When it comes to network testing, there are a lot of alternatives out there. One more is set to join the fray: the new MAPS SIP Protocol Emulator tool from the folks out at GL Communications (News - Alert), who recently gave a more detailed rundown on just what the system will offer those who use it.

The MAPS SIP Protocol Emulator will have plenty of options available to it for those who want to keep their SIP works running smoothly, as it offers over 300 test cases in full compliance with the ETSI (News - Alert) TS 102-027-2 v.4.1.1 standard.

Available test case types include standard messaging, call flow scenarios with multimedia call sessions and more, with optional pass/fail results. It can support and detect RTP traffic like digits, single tones and dual tones, as well as UDP (News - Alert), TCP, retransmissions and remote retransmissions, protocol trace with message decoding, graphical ladder diagrams complete with time stamp.

It will also not only provide full statistics after the fact, but log all messages in real time. There's even a Packet Analyzer tool involved for capture and decode of SIP signaling.

The MAPS SIP Protocol Emulator, as explained by GL Communications' Senior Manager Jagdish Vadalia, can actively work to simulate any part of a VoIP network, and can act as multiple SIP entities, reducing the amount of equipment needed to run tests on the network.

Any time a business can reduce the amount of equipment it needs to perform a task, it just sounds like "cost savings." While the MAPS SIP Protocol Emulator tool may not work for everyone, it may be a way, especially for larger networks, to save some money on their maintenance and upkeep costs. Especially in these dark economic times, saving money anywhere is an idea that always warrants further investigation.

GL Communications also has a wide variety of other tools, so for those in the market to change up in terms of who's watching their network's back, it may be time to look into the extensive product line available.