Method and apparatus for automatically generating call flow test scripts

Abstract

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for generating at least one test script for testing at least one service. Specifically, the method comprises obtaining information associated with at least one call flow associated with the at least one service, automatically constructing a call flow representation using the information, and automatically generating the at least one test script, wherein the at least one test script is generated using at least a portion of the call flow representation.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 025,443 filed Dec. 29, 2004 (now allowed), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to the field of communication networks and, more specifically, to call flow test script generation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] As service providers continue to deploy and upgrade network infrastructures in support of voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) traffic, network infrastructures are rapidly becoming more complex. In addition to the potentially large number of deployed network components, the network infrastructures are complex in that IP network components are increasingly being deployed not only in support of IP-to-IP communications, but for interfacing to other networks (e.g., Publicly Switched Telephone Networks) as well. This situation is exacerbated by use of network components provided by numerous equipment vendors, especially since...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach allows service providers to flexibly design and test numerous call flows, ensuring network services are thoroughly evaluated before deployment, reducing the risk of customer-impacting issues and improving the reliability of network services.

Problems solved by technology

As service providers continue to deploy and upgrade network infrastructures in support of voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) traffic, network infrastructures are rapidly becoming more complex.

In addition to the potentially large number of deployed network components, the network infrastructures are complex in that IP network components are increasingly being deployed not only in support of IP-to-IP communications, but for interfacing to other networks (e.g., Publicly Switched Telephone Networks) as well.

This situation is exacerbated by use of network components provided by numerous equipment vendors, especially since some network components are still relatively undeveloped with respect to reliability and scale.

Unfortunately, identification of every potential call flow is quite difficult.

Furthermore, development of test scripts for testing the call flows is complex.

As such, service provider call flow testing personnel are often unable to perform the extensive evaluation of complex call flows that may occur in the production environment due to a lack of insufficient processes for performing such extensive evaluation.

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