Newsletter: GL Announces INAP Emulation
Over IP (Intelligent Network Application Part)

Welcome to another December 2012 issue of GL's Newsletter providing information and insight into our latest product INAP Emulation over IP. INAP is part of SS7 protocol suite and used for services such as single number translation (800), local number portability, incoming call management (do not disturb or call forwarding), backup call destinations in case of disaster, and similar services.

Overview

GL's Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) is a multi-protocol, multi-technology platform used for the emulation of a variety of communication protocols over IP, TDM, and Wireless networks. MAPS™ can be used to test signaling over legacy networks (such as CAS, SS7, ISDN, PPP and more), IP networks (such as SIP, MGCP, MEGACO, SIGTRAN, Diameter…) and also the Wireless technologies including GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks. Recently ANSI INAP over IP has been introduced. 

MAPS™ ANSI INAP is an advanced protocol simulator/tester for ANSI INAP (Intelligent Network Application Part) services. The tester supports testing network elements gsmSCF and gsmSSF, error tracking, regression testing, conformance testing, and load testing/call generation. It is able to run pre-defined test scenarios against ANSI INAP test objects in a controlled & deterministic manner.

MAPS™ ANSI INAP scripts are suitable for testing objects accurately, reliably and validated for compliance with ANSI specification as defined in the table below. It is suitable for controlling telecommunication services such as CNAM (Calling Name Delivery), LNP (Local Number Portability), and Toll-free 800 Number over TCAP layer.

Supported Protocols Standard / Specification Used

CNAM

GR-118-CORE

LNP

GR 1299 CORE

TCAP

ANSI T1.114-1996

SCCP

ANSI T1.112-1996

MTP

ANSI T1.111-1996

SCTP

RFC 4960

The application gives the users the unlimited ability to edit ANSI INAP messages and IN service scenarios (message sequences). "Message sequences" are generated through scripts. "Messages" are created using message templates.


Testing the Peer Endpoints (SCF or SSF)

Call Generation

Call Generation option allows the user to simulate outgoing communications where an outgoing call is initiated by sending call control messages using proper scripts and profiles. The profile allows necessary parameters of call control messages to be changed during run-time.

CNAM (Calling Name Delivery) Services


Testing gsmSCF (Service Control Functionality)

The MAPS™ ANSI INAP configured to act as GSM SSF terminal sends CNAM request (Name Request, Calling Number details) to the DUT (gsmSCF). On receipt of a CNAM Query request message, DUT (gsmSCF) sends a response (Name and Status details) message.

CNAM Query Service at gsmSSF Node 


Call Reception

CNAM (Calling Name Delivery) Receive Query Services at gsmSCF Node

Call generated from other entity can be automatically detected in call reception window by pre-setting the required scripts in the Incoming Call Handler window.

Testing gsmSSF (Service Switching Functionality)

MAPS™ ANSI INAP can also be configured as gsmSCF node to test the DUT (gsmSSF). QuerywithPermission message is triggered when the CNAM Query message is received from gsmSSF, which is processed and the response (Name and Status details) is sent back the DUT (gsmSSF).


Main Features

  • ANSI INAP Emulator can simulate GSM SSF and GSM SCF entities
  • User-friendly GUI for configuring the SCTP Layer
  • User configurable signaling links
  • Access to all ANSI INAP message parameters like CNAM, TCAP 800 Number, LNP, Signaling Link Test Message, and more
  • User controlled access to optional parameters such as timers
  • Ready scripts for Customizable 800 Number, CNAM, LNP, Call Diversion
  • Supports customization of call flows and message templates using Script editor and Message editor
  • Supports scripted call generation and automated call reception
  • Provides protocol trace with full message decoding, and graphical ladder diagrams of call flow with time stamp
  • Script based & protocol independent software architecture
  • Provides call statistics with associated captured events and error events during call simulation

Call Statistics

MAPS™ supports Bulk Call Simulation and Stress/Load Testing capabilities through Load Generation feature. All call handling scripts (irrespective of the type of the functions) are assessed by MAPS™ to provide statistical information about Total Calls, Active Calls, Completed Calls, Passed Calls, Failed Calls, and Simultaneous Calls/Sec (CPS), and Calls/Sec.

It is also possible to characterize the statistical information under different groups of call handling scripts under a unique heading.


For comprehensive information on the application, you can refer to MAPS™ ANSI INAP protocol emulator web page.


 Back to Newsletter Index Page