Telecom network protocol analyzer
Encyclopedia
Telecom Network Protocol Analyzer is a Protocol analyzer
to analyze a switching
and signaling
telecommunication
protocol between different nodes in PSTN or Mobile telephone networks
, such as 2G
or 3G
GSM networks, CDMA networks, WiMAX
and so on.
In a mobile telecommunication network
it can analyze the traffic between MSC and BSC, BSC and BTS, MSC and HLR, MSC and VLR, VLR and HLR, and so on.
Protocol analyzers are mainly used for performance measurement
and troubleshooting
. These devices connect to the network to calculate key performance indicators (KPI
) to monitor the network and speed-up troubleshooting activities.
Protocol analyzer
A "Protocol analyzer" is a tool used to capture and analyze signals and data traffic over a communication channel. Such a channel differs from a local computer bus to a satellite link, that provides a means of communication using a standard communication protocol...
to analyze a switching
Switching
LAN switching is a form of packet switching used in local area networks. Switching technologies are crucial to network design, as they allow traffic to be sent only where it is needed in most cases, using fast, hardware-based methods.- Layer 2 switching :...
and signaling
Signalling (telecommunications)
In telecommunication, signaling has the following meanings:*the use of signals for controlling communications...
telecommunication
Telecommunication
Telecommunication is the transmission of information over significant distances to communicate. In earlier times, telecommunications involved the use of visual signals, such as beacons, smoke signals, semaphore telegraphs, signal flags, and optical heliographs, or audio messages via coded...
protocol between different nodes in PSTN or Mobile telephone networks
Mobile telephony
Mobile telephony is the provision of telephone services to phones which may move around freely rather than stay fixed in one location. Mobile phones connect to a terrestrial cellular network of base stations , whereas satellite phones connect to orbiting satellites...
, such as 2G
2G
2G is short for second-generation wireless telephone technology. Second generation 2G cellular telecom networks were commercially launched on the GSM standard in Finland by Radiolinja in 1991...
or 3G
3G
3G or 3rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services fulfilling the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 specifications by the International Telecommunication Union...
GSM networks, CDMA networks, WiMAX
WiMAX
WiMAX is a communication technology for wirelessly delivering high-speed Internet service to large geographical areas. The 2005 WiMAX revision provided bit rates up to 40 Mbit/s with the 2011 update up to 1 Gbit/s for fixed stations...
and so on.
In a mobile telecommunication network
Mobile telephony
Mobile telephony is the provision of telephone services to phones which may move around freely rather than stay fixed in one location. Mobile phones connect to a terrestrial cellular network of base stations , whereas satellite phones connect to orbiting satellites...
it can analyze the traffic between MSC and BSC, BSC and BTS, MSC and HLR, MSC and VLR, VLR and HLR, and so on.
Protocol analyzers are mainly used for performance measurement
Performance Measurement
Performance measurement with a process is the complement to process execution. Based on measured performance, the feedback control loop may be closed. The metrics to assess performance is set according to a determined econometric model...
and troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem so that it can be solved, and so the product or process can be made operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to develop and...
. These devices connect to the network to calculate key performance indicators (KPI
KPI
KPI may stand for:*Key performance indicator*Kiev Polytechnic Institute*Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute*King pin inclination, see also camber angle*Kralyevich Productions, Inc*Kuwait Petroleum International...
) to monitor the network and speed-up troubleshooting activities.