Design and Implementation of Simulation Testing System for GPRS and UMTS 3G Core Network

In order to improve the efficiency of maintaining packet core network and test the network elements, a simulation testing system for GPRS and UMTS 3G packet core network is proposed. The system can simultaneously simulate several network elements to connect with SGSN, GGSN, WAP gateway respectively for testing. In the system, multiple UEs can be simulated, and multiple applications can run on each UE. Protocol Stack Pool is developed to accommodate several protocol stacks at Gb, Iu-PS, Gn, Gi interfaces. Simulated UEs can communicate with the network side equipments through the Protocol Stack Pool. The system was implemented in Linux operating system and a web-based management subsystem was provided. The system was tested by Tektronix K1297 testing equipment and by accessing the current cellular mobile communications network. We also emulate the main network elements and set up an emulated core network to test in laboratory. The testing results show that applications can run on the system to test the network elements.