Catapult Communications announced it has expanded its portfolio of software for testing telecommunications networks based on the W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) standard for third-generation (3G) wireless technology.

Inset is the DCT2000 Digital Communications Test System.

The new software, which runs on the Catapult DCT2000 Digital Communications Test System, enables telecom developers to test 3G networks implementing a wide range of 3GPP Release 4 and Release 99 specifications for high-speed data and voice transmission over fixed and mobile wireless networks.

According to Dave Mayfield, President and COO, "Catapult has been developing test tools for W-CDMA-based networks since the 3rd Generation Partnership Project standards body published their first set of specifications in December 1999. Today, the 3GPP organization issues W-CDMA specification revisions about every three months, and the DCT2000 is unmatched in its fast support of those revisions with test tools that enable telecom equipment manufacturers to assure the functionality, interoperability and performance of their 3G telecom products and services."

The 3GPP Release 4 family of specifications includes upgrades to the Release 99 family of specifications and to the earlier "2.5G" GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) wireless communication standards. Telecom development labs around the world are in early test phases for networks based on the Release 4 specifications. The DCT2000 now supports updated versions of the following 3GPP Release 4 protocols: BSSAP, BSSGP, CAP, FP, GTP, H.248, IuUP, LLC, MAC, MAP, NAS, NBAP, NS, RANAP, RLC, RRC and SNDCP.

The 3GPP Release 99 family of specifications provides the foundation for many of the most advanced 3G wireless networks being deployed today. The DCT2000 now supports updated versions of the following 3GPP Release 99 protocols: BSSAP+, FP, GTP, IuUP, MAC, MAP, NAS, NBAP, RANAP, RLC, RNSAP and RRC.

The Catapult DCT2000 is a highly scalable and comprehensive diagnostic test solution. Its modular architecture provides developers with tremendous flexibility by enabling them to select the desired telecom protocols and build standard and/or custom protocol stacks for use across the product life cycle - spanning design and feature verification, conformance testing, interoperability testing, load and stress performance testing, and installation testing.