China Mobile approves 7layer’s Interlab Test Solution Device/UICC as first platform for NB-IoT SIM conformance tests

China Mobile approves 7layer’s Interlab Test Solution Device/UICC as first platform for NB-IoT SIM conformance tests

Since June 2018 7layers has been listed with “Interlab Test Solution Device/UICC” as a technically certified partner for NB-IoT SIM/SAT conformity test solutions at China Mobile, one of the largest and rapidly growing LTE network operators in Asia. This makes the Interlab Test Solution Device/UICC (TP115) the first reference platform approved by China Mobile for NB-IoT USIM tests.

Before the certification program, China Mobile and 7layer’s Interlab experts performed validation on the Interlab test system for 6 months. “We are very pleased with the approval of China Mobile and that through the validation, we were able to support China Mobile to start their Certification Acceptance Program for NB IoT/USIM”, Interlab Product Manager Magdy Ahmed explains.

The network operator China Telecom also plans in the future for NB-IoT tests (USIM/USAT) to rely on the 7layers test solution. Together with 7layers, China Telecom successfully completed the full evaluation of the Interlab Test Solution in July 2018.

But not only large mobile phone providers such as China Mobile and China Telecom require NB- IoT conformance testing and certification. Leading interest groups such as GCF and PTCRB commit chipset and module manufacturers as well as device manufacturers to this verification of manufacturer and network operator independent interface conformity.

 

GCF/PTCRB develop a new work item #301 for NB-IoT and CAT-M1

Since 2 years 7layers provides with “Interlab Testsolution Device/UICC” a ready-to-use test solution for NB IoT and LTE CAT-M1 in combination with USIM/USAT applications. The test packages include: USIM interaction in NB-IoT networks according to 3GPP TS 31.121 and USAT interaction in NB-IoT and LTE CAT-M1 networks according to 3GPP TS 31.124. The 7layer test solution covers the GCF work item #266 (NB-IoT SIM/SAT) and #125-M/#137-M/#230-M (LTE CAT-M1 USIM/SAT) completely.

In addition to these established GCF/PTCRB work items for conformity tests and certifications, the GCF has now introduced two new work items #301-NB/#301-M for NB IoT and LTE CAT-M1 USIM/USAT, to ensure Rel’14 PSM and eDRX power consumption. As member of 3GPP standardization, the GCF working groups and PTCRB, 7layers has actively helped develop the introduction of the new work items.

The standardised NB-IoT and LTE CAT-M1 technologies allow improved range in buildings, the integration of a high number of devices, low delay sensitivity, low energy consumption and an optimal network architecture in the internet of things.

 

 

OmniAir's Cyber Security Working Group creates its first validation series

OmniAir’s Cyber Security Working Group creates its first validation series

 

The Cyber Security working group of the OmniAir Consortiums, one of the leading industry associations for promoting interoperability and conformity certification for connected vehicles, has set itself the goal of developing cyber security tests and specifications for DSRC based vehicle components. It wants to extend the existing OmniAir DSRC-V2Xcertification programme with cyber security checks.

Now the developments are picking up speed. The working group participants, representatives of automobile manufacturers, tier-one-suppliers, device manufacturers and leading cyber security experts have developed the first validation series. This will be tested at the OmniAir’s Plugfest from 22-26 October in Texas, with direct feedback from test laboratories, test solution providers and suppliers.

Since October 2017, the OmniAir Konsortium requires independent third party testing and certification for DSRC-V2X devices, including conformity and interoperability tests. As the first OmniAir approved test laboratory for DSRC-V2X technologies, 7layers welcomes this decisive step of the consortium. A perfectly functioning “automotive ecosystem” requires not only that the device communication takes place in compliance with the communication protocols, but also that critical safety information is protected – and that throughout the entire life cycle of the device.

 

Cyber Security – topic at the “Ecosystem Automotive” 7layers Congress in November – save the date!

By holding this convention, 8 – 9 November 2018 in Frankfurt, 7layers would like to create an information- and networking-platform. It will be of interest for people working in the field of product management and business development. Trendsetters, service providers, product developer, certifying and type approval providers will debate: Which mutual or opposite targets, expectation and challenges are there concerning products, applications, cyber security, launches and user benefits? What is the current state of affairs? What is the trend? What experience have been made? What will the future bring?

More information and registration for the congress will be available from September 2018 at www.7layers.com

20 Years of Bluetooth®: 7layers were in on it right from the start

20 Years of Bluetooth®: 7layers were in on it right from the start

 

The Bluetooth® Special Interest Group was founded in 1998. A then modest number of its members have taken on a pioneering role in the field of mobile development of voice- and data transmission. Today Bluetooth SIG consists of 33,000 members. Apart from perfecting and distributing a flexible, reliable and safe wireless connecting solution, the driving of innovations as well as new markets and the IoT, are now the group’s targets. After a bumpy start with a single headset in the year 2000, the Bluetooth SIG has rapidly developed further and has enhanced its specifications. Today you can find Bluetooth in all fields of industry. From entertainment, automotive and health to building automation and industry 4.0. In this year alone, 3 billion Bluetooth® devices are expected to be sold in consumer-, commercial- and industrial markets.

As a Bluetooth SIG member, 7layers has been deeply involved in the development of early Bluetooth qualification programs right from the very beginning. With decades of experience, Bluetooth Qualification Test Facilities (BQTF) and Bluetooth Qualification Consultants (BQC) 7layers supports companies, from consulting and testing to qualifying, which are launching Bluetooth devices and innovations all over the world.

