Valid8 Performs Successful LTE MCX Group Call to P25 LMR via IWF Emulator

Wakefield, MA - Valid8.com, Inc., a leading provider of test and analytics solutions for next-generation devices and networks, today announced a successful live demonstration of the interworking function (IWF) between LTE MCX technology and legacy LMR public safety communications systems using Valid8’s IWF emulator.

This represents a major milestone as part of Valid8’s work under the guidance of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to create a standards-based bridge between the emerging MCX technologies and existing land mobile radio (LMR) equipment.  By using the functional connectivity model defined in 3GPP TS 29.379 v17.2.0, figure 5.2-3 toward a P25 RFSS acting as the Home RFSS, Valid8 developed and demonstrated an IWF emulator that allows LTE Mission Critical (MCX) Systems to make a group call over the standard ISSI interface to a P25 LMR system for Public Safety Communications.  

Valid8 is the first to create a cost-effective IWF emulator to use IWF-1 and IWF-3 to make a group call from an MCX system to a P25 LMR system over ISSI (as defined in 3GPP TS 23.283 V17.2.0).  This successful demonstration illustrates that connecting legacy technologies to MCX is possible, encouraging wider adoption of these new standards.

“We are excited to have helped to prove that this connection is possible for MCX solution providers,” said Winnie Carpenter, VP of Engineering at Valid8.  “The LMR - MCX IWF component will enable these agencies to more easily interoperate with other agencies that use modern and advanced MCX services, such as the exchange of voice, video, text, images, locations, and more.  This represents a significant milestone toward an open standard for public safety communications.”

This ISSI connection represents an initial step as part of Valid8’s roadmap/strategy to emulate and provide wrap-around test capabilities for a variety of legacy system types and interfaces in the public safety and mission critical industries.

The Inter RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI) was developed to provide standards-based interconnectivity between two ISSI capable networks. Valid8’s IWF emulator demonstrates the effectiveness of ISSI and how completely different systems can be connected using this standard interface.  

The IWF emulator builds on Valid8’s experience developing the P25 CAP ISSI CSSI conformance tester and MCX Client Conformance tester.  With the IWF emulator, Valid8 can deliver a cost-effective, customizable solution in the near term while the deployable IWFs continue to be developed.

About Valid8

Valid8 helps the world’s networks work by providing the best methods to simulate and test network equipment and communication protocols. With 19 years of proven results, Valid8 believes that testing tools should start with a flexible and affordable base with the ability to customize solutions to needs. Clients should only pay for what they need. Valid8 is dedicated to customer success with a comprehensive support program providing direct access to engineers to assist with training, integration, and problem-solving. Over 90% of customer feedback points to Valid8’s flexibility and service as the reason they have chosen to partner with the company. Valid8 has succeeded in giving clients a refreshing change from the testing status quo.

Contact information:

Mark Severns
Marketing
Mobile: +1 781 835 6008
Email: m.severns@valid8.com

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