Auxiliary device, auxiliary procedure and program

Abstract

Auxiliary device (20), comprising: Condition receiver (202) for receiving test conditions which (i) specifies the number of variations m for a communication path set, which is a combination of the communication path sets in which a communication load test is performed, where m is a natural number, and (ii) specifies the number of variations n for a volume of communicated information which is communicated via the communication paths in the communication load test, where n is a natural number, an identifier (203) for extracting a plurality of communication paths, wherein each of the communication paths is a combination of communication device (30) used for transmission and communication device (30) used for reception, which differs from the communication device (30) used for transmission, from a plurality of communication devices (30) which are the target of the communication load test, and for denoting the m sets of communication paths, each of which is a combination of the extracted plurality of communication paths; and a plan generator (203) for generating an execution plan for executing m × n patterns of communication load tests, wherein the plan generator (203) generates n volumes of information that the communication device (30) used for transmission transmits and that the communication device (30) used for reception receives in the communication load test, for each of the plurality of communication paths from the m communication path sets designated by the identifier (203), and for generating the m × n patterns of communication load tests which are executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals or randomly in the communication paths, where the identifier (203) determines the m communication path sets, which are different from each other; wherein the plan generator (203) determines the n volumes of information which are distinct from each other, and generates m × n patterns of communication load tests in which at least one communication path set or volume of information of one pattern of the m × n patterns is distinct from at least one communication path set or volume of information of another pattern of the m × n patterns, and wherein a total number of communication devices (30) used for reception and communication devices (30) used for transmission is less than a total number of communication devices (30) which are the target of the communication load test, wherein the communication devices (30) used for transmission and the communication devices (30) used for reception are extracted from the identifier (203).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an auxiliary device, an auxiliary method and a program. Technical background

[0002] The load test performance evaluation system disclosed in patent literature 1 is a system that can perform tests without worker-operated communication devices by causing communication devices to automatically perform tests of sending and receiving information.

[0003] The load test performance evaluation system disclosed in patent literature 1 performs a test on a node B device 1 by causing a load tester 2, capable of sending data, to transmit a large volume of user data (information) to the node B device 1, which is to be tested in accordance with a predetermined sequence, by means of automatic control from an automatic test device 5. This allows the actions of the load tester 2 to be automatically controlled by the automatic test device 5, enabling the load test performance evaluation system to perform tests without the load tester 2 being operated by a worker.

[0004] US patent 2006 / 0174 162 A1 discloses a method for the automated testing of mobile wireless devices. It describes specific test cases that can also account for environmental effects modified by an environmental variable. Sensor information is proposed for updating the environmental variable.

[0005] JP 2008-306603A describes a method for automatically collecting information about the communication capabilities of a device, such as transmission rate, quality, and the like, between radio terminals that use and extend a standard protocol. Further technical background is described in US 2007 / 014341A, US 8521092B2, US 5357557A, JP 2009-260754A, US 2007 / 052435A1, and JP 2005-210333A. List of citations from patent literature

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Unexamined Japanese patent application Kokai Publication number JP 2005 - 210 333 A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0007] The load test performance evaluation system disclosed in patent literature 1 is designed such that the communication device (load test device 2) that sends information and the communication device (node ​​B device 1) that receives information are fixed, so that it is not possible to change transmit and receive combinations for performing tests.

[0008] Consequently, in order to perform a load test in accordance with an operation, if a transmit and receive combination has been modified accordingly, the user must perform the load test by creating an execution plan for tests, and by specifying and identifying the combination of communication equipment used for transmission and communication equipment used for reception, and in what order the communication equipment is caused to undertake a series of communications from sending to receiving the information.

[0009] The same problem occurs when performing tests that involve sending and receiving information by selecting a communication device to be used for transmission and a communication device to be used for reception.

[0010] In view of the foregoing, it is the purpose of the present disclosure to provide an auxiliary device, an auxiliary procedure and a program to support the preparation of an execution plan for testing communication equipment. Solution to the problem

[0011] To solve the foregoing problem, an identifier of the auxiliary device according to the present disclosure, as a set, extracts from a plurality of communication devices to be tested for transmission and a plurality of communication devices used for reception, which are different from the communication devices used for transmission, and designates the communication devices used for reception and the communication devices used for transmission by combining a device from among the extracted plurality of communication devices used for transmission (30) and a device from among the extracted plurality of communication devices used for reception.A plan generator generates a test execution plan to perform tests to cause information to be sent from the communication devices used for transmission and to cause the information sent by the communication devices used for transmission to be received by the communication devices used for reception, for a plurality of sets designated by the identifier, and performs successive tests. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0012] The present disclosure makes it possible to support the creation of an execution plan for testing communication devices. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a drawing which schematically shows a communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an auxiliary device and a wireless terminal; Fig. Figure 3 is a drawing that shows the content of the settings information; Fig. 4A is a drawing that shows the contents of the preparatory information, and Fig. 4B is a drawing that shows the content of the communication settings information; Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are drawings that show examples of communication path sets; Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the main process of the auxiliary device; Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the communication settings information generation process of the auxiliary device; Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the communication path sentence generation process of the auxiliary device; Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the communication (traffic) setup process of the auxiliary device; Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the test execution process of the auxiliary device; Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the main process of the wireless terminal; Fig. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the transmission process from the wireless terminal; and Fig. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the reception process from the wireless terminal. Description of the embodiments

[0013] In the following, a communication system 10 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is described with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 comprises an auxiliary device 20 and first to third wireless terminal devices 30.

[0014] The auxiliary device 20 establishes wireless communication with the first to third wireless terminals 30. The auxiliary device 20 sends various pieces of information to the wireless terminals 30. The auxiliary device 20 controls the wireless terminals 30 by sending various pieces of information to them. In addition, the auxiliary device 20 receives data sent by the wireless terminals 30.

[0015] The first to third wireless terminals 30 are communication devices for performing wireless communication with the auxiliary device 20. Additionally, the first to third wireless terminals 30 perform sending and receiving packets for test communication (hereinafter referred to as "test packets"), or in other words, they conduct test communication among the wireless terminals 30 in accordance with content specified by the various information transmitted by the auxiliary device 20. This test communication is a test of the wireless terminal 30 that sends the test packets and the wireless terminal 30 that receives the test packets.In this way, the auxiliary device 20 can cause the wireless terminals 30 to send and receive test packets (test communication) in a prescribed sequence by instructing the wireless terminal 30 that sends the test packets and the wireless terminal 30 that receives the test packets to be modified by the different information transmitted. Thus, the auxiliary device 20 makes it possible to support the creation of an execution plan for test communication to determine the sequence in which the series of communications, from sending to receiving test packets, should be executed by the wireless terminals 30.

