Wholesale Interconnect Testing for Beginners

Level 2: Key Metrics to Test in Interconnects – What Really Matters

Voice interconnect metrics:

• ASR (Answer Seizure Ratio) → ≥92–95% ideal
• PDD (Post Dial Delay) → <4–6 seconds
• ACD (Average Call Duration) → >90–120 seconds
• CLI presentation → correct local/international display
• Audio quality → no echo, drops, one-way
• Signaling success → 200 OK rate, no 503/408 floods

SMS interconnect metrics:

• Delivery rate → ≥95–98%
• DLR time → <60 seconds ideal
• Content filtering → promo/OTP pass rate

Illustration: Metrics as a dashboard — green = good interconnect, red = danger zone 📊🟢🟥.

Pro Tip: “Test both directions — inbound & outbound.” Many interconnects look good one way and terrible the other.

Level 3: Interconnect Testing Methodology – Step-by-Step Process

Standard wholesale interconnect test flow:

1. Agree test plan & acceptance criteria (with partner)
2. Exchange test credentials (IPs, SIP credentials, SMPP binds)
3. Use real test numbers (free 6X test numbers recommended)
4. Send controlled test traffic (100–500 calls/SMS per direction)
5. Capture metrics (ASR, PDD, ACD, DLR, CLI, audio)
6. Analyze results & negotiate fixes if needed
7. Sign off & move to limited live traffic

Illustration: Testing as a medical check-up — diagnose issues before the patient (live traffic) arrives 🩺📞.

Golden rule: “Never go live without bilateral testing.” One-sided testing misses 50% of problems.

Level 4: Using Free 6X Telecom Test Numbers for Interconnect Testing

Go to the free tool: https://6xcom.com/telecom-test-numbers

Key features perfect for interconnect testing:

• Real mobile test numbers in 100+ countries
• Voice (call & receive) + SMS (send & receive)
• No login, no cost, instant access
• Ideal for ASR/PDD/CLI/DLR/filtering validation

How to use for interconnect:

1. Share test numbers with partner
2. Send test traffic from your switch/SMPP
3. Receive calls/SMS on the other side
4. Verify metrics (CLI shown? Delivery received? Audio clear?)
5. Repeat 100–500 times for statistical confidence

This tool eliminates bias — both sides use the same real numbers. Test interconnects faster & cheaper than ever!

Level 5: Detecting Fraud & Issues During Interconnect Testing

Common fraud patterns to spot during testing:

• Short-duration call floods (Wangiri / traffic pumping)
• Premium-rate destination testing (IRSF probes)
• CLI spoofing attempts
• SMS content filtering / blocking
• High failure rates on specific destinations

Red flags:

• ASR drops suddenly
• PDD spikes
• Unexpected short ACD
• DLR failures on known good numbers

Illustration: Fraud during testing as early warning sirens — catch them before live traffic costs money 🚨🛑.

Pro Tip: “Fraudsters test routes too — but they don’t want you to notice.” Monitor test traffic patterns closely.

Level 6: Advanced Interconnect Testing – Scale & Automate

Pro-level techniques:

• Automated testing (SIPp scripts, SMPP simulators, custom Python)
• Load testing (CPS ramp-up, peak-hour simulation)
• Multi-route failover testing
• Codec & transcoding validation
• Long-duration call stability
• SMS content & keyword filtering tests

Tools: SIPp, sipp scenarios, Homer SIP capture, 6X test numbers for validation.

Illustration: Advanced testing as upgrading from manual check to full diagnostic suite 🛠️📡.

Rule: “Test monthly — interconnect quality changes fast.” Schedule automated checks with 6X test numbers to stay ahead.

Level 7: Wholesale Interconnect Testing Legend Status Unlocked!

Congrats! You’re ready to validate, secure, and optimize wholesale interconnects like a top-tier carrier. Regular testing with real numbers protects revenue and builds trust with partners.

Want advanced interconnect testing training (automated test scripts, fraud pattern detection, large-scale benchmarking)? Email support@6xcom.com — we’ll make you an interconnect testing legend, free!