Over the years, the development of mobile networks has unfolded, progressing from 2G to 5G, with each stage bringing about noteworthy advancements.

• 2G (Second Generation): 2G, emerging in the early 1990s, prioritized digital voice transmission, introducing features like SMS and basic data services, marking a leap from analog technology.
• 3G (Third Generation): Introduced in the early 2000s, 3G brought broadband-like speeds, enabling mobile internet, video calling, and multimedia streaming, fostering a more data-centric mobile experience.
• 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution): Introduced in the late 2000s, 4G LTE transformed mobile networks with improved data speeds, lower latency, and enhanced spectral efficiency, optimizing performance for enhanced mobile broadband and IoT.
• 5G (Fifth Generation): Launched in the 2010s, 5G promises unparalleled speed, connectivity, and capabilities.

Alethea in 3GPP

Alethea with its extensive background in 4G/5G technologies and test automation, offers the following services to its customers.

1. Test Case Definition & Development for Broader Coverage

By understanding the specific network needs of MNOs, their suppliers, and their end-user scenarios, we develop test cases that encompass everything from basic call flows to intricate handovers. 

The scope of tests we have developed over the years includes

• Protocol Conformance

Rigorous testing for devices against 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) standards, ensuring compatibility and interoperability across networks.

• Functional Performance

Generate realistic traffic patterns to mimic user behavior and measure device responsiveness, assessing aspects like data throughput, call setup times, handover performance, and power consumption.

• Benchmarking

Compare the performance of devices against industry benchmarks and competitors’ offerings, enabling manufacturers to identify strengths and weaknesses.

• Over-the-Air (OTA) Testing

Emulate real-world radio propagation conditions in controlled environments using OTA chambers, allowing for an accurate assessment of antenna performance and device behavior under various signal strengths and fading conditions.

2. Automation Services for Efficiency & Repeatability

We help ensure top-notch network performance, and automation plays a critical role in achieving that. We utilize a robust blend of custom, proprietary, and generic automation tools to orchestrate test scenarios, including for small cells. 

This comprehensive approach empowers us to deliver several key benefits:

•  Reduced setup time for preconditions.
• Consistency & repeatability of case execution leading to improved quality & performance during regression.
• Precision & reliability by avoiding human errors when testing manually.
• Scalability, efficiency & agility improvement.
• Data-driven insights: Metrics analysis in real-time enabling results-based test execution.

3. CI Setup for Automation

Taking automation to the next level, we help orchestrate setup, establish CI pipelines, and assist in testing every release by triggering automated cases. 

We enable:

• CI Pipeline Integration with any standard Network Management systems.
• Automated test triggering based on predefined conditions for instant feedback.
• Elimination of manual intervention for a streamlined testing process.
• Continuous improvement through Data-Driven Insights.
• Small Cell Test Automation, including activation, configuration, and performance monitoring of small cells.

4. Efficient Log Analysis

Networks will experience problems like slowdowns or outages. When this happens, our team can help you fix things quickly. We analyze end-to-end logs—from devices, RAN & core network—to find the root cause of the problem. We are with you to ensure that your solutions, whether they are network elements or devices, meet their availability SLAs in the field

5. Enhanced Small Cell Testing

While generic automation approaches form the backbone of efficient network testing, we endeavor to extract even greater value by:

• Enabling Enhanced Log Analysis

By developing proprietary ML models for our customers, we help analyze vast amounts of log data, uncovering patterns, anomalies, and performance bottlenecks. 

This proactive approach helps:

1. Identify potential issues before they impact users.
2. Predict and prevent network failures.
3. Gain deeper insights into network behavior and user activity.

• Custom Tools for Enhanced Test Efficiency

 Each customer has unique test requirements. We custom-build tools tailored to the specific network & device under test to:

1. Streamline workflows and improve test efficiency.
2. Gain deeper visibility into DUT performance.
3. Make data-driven decisions for faster problem resolution.

WiCheck and 5G CPE Testing

The 5G CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) is a pivotal use case within the realm of 5G technology. As the demand for seamless connectivity continues to surge, an increasing number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are incorporating a 3GPP fallback mechanism to safeguard against potential disruptions to their traditional cable or fiber connections.

Mobile devices that operate on 4G/5G while outdoors and switch to WiFi indoors ensure that users remain connected at all times. It is crucial for the transition between 4G/5G and WiFi to be seamless.

Alethea’s WiCheck can be used to test these features very effectively.

5G is poised to revolutionize nearly every aspect of our lives by enabling smart homes and AR-VR experiences. In tune with the enhancements in 5G technology, we employ a multifaceted approach to 5G testing, encompassing various methodologies to cater to the diverse needs of 5G.