Internet of Things Testing

IoT or the Internet of Things covers a range of interconnected technologies and applications and is the very future of the societies we live in.

IoTAS are ideally positioned to provide advice and consultation, program planning and execution so that your IoT devices can be tested and, where appropriate certified prior to production.

 

LTE Cat M1 Device Testing

LTE Cat M1 devices utilise the 1.4 MHz spectrum to transmit Packet Switched (PS) data between 200 – 400 kbps and can offer advantages such as coverage and security, etc.

IoTAS can complete GCF LTE Cat M1 field trial testing in accordance with the latest GCF CC Version as well as customer defined design validation testing. 

NB-IoT: LTE Cat NB1 Device Testing

Whether you are developing a product for Smart Metering, Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, Consumer based, Agricultural or environmental purposes IoTAS can help you with your testing. 

IoTAS can complete GCF LTE Cat NB1 field trial testing in accordance with the latest GCF CC Version as well as customer defined design validation testing. 

IoTAS Case Studies

If you are looking for LTE Cat NB1 and LTE Cat M1 testing, performed in accordance with the latest approved certification methodology then IoTAS has a solution for you.

NB-IoT Logo (GSMA Design)
NB-IoT Logo (GSMA Design)

In December 2017 IoTAS were certified by UKAS to test MIoT Testing on LTE Cat NB1 and LTE Cat M1 devices and were the first GCF RTO to be accredited. In accordance with the stringent quality requirements dictated by the GCF it is mandated that any GCF Recognised Test Organisation (RTO) completing Cat NB1 and Cat M1 testing on behalf of a Manufacturer must have ISO 17025 Accreditation for GSMA TS.40/CLP.23, so if you want GCF certification then make sure you are dealing with a quality driven and assured provider.

LTE-M Logo (GSMA Design)
LTE-M Logo (GSMA Design)

In addition to this IoTAS were the first GCF RTO to complete Field Trial testing on Band 5 for an NB-IoT device at The Vodafone IoT lab in Newbury, UK, which is part of the GSMA Mobile IoT Initiative (Open IoT Labs). The testing was completed by IoTAS in accordance with the GSMA TS.40/CLP.23 field trials test specification.

Whether you are developing a product for Smart Metering, Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, Consumer based, Agricultural or environmental purposes IoTAS can offer you thorough, comprehensive testing. IoTAS are able to complete GCF Field Trial testing for NB-IoT as well as completing confidence level testing against our own test plan.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type=”transparent” up=”10″ down=”10″][vc_column_text]

 

AT&T recognises IoTAS as a Field Test Services Partner for IoT Devices

Following a successful test program in the United States, IoTAS are delighted to announce that we are now an AT&T IoT Devices Approved Partner for Field Test Services. This allows IoTAS to support IoT device manufacturers and integrators in Field Testing on the AT&T live operator network in the United States.

For more details on the partner program please visit the AT&T IoT Devices website (and check the Field test Services box!).

 

Robustness, Reliability And Performance Testing

Device certification for correctly specified functionality is without doubt a key element to the success of any device and the test requirements applied are developed from the relevant Standards Organisations, such as the 3GPP, ETSI, TIA, etc. test specifications. However, whilst these tests, often rigorous and thorough, will adequately ensure that the device conforms to standardised and accepted international testing stipulations they may not fully address three core factors of actual, practical usage:

  • Robustness
  • Reliability
  • Performance

 

One area of particular concern is how IoT technologies fulfil these three parameters. As devices, especially those with IoT functionality, are designed and manufactured to be simpler and of low-cost, IoTAS have witnessed greater levels of performance interference and failure, especially within high noise/RF environments.

Accordingly we have developed a range of additional test scenarios to improve Narrow Band cellular device testing which would, in turn, reduce problems found in the field and therefore help to avoid expensive ‘post launch’ corrections and adverse publicity.

Our testing scenarios can be tailored to customers particular requirements but we are happy to lead these planning discussions, based upon our experiences in the field (disrupting elements are commonly signal interference, background noise and path loses). The testing would usually comprise the measurement of key parameters, whilst the device is operated within complex, fading and poor network conditions, and cover:

  1. Network Attach/Detach
  2. Data bearer activation/deactivation
  3. Data connection stability (pings)
  4. Data throughput performance (compared to a suitable reference device)
  5. SMS MO/MT
  6. Cell re-selection / handover performance
  7. Performance in low signal area’s below -120dBm (with Coverage Enhancement)
  8. In and out of service

 

Some of the measurements we record, calculate and report upon would also potentially include:

  1. Success rate to attach to the network, with average connection setup time
  2. Success rate to send and receive data, with average ping times
  3. Long duration stability testing using an automated test bed.
  4. Testing in multiple locations with ‘real life’ network scenarios
  5. Testing in poor network coverage

 

If you are looking for a quality focused, qualitative appraisal of your device’s performance in ‘real’ and often challenging environments then please contact IoTAS to begin discussions on how we can bring enhanced value to your product.

For more information, please call IoTAS on +44 1223 810010