Testing Method, Device and Storage Medium for Core Network Signaling Plane

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a test method, device, and storage medium for the core network signaling plane. The method includes: in response to a test start request, starting a 5G signaling simulation tool component, where the 5G signaling simulation tool component is used to simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations; configuring the internal communication address of the 5G signaling simulation tool component with the corresponding tester bridge port to establish a communication connection with the device under test; displaying a signaling management interface; obtaining, through the signaling management interface, test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane; generating a test script according to the test parameters; and running the test script according to the 5G signaling simulation tool component to implement the signaling plane test of the device under test.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a test method, device, and storage medium for the signaling plane of a core network. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G), the performance, security, and stability of the signaling plane of the 5G core network have become the focus of attention for operators, equipment manufacturers, and research institutions. The signaling plane of the 5G core network is responsible for processing signaling interactions between user equipment (UE) and base stations (the next Generation Node B, gNB) and the core network, and its performance directly affects the operation efficiency of the entire network and the user experience. At the same time, with the continuous progress of satellite communication technology, it has become possible to combine 5G with satellite communication technology to achieve a globally seamless coverage communication network. However, this combination also brings new challenges, such as high latency, low bandwidth, frequent handovers, etc., which pose higher requirements for the adaptability and stability of the 5G core network signaling plane.

[0003] In related technologies, the testing of the core network signaling plane often relies on actual physical devices or existing simulation software. Testing based on physical devices is mainly applicable to small-scale single communication scenarios, and existing simulation software configures some common network scenarios internally and can perform performance testing for common communication scenarios.

[0004] However, the existing technologies cannot meet the testing requirements of the core network signaling plane in diverse and complex communication scenarios, and the accuracy and efficiency of testing are relatively low. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a test method, device, and storage medium for the core network signaling plane to solve the problem that the existing technologies cannot meet the testing requirements of the core network signaling plane in diverse and complex communication scenarios, and the accuracy and efficiency of testing are relatively low.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a test method for the core network signaling plane, including:

[0007] In response to a test start request, start a 5G signaling simulation tool component, where the 5G signaling simulation tool component is used to simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations;

[0008] Configure the internal communication address of the 5G signaling simulation tool component to be bridged with the corresponding tester port to establish a communication connection with the device under test;

[0009] Display a signaling management interface;

[0010] Obtain the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane through the signaling management interface;

[0011] Generate a test script according to the test parameters;

[0012] Run the test script according to the 5G signaling simulation tool component to implement the signaling plane test of the device under test.

[0013] Here, the present application provides a flexible and reliable test method for the core network signaling plane, which can simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations through the 5G signaling simulation tool component. A large number of terminals and base stations can be simulated through one test port, and a communication connection with the device under test can be established, so as to simulate the communication network in various communication scenarios. Then, through the signaling management interface, a visualization window is provided for the user to configure various test parameters, and then a test script is generated to implement the test of the core network signaling plane under different communication scenarios and different test requirements. Through the simulation port and the user-interactive visualization window, the test requirements of the core network signaling plane in diverse and complex communication scenarios can be met, and the accuracy and efficiency of the test are improved.

[0014] Optionally, the displaying the signaling management interface includes: dynamically loading the protocol to obtain the protocol stack information of the latest version, where the protocol stack information is pre-configured by the user on the protocol stack information management interface; generating and displaying the signaling management interface according to the protocol stack information.

[0015] Among them, the present application supports dynamically loading the protocol, can load and update the latest protocol version as needed, and the user can flexibly edit the protocol stack messages through the protocol stack information management interface, thereby constructing diverse 5G signaling service processes, improving the flexibility of the core network signaling plane test, and the visualization interface setting can save the user's configuration time and further improve the test efficiency.

[0016] Optionally, the obtaining the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane through the signaling management interface includes: obtaining the configuration operations of the user through the signaling management interface, where the configuration operations include at least one of a drag operation, a click operation, and an input operation; obtaining the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane according to the configuration operations.

[0017] Here, the present application provides a visualization signaling management interface for the user. The user can configure the test parameters through simple drag operations, click operations, input operations, etc. The configuration method is intuitive and simple, further improving the test efficiency and the user experience.

[0018] Optionally, the signaling management interface includes a node configuration interface and a process configuration interface;

[0019] Accordingly, obtaining the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane through the signaling management interface includes: obtaining the base station side related test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane through the node configuration interface; obtaining the user equipment related test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane through the process configuration interface.

[0020] Wherein, the present application provides a node configuration interface for configuring base station side related test parameters, and also provides a process configuration interface for configuring user equipment related test parameters, which can configure base station side related test parameters and user equipment related test parameters. Through the flexible configuration of the above parameters, during the test process of the core network signaling plane, it helps to verify and optimize the network performance, improves the flexibility and accuracy of the test, and improves the user experience.

[0021] Optionally, generating a test script according to the test parameters includes: determining a corresponding test scenario according to the test parameters; obtaining a preset test template corresponding to the test scenario; generating a test script according to the preset test template.

[0022] Here, the present application can pre-configure test templates corresponding to multiple test scenarios. When determining the test scenario through the test parameters, the pre-configured test templates can be directly called, which simplifies the accurate process of the test and improves the efficiency of the core network signaling plane test.

[0023] Optionally, generating a test script according to the preset test template includes: outputting the preset test template; generating a test script in response to a modification operation and / or confirmation operation of the user for the preset test template.

