TeraVM's new virtual radio access network (vRAN) CIoT module can emulate more than 16 million IoT devices via narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and CAT-M connections in a fully virtualized environment. This allows users to test their networks' capacity to support the wide variety of current and potential connected IoT endpoints, while providing consistent and reliable connectivity for "traditional" mobile voice and data services.
 
The module is part of VIAVI Solutions' 3GPP-compliant RANtoCore™ end-to-end test platform, which validates RAN-to-core network performance via the mobile edge. This enhancement provides users with a single platform that covers 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G traffic scenarios, helping service providers identify bottlenecks, protect mission-critical services, and plan for the next wireless core upgrade.
 
TeraVM's CIoT support addresses several significant challenges facing operators and ISPs as IoT continues its rapid growth. IoT devices generate relatively small amounts of data, but their increasing numbers are poised to place unprecedented strain on network signaling nodes. Unlike data and voice, the traffic generated by these connected endpoints is unpredictable and largely unknown. TeraVM offers a scalable, automated, and cost-effective solution by emulating and predicting these scenarios in a lab, data center, or cloud environment.
 
This approach allows users to future-proof their networks by identifying and addressing potential infrastructure problems to create a viable foundation for IoT development and the eventual rollout of 5G.
 
“This marks the next stage of network testing, and one that is crucial for a connected future built on smart cities and connected cars,” said Ultan Kelly, Senior Director of Products at VIAVI Solutions. “Using the TeraVM solution, operators can now test their networks by simulating mobile and data traffic in a city like London or New York, in addition to the volume and diversity of traffic from millions of IoT endpoints, which will emphasize a different part of their infrastructure in a completely new way.”.
 
TeraVM vRAN's CIoT solution is now available and is currently in use by several operators and large service providers. The module can be integrated into an existing network project, or it can be used to recommend where a new network segment should be introduced to optimize quality of service and dedicate resources to a specific IoT use case.

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