Agilent Technologies
Signaling Advisor ---37907A
Technical Overview
The Agilent Technologies Signaling Advisor is a comprehensive and powerful
test and troubleshooting instrument. It enables the user to find problems in
today’s complex wireless and wire-line telephone networks faster. Businesses
and consumers are increasingly sensitive to even a minor deterioration in
service quality. To maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty, your
technology teams need tools that help identify potential problems and resolve
faults quickly and effectively… They need an Agilent Technologies Signaling
Advisor
The Complete Wireless and
Advanced Intelligent Network
Test Solution
The Signaling Advisor provides detailed test and analysis capabilities for
signaling on modern wireless and wire-line telephone networks such as SS7,
Cellular, PCS, GSM and GPRS networks. It provides robust and reliable
measurements and analysis that go beyond decoding and filtering data.
The Signaling Advisor mainframe is a robust dispatched trouble-shooting tool.
Add any appropriate optional decodes and link interface modules, and you
are ready to test across multiple links involving different protocol standards
for example, at access network interfaces. At the core of each Signaling
Advisor, the intuitive graphical user interface makes measuring and
understanding results easier for signaling engineers, enabling them to check
performance and troubleshoot problems in signaling systems quickly and
accurately.
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General Feature summary
Signaling Advisor
Features and Functionality
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Dedicated software for Cellular, PCS/GSM, GPRS, UMTS, cdma2000 and
SS7 signaling networks
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Windows 98® based operation
Multitasking applications (protocol analysis, statistics, call trace)
Real-time or post-capture analysis
Connect to up to 16 duplex physical bearers (E1 or T1, DS0, V.35, RS-232,
RS-449)
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Analyze up to 32 duplex signaling links (8, 16, 32, 48, 56, and 64 kb/s)
Analyze full duplex Ethernet/Fast Ethernet GSM sub-rate signaling
(8, 16, 32 Kb/s) and TRAU decode support
Analyze ATM signaling links, including Iu, Iub and Iur for W-CDMA
Analyze Frame Relay and ISDN connections for WAN
UMTS (E1/T1 ATM and STM-1/OC-3 ATM)
Monitor up to 4 full rate GPRS Gb duplex bearers
Monitor up to 3 full rate high speed SS7 bearers
Chinese language GUI option
Voice monitoring
Link Status view
Alarm View
Auto-configuration identifies signaling links and protocol stacks
Graphical configuration and measurement setup
Triggers and filters (logging and display)
On-line and context sensitive help
Protocol help
Monitoring Features
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Graphical call trace with filters and alarms
User-configurable columnized traffic overview and columnized color coded,
protocol decodes
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Graphical (or tabular) time-based statistics with thresholds
Automatic message and sequence validation
Point code interpretation
Storage of captured data and configurations to disk
Stand-alone PC software for post-capture analysis
Timestamping up to 12 microsecond resolution
Remote Control
Compatible with capture file formats of Agilent Advisor and Network
Analyzer protocol analyzers, acceSS7 monitoring system and Agilent
37900D signaling test set
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Export data to CSV file for further ‘off-site’ analysis
EmuLite Features
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Automatic test creation - copy messages and their sequence from call
trace
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Graphical editor - quickly create messages - no more programming!
Intelligent protocol field-based editor - correctly build complex signaling
messages - not just in hex!
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Intelligent built in test manager - easily manage the execution of tests
Graphical analysis tools - instantly identify failed tests and why they
failed
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Easily verified network element responses
Test all non-IP based GPRS interfaces
Test SS7, GSM, GPRS, IS-41, CDMA, ISDN plus many more
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The Signaling Advisor makes it easy for you to start monitoring, even if you
don’t know what timeslots or protocols are being used for signaling. The auto
configure tool configures the instrument’s receiver to match the bearer and
then searches the bearer for signaling links (timeslots that are carrying
signaling information). The correct protocol stack will be built based on
signaling messages.
SS7 Monitoring
If the default protocol stacks do not match the signaling being tested, or a
special variant is required, you can quickly change the assigned protocol
stack graphically. Figure 1 shows a typical protocol stack.
Figure 1: Protocol Stack configuration
Real-time Analysis
The SS7 Signaling Advisor monitors up to 16 bidirectional bearers and up to
32 duplex signaling links simultaneously (spread across one or more bearers).
Each signaling link can carry a different protocol. Monitored data is
processed then automatically stored to hard disk.
Post-capture Analysis
All of the capabilities available for real-time analysis are also available for
use on previously logged data. The user may perform the same operations as
in real time.
Applications
In addition to the default protocol analysis application, it is possible to setup
multiple applications for statistical analysis or call traces.