[0024] Here, the user can modify or confirm the test template, further improving the flexibility of the test.

[0025] Optionally, before starting the 5G signaling simulation tool component in response to a test start request, it further includes: creating one or more nodes through the 5G signaling simulation tool component, where the nodes are used to simulate user equipment or base stations.

[0026] Wherein, the present application can pre-create one or more nodes in the 5G signaling simulation tool component to simulate user equipment or base stations, achieving the purpose of simulating a large number of user equipment and base stations with one test port, being able to meet various communication scenarios, such as satellite communication scenarios, etc., and improving the flexibility of the core network signaling plane test.

[0027] Optionally, the 5G signaling simulation tool component is further configured to simulate 5G signaling service processes, where the 5G signaling service processes include multiple ones of registration, session establishment, handover, and service request.

[0028] Here, by simulating 5G signaling service processes through the 5G signaling simulation tool component, the present application can achieve a full-enclosure test of the core network under test, and can truly and standardly simulate the interoperability processes and functional characteristics between interfaces, thereby comprehensively verifying the performance of the signaling plane of the core network and improving the flexibility and accuracy of the core network signaling plane test.

[0029] In a second aspect, the present application provides a test device for the signaling plane of a core network, including: a memory, a processor;

[0030] The memory stores computer-executable instructions;

[0031] The processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above first aspect and / or various possible implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0032] In a third aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, where computer-executable instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the above first aspect and / or various possible implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0033] The test method, device, and storage medium for the signaling plane of the core network provided by the present application can simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations through the 5G signaling simulation tool component, can simulate a large number of terminals and base stations through one test port, and establish a communication connection with the device under test, thereby simulating a communication network in various communication scenarios. Then, through the signaling management interface, a visual window is provided for the user to configure various test parameters, and further a test script is generated to implement the test of the signaling plane of the core network under different communication scenarios and different test requirements. Through the simulation port and the user-interactive visual window, the test requirements of the signaling plane of the core network in diverse and complex communication scenarios can be met, and the accuracy and efficiency of the test are improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings here are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present application, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of the present application.

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the test system architecture for the signaling plane of the core network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the connection and interaction of the test system for the signaling plane of the core network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of a test method for the core network signaling plane provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the interface for creating a test node provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the interface for creating a test process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of a test device for the core network signaling plane provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a test device for the core network signaling plane provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Through the above-mentioned drawings, the specific embodiments of the present application have been shown, and there will be more detailed descriptions hereinafter. These drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Specific Embodiments

[0043] Here, the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and the examples are shown in the drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. On the contrary, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0044] Satellite communication features high latency, low bandwidth, frequent handovers, etc. To comprehensively evaluate and optimize the signaling plane performance of 5G core network and verify its stability and reliability in the satellite communication environment, an efficient testing method is required. Traditional testing methods often rely on actual network devices, with high testing costs, long cycles, and difficulty in covering all possible testing scenarios. Existing simulation testing devices still have deficiencies in terms of efficiency and accuracy. Some physical devices can only simulate simple signaling interaction processes and cannot cover all complex scenarios of the 5G core network signaling plane. Other software-based devices, although able to simulate complex service processes, perform poorly when dealing with special scenarios of satellite communication, such as high latency and low bandwidth. In addition, existing simulation testing devices also have certain limitations in the writing of test scripts and the analysis of test results, making it difficult to meet users' requirements for efficient and accurate testing. Currently, the testing methods for the satellite signaling plane mainly fall into two categories: one is the testing method based on real devices. However, these methods have many limitations. Although the testing method based on real devices can truly reflect network performance, it is limited by the number and cost of devices. As the network scale expands and the types of services increase, the testing workload and complexity increase significantly, posing higher requirements for testing efficiency and accuracy, and it is difficult to conduct large-scale and multi-scenario testing. The other is the testing scheme based on simulation software to evaluate the performance of the satellite core network signaling plane. Although it provides relatively comprehensive testing functions, it often lacks flexibility. The 5G network has introduced new architectures and protocols, such as the core network design based on the service-based architecture, as well as more complex signaling processes and service scenarios, making it difficult for traditional testing methods to comprehensively cover and accurately verify, and it is difficult to write customized test scripts and construct signaling processes according to specific requirements. Based on the above analysis, the existing technologies cannot meet the testing requirements of the core network signaling plane in diverse and complex communication scenarios, and the accuracy and efficiency of testing are low.

[0045] To solve the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a testing method, device, medium, and product for the core network signaling plane, which simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations. Through a single testing port, a large number of terminals and base stations can be simulated, and a communication connection with the device under test can be established, thereby simulating a communication network in various communication scenarios. Then, through the signaling management interface, a visual window is provided for users to configure various testing parameters, and further generate test scripts to achieve the testing of the core network signaling plane under different communication scenarios and different testing requirements.

[0046] Based on the above technical problems, there is an urgent need for an efficient, accurate and multi-scenario test device to comprehensively simulate and verify the performance, security and stability of the satellite communication 5G core network. Optionally, in response to this requirement, a 5G signaling simulation tool component based on an independently developed user-state protocol stack simulation platform is introduced, providing a comprehensive solution for the testing of the satellite communication 5G core network.

[0047] Therefore, developing a simulation-based test method and test device that can simulate various service processes and signaling interactions of the 5G core network signaling plane and the satellite communication system has become a practical solution.

