Non-ground network communication air interface test darkroom, system, method, device and equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a non-ground network communication air interface test darkroom, system, method, device and equipment, relates to the field of wireless communication, and is used for realizing mobility test of wireless network equipment in a controllable and reproducible environment. The test darkroom comprises a microwave darkroom, a simulation spherical surface in the microwave darkroom, a plurality of probe antennas on the simulation spherical surface, an exhibition stand facing the simulation spherical surface, and a driver for driving the probe antennas to move relative to the exhibition stand. And each probe antenna is connected with a terminal simulator through a power amplifier and a channel simulator, so that the construction of the test system is completed. Beam forming is carried out on the network equipment to be tested, and channel parameters are tested through data received by the terminal simulator. The probe antenna is moved through the driver to complete testing of wave beam switching in the equipment, wave beam switching between the equipment and terminal position updating. According to the invention, the mobility test can be customized accurately, controllably and repeatedly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication air interface test chamber, system, method, device and equipment. Background Art

[0002] To optimize the performance of wireless network equipment (such as satellite-based NTN equipment), air interface testing is required. Taking satellite communication networks as an example, current satellite communication mobility testing often relies on field testing. This involves establishing a connection with a satellite in a real-world application scenario and conducting air interface testing. This approach has the following drawbacks: 1. Testing can only be carried out when the satellite is positioned above the test area. The test time cannot be controlled independently. Furthermore, the test structure is severely affected by the selected satellite orbit.

[0003] 2. The satellite stay time is short, which makes the effective testing time extremely limited.

[0004] 3. Mobility testing needs to be carried out under specific geographical conditions, which are strictly restricted.

[0005] 4. The test conditions are uncontrollable and variables cannot be controlled during the test.

[0006] Additionally, some research uses Over-the-Air (OTA) technology for wireless signal testing. This technology recreates the actual wireless signal propagation environment to replicate the outdoor channel environment, enabling air-interface testing of wireless network equipment. However, current methods for wireless communication testing using OTA technology primarily test terminal devices, rather than communication performance, and are unable to complete mobility testing of network equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber, system, method, device and equipment to address all or part of the above-mentioned problems, so as to realize mobility testing of wireless network equipment in a controllable and reproducible environment.

[0008] The technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber, comprising: Microwave anechoic chamber; A simulated spherical surface and at least one booth are provided in the microwave darkroom, wherein the simulated spherical surface is convex toward each of the satellite booths, and each of the booths is used to place a network device to be tested; At least one probe antenna disposed on the simulated spherical surface; A driver drives part or all of the probe antennas to move relative to the booth.

[0009] In the second aspect, the present invention also provides a non-ground network communication air interface test system, which includes the above-mentioned non-ground network communication air interface test chamber, a power amplifier, a channel simulator and at least one terminal simulator; each of the terminal simulators is respectively connected to the output end of the channel simulator, and the input end of the channel simulator is respectively connected to each of the probe antennas via the power amplifier.

[0010] In a third aspect, the present invention further provides a non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method, based on the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing system, the testing method includes: Perform beamforming on the antenna array of the network device under test; configuring a channel simulator to simulate a communication channel; Controlling a driver to drive at least one probe antenna covered by the network device to be tested to move relative to the network device to be tested; The received data is obtained from the terminal simulator connected to the probe antenna for testing.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, the present invention further provides a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, which is connected to the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, and the test device includes: The first unit is configured to: perform beamforming on an antenna array of a network device under test; The second unit is configured to: configure a channel simulator to simulate a communication channel; The third unit is configured to: control the driver to drive at least one probe antenna covered by the network device to be tested to move relative to the network device to be tested; The first testing unit is configured to: obtain received data from a terminal simulator connected to the probe antenna for testing.

[0012] In the fifth aspect, the present invention also provides a non-ground network communication air interface testing device, including a first processor and a first storage medium, the first processor is connected to the above-mentioned non-ground network communication air interface testing system, the first storage medium stores a first computer instruction, and the first processor runs the first computer instruction to execute the non-ground network communication air interface testing method provided in the above-mentioned third aspect.

[0013] In a sixth aspect, the present invention further provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method, which is based on the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, and the test method includes: Connecting at least one terminal simulator to the network device under test through a connected probe antenna, wherein the probe antenna is located within a service area covered by the network device under test; Configuring each of the terminal simulators to execute different services respectively; Controlling the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the network device to be tested, so as to trigger beam switching within the device; The service data of each terminal simulator during the beam switching in the device is recorded separately for testing.

[0014] In a seventh aspect, the present invention further provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, connected to the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, the test device comprising: The fourth unit is configured to: control at least one terminal simulator to access the network device under test through a connected probe antenna, where the probe antenna is located in a service area covered by the network device under test; The fifth unit is configured to: configure each of the terminal simulators to execute different services respectively; The sixth unit is configured to: control the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the network device to be tested, so as to trigger beam switching within the device; The second testing unit is configured to respectively record the service data of each terminal simulator during the beam switching within the device for testing.