Figure 2 shows a typical real-time measurement setup.
A wide variety of measurement triggers and filters can be set based on
almost any interesting variable or event.
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Figure 2: Measurement setup display.
The Fast Ethernet interface and software provides real-time and post
capture analysis of Ethernet protocols. Use the powerful Agilent
Advisor 10/100 LAN software to analyze your IP links with the
Signaling Advisor. The software also offers eight built-in analysis
tools:
Ethernet Monitoring
GPRS and cdma2000
1. Expert analyzer
2. Node statistics
3. Node and connection statistics
4. Protocol stack statistics
5. Protocol commentators
6. Node discovery
7. Protocol vitals
8. Decodes
This software can also set filters on a wide variety of variables,
protocols or events. Automatic Ethernet link negotiation for physical
interface line rate and a range of stimulus and response tests are
important and powerful features of the 10/100 Ethernet software.
The software also supports cdma2000 protocols over 10/100 Ethernet.
Figure 3: cdma2000 decode.
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The ATM interfaces and software provides real time and post capture
analysis ATM and encapsulated LAN protocols, including high speed SS7 and
W-CDMA UMTS as well as cdma2000. Monitor and troubleshoot all aspects of
the UMTS Radio Access Network (Iu, Iub and Iur interfaces). Use the
powerful Agilent Advisor ATM software
ATM Monitoring
with the Signaling Advisor to analyze your ATM links. Agilent Advisor has
the most comprehensive and extensive layer 1 and 2 test capabilities for ATM
available today. The software also offers (14) built in analysis tools:
1. Line Vital Statistics
2.Filters/Counters Statistics
3. Optical Power and Pulse Amplitude Meter
4. Line Status View with Statistics
5. VP.VC Autodiscovery and Statistics
6. Traffic Generation
7. Quality of Service Application
8. Policing and Traffic Contract Measurements
9. UNI 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0 Signaling and Call Placement
10. Real time IP over ATM filtering
11. Expert Analysis of LAN traffic within ATM Cells
12. LAN over ATM Commentators
13. Health Monitor
14. Decodes
The ATM software has powerful post processing capabilities.
Post processing display filters let you quickly zoom in on selected criteria.
You’ll spend less time searching through frames and more time focusing on
problems. See related literature for more information.
Figure 4: 3G UMTS decodes.
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Viewing Messages
Monitor Tool
The main traffic overview display shows (chronologically) every message
captured for each signaling link. This overview display shows one line of
essential information for each message. The type and format of information is
displayed in columns and is controlled by the user. Each message can be
decoded further to show a one line description per octet/field. Figure 4
shows a typical traffic overview.
Time Stamping
Each captured message is given a timestamp. The timestamp reference is the
instrument’s internal clock.
Alarm View
If a physical layer alarm occurs (e.g., AIS), a pop-up alarm view window
appears showing software LEDs for all bearers. This view can be expanded to
show individual alarm conditions.
Link Status and Message Validation
Link status view and link loading information is available for each link under
test. The software can highlight message-encoding errors found in received
messages. In the traffic overview display, a message with an error is
highlighted in red. The ‘‘message sequence validation’’ function advises the
user of errors in message sequences (e.g., messages which do not fit into a
normal call pattern). The erroneous messages are highlighted in red.
Data Import
It is possible to import data from the Agilent acceSS7 monitoring system or
from the Agilent 37900D signaling test set or from a text file into the
Signaling Advisor.
Figure 5: Traffic overview display.
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Call Trace Overview
Call Trace Tool
The graphical call trace application traces calls (or message sequences) across
all links and groups the messages together. It is
therefore a very powerful facility for troubleshooting, particularly since it
operates in both real-time and post-capture modes.
The application produces a user-configurable window which contains one line
for each call. For example in the case of ISUP, this window would typically
show:
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Call identifier
Call status
Call duration
Call setup time
Call cleardown time
Called party number
Calling party number
OPC/DPC/CIC
Release cause
Graphical representation of call phases
Call Trace Tool
Figure 6: Call trace display.
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Graphical Statistics
Statistics Tool
User-definable graphical statistics are available in real-time or postcapture modes. There are
several SS7 message transfer part (MTP) statistics, as well as user part specific statistics (e.g.,
message types or release causes). Statistics are typically counts or ratios. The statistics may be
displayed graphically as:
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2D Bar charts
Radar diagram
Figure 7: Shows a typical statistics graph.
Tabular Statistics
Tabular statistics are drawn by call traces. This provides a more detailed and
dynamic view of network performance, incorporating several programmed
measures (handovers, errors, call success rates etc).
