LTE and the Evolution to 4G Wireless: Design and Measurement Challenges, 2nd Edition

Chapter 7

Conformance and Acceptance Testing

This chapter covers user equipment (UE) and evolved Node B (eNB) conformance testing. This chapter also explains the role of certification bodies such as the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB) in UE certification and in network operator acceptance testing, which—although not formally part of the conformance testing regime—is becoming an increasingly important step for equipment vendors to take before their products are actively marketed by specific operators.

7.1 Introduction to Conformance Testing

The goal of the LTE conformance tests is to ensure a minimum level of performance. Although the list of tests can seem very large, it should be understood that passing all the conformance tests represents only a minimum level of performance and there are many other kinds of testing that equipment vendors will need to carry out, as illustrated in Figure 7.7-1. This includes a more thorough investigation of performance margins, since conformance testing gives a pass/fail result with no indication of how close the product is to a particular limit.

Figure 7.1-1. Equipment test cycle

From the end users’ perspective there is a need to test applications since the conformance tests are very much aimed at a lower level of capability, ensuring that the underlying transport mechanisms are in place to carry ...