US : Spirent Communications announced the availability of two important new capabilities for its market-leading UMTS Location Test Solution (ULTS ( inset )): enhanced testing of Secure User Plane (SUPL) and WCDMA Signalling Conformance testing.

Spirent has released a new SUPL Enhanced Test Pack for the ULTS which allows testing of SUPL clients in a wide rage of real-world situations not addressed in current industry test specifications.

Developed in conjunction with leading network operators, this new Test Pack gives ULTS users full control over all SUPL parameters and the ability to perform advanced testing involving SUPL session interruptions, simultaneous SUPL sessions with voice or emergency calls and the introduction of impairments into SUPL messages.

With the launch of 3GPP TS 34.123 WCDMA signalling conformance test cases for the ULTS, Spirent becomes the only test equipment provider offering a complete validated Assisted-GPS (A-GPS) conformance testing solution for WCDMA devices to Global Certification Forum (GCF) and PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) requirements.

The ULTS can also carry out conformance testing of A-GPS in GSM devices to the 3GPP TS 51.010 specification.

"SUPL will be the catalyst for widespread deployment of next-generation LBS, since it allows network operators to provide A-GPS-enabled services without the need for costly changes to their infrastructure" said Richard Catmur, LBS product segment leader at Spirent Communications. "Spirent has been the leading contributor to the definition of test requirements for the validation of the SUPL standard in the Open Mobile Alliance and our ULTS is leading the market in SUPL conformance test support."

Spirent is the acknowledged industry leader in testing A-GPS in mobile devices and is unique in offering A-GPS test solutions for all phases of the mobile device lifecycle, from research and development to manufacturing. Spirent's ULTS is now the only test system that can verify conformance of A-GPS devices to industry standards, while also being capable of fully testing A-GPS performance beyond the minimum requirements of the standards. In addition, Spirent offers a full range of industry-leading GPS test tools, including products designed specifically for high-volume GPS and A-GPS manufacturing test applications.

About Spirent Communications plc

Spirent Communications (http://www.spirentcom.com) is a global provider of integrated performance analysis and service assurance systems that enable the development and deployment of next-generation networking technology such as Internet telephony, broadband services, 3G wireless, global navigation satellite systems, and network security equipment. Spirent Communications' solutions are used by more than 1,700 customers in 30 countries, including the world's largest equipment manufacturers, service providers, enterprises and governments. Based in Sunnyvale, CA, Spirent Communications has 1,500 employees worldwide.