[0015] In the eighth aspect, the present invention also provides another non-ground network communication air interface testing device, including a second processor and a second storage medium, the second processor is connected to the above-mentioned non-ground network communication air interface testing system, the second storage medium stores second computer instructions, and the second processor runs the second computer instructions to execute the non-ground network communication air interface testing method provided in the above-mentioned sixth aspect.

[0016] In a ninth aspect, the present invention further provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method, which is based on the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, and the test method includes: Connecting at least one terminal simulator to a first network device under test via a connected probe antenna, wherein the probe antenna is located within a service area covered by the first network device under test; Configuring each of the terminal simulators to execute different services respectively; Controlling the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the first network device to be tested toward the second network device to be tested, so as to trigger beam switching between devices; The service data of each terminal simulator during the inter-device beam switching is recorded separately for testing.

[0017] In a tenth aspect, the present invention further provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, connected to the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, the test device comprising: A seventh unit is configured to: control at least one terminal simulator to access a first network device under test through a connected probe antenna, where the probe antenna is located within a service area covered by the first network device under test; An eighth unit is configured to: configure each of the terminal simulators to execute different services respectively; a ninth unit configured to: control the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the first network device under test toward the second network device under test, so as to trigger inter-device beam switching; The third testing unit is configured to respectively record the service data of each terminal simulator during the inter-device beam switching for testing.

[0018] In the eleventh aspect, the present invention also provides another non-ground network communication air interface testing device, which includes a third processor and a third storage medium, the third processor is connected to the above-mentioned non-ground network communication air interface testing system, the third storage medium stores a third computer instruction, and the third processor runs the third computer instruction to execute the non-ground network communication air interface testing method provided in the above-mentioned ninth aspect.

[0019] In a twelfth aspect, the present invention further provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method, which is based on the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing system, and the testing method includes: Connecting at least one terminal simulator to the network device under test through a connected probe antenna, wherein the probe antenna is located within a service area covered by the network device under test; Controlling the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the network device to be tested, so as to trigger each terminal simulator to update the terminal location information; Controlling each of the terminal simulators to report the terminal location information to the access gateway controller, and executing the beam switching process in response to a trigger instruction of the access gateway controller; the access gateway stores an association between the terminal location information and the beam switching list; The beam information accessed by each terminal simulator when the terminal position information is updated is recorded separately for testing.

[0020] In a thirteenth aspect, the present invention further provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, connected to the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, the test device comprising: A tenth unit is configured to: control at least one terminal simulator to access the network device under test through a connected probe antenna, wherein the probe antenna is located in a service area covered by the network device under test; The eleventh unit is configured to: control the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the network device to be tested, so as to trigger each terminal simulator to update the terminal location information; A twelfth unit is configured to: control each terminal simulator to report the terminal location information to the access gateway controller, and execute the beam switching process in response to a trigger instruction of the access gateway controller; the access gateway stores an association relationship between the terminal location information and the beam switching list; The fourth test unit is configured to respectively record the beam information accessed by each terminal simulator when the terminal location information is updated for testing.

[0021] In the fourteenth aspect, the present invention also provides another non-ground network communication air interface testing device, which includes a fourth processor and a fourth storage medium, the fourth processor is connected to the above-mentioned non-ground network communication air interface testing system, the fourth storage medium stores fourth computer instructions, and the fourth processor runs the fourth computer instructions to execute the non-ground network communication air interface testing method provided in the above-mentioned twelfth aspect.

[0022] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The test chamber proposed in this application can recreate the field test scenario of the network device under test in a microwave anechoic chamber, thereby reproducing the channel environment of the wireless communication network. This eliminates the limitations of field testing on test time, test space, and test conditions, and enables precise, controllable, and repeatable customized testing. Furthermore, within the microwave anechoic chamber, a simulated sphere is designed to simulate the relative positional changes between the Earth's surface and the network device. The probe antenna is designed to be movable relative to the booth, simulating the changing positional relationship between ground terminals and network devices in actual scenarios, thereby meeting the mobility testing requirements for network devices.

[0023] The various testing methods proposed in this application can accurately, efficiently and comprehensively complete the physical layer interface testing of wireless communication networks in actual scenarios in a laboratory environment, as well as customized scenario testing such as intra-satellite beam switching, inter-satellite beam switching and terminal position changes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the test darkroom provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the test system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 3This is a flow chart of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method for physical layer interface testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing device for physical layer interface testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device for physical layer interface testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flow chart of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method for intra-satellite beam switching testing provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device for intra-satellite beam switching testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device for intra-satellite beam switching testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flow chart of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method for inter-satellite beam switching testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device for inter-satellite beam switching testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device for inter-satellite beam switching testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a flow chart of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method for terminal position-based beam switching testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device for terminal position-based beam switching testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device for terminal position-based beam switching testing provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] In the figure, microwave anechoic chamber 1, terminal simulator 2, channel simulator 3, power amplifier 4, mounting surface 5, mounting bracket 6, probe antenna 7, network device under test 8, exhibition stand 9, and absorbing material 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] All features disclosed in this specification, or all steps in the disclosed methods or processes, except mutually exclusive features and / or steps, can be combined in any manner.

