MAPS™ 5G-ORAN F1AP Interface Emulator

Overview

GL’s MAPS™ (Message Automation & Protocol Simulation) 5G-ORAN F1AP Interface Emulator is a powerful testing solution for validating the F1 interface between gNB Central Unit (CU) and gNB Distributed Unit (DU) as defined by 3GPP TS 38.473. It emulates both CU and DU network elements, enabling users to test real-world signaling scenarios across the F1-C (Control Plane) and F1-U (User Plane) with ease. Fully compliant with 3GPP standards, it supports key procedures such as UE context setup, bearer management, and RRC message forwarding, —ensuring reliable and standards-compliant midhaul operations.

With its flexible architecture, MAPS™ F1AP allows performance testing, fault insertion, and interoperability verification under varied network conditions without the need for live RAN equipment. Traffic emulation modules allow operators and vendors to troubleshoot, optimize, and validate 5G Open RAN (ORAN) deployments—accelerating time to market and reducing risk.

The product supports Mobile Traffic Core – GTP (ETH101) and Mobile Traffic Core – Gateway (ETH102) for user-plane traffic emulation between CU and DU.

Applications

• Validate F1AP Protocol Compliance: Perform comprehensive standards-based testing for F1 procedures
• Simulate Large-Scale Networks: Emulate multiple CUs, DUs, and UEs using easy-to-configure subscriber profiles
• Fault and Recovery Testing: Insert impairments to validate error handling, robustness, and recovery mechanisms
• Interoperability Testing: Ensure seamless integration of multi-vendor ORAN components in 5G midhaul networks
• Automate Call Workflows: Enable automated generation and reception of calls for efficient, repeatable test cycles
• Support R&D and Training: Use in lab environments for protocol development, network optimization, and training
• Support Continuous Testing: Use built-in automation and remote tools to execute tests 24/7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of the 5G F1AP Interface Emulator?

It emulates the F1 reference point between gNB-CU and gNB-DU, enabling validation of 5G midhaul signaling. It supports UE context management, RRC message transfer, bearer setup, and other F1 procedures as defined in 3GPP TS 38.473, ensuring reliable CU–DU interaction.

Which F1-C and F1-U procedures and protocols are supported by the emulator?

It supports key F1-C procedures such as UE Context Setup/Release, bearer management, RRC message forwarding, and F1 interface initialization. On the user plane, it supports GTP-U tunneling using GL’s Mobile Traffic Core – GTP (ETH101) and Gateway (ETH102) modules for realistic F1-U traffic emulation.

Can the emulator simulate both gNB-CU and gNB-DU roles?

Yes, it can emulate both CU and DU nodes, allowing either side to act as the DUT. This enables full end-to-end testing of F1 signaling and traffic flows in flexible midhaul configurations.

Does it support performance testing, load testing, and fault insertion for midhaul networks?

Yes, the emulator supports performance testing, load generation, impairments, and fault insertion. It can introduce malformed messages, delays, and error conditions to evaluate robustness and midhaul performance under stress.

What customization options are available for call flows, messages, and profiles?

Users can customize:

• Call flows through the Script Editor
• Message templates using the Message Editor
• Subscriber, UE, CU/DU profiles via the Profile Editor

These tools allow flexible modification of scenarios, parameters, and signaling flows.

Is there support for automation, remote testing, and scheduled execution?

Yes. MAPS™ F1AP supports scripted automation, remote access, automated call handling, and 24/7 scheduled execution for continuous, unattended testing.

What are the hardware and software requirements to deploy the emulator?

The system requires PCs with Intel or AMD processors and GL hardware/software for compliance. The software license is available as MAPS™ 5G-F1AP (PKS512).

How does this emulator ensure multi-vendor ORAN interoperability?

The emulator ensures interoperability by providing standards-compliant F1 procedures, realistic CU–DU behavior, and configurable profiles that allow testing with different vendor implementations—enabling validation of multi-vendor ORAN midhaul deployments.

How does the 5G F1AP emulator ensure compliance with 3GPP TS 38.473 standards?

Compliance is ensured through:

• Full implementation of 3GPP TS 38.473-defined F1AP procedures
• Accurate encoding/decoding of F1AP messages
• Support for both control-plane and user-plane operations as per 3GPP specifications

This guarantees reliable, standards-aligned CU–DU interface testing.