Rohde & Schwarz has achieved a major milestone in device conformance testing for 3GPP Mission Critical Services (MCS), validating mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) protocol conformance test cases for the Global Certification Forum (GCF). This achievement also earned Test Platform Approval Criteria (TPAC) for its R&S TS PCT protocol conformance tester, making Rohde & Schwarz the first and only test and measurement company to activate the initial mission-critical push-to-talk work item.
The validation of MCPTT test cases by Rohde & Schwarz enables the GCF to launch the first-ever certification program for MCS, providing public safety network operators with the assurance that mission-critical applications and devices adhere to a common standard and are interoperable. This program marks a significant step towards the transition from narrowband TETRA to broadband 3GPP MCS for device manufacturers and service providers.
3GPP MCS encompasses essential communications services such as mission-critical push-to-talk, data (MCData), and video (MCVideo), which are vital for public safety and emergency response operations. These services, collectively known as MCX, ensure seamless and reliable communications for first responders, facilitating efficient coordination and rapid response during critical situations. The shift to 3GPP-compliant broadband MCX offers enhanced capabilities, including higher data rates, improved coverage, and support for a broad range of multimedia applications.
Before being launched in the market, 3GPP MCS applications and devices must undergo certification by accredited test laboratories, overseen by certification bodies like GCF, PTCRB, or CTIA. At the Conformance Agreement Group (CAG) meeting #78bis, Rohde & Schwarz successfully validated the 3GPP MCS test cases of Work Item 288, utilizing the R&S TS-PCT protocol conformance tester, which operates on the R&S CMX500 radio communication tester and R&S CONTEST software. This achievement has officially commenced conformance testing for MCS devices.
The R&S CMX500 radio communication tester was instrumental in developing the protocol conformance test cases, enabling engineers to evaluate MCS applications and devices under realistic conditions. The device under test establishes a comprehensive, real-time connection to the simulated MCS network, testing relevant signaling and RF scenarios according to 3GPP specifications.
Rohde & Schwarz has been pioneering technological advancements for 90 years, offering cutting-edge products and solutions in Test & Measurement, Technology Systems, and Networks & Cybersecurity. The company operates independently and sustainably, with a focus on enabling technological and digital sovereignty for industrial, regulatory, and government customers. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion and employed around 13,800 people worldwide as of June 30, 2023.
