7layers provides full NB-IoT and LTE Cat. M certification services for GCF and PTCRB

7layers provides full NB-IoT and LTE Cat. M certification services for GCF and PTCRB
NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M have been identified as very important 3GPP technologies to support the connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Both cellular certification groups, GCF and PTCRB, had already implemented suitable requirements for the validation of NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M devices, modules and platforms. The corresponding validation methods are based on conformance testing, performance testing as well as field testing.

Especially for field testing, the GSM Association created a new test specification (TS.40) that was released recently. Conformance testing is based on the given 3GPP LTE standards.In terms of performance evaluation, CTIA took the lead and they implemented appropriate requirements into their RF antenna performance test specification.

7layers is an active member of GCF, PTCRB, ETSI, 3GPP, CTIA and GSM A and 7layers is fully authorized for all most recent certification services. “We are leading many IoT activities within various groups and we offer all defined certification services”, explained Thomas Jaeger responsible for Business Developments and Innovations at 7layers. “For example, 7layers has been deeply engaged in the development of the new TS.40 test specification sourced by the GSM Association. 7layers was the only certification service provider being involved. We got very deep knowledge that we share with our client since we have a direct access to the first available cellular IoT networks”.

For more information about the NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M certification programs, please contact 7layers at info@7layers.com

LoRa Certification for Asia

LoRa Certification for Asia
7layers – authorized to provide LoRa Alliance Asia End Device certification services   

LoRa Alliance certification from 7layers on a global scale

Ratingen, Germany, 15.11.2017: Following the LoRa authorizations for Europe, USA and Canada, which were granted to 7layers as one of the first 3rd party independent test laboratories since 2016, the company can now offer LoRa test & certification services for the global marketplace. 7layers has been successfully authorized for the LoRa Alliance Asia AS923MHz Region End Device Certification.

Since 2015 7layers has been deeply engaged in the development of new LPWAN device assessment methods, including this latest achievement, valid for various Asian countries. The LoRa Authorization for the Asian market was granted to 7layers by the LoRa Alliance after a successful technical audit.

LoRa Alliance Asia AS923MHz Region End Device Certification

The new LoRa AS923 requirements are valid for products operating between 915 and 928 MHz. There are several Asian countries where ISM band spectrum is still available in between these frequencies. As a result, LoRa technology is being used more and more in Asia.

“We are proud to be one the first authorized LoRa Alliance consulting, test and certification services providers to offer LoRa certification for the Asian market”, says Thomas Jaeger, responsible for Business Development and Innovations at 7layers. “Currently device makers and IoT service providers are preparing for various markets around the world. 7layers is able to support a global approach by covering the American, European and Asian market requirements – now also for the LoRa technology”.

More details about the LoRa technology

7layers is now Sigfox accredited for device certification

7layers is a Sigfox accredited supplier of consulting, test and certification services
7layers wireless expertise is being enhanced with Sigfox’s device-to-cloud communication approach Sigfox certification

Ratingen, Germany, 24 Oct. 2017: 7layers, an international provider of engineering, testing and certification services with years of experience in the wireless field, has now become a Sigfox accredited supplier of consulting, test and certification services.

Sigfox, a leading provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT), is establishing a worldwide network with which billions of so-called “low-energy devices” can be connected to the Internet as simply as possible.

Sigfox specific consulting, testing and certification

7layers is proud to be accredited to provide Sigfox specific consulting, test and certification services which are part of the Sigfox Ready™ Certification Program for end-products.

In addition, 7layers works together with Sigfox on the Sigfox Verified™ Certification Program for modules and reference designs. Manufacturers are welcome to work with 7layers during their development phase.

Further information about the certification programs can be obtain from Sigfox certification steps.

Additional 7layers services

For a smooth, international market access of Sigfox certified devices, 7layers provides additional capabilities such as

  • pre-testing to prepare for a smooth Sigfox certification and/or regulatory approval process
  • regulatory testing and global type approval services for modules and connected devices
  • consulting services to optimize the RF performance of wireless connected devices
  • technical consulting & engineering services for IoT services providers

“In a broader context, our relationship with Sigfox enhances the support we can give to new IoT service providers who are using this technology”, states Thomas Jaeger, responsible for Business Development and Innovations at 7layers. “In combination with many other cellular, LPWAN and short range IoT technologies, 7layers has stepped up now to be a really leading consulting, engineering, test and certification organization that covers all important global IoT technologies”.