 

 

Bureau Veritas' Insights on H1 2018 Group Performance

Didier Michaud-Daniel, CEO Bureau Veritas, shares his insights on H1 2018 Group performance.

 

In H1 2018, Bureau Veritas made significant further progress with its transmission plan. The Group’s organic revenue increased by 3.5% with growth of 4.4% in the second quarter. This reflected sustained growth for the 5 Growth Initiatives – Smart World, Automotive, Building & Infrastructure, OPEX and Agri-Food – and an improving trend for the base business.

>> Watch the Interview on YouTube

 

SIM Card Interface Conformance Testing by 7layers

SIM Card Interface Conformance Testing by 7layers

Testing for mobile end-products, modules and reference designs

  • Applicable for GCF certification, PTCRB certification, and Verizon Wireless device approval program
  • Validates interoperability between a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) and a mobile device, independently of the respective manufacturers and operators
  • Testing includes the programming voltage and current, parameters to calculate extra guard time requested by the card, etc.

>>  Read more

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World’s first V2X certified device tested by 7layers – Bureau Veritas

 

 

World’s first V2Xcertified device tested by 7layers – Bureau Veritas

While there are many DSRC-V2X products on the market, there is only one which has gained certification through OmniAir’s connected vehicle certification conformance program, Commsignia’s Smart City On Board Unit. This first ever device certification is a critical milestone in deploying Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technology nationwide in USA; an initiative that has its roots in the Mobility 2000 initiative in the late 1980s with the envisioning of advanced vehicle control systems.

Developed to support the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program, OmniAir Certification verifies that wireless enabled transportation products meet connectivity and interoperability testing requirements developed from IEEE and SAE communication standards for the V2X technology. A vital step in widespread V2X implementation, certification allows device manufacturers to obtain long-lasting security and trust credentials. Securing certified or trusted communications devices is the key to seeing national deployment of these life-saving devices and will help ensure that users can trust that the components will work within the system.

“Our Connected Car team has worked very closely with OmniAir as well as Commsignia and the test equipment partners in recent months in support of this major achievement,” commented Jennifer Gasparian, Automotive Market Segment Manager at Bureau Veritas. “This program is instrumental in making our roads safer, and vehicle transportation more efficient and environmentally friendly.”

“We are delighted to be able to support this ground breaking development,” continued Gasparian. “As the first OmniAir Authorized Test Laboratory (OATL) in the world, Bureau Veritas is proud to be the first OATL supporting the world’s first certified V2X device. We now anticipate a sharp increase in the number of companies pursing OmniAir Certification to verify their V2X device.”
V2X communication is the passing of information from a vehicle to any entity (vehicle, pedstrian, infrastructure, device, grid) that may affect the vehicle, and vice versa with its main motivations being significant improvement in safety, congestion and energy savings. The wireless technology behind the certified V2X device was Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), a vehicular communication system based on WLAN technology.

As a longstanding partner and member of OmniAir, 7layers – a Bureau Veritas Group Company – is a leading testing and certification partner for companies seeking to meet DSRC and Cellular V2X standards worldwide.

 

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 Alliance certification program

LoRa AllianceTM certification program
One of the goals for 2018 is to increase the number of certified devices available in the market.  

LoRaWANCertification - 7layersFor any technology to scale within an open ecosystem with multiple vendors it is critical to give confidence of interoperability. The LoRa AllianceTM  certification program for LoRaWAN™ device, sensor and module manufacturers is promoted by 7layers. Being certified gives manufacturers the right to use the official LoRaWANTM Certified logo and it helps to market their products accordingly.

7layers is an active LoRa AllianceTM member and it is also authorized for device, sensor and module certifications and performance evaluations. “We are part of the Alliance activities now since three years and we have seen a very fast growing ecosystem”, said Thomas Jaeger responsible for Business Developments and Innovations at 7layers. “7layers helps all kind of IoT stakeholders to prepare and finalize their products and services for successful operations. This includes also the LoRa AllianceTM certification program. We are offering all related services”.

 

For more information about the LoRa AllianceTM certification program, please contact 7layers at info@7layers.com

Approval Body – Japanese Telecommunications Law

7layers in Japan, part of Bureau Veritas Japan, now Registered Approval Body for Telecommunication Business Law

7layers is proud to announce that on November 22, 2017 Bureau Veritas Japan Co., Ltd., together with its wireless expert “7layers”, was registered by the Minster of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), as “Registered Approval Body” under the Japanese Telecommunication Business Law.7layers: Registered Approval Body for Japanese Telecommunications Business law

“With this official registration for ‘Japanese Telecommunication Business Law’, our company successfully enhances its already existing registration for the ‘Japanese Radio Law’”, explains Tadatsune Takei, Operating Officer at 7layers in Japan, part of Bureau Veritas Japan. “The Japanese certification processes for devices with integrated wireless connectivity differ fundamentally from those in Europe and North America. Depending on the integrated technologies and the type of equipment, certification has to be in accordance to the Radio law AND the Business law or just one of them. 7layers is an expert in guiding you through the complex procedure.”

The 7layers group has run accredited test laboratories for wireless connected end-products and modules for many years and is an expert in providing international market access throughout the world. With this newly gained official registration in Japan, 7layers is now an outstanding partner for all those companies that are bringing radio devices and smart IoT products to the highly lucrative Japanese market. Since many of the technical specifications required in Japan are only available in the Japanese language, it is vital to have a Japanese partner. Irrespective to which 7layers or Bureau Veritas wireless test laboratory you turn to, the 7layers experts from the Japanese location efficiently conduct the complex submission and certification processes required for Japanese market access for any wireless enhanced device.

For more information please contact info@7layers.com or use our contact form.

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