[0016] When the test communication ends, the first to third wireless terminals 30 store the results of the test packet sending and receiving (measurement data). Additionally, the first to third wireless terminals 30 transmit the stored measurement data to the auxiliary device 20, in accordance with the sending of commands from the auxiliary device 20. This allows the auxiliary device 20 to acquire various measurement data from the first to third wireless terminals 30. Thus, it is possible for a user to analyze the test communication conducted between the first to third wireless terminals 30 by analyzing the various measurement data acquired by the control unit 20. The communication system 1 described above uses the first three wireless terminals 30, but the wireless terminals 30 used are not limited to these, and it would be advantageous if the number of terminals were 2 or 5.

[0017] A block diagram of the communication system 10 comprising the auxiliary device 20 described above and the wireless terminals 30 are as follows: Fig. 2 shown.

[0018] Auxiliary device 20 includes, for example, a personal computer. Auxiliary device 20 includes a controller 200, an input device 210, a storage device 220, a wireless communicator 230, a display device 240, and a bus line BL.

[0019] The controller 200 controls the auxiliary device 20. The controller 200 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0020] The CPU executes programs (for example, programs that implement processes which are described below). Fig. 6-10 are shown), which are stored in the ROM.

[0021] Furthermore, through the CPU, which executes programs stored in the ROM, the controller 200 includes a setting information receiver 201, a condition designation information receiver 202, a communication setting information generator 203 and a measurement data analyzer 204.

[0022] The setting information receiver 201 receives a setting information input from the user to enable communication between the wireless terminals 30. Specifically, the setting information receiver 201 receives input setting information as follows. That is, the setting information receiver 201 first displays a settings screen on the display device 240, prompting the user to set the setting information.Here, the user-defined setting information includes, in particular, information related to the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of the wireless terminals 30, the addresses assigned to the wireless terminals 30 (addresses indicating that the wireless terminals 30 are capable of sending and receiving test packets), the receiving channels of the wireless terminals 30 for receiving the transmitted test packets, and a modulation format (protocol) for test packets sent by the wireless terminals 30. When setting information is entered by the user through the operation of the input device 210, the setting information receiver 201 stores the input setting information in a setting information storage device 221.

[0023] The controller 200 sends the setting information stored in the setting information storage device 221 to the wireless terminals 30. This enables the wireless terminals 30 to send and receive packets. Additionally, in this embodiment, the test packet modulation method is the same as that used by the wireless terminals (for example, QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) method).

[0024] The condition label information receiver 202 receives input conditions for test communications from the user, which the wireless terminals 30 are then instructed to execute. Specifically, the condition label information receiver 202 receives input of test communication conditions as follows. That is, the condition label information receiver 202 first displays a labeling screen on the display device 240, which causes communication test conditions to be labeled. Here, five conditions are specified by the user, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the number of wireless terminals 30, the number of communication paths, the number of communication path sets, the average traffic volume and the transmission mode.

[0025] The number of wireless terminals 30 refers to the number of wireless terminals 30 used in the test communications, specifically the number of wireless terminals 30 that are intended to send and receive test packets. The number of communication paths also refers to the number of communication paths available for sending and receiving the test packets, with each path connecting a wireless terminal 30 that is a transmitter of the test packet and a wireless terminal 30 that is a receiver of the test packet as a single communication path. Furthermore, the number of communication path sets refers to the number of communication path sets available, with each set comprising a number of communication paths defined as a set.The average communication volume is the average value of the information volume (test packets) communicated by the communication path sets. The transmission mode refers to whether test packets sent by the wireless terminals 30 are transmitted with a periodic timing or with a random timing. Periodic timing means, for example, that a test packet is transmitted by the first wireless terminal 30, after 0.05 ms has elapsed, the test packet is transmitted by the second wireless terminal 30, and after another 0.05 ms has elapsed, the test packet is transmitted by the third wireless terminal 30.

[0026] Of the five conditions described above, the number of wireless terminals (30), the number of communication paths, and the average communication volume can be represented by two variables: the input value and the number of variations. For example, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows that if the user specifies that the input value for the number of wireless devices is 30, "5", and the number of variations is "none", the Communication Settings Information Generator 203 generates communication settings information indicating the content of the test communications, using only one variation of "5", which is the number of wireless devices 30. On the other hand, if the user specifies that the input value for the number of wireless devices is 30, "5", and the number of variations is "3", the Communication Settings Information Generator 203 generates communication settings information with the number of wireless devices 30, a number specified by the three variations "4", "5", and "6", centered on the input value "5".

[0027] Similarly, if the user specifies that the input value for average communication volume is 20% and the number of variations is "none," the Communication Setting Information Generator 203 generates communication setting information with only the single variation of "20%" as the input value for average communication volume. On the other hand, if the input value for average communication volume is "20%" and the user specifies that the number of variations is "3," the Communication Setting Information Generator 203 generates communication setting information with the average communication volume represented by three variations of, for example, "15%," "20%," and "25%," centered on the input value of "20%."When the average communication volume is set to "100%", the communication setting information generator 203 generates communication setting information with content from the wireless terminal 30 that transmits test packets at the maximum communication volume that can be transmitted within a predetermined time period. As described above, since the average communication volume can be set when there are few wireless terminals 30 available for testing communication, the user can cause the communication setting information generator 203 to generate communication setting information indicating a status as if a large number of wireless terminals 30 were present by increasing the average communication volume.

[0028] An input value cannot be determined for the number of communication path sets, as it is only possible to specify the number of variations. For example, as in Fig. 3 shown, if the user has determined that the input value of the number of communication path sets is “2”, the communication setting information generator 203 generates communication setting information with “2” as the number of communication path sets.

[0029] Furthermore, a number of variations of the transmission form cannot be determined, since it is only possible to specify one input value. For example, as in Fig. 3 shown, when the user has determined that the input value of the transmission mode is “periodic”, the communication setting information generator 203 provides communication setting information with content that causes test packets to be sent periodically to the wireless terminal 30.

[0030] When the five conditions described above (the number of wireless terminals 30, the number of communication paths, the number of communication path sets, the average communication volume, and the transmission mode) are determined by the user, the condition label information receiver 202 links the five conditions with information linked to it, specifying a receive channel stored in the setting information storage device 221 (information linking a receive bank and an associated address), and a modulation method, and stores the linked information (see Fig. 3) in a condition label information storage device 222. Hereinafter, the information stored in the condition label information storage device 222 is referred to as condition label information.

