HP Introduces Signalling Test Solution to Support Accelerated ATM Service Deployment; Industry-standard HP BSTS Now Provides Complete Testing for UNI Signalling.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 1996-- Hewlett-Packard Company today introduces its HP E4214A UNI(1) signalling test application for the industry-leading HP Broadband Series Test System (BSTS) platform. The HP E4214A application is a software and firmware application offering new emulation and enhanced verification-, interoperability- and performance-testing features. When combined with existing HP BSTS applications, the HP E4214A application provides a comprehensive test solution that helps ensure proper implementation and functioning of signalling, which is critical to successful deployment of ATM(2) services over switched virtual circuits (SVCs).

Development engineers and quality assurance departments of equipment manufacturers can use the HP E4214A UNI signalling test application to test signalling performance and emulate both terminal equipment and network elements. Network operators can use the HP E4214A application to verify signalling implementations in ATM equipment before purchasing and deploying switches for the network. Emulation capabilities also can be used for interoperability-testing applications to ensure compatibility of new ATM equipment with existing network elements.

SVC-based services are critical to large-scale deployment of ATM services throughout public and private networks, but because signalling implementations can vary significantly from vendor to vendor, signalling messages may need to pass flawlessly through dozens of switches.

"Now network operators and equipment manufacturers have a comprehensive signalling test solution that provides them with the tools they need to confidently offer enhanced ATM services to the public," said Andrew Scott, a product manager for HP's IDACOM Telecommunications Operation.

SVCs enable network operators to optimize use of equipment and bandwidth by providing customers with "on-demand" ATM connectivity. This is accomplished through signalling communication passed between user end-points and the network and from switch to switch throughout the network. Proper signalling is essential to help ensure that SVCs are established promptly and sized correctly and that bandwidth is released when the ATM call is completed. However, because signalling is an extremely complex procedure that can be "derailed" at multiple points in the network, a broad test solution is required to help ensure proper implementation.

FLEXIBLE TEST SOLUTION

The HP E4214A UNI signalling test application reflects the flexibility that characterizes the HP BSTS platform: It provides features that include a fully adjustable state machine; configurable parameters, such as timers and counters; interactive services; and a UNI signalling PDU (Protocol Data Unit) editor for creating and modifying setup files or other messages. The wide range of emulation options eliminates the need for users to write extensive scripts to verify signalling functions. A rich library of protocol activities shortens the time required for building automated test routines.

In addition to verification tests, the software can be used to conduct ATM performance testing on the SVCs created during signalling emulation. It allows users to view signalling channels and analyze signalling performance under a wide variety of stress and load conditions. Additionally, because the HP E4214A UNI signalling test application runs on the powerful HP BSTS platform, users have access to a wide array of physical interfaces.

The HP E4214A application provides reference emulations for equipment verification and switched virtual-services testing that conform to ITU-T and ATM Forum standards. For instance, the HP BSTS E5579A Option 004 (ATM Forum UNI 3.1) and E5580A Option 0004 (ATM Forum UNI 3.0) signalling conformance test suites are ideal companion products to support ATM conformance testing for automated evaluation and acceptance-testing applications.

The HP BSTS platform, which has the largest installed base of any broadband/ATM testing platform in the telecommunications industry, enables users to perform extensive testing of all layers of the B-ISDN protocol stack and provides the full range of testing capabilities required to ensure flawless end-to-end signalling.

HP's IDACOM Telecommunications Operation manufactures and markets high-speed protocol analyzers and distributed test systems for designers, integrators and operators of broadband ATM and data-communications networks.

U.S. PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The HP E4214A UNI signalling test application is $9,990. It is expected to be available later this month.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 105,200 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

(1) UNI stands for User Network Interface.

(2) ATM stands for Asynchronous Transfer Mode. -0-

Note to Editors: Sales information may be obtained by calling 800/452-4844 Ext. 1709. Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information.

Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.

If you choose to review this item, your readers will receive the quickest response to their inquiries by mailing them to Hewlett-Packard Company, Direct Marketing Organization, P.O. Box 58059, MS51L-SJ, Santa Clara, CA 95051-8059.

Additional information on products from HP's Test & Measurement Organization can be obtained on the World Wide Web via http://www.tmo.hp.com.

CONTACTS: Hewlett-Packard Company

Pauline Hale, 403/430-2710

fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

or

Peters & Feldman for HP

Lee Feldman, 203/854-6761

fax: [phone]

[e-mail]