Testing of network devices

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a device and method for testing network equipment and a computer readable storage medium. In one aspect, the apparatus receives a signal from a network device under test. The apparatus determines a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal. The apparatus determines a result of the test based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold. Through the proposed processing of the signal, the apparatus may determine a duration associated with at least one power level of the network device, and validate an energy saving characteristic of the network device by using the duration accordingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the field of communications, and particularly to apparatus, methods and computer-readable storage media for testing network devices. Background Technology

[0002] Network energy efficiency is crucial for environmental sustainability, reducing environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions), and saving operating costs. As 5G networks become increasingly dense, more antennas, greater bandwidth, and more frequency bands are required. The environmental impact of 5G needs to be controlled, necessitating the development of new solutions to improve network energy efficiency.

[0003] Energy consumption has become a critical component of operators' operating costs. The majority of energy consumption originates from the radio access network, particularly active antenna units (AAUs), with data centers and fiber optic transmission accounting for a smaller share. However, several related issues still require further investigation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Overall, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for testing network devices.

[0005] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a signal from a network device under test; determine a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and determine a test result based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

[0006] In a second aspect, a method is provided. This method may include: receiving a signal from a network device under test; determining a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and determining a test result based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

[0007] In a third aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include: components for receiving a signal from a network device under test; components for determining a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and components for determining a test result based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to the second aspect.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a computer program including instructions is provided that, when executed by a device, causes the device to at least: receive a signal from a network device under test; determine a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and determine a test result based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include: a receiving circuit system configured to receive a signal from a network device under test; a first determining circuit system configured to determine a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and a second determining circuit system configured to determine a test result based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

[0011] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example of a network environment in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0014] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example signaling process for enabling testing of a network device under test according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3A The illustration shows example diagrams of transmitter turn-on and transmitter turn-off periods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3B The illustration shows another example of transmitter turn-on and transmitter turn-off periods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 The illustration shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways besides those described below.

[0022] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0023] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," and "example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that, whether explicitly described or not, combining it with other embodiments to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0024] It is understood that although terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further understanding, the terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “including,” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “<at least one item in a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0026] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Pure hardware circuit implementation (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems), and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to cause a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may not exist when operation is not required.

[0027] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0028] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiplexing (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be communication technologies and systems that can be used to embody future types of communication technologies and systems. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the systems described above.

[0029] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio header (RRH), a relay, a low-power node (such as a femtosecond or picosecond), etc.

[0030] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment", "communication equipment", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0031] Network energy efficiency (NES) is crucial for environmental sustainability, reducing environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions), and saving operating costs. With the increasing prevalence of 5G across various industries and geographic regions to handle more advanced services and applications requiring very high data rates (e.g., extended reality XR), and as networks become denser, more antennas, greater bandwidth, and more frequency bands are needed. Energy consumption has become a critical part of operators' OPEX (operating expenses), with mobile network energy costs accounting for approximately 23% of operators' total costs.

[0032] In recent Radio Access Network (RAN) Working Groups 1 and RAN2 meetings, it was agreed that Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) or Discontinuous Reception (DRX) can be configured for each serving cell using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and activated / deactivated using Layer 1 / Layer 2 signaling. One objective of 3GPP Rel-18 Work Item (RP-230566) regarding NES is to specify enhancements to the cell DTX / DRX mechanism, including alignment of cell DTX / DRX and UE DRX in RRC_CONNECTED mode, and inter-node information exchange on cell DTX / DRX. DRX is a method for conserving user equipment (UE) battery power. It is the phase during which data transmission occurs, negotiated between the UE and the network. At other times, the UE turns off its receiver and enters a low-power state.

[0033] Discontinuous transmission (DTX) on the base station (BS) side enables sleep mode operation on the BS side during transmission time intervals (TTIs) when there is no service. It is also known as cell DTX and helps reduce BS power consumption. This means the network will alternate between active and inactive periods, rather than continuously transmitting / receiving. Therefore, during the inactive periods of cell DTX, the UE is not expected to receive and / or process data or some signaling, such as periodic / semi-persistent channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) from the BS. While the details of BS / UE behavior are still under discussion, the network needs to turn transmitters / receivers on / off to enable this cell DTX operation.