[0031] As described above, the Communication Setting Information Generator 203 generates preparatory information needed to generate communication setting information, which defines the content of test communications based on the condition label information (see Fig. 3) indicates which is stored in the condition label information storage device 222.

[0032] In particular, the Communication Setting Information Generator 203 generates preparatory information as follows. That is, the Communication Setting Information Generator 203 calculates the number of patterns that indicate which pattern of test communication is necessary for which, by capturing the condition label information stored in the condition label information storage device 222 and multiplying by the number of variations contained in the condition label information. For example, if the condition label information shown in Fig. 3, in which condition information storage device 222 is stored, the communication setting information generator 203 sets the number of patterns to “6” because the number of variations is “2” (corresponding to the number of communication path sets) and “3” (corresponding to the average communication volume). As in Fig. Figure 4A shows these six patterns: the three patterns (patterns corresponding to the first to third preparatory information) with the average communication volume of the first of the communication path sets at "15%", "20%", and "25%", and the three patterns (patterns corresponding to the fourth to sixth preparatory information) with the average communication volume of the second of the communication path sets at "15%", "20%", and "25%". The communication setting information generator 203 generates preparatory information by linking the number of communication paths and the number of wireless terminals 30 contained in the captured condition label information for each of the calculated patterns. For example, if the condition label information, as in Fig. 3 shown, in which the condition label information storage device 222 is stored, the communication setting information generator 203 stores the number “5” of communication paths and wireless terminals 30, which is contained in the captured condition label information, with the information of each pattern, as shown in Fig. 4A is shown. In this way, the Communication Settings Information Generator 203 generates preparatory information, for example, as shown in Fig. 4A is shown. In addition, the communication settings information generator 203 stores the generated preparatory information in RAM (not shown).

[0033] When the preparatory information is stored in the RAM, the communication setting information generator 203 generates communication setting information, which specifies the content of test communications to be executed by the wireless terminals 30.

[0034] In particular, the communication setting information generator 203 generates communication setting information as follows. That is, the communication setting information generator 203 extracts, for example, from the setting information storage device 221 the number of assigned addresses corresponding to the number of user-designated wireless terminals 30 (the number of wireless terminals 30 contained in the preparatory information stored in RAM), and sets the extracted assigned addresses as candidates (terminal candidates) for wireless terminals to send and receive test packets.

[0035] The communication settings information generator 203 then selects (extracts) an assigned address from the assigned addresses extracted as terminal candidates, according to a random number table (a random number table that links the assigned addresses extracted as terminal candidates with random number values ​​output by a random number generator included in the controller 200). The communication settings information generator 203 then deletes the selected assigned address from the assigned addresses extracted as terminal candidates and selects (extracts) an assigned address from the addresses assigned after deletion, according to a random number table (a random number table that links the addresses assigned after deletion with a random number value output by a random number generator included in the controller 200).Subsequently, the communication settings information generator 203 decides, for example, which assigned address is selected first as the assigned address used for transmission and which is selected subsequently as the assigned address used for reception. Furthermore, the communication settings information generator 203 determines whether the assigned address set, in which the selected assigned address used for transmission and the selected assigned address used for reception form a single record, has already been selected (i.e., whether the same assigned address set is already being held).If the Communications Settings Information Generator 203 detects that the same mapped address set is already selected, the currently selected mapped address set is cleared, and the transmitted and received mapped addresses are selected again. Conversely, if the Communications Settings Information Generator 203 detects that the mapped address set is not selected, the mapped address set is held (stored) in RAM (not shown). If the preparatory information, shown in... Fig. For example, if 4A is stored in the RAM, the communication setting information generator 203 performs a retention (storage) of the assigned address used for transmission and the address used for reception “5” times, which is the number of communication paths designated by the user, and retains (stores) five assigned address sets in the RAM.

[0036] This means that the Communication Settings Information Generator 203 extracts, as a set from the multiple communication devices, a first predetermined number of communication devices used for transmission, which are the target of a test communication, and a second predetermined number of communication devices used for reception, which differ from the communication devices used for transmission, and specifies a predetermined number of assigned address sets while the combinations are modified. The Communication Settings Information Generator 203 is sometimes referred to as a specifier. The Communication Settings Information Generator 203 can, for example, decide on the assigned address that is selected first as the assigned address used for reception, and the assigned address that is selected later as the assigned address used for transmission.Furthermore, if the assigned addresses of terminal candidates are extracted by the communication settings information generator 203, the random number table described above can be generated by the controller 200.

[0037] If the same number of address sets are stored in the RAM as designated communication paths, the communication setting information generator 203 decides on the transmission time specification for sending test packets in the order in which the assigned addresses are stored in the RAM (in order of the earliest stored).

[0038] In particular, if, for example, the assigned address set consisting of the assigned address corresponding to the second wireless terminal 30 (the assigned address used for transmission) and the assigned address corresponding to the first wireless terminal 30 (the assigned address used for reception) are stored first in the RAM, and the conditions indicated, shown in Fig. 3, in which condition label information storage device 222 are stored, the communication setting information generator 203 sets the sending terminal for the test packet to the wireless terminal 30, which is assigned the address “AB CD” according to the second wireless terminal 30 as in Fig. 4B is shown.

[0039] Next, the communication settings information generator 203 detects the transmission mode, which is stored in the label information storage device 222 (see Fig. 3) is stored. Then the communication setting information generator 203 determines the transmission time specification with which the wireless terminal 30, specified by the assigned address used for transmission in the assigned address set, transmits the test packets as "0.05 ms", as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, the transmission pattern detected and the fact that the sequence in which the assigned address set is stored in RAM is the first are transmitted. The time specified for sending the test packets indicates the elapsed time since receiving the test start command sent by auxiliary device 20, which instructs the start of the test.

[0040] Then the communication settings information generator 203 sets the receiving terminal for the test packet to the wireless terminal 30, which is identified by the assigned address "FF FF" as corresponding to the first wireless terminal 30 as in Fig. 4 B is shown.

[0041] Furthermore, if, for example, the assigned third address set, consisting of the assigned address corresponding to the first wireless terminal 30 (the assigned address used for transmission) and the assigned address corresponding to the fourth wireless terminal 30 (the assigned address used for reception), is stored third in the RAM, and the specified conditions, shown in Fig. 3, in which condition label information storage device 222 are stored, the communication setting information generator 203 the sending terminal for test packets to the wireless terminal 30, which is assigned the address “FF FF” accordingly to the first wireless terminal 30 as in Fig. 4B is shown.