[0048] Optionally, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the test system architecture of the core network signaling plane provided by an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 1 above, the above architecture includes a test device Nova and the core network of the satellite-ground to be tested.

[0049] Specifically, Nova is a core component of the open-source cloud computing management platform project (OpenStack), mainly responsible for computing resource management operations such as the creation, destruction, and migration of virtual machines. It supports multiple virtualization technologies and provides rich Application Programming Interface (API) interfaces, facilitating users to manage through command-line tools or APIs. As the main controller of computing resources, Nova is the key to realizing the elastic scaling of cloud computing resources.

[0050] Among them, the test device Nova (which can also be referred to as the test device in the embodiments of the present application) includes a user-state protocol stack simulation platform and a 5G core network simulation tool component.

[0051] As Figure 1 shown, the test device provided by the embodiments of the present application can be used to test the core network of the satellite-ground to be tested, and the core network of the satellite-ground to be tested includes an on-board core network and a ground core network.

[0052] Specifically, Figure 1 Smart-gNB in Figure 1 represents the simulated base station, and Smart-UE in

[0053] represents the simulated user equipment. n in the figure is any positive integer, representing the number of simulated base stations and the number of simulated user equipment. Optionally, the test device can be connected to the User Plane Function (UPF) of the on-board core network through a bridge interface, and the UPF of the on-board core network is connected to the Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) of the on-board core network, thereby realizing the testing of the on-board core network.

[0054] Optionally, the test device can be connected to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) through a bridge interface. The test device can also be connected to the User Plane Function (UPF) of the terrestrial core network through the bridge interface. The AMF of the terrestrial core network can also be connected to the Session Management Function (SMF) of the terrestrial core network. The SMF of the terrestrial core network can also be connected to the Policy Control Function (PCF) and the Unified Data Management (UDM) of the terrestrial core network. The AMF of the terrestrial core network is also connected to the UDM of the terrestrial core network, thereby realizing the test of the terrestrial core network.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the user-mode protocol stack emulation platform includes a web management interface and a control interface. The above interfaces can interact with users, facilitating users to flexibly edit protocol stack information. The user-mode protocol stack emulation platform also includes multiple Ethernet interfaces (Ethernet, eth ports). Figure 1 Taking two eth ports as an example, the eth port is an in-band management interface, and management data and service data are transmitted in the same link to achieve network connection.

[0056] Optionally, the user-mode protocol stack emulation platform is an easy-to-operate and configure software tool. It adopts a visual graphical interface, enabling users to edit protocol stack messages and select cells without in-depth understanding of complex protocol stack structures. Through simple operations such as dragging and clicking, users can complete the editing of protocol stack messages and cell selection. The platform embeds multiple parameter scenario templates. Users only need to select the required scenario to generate a complete signaling process parameter script, thus greatly simplifying the parameter preparation process. In addition, users can also customize relevant parameter content and manually click to generate test scripts.

[0057] Optionally, the user-mode protocol stack emulation platform not only supports the simulation of the signaling plane of the traditional 5G core network but also particularly incorporates the simulation ability of the 5G core network for satellite communication. Users can flexibly edit protocol stack messages, freely select the cells carried in the messages, and construct diverse 5G signaling service processes, including signaling processes unique to satellite communication.

[0058] Optionally, the tester provided by the embodiments of the present application provides the simulation capabilities of each core network signaling interface that comply with the technical standards of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the specific requirements of satellite communication.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the 5G signaling simulation tool component provided by the embodiments of the present application can implement the following three core functions: microservice architecture and resource deployment, protocol function modularization (lock-free stateful TCP / IP protocol), and test process management.

[0060] Specifically, a microservice architecture is adopted, and the signaling functions of the complex 5G core network (including the satellite communication module) are split into multiple independent and extensible microservices. Each microservice is responsible for a specific function or process, achieving efficient and flexible resource scheduling and load balancing. This architecture not only improves the scalability and maintainability of the system but also enables the satellite communication module to be easily integrated into the entire test environment.

[0061] Specifically, it supports dynamic loading of protocols. This module can load updated protocol versions as needed. In the test environment, when interacting with interface signaling, it can parse the received signaling messages in real time and verify them according to the protocol specification standards to ensure that the format and content of the signaling messages conform to the standards.

[0062] Optionally, it provides support for the lock-free stateful TCP / IP protocol, which is a network protocol support solution that comprehensively supports both IPv4 and IPv6 Internet protocol versions. In the transparent mode of operation, the protocol stack can forward data packets without discrimination like a transparent pipeline, which is used in scenarios where it is necessary to hide network layer details and simplify configurations. In the routing and forwarding mode of operation, the protocol stack can intelligently forward data packets according to the routing table to achieve complex network topologies and traffic control.

[0063] Optionally, the device also provides support for the lock-free stateful TCP / IP protocol, comprehensively supporting both IPv4 and IPv6 Internet protocol versions. In the non-terrestrial network transparent mode, terminal service process tests, base station connection tests, and data service traffic tests are carried out to evaluate network basic performance indicators such as latency and mobility management. In the non-terrestrial network regeneration and forwarding mode, more communication devices will be on the satellite, such as one or more network elements among gNB, UPF, and the core network. In the inter-satellite link and terrestrial network environment, the device of the present invention is deployed to carry out terminal service process tests, base station connection tests, and data service traffic tests. The embodiments of the present application have the function of simulating satellite terminals and base stations, and can generate highly complex traffic models based on signaling messages and set user traffic models, and it is a complete 5G core network simulation test solution.