[0034] Most energy consumption originates from the radio access network, particularly active antenna units (AAUs), with data centers and fiber optic transmission accounting for a smaller share. Techniques in the spatial and power domains primarily aim to reduce power consumption in transceiver (TRX) chains and power amplifiers (PAs). Therefore, to verify energy savings at the base station (BS) side, the energy consumption of the TRX chain, especially the AAUs and PAs, should be measured.

[0035] Currently, the core parts of the radio frequency (RF) and radio resource management (RRM) requirements are being discussed in 3GPP RAN4, with the completion target at RAN#102. The performance section will begin in RAN4, followed by completion targets at RAN#104. The objectives of the performance section work items include specifying corresponding RRM performance requirements and test cases for network power saving technologies [RAN4], specifying necessary demodulation performance and CSI reporting requirements [RAN4], and specifying BS conformance testing [RAN4] where necessary.

[0036] As a result of NES characteristics, the power consumption of the BS transmitter should be reduced to achieve energy savings. When introducing BS functionality with on / off capability to assist cell DTX, the energy savings at the BS need to be verified. However, there is no type of test in the NR BS test specifications (such as TS 38.141-1 and TS 38.141-2) to verify energy savings.

[0037] Based on the foregoing discussion and analysis, a solution for testing network devices is provided, particularly for verifying energy efficiency on the BS side. In some example embodiments of this disclosure, the duration (e.g., the duration of transmitter on / off time) is measured by a device (such as a test device or user equipment communicating with the network device under test) based on two power levels of a signal received from the network device under test, and then the measured duration is compared to a duration threshold. The duration threshold is predetermined or configured by the network (e.g., core network equipment), the test device, or the terminal device. By comparing, the energy efficiency at the network device under test can be verified.

[0038] For ease of explanation, the following will refer to... Figures 1-6 The principles and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure for testing network devices are described. However, it should be noted that these embodiments are given so that those skilled in the art can understand the inventive concepts of this disclosure and implement the solutions presented herein, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0039] Figure 1 Examples of network environments 100 in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented are illustrated. In the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, network environment 100 may also be referred to as communication system 100 (e.g., part of a communication network). For illustrative purposes only, aspects of the exemplary embodiments will be described in the context of one or more terminal devices and network devices communicating with each other. However, it should be understood that the description herein can be applied to other types of apparatus or other similar apparatuses referenced using other terms.

[0040] The network device under test 120 can provide services to the device 110, and the network device 120 and the device 110 can transmit data and control information to each other. In some embodiments, the network device 120 and the device 110 can communicate via a direct link / channel. The network device 120 can be the base station under test. The network device 120 can be one specified in the NR specification. 1-C type, 1-H Type or 1-O The network device 120 includes a transceiver (TRX) chain comprising a transmitter and a receiver, and is configured to transmit signals to the device 110 via this TRX chain (e.g., via the transmitter). The network device 120 is configured to operate in a cell DTX configuration. This means that the network device 120 will operate alternately during active and inactive periods, rather than continuously transmitting / receiving. As a result, during the inactive period of cell DTX, the device 110 is not expected to receive and / or process data or some signaling. The device 110 may be a terminal device with high measurement accuracy or a specific test device.

[0041] In communication system 100, the link from network device 120 to device 110 is called the downlink (DL), and the link from device 110 to network device 120 is called the uplink (UL). In the downlink, network device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the uplink, device 110 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and network device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0042] It should be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any limitation. System 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and / or terminal devices suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. Although not shown, it should be understood that one or more terminal devices may be located in environment 100.

[0043] Communication in network environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G) or higher, wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), time division multiplexing (TDM), frequency division duplex (FDM), code division multiple access (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee and machine-type communication (MTC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), and new radio unlicensed (NR-U) technologies.

[0044] In current NR BS test specifications, such as TS 38.141-1 and TS 38.141-2, no type of test verifies energy efficiency. BS RF (radio frequency) transmitter testing in current NR BS specifications aims to measure transmitted signal quality (e.g., transmit and error vector magnitude (EVM) measurements are not expected). Therefore, the test model (test signal) in BS RF transmitter testing is configured to transmit at either the minimum or maximum BS output power, such as off power level and on power level. For example, maximum output power is measured against the on power level, and minimum output power is measured against the off power level to determine if the on and off power levels meet the specified power levels.

[0045] The only RF or RRM tests that include BS time measurements are the transmitter on / off power test (which measures the transmitter off power and the transmitter transient period between the transmitter on and off periods) and the timing alignment error (TAE) test (which measures the frame timing between transmitted signals toward the same UE). Therefore, measuring the BS transmit power of these test signals will only provide information for evaluating the quality of the transmitted signal (e.g., the quality of the signals expected and unexpectedly transmitted), and will not provide information about energy-saving features, and cannot be used to test the energy-saving features proposed in the work item.

