Mobile operator drastically reduces investement by extending the lifetime of testing hardware when upgrading the MSC to higher speeds
DNX Application
Extracting 64K/bps C7 signalling channels of Mobile Networks from STM-1 stream to E1 port of Tektronix Protocol Analyser
1. Background
This concerns a Mobile Operator deploying Ericsson AXE-10 switches as Mobile Switching Centres (MSCs). The majority of the hardware deployed is generation 202 hardware. This is very easily identified within a switch room by the distinctive rows of blue doored enclosures.
The 202 hardware was some time ago superceded by 501 hardware. This was believed to have taken place during January 2000. At this point Ericsson discontinued manufacture and availability of 202 hardware and all customer upgrades/new installations have been completed using 501 hardware. The 501 hardware is easily recognized by rows of white, perforated enclosures.
The main reason for introducing the 501 hardware was to offer a dramatic improvement in system density. The resultant decrease in footprint required was well received by network operators trying to cope with as great as possible network growth.
One of the planned features for 501 hardware was an STM-1 interface. The previously available 202 hardware supported only E1 and T1 interfaces. This development was not available on day one of the 501 product launch but has been introduced during recent months. The telecoms network growth slowdown led to these interfaces being deployed very slowly.
The introduction of an STM-1 interface has led to an issue with respect to current test and analytical systems. As required for 202 hardware these systems are generally equipped with E1 or T1 interfaces.
The Mobile Operator needed a cost effective solution that would enable them to use an E1 interface for the monitoring of C7 signals being delivered to the Ericsson 501 hardware STM-1 port. The availability of such product would avoid the replacement or costly upgrade of the Tektronix Protocol Analyser.
2. The solution
The DNX-4 was offered as a transportable solution. The DNX-4 would enable the Tektronix Protocol Analyser to be deployed as shown below:
Diagram 1: Ericsson 202 Hardware - Monitoring of C7 signalling from E1 using Tektronix Protocol Analyser
In Diagram 2 the C7 signal is transported within any timeslot of any E1 transported as a VC12 over the STM-1 stream. The DNX grooms this timeslot from its location within the structured STM-1 stream and cross-connects it to any timeslot of any E1 which is connected to a monitor port of the Tektronix Protocol Analyser.
Diagram 2: Ericsson 501 Hardware - Monitoring of C7 signalling from STM-1 using DNX-4 and Tektronix Protocol Analyser
3. Trial results
The configuration as shown in the above example 2. was set up at the Mobile Operator's premises. The protocol analyzer received all C7 call data without any errors.
It was also found that by connecting the DNX-4 serial port to the Tektronix Protocol Analyser comms port the DNX-4 could be managed and configured via Hyperterminal running on the Tektronix Protocol Analyser.
In technical terms, the trial was a complete success, and the solution is now operational.
In financial term, the solution allowed the operator to reduce its investment costs of the analysers.
4. Competitive position
The DNX-4 offers a cost effective solution for up to three simultaneous STM-1 connections to up to eight E1 test ports within a 4RU chassis. No serious alternative on the market that can offer the same functionality has been identified.
5. About Arcadiz Telecom
Arcadiz Telecom, founded in 1998, is a young dynamic privately owned company specialising in creative solutions and services for the Pan-European carrier and ISP marketplace. Arcadiz provides systems for efficient transmission, access and switching over wide area networks. In addition Consultancy is offered to carriers to provide help with network design, tailored solutions and conformance testing.
Arcadiz Telecom's strategy is to understand its customer needs and to offer the appropriate solutions to suit the applications, the financial project budgets and the specific support considerations of the customer. The added value provided by Arcadiz is not only its many years of experience within the industry, but its access to flexible financing solutions tailored to each individual customer needs. Arcadiz treats each customer separately and provides a complete solution, which is the strength of Arcadiz.
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