[0064] Optionally, according to the relevant protocol specifications of 3GPP, the embodiments of the present application support the N1 / N2 interfaces of the simulated gNB+UE, can flexibly edit protocol stack messages, flexibly select the information elements carried by the messages, flexibly construct service processes, write a large number of test scripts, can simulate signaling service processes such as UE, gNB and 5G core network initiating registration, session establishment, handover, service request, etc. and trigger corresponding test scenarios, and complete the full-enclosure test of the core network under test.

[0065] In a possible implementation manner, the test system of the core network signaling plane provided by the embodiments of the present application and the test system adopt 3GPP end-to-end standardized interfaces. Exemplarily, Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the connection and interaction of a test system for the core network signaling plane provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 2 shown, the signaling plane process test uses the simulation of each core network signaling plane interface of the 3GPP technical standard, and can truly and standardly simulate the interoperability process and functional characteristics between each interface. The signaling plane simulation test software simulates signaling service processes such as UE, gNB and 5G core network initiating registration, session establishment, handover, service request, etc. and triggers corresponding test scenarios, conducts a systematic evaluation of the ground core network network infrastructure and services, obtains key parameters of 5G core data forwarding quality such as service process processing capabilities, delay, packet loss rate, etc., and feedbacks the basic performance and processing capabilities of the core network devices.

[0066] Optionally, the test device is a hardware-software integrated device. The hardware part of the device includes high-performance computing units, large-capacity storage devices, high-speed network interfaces, etc. These hardware resources provide a solid foundation for the operation of the software part. The software part includes a user-state protocol stack simulation platform and a signaling simulation tool component. They are modularly designed through a microservices architecture and have the following characteristics:

[0067] 1.1. Users can configure hardware and software resources according to test requirements to meet the test requirements of different scenarios.

[0068] 1.2. The user-state protocol stack simulation platform simulates the N1 / N2 interfaces of the signaling plane of the 5G core network and the signaling processes unique to satellite communication for the terminal and the base station. The signaling simulation tool component can simulate various 5G signaling service processes, such as registration, session establishment, handover, service request, etc.

[0069] 1.3. The test device provides an intuitive visual operation interface. Through simple operations such as dragging and clicking, the editing of protocol stack messages, the selection of information elements, and the generation of test scripts are completed.

[0070] 1.4. Define or select the information elements carried by the message according to the test template, graphically write the signaling service process test script, realize the simulation terminal, base station and 5G core network to initiate registration, session establishment, switching process, service request signaling business process and trigger the corresponding test scenario, and complete the full surround test of the core network under test.

[0071] Optionally, the 5G core network signaling plane simulation component may include the following modules:

[0072] 2.1. Microservice architecture: The signaling plane functions are divided into multiple independent microservices, including protocol functions, management modules, process script modules, and statistics modules.

[0073] 2.2. Protocol function module: Provide corresponding protocol types for selection, and the protocol types can be common protocol types such as UDP, TCP, etc.

[0074] 2.3. Management module: start, stop, interrupt and adjust the test process, manually adjust the corresponding configuration, control protocol function, process script module, report module and statistics module.

[0075] 2.4. Process script module: Modify according to the provided simulation scenario. The simulation scenario is a plane topology diagram, and the data on the diagram can be modified as needed.

[0076] 2.5. Statistics module: records the data flow statistics between the terminal and the base station during the test, and calculates the corresponding performance values: registration data display, session establishment statistics, Paging entry statistics, link uplink and downlink data throughput and link establishment statistics.

[0077] Optionally, when implementing the signaling plane function of the 5G core network (including the satellite communication module), the test device provided in the embodiment of the present application provides a test port to simulate a large number of terminal devices and base stations accessing the ground network + satellite network when using the single-arm mode. The device simulates the signaling interaction capabilities related to registration management, connection management and session management of the terminal and the core network AMF through the N1 interface, and the base station interacts with the core network AMF through the N2 interface. The signaling interaction capabilities related to terminal context management and PDU session / resource management; when using the dual-arm mode, one test port simulates a large number of terminals and base stations, and one test port simulates the data network, simulates data packets of various service types, and is responsible for counting key parameters such as packet loss rate and latency to measure the quality of UPF data forwarding. This provides verification of the stability and capacity elasticity of the satellite communication network after large-scale user access, can refine the service statistics of each satellite terminal, and accurately locate the shortcomings and differentiation reasons of service quality.

[0078] In addition, the network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will know that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0079] The following uses specific embodiments to elaborate in detail on the technical solutions of this application and how the technical solutions of this application solve the above technical problems. These several specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The following will describe the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Optionally, Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a test method for the core network signaling plane provided by an embodiment of this application. The execution subject of the embodiment of this application can be Figure 1 the test device in, and the specific execution subject can be determined according to the actual application scenario. As Figure 3 shown, this method includes the following steps:

[0081] S301: In response to a test start request, start the 5G signaling simulation tool component.

[0082] Among them, the 5G signaling simulation tool component is used to simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations.

[0083] Optionally, the test start request can be sent by the user through the terminal device, or initiated by the user through the interaction interface on the test device, or periodically initiated by the test device.

