You can configure the UMTS application to simulate a number of RNCs/BSSs which can establish multiple links with an SGSN and then attach simulated MNs to the SGSN. Once the MN(s) is attached the underlying primary/secondary PDP contexts may be established at a rate independent of the attach rate. The test can also simulate a Network Host for bearer plane testing.
You should have a basic understanding of the test system:
Open a UMTS Nodal Capacity test session and add a SGSN Node test case from the Basic library.
The goal for the first test is to establish one subscriber with the UMTS to confirm the test case definition, then to successfully execute the test with increased rates and multiple sessions, and finally, to customize the more advanced protocol, MS, and test case behaviors.
Create a new test session... and add a UMTS Nodal test case... from the Basic library. The Test Case Settings window... opens to the Test Configuration tab.
Test Configuration — Select the following:
Protocol and UMTS Version
Select Activate PDP Context Upon GMM Attach and Deactivate PDP Contexts Upon GMM Detach (default) to activate the number of PDP contexts defined on the Mobile Subscribers pane after a MS successfully attaches to the SGSN SUT.
Enter the Number of Mobile Subscribers that will be requested by the UMTS, Number of Primary and Secondary Contexts, Attach Rate, Detach Rate, GMM Start Attach delay, GMM Detach Start Delay, PDP Activation Rate, PDP Deactivation Rate, and PDP Activation Delay.
Network Devices — Define RNC Control and user Nodes
In
the User
Node/Control Node
sub-tab, select an Ethernet Physical
Interface drop-down list and enter a Starting
IP Address that is unique to the test session. Configure the
Host and Realm depending on whether node emulates originating or destination
point.
Iu-Ps Parameters
In the SM tab define the system layer of the Iu-PS interface (GMM and SM) between the RNC and the SGSN SUT.
In the GMM tab define the Routing Area Update options and the attributes used in GMM messages.
In the RANAP tab define the Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) settings that provide RNC link management and Radio Access Bearer (RAB) management for MNs, including RAB mobility management and signal integrity.
In the SCCP (Signalling Connection Control Part) tab settings, define the means for end-to-end transport in SS7 and used in UMTS networks to provide a common interface to RANAP that allows both SS7 and IP network protocols to reside below SCCP.
In the MTP-3b (Message Transfer Part 3 - Broadband) tab define settings used with SS7 protocols.
In the SCTP tab, define the SCTP/TCP connection management settings for transport over IP configured when either (SCTP/TCP) protocol is used in the bearer plane or the control plane. .
You are now ready to test your configuration. The parameters that have not been addressed control optional behaviors that do not affect the success of this test. Click OK to accept the test case. If any parameters fail validation, you will receive an error indicating the problem parameter. Correct the problem and when the definition is accepted, the test case is listed in the Test Session window.
When you run the test session, the UMTS Nodal test case should start first and should not stop until after the SGSN Node test case is finished and the final messages have been received from the RNC. Use Automation Control to define the test case execution sequencing. Make sure that the stop step for the node includes as a predecessor that the node test case has reached the STOPPED state, and add a delay time of at least 60 seconds to ensure that the PCRF has time to transmit all of the data records to the node. (See Adding Automation Control for instructions.)
Run the test session, and a validation check is performed on the test session. This validation ensures that the IP addresses used by the test case do not conflict with any other test sessions that may be running on the test server, and that the test definition does not violate rate and volume limits. You will also receive an error if you attempt to run the test session on a test server that is already running at capacity or is otherwise unable to accept a test session. See Running a Test Session for more information on handling these types of errors.
Select the Reports tab when it becomes available and then select the PCRF sub-tab. Depending on the Initiate Mode setting, you should see that 1 Node Alive request was either sent (Active) or received (Passive) and that 1 Node Alive response was either received or sent. Select the PCRF Node test case from the Report View drop-down list and explore the measurements displayed on the tabs. The measurement definitions are located in the Measurement Reference. Stop the test session when you are ready to continue, and you should see that UMTS Data Records were received for each PDP context.