[0042] Next, the communication settings information generator 203 detects the transmission mode, which is stored in the drawing information storage device 222 (see Fig. 3) is stored. Then the communication setting information generator 203 determines the transmission time specification with which the wireless terminal 30, specified by the assigned address used for transmission in the assigned address set, sends the test packets as "0.15 ms", as in Fig. 4 B shown, from the recorded transmission form and the fact that the margin in which the assigned address set is stored in the RAM is the third one.

[0043] Furthermore, the communication settings information generator 203 assigns the test packet receiving terminal to the wireless terminal 30, which, through the assigned address "AA BB", corresponds to the fourth wireless terminal 30 as in Fig. 4 B is shown.

[0044] In this way, the communication setting information generator 203 initiates a series of communications by sending the test packet from the wireless terminal 30, which is specified by the assigned address used for transmission to receive the test packet, in order to be directed in accordance with the ranking in which the assigned address sets are stored (the generated sequence).

[0045] Furthermore, the Communication Settings Information Generator 203 records the average communication volume specified by the user, that is, the average communication volume contained in the preparatory information stored in RAM, in order to determine the packet size of test packets. Additionally, the Communication Settings Information Generator 203 records the number of communication paths specified by the user, that is, the number of communication paths contained in the preparatory information stored in RAM.

[0046] The Communication Settings Information Generator 203 then calculates the average communication volume per communication path by dividing the average communication volume captured by the number of captured communication paths. For example, if the average communication volume determined by the user is "15%" and the number of communication paths determined by the user is "5", the Communication Settings Information Generator 203 calculates the average communication volume per communication path to be "3%".

[0047] Furthermore, the communication settings information generator 203 determines the information volume (packet size) according to the average communication volume per communication path, based on the calculated average communication volume per communication path and the maximum information volume that can be sent when the average communication volume is 100%. The communication settings information generator 203 links the determined packet size with the communication path (with the associated address set, in which the address used for transmission and the address used for reception are a single set) and stores the result in RAM.

[0048] For example, calculated if the average communication volume determined by the user is "15%" and the number of communication paths from the user is "5" (see the first communication settings information in Fig. 4A) is determined, the communication settings information generator 203 calculates the average communication volume per communication path to “3%” and determines the information volume (packet size) accordingly to the calculated average communication volume, for example 536 kB or 538 kB (see Fig. 4B).

[0049] In addition, the communication settings information generator 203 determines the receiving channel according to the assigned address, which matches the assigned address used for reception, from the information (see Fig. 3), which specifies the receive channel stored in the condition drawing information storage device 222. In addition, the communication setting information generator 203 sets the channel that matches the detected receive channel as the transmit frequency for receiving the test packets (see Fig. 4B).

[0050] Finally, the communication settings information generator 203 detects the modulation method stored in the information label storage device 222. The communication settings information generator 203 then sets the detected modulation format as the modulation format of the test packets (see Fig. 4B).

[0051] In this way, the communication setting information generator 203 generated the number of calculated patterns and the communication setting information. Furthermore, the communication setting information generator 203 stores the generated communication setting information in a communication setting information storage device 223.

[0052] Each time test communication is performed, the controller 200 immediately sends one of the communication setting information elements stored in the communication setting information storage device 223, in descending order of precedence from the first communication setting information element, immediately before the test communication. Specifically, when the wireless terminal 30 is instructed to perform the initial test communication, the controller 200 sends the first communication setting information element to the wireless terminal 30. Subsequently, after the initial test communication has ended, when the wireless terminal 30 is instructed to perform the second test communication, the controller 200 sends the second communication setting information element to the wireless terminal 30.

[0053] When a communication setting information element is received, the wireless terminals 30 store the received communication setting information element. Subsequently, when a test start command is received from the auxiliary device 20, the wireless terminals 30 send test packets in accordance with the content specified by the stored communication setting information.

[0054] For example, it sends when that is in Fig. 4B shows the first communication setting information element stored in the wireless terminals 30, the first wireless terminal 30 sends a test packet with a packet size of 536 kB to the fourth wireless terminal 30, which is specified by the transmission address “AA BB” with the transmit frequency specified by the receive channel 7, after 0.15 ms have elapsed since receiving the test start command.

[0055] Examples of communication path sets that are formed when test packets are instructed to be sent in accordance with content specified by communication setting information elements are in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B shown. The one in Fig. 5 A The communication path set shown corresponds to the first communication path sets (see Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B), and the one in, for example, Fig. The communication path set shown in 5B corresponds to the second communication path sets (see Fig. 4A). In this way, by having the wireless terminals 30 send test packets in accordance with the content indicated by the communication setting information, the auxiliary device 20 can cause the wireless terminals 30 to send test packets in accordance with the content indicated by the communication setting information. Fig. 5A and Fig. To form the communication pathway sentences shown in 5B.

[0056] In this way, the Communications Settings Information Generator 203 performs a test for each of the Communications Settings Information elements, in other words, for each of the associated address sets. In this test, test packets are sent to the wireless terminal 30 specified by the associated address used for transmission, and the test packets sent by the wireless terminal 30 specified by the associated address used for transmission are received by the wireless terminal 30 specified by the associated address used for reception. The generator then generates a test execution plan for the sequential execution of tests for all of the associated address sets. The Communications Settings Information Generator 203 is also referred to as a plan generator.

[0057] When the 30 wireless terminals send test packets, measurement data is stored that links the assigned address, which specifies the destination (receiving terminal) of the test packets, and the transmission time (current time, clocked by timers possessed by the 30 wireless terminals). Additionally, when the 30 wireless terminals receive test packets, measurement data is stored that records the number of times test packets are received and the reception time (current time, measured by a timer) at each transmitter (sending terminal) of the test packets. Furthermore, when transmit commands sent by the auxiliary device are received, the 30 wireless terminals send the stored measurement data to the auxiliary device 20.

[0058] The controller 200 receives the measurement data sent by the wireless terminals 30 and stores the measurement data in a receiving data storage device 224.

[0059] The measurement data analyzer 204 analyzes the measurement data stored in the receiving data storage device 224 and displays an analysis screen showing a PER (Packet Error Rate), a throughput and / or similar information from the display device 42.

[0060] The input device 210 is, for example, a keyboard. The input device 210 is used, for example, to enter configuration information or to enter the names of conditions for test communications.

[0061] Storage device 220 is, for example, a flash memory. Storage device 220 comprises the settings information storage device 221, the condition label information storage device 222, the communication settings information storage device 223, and the receive data storage device 224.

[0062] The setting information storage device 221 stores setting information which the setting information receiver receives from the user (in particular, information which links together the MAC addresses of the wireless terminals 30, the addresses assigned to the wireless terminals 30, the receiving channels of the wireless terminals 30 which receive transmitted test packets, and the modulation format (protocol) of the test packets which are sent by the wireless terminals 30).