Time-based Statistics
It is possible to produce the graphical statistics as a tabular time series,
where the intervals can be set from one minute to 24 hours.
Statistics Thresholds
The user can set lower and upper thresholds which, when exceeded, will
result in color changes to the statistical graphs to highlight ‘‘alarm’’
conditions.
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Call-based Statistics
The most advanced statistics features involve using the call trace application
to evaluate call based statistics such as call completion ratio, min/mean/max
call setup times, and min/mean/max call durations.
Data Export
Statistics can be exported to a CSV (Comma Separated Value) file for further
analysis in another application (e.g., spreadsheet or database).
Figure 8: Graphical statistics display.
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Emulation is the ability to define and send signaling messages in a predefined
sequence to a unit under test and respond to received messages.
EmuLite
Traditional emulation tools require complex programs to be written to perform
even the simplest of tasks. Writing programs using a programing language is
time consuming, error prone and distracts engineers from solving signaling
problems rather then solving programming problems.
EmuLite revolutionizes the way in which emulation is performed through use of
its key capabilities which are summarized in this section.
Graphical Message Editor
The EmuLite intelligent field based message editor allows message creation and
modification using familiar protocol field names. When creating a message, users
are shown the valid selections from which they can choose, significantly
reducing the possibility of error. Message fields can be saved into variables.
EmuLite automatically updates all lengths, pointers and odd or even indicators.
Figure 9: Message editor.
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Graphical Sequence Editor
Tests are configured using ‘drag and drop’ icons such as arrows, branches and
timers. These automatically generate test scripts -- a time-consuming and
complicated task if programmed manually. More time can therefore be spent
diagnosing signaling problems without the need for programming.
Call Simulation
Users can generate test sequences automatically from previously captured data
as opposed to entering all the data manually. A sequence of related messages
captured using the call trace function can be copied directly to the EmuLite
sequence editor. This sequence and the messages within it can then be modified,
if required, to create a test ready for execution.
Conformance and Compatibility Tests
NIIF (formerly NOF) tests and high-speed SS7 sequences are included -- ready
to run.
Test Manager
The test manager allows single or multiple tests to be selected and run
sequentially. Results are stored in the test log and can be optionally logged to a
.CSV file during execution. The EmuLite status view shows the progress of each
test by displaying the messages and a PASS or FAIL indicator.
Graphical Test Analysis
EmuLite’s status view identifies all tests which have failed. Advanced decode
analysis tools allow messages to be examined in detail providing quick fault
identification.
Fully Integrated with Monitor
EmuLite is fully integrated with the Signaling Advisor’s monitor software. All
analysis tools such as call trace, statistics and decodes are available for use. The
flexibility of this software also allows existing monitor-only customers to
upgrade easily to EmuLite.
Figure 10: Test analysis display.
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Today, more developers and field engineers than ever are faced with the
challenge of effectively analyze signaling networks. For Signaling Advisor, ease of
use was one of the primary design goals. A graphical and self-explanatory user
interface allows the user to easily execute tests and identify problems quickly.
You Don't Need To Be A
Signaling Expert to Operate
the Signaling Advisor
Find Problem Calls Faster
Signaling Advisor has graphical call trace, statistics and comprehensive filters to
allow rapid message isolation and decoding.
So, when you need to find one specific problem call amongst thousands you can
do it in only four mouse clicks. This means that you can resolve your customers’
problems fast.
Roll Out New Services Faster and Increase Revenue
Signaling Advisor has a unique ‘‘no-programming-needed’’ graphical emulation
environment -- EmuLite. You can even copy messages and calls from monitoring
sessions directly into EmuLite with just three mouse clicks.
When evaluating the operation of new network elements and services, you need
to develop test sequences very easily and quickly.
With EmuLite you can do just that -- no programming required. You can
complete more tests in less time.
Improve Productivity as Networks Become More Complex
Signaling Advisor features extreme ease-of-use. Automatic configuration, unique
Graphical Call Trace, GPRS session trace and intuitive statistics functions mean
that you don’t need to spend time reading the instruction book.
Even a nonexpert in signaling can easily interpret network behavior using
graphical cues. And experts can achieve even more every time they start testing.
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37907A Signaling Advisor Mainframe
Specifications for Mainframe
and Interfaces
Number of LIM slots available: 2
Processing capacity: Up to 32 duplex signaling links (64 kb/s at 1 erlang)
Telephone handset connector: RJ11
Physical dimensions:
L × W × H (mm): 310 × 310 × 100
Weight: 7 kg
Volume: 10 liters
Power: 100-120Vac 10%, 220-240Vac 10%, 50-60Hz, 110VA max.
