Exploring TR-398 Issue 3: A Comprehensive Overview and Key Differences

MAY, 2024


TR-398, also known as the Broadband Forum's "Internet and Broadband Network Performance Test Specification," serves as a benchmark for evaluating the performance of broadband networks and internet service providers (ISPs). Issue 3 of TR-398, released as an update, addresses emerging trends, challenges, and requirements in the telecommunications landscape.


Key Differences from Previous Versions

  • Enhanced Security Protocols

    TR-398 Issue 3 incorporates updated security protocols to mitigate evolving cyber threats. This includes measures to safeguard against DDoS attacks, intrusion attempts, and data breaches, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of network communications.

  • Expanded Scope

    Unlike its predecessors, TR-398 Issue 3 extends its scope to encompass emerging technologies such as 5G, IoT (Internet of Things), and SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network). This reflects the industry's shift towards next-generation networks and services, requiring updated evaluation criteria.

  • Performance Metrics Refinement

    Issue 3 refines existing performance metrics and introduces new parameters to accurately assess network performance and quality of service (QoS). These metrics cover aspects like latency, jitter, packet loss, throughput, and service availability, providing a comprehensive evaluation framework.

  • Cloud Integration

    Recognizing the growing adoption of cloud-based services and architectures, TR-398 Issue 3 incorporates testing methodologies tailored for cloud-integrated networks. This includes assessing cloud service performance, scalability, and reliability under varying conditions.

  • Compliance Requirements

    Issue 3 introduces stricter compliance requirements to ensure consistency and reliability in performance testing. This includes adherence to standardized testing procedures, documentation practices, and reporting formats, facilitating comparability and transparency among different evaluations.



TR-398 Issue 3 Test Items



Example: Noise Accuracy Test

This test provides a measurement of the accuracy of noise levels as reported by the DUT. Several levels of noise are tested. The reported noise is an indicator of the average radio noise plus interference power measured for the primary operating channel.


Relevant Testing Parameters

  • Latency

    Latency refers to the time taken for data packets to travel from the source to the destination. TR-398 Issue 3 defines latency thresholds for different types of applications, emphasizing low-latency requirements for real-time services like voice and video communication.

  • Jitter

    Jitter measures the variability in packet arrival times, affecting the smoothness and reliability of data transmission. TR-398 Issue 3 specifies acceptable jitter levels to ensure stable and consistent performance, especially critical for multimedia streaming and interactive applications.

  • Packet Loss

    Packet loss denotes the percentage of data packets lost during transmission, impacting the integrity and completeness of transmitted information. Issue 3 sets limits on packet loss rates, mandating minimal loss for maintaining service quality and user experience.

  • Throughput

    Throughput quantifies the amount of data transferred per unit time, indicating the network's capacity and efficiency. TR-398 Issue 3 evaluates both peak and sustained throughput, considering factors like network congestion, bandwidth allocation, and protocol overhead.

  • Service Availability

    Service availability measures the accessibility and reliability of network services over time. Issue 3 defines availability targets and downtime thresholds, assessing the network's resilience to disruptions and its ability to meet service level agreements (SLAs).


Real-World Scenarios


TR-398 Issue 3 provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating broadband network performance in real-world settings, aligning technical specifications with user expectations and industry best practices.

  • Service Differentiation

    With the proliferation of diverse applications and services running on broadband networks, TR-398 Issue 3 recognizes the need for service differentiation. It provides guidelines for evaluating how well a network can prioritize and maintain the quality of different types of traffic, ensuring optimal performance for critical services like voice calls, video conferencing, and online gaming.

  • Network Resilience and Redundancy

    In addition to performance metrics, TR-398 Issue 3 addresses the resilience and redundancy of broadband networks, particularly in scenarios involving network failures or disruptions. It outlines testing procedures for evaluating failover mechanisms, backup solutions, and recovery times, ensuring minimal service downtime and uninterrupted connectivity for users.

  • Real-world Testing Scenarios

    To simulate real-world conditions accurately, TR-398 Issue 3 includes testing scenarios that mimic typical usage patterns and network environments. This may involve variations in network traffic, device types, geographical locations, and network congestion levels, ensuring that performance evaluations reflect practical user experiences under diverse conditions.

  • Quality of Service (QoS) Guarantees

    TR-398 Issue 3 delves into the provision of Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees by ISPs, specifying criteria for measuring and enforcing QoS parameters such as bandwidth allocation, traffic prioritization, and service-level agreements (SLAs). This helps maintain consistent service delivery standards and fosters trust between ISPs and their customers.

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility

    With the proliferation of multi-device households and heterogeneous network environments, TR-398 Issue 3 addresses cross-platform compatibility issues. It assesses how well broadband networks support various devices, operating systems, and protocols, ensuring seamless connectivity and interoperability across different platforms.


TR-398 Issue 3 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications standards, addressing contemporary challenges and requirements in network performance evaluation. By incorporating updated security protocols, expanding its scope, refining performance metrics, integrating cloud testing methodologies, and enforcing compliance requirements, Issue 3 establishes a robust framework for assessing broadband network performance and ensuring quality of service. Embracing TR-398 Issue 3 enables stakeholders to adapt to evolving technologies, enhance network reliability, and deliver superior user experiences in an increasingly connected world.