exQavate | QiTASC

Traffic encryption

exQavate is a service for sending and receiving encrypted traffic. It establishes an encrypted connection from the QiTASC lab to the customer’s test environment, running via the gateway server. The customer can then use this connection to flexibly access ports and services directly from QiTASC without having to open their own network.

Encrypted IP connection

exQavate enables an encrypted connection between the intaQt framework and the customer’s test environment (in the form of a portable suitcase, for example). After establishing an encrypted connection, the traffic is routed only via this encrypted channel and is therefore not visible to the outside world.

Using a secure connection

With exQavate, the intaQt framework can be used remotely and securely. Its use for remote services is particularly relevant for the managed service of the QiTASC testing service.

It also provides an alternative to using the locally installed intaQt studio when working with the intaQt framework. The secure connection means the customer’s team can access the framework at webui.qts.qitasc.com. Testers can then use software tools such as intaQt studio, conQlude, cheQ, etc. simultaneously via the intaQt web-ui without having to integrate them locally.

Runs on IPS

The encryption software exQavate runs on the IPS, the intaQt phone service. This is a small hardware box that establishes the connection between intaQt software and the devices used for testing. It requires port 443 for outgoing traffic. An IPS box is included in the lab of every test environment working with intaQt. Previous IPS services included transmitting data and simulating the UI of Android phones. Now, the exQavate service adds a new dimension to the IPS performance.

Connection via gateway server

Within the QiTASC framework, exQavate uses port 443 to establish an mTLS-encrypted connection from the IPS to the gateway server in the customer’s network, accessible at gateway.qitasc.com/116.202.238.231. The customer can now flexibly access ports and services at QiTASC, such as intaQt studio, conQlude, cheQ or CDR-linQ, via the gateway server.

Minimal effort, fast commissioning

If a customer wants to work with intaQt and exQavate, all they physically receive is an IPS with exQavate pre-installed. The customer’s team of testers can start working with intaQt after just one week, the time needed for ordering, installation by IT, dispatch and delivery.

Closed network: Security through encryption

The advantage for customers is that their network is completely closed: all traffic can be routed via the encrypted connection established by exQavate. Ports and services need not be made publicly accessible, nor does incoming IP traffic have to be opened.

The only requirement is that port 443 is opened on the customer side. This is necessary for the connection to work, because the IPS communicates via port 443 of the gateway server.

Secure testing with the portable suitcase lab

As soon as a customer puts a portable suitcase lab into operation, it is in the customer’s network. These portable suitcases have intaQt pre-installed and contain an IPS on which exQavate runs. The intaQt framework is part of the QiTASC network. This is relevant if the testing service is handed over to QiTASC test team. Once exQavate has established an encrypted connection to the intaQt framework at QiTASC, the QiTASC testing team can use it to communicate with the portable suitcase at the customer’s site.