ETSI, with the support of the Critical Communications Association (TCCA) and the Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC), is organizing the 9thMCX PlugtestsTM. This interoperability testing event will be hosted by by Texas A&M University at College Station, Texas, US from 24 to 28 February 2025.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF THE 9TH MCX PLUGTESTS EVENT?

The concept of Mission Critical Services such as “Mission Critical Push To Talk" (MCPTT), “Mission Critical Data" (MCData) and “Mission Critical Video" (MCVideo) started with 3GPP Release-13 and is ongoing in current Releases. The goal of this MCX Plugtests event is to validate the interoperability of a variety of implementations using different using different multi-client / vendor complex scenarios based on 3GPP Mission Critical Services. The format of the event will be live testing conducted face-to-face over 4G and 5G Networks.

This Plugtests event will focus on off-network communication and the 3GPP Release 18.

Specific focus will be put to cross communications including the Interworking Function (IWF) to other technologies like TETRA and P25, Off network communication and the inter MCX scenarios (enabling the connection of different systems, agencies or countries). The tests are based on 3GPP, ETSI and 

IETF standards and are designed for:

• MCS Application Servers (MCPTT, MCDATA, MCVIDEO)

• MCS Clients (MCPTT, MCDATA, MCVIDEO)

• eMBMS Components

• IMS / SIP Cores

• Consoles and Control Rooms connected to MCX servers

• MCS Test Equipments

• RAN equipment (4G and 5G)

• Packet cores (4G and 5G)

• UEs (User Equipment), Cab Radios, embedded equipment, Rugged Handheld Phones and 5G NR Sidelink Devices

• IWF towards TETRA and P25 systems.

This event will feature tests with 4G and 5G radio equipment (gNBs, eNBs, 5GCs, EPCs, UEs) and will also allow Over-The-Top (OTT) testing of Mission Critical Servers and Clients. Test Equipment vendors will have a possibility to test as well in the Plugtests event.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ATTENDING THE 9TH MCX PLUGTESTS EVENT?

• To assess the level of interoperability of your implementations

• To validate your understanding of the standards

• To test with (many) other real implementations and demonstrate end-to-end interoperability

• To debug your implementation: early bug fixing, saving time and costs

• To promote the technology and the ecosystem.

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?

• Vendors which develop and produce above-mentioned equipment

• Observers, which can be government organizations, mobile network operators, public safety operators, users, agencies or regulators.

New Vendors and Observers must sign the Rules of Engagement and NDA of the MCX Plugtests Programme to participate. 

THE PLUGTESTS OBSERVER PROGRAM

Observers are welcome to help define the scope (i.e. functionality to be tested) for this event and to evaluate the tests statistics in the TRT (Test Reporting Tool).

In parallel to the testing, we are planning to organise an observer round table discussion, an observer program with presentations and interoperability demos. The focus of the observer round table discussion and program is to examine and discuss the progress of deployment and the challenges in testing of the Mission Critical Services for Public Safety and Public Transport. The observer round table discussion and program will be held onsite during the event.

The interoperability demos will be demonstrated by the interested vendors showing interoperability of their equipment by showcasing the MCX Plugtests test cases and observer scenario use cases.