LTE Cat-M1 test solution for UICC requirements
New LTE Cat-M1 test package for the Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC covering GCF and PTCRB certification requirements

7layers , Ratingen, 13. Nov. 2017: With Release 13, 3GPP has specified LTE Cat-M1, a low power wide area (LPWAN) technology in licensed spectrum for enhanced machine type communication (eMTC). The technology is used for M2M / IoT applications in areas such as smart home, smart metering, building automation, smart factory, automotive & transportation services, mobile-health applications etc.

“To ensure interoperability between the UICC, integrated in LTE Cat-M1 devices, the radio devices themselves and the mobile networks they are using, GCF and PTCRB have developed new certification requirements”, explains Magdy Ahmed, product manager of the Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC. “We have therefore extended our proven test solution with a further test package, especially geared to evaluate the USIM and USAT applications of LTE Cat-M1 devices. Thanks to its reliability, ease of use and cost effectiveness, the test solution is already in use on a global scale for mobile phone certification testing. With this new test package the solution will also enable the evaluation of the large number of M2M / IoT devices, heading for the global market.”

New LTE Cat-M1 test specifications and certification requirements of 3GPP

To enable the authentication of LTE CAT-M1 devices accessing mobile networks and services and to support security critical applications, the 3GPP test specifications TS 31.121 Rel-13 and TS 31.124 Rel-13 include additional USIM and USAT tests for the UICC integrated in LTE CAT-M1 devices.

Based on these specifications, both GCF (Global Certification Forum) and PTCRB have introduced new certification requirements for the qualification of LTE Cat-M1 devices in conjunction with the USIM and USAT features of the integrated UICC, such as

• GCF WI#125M
• GCF WI#137M
• GCF WI#230M
• PTCRB RFT 82
• PTCRB RFT 102.

LTE CAT-M1 test package for USIM and USAT certification – available now

For a smooth and highly automated test process, 7layers has extended its Interlab test solution DEVICE/UICC with the required certification test packages for LTE Cat-M1 USIM and USAT. The commercially available test package runs on our Interlab test solution DEVICE/UICC in conjunction with the R&S CMW500 network simulator.

For more information on our long proven Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC and the new LTE Cat-M1 USIM/USAT test package please take a look here or contact info@7layers.com

NB-IoT USIM Test Bench available from 7layers
7layers introduces a new NB-IoT USIM Test Bench according to GCF WI#266

As part of Release 13, 3GPP has specified an independent, new radio interface, the Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT), also called LTE Cat NB1.  NB-IoT has been optimized for machine type communication, operating in licensed spectrum. Due to its low power consumption and narrowband wide area radio characteristics, NB-IoT allows for a large range of devices and services for Internet of Things (IoT) applications to be connected in a cost-efficient and secure way.

Due to the security and service related core functions of a UICC, included in mobile terminals, new USIM and USAT conformance tests for NB-IoT terminals are now part of the test specification 3GPP TS 31.121 Rel-13 and TS 31.124 Rel-13. Based on this new standard, Mobile Network Operators can ensure the authentication of the terminals that are accessing their networks and services. UICC cards can also support additional security capabilities and toolkits which can be used by IoT services providers to enhance the security and services of their IoT solutions.

In order to cover the growing market requirements for secure, low power, wide area technology, the Global Certification Forum (GCF) has introduced a new work item – WI#266 – for the qualification of NB-IoT terminals in conjunction with their USIM and USAT features.

7layers, in a joint cooperation with one of Asia’s leading chipset manufacturers, has developed a new test bench for NB-IoT USIM, to ensure conformity with 3GPP standards of IoT and/or M2M devices equipped with NB-IoT modules.

This new NB-IoT test bench from 7layers, which can be run on the InterLab test solution DEVICE/UICC, in combination with the R&S CMW500 network simulator, is commercially available immediately.

For more information on our long proven Interlab Test Solution DEVICE/UICC and the new NB-IoT test bench please take a look at www.7layers.com/test-products/device-uicc or contact info@7layers.com

LTE Cat-M1 test and service environment available at 7layers
7layers supports development and certification of IoT services and devices based on LTE Cat-M1 technology

LTE Cat-M1 (also called eMTC) technology is one of three low power wide area technologies operating in licensed spectrum bands, that have been standardized and published in 3GPP Release 13. LTE Cat-M1 is suited for the many smart IoT services that are emerging just now. Possible use cases can be found in the industrial environment, the smart home and building sector, for logistic applications, as well as for wearables and m-health applications.

LTE Cat-M1 devices are low cost. They feature a long battery life and reduced service efforts due to lower maximum data rates. Mobile network operators all over the world have begun with the modification of their cellular networks and implementation of LTE Cat-M1 technology to support the roll-out of new, smart IoT services and devices.

7layers is a long-standing member of 3GPP and leading certification groups such as GCF and PTCRB. As such the company has assisted during the development of the LTE Cat-M1 standard and is now supporting chipset, modules and device makers adopting the new technology for their upcoming product developments.

The LTE Cat-M1 service environment has already been integrated into the 7layers test laboratory set-up. Based on this extension of its test capabilities and its outstanding wireless expertise, the company is ready to support clients with product development services and certification of the resulting devices according to the latest LTE Cat-M1 requirements.

“Not just limited to product verifications, 7layers is also assisting service providers to set-up their IoT services and maintain the required service quality level, based on LTE Cat-M1 and/or other IoT technologies”, states Thomas Jaeger, Director Global Business Development and Innovations at 7layers. “We are convinced that the 3GPP cellular technologies are an important piece in the IoT puzzle for many uses cases, complementing other wireless technologies”. 7layers is a full member of ETSI and the 3GPP. Amongst others, the organization is authorized to provide GCF, PTCRB and CTIA certification services on a global scale.