NOFFZ Base Station Emulator (BSE)
Mobile network emulator from 2G to 5G
The NOFFZ Base Station Emulator (BSE) is a software-based mobile network emulator, built on software-defined radio (SDR) hardware, that recreates a complete private cellular network — 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G, across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) — in the lab or on the production line. It lets engineers test wireless devices such as telematics control units (TCUs), smartphones and IoT modems against a realistic network under full control of the signal conditions — no live carrier network or carrier subscription required (test SIMs are used instead). A single unit runs up to 4 independent cells and tests up to 32 cellular modules in parallel, including multi-day endurance runs.
TEST – RESEARCH – EDUCATE
What is a mobile network emulator?
Private mobile network for testing
A mobile network emulator is a test equipment that mimics the network side of a mobile connection — the base station (eNB in LTE, gNB in 5G) and core network that a phone or module would normally connect to. The device under test attaches to it exactly as it would to a real cell tower, so engineers can trigger and verify calls, data sessions, handovers and emergency features in a controlled, fully repeatable environment. This device category is also called a base station emulator, callbox or signaling tester. Unlike testing on a live carrier network, an emulator gives complete control over signal conditions and total reproducibility — the same test runs identically every time.
What can you test with the BSE?
With the BSE, you test everything a device would do on a real mobile network — attach, calls, messaging, data, handovers and emergency calls — but under fully controlled, repeatable conditions. Tests run on a single device or on up to 32 devices in parallel, from a quick functional check to multi-day endurance runs.
Voice, messaging and emergency calls
Devices under test can make and receive voice calls and SMS, and place emergency calls including eCall and Next Generation eCall (NG eCall), exactly as on a live network. Emergency-call testing in particular benefits from emulation: you can trigger and verify eCall sequences repeatedly without ever touching a real emergency number.
Data and connectivity functions
Test maximum data throughput, VoIP, Wi-Fi hotspot and connected-gateway functions across 2G to 5G, including 5G SA and NSA. NB-IoT and LTE-M cells cover M2M and IoT devices.
Mobility and network scenarios
Configure up to 4 independent cells and move the device between them: intra-RAT handovers, handovers between 5G standalone cells, MIMO scenarios, and operator-switching with Dual-MME / Dual-MNO setups. Dual-SIM Dual-Active (DSDA) modules can be validated in parallel.
Satellite connectivity (NTN)
Validate IoT NTN and Direct-to-Cell (pre-Rel 17 D2C) behaviour in the lab, where satellite scenarios can be reproduced exactly.Â
Endurance and parallel validation
Run the same scenarios continuously for days across up to 32 devices at once, while the BSE Manager monitors each connection: SNR, bit error rate, transmit power, RSSI and logical-channel status. This is how intermittent, long-run failures get caught before the field does.
Key specifications
| Specification | NOFFZ BSE |
|---|---|
| Model / generation | sUTP 5018 (coming soon: sUTP 5014) |
| Architecture | Software-based mobile network emulator on SDR hardware |
| Cellular technologies | 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G |
| 5G modes | Standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) |
| Network configurations | Standalone, non-standalone, Dual-MME / Dual-MNO |
| MIMO Configuration | Up to 8x8 |
| Non-terrestrial networks | IoT NTN and Direct-to-Cell (D2C) included; NR NTN optional |
| 3GPP release level | Release 19 |
| Frequency bands | All sub-6GHz bands |
| Independent cells | Up to 4 |
| Parallel devices (UEs) | Up to 32 cellular modules |
| IoT / M2M | NB-IoT, LTE-M |
| Handover | 5G – 5G SA, 4G – 5G SA, 4G – 4G, 2G – 2G |
| Test functions | Voice calls, SMS, eCall, NG eCall, data throughput, VoIP, Wi-Fi hotspot, connected gateway |
| Dimensions / form factor | W 505 x H 480 x D 630 mm Weight: 25 kg |
| Use | Validation and production; multi-day endurance testing, always-on service |
Non-terrestrial network (NTN) testing
The BSE emulates non-terrestrial networks alongside terrestrial ones, so devices with satellite connectivity can be validated in the lab. IoT NTN (upto Rel 19) for satellite IoT modems and Direct-to-Cell (D2C) — satellite connectivity for standard, pre-Rel 17 cellular devices, also called direct-to-device or satellite-to-phone — are included as standard over LEO, MEO or GEO links.
NR NTN is available as an option as of Rel 18. Because you cannot regression-test against a live satellite constellation, lab emulation is the only way to run NTN scenarios reproducibly — the same pass, the same conditions, every time.
Signaling vs non-signaling testing
| Aspect | Signaling test | Non-signaling test |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Device fully attaches to an emulated live network | RF measured directly, no full network attach |
| Best for | Functional & protocol validation: calls, data, handover, eCall | Fast RF parametric checks, high-volume production |
| Speed | Slower, realistic | Very fast |
| Coverage | 2G–5G, SA/NSA, IoT (NB-IoT/LTE-M), NTN | RF bands / parametric |
| NOFFZ product | NOFFZ Base Station Emulator (BSE) | Universal Wireless Tester |
TESTING CONNECTIVITY BEYOND LIMITS
THIS IS WHAT DISTINGUISHES OUR PRODUCT
Features and Specifications
- Manages multiple TCUs and Dual-SIM Dual-Active module validation tests in parallel
- Tests voice calls, text messages, eCall, NG eCall, maximum data traffic, VoIP, Wi-Fi hotspot, connected gateway, and other wireless functions
- Network coverage from 2G to 5G including standalone (SA), non-standalone (NSA), and and Dual-MME (Dual-MNO) configurations
- Scaling to up to 4 independent cells, intra-radio access technology handover, and various MIMO scenarios
Front and rear panel connectors of the Base Station Emulator sUTP 5018
Advantages of the emulator for private mobile networks
Cost efficiency
Change from a conventional box instrument to an SDR platform
- High channel count
Change from validation of a single DUT to a multi-DUT system
- Full system integration
Up to a complete infotainment validation system with global navigation satellite system, broadcast, radio, and Bluetooth
CONFIGURE AS NEEDED
Test just like in the real mobile network
Configure up to four different cells and connect up to 32 cellular modules in parallel: Your test object (UE, user equipment) can make voice calls, send and receive text messages, dial into neighboring mobile cells, or call emergency numbers, just like in any other real network!
