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

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. Simplified – Or More Complex?

6. 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

7. Customers, Services, Networks

8. Testing & the Technology Lifecycle
T I M E

9. 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.