SS7 Testing and Analysis for an Internet Offload Solution

Two SS7 testing and analysis programs for an Internet Offload Solution are described below.

SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis

The objective of the SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis program is to provide comprehensive testing and analysis of the SS7 implementation for conformance to a relevant set of SS7 criteria (e.g., ANSI specifications, Telcordia generic requirements, or ITU-T recommendations). The work effort includes extensive testing and analysis. Telcordia provides an impact assessment and priority rating (Critical, Major, Minor, Information) for any analysis findings identified. The results of the analysis are documented in a Distributable Technical Analysis Report, which is delivered to the Internet Offload Solution supplier. The Internet Offload Solution supplier can distribute the report to third parties.

The basic SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis program covers the following functional areas: MTP Level 2, MTP Level 3 (SSP functionality), and Terminating ISUP functionality. This program also covers Terminating SS7 to PRI interworking if the Internet Offload Solution interfaces to the ISP via ISDN PRI.

Typically, the SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis program also includes conducting an end-to-end data transfer using the Internet Offload Solution interconnected to a real STP and SSP (serving as the PSTN). This is used to determine whether an end-to-end data transfer can be conducted with other real network elements in a sunny-day scenario. Telcordia also offers the SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis program, which provides more extensive interoperability testing/analysis as described below.

SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis

The objective of the SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis program is to determine the behavior and overall network impact of deploying the Internet Offload Solution into a real (multi-supplier) node environment. Typically, the test configuration consists of the Internet Offload Solution, two SSPs, and one STP (pair). Telcordia provides an impact assessment and priority rating (Critical, Major, Minor, Information) for any analysis findings identified with the Internet Offload Solution. The results of the analysis are documented in a Distributable Technical Analysis Report, which is delivered to the Internet Offload Solution supplier. The Internet Offload Solution supplier can distribute the report to third parties.

The functional areas analyzed include: basic SS7 protocol tests to observe the responses and interactions of the Internet Offload Solution with PSTN network elements, simulated stress events to emulate both intra- and inter-network trouble conditions (e.g., persistent congestion), abnormal conditions (e.g., link failures and oscillations), and maintenance/management scenarios (e.g., circuit blocking).

The SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis program could also include additional or different SSPs.

Combined Program

If an Internet Offload Solution supplier moves forward with both the SS7 Conformance Testing and Analysis program and the SS7 Network Interoperability Testing and Analysis program, there are some efficiencies/synergies (e.g., generation of a single Technical Analysis Report). The SS7 conformance testing/analysis is conducted first, followed by the SS7 network interoperability testing/analysis.