[0084] Optionally, when starting the test device, switching the management interface, and clicking to start the 5G signaling simulation tool component, it is necessary to start the core network control component and protocol functions respectively.

[0085] Optionally, before starting the 5G signaling simulation tool component in response to the test start request, it further includes: creating one or more nodes through the 5G signaling simulation tool component.

[0086] Among them, the node is used to simulate a user device or a base station.

[0087] Optionally, each node corresponds to a Smart-Gnb virtual machine. After the initial installation or modification of the IP address of Smart-Gnb, it is necessary to create or modify the node parameters. Exemplarily, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the interface for creating a test node provided by an embodiment of this application. The embodiment of this application can simulate a gNB by creating a test node.

[0088] Optionally, after creating a test node, the node configuration parameters configure the relevant parameters of the simulated gNB. Buttons such as Save Configuration, More Configuration, Export Configuration File, Import Configuration File, and Export Parameter File may be included on the configuration interface.

[0089] Optionally, embodiments of the present application may also create a test process for configuring the simulated UE. Exemplarily, Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an interface for creating a test process provided by an embodiment of the present application. Embodiments of the present application can configure the simulated UE by creating a test process.

[0090] It can be understood that Figure 4 and Figure 5 merely schematically, the present application does not make specific limitations on any interface diagrams mentioned in the embodiments. Additionally, Figure 4 and Figure 5 merely as a schematic, the various parameter types and names in the figure are only examples and do not affect the protection scope of the present application.

[0091] Optionally, embodiments of the present application support batch creation of test nodes and test processes, improving the test efficiency.

[0092] Among them, embodiments of the present application can pre-create one or more nodes in the 5G signaling simulation tool component to simulate user equipment or base stations, achieving the purpose of simulating a large number of user equipment and base stations with one test port, being able to meet various communication scenarios, such as satellite communication scenarios, etc., and improving the flexibility of core network signaling plane testing.

[0093] Optionally, the 5G signaling simulation tool component is also used to simulate 5G signaling service processes; among them, the 5G signaling service processes include multiple of registration, session establishment, handover, and service request.

[0094] Here, embodiments of the present application simulate 5G signaling service processes through the 5G signaling simulation tool component, being able to achieve a full-enclosure test of the core network under test, being able to truly and standardly simulate the interoperability processes and functional characteristics between interfaces, thereby comprehensively verifying the performance of the core network signaling plane and improving the flexibility and accuracy of core network signaling plane testing.

[0095] S302: Configure the internal communication address of the 5G signaling simulation tool component with the corresponding tester bridging port to establish a communication connection with the device under test.

[0096] Among them, configuring the internal communication address of the 5G signaling simulation tool component with the corresponding tester bridging port to establish a communication connection with the device under test is used to transmit service plane signaling messages.

[0097] Optionally, configure the internal communication Internet Protocol (IP) address with the corresponding tester bridge port for external access interfaces, enabling network interaction with the core network under test.

[0098] S303: Display the signaling management interface.

[0099] Optionally, display the signaling management interface, including: dynamically loading the protocol to obtain the latest version of the protocol stack information, where the protocol stack information is pre-configured by the user on the protocol stack information management interface; generating and displaying the signaling management interface based on the protocol stack information.

[0100] Optionally, a visual graphical interface is adopted, enabling users to avoid in-depth understanding of complex protocol stack structures. Through simple operations such as dragging and clicking, users can complete the editing of protocol stack messages and cell selection. Multiple parameter scenario templates are embedded in the platform, and users only need to select the required scenario to generate a complete signaling process parameter script, thus simplifying the parameter preparation process.

[0101] Among them, the embodiments of this application support dynamic protocol loading, can load and update the latest protocol version as needed, and users can flexibly edit protocol stack messages through the protocol stack information management interface, thereby constructing diverse 5G signaling service processes, improving the flexibility of core network signaling plane testing. The visual interface settings can save users' configuration time and further improve the testing efficiency.

[0102] S304: Obtain the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane through the signaling management interface.

[0103] Optionally, when entering the signaling management interface, the UE, gNB, and Nova tables in the Database can be configured based on the user's operations.

[0104] Optionally, here you can configure the UE, gNB, and Nova tables in the Database through Figure 4 or Figure 5 the interface diagrams therein.

[0105] The UE configuration related parameters are as follows:

[0106] Without using the existing case entry data, create a new piece of data and modify the signaling related parameters, such as: SUCI, DNN, UE_Key, OP / OPC.

[0107] Modifying the CallType parameter can be used to select the signaling plane process test, providing common signaling plane processes such as connection establishment, registration, mobility management process, session management, and XN handover process.

[0108] The relevant parameters for gNB configuration are as follows:

[0109] Without using the existing case entry data, create a new data entry, configure the IP addresses, gateway address, and mask of the N1 / N2 interfaces, and modify the signaling parameters on the gNB base station side related to the Mobile Country Code (MCC), Tracking Area Code (TAC), etc.

[0110] Relevant parameters for Nova configuration: If no service process testing is to be performed, this table may not be configured, and the existing configuration template can be used.

[0111] S305: Generate a test script according to the test parameters.

[0112] Optionally, generate a test script according to the test parameters, including: determining the corresponding test scenario according to the test parameters; obtaining the preset test template corresponding to the test scenario; generating a test script according to the preset test template.