[0046] The lack of BS RF or RRM tests in NR specifications (such as TS 38.141-1 / 2 and TS 38.133) makes it impossible to assess actual energy savings from a BS perspective. Without such tests, it is impossible to verify the various features proposed that can achieve energy savings from a BS perspective. For example, it is impossible to verify whether BS effectively and efficiently shuts down the TRX chain and PA during micro / light / deep sleep durations as expected, which can be achieved through the various features proposed in the work item.

[0047] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 2 This describes an example signaling procedure 200 used to enable testing of network devices. For discussion purposes, please refer to... Figure 1 Describe process 200. Process 200 may involve, for example, Figure 1 The illustrated device 110 and network device 120. It should be understood that, although in Figure 1 The process 200 is described in the communication environment 100, but the same process can be applied to other communication scenarios with similar problems.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, in process 200, network device 120 (e.g., a transmitter of the TRX chain) sends signal 201 (205) to device 110. Device 110 receives signal 210 (210). The signal is sent by network device 120 operating under cell DTX configuration, and therefore, in each cycle of the signal, the signal has an active period or on duration and an inactive period.

[0049] In some embodiments, the signal may include desired emissions and undesired emissions. Undesired emissions may consist of out-of-band emissions and spurious emissions. Out-of-band emissions are undesired emissions that occur immediately outside the channel bandwidth caused by modulation processes and nonlinearities in the transmitter, but do not include spurious emissions. Spurious emissions are emissions caused by undesired transmitter effects, such as harmonic emissions, parasitic emissions, intermodulation products, and frequency conversion products, but do not include out-of-band emissions.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, device 110 determines (215) a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal. In some embodiments, the duration is measured as a period of transmitter turn-on time. In some embodiments, the duration is measured as a period of transmitter turn-off time. In some embodiments, the at least one power level includes a power level for determining the transmitter turn-on time or a power level for determining the transmitter turn-off time. In some embodiments, the at least one power level includes two different power levels for determining the transmitter turn-on time or the transmitter turn-off time.

[0051] To clearly illustrate the transmitter turn-on time and transmitter turn-off time according to some embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to... Figure 3A and Figure 3B Describe it.

[0052] When the duration is measured as the time period of transmitter turn-on, device 110 measures and records the start time when the power level of the signal is higher than a first power threshold, and then measures and records the end time when the power level of the signal is lower than a second power threshold, the second power threshold being equal to or lower than the first power threshold.

[0053] like Figure 3A As shown, the start time T1 is located at the leading edge of the signal pulse P1, where the power level is exactly above a first power threshold, for example, 10 dB, and the end time T2 is located at the trailing edge of the signal pulse P1, where the power level is exactly below a second power threshold, for example, -10 dB. The duration between T1 and T2 is measured as the actual transmitter turn-on time. In this embodiment, the first power threshold is greater than the second power threshold.

[0054] like Figure 3B As shown, the start time T1 is located at the leading edge of the signal pulse P1, where the power level is exactly above a first power threshold, for example, 5 dB, and the end time T2 is located at the trailing edge of the signal pulse P1, where the power level is exactly below a second power threshold, for example, 5 dB. The duration between T1 and T2 is measured as the actual transmitter turn-on time. In this embodiment, the first power threshold is equal to the second power threshold.

[0055] When the duration is measured as the time period of transmitter off time, device 110 measures and records the start time when the signal power level is below a third power threshold, and then measures and records the end time when the signal power level is above a fourth power threshold, the fourth power threshold being equal to or higher than the third power threshold. In some embodiments, the third power threshold is equal to or lower than a second power threshold, such that there is no overlap between the measured transmitter on time and the measured transmitter off time.

[0056] like Figure 3A As shown, the start time T3 is located at the trailing edge of the signal pulse P1, where the power level is exactly below the third power threshold, for example, -15 dB, and the end time T4 is located at the leading edge of the pulse P2 next to pulse P1, where the power level is exactly above the fourth power threshold, for example, 5 dB. The duration between T3 and T4 is measured as the actual transmitter shutdown time. In this embodiment, the fourth power threshold is greater than the third power threshold.