About 7layers: 7layers, an international group of engineering & test centers, supports industries employing wireless technologies such as 4G, 3G and 2G, DSRC, ERA-GLONASS, LoRa, Bluetooth® and others. Manufacturers of wireless enhanced devices, component manufacturers, IoT services providers, network operators and technology associations benefit from working with 7layers. The group runs accredited test laboratories in North America, Europe and Asia offering consulting & engineering, conformance & interoperability testing, certification & global type approval. 7layers also develops off-the-shelf and customized test set-ups. 7layers belongs to the Bureau Veritas Group, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, serving a large variety of industries. For more information visit www.bureauveritas.com

LoRa Antenna Performance Evaluation

LoRa Device Certification extended with Antenna Performance Evaluation
New antenna performance evaluation for LoRa devices – already available at 7layers

7layers has extended its scope of LoRa certification services with new LoRa RF antenna performance requirements. LoRaWAN, a low-power wireless network protocol for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and services, is based on an open industry standard called “LoRa”, which is managed and controlled by the LoRa Alliance. Generally speaking, IoT services depend heavily on reliable connectivity, since the loss of a radio connection can lead to the interruption of an IoT service and disappointed users. Eventually it may even put the whole business case of an IoT services provider at risk. Therefore, it is very important that all wireless components in an IoT service system meet the expected performance criteria and secure the dependable transmission of data.

To achieve this, the LoRa Alliance has been active in developing a new RF antenna performance test specification in addition to the LoRa core specification. 7layers has been a member of this activity group for several months and finally demonstrated compliance to the new RF specifications by testing several appropriate reference devices. Again, 7layers is one of the first consulting, engineering and testing providers to offer a new LoRa service to interested stakeholders such as connectivity providers, service providers and LoRa end-device manufacturers.

“We expect that by expanding the LoRa Alliance certification scope in this manner, the whole LoRa ECO system will benefit long term”, explains Thomas Jaeger, Director of Global Business Developments and Innovations at 7layers, “and we are very proud to be once again in the first row of providers of new innovative LoRa services solutions”. 7layers, an experienced provider of wireless engineering, test and certification services is a CONTRIBUTOR member of the LoRa Alliance, authorized to provide not only LoRa Alliance certification services but ideally combines this with IoT-services support, RF consulting and LoRa test set-up developments.

About 7layers: 7layers is a group of engineering & test centers specializing in wireless technologies. The organization supports the development, testing and market access processes of connected devices, as well as the set-up and maintenance of smart IoT services. Stakeholders in IoT processes, such as manufacturers and suppliers of connected devices, wireless component manufacturers, network operators, application developers and the service providers themselves benefit from using 7layers services and supporting tools.
7layers services for connected devices encompass wireless testing for all important radio technologies plus EMC and OTA testing, conducting conformance, interoperability and field test processes. The test services are enhanced with test plan strategies, antenna and module integrations support and RF consulting. Certification and international type approval handling (RED, FCC, ISED Canada etc.) completes the portfolio.
IoT processes are supported with technical consulting, analysis of suitable technologies, reviewing requirements, benchmarking plus the development of specifications, quality policies, test specifications and test cases. 7layers also provides the new Interlab EVO Test Management System for the verification lifecycle management of connected devices and Smart Services.
About Bureau Veritas: The parent company of 7layers is the Bureau Veritas Group, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, serving a large variety of industries. Bureau Veritas maintains a number of smart world laboratories throughout the world, of which the 7layers group, with its service centers and accredited test labs in the USA, Germany and Asia, forms an integral part.   

More information at:  http://7layers.com and www.bureauveritas.com/cps      Contact: Brigitte.Lewis@7layers.com

NB IoT and LTE Cat.M certifications

GCF certifications for NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M products
Following the most recent discussions and decisions of the GCF CAG 49ter and the GCF SG#70, certification of initial NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M products is possible now!GCF certification at 7layers

Currently certification is still at a very early stage and GCF has lowered the specific entry criteria for NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M certifications. The 80% threshold, typical for the validation progress of conformance work items, has been lowered to 50% or even less. On that basis, a few work items have been activated already and the respective test results can be used to provide the required compliance evidence (see GCF-CC Version 3.65.2).

At the moment GCF certification is still weak in providing appropriate qualified field-trial networks for the required field-test assessments. So far it is not clear when appropriate networks can be referenced and actually being used. It is likely that progress will be made at the next GCF FTAG meeting, which will be held end of April 2017 in London.