[0063] The condition label information storage device 222 stores condition label information received from the condition storage information receiver 202 (in particular, information including the number of wireless terminals 30, the number of communication paths, the number of communication path sets, the average communication volume, the transmission mode, the receive channel, and the modulation format (see Fig. 3) linked together) is generated.

[0064] The communication settings information storage device 223 stores communication settings information generated by the communication settings information generator 203 (in particular, information specifying the assigned address used for transmission, the assigned address used for reception (destination address), the packet size, which indicates the volume of test packet information, the transmission time specification, which specifies the time specification for sending test packets, the receiving channel of receiving terminals, and the modulation format of the test packets (see Fig. 4 B) linked together) is generated.

[0065] The receiving data storage device 224 stores measurement data from the wireless terminal devices 30, which are received by the measurement data analyzer 204.

[0066] The wireless communicator 230 is a wireless communication interface with an antenna (for example, an RF-IC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit)).

[0067] The display unit 240 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 240 presents, for example, a settings screen that prompts the user to enter settings information, a configuration screen that prompts the user to set conditions for test communications, or an analysis screen that displays PER, throughput, and / or similar information.

[0068] The BL bus line connects the different components 200-240 reciprocally.

[0069] The wireless terminals 30 each comprise a controller 300, a settings information storage device 310, a communication settings information storage device 320, a measurement data storage device 330 and a wireless communicator 340.

[0070] The controller 300 controls the wireless terminal 30. The controller 300 comprises a CPU (not shown), a ROM, and a RAM.

[0071] The CPU, for example, leads into the flowchart of Fig. The processes shown in 11-13 were carried out without executing any programs stored in the ROM.

[0072] The setting information storage device 310 stores setting information sent by the auxiliary device 20 (specifically, information linking the MAC addresses of the wireless terminals 30, the addresses assigned to the wireless terminals 30, the receiving channels of the wireless terminals receiving the transmitted test packets, and the modulation format (protocol) of the test packets sent by the wireless terminals 30). When setting information is stored in the setting information storage device 310, the controller 300 searches the stored setting information for the MAC address that matches the MAC address it has previously allocated itself.In addition, the controller performs 300 settings so that wireless communication can be carried out with other wireless terminal devices using the assigned address according to the MAC address, receiving channel and modulation format being sought.

[0073] The communication setting information storage device 320 stores a communication setting information item sent by the auxiliary device 20 when a test communication is performed (for example, the first communication setting information item; see Fig. 4B). When a communication setting information element is stored in the communication setting information storage device 320, the controller 300 searches for an associated address that matches its own assigned address from among the associated addresses contained in the stored communication setting information. Additionally, when a test start command sent by the auxiliary device 20 is received, the controller 300 sends a test packet with the information volume specified by the packet size to the wireless terminal 30, specified by the destination address, at a transmit frequency specified by the receive channel, with a transmission time specification related to the sought-after associated address. The controller 300 performs this series of actions each time a communication setting information element sent by the auxiliary device 20 is received.

[0074] The 330 measurement data storage device stores measurement data that links a transmission time and an associated address indicating the destination of the test packet. Additionally, the 330 measurement data storage device stores measurement data linking the number of received test packets and their reception times for each transmission source (transmission terminal device) of the test packets.

[0075] The Wireless Communicator 340 is a wireless communication interface with an antenna (for example, an RF IC). The Wireless Communicator 340 enables wireless communication with the Auxiliary Device 20.

[0076] When the power source of the auxiliary device 20 described above is switched on and a user is instructed to perform test communication via the input device 210, the controller 200 starts the process described in Fig. 6 main process shown.

[0077] In the main process, the controller 200 (settings information receiver 201) first displays a settings screen on the display device 240, prompting the user to set the settings information (information that links the MAC addresses of the wireless terminals 30, the addresses assigned to the wireless terminals 30, the receiving channels of the wireless terminals 30, and the modulation format of test packets sent by the wireless terminals 30) (step S1). Then, the controller 200 (settings information receiver 201) determines whether or not the reception of settings information has been completed.

[0078] If an operation indicating the completion of setting information input is not performed by input device 210, the controller 200 (setting information receiver 201) determines that receiving setting information was not completed (step S2: No) and returns to step S1. On the other hand, if an operation indicating the completion of setting information input is performed by input device 210, the controller 200 (setting information receiver 201) determines that receiving setting information was completed (step S2: Yes), stores the setting information for each wireless terminal 30 set in the setting information storage device 221, and proceeds to step S3.

[0079] In step S3, the controller 200 (condition designation information receiver 202) displays a setting screen on the display device 240, prompting the user to set conditions for test communication (step S3). The conditions specified by the user are the five conditions of number of wireless terminals 30, number of communication paths, number of communication path sets, average communication volume, and transmission mode (see Fig. 3).

[0080] After step S3 has been executed, the controller 200 (condition label information receiver 202) determines whether or not the reception of conditions has been completed (step S4).

[0081] If an operation indicating the completion of conditions determination was not performed by the input device 210, the controller 200 (the condition label information receiver 202) determines that conditions reception was not completed (step S4: No) and returns to step S3. On the other hand, if an operation indicating the completion of conditions determination was performed by the input device 210, the controller 200 (the condition label information receiver 202) determines that conditions reception was completed (step S4: Yes), links the information that stores the receive channel in the setting information storage device 221 (information linking the receive channel and the associated address) and the modulation format with the five labeled conditions, and stores the linked labeled condition information (see Fig. 3) in the condition label information storage device 222. The controller 200 (condition label information receiver 202) then proceeds to step S5.

[0082] In step S5, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) acquires the designated condition information stored in the condition label information storage device 222 and calculates the number of patterns indicating for which patterns test communications are necessary—in other words, the number of communication setting information elements to be generated—by calculating the number of variations contained in the designated condition information (step S5). For example, if the Fig. 3 designated condition information is stored in the condition label information storage device 222, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) the number of patterns to “6”, because the number of variations is “2(corresponding to the number of communication path sets)” and “3(corresponding to the average communication volume)”.

[0083] The control unit 200 (communication setting information generator 203) then proceeds to the communication setting information generation process to generate communication setting information (step S6).