[0057] like Figure 3BAs shown, the start time T3 is located at the trailing edge of signal pulse P1, where the power level is exactly below the third power threshold, for example, -10 dB, and the end time T4 is located at the leading edge of pulse P2 next to pulse P1, where the power level is exactly above the fourth power threshold, for example, -10 dB. The duration between T3 and T4 is measured as the actual transmitter shutdown time. In this embodiment, the fourth power threshold is equal to the third power threshold.

[0058] Refer again Figure 2 The apparatus 110 determines the result of the test (220) based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold. In some embodiments, the duration threshold is a predetermined time limit. In some embodiments, the predetermined time limit is determined based on network configuration, for example, based on cell DTX configuration. When the duration is measured as transmitter on time, the duration threshold can be determined as the active period or on duration of cell DTX. When the duration is measured as transmitter off time, the duration threshold can be determined as the inactive period or off duration of cell DTX.

[0059] In some examples, the network device under test 120 may pass the test if the measured time period (e.g., the duration between T1 and T2) is shorter than or equal to a predetermined time limit or a configured activity period or on-time duration. For example, the test equipment or apparatus 110 measures and records the start time T1 when the received power of a test signal (desired signal or undesired transmission) sent by the BS under test is higher than a first power threshold, and then measures and records the end time T2 when the received power of the test signal is lower than a second power threshold. The transmitter on-time of the BS TRX chain should be determined as the difference between the start time and the end time. The determined transmitter on-time should be less than or equal to the time limit specified in the NR specification for BS pass testing.

[0060] In these examples, the duration of the transmitter power-on time is tested and should be less than the expected time. Based on these examples, the NF BS test specification can be modified as follows. 6.x Energy Saving Test 6.x.1 Transmitter Power-On Time 6.x.1.1 Definitions and Applicability The transmitter power-on time is defined as the difference between the start time and the end time of transmitter power-on. 6.x.1.2 Minimum Requirements BS 1-C type For the minimum requirements, see Clause 6.x of TS 38.104[2]. BS 1-H type For the minimum requirements, see Clause 6.x of TS 38.104[2]. 6.x.1.3 Test Objective The purpose of this test is to verify the duration for which the transmitter is powered on. 6.x.1.3.1 Initial Conditions Test environment: - Normal; see Appendix B.2. The radio frequency channel to be tested for a single carrier: - M; see section 4.9.1. Location of the RF bandwidth to be tested for multi-carrier and / or CA: - M in single-band operation RFBW See section 4.9.1; - B in multi-band operation RFBW _T' RFBW and B' RFBW _T RFBW See section 4.9.1. 6.x.1.3.2 Process The minimum requirements apply to all connectors under test. 1) Connect the connector under test to the part specified in Appendix D.2.1. BS 1-C type and Annex D.4.1 for BS 1-H type The measuring device shown. 2) For FDD operation, using the corresponding test model or physical channel set in Section 4.9.2, configure the BS to transmit signals using the applicable test configuration and corresponding power settings specified in Sections 4.7 and 4.8. 1-C type BS ,Will Antenna connector Set as manufacturer's statement Rated carrier output power (P) rated,c,AC or P rated,c,TABC (D.21). 3) The transmitter power start time is measured and recorded by the test equipment when the received power of the test signal of the BS under test is higher than [x] dB, and the transmitter power end time is measured and recorded when the received power of the test signal is lower than [y] dB. 4) The transmitter power-on time is calculated as the difference between the start time and the end time of transmitter power-on. 6.x.1.4 Test Requirements The transmitter turn-on time should be less than or equal to [z] ms.

[0061] In some examples, the network device under test 120 may pass the test if the measured time period (e.g., the duration between T3 and T4) is longer than or equal to a predetermined time limit or a configured inactive or shutdown period. For example, test equipment or apparatus 110 measures and records the start time T3 when the received power of a test signal (desired signal or undesired transmission) sent by the BS under test is below a third power threshold, and then measures and records the end time T4 when the received power of the test signal is above a fourth power threshold. The transmitter shutdown time of the BS TRX chain should be determined as the difference between the start and end times. The determined transmitter shutdown time should be higher than or equal to the time limit specified in the NR specification for BS pass testing.