In the BSE Manager software you can monitor the connections and the main parameters of the call status, e.g. signal-to-noise ratio, bit error rate, transmission power, RSSI, or the presence of correct logical channels.
INTERACTIVE CONFIGURATION AND SIMULATION
Software for the Base Station Emulator
Configure various technologies, monitor UEs in a realistic, emulated mobile network
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is the NOFFZ BSE different from a traditional callbox?
The NOFFZ BSE is a software-based mobile network emulator on SDR hardware, designed from the ground up for parallel multi-DUT testing. Because the network stack runs in software, one unit covers 2G through 5G and non-terrestrial networks. Combining the SDR hardware with the software-based approach results in a functional test tool for mobile devices at a fraction of the costs compared to traditional instruments.
What is the sUTP 5014, and what happened to the sUTP 5018?
The sUTP 5014 is the current generation of the NOFFZ Base Station Emulator. It entirely replaces the previous generation, the sUTP 5018, with new dimensions, added functionality, a later 3GPP release level and non-terrestrial network (NTN) support. [VERIFY: insert 2–3 concrete differences from the datasheet — e.g. exact release, key new functions, form-factor change.] Existing sUTP 5018 documentation and links now refer to this page.
Which cellular technologies does the BSE support?
It emulates 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G networks, including 5G standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes, plus Dual-MME / Dual-MNO configurations. It also supports NB-IoT and LTE-M for M2M and IoT devices.
Can the BSE simulate non-terrestrial networks (NTN)?
Yes. IoT NTN and Direct-to-Cell (D2C) — satellite connectivity for standard cellular devices, also called direct-to-device or satellite-to-phone — are included as standard, and NR NTN is available as an option. Devices with satellite connectivity — satellite IoT modems, smartphones and telematics units with satellite fallback — can be validated in the lab under reproducible conditions.
What is NTN testing?
NTN (non-terrestrial network) testing validates a device’s satellite connectivity — its behaviour when connecting through satellite-based cells instead of terrestrial base stations. Because a live satellite constellation cannot be used for controlled, repeatable tests, NTN scenarios are emulated in the lab, where signal conditions, delays and handovers can be reproduced exactly.
How many devices can it test at the same time?
A single BSE can run up to 4 independent cells and connect up to 32 cellular modules (UEs) in parallel, so you can validate many telematics units or IoT modems simultaneously instead of one at a time.
What is the difference between signaling and non-signaling testing?
In signaling testing, the device fully attaches to an emulated live network and you exercise real functions such as calls, data, handover and eCall. In non-signaling testing, the RF is measured directly without a full network attach, which is faster and common in production. The BSE is built for signaling tests; for non-signaling RF production test, NOFFZ offers the Universal Wireless Tester.
Can it test eCall and Next Generation eCall (NG eCall)?
Yes. The BSE supports emergency-call testing including eCall and NG eCall, MSD (minimum set of data) decoding, alongside voice calls, SMS, VoIP, and data throughput functions.
Does it support handover testing?
Yes. It can simulate intra-RAT handovers and handovers between 5G standalone, 4G and 2G cells, plus inter-RAT handovers between 4G and 5G cells, so a device can be moved between neighbouring cells exactly as it would be on a real network.
Do I need a live carrier network or a commercial SIM?
No live carrier network or carrier subscription is required. The BSE creates a private, self-contained cellular network in your lab or production line; the devices under test use test SIM or eSIM provisioned for the emulated network, giving you full control of signal conditions and complete reproducibility.
Can it be automated and integrated into a larger test system?
Yes. It provides a BSE API for automation and can be integrated into NOFFZ test systems such as the UTP 7033 validation rack, up to a full infotainment validation setup with GNSS, V2X, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and broadcast radio.
What devices is it typically used to test?
Telematics control units (TCUs), V2X communication modules, smartphones, IoT/M2M modems and the cellular interfaces in e-charging stations — common in automotive, infotainment/telematics, e-mobility, telecommunications, smart-city, IoT and healthcare applications.
It is also used as an educational tool in the Aerospace and Defense sectors.
IN ACTION
First steps with the Base Station Emulator
IN ACTION
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Introducing our latest automation solution: the UTP 9085 rotary and indexing machine. This state-of-the-art technology offers a comprehensive range of functions: rotary table and robot integration, multi-stage end-of-line inspection with double unit under test (DUT), optical pin inspection, label printing and application.
IN ACTION
NOFFZ UTP 9085
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Exemplary Configuration
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Downloads
Our brochures for download
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Ales Zitek
Sales Manager Eastern Europe NOFFZ Technologies Hungary Kft.
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