[0040] Any feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims and abstract), unless otherwise stated, may be replaced by other equivalent or similar features. In other words, unless otherwise stated, each feature is only an example of a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0041] The current method for testing the mobility of wireless communication networks can only use field testing, which has the following shortcomings: 1. Testing can only begin after the satellite has been positioned over the test area according to the ephemeris information. The test time cannot be controlled independently. Additionally, a suitable orbit must be selected for testing. If the satellite's pitch angle is too small or other factors are present, the test results may be inaccurate.

[0042] 2. Test time is extremely limited. The satellite stays in the test area for a short time, but the test process involves many steps such as time synchronization, frequency synchronization, and channel decoding. The short stay time cannot efficiently complete multiple tasks, cannot quickly locate the problem, and cannot conduct multiple tests within a limited time, which is obviously time-constrained.

[0043] 3. Mobility test projects such as intra-satellite beam switching, inter-satellite beam switching, and terminal position update are restricted by geographical conditions. They need to be carried out in different regions according to the satellite orbit, which is subject to great spatial limitations.

[0044] 4. Field testing is also affected by many factors such as weather and the ionosphere. The test conditions of each test are uncontrollable. The test results are greatly affected by the weather environment, making it impossible to reproduce the test conditions and it is impossible to control variables during the test process.

[0045] In addition, although the currently used OTA technology can reproduce the real channel environment, it cannot perform mobility testing.

[0046] In response to the above problems, the embodiments of the present application propose a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber, system, method, device and equipment, which aim to realize mobility testing of wireless network equipment in a controllable and reproducible environment.

[0047] The non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the mobility test of NTN network equipment such as satellites and drones. Figure 1 As shown, the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber includes a microwave darkroom 1, a simulation sphere, a booth 9, a probe antenna 7 and a driver.

[0048] The microwave darkroom 1 provides a closed, interference-free electromagnetic environment for testing. A layer of absorbing material 10 is provided on the inner wall of the microwave darkroom 1 to absorb electromagnetic signals that have been reflected, refracted or scattered.

[0049] The simulated sphere and booth 9 are both located within the microwave anechoic chamber 1, facing each other. The simulated sphere is a curved surface that simulates the Earth's surface, so it is curved and convex toward booth 9. There is at least one booth 9, each of which is used to house a network device under test 8, such as a satellite under test. The simulated sphere supports a probe antenna 7. The probe antenna 7 on the simulated sphere and the device under test on booth 9 simulate the actual positional relationship between the NTN network device and the user terminal on the Earth's surface.

[0050] The probe antenna 7 is disposed on the simulated sphere, and there is at least one probe antenna 7. The service area covered by the network device 8 under test is limited, and the probe antenna 7 needs to be within this service area to complete the relevant tests of the network device 8 under test. Therefore, in some feasible implementations, the probe antennas 7 are usually divided into several groups, each group belonging to a service area corresponding to one network device 8 under test. That is, the simulated sphere is divided into several areas, and according to the antenna array orientation of the network device 8 under test and the service area that can be covered, each divided area on the simulated sphere is delineated as corresponding to a service area of the network device 8 under test, and the probe antennas 7 within the service area are grouped together. In addition, the exhibition stand 9 is designed as a turntable structure, so that the posture of the network device 8 under test can be changed.

[0051] The driver is connected to the probe antenna 7. Specifically, the driver is connected to part or all of the probe antenna 7 to drive part or all of the probe antenna 7 to move relative to the booth 9. This changes the positional relationship between the probe antenna 7 and the booth 9 to simulate a changing positional relationship between the network device under test 8 and the ground terminal caused by the flight of the network device under test 8 in a real communication scenario, thereby simulating various mobility test scenarios.

[0052] As an optional embodiment, the driver drives the entire simulated sphere to move, thereby causing all probe antennas 7 on the simulated sphere to move relative to the network device under test 8. Specifically, the driver is connected to the simulated sphere to drive its rotation (e.g., along its longitudinal axis), thereby driving the probe antennas 7 on the simulated sphere to move relative to the display stand 9 (i.e., relative to the network device under test 8 on the display stand 9). By setting the angular velocity at which the driver drives the simulated sphere to rotate, it is possible to simulate the changing relative position between the network device under test 8 and the ground terminal in a real-world communication scenario.

[0053] In another alternative embodiment, the simulated sphere is fixed in a darkroom, maintaining its position. The probe antennas 7 are driven to move on the simulated sphere, thereby causing the probe antennas 7 to move relative to the display stand 9. Specifically, a driver is positioned on the simulated sphere, connected to some or all of the probe antennas 7, to drive the (connected) probe antennas 7 to move on the simulated sphere. In another alternative embodiment, all probe antennas 7 are connected to the driver, meaning that all probe antennas 7 can move relative to the display stand 9.

