Field testing of GSM high speed circuit switched data functions

Abstract

The first commercial GSM networks were implemented using phase 1 specifications in 1991. The phase 1 included basic telephony services. The GSM phase 2 development concentrated on the supplementary services. In GSM phase 2+, data transfer services are under further development. The phase 2 maximum data rate is 9.6 kbps which is not felt to be adequate for growing need for higher data transfer rates. The modem technology development has increased the available data transfer rates in the Public Switched Telephony Network (PSTN). HSCSD technique has been developed for filling the competence gap between the GSM and PSTN data services. Time available for developing a new GSM phone has become shorter. This has lead to a situation where testing is crucial part of product creation process. Field testing is a phase where the overall functionality of phone will be verified in different operational networks. Field testing can be started only after the product has been verified to be nearly ready for market. Due to tight time schedules the time that is used for field testing must be minimised.In this thesis test cases for verifying phone's HSCSD related functionality in a field test environment has been developed. As an introduction, the basic building blocks of the GSM network are introduced with high level description of the GSM system protocol model. GSM phone related requirements to enable data transferring in GSM network are described, including the HSCSD related functions. Overall picture to GSM phone design and testing processes are given, concentrating on field testing related issues. This thesis is aimed to be appropriate also for field test training purposes. /Kir10