Cobham Wireless has launched TeraVM LaaS (Lab-as-a-Service) for core network testing to support mobile operator networks as they shift towards virtualised, NFV (Network Function Virtualisation) infrastructures.
The Lab-as-a-Service model for validating network performance enables the automation of network deployment and validation in a scalable and cost-effective manner.
TeraVM LaaS provides a comprehensive validation platform for the virtual evolved packet core (vEPC), offering an automation framework, that integrates with any orchestration (MANO) platform for both EPC network functions and test elements simultaneously. TeraVM LaaS offers a complete end-to-end testing solution from RAN to core when used with Cobham Wireless’ TM500, which stress tests the impact of RAN traffic on the core network.
Carsten Fuchs, COO, ng4T said, “Combining TeraVM’s high performance application traffic generator with the NG40 multi vRAN control plane load generator enables service providers to scale within a data centre, emulating hundreds of gigabits per second of real world data traffic, and millions of connections, at the same time. This offers a game-changing solution for virtual core network validation.”
TeraVM LaaS can be deployed as a virtual network function (VNF) due to the addition of its software defined lab (SDL) functionality, via Luxoft’s NFV automation and testing framework.
“Cobham Wireless’ partnership with Luxoft allows for simplification and automation of a full end-to-end test environment. This includes the creation of test beds, automation of the start-up, teardown and configuration of test topologies, configuration of physical and virtual networks and easy access and sharing of VNFs,” said Luxoft’s Product Manager, James Hopson.
Robert Winters, Global Director at Cobham Wireless said, “Virtual environments are more dynamic and flexible than their hardware-oriented predecessors. However, these new environments require careful benchmarking and validation, supported by an overarching requirement for security. VNF vendors have become more reluctant to provide benchmark figures due to the almost infinite configurability of underlying resources in a mobile service cloud.”
“Cobham Wireless’ TeraVM LaaS can verify conformance for a wide range of new virtual, ETSI-NFV enhancements, in preparation for 5G. This includes being able to test new services, software upgrades, power outage and failover scenarios, capacity planning upgrades, new vendor integration, edge computing and network slicing. Service providers can ensure improved operational efficiency and security from the RAN and Edge, through to the core network,” added Winters.
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