[0084] The flowchart of the communication research process is in Fig. Figure 7 shows that the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) first generates the preparatory information (the number of wireless terminals, number of communication paths, names of communication path sets, and average communication volume) necessary to generate communication setting information, which specifies the content of test communication to be executed by the wireless terminal 30, and stores the generated preparatory information in RAM (step S11). In step S11, particularly if, for example, the designated condition information shown in Figure 7 is present, the controller 200 generates the communication setting information. Fig. 3, in which the condition label information storage device 222 is stored, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) stores six patterns of preparatory information (first to sixth elements of preparatory information) in which the number of wireless terminals is 30 and the number of communication paths is "5", the names of the communication path sets are "First" and "Second", and the average communication volume in each of the communication path sets is "15%", "20%", and "25%". Furthermore, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) stores the generated preparatory information in RAM (see Fig. 4A).

[0085] Subsequently, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) executes the processes from step S12 onwards to generate communication setting information (see Fig. 4B) to generate, which specifies the content of test communication to be executed by the wireless terminal 30. The controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) generates the first communication setting information element from the first element of preparatory information, and after storing the generated first communication setting information element in the communication setting information storage device 223, generates the second communication setting information element from the second element of preparatory information. That is, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) generates and stores one communication setting information element, and then generates and stores a new communication setting information element.

[0086] In step S12, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) retrieves the nth element of preparatory information from RAM (where n is a natural number with an initial value of 1). Subsequently, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines whether or not a different communication path set needs to be generated by checking whether the name of the communication path set contained in the retrieved nth element of preparatory information is the same as the name of the communication path set contained in the nth element of preparatory information (step S13). The natural number n is counted by a counter provided by the controller 200.

[0087] In step S13, if the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) for example the first communication setting information element corresponding to the first element of preparatory information (see Fig. 4A) generated, communication path sets not yet generated, so the determination is that a communication path set that differs from the previously generated communication path set is generated (step S13: Yes). On the other hand, if the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203), for example, generates the second communication setting information element corresponding to the second element of preparatory information, because the name "first communication path set" contained in the second element of preparatory information is the same as the name contained in the first element of preparatory information (see Fig. 4 A) is, or in other words, because the first communication path record has already been generated, the determination is that a communication path record identical to the previously generated communication path record will be generated (step S13: No). If the determination in S13 is Yes, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) performs the communication path record generation process to generate a communication path record (step S14). On the other hand, if the determination in step S13 is No, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) skips the communication path record generation process to generate communication path records (step S14).

[0088] The flowchart of the communication path set generation process of step S14 is in Fig. Figure 8 shows that in the communication path set process, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) first extracts the number of assigned addresses corresponding to the number of wireless terminals 30 (the number of wireless terminals 30 contained in the preparatory information stored in RAM) designated by the user from the setting information storage device 221, and sets the extracted assigned addresses as candidates (terminal candidates) as wireless terminals for sending and receiving test packets (step S31).

[0089] Subsequently, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) selects (extracts) an assigned address from the assigned addresses extracted as terminal candidates, following a random number table (the random number table that links the assigned addresses extracted as terminal candidates and random numbers output by a random number generator included in the controller 200) (step S32). By doing so, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) selects the wireless terminal 30 specified by the selected assigned address as the sending terminal for transmitting test packets, by determining the selected assigned address as the assigned address used for transmission.

[0090] Next, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) deletes the assigned address selected in step S32 from the assigned addresses extracted as terminal candidates and selects (extracts) an assigned address from the addresses assigned after deletion, following a random number table (a random number table that combines the addresses assigned after deletion and random number values ​​output by a random number generator included in the controller 200) (step S33). By doing this, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) selects the wireless terminal 30, specified by the selected assigned address, as the receiving terminal for receiving transmitted test packets, by deciding on the selected assigned address as the assigned address used for receiving.

[0091] Then, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines whether the assigned address set, in which the selected assigned address used for transmission and the selected assigned address used for reception form a single set, has already been recorded (whether the same assigned address set is already held in RAM) (step S34). In other words, a determination is made as to whether the communication path, consisting of the wireless terminals specified by the selected assigned addresses, is not already being used by the same communication setting information (step S34).If the determination is that the assigned address set has already been recorded (step S34: No), the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) deletes the assigned address set that was selected at that time and proceeds to step S32 to repeatedly select an assigned address used for transmission and an assigned address used for reception.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that the assigned address set has not been recorded (at step S34: Yes), the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) holds (stores) this assigned address set in the RAM (step S35).

[0093] In this way, if the communication path, consisting of the wireless terminals 30 specified by the selected assigned addresses, that is, the assigned address set, has already been selected for the same communication setting information, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) repeatedly selects an assigned address used for transmission and an assigned address used for reception. In other words, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) makes provisions so that the same communication path exists non-redundantly. Therefore, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) can assemble communication path sets that are non-redundant.Accordingly, the auxiliary device 20 can prevent the sending and receiving of test packets through redundant communication paths with an extremely high probability of producing the same sending and receiving results.

[0094] After step S35, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines whether the number of mapped address records held (stored) in RAM is equal to the number of communication paths specified by the user (the number of communication paths contained in the preparatory information stored in RAM) (step S36). If it is determined that the number of mapped address records stored in RAM is less than the number of communication paths specified by the user (in other words, the stored number) (step S36: No), the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) proceeds to step S32 to increment the stored number of mapped address records.In this way, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines "No" in step S36 and performs a generation of assigned address records until the recorded number of assigned address records designated by the user has been recorded.

[0095] If in step S36 it is determined that the number of assigned address records stored in the RAM is the same as the number of communication paths specified by the user (step S36: Yes), the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines whether the collection of assigned address records, which are exactly the same as all the assigned address records stored in the RAM, i.e., the exact same communication path records as the communication path records consisting of all assigned address records stored in the RAM, is not already stored in the communication setting information storage device 223, and thereby determines whether the exact same communication path records are not already selected by other previously stored communication setting information (step S37).

[0096] If it is determined that the exact same communication path sets are already stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 (step S37: Yes), the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) returns to step S32 to repeatedly select different communication path sets.

[0097] On the other hand, if it is determined that the exact same communication path sets are not already stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 (step S37: No), the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) completes the communication path set generation process.

[0098] In this way, if the exact same communication path sets as the communication path sets containing all the associated address sets stored in RAM are already stored in the communication setting information storage device 223, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) repeatedly selects a different communication path set. That is, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) makes provisions so that the exact same communication path sets exist non-redundantly, using a series of test communications executed in accordance with each pattern. This allows the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) to ensure that the series of tests is executed by the wireless terminals 30 using non-redundant communication path sets.Accordingly, the auxiliary device 20 can prevent the sending and receiving of test packets through redundant communication paths with an extremely high probability of producing the same sending and receiving results obtained from a series of tests.