[0062] In these examples, the duration of the transmitter power-off time is tested and should be less than the expected time. Based on these examples, the NF BS test specification can be modified as follows. 6.x Energy Saving Test 6.x.1 Transmitter power off time 6.x.1.1 Definitions and Applicability The transmitter power-off time is defined as the difference between the start and end times of the transmitter power-off. 6.x.1.2 Minimum Requirements BS 1-C type For the minimum requirements, see Clause 6.x of TS 38.104[2]. BS 1-H type For the minimum requirements, see Clause 6.x of TS 38.104[2]. 6.x.1.3 Test Objective The purpose of this test is to verify the duration for which the transmitter power is turned off. 6.x.1.3.1 Initial Conditions Test environment: - Normal; see Appendix B.2. The radio frequency channel to be tested for a single carrier: - M; see section 4.9.1. Location of the RF bandwidth to be tested for multi-carrier and / or CA: - M in single-band operation RFBW See section 4.9.1; - B in multi-band operation RFBW _T' RFBW and B' RFBW _T RFBW See section 4.9.1. 6.x.1.3.2 Process The minimum requirements apply to all connectors under test. 1) Connect the connector under test to the part specified in Appendix D.2.1. BS 1-C type and Annex D.4.1 for BS 1-H type The measuring device shown. 2) For FDD operation, using the corresponding test model or physical channel set in Section 4.9.2, configure the BS to transmit signals using the applicable test configuration and corresponding power settings specified in Sections 4.7 and 4.8. 1-C type BS ,Will Antenna connector Set as manufacturer's statement Rated carrier output power (P) rated,c,AC or P rated,c,TABC (D.21). 3) The transmitter power shutdown start time is measured and recorded by the test equipment when the received power of the test signal of the BS under test is lower than [x] dB, and the transmitter power shutdown end time is measured and recorded when the received power of the test signal is higher than [y] dB. 4) The transmitter power-off time is calculated as the difference between the start and end times of the transmitter power-off. 6.x.1.4 Test Requirements The transmitter shutdown time should be greater than or equal to [z] ms.

[0063] In some embodiments, the duration threshold is a transmission on / off time period configured by a core network device (not shown) or device 110 based on DTX configuration. If device 110 has a control unit for configuring the on / off time, the time is configured based on DTX configuration. If device 110 does not have a control unit for configuring the on / off time, device 110 can transmit the on / off time configured by the core network device to network device 120. The accuracy of the transmitter on-time is defined as the difference between the measured transmitter on-time and the transmitter on-time determined or configured according to the network configuration of the cell DTX. If the accuracy of the transmitter on-time is less than or equal to [z]ms, the network device under test 120 passes the test; [z]ms can be specified in the NR specification.

[0064] In some examples, test equipment or apparatus 110 measures and records the start time T1 when the received power of the test signal (desired signal or undesired transmission) sent by the BS under test is higher than a first power threshold, and then measures and records the end time T2 when the received power of the test signal is lower than a second power threshold. The accuracy of the transmitter turn-on time should be determined as the difference between the measured transmitter turn-on time and the transmitter turn-on time configured by the TE or network (e.g., cell DTX configuration). The accuracy of the determined transmitter turn-on time should be less than or equal to the time limit specified in the NR specification for BS pass testing.

[0065] In these examples, the accuracy of the transmitter power-on time is tested and should be less than the expected threshold. Based on these examples, the NF BS test specification can be modified as follows. 6.x Energy Saving Test 6.x.1 Transmitter Power-On Time 6.x.1.1 Definitions and Applicability Transmitter power-on time is defined as the difference between the start and end times of transmitter power-on. The accuracy of the transmitter power-on time is defined as the difference between the measured transmitter power-on time and the transmitter power-on time determined according to the network configuration of the cell's DTX. 6.x.1.2 Minimum Requirements BS 1-C type For the minimum requirements, see Clause 6.x of TS 38.104[2]. BS 1-H type For the minimum requirements, see Clause 6.x of TS 38.104[2]. 6.x.1.3 Test Objective The purpose of this test is to verify the duration for which the transmitter is powered on. 6.x.1.3.1 Initial Conditions Test environment: - Normal; see Appendix B.2. The radio frequency channel to be tested for a single carrier: - M; see section 4.9.1. Location of the RF bandwidth to be tested for multi-carrier and / or CA: - M in single-band operation RFBW See section 4.9.1; - B in multi-band operation RFBW _T' RFBW and B' RFBW _T RFBW See section 4.9.1. 6.x.1.3.2 Process The minimum requirements apply to all connectors under test. 1) Connect the connector under test to the part specified in Appendix D.2.1. BS 1-C type and Annex D.4.1 for BS 1-H type The measuring device shown. 2) For FDD operation, using the corresponding test model or physical channel set in Section 4.9.2, configure the BS to transmit signals using the applicable test configuration and corresponding power settings specified in Sections 4.7 and 4.8. 1-C type BS ,Will Antenna connector Set as manufacturer's statement Rated carrier output power(P) rated,c,AC or P rated,c,TABC (D.21). 3) The transmitter power-on time is measured and recorded by the test equipment between the start time when the received power of the test signal of the BS under test is higher than [x] dB and the end time when the received power of the test signal is lower than [y] dB. 4) The accuracy of the transmitter power-on time is calculated as the difference between the transmitter power-on time and the transmitter power-on time configured by the test equipment or network. 6.x.1.4 Test Requirements The accuracy of the transmitter turn-on time should be less than or equal to [z]ms.

