IREG testing

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 Overview of IREG Testing
What is IREG testing :-
 The International Roaming Expert Group (IREG), as part of the GSM
Association, has released a series of test specifications to ensure correct
operation of roaming between two participating GSM network operators. GSM
Association Permanent Reference Documents (PRDs - IR)(24,35,32/60 and 38)
define the tests required. All the participating operators are bound by the
terms of the GSM MoU.

Why IREG Testing :-

 The objective of these tests is to ensure that a roamer from a roaming partner
network can successfully register in the network under test. It also verifies
whether the HLR in the home network updates the serving VLR with subscriber
subscription data. Once the registration is complete, the successful Roamer to
Roamer / PDP service are invoked to verify that it operates correctly in Visited
PLMN

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Network Topology Network Topology
The test structure is based on four steps. These steps are performed
before roaming service launch.
Stage 1. MAP interface
Stage 2. Internetwork SCCP and IP connectivity.
Stage 3. Exchange of numbering and addressing data.
Stage 4. End-to-end functional capability testing.
 In addition, billing verification is required for both inbound and
outbound roaming service usage.

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Below are the information that we request from the RC
 Necessary Document :- IR21 and AA14
 Type of test : - (IR24. 35,32/60, 38)
 Test Direction :- Inbound, Outbound, Bilateral
 Sim Details : - A minimum of two SIMs are supplied by the PLMN-A to the PLMN-B and
vice versa. The following information is needed to enable the tester to configure two test
mobiles for testing:
 Personal identification number (PIN)
 Personal user key/pin unblocking key (PUK)
 MSISDN and IMSI
 Note : IR.21 document, which lists all the necessary network information required to
enable roaming. It is mandatory to update and exchange this document, whenever
necessary, to reflect changes in the network. The receiving network updates routing
tables of all relevant network elements such as GWMSC according to the information
supplied with PRD IR.21. The GSM-specific information includes:
 E.164 number series, e.g., MSISDN range, MSRN range, GT list for MSCs (VLR), and SMSCs
 E.212 number series, i.e., MCC and MNC
 E.214 mobile global title (MGT), i.e., CC and NC
 IMSI to MGT translation

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List of Network elements needs to be configured
 In order to enable roaming between two partner networks, the following
connectivity is established. For GSM roaming:
 SCCP/MAP connectivity to link the HPLMN HLR and the VPLMN VLR.
 International circuit-switched connection for transport of speech and circuit-
switched data between partner networks.
 Signaling access
 SCCP routing
 SMS interworking
 Point-to-point connections are not feasible because of the cost involved in
setting up and maintaining links. Usually, the wireless service provider utilizes
the service offered by established international carriers for cost-efficient
internetwork connectivity. The services offered by international carriers may
vary in capabilities. In general, these include:

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Basic voice test setup

GSM roaming test setup / GSM basic service tests

 Figure 1 shows the basic test setup for IREG testing. PLMN-B is shown
as the network from where the tests are invoked for inbound roamers,
i.e., subscribers from PLMN-A visiting PLMN-B. However, the same
tests need to be repeated by PLMN-A for its inbound roamers, i.e.,
subscribers from PLMN-B.
 Test mobile station MS1-A is a PLMN-A subscriber roaming in PLMN-B
and is equipped with the SIM1-A. The second test mobile station MS2-
A is also a PLMN-A subscriber and is equipped with SIM2-A.

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Fig 1

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 Basic Test For Each Service

Below are the List of Basic test to be performed by CONFIG team during IREG Testing
For voice
 GSM Location Update
 R2R call
For data
 GSM Location Update
 GPRS Location Update
 PDP Context
For pre-paid/post-paid CAMEL
 GSM Location Update
 Roamer to Roamer call + Balance check Before and after call
For LTE/VoLTE
 LTE attach
 PDP context
 R2R call

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GSM LU Procedure

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MOC and MTC Call / Roamer to Roamer Call

- After Successful Location Update, Next step in Basic testing would be to check whether the test
SIM cards are able to perform successful MOC and MTC (Roamer to Roamer) calls , below is the
procedure how a call is connected between 2 HPLMN numbers roaming in VPLMN
- Mobile (MS A) dials Mobile (MS B) Number (Both Roaming in same Network of VPLMN)

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 Basic data roaming test setup
 A similar setup required for end-to-end functional testing for inter-PLMN GPRS roaming.
 GSM entities involved :
 GSM coverage (CELL)
 BSS (BSC)
 Core Network (SGSN, DNS server, MSC VLR)
 GSM Database (EIR, HLR)
 SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) - It monitors the state of the mobile station and tracks its
movements within a given geographical area. It is also responsible for establishing and
managing the data connections between the mobile user and the destination network.
 GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support node) - It provides the point of attachment between the GPRS
domain and external data networks such as the internet and Corporate Intranets. Each
external network is given a unique Access Point Name (APN) which is used by the mobile user
to establish the connection to the required destination network.
 WAP Servers - Its used for General Information Services like Train Timetables, etc.
 RADIUS Server - Remote Access Dial-in User Server.

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GPRS Architecture

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GPRS attach Procedure

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GPRS PDP Context

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 Conclusion

Basically Network Configuration and IREG testing refers to testing of wireless communication
services. The main job profile of an tester is to test the functionality of communication links. Some
of the defined roles and responsibilities of an tester include testing wireless operations,
troubleshooting, and solving technical issues, executing IREG testing, testing signal provider
systems, defining network requirements, and implementing network services to ensure smooth
operation of wireless network systems. The role demands sound knowledge of wireless
communication systems and network protocols.

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