[0099] When the communication path set generation process ends, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) executes step S15 in Fig. 7 out. That is, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines whether or not to use an average communication volume different from the average communication volume used at the previous time, by determining whether or not the average communication volume contained in the nth element of preparatory information captured by the RAM in step S12 is the same as the average communication volume contained in the nth first element of preparatory information (step S15).In this step S15, if, for example, the average communication volume is used according to the first element of preparatory information, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines to use an average communication volume that differs from the average communication volume used at the previous time, due to the fact that the average communication volume has not yet been used (step S15: Yes). Similarly, if, for example (see . Fig. 4A) the average communication volume is used according to the second element of preparatory information, the control 200 (communication setting information generator 203) to use an average communication volume that differs from the average communication volume used at the previous time (S15: Yes), since the average communication volume differs from the average communication volume according to the first element of preparatory information (see Fig. 4A).

[0100] On the other hand, if the average communication volume is used according to the nth element of preparatory information, and if the average communication volume is the same average communication volume according to the nth first element of preparatory information, the control 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines to use the same average communication volume as the average communication volume used previously (step S15: No).

[0101] If the determination in step S15 is yes, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) performs a communication setting process (step S16) that determines the packet size of the test packets. On the other hand, if the determination in step S15 is no, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) skips the communication setting process (step S16).

[0102] A flowchart of the communication setup process from step S16 is in Fig. 9 shown. In the communication setting process, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) first records the average communication volume determined by the user, that is, the average communication volume contained in the nth element (where n is a natural number with initial value 1) of preparatory information stored in the RAM (step S41).

[0103] Subsequently, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) records the number of communication paths determined by the user, that is, the number of communication paths contained in the nth element (where n is a natural number with initial value 1) of preparatory information stored in the RAM (step S42).

[0104] Then the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) calculates the average communication volume per communication path by dividing the average communication volume recorded in step S41 by the number of communication paths recorded in step S42 (step S43).

[0105] Subsequently, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines the packet size, which specifies the information volume of the test packets to be sent, based on the average communication volume per communication path, calculated in step S43 for each communication path, and stores the packet size in RAM (step S44). Specifically, in step S44, the communication setting information generator 203 determines the information volume (packet size) according to the average communication volume per communication path, based on the average communication volume per communication path and the maximum information volume that can be sent when the average communication volume is 100%.Then the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) links the specified packet size with the assigned address set and stores the result in a RAM (not shown).

[0106] Following the execution of step S44, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) terminates the communication setting process.

[0107] When the communication setting process ends, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) generates the nth element (where n is a natural number with initial value 1) from the communication setting information (step S17). Specifically, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) generates the nth communication setting information element as follows.

[0108] This means that the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) detects the first assigned address set to be stored (the first assigned address set selected) from all assigned address sets in RAM. Then, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) specifies the sending terminal for test packets as the wireless terminal 30, which is indicated by the assigned address used for transmission contained in the first stored assigned address set.

[0109] Next, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) detects the transmission mode stored in the label information storage device 222 (see Fig. 3) is stored. Then the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) sets (decides on) the transmission time specification with which the wireless terminal device 30, which is specified by the assigned address used for transmission, sends test packets, from the detected transmission form, and the fact that the order in which the assigned address set was stored in the RAM is the first.

[0110] Then the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) sets the destination of the test packet as the wireless terminal 30, which is specified by the assigned address used for reception, which is contained in the assigned address set that is stored first.

[0111] In addition, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) detects the packet size from the RAM according to the first stored assigned address set, and sets the information volume of the test packet to the detected packet size.

[0112] In addition, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) detects the receiving channel according to the assigned address, which corresponds to the assigned address used for reception, from the information specifying the receiving channel, which is stored in the condition label information storage device 222 (see Fig. 3) is stored. Then the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) sets the detected channel, which matches the receiving channel of the receiving terminal, to the transmission frequency of the test packets.

[0113] Finally, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) detects the modulation format stored in the condition label information storage device 222 (see Fig. 3) is stored. Then the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) sets the detected modulation format as the modulation format of the test packets.

[0114] By executing the process described above, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) generates, for example, the first column of information from the first communication setting information element in step S17 (see Fig. 4B). Subsequently, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) generates, for example, by executing the process described above, all columns of information for the first communication setting information element as many times as the number of all assigned address records stored in the frame (see Fig. 4 B).

[0115] Following the execution of step S17, the controller (communication setting information generator 203) stores the nth communication setting information element generated in step S17 in the communication setting information storage device 223 (step S18).

[0116] Then the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines whether or not the number of in step S5 (see Fig. 6) calculated communication setting information elements were generated (step S17). In particular, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) determines whether or not the number of communication setting information elements calculated in step S5 (see Fig. 6) calculated and the number of communication setting information items stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 match (step S19).

[0117] If the determination is that the number of communication setting information elements stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 is less than the number calculated in step S5, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) increments the natural number (counter) n by one to generate new communication setting information (step S20) and then returns to step S12. On the other hand, if the determination is that the number calculated in step S5 and the number of communication setting information elements stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 are equal, the controller 200 (communication setting information generator 203) terminates the communication setting information process.

[0118] Upon completion of the communication settings information generation process, the control system begins 200 den in Fig. 6 shown test execution process (step S7).

[0119] A flowchart of the test execution process from step S7 is in Fig. Figure 10 shows that in the test execution process, the controller 200 first acquires configuration information from the configuration information storage device 221 (step S51). Then, the controller 200 sends the acquired configuration information (specifically, information linking the MAC addresses of the wireless terminals 30, the assigned addresses of the wireless terminals 30, the receiving channels of the wireless terminals 30 for receiving transmitted test packets, and the modulation format of the test packets transmitted by the wireless terminals 30) to the wireless terminals 30 specified by the assigned address sets contained in the communication configuration information stored in the communication configuration information storage device 223 (step S52).

[0120] Upon receiving the setting information, the wireless terminals 30 establish settings that enable them to perform wireless communication with other wireless terminals 30, using the assigned addresses, receive channels and modulation format specified by the setting information.

[0121] Subsequently, the controller 200 acquires the nth communication setting information element (where n is a natural number with an initial value of 1) from the communication setting information storage device 223 (step S53), and sends the acquired nth communication setting information element (see Fig. 4B) to the wireless terminals 30, which are specified by the assigned address sets contained in communication setting information stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 (step S54).

[0122] After receiving and storing in the memory of the nth communication setting information element, the wireless terminal 30, upon receiving a test start command from the auxiliary device 20, sends the test packets in accordance with the contents specified by the nth communication setting information element.

[0123] After execution of step S54, the controller 200 sends the test start command, which instructs the start of the test, to the wireless terminal 30, which is specified by the assigned address sets contained in the communication setting information elements stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 (step S55).

