For more information on specific test procedures, please see Tektronix s Virtual Exhibit . Nearly all measurement situations can be considered in three categories with related approaches. Even though there are situations where two or more approaches could be applied to the same interface, the first steps in protocol testing should always be to determine the characteristics of the system under test and the test objectives. Use the nonintrusive monitoring approach. Use the conformance approach.
Monitoring is the process of collecting data from the interface.
The main reason for operators and manufacturers to collect data is to retrieve the necessary information for decision-making in relation to a specified objective. Simulation Simulation is the representation or imitation of a process or system by another device. In a test environment, a simulator can be used in place of a network element or a part of the network to produce desired conditions. For instance, when testing an RNC, the test equipment can simulate the CN behavior, keeping the RNC independent of the network. Emulation Emulation is a higher form of simulation where the behaviors of selected layers of communication protocols are simulated automatically and in conformance with standards.