US : Tektronix, Inc. announced the Tektronix LTS21 Load Test System. Using a patent-pending graphical user interface (GUI), the LTS21 is the first load test system that can easily create realistic, complex 3G traffic scenarios using objects instead of scripts. Combining control-plane and user-plane traffic, the LTS21 provides customers the ability to better identify areas of weakness within the network and eliminate trouble spots through deployment of preventative measures. The unique features of the LTS21 improve 3G testing, increase customer productivity and reduce operational expenses.

Technicians and engineers need to be able to test all next generation
mobile data technologies under realistic stress scenarios to determine what conditions will break a network element or impair network stability. Network equipment manufacturers need to ensure that their mobile network products can reliably process data and voice calls without errors. Network operators need to be able to evaluate Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and
GPRS network elements before they are made operational within a live network.

The LTS21 enables customers to test 3G networks with realistic but simulated mobile network traffic including both user-plane traffic representing simulated voice calls and data streams from many thousands to millions of mobile units, and control-plane traffic such as the signaling messages sent during a handover event as mobile units roam between cells.

"Tektronix is pleased to bring to market the first 3G high data rate load test system that provides ease of use through preconfigured test objects," said Alois Hauk, Vice President and General Manager, Monitoring & Protocol Test, Tektronix. "Using a sophisticated GUI, the LTS21 makes it possible for customers to easily create scenarios that simulate large and complex network topologies combining both control-plane and user-plane traffic. With the LTS21, customers obtain greater capabilities than with alternative approaches and also achieve much more intuitive operation. The LTS21 provides customers with a new, easier and more cost-effective operational model that will improve productivity."

New Operational Model
The LTS21 features an innovative GUI that dramatically eases configuration of simulated mobile network topologies and complex traffic profiles. The easy-to-use GUI provides intelligent objects that can be easily combined into user-defined traffic profiles used to generate and analyze a mixture of traffic, simulating mobile networks under a range of normal and busy conditions.

Configuration of the LTS21 is performed with "checkbox" settings through the GUI. This is in contrast to most load test systems that require considerable time for proper configuration and extensive knowledge of scripting languages and tools. Through this interface, the LTS21 eliminates much of the time and complexity required to implement the test plan.

The LTS21 is a modular architecture allowing for ease of expansion to meet load test needs. Each LTS21 unit is rack-mountable and can contain up to 14 cards (probes). Interfaces supported by the probes include Iub and GbFR. The LTS21 units are connected to a Linux server via Ethernet. Using Windows clients, up to 20 users can use the LTS21 load generator concurrently.

Sharing of the resource adds to the overall productivity of the LTS21.

About Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc. is a test, measurement, and monitoring company providing measurement solutions to the communications, computer, and semiconductor industries worldwide. With more than 55 years of experience, Tektronix enables its customers to design, build, deploy, and manage next-generation global communications networks and advanced technologies. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix has operations in 19 countries worldwide.