[0054] Regardless of the method used to drive the probe antenna 7 , the probe antenna 7 is set on the simulated spherical surface, that is, the simulated surface serves as a carrier for the probe antenna 7 and provides a movement trajectory for the probe antenna 7 relative to the network device 8 to be tested.

[0055] As an optional embodiment, the simulated spherical surface includes a curved mounting surface 5 that simulates the surface of a spherical Earth, and thus convexly faces each booth 9. Mounting bracket 6 is attached to mounting surface 5, and thus has the same shape as mounting surface 5, also a curved structure convexly facing booth 9. Each probe antenna 7 is connected to mounting bracket 6.

[0056] In the first method of driving the probe antenna 7, the driver is connected to the mounting surface 5 to drive the entire mounting surface 5 to move relative to the exhibition stand 9. Alternatively, the driver is connected between the mounting surface 5 and the mounting bracket 6 to drive the mounting bracket 6 to move on the mounting surface 5.

[0057] Regarding the second method of driving the probe antenna 7 , the driver is connected between the mounting frame 6 and the probe antenna 7 to drive the probe antenna 7 to move on the mounting frame 6 .

[0058] Regardless of the drive method, regarding the configuration of the probe antenna 7, in some optional embodiments, the mounting frame 6 is designed to include at least one first guide rail arranged in the latitudinal direction and at least one second guide rail arranged in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, at least one first guide rail is arranged in the transverse direction and at least one second guide rail is arranged in the longitudinal direction. At least the first guide rail is an arc-shaped structure convex toward the exhibition stand 9.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the mounting frame 6 includes multiple transverse curved guide rails and multiple longitudinal linear guide rails, wherein the curved guide rails are the first guide rails described above, and the linear guide rails are the second guide rails described above. In other optional embodiments, the mounting frame 6 includes multiple transverse and longitudinally staggered curved guide rails, with the transverse curved guide rails serving as the first guide rails in the aforementioned embodiments, and the longitudinal curved guide rails serving as the second guide rails in the aforementioned embodiments. The crisscrossing first and second guide rails are used to simulate the longitude and latitude lines of the Earth's surface.

[0060] In the mounting frame 6 of the above-described embodiment, one or both of the first and second rails can be designed as slide rails, thereby driving and guiding the movement of the probe antenna 7. In some feasible embodiments, a driver is mounted on each of the first and second rails of the mounting frame 6, and each probe antenna 7 is connected to a driver. The driver drives the connected probe antenna 7 to move along the first or second rail along the longitudinal or latitudinal direction of the simulated sphere.

[0061] The booth 9 is used to set up the network device 8 to be tested. For test scenarios such as inter-satellite beam switching, it is necessary to include at least two network devices to be tested 8, that is, to set up at least two booths 9. These network devices to be tested 8 simulate the state of being in orbit, so the booths 9 for these network devices to be tested 8 are set on the same orbit relative to the simulated sphere.

[0062] In addition, based on the non-ground network communication air interface test chamber provided in the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application also provides a non-ground network communication air interface test system. In addition to the non-ground network communication air interface test chamber, the test system also includes a power amplifier 4, a channel simulator 3 and a terminal simulator 2. The terminal simulator 2 is used to simulate the processing process of the ground terminal on the communication signal. The number of terminal simulators 2 is the same as the number of probe antennas 7 required for the test scenario, that is, there is at least one terminal simulator 2.

[0063] like Figure 2As shown, the RF ports of each terminal simulator 2 are connected to the output of a channel simulator 3. The channel simulator 3 is used to simulate an actual communication channel (air interface channel). By configuring different channel parameters, it simulates the real field channel environment of different service areas. The channel reconstruction methods used may include, but are not limited to, pre-fading synthesis and electric field synthesis. By changing the amplitude and phase of the signal emitted by the probe antenna 7, a specific electromagnetic environment is created, simulating the real channel environment of the network device in a laboratory environment. The inputs of the channel simulator 3 are connected to the probe antennas 7 on the simulated sphere via power amplifiers 4. The power amplifiers 4 are used to adjust the power level of the communication test link. Each probe antenna 7 is indirectly connected to a terminal simulator 2, with the two corresponding to each other. The driver drives the movement of each probe antenna 7 to simulate the relative position change of the network device 8 under test and the ground terminal. The probe antennas 7 are connected to the network device 8 under test via the air interface.

[0064] Based on the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system provided in the above embodiment, the present embodiment provides a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method for performing physical layer interface testing. The test method is based on the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system of the above embodiment.

[0065] Physical layer interface testing requires only one network device under test 8. As previously mentioned, each area on the simulated sphere corresponds to the service area covered by the network device under test 8. Therefore, given the orientation of the network device under test 8 and the service area it can cover, the probe antenna 7 corresponding to the service area is connected to the corresponding terminal emulator 2 through a power amplifier 4 and a channel emulator 3 to complete the test system setup.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the test method includes: Beamforming is performed on the antenna array of the network device under test 8. After beamforming, the network device under test 8 can determine the network area covered.

[0067] The channel simulator 3 is configured to simulate a communication channel. The configuration of the channel simulator 3 includes configuring parameters such as Doppler frequency deviation, time delay, polarization information, and angle of arrival, thereby simulating a real communication channel environment.

[0068] The driver is controlled to drive at least one probe antenna 7 covered by the network device under test 8 to move relative to the network device under test 8. For example, the driver drives the probe antennas 7 to move at a certain angular velocity, which is the same as the angular velocity of the network device under test 8 moving relative to the ground terminal in a real communication scenario.

[0069] The received data is obtained from the terminal simulator 2 connected to the probe antenna 7 for testing. The difference between the communication channel simulated by the channel simulator 3 and the actual air interface channel is analyzed based on the received data obtained from the terminal simulator 2 to complete the physical layer interface test.

[0070] According to the idea of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, which is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, such as Figure 4 As shown, the test device includes: The first unit is configured to perform beamforming on the antenna array of the network device 8 to be tested.

[0071] The second unit is configured to: configure the channel simulator 3 to simulate the communication channel.

[0072] The third unit is configured to control the driver to drive at least one probe antenna 7 covered by the network device 8 to move relative to the network device 8 to be tested.

[0073] The first testing unit is configured to obtain received data from the terminal simulator 2 connected to the probe antenna 7 for testing.

[0074] The present application also provides a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes a first processor and a first storage medium. The first processor is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system. The first storage medium stores a first computer instruction. The first processor runs the first computer instruction to execute the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method of the above embodiment.

[0075] On the other hand, the present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method for testing the beam switching scenario within the device. The test method is based on the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system. Figure 6 As shown, the test method includes: At least one terminal simulator 2 is connected to the network device 8 under test through the connected probe antenna 7, and the probe antenna 7 is located in the service area covered by the network device 8 under test. Specifically, after the beamforming of the network device 8 under test is completed, the covered service area is determined, and the probe antenna 7 of the service area is connected to the corresponding terminal simulator 2 after passing through the power amplifier 4 and the channel simulator 3. The channel simulator 3 has completed the configuration of the channel parameters through the physical layer interface test, that is, it can simulate the channel environment of the real communication scenario. Specifically, according to the communication channel model of the network device 8 under test, the channel parameters are calculated, including but not limited to the amplitude, delay, Doppler frequency deviation and angle information of each path, and the channel simulator 3 is configured according to the calculated channel parameters. On the basis of setting up the required non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, each terminal simulator 2 is connected to the network device 8 under test to realize the interaction of service data.

[0076] Each terminal simulator 2 is configured to execute different services, such as voice services, data services, etc.

[0077] The control driver drives the probe antenna 7 to move relative to the network device under test 8 at a certain speed. For example, the control driver drives the probe antenna 7 to move at the angular velocity of the network device under test 8 relative to the ground terminal in a real communication scenario to trigger beam switching within the device. Different beams of the network device under test 8 are respectively aimed at different service areas. By driving the movement of the probe antenna 7, the ground terminal is simulated to move from one service area of the network device under test 8 to another service area. The beam carriers of different service areas are different between adjacent service areas. When entering a new service area, the ground terminal needs to successfully switch to the new carrier in order to conduct normal business with the network device under test 8.

[0078] During the test, the network device 8 to be tested transmits multiple beams through the air interface to the probe antenna 7. The probe antenna 7 passes through the power amplifier 4 and the channel simulator 3 to change the amplitude and phase of each beam sub-path, and finally transmits it to the terminal simulator 2. Each terminal simulator 2 performs different services, and the service data of each terminal simulator 2 during the beam switching within the device is recorded for testing. By recording the service data of each terminal simulator 2 during the beam switching within the device, the performance of the terminal simulator 2 during the beam switching within the device is analyzed, thereby simulating the communication performance of the ground terminal during the beam switching within the device in a real traffic scenario. Based on the recorded service data, the indicators that need to be tested, such as the service interruption time during beam switching and the change in service rate during switching, can be analyzed.

[0079] Furthermore, multiple tests can be performed to analyze the handover success rate (the percentage of successful handovers to the new carrier) of terminal emulator 2. In some feasible implementations, multiple intra-device beam switches can be triggered, and the service data of each terminal emulator 2 during each intra-device beam switch can be recorded for testing. In addition to analyzing the service interruption time and service rate change during each switch, the handover success rate of terminal emulator 2 can also be analyzed. Under normal circumstances, the test indicators require that the handover success rate, service interruption time, and service data change during the switch meet the indicator requirements for each terminal emulator 2.

[0080] According to the idea of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, which is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, such as Figure 7 As shown, the test device includes: The fourth unit is configured to control at least one terminal simulator 2 to access the network device 8 under test through the connected probe antenna 7 , and each probe antenna 7 is located in the service area covered by the network device 8 under test.

[0081] The fifth unit is configured to: configure each of the terminal emulators 2 to execute different services respectively.

[0082] The sixth unit is configured to: control the driver to drive the probe antenna 7 to move relative to the network device 8 to be tested, so as to trigger beam switching within the device.

[0083] The second test unit is configured to respectively record the service data of each terminal simulator 2 during the intra-device beam switching for testing.

[0084] The present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, such as Figure 8 As shown, it includes a second processor and a second storage medium, the second processor is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, the second storage medium stores a second computer instruction, and the second processor runs the second computer instruction to execute the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method of the above embodiment.

[0085] On the other hand, the present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method for testing the inter-device beam switching scenario. This test method is based on the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system. The test of inter-device beam switching has certain similarities with the test of intra-device beam switching, and has reference value in the construction of the test system and the movement of the probe antenna 7. Figure 9 As shown, the test method includes: At least one terminal simulator 2 is connected to a first network device 8 under test via a probe antenna 7. This probe antenna 7 is located within the service area covered by the first network device 8 under test. Each network device 8 under test covers a different server area. When the probe antenna 7 corresponding to a terminal simulator 2 enters the service area of one network device 8 under test, inter-satellite beam switching occurs. The channel parameter configuration method of the channel simulator 3 is the same as that of the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0086] Each terminal emulator 2 is configured to execute different services.

[0087] A control driver drives probe antenna 7 at a specific speed relative to first network device 8 toward second network device 8, triggering inter-device beam switching. Probe antenna 7 is located at the edge of the service area of the first network device 8, adjacent to the second network device 8. The driver switches probe antenna 7 from the service area of the first network device 8 to the service area of the second network device 8. Furthermore, since the second network device 8 is on the same track as the first, the configured channel parameters do not need to be updated.

[0088] During the test, network device 8 under test transmits multiple beams over the air interface to probe antenna 7. Probe antenna 7 then passes through power amplifier 4 and channel simulator 3 to alter the amplitude and phase of each beam subpath before ultimately transmitting the beams to terminal simulator 2. Each terminal simulator 2 executes a different service (such as voice or data). The service data from each terminal simulator 2 during inter-device beam switching is recorded for testing.

[0089] Unlike intra-device beam switching, inter-device switching requires the ground terminal to reconnect to the new network device 8 under test due to a change in the network device 8 being served. Inter-device beam switching methods include RACH switching and RACH-free switching. In the present embodiment, both switching methods can be tested separately.

[0090] In addition, similar to the intra-device beam switching test method, the success rate of inter-device switching performed by the terminal simulator 2 can be analyzed by conducting multiple tests. Specifically, the probe antenna 7 can be driven to move multiple times to trigger multiple inter-device beam switchings. The service data of each terminal simulator 2 during each inter-device beam switching can then be recorded for testing.

[0091] Metrics analyzed for inter-device beam switching include the handover success rate (not required for a single test), service interruption duration, and service rate change of Terminal Simulator 2 under each test mode. The test requires that the handover success rate, service interruption duration, and service data change of each Terminal Simulator 2 meet the requirements.

[0092] According to the idea of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, which is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, such as Figure 10 As shown, the test device includes: The seventh unit is configured to control at least one terminal simulator 2 to access the first network device to be tested 8 through the connected probe antenna 7 , where the probe antenna 7 is located within the service area covered by the first network device to be tested 8 .

[0093] The eighth unit is configured to: configure each terminal emulator 2 to execute different services respectively.

[0094] The ninth unit is configured to control the driver to drive the probe antenna 7 to move relative to the first network device under test 8 toward the second network device under test 8 to trigger inter-device beam switching.

[0095] The third test unit is configured to respectively record the service data of each terminal simulator 2 during the inter-device beam switching for testing.

[0096] The present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, such as Figure 11 As shown, it includes a third processor and a third storage medium. The third processor is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system. The third storage medium stores a third computer instruction. The third processor runs the third computer instruction to execute the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method of the above embodiment.

[0097] Based on the proposed non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, the embodiment of the present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method, which is used to test the beam switching performance when the ground terminal position changes. This test method is completed based on the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system of the above embodiment. Figure 12 As shown, the test method includes: At least one terminal emulator 2 is connected to a network device under test 8 via a connected probe antenna 7. The terminal emulator 2 is in the RRC_CONNECTED state, and the probe antenna 7 is located within the service area covered by the network device under test 8. The channel emulator 3 is configured with channel parameters such as amplitude, delay, Doppler frequency deviation, and angle information for each path, as in the previous embodiment.

[0098] The control driver drives the probe antenna 7 to move relative to the network device under test 8 at a certain speed to trigger each terminal simulator 2 to update the terminal location information. In some feasible embodiments, the control driver drives the probe antenna 7 to move at an angular velocity at which the network device under test 8 moves relative to the ground terminal in an actual communication scenario.

[0099] During the test, the network device 8 under test transmits multiple beams through the air interface to the probe antenna 7. The probe antenna 7 passes through the power amplifier 4 and the channel simulator 3 to change the amplitude and phase of each beam sub-path, and finally transmits them to the terminal simulator 2.

[0100] Each terminal simulator 2 is controlled to report the terminal location information to the access gateway controller, and executes the beam switching process in response to the trigger instruction of the access gateway controller. The access gateway stores the association relationship between the terminal location information and the beam switching list.

[0101] Specifically, the terminal simulator 2 is triggered to update the terminal location information when the reporting threshold or periodic reporting timer timeout condition is exceeded. The OM parameters required by the access gateway are configured through the access gateway network management or integrated network management. The access gateway will configure the location update parameters to the terminal simulator 2 through the SIB message. The terminal simulator 2 reports the terminal location information to the access gateway controller through the MeasurementReport message. The location server maintains the terminal location information of the terminal simulator 2 and calculates the beam switching list. The access gateway stores the association between the terminal location information and the beam switching list. When the terminal location information reaches the switching time, it issues a trigger instruction to trigger the terminal simulator 2 to execute the beam switching process.

[0102] The test records the beam information connected to each terminal simulator 2 when the terminal location information is updated. This information is used to analyze whether the terminal simulator 2 correctly switches to the configured target beam (target carrier), completing the terminal location update test. The test indicator requires that the terminal simulator 2 correctly switches to the target carrier when the terminal location information is updated.

[0103] According to the idea of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, which is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system of the above embodiment, such as Figure 13 As shown, the test device includes: The tenth unit is configured to control at least one terminal simulator 2 to access the network device 8 under test through the connected probe antenna 7 , where the probe antenna 7 is located within the service area covered by the network device 8 under test.

[0104] The eleventh unit is configured to: control the driver to drive the probe antenna 7 to move relative to the network device 8 to be tested, so as to trigger each terminal simulator 2 to update the terminal location information.

[0105] The twelfth unit is configured to: control each terminal simulator 2 to report the terminal location information to the access gateway controller, and execute the beam switching process in response to the trigger instruction of the access gateway controller; the access gateway stores the association relationship between the terminal location information and the beam switching list.

[0106] The fourth test unit is configured to respectively record the beam information accessed by each terminal simulator 2 when the terminal location information is updated for testing.

[0107] The present application also provides another non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, such as Figure 14 As shown, it includes a fourth processor and a fourth storage medium. The fourth processor is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system. The fourth storage medium stores a fourth computer instruction. The fourth processor runs the fourth computer instruction to execute the above-mentioned non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method.

[0108] The test chamber, test system, and test method proposed in this application can simulate the communication test scenario of the device under test in the microwave darkroom 1 and reproduce the customized communication channel environment in the laboratory. It breaks the time and space limitations in the field test process, can independently select the test time, and avoids the cumbersome conditions of matching the field test. The system and method proposed in the laboratory environment are easier to control variables, facilitate the location of test problems, and accurately, repeatedly, and controllably reconstruct customized test scenarios, and efficiently and comprehensively complete the mobility test of satellite communications.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned specific embodiments, but extends to any new features or any new combination disclosed in this specification, as well as any new method or process steps or any new combination disclosed.

Claims

1. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber, characterized in that: include: Microwave anechoic chamber; A simulated spherical surface and at least one booth are provided in the microwave darkroom, wherein the simulated spherical surface is convex toward each of the satellite booths, and each of the booths is used to place a network device to be tested; At least one probe antenna disposed on the simulated spherical surface; A driver drives part or all of the probe antennas to move relative to the booth.

2. The non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driver is connected to the simulated spherical surface and is used to drive the simulated spherical surface to rotate, thereby driving the probe antenna to move relative to the booth.

3. The non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driver is arranged on the simulated spherical surface, and is connected to the probe antenna to drive the probe antenna to move on the simulated spherical surface.

4. The non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The simulated spherical surface includes a curved mounting surface and a mounting frame connected to the surface of the mounting surface; the mounting surface is convex toward each of the exhibition stands; and the probe antenna is connected to the mounting frame.

5. The non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting frame includes at least one first guide rail arranged in the weft direction and at least one second guide rail arranged in the warp direction; at least the first guide rail protrudes toward each of the exhibition stands.

6. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system, characterized in that: It includes a non-terrestrial network communication air interface test chamber as described in any one of claims 1-5, and also includes a power amplifier, a channel simulator and at least one terminal simulator; each of the terminal simulators is respectively connected to the output end of the channel simulator, and the input end of the channel simulator is respectively connected to each of the probe antennas via the power amplifier.

7. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method, based on the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: Test methods include: Perform beamforming on the antenna array of the network device under test; configuring a channel simulator to simulate a communication channel; Controlling a driver to drive at least one probe antenna covered by the network device to be tested to move relative to the network device to be tested; The received data is obtained from the terminal simulator connected to the probe antenna for testing.

8. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The test setup includes: The first unit is configured to: perform beamforming on an antenna array of a network device under test; The second unit is configured to: configure a channel simulator to simulate a communication channel; The third unit is configured to: control the driver to drive at least one probe antenna covered by the network device to be tested to move relative to the network device to be tested; The first testing unit is configured to: obtain received data from a terminal simulator connected to the probe antenna for testing.

9. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, comprising a first processor and a first storage medium, wherein the first processor is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first storage medium stores first computer instructions, and the first processor runs the first computer instructions to execute the non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method according to claim 7.

10. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method, based on the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: Test methods include: Connecting at least one terminal simulator to the network device under test through a connected probe antenna, wherein the probe antenna is located within a service area covered by the network device under test; Configuring each of the terminal simulators to execute different services respectively; Controlling the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the network device to be tested, so as to trigger beam switching within the device; The service data of each terminal simulator during the beam switching in the device is recorded separately for testing.

11. The non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method according to claim 10, wherein: The service data of each terminal simulator during the beam switching in the device is recorded separately for testing, including: Multiple intra-device beam switchings are triggered, and service data of each terminal simulator during each intra-device beam switching is recorded for testing.

12. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: include: The fourth unit is configured to: control at least one terminal simulator to access the network device under test through a connected probe antenna, where the probe antenna is located in a service area covered by the network device under test; The fifth unit is configured to: configure each of the terminal simulators to execute different services respectively; The sixth unit is configured to: control the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the network device to be tested, so as to trigger beam switching within the device; The second testing unit is configured to respectively record the service data of each terminal simulator during the beam switching within the device for testing.

13. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, comprising a second processor and a second storage medium, wherein the second processor is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second storage medium stores second computer instructions, and the second processor runs the second computer instructions to execute the non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method according to claim 10 or 11.

14. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method, based on the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: Test methods include: Connecting at least one terminal simulator to a first network device under test via a connected probe antenna, wherein the probe antenna is located within a service area covered by the first network device under test; Configuring each of the terminal simulators to execute different services respectively; Controlling the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the first network device to be tested toward the second network device to be tested, so as to trigger beam switching between devices; The service data of each terminal simulator during the inter-device beam switching is recorded separately for testing.

15. The non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method according to claim 14, wherein: The inter-device beam switching method between the first network device to be tested and the second network device to be tested includes RACH switching and RACH-free switching.

16. The non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The service data of each terminal simulator during the inter-device beam switching is recorded for testing, including: Multiple inter-device beam switchings are triggered, and the service data of each terminal simulator during each inter-device beam switching is recorded for testing.

17. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: include: A seventh unit is configured to: control at least one terminal simulator to access a first network device under test through a connected probe antenna, where the probe antenna is located within a service area covered by the first network device under test; An eighth unit is configured to: configure each of the terminal simulators to execute different services respectively; a ninth unit configured to: control the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the first network device under test toward the second network device under test, so as to trigger inter-device beam switching; The third testing unit is configured to respectively record the service data of each terminal simulator during the inter-device beam switching for testing.

18. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, comprising a third processor and a third storage medium, wherein the third processor is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third storage medium stores third computer instructions, and the third processor runs the third computer instructions to execute the non-terrestrial network communication air interface testing method according to any one of claims 14-16.

19. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method, based on the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: Test methods include: Connecting at least one terminal simulator to the network device under test through a connected probe antenna, wherein the probe antenna is located within a service area covered by the network device under test; Controlling the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the network device to be tested, so as to trigger each terminal simulator to update the terminal location information; Controlling each of the terminal simulators to report the terminal location information to the access gateway controller, and executing the beam switching process in response to a trigger instruction of the access gateway controller; the access gateway stores an association between the terminal location information and the beam switching list; The beam information accessed by each terminal simulator when the terminal position information is updated is recorded separately for testing.

20. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The test setup includes: A tenth unit is configured to: control at least one terminal simulator to access the network device under test through a connected probe antenna, wherein the probe antenna is located in a service area covered by the network device under test; The eleventh unit is configured to: control the driver to drive the probe antenna to move relative to the network device to be tested, so as to trigger each terminal simulator to update the terminal location information; A twelfth unit is configured to: control each terminal simulator to report the terminal location information to the access gateway controller, and execute the beam switching process in response to a trigger instruction of the access gateway controller; the access gateway stores an association relationship between the terminal location information and the beam switching list; The fourth test unit is configured to respectively record the beam information accessed by each terminal simulator when the terminal location information is updated for testing.

21. A non-terrestrial network communication air interface test device, characterized in that: It includes a fourth processor and a fourth storage medium, the fourth processor is connected to the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test system according to claim 6, the fourth storage medium stores a fourth computer instruction, and the fourth processor runs the fourth computer instruction to execute the non-terrestrial network communication air interface test method according to claim 19.

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