World’s first LTE test cases validated by 7 layers

Test case verification and validation is an important step in order to guarantee that tests running on specific test equipment are fulfilling the respective technology and test specifications. Once test cases have been validated they will be approved by leading certification groups, thus defining important market access requirements. This is a vital step in order to ensure interoperability of products from various manufacturers.
“Experts from 7 layers have more than 10 years of experience in verifying and validating test cases for cellular technologies. Such experience in combination with technology know-how regarding test case development and test equipment build-up is an important asset when validating test cases”, explains Mohamed El-Fikri, Senior Engineer at 7 layers in Germany.

The LTE test cases have been provided by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) according to the mobile phone standard 3GPP TS 36.523. 7 layers has verified and validated the first ten FDD-7 LTE protocol test cases for the Rohde & Schwarz R&S® CMW500, a powerful wideband radio communication tester for network simulation. The Global Certification Forum (GCF) has already approved 7 layers validation results, which were presented on the 21st CAG meeting in Sophia Antipolis/ France (26th to 27th January 2010). The respective approval of the PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) is still pending. - PTCRB manages the test and certification process for GSM/UMTS wireless devices operating on a PTCRB network (mainly in North America). - 7 layers is the first company ever that has submitted LTE test case validation results to PTRCB for approval. PTCRB will review the LTE test case validation from 7 layers on the next PVG meeting 9th February, 2010. Thanks to the LTE test case validation from 7 layers, certification of top modern LTE devices has reached a further important milestone!