NMCS Compatibility Testing

The Highways Agency’s National Motorway Communications Standard (NMCS), defines the requirements for all motorway communications systems. The aim is to allow the Highways Agency to procure equipment from a number of suppliers, without worrying about issues of mutual compatibility. This approach leads to improved reliability, simple installation and ensures good value for money.
Key to this strategy is the Compatibility Testing undertaken by Cambridge Consultants. This ensures that the equipment's communications behaviour is well defined even in the presence of faults elsewhere.

The Portable Standard

An important tool for the Highways Agency, their suppliers and Cambridge Consultants is the Portable Standard.

The Portable Standard is a combination of protocol analyser and test vector generator. It can analyse NMCS communications and display the information in an application level format.
Using its simulation capability it can test the behaviour of other devices. It is possible to construct complex test scripts that exercise both normal and erroneous communications.
We continue to maintain and develop the Portable Standard to meet the evolving roadside environment. This way the Highways Agency can mix new generation equipment with legacy equipment in complete confidence.

For further information about motorway communications testing, click here.