[0066] In some examples, test equipment or apparatus 110 measures and records the start time T3 when the received power of the test signal (desired signal or undesired transmission) sent by the BS under test is lower than a third power threshold, and then measures and records the end time T4 when the received power of the test signal is higher than a fourth power threshold. The accuracy of the transmitter shutdown time should be determined as the difference between the measured transmitter shutdown time and the transmitter shutdown time configured by the TE or network (e.g., cell DTX configuration). The accuracy of the determined transmitter shutdown time should be less than or equal to the time limit specified in the NR specification for BS pass testing.

[0067] In these examples, the accuracy of the transmitter power-off time is tested and should be less than the expected threshold. Based on these examples, the NF BS test specification can be modified as follows. 6.x Energy Saving Test 6.x.1 Transmitter power off time 6.x.1.1 Definitions and Applicability Transmitter power-off time is defined as the difference between the start and end times of transmitter power-off. The accuracy of the transmitter power-off time is defined as the difference between the measured transmitter power-off time and the transmitter power-off time determined according to the network configuration of the cell DTX. 6.x.1.2 Minimum Requirements BS 1-C type For the minimum requirements, see Clause 6.x of TS 38.104[2]. BS 1-H type For the minimum requirements, see Clause 6.x of TS 38.104[2]. 6.x.1.3 Test Objective The purpose of this test is to verify the duration for which the transmitter power is turned off. 6.x.1.3.1 Initial Conditions Test environment: - Normal; see Appendix B.2. The radio frequency channel to be tested for a single carrier: - M; see section 4.9.1. Location of the RF bandwidth to be tested for multi-carrier and / or CA: - M in single-band operation RFBW See section 4.9.1; - B in multi-band operation RFBW _T' RFBW and B' RFBW _T RFBW See section 4.9.1. 6.x.1.3.2 Process The minimum requirements apply to all connectors under test. 1) Connect the connector under test to the part specified in Appendix D.2.1. BS 1-C type and Annex D.4.1 for BS 1-H type The measuring device shown. 2) For FDD operation, using the corresponding test model or physical channel set in Section 4.9.2, configure the BS to transmit signals using the applicable test configuration and corresponding power settings specified in Sections 4.7 and 4.8. 1-C type BS ,Will Antenna connector Set as manufacturer's statement Rated carrier output power (P) rated,c,AC or P rated,c,TABC (D.21). 3) The transmitter power cut-off time is measured and recorded by the test equipment between the start time when the received power of the test signal of the BS under test is lower than [x] dB and the end time when the received power of the test signal is higher than [y] dB. 4) The accuracy of the transmitter power-off time is calculated as the difference between the transmitter power-off time and the transmitter power-off time configured by the test equipment or network. 6.x.1.4 Test Requirements The accuracy of the transmitter shutdown time should be less than or equal to [z]ms.

[0068] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the duration of transmitter on / off time is measured by a device (such as a test device or user equipment communicating with a network under test device) based on at least one power level of a signal received from the network under test device, and then the measured duration is compared with a duration threshold configured or predetermined by the network or device. By determining whether the measured transmitter on time is shorter than a desired time period, whether the measured transmitter off time is longer than a desired time period, or whether the accuracy of the measured transmitter on / off time is less than or equal to the desired threshold, it can be verified whether the energy-saving features proposed in the work item can achieve energy saving from the BS side, and whether energy saving is achieved in shortening the transmitter on time of the BS TRX chain. Specifically, it can be verified whether the BS shuts down the TRX chain and PA as efficiently and effectively as expected during the micro / light / deep sleep duration, which can be achieved through the various features proposed in the work item.

