Anritsu Co. introduces Voice over LTE (VoLTE) supplementary service test capability for its MD8475A Signaling Tester that includes the ability to confirm operation of services, such as call forwarding and call waiting, under a variety of network conditions. Introduction of these options extends the MD8475A’s VoLTE test capability and builds on the Signaling Tester’s integrated functionality to simulate LTE and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks as well as an IMS client, providing a comprehensive test environment for UE manufacturers to verify device functionality.

The MD8475A’s new Supplementary Service option enables functional testing of Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Call Hold, Identification Presentation, and Identification Restriction. An XML Configuration Access Protocol (XCAP) server for modification of service settings during test is included. This new option builds on VoLTE test functionality - including Preconditions and Authentication, and Keys Agreement (AKA) security - recently added to the MD8475A.

“Anritsu is pleased to support added capability to test VoLTE UEs,” said Wade Hulon, General Manager and Vice President of Anritsu Company. “We understand that the target of most network operators is to move voice from circuit switched to new LTE networks. A positive VoLTE user experience is critical for this move to be successful. We will continue our focus on VoLTE test with additional capabilities that address emerging needs in the market.”

 The MD8475A Signaling Tester is a compact, Windows 7-based tester capable of emulating two base stations or 2x2 MIMO, with available formats including LTE (FDD and TDD), W-CDMA/HSPA+, TD-SCDMA/HSPA, GSM/(E)-GPRS, and CDMA2000. Both packet-switched and circuit-switched calls are supported, with available Voice over LTE (VoLTE), circuit-switched fallback (CSFB), and Simultaneous Voice-LTE (SV-LTE) functionality. End-to-end and data throughput testing is supported by the tester, with the capability to install user-supplied servers inside the MD8475A or to connect external servers. Anritsu’s SmartStudio GUI provides easy graphical control of the MD8475A, and the internal state machine emulates real network operation without the need for scripts.