Test & Monitoring in a Converged Environment Testing IMS Networks Test & Monitoring in a Converged Environment Keith Cobler, Tektronix

The Customer Perspective Motivation Behind IMS – Consumer Perspective Users want access to multimedia applications – anytime, anywhere Users want new services & applications that add value to their daily lives; I.e, multimedia applications Users want a quality experience (QoS/QoE) for all applications wherever they may be at an affordable price point

Network Operator Perspective Motivation Behind IMS – Network Operator View Operators want to protect and grow their installed base –requires new services and applications Operators want to better their competitive positioning – by introducing differentiating services faster and cheaper than the competition Operators want to decrease their investment in network infrastructure (CAPEX) while reducing ongoing maintenance costs (OPEX)

Test & Monitoring Challenges IMS is complex – requires broad support for multiple networks, technologies, protocols New Network Elements New Interfaces More Protocols Increased session complexity Ensuring end-to-end network QoS & QoE Support for both legacy & next generation networks Empowering key departments with real-time information that impacts their bottom line

Simplified – Or More Complex?

Quality Pyramid of Success Satisfied Customer = $ Video, $ Voice, $ Data Services & Applications Monitor End-User’s QoE, Isolate & Optimize Networks Monitor Network QoS, Converged Video, Voice, Data Environment Network Elements & Sub-systems Load Test, Interoperability Test, Conformance Test, Functional Test Network Elements Routers, Switches, Media Gateways, Session Controllers, Servers, Head-ends, etc. Having Satisfied Customers is No Accident – Plan and Build for it

Customers, Services, Networks

Testing & the Technology Lifecycle T I M E

Points to Keep in Mind … Although IMS simplifies some aspects of network management, complexity underneath needs to be managed Delivering high-quality service is no accident, operators need to adopt a pro-active test/monitoring strategy to retain customers Real-time network monitoring tools add value to network operations & engineering and to any customer-focused organization – marketing, sales, etc.