[0113] Here, the embodiments of the present application can pre-configure test templates corresponding to multiple test scenarios. When determining the test scenario through the test parameters, the pre-configured test template can be directly called, simplifying the accurate process of testing and improving the efficiency of core network signaling plane testing.

[0114] Optionally, generate a test script according to the preset test template, including: outputting the preset test template; generating a test script in response to the user's modification operation and / or confirmation operation on the preset test template.

[0115] Here, the user can modify or confirm the test template, further improving the flexibility of the test.

[0116] In a possible implementation, configure the test script and run the test. On the signaling management interface, click New or load the existing template, select the corresponding statistical log level, start the test script, and the statistics will display the link establishment process in real time, and the error messages will be recorded in the log.

[0117] S306: Run the test script according to the 5G signaling simulation tool component to implement the signaling plane test of the device under test.

[0118] In a possible implementation, print the log or view the signaling link establishment process by capturing packets during the script execution.

[0119] Exemplarily, on the signaling management interface, provide operation options for the log level that the user can select, including multiple level types such as trace, debug, info, warn, error, fatal, panic, allowing the user to set the statistical log level, and each level represents a different level of log detail.

[0120] Among them, the level type of the log can be determined according to the actual situation, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations thereon.

[0121] Specifically, when the user selects to load the statistical log configuration using an existing template, the system loads the template selected by the user from a preset template library, and the template contains predefined statistical log levels;

[0122] Start the test script, and the test script collects and processes signaling data according to the statistical log levels set by the user or defined in the template;

[0123] The user is allowed to modify the statistical log level before or after starting the test script to improve the flexibility of the configuration.

[0124] The signaling plane service process test provided by the embodiments of the present application conforms to the simulation capabilities of each core network signaling plane interface of the 3GPP technical standard, and can truly and standardly simulate the interoperation processes and functional characteristics between each interface. It can construct the service load content of a star network, unify the service interconnection between any two terminals or multiple terminals under the star network, and count the service data conditions of individual terminals and the total service data conditions of all terminals, so as to verify the service quality of the direct connection service intercommunication between each node of the entire network.

[0125] Here, the embodiments of the present application provide a flexible and reliable core network signaling plane test method, which can simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations through a 5G signaling simulation tool component, simulate a large number of terminals and base stations through a test port, and establish a communication connection with the device under test, so as to simulate a communication network in various communication scenarios. Then, through the signaling management interface, a visual window is provided for the user to configure various test parameters, and then a test script is generated to implement the test of the core network signaling plane under different communication scenarios and different test requirements. Through the simulation port and the user-interactive visual window, it can meet the test requirements of the core network signaling plane in diverse and complex communication scenarios, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the test.

[0126] Specifically, step S304 is explained as follows:

[0127] Optionally, through the signaling management interface, obtain the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane, including: through the signaling management interface, obtain the configuration operations of the user.

[0128] Among them, the configuration operations include at least one of a drag operation, a click operation, and an input operation; according to the configuration operations, obtain the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane.

[0129] Optionally, the signaling management interface can be Figure 4 or Figure 5interface, or an editing interface generated based on Figure 4 or Figure 5 interface. Test parameter templates or corresponding types of test parameters can be pre-configured on the signaling management interface for users to select.

[0130] Here, the embodiment of the present application provides a visual signaling management interface for users. Users can configure test parameters through simple drag-and-drop operations, click operations, input operations, etc. The configuration method is intuitive and simple, which further improves the test efficiency and enhances the user experience.

[0131] Optionally, the signaling management interface includes a node configuration interface and a process configuration interface; correspondingly, through the signaling management interface, the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane are obtained, including: through the node configuration interface, the base station-side related test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane are obtained; through the process configuration interface, the user equipment-related test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane are obtained.

[0132] Optionally, the core network signaling plane test system provided by the embodiment of the present application is configured with a node creation module for creating and configuring N1 / N2 interface nodes of simulation terminals and base stations in a simulation environment, and the nodes can simulate the actual communication process in a 5G network;

[0133] Optionally, the core network signaling plane test system provided by the embodiment of the present application is configured with a signaling service process simulation module, which can simulate various 5G signaling service processes based on the N1 / N2 interface nodes, including but not limited to registration processes, session establishment processes, handover processes, and service request processes;

[0134] Optionally, the core network signaling plane test system provided by the embodiment of the present application is configured with a test prerequisite configuration module for configuring necessary test prerequisites before simulating signaling service processes, including but not limited to network topology structures, connection relationships between nodes, signaling parameters, and test scenarios, etc., to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of simulation tests.

[0135] Among them, the embodiment of the present application provides a node configuration interface for configuring base station-side related test parameters and a process configuration interface for configuring user equipment-related test parameters, which can configure base station-side related test parameters and user equipment-related test parameters. Through the flexible configuration of the above parameters, during the test process of the core network signaling plane, it helps to verify and optimize network performance, improves the flexibility and accuracy of the test, and enhances the user experience.

[0136] The embodiments of this application can be used to simulate the signaling plane of the 5G core network and the 5G core network of satellite communication, provide a visual graphical interface for editing protocol stack messages and selecting information elements in the messages, and construct diverse 5G signaling service processes, including signaling processes unique to satellite communication. Provide a test port to simulate a large number of terminals and base stations, and a test port to simulate a data network, simulate data packets of various service types, and be responsible for statistics of key parameters such as packet loss rate and latency that measure the quality of data forwarding. Thus, it provides verification of the stability and capacity elasticity of the satellite communication network after large-scale user access, can refine the service statistics of each satellite terminal, and accurately locate the short board and reasons for differentiation of service quality.

