GCF Assessment Capable Entity (ACE)

IoTAS is a GCF Assessment Capable Entity (ACE) accredited test lab based in the UK; we can offer ACE support for both Mission Critical (MCS) and Non-Mission Critical products.

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GCF Services

What is a GCF ACE?

GCF Assessment Capable Entity (ACE) — What is a GCF ACE?

Assessment Capable Entities (ACE) are organisations who have the capability to determine the range of tests required in the certification of a device and assessing all those test results to ensure the device adheres to all certification criteria.
As such IoTAS can offer their services as Assessment Capable Entities to support GCF Associate Manufacturer Members with their connected device certification.
As you can see from the diagram above the role of the ACE is to identify the required testing, review the test results and support with the GCF submission process.
As well as this, IoTAS will also manage the formal GCF Submission.
The GCF system allows the assigned ACE to manage the GCF listing on the manufacturers behalf. IoTAS can therefore compile the GCF submission documents and supporting information (such as feature support) and can populate the GCF submission accordingly.
Upon completion, the manufacturer will complete a final review of the listing before publishing on the GCF website; at this point a certificate can be downloaded from the GCF system.

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What is an GCF Associate Manufacturer Member?

Manufacturer Membership Privileges — What is an GCF Associate Manufacturer Member?

Associate Manufacturer Members may certify devices that incorporate a GCF-certified wireless module using a reduced set of criteria when compared with full device certification by a Manufacturer Member.
This provides a route to market for those sales channels that require GCF certification, so long as the Associate Manufacturer Member works with a third-party Assessment Capable Entity (ACE) such as IoTAS.
The table below details the GCF membership categories; are you can see Associate Manufacturer Members require an ACE to support with the certification process:

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Membership Definitions

Associate Manufacturer Member

a legal entity that manufactures Products, not qualifying or not choosing to become a Manufacturer Member.

Associate Manufacturer AMM I – Personal Devices: By paying the same membership fee as a Manufacturer Member, may certify any product except a Module or Platform.
Associate Manufacturer AMM II – Connected Devices: May certify a product, where the 3GPP/3GPP2 functionality is not the primary function, that embeds a GCF certified module or that references a GCF Certified Platform.

GCF Assessment Capable Entity (ACE)

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IoTAS ACE Services

IoTAS is a UK headquartered ACE, with a global footprint of test centres delivering RTO support.

As an independent ACE, IoTAS can identify the Conformance, Field Trial and IOP tests that need to be undertaken to demonstrate device compliance with all relevant GCF Certification Criteria.

Our accreditation as an ACE is evidence of our team’s skills, qualifications, and practical experience of GCF processes in supporting members through GCF certification.

Our assessors have:

First-hand experience of creating and modifying test plans in line with the features and functionality of the device being certified
The ability to analyse test results to verify the accuracy of the features and functionality declared for the device
Experience in the review of test reports to construct a Compliance Folder
Experience in the review of a Compliance Folder to ensure that it demonstrates the device complies with all relevant GCF Certification Criteria

GCF Services

IoTAS MCS (Mission Critical) ACE Services

As an ACE for Mission Critical Services (MCS), IoTAS can help you achieve GCF certification for your Mission Critical solution.

There are currently four routes for GCF Certification:

1
Native Integration of an MCX Client on an End Product (UE/Device)
2
Integration of a GCF Certified MCX Client Platform on an End Product (UE/Device)
3
Integration of an MCX Client on a GCF Certified UE/Device platform
4
MCX Client only Certification

Whether you are developing an MCX Client/ Platform, natively integrating an MCS solution, or embedding an MCX Client into an end product, IoTAS can provide the expertise and support needed to help you achieve GCF certification.

GCF Services

IoTAS GCF field trials & IOP testing

IoTAS is a GCF, FT, IOP and Assessment Capable Entity (ACE), which allows IoTAS to support companies to obtain GCF Certification for their device.

For information on GCF field trials and IOP testing please visit: IoTAS and the GCF

IoTAS Fully Managed Solutions

IoTAS have built up extensive experience and global connections over the years which has resulted in us being able to offer a fully managed ‘One Stop Shop’ service.

Accordingly, our customers benefit from a ‘single point of contact’ supplier relationship, saving time and money.

As part of our fully managed solution IoTAS can act as a GCF ACE, GCF Field Trial RTO and manage the GCF Conformance RTOs accordingly.

For more information please visit: GCF Managed Solutions

Specialist Support. Connected Expertise.

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GCF Services

GCF Field Trials

GCF Field Trial (FT) testing evaluates the performance and behaviour of a terminal on live commercial networks, under both static and dynamic radio conditions that cannot be fully reproduced in laboratory or simulated environments.

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GCF Services

GCF Managed Solutions

IoTAS have built up extensive experience and global connections over the years which has resulted in us being able to offer a fully managed ‘One Stop Shop’ service. Accordingly, our customers benefit from a ‘single point of contact’ supplier relationship, saving time and money.

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GCF Services

Mission Critical & Public Safety Equipment Testing

When catastrophic events, disasters and other emergency scenarios occur we rely upon the services of the fire and rescue authorities in collaboration with police and ambulance services – or Blue Light services.

GCF Services

IoTAS and the GCF - Certified Test Solutions

The GCF is an independent certification scheme for mobile phones and wireless devices that are based on 3GPP standards.

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