“7layers is already well positioned in the field of NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M”, states Thomas Jaeger, Director Global Business Developments and Innovation at 7layers. “We are already involved in first product developments and are performing the corresponding assessments in our laboratories”.

It is to be expected that power efficient and less expensive NB IoT and/or LTE M devices will make an impact on the IoT, being especially suited to monitoring sensor data for example in smart buildings, manufacturing plants etc. Manufacturers and IoT services providers, looking for NB-IoT and LTE Cat.M development support and certification services, rely on 7layers outstanding experience in cellular technologies and assessment procedures, a valuable asset when it comes to introducing new certification procedures into our laboratories.

7layers – now authorized to provide LoRa Alliance US certification services

7layers – now authorized to provide LoRa Alliance US certification services
Benefit from 7layers comprehensive portfolio for LoRa devices and modules

Ratingen, Germany, 24.01.2017: Following the initial announcement in June 2016, 7layers has been authorized as a world-wide service provider for LoRa Alliance certification. Based on this, the 7layers group has now added LoRa Alliance certification services for the USA to its already existing LoRa certification services in Europe. The announcement was made at the LoRa Alliance All Member Meeting, taking place in London in January 2017.
As a proven technology driver, 7layers has once again been deeply engaged; this time with the main US-based drivers to launch LoRa certification for products working on the US specific frequency band (915 MHz) for LoRa technology.

image0037layers is acting as a contributor member for the LoRa Alliance. More than 400 companies have been signing up so far and the number of additional members is growing fast. Following its success in Europe we currently see the LoRa market in the US ramping up as well. “Today we are proud to announce that we have become one of the first authorized LoRa Alliance certification test laboratories, supporting LoRa devices certification, target for the US market”, states Thomas Jaeger, Director for Group Business Development & Innovation at 7layers. More details will be provided on the LoRa Alliance Website soon.

About 7layers: 7layers is a group of engineering & test centers specializing in wireless technologies. The organization supports the development, testing and market access processes of connected devices, as well as the set-up and maintenance of smart IoT services. Stakeholders in IoT processes, such as manufacturers and suppliers of connected devices, wireless component manufacturers, network operators, application developers and the service providers themselves benefit from using 7layers services and supporting tools.

7layers services for connected devices encompass antenna and module integration; RF consulting; Radio/EMC testing, interoperability, field and conformance testing; certification (PTCRB, GCF, Bluetooth®, MirrorLink, LoRa and many more) and international type approval (RED, FCC, ISED Canada etc.). IoT processes are supported with technical consulting, analysis of suitable technologies, reviewing requirements, benchmarking plus the development of specifications, quality policies, test specifications and test cases. Additionally, 7layers provides Interlab test solutions (Bluetooth RF, Device/UICC, TTY) and the new Interlab EVO Test Management System for the verification lifecycle management of connected devices and Smart Services.

The 7layers service centers and/or accredited test labs are located in the USA (Irvine, Sunnyvale), Germany (Ratingen), Korea (Seoul), Japan (Yokohama) and China (Beijing, Shenzhen). 7layers belongs to the Bureau Veritas Group, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, serving a large variety of industries.
More information at:  www.7layers.com  and www.bureauveritas.com/cps
Contact: Brigitte.Lewis@7layers.com / Thomas.Jaeger@7layers.com

8th LoRa All Members Meeting 23rd – 25th Jan

8th LoRa All Members Meeting 23rd – 25th January 2017
7layers welcomes you at the Open House of the LoRa All Members Meeting

lora7th LoRa Alliance Market Place
25th January 2017
Royal Garden Hotel
2-24 Kensington High Street
London W8 4PT

Learn more about the 7layers services

LoRa Technology – Test & Certification

lora-testingThe LoRa Alliance, an open, non-profit organization is driving the standardization of the LoRa technology as it safe and economical to use for many Internet of Things (IoT) applications. 7layers’ 3rd party test labs in Ratingen (Germany) have achieved status as one of the first independent 3rd party test labs in Europe to be authorized to test and certify according to the LoRa certification program. We offer a comprehensive portfolio for LoRa devices and modules.

Consulting and Engineering Support for Connectivity and Service Providers

7layers engineers work with connectivity and service providers to define and manage all requirements that are necessary to ensure successful service operations. Beyond the scope of regulatory and certification requirements, additional measures are needed to ensure e.g. connectivity, security, accountability and quality of service.