[0137] The core advantages of the test device provided by the embodiments of this application lie in its high efficiency, accuracy, and multi-scenario adaptability, aiming to conduct comprehensive, safe, and stable tests to ensure the stable operation of the satellite communication system, and evaluate the space-ground performance and processing capabilities of satellite communication equipment.

[0138] To achieve this goal, the test device of the embodiments of this application adopts a user-state protocol stack simulation platform and 5G signaling simulation tool components based on independent research and development, which can easily edit protocol stack messages, freely select the information elements carried in the messages, and flexibly construct various service processes. Through a large number of carefully written test scripts, the device simulates and forms a partial surrounding test environment for the core network under test by simulating terminals, base stations, UPF, authentication and authorization systems, cryptographic machines, and data networks, simulates and initiates various service processes, and completes the partial surrounding function test of the core network under test. The Internet of Things platform and navigation augmentation data system are configured in the test environment to be connected to the core network under test to cooperate in completing the Internet of Things service and navigation function tests.

[0139] Optionally, at each key node of signaling interaction, the test device will deeply analyze the signaling messages responded by the core network and the satellite communication system, and strictly verify and judge the signaling process according to the protocol specifications. This function not only ensures the accuracy of the test results, but also greatly improves the test efficiency, can quickly discover and fix potential problems, and further ensures the stability and reliability of the 5G core network signaling plane and the satellite communication system.

[0140] The embodiments of this application provide an efficient, accurate, and multi-scenario solution for satellite communication testing through innovative 5G signaling simulation tool components and an independently developed user-state protocol stack simulation platform.

[0141] Figure 6 For the structural schematic diagram of a test device for the signaling plane of the core network provided by the embodiments of this application, as Figure 6As shown in the figure, the test device for the core network signaling plane provided in this embodiment includes: a start module 601, a connection module 602, a display module 603, an acquisition module 604, a generation module 605, and an operation module 606. The test device for the core network signaling plane here can be a processing device, a processor, the server itself, or a chip or integrated circuit that implements the functions of the processor. It should be noted here that the division of the start module 601, the connection module 602, the display module 603, the acquisition module 604, the generation module 605, and the operation module 606 is only a division of logical functions, and physically the two can be integrated or independent.

[0142] The start module is used to start the 5G signaling simulation tool component in response to a test start request, where the 5G signaling simulation tool component is used to simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations;

[0143] The connection module is used to configure the internal communication address of the 5G signaling simulation tool component with the corresponding tester bridge port to establish a communication connection with the device under test;

[0144] The display module is used to display the signaling management interface;

[0145] The acquisition module is used to obtain the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane through the signaling management interface;

[0146] The generation module is used to generate a test script according to the test parameters;

[0147] The operation module is used to run the test script according to the 5G signaling simulation tool component to implement the signaling plane test of the device under test.

[0148] Optionally, the display module is specifically used to: dynamically load the protocol to obtain the protocol stack information of the latest version, where the protocol stack information is pre-configured by the user on the protocol stack information management interface; generate and display the signaling management interface according to the protocol stack information.

[0149] Optionally, the acquisition module is specifically used to: obtain the configuration operations of the user through the signaling management interface, where the configuration operations include at least one of a drag operation, a click operation, and an input operation; obtain the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane according to the configuration operations.

[0150] Optionally, the signaling management interface includes a node configuration interface and a process configuration interface; correspondingly, the acquisition module is specifically used to: obtain the test parameters related to the base station side configured by the user for the signaling plane through the node configuration interface; obtain the test parameters related to the user equipment configured by the user for the signaling plane through the process configuration interface.

[0151] Optionally, the generation module is specifically configured to: determine a corresponding test scenario according to test parameters; obtain a preset test template corresponding to the test scenario; and generate a test script according to the preset test template.

[0152] Optionally, the generation module is further specifically configured to: output a preset test template; and generate a test script in response to a modification operation and / or a confirmation operation of the user on the preset test template.

[0153] Optionally, before the startup module starts the 5G signaling simulation tool component in response to a test startup request, the above device further includes a creation module, configured to: create one or more nodes through the 5G signaling simulation tool component, where the nodes are used to simulate user equipment or base stations.

[0154] Optionally, the 5G signaling simulation tool component is further used to simulate 5G signaling service processes;

[0155] Among them, the 5G signaling service processes include multiple ones of registration, session establishment, handover, and service request.

[0156] Reference Figure 7 , which shows a schematic structural diagram of a test 700 of the core network signaling plane suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure. The test 700 of the core network signaling plane can be a terminal device or a server. Among them, the terminal device may include, but is not limited to, mobile terminals such as mobile phones, laptop computers, digital broadcast receivers, personal digital assistants (Personal Digital Assistant, abbreviated as PDA), tablet computers (Portable Android Device, abbreviated as PAD), portable multimedia players (Portable Media Player, abbreviated as PMP), vehicle-mounted terminals (such as vehicle-mounted navigation terminals), etc., and fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, etc. Figure 7 The test of the core network signaling plane shown is only an example and should not bring any limitation to the functions and usage scopes of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0157] Such as Figure 7As shown, the test 700 of the core network signaling plane may include a processing device (such as a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.) 701, which may perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 702 or a program loaded from a storage device 708 into a random access memory (RAM) 703. In the RAM 703, various programs and data required for the operation of the test 700 of the core network signaling plane are also stored. The processing device 701, the ROM 702, and the RAM 703 are connected to each other through a bus 704. An input / output (I / O) interface 705 is also connected to the bus 704.