[0124] Subsequently, the controller 200 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, determines whether or not a planned time for ending the test has elapsed (step S 56).

[0125] If it is determined that the predetermined time after sending the test start command (step S46: No) has not elapsed, the controller 200 repeatedly executes step S56 until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. Conversely, if it is determined that the predetermined time after sending the test start command has elapsed (step S56: Yes), the controller 200 sends a transmission command for measurement data (results of sending and receiving test packets) to the wireless terminals 30, specified by the assigned address sets contained in the communication setting information elements stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 (step S57).

[0126] Furthermore, the controller 200 receives the measurement data transmitted by the wireless terminals 30 and stores the received measurement data transmitted by the wireless terminals 30 in the receiving data storage device 224 (step S58). In this way, by storing the measurement data transmitted by the wireless terminals 30 in the receiving data storage device 224, the controller 200 can analyze the measurement data stored in the receiving data storage device 224 and display an analysis screen on the display device 240 showing the PER (Packet Error Rate), throughput, and / or similar information.

[0127] Following the execution of step S58, the controller 200 determines whether or not the number of test communications performed corresponds to the number of communication setting information elements stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 (step S59). Specifically, in step S59, the controller 200 determines whether the number of test start commands sent matches the number of communication setting information elements stored in the communication setting information storage device 223.

[0128] If it is determined that the number of times the test start command is sent is less than the number of communication setting information items stored in communication setting information storage device 223 (step S59: No), the controller 200 increments the natural number (counter) n by one to perform a new test (step S60) and proceeds to step S53. Conversely, if it is determined that the number of times the test start command is sent matches the number of communication setting information items stored in communication setting information storage device 223 (step S59: Yes), the controller 200 terminates the test execution process.

[0129] In this way, the controller 200 sends the communication setting information elements stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 to the wireless terminals 30 each time a test ends, individually in order from the first communication setting information element.

[0130] Upon completion of the test execution process, the controller terminates the 200 in Fig. 6 main process shown.

[0131] On the other hand, in each of the wireless devices 30, when the power source of the wireless devices 30 is switched on, the controller 300 starts the in Fig. 11 main process shown.

[0132] In the main process, the controller 300 first determines whether the wireless terminal 30 is in a state that enables it to send test packets by determining whether the wireless terminal 30 has entered a test state (step S61). The controller 300 determines whether the wireless terminal 30 is in a test state by means of a flag that the controller 300 possesses. For example, the controller 300 switches the flag using the transmit process (step S63) and receive process (step S65) described below and can determine whether the state is a test state, which indicates a state in which test packets can be sent, or a normal state, which indicates a state in which test packets cannot be sent. Upon receiving a test start command sent by the auxiliary device 20, the wireless terminal 30 moves from the normal state to the test state.

[0133] When it is determined that the status has moved into the test status (step S61: Yes), the controller 300 determines whether or not the time specification is a time specification for sending test packets by comparing the transmission time specification contained in the communication setting information stored in the communication setting information storage device 320 (see Fig. 4B), and the elapsed time since the test start command was received by an internal timer (step S 20). If the time specified is determined to be a time to send the test packet (step S62: Yes), the controller 300 starts the sending process (step S63). On the other hand, if the time specified is determined not to be a time to send the test packet (step S62: No), the controller 300 skips the sending process.

[0134] A flowchart of the transmission process from step S63 is in Fig. 12 shown. In the transmission process, the controller 300 first specifies the following information, which is linked to the transmission time specification that corresponds to the elapsed time after receiving the test start command, that is, information which specifies the destination address (the assigned address which indicates the receiving terminal), the packet size, the receiving channel and the modulation format, from the communication setting information which is stored in the communication setting information storage device 320 (see Fig. 4B). The controller then sends the test packet with the specified packet size, receive channel (frequency) and modulation format to the wireless terminal 30, which is specified by the destination address (assigned address) (step S71).

[0135] The controller 300 then links and stores the assigned address, which specifies the target of the test packet, and the transmission time (current time, measured by the timer) in the measurement data storage device 330 (step S 20).

[0136] Then the controller 300 determines whether or not the sending of test packets to all destinations determined by the communication setting information stored in the communication setting information storage device 320 has ended (step S73).

[0137] If it is determined that sending test packets to all destinations specified by the communication setting information has been completed (step S73: Yes), the controller 300 causes the wireless terminal 30 to move to the normal state, which indicates a state in which no test packets are sent (step S74), and terminates the sending process. If it is determined that sending test packets to all destinations specified by the communication setting information has not been completed (step S63: No), the controller skips step S74 and terminates the sending process.

[0138] When the transmission process ends, or if the determination in S61 is No, the controller determines 300 in the determination of S64, shown in Fig. 11. Whether any kind of information was received (step S64). If the determination is that no information was received (step S64: No), the controller 300 returns to step S61.

[0139] On the other hand, if the determination is that some kind of information has been received (step S64: Yes), control 300 proceeds to step S65.

[0140] A flowchart of the receiving process from step S65 is in Fig. Figure 13 shows that in the reception process, the controller 300 first determines whether the received information is a test packet (step S81).

[0141] If the determination is that the received information is a test packet (step S82: Yes), the controller 300 links the number of times test packets are received and the reception times (current times measured by the timer), stores the information in the measurement data storage device 330 for each assigned address that specifies a transmission source (for each wireless terminal 30 that is a transmission source) (step S 82) and ends the reception process.

[0142] On the other hand, if the determination is that the received information is not a test packet (step S82: No), the received information is either setting information, communication setting information, a test start command, or a transmission command sent by the auxiliary device 20, so that the controller 300 determines which of these four the information corresponds to (step S81: Yes).

[0143] On the other hand, if it is determined that the received information is setting information, the controller 300 stores the received setting information in the setting information storage device 310 and performs settings in accordance with the setting information, because the information is setting information that was received from the auxiliary device 20 before the start of testing (step S83).In particular, if the received configuration information is stored in the configuration information storage device 310, the controller 300 searches the stored configuration information (the MAC addresses of the wireless terminals 30, the addresses assigned to the wireless terminals 30, the receive channels (which specify channels for receiving transmitted test packets), and the modulation format (protocol) of the test packets) for the MAC address contained in the configuration information. Furthermore, the controller 300 makes settings so that wireless communication can be performed with another wireless terminal 30 using the assigned address associated with the searched MAC address, the receive channel, and the modulation format.

[0144] On the other hand, if it is determined that the received information is communication setting information, the controller 300 stores the received communication setting information (see Fig. 4B) in the communication setting information storage device 320 (step S84). When a communication setting information item is stored in the communication setting information storage device 320, the controller 300 searches for an