Operating Conditions
Temperature:
Operating: +5 ºC to +40 ºC (+41 ºF to +104 ºF)
Non-operating: --25 ºC to +60 ºC (--13 ºF to +140 ºF)
Humidity:
Operating: 20% to 80% relative humidity
Non-condensing to 40 ºC. Storage: 10% to 90% relative humidity to 60 ºC
Altitude:
Operation: 4,575 meters (15,000 feet); Storage 15,250 meters
(50,000 feet).
Safety conditions
This instrument is designed for indoor use. Safety class I
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Agilent Signaling Advisor
Agilent Signaling Advisor
Configuration Guide
Technical Specification
5988-4929EN
5988-4930EN
Related Literature
Improving QoS in GSM
Networks
Isolating LNP Problems
Application Note
Product Note
5988-0305EN
5988-2180EN
Testing GPRS Signaling
Product Note
5988-0304EN
Monitoring High Speed
SS7 Links
Creating Tests with Emulite
Product Note
Product Note
5988-1887EN
5988-0944EN
ATM
Product Overview
5968-1437E
Agilent Advisor --
3G UMTS W-CDMA
Test Software J5458A
Creating Tests with Emulite
Product Overview
Product Note
5988-1164EN
5988-0944EN
Agilent Signaling
Product Note
5988-3055EN
®
Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
®
Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
®
Pentium is a U.S. registered trademark of Intel Corp.
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Agilent Ordering Information
You can also contact one of the following centers
and ask for a Communications Services Solutions
representative.
37907A
Signaling Advisor mainframe
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada-English
Canada-French
China
Denmark
Finland
+54 11 5811 7115
1 800 629 485
+43 (01) 25 125 7006
+32 (0) 2 404 9340
+55 11 4197 3600
877 894 4414
Undercradles
E7577A
E7578A
Link Expansion Undercradle
Fast Ethernet Undercradle
J2900A
Agilent Advisor high speed acquisition undercradle
877 894 4414
800 810 0189
J2912B
J2294D
J2296D
J2298D
J2905B
Agilent Advisor OC-3/STM-1 plug-in module
E1/T1 DB-9/RJ-45 interface module
E1 BNC 75 ohm interface module
E1/T1 RJ-45/RJ-48C/mini-bantam interface
ISDN S/T/U Interface module
+45 70 13 15 15
+358 (0) 10 855 2100
+33 (0) 825 010 700
+49 (0) 18 05 24 63 33
800 930 871
France
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Ireland
Israel
1600 112 929
Line Interface Modules (LIMs)
+353 1890 924 204
+972 3 6892 500
+39 02 92 60 8484
0120 421 345
E7573A
E7574A
E7575A
T1 Link Interface Module
V.35 Link Interface Module
DS0/DS0A Link Interface Module
Italy
Japan
Luxemborg
Malaysia
Mexico
Netherlands
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Russia
+32 (0) 2 404 9340
Software
37908A
1800 888 848
Signaling Advisor Base Software
+52 01800 506 4800
+31 (0) 20 5472111
+47 23 25 3720
1800 1651 0170
+48 22 723 0066
+7 095 797 3963
1800 375 8100
Vendor Variants
37908A-051
37908A-052
37908A-053
37908A-054
37908A-055
37908A-058
37908A-059
37908A-060
Nokia A-bis protocol support
Ericsson A-bis protocol support
Alcatel A-bis protocol support
Nortel A-bis protocol support
Motorola A-bis protocol support
Ericsson INAP protocol support
Nortel INAP protocol support
Ericsson MAP/CS1+ Protcocol Support
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
080 769 0800
+34 91 631 3300
0200 88 22 55
Sweden
Switzerland-German
Switzerland-Italy
Switzerland-French
Taiwan
Thailand
United Kingdom
USA
+41 (0) 1 735 9300
+39 (0) 2 92 60 8484
+33 (0) 825 010 700
0800 047 866
1800 226 008
+44 (0) 7004 666666
Additional Capability
37908A-011
37908A-012
Access Network protocol support
GSM Phase 2 and 2+ protocol support
37908A-013
37908A-043
37908A-120
Cellular/PCS protocol support
GPRS decodes for the Gb interface
Emulite Graphical Emulation capability
800 452 4844
Product specifications and descriptions in this document
subject to change without notice.
©Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2000-2004
Printed in Singapore Jan 01, 2004
Warranty and Support Services
Hardware
3 year
Agilent instrument warranty and service plans
90-day media replacement
Software
Together with Agilent, gain the eXtreme Productivity Improvements that your
business demands!
*5988-5330EN*
5988-5330EN
www.agilent.com/comms/XPI
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