[0158] Generally, the following devices may be connected to the I / O interface 705: an input device 706 including, for example, a touch screen, a touchpad, a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a microphone, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, etc.; an output device 707 including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a speaker, a vibrator, etc.; a storage device 708 including, for example, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, etc.; and a communication device 709. The communication device 709 may allow the test 700 of the core network signaling plane to communicate with other devices wirelessly or wiredly to exchange data. Although Figure 7 the test 700 of the core network signaling plane with various devices is shown, it should be understood that it is not required to implement or have all the shown devices. Instead, more or fewer devices may be implemented or had.

[0159] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the process described above with reference to the flowchart may be implemented as a computer software program. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer program product, which includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, and the computer program includes program codes for performing the method shown in the flowchart. In such an embodiment, the computer program may be downloaded and installed from a network through the communication device 709, or installed from the storage device 708, or installed from the ROM 702. When the computer program is executed by the processing device 701, the above functions defined in the method of the embodiment of the present disclosure are executed.

[0160] It should be noted that the above-mentioned computer-readable medium in the present disclosure can be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination of the above. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium can include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the present disclosure, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program, and this program can be used by or in combination with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. And in the present disclosure, the computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in a baseband or as part of a carrier wave, which carries computer-readable program code. Such a propagated data signal can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. The computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than the computer-readable storage medium, and this computer-readable signal medium can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in combination with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted by any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wires, optical cables, RF (radio frequency), etc., or any suitable combination of the above.

[0161] The above-mentioned computer-readable medium can be included in the above-mentioned test of the core network signaling plane; it can also exist alone and not be assembled into the test of the core network signaling plane.

[0162] The above-mentioned computer-readable medium carries one or more programs. When the above-mentioned one or more programs are executed by the test of the core network signaling plane, the test of the core network signaling plane is caused to execute the method shown in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0163] Computer program code for performing the operations of this disclosure may be written in one or more programming languages or combinations thereof. The programming languages include object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, and also include conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, execute as a stand-alone software package, execute partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or execute entirely on the remote computer or server. In the case of a remote computer, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0164] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architectures, functions, and operations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, a program segment, or a part of code that contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks shown may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations, or may be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0165] The units described in the embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in software or in hardware. Among them, the name of the unit does not constitute a limitation to the unit itself in some cases. For example, the first acquisition unit may also be described as "the unit for acquiring at least two Internet protocol addresses".

[0166] The functions described above in this document may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, without limitation, exemplary types of hardware logic components that may be used include: field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), application specific standard products (ASSP), system on a chip (SOC), complex programmable logic devices (CPLD), and so on.

[0167] In the context of the present disclosure, a machine-readable medium may be a tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the machine-readable storage medium would include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0168] The test method for the core network signaling plane in the embodiments of the present application can be used to execute the technical solutions in the foregoing method embodiments of the present application. The implementation principles and technical effects are similar, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0169] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the test method for the core network signaling plane in any of the foregoing items.

[0170] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the test method for the core network signaling plane in any of the foregoing items.

[0171] Finally, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments of the present invention after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. The present invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention, which follow the general principles of the present invention and include known common knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the present invention. It is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present invention is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A test method for the core network signaling plane, the test method for the core network signaling plane is applied to a satellite communication scenario, and is characterized in that, Including: In response to a test start request, start a 5G signaling simulation tool component, where the 5G signaling simulation tool component is used to simulate multiple user devices and multiple base stations; Configure the internal communication address of the 5G signaling simulation tool component with the corresponding tester bridge port to establish a communication connection with the device under test; Dynamically load the protocol to obtain the latest version of the protocol stack information, where the protocol stack information is pre-configured by the user on the protocol stack information management interface; Generate and display a signaling management interface according to the protocol stack information, and the signaling management interface includes a node configuration interface and a process configuration interface; Through the node management interface, obtain the user's configuration operation; according to the configuration operation, obtain the base station-side related test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane; Through the process configuration interface, obtain the user's configuration operation; according to the configuration operation, obtain the user equipment-related test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane, where the configuration operation includes at least one of a drag operation, a click operation, and an input operation; According to the configuration operation, obtain the test parameters configured by the user for the signaling plane; Determine the corresponding test scenario according to the test parameters; Obtain the preset test template corresponding to the test scenario; Output the preset test template; In response to the user's modification operation and / or confirmation operation on the preset test template, generate a test script; According to the 5G signaling simulation tool component, run the test script to implement the signaling plane test of the device under test.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before the step of starting the 5G signaling simulation tool component in response to the test start request, it further includes: Create one or more nodes through the 5G signaling simulation tool component, where the nodes are used to simulate user equipment or base stations.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The 5G signaling simulation tool component is further used to simulate the 5G signaling service process; Among them, the 5G signaling service process includes multiple ones of registration, session establishment, handover, and service request.

4. A test device for the core network signaling plane, characterized in that Including: A memory, a processor; The memory stores computer execution instructions; The processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1-3.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Computer execution instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer execution instructions are executed by the processor, they are used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-3.

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