysight verifies GCF / PTCRB test cases implemented in the toolset with industry partners and then submits them for independent validation.
Protocol and IMS tests
Supports a comprehensive set of protocol and IMS conformance test cases for the LTE and 5G, in non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) modes.
Automated testing and logging
Automated, unattended test campaign execution and enhanced logging features enhance debugging efficiency.
Unified interface
Offers a GUI in which you can create test campaigns, set PICS / PIXIT parameters, view logs, and create reports.
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Technology
5G NR, LTE, RedCap, C-V2X, NB-IoT, Cat-M, MC-PTT
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Test types
Signaling, IMS, USIM, USAT, Positioning
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Use cases
Protocol Conformance, GCF/PTCRB certification
Typical configuration
Protocol Conformance Toolset
Services and support
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Ensure your test system performs to specification and meets local and global standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common challenges in 5G protocol testing include:
- Keeping up with the standards: The rapid pace at which 5G technology is advancing requires device and equipment manufacturers, as well as network operators, to ensure that they are continuously in conformance with the latest 3GPP 5G standards and satisfy the certification requirements of organizations like the Global Certification Forum.
- Testing OTA behaviors: OTA testing of beamforming and massive MIMO, particularly in the millimeter-wave bands, under varying conditions, is a complex process.
- Simulating non-terrestrial networks (NTNs): Simulating satellite and unmanned aerial platforms can be challenging.
- Qualifying for carrier acceptance: Carrier acceptance testing includes supplemental protocol test cases, performance testing, and application testing based on the network operators' specifications.
Some of the telecommunication stakeholders that must conduct rigorous 5G protocol testing include:
- Mobile device and chipset manufacturers conduct rigorous 5G protocol testing to ensure their products comply with 3GPP standards and perform reliably in diverse network conditions, often using pre-conformance tools to accelerate development and interoperability.
- Mobile network operators conduct 5G protocol testing to validate end-to-end network functionality, reliability, and regulatory compliance in both standalone and non-standalone deployments. This testing simulates user equipment traffic to measure performance metrics, such as latency and throughput, in real-world scenarios.
- Network equipment manufacturers conduct 5G protocol testing to verify the security, transparency, and conformance of their infrastructure components, including base stations and core networks, in collaboration with operators to meet international standards and mitigate risks associated with software-based architectures.
- Vendors of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors engage in 5G protocol testing to confirm efficient data transmission and power optimization for massive machine-type communications, often simulating large-scale device deployments to ensure compatibility with reduced capability features, such as RedCap, in industrial and smart applications.
- Automotive manufacturers developing cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) systems conduct 5G protocol testing to validate ultra-reliable low-latency communications for safety-critical features, such as collision avoidance.
- Research and development organizations undertake 5G protocol testing to innovate and refine emerging technologies, such as AI-integrated networks or non-terrestrial extensions, often through collaborative projects that simulate cutting-edge use cases to push the boundaries of performance and standardization.
- Government regulatory organizations perform 5G protocol testing to enforce public safety, spectrum compliance, and cybersecurity regulations, establishing frameworks for verification and funding R&D to ensure networks meet national and international guidelines without stifling innovation.
- 5G-based service providers, such as those developing smart city technologies and multimedia content producers, conduct 5G protocol testing to optimize service delivery. This ensures that high-bandwidth applications, including augmented reality and real-time monitoring, achieve low latency and reliability through end-to-end validation in urban or media environments.
5G protocol testing includes the validation of network and data security aspects. More specifically, it includes the following:
- Authentication tests: To prevent malicious actors, authentication of the UE with the RAN and various functions with core functions are part of 5G protocol tests.
- Security assurance: The 3GPP 5G security assurance specification compliance involves running predefined test suites that cover the security of network functions, such as the AMF, SMF, and others.
- Cloud security verification: 5G supports many network architectures, like cloud RAN (C-RAN) and open RAN (O-RAN), where functions can be deployed on regular cloud services. Therefore, 5G protocol testing must address cloud security and software-defined networking (SDN) aspects, including authentication, access control, data encryption, and virtual networks.