[0069] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 implemented at apparatus 110 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Reference will be made to this flowchart for discussion purposes. Figure 1 Method 400 is described from the perspective of device 110.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, in block 410, device 110 receives a signal from network device 120 under test. In block 420, device 110 determines the duration associated with at least one power level of the signal. In block 430, device 110 determines the result of the test based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

[0071] In some embodiments, the network device under test 120 is configured to operate in a cell DTX configuration. In some embodiments, the duration is measured as a time period of transmitter on-time or transmitter off-time in the cell DTX configuration.

[0072] In some embodiments, the transmitter turn-on time is measured between a start time when the signal power level is above a first power threshold and an end time when the signal power level is below a second power threshold, the second power threshold being equal to or lower than the first power threshold; and the duration threshold is a first predetermined time limit. In some embodiments, the first predetermined time limit is based on an active period configured for cell DTX or based on the turn-on duration of cell DTX. If the measured transmitter turn-on time is less than or equal to the duration threshold, the device 110 determines that the network device under test has passed the test.

[0073] In some embodiments, the transmitter shutdown time is measured between a start time when the signal power level is below a third power threshold and an end time when the signal power level is above a fourth power threshold, the fourth power threshold being equal to or higher than the third power threshold; and the duration threshold is a second predetermined time limit. In some embodiments, the second predetermined time limit is based on the inactive period of the cell DTX configured for cell DTX. In some embodiments, if the measured transmitter shutdown time is higher than or equal to the duration threshold, the device 110 determines that the network device under test has passed the test.

[0074] In some embodiments, the transmitter turn-on time period is measured between the start time when the signal power level is higher than a first power threshold and the end time when the signal power level is lower than a second power threshold, the second power threshold being equal to or lower than the first power threshold; and the duration threshold is a transmitter turn-on time period configured by the core network equipment or the device based on the cell DTX configuration. In some embodiments, if the difference between the measured transmitter turn-on time period and the duration threshold is less than or equal to a pre-specified value, the device 110 determines that the network device under test has passed the test.

[0075] In some embodiments, the transmitter shutdown time period is measured between the start time when the signal power level is below a third power threshold and the end time when the signal power level is above a fourth power threshold, the fourth power threshold being equal to or higher than the third power threshold; and the duration threshold is a transmitter shutdown time period configured by the core network equipment or the device based on the cell DTX configuration. In some embodiments, if the difference between the measured transmitter shutdown time period and the duration threshold is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the device 110 determines that the network device under test has passed the test.

[0076] In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted by a transceiver chain of network device 120. In some embodiments, device 110 includes at least one of terminal device or test device.

[0077] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 400 (e.g., apparatus 110) may include components for performing corresponding steps of method 400. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0078] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for receiving a signal from a network device under test; components for determining a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and components for determining a test result based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

[0079] In some embodiments, the network device under test is configured to operate in a cell DTX configuration. In some embodiments, the duration is measured by the device as a time period of transmitter on-time or transmitter off-time in the cell DTX configuration.

[0080] In some embodiments, the transmitter turn-on time period is measured by the device between a start time when the signal power level is higher than a first power threshold and an end time when the signal power level is lower than a second power threshold, the second power threshold being equal to or lower than the first power threshold; and the duration threshold is a first predetermined time limit. In some embodiments, the first predetermined time limit is based on an active period configured for cell DTX or based on the turn-on duration of cell DTX. If the measured transmitter turn-on time period is lower than or equal to the duration threshold, the device determines that the network device under test passes the test.

[0081] In some embodiments, the transmitter shutdown time period is measured by the device between a start time when the signal power level is below a third power threshold and an end time when the signal power level is above a fourth power threshold, the fourth power threshold being equal to or higher than the third power threshold; and the duration threshold is a second predetermined time limit. In some embodiments, the second predetermined time limit is based on the inactive period of the cell DTX configured for cell DTX. In some embodiments, if the measured transmitter shutdown time period is higher than or equal to the duration threshold, the device determines that the network device under test has passed the test.

[0082] In some embodiments, the transmitter turn-on time period is measured by the device between a start time when the signal power level is higher than a first power threshold and an end time when the signal power level is lower than a second power threshold, the second power threshold being equal to or lower than the first power threshold; and the duration threshold is a transmitter turn-on time period configured by the core network equipment or the device based on the cell DTX configuration. In some embodiments, if the difference between the measured transmitter turn-on time period and the duration threshold is less than or equal to a pre-specified value, the device determines that the network device under test has passed the test.

[0083] In some embodiments, the transmitter shutdown time period is measured by the device between a start time when the signal power level is below a third power threshold and an end time when the signal power level is above a fourth power threshold, the fourth power threshold being equal to or higher than the third power threshold; and the duration threshold is a transmitter shutdown time period configured by the core network equipment or the device based on the cell DTX configuration. In some embodiments, if the difference between the measured transmitter shutdown time period and the duration threshold is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the device determines that the network device under test has passed the test.

[0084] In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted by a transceiver chain of a network device. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one of a terminal device or a test device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 400. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to execute.

[0086] Figure 5 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 500 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 500 can be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1 The device 110 and network device 120 are shown. As shown, device 500 includes one or more processors 510, one or more memories 520 coupled to processor 510, and one or more communication modules 540 coupled to processor 510.

[0087] Communication module 540 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 540 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network devices.

[0088] Processor 510 can be any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 500 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0089] Memory 520 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 524, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 522 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0090] Computer program 530 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 510. Program 530 may be stored in ROM 524. Processor 510 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 530 into RAM 522.

[0091] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by a program so that device 500 can execute the reference. Figure 4 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0092] In some embodiments, program 530 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 500 (such as memory 520) or other storage device accessible to device 500. Device 500 may load program 530 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 522 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0093] Figure 6 An example of a computer-readable medium 600 in the form of a CD or DVD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. A program 630 is stored on the computer-readable medium. It should be noted that although the computer-readable medium 600 is depicted in the form of a CD or DVD, the computer-readable medium 600 may be any other form suitable for carrying or storing the program 530.

[0094] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented using hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0095] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-mentioned... Figure 4 The method described in 400. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0096] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0097] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0098] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0099] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or to perform all of the shown operations to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0100] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features or actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a signal from a network equipment under test; determine a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and determine a result of a test based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network equipment under test is configured to operate under a cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) configuration.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the duration is measured as a time period of a transmitter on-time or a transmitter off-time of the cell DTX configuration.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the time period of the transmitter on-time is measured between a start time when the power level of the signal is above a first power threshold and an end time when the power level of the signal is below a second power threshold, the second power threshold being equal to or below the first power threshold; and the duration threshold is a first predetermined time limit.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first predetermined time limit is based on an active time period of the cell DTX configuration or based on an on-duration of the cell DTX.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the apparatus is caused to: determine that the network equipment under test passes the test in a case that the measured time period of the transmitter on-time is below or equal to the duration threshold.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the time period of the transmitter off-time is measured between a start time when the power level of the signal is below a third power threshold and an end time when the power level of the signal is above a fourth power threshold, the fourth power threshold being equal to or above the third power threshold; and the duration threshold is a second predetermined time limit.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second predetermined time limit is based on an inactive time period of the cell DTX configuration.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein the apparatus is caused to: determine that the network equipment under test passes the test in a case that the measured time period of the transmitter off-time is above or equal to the duration threshold.

10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the time period of the transmitter on-time is measured between a start time when the power level of the signal is above a first power threshold and an end time when the power level of the signal is below a second power threshold, the second power threshold being equal to or below the first power threshold; and the duration threshold is a transmitter on-time period configured by a core network equipment or the apparatus based on the cell DTX configuration.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is caused to: determining that the network equipment under test passes the test in case a difference between the measured time period of the transmitter on-time and the duration threshold is less than or equal to a pre-specified value.

12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the time period of the transmitter off-time is measured between a start time when the power level of the signal is below a third power threshold and an end time when the power level of the signal is above a fourth power threshold, the fourth power threshold being equal to or higher than the third power threshold; and the duration threshold is a transmitter off-time period configured by a core network equipment or the apparatus based on the cell DTX configuration.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is caused to: determine that the network equipment under test passes the test in case a difference between the measured time period of the transmitter off-time and the duration threshold is less than or equal to a pre-determined value.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the signal is transmitted by a transceiver chain of the network equipment.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of a terminal device or a test device.

16. A method comprising: receiving a signal from a network equipment under test; determining a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and determining a result of a test based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

17. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a signal from a network equipment under test; means for determining a duration associated with at least one power level of the signal; and means for determining a result of a test based on a comparison between the duration and a duration threshold.

18. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method of claim 16.

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