The HSDPA Multi-UE Option provides developers and operators of evolved 3G systems with a comprehensive test environment for performance evaluation, stress testing and benchmarking of a Node B and its scheduling algorithms.

• Node B scheduler testing, verification and optimisation
• Real-time simulation of 32 HSDPA mobiles
• Independent mobility models representing real-time fading channel scenarios
• Full Layer 1 support of all UE capability classes
• Supports data rates up to 13.97Mbps
• Real-time simultaneous decode of HS-SCCH and HS-DSCH for all UEs
• Full MAC-hs and HARQ and reordering capability for all UEs
• Deterministic and repeatable channel behavior
• Advanced measurement logging and charting capabilities for all UEs
• Scalable system architecture to provide advanced test configurations

HSDPA-specific Requirements

The introduction of High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) into Release 5 of the 3GPP specifications provides enhanced support for packet data services with reduced latencies and a peak data rate up to 13.97 Mbps. These features enable improved data service quality and enhanced cell capacity.

The key functionality to achieve these improvements is in the Node B and includes downlink packet scheduling, fast re-transmission and link adaptation techniques.

Efficient operation of this complex functionality depends on the real-time downlink channel conditions, QoS and terminal capability class of each HSDPA mobile in the cell. This makes integration, test and verification difficult, especially in the early stages when real HSDPA mobiles are unavailable.

Taking the TM500 Further

Available as an upgrade to the TM500, the first commercial 13.97 Mbps-capable Test Mobile platform, the HSDPA Multi-UE Option simulates the operation of 32 UEs in fading channel conditions, providing:

• Real-time feedback of channel quality, downlink power control and HARQ response
• Ability to configure combinations of UEs from all capability classes
• Independent downlink channel environments for each UE
• Data integrity verification through full simultaneous decode of all HSDPA signaling and data channels on the cell
• Node B stress testing by cascading several Multi-UEs
• Interoperability with TM500 test mobile for AS/NAS protocol or TCP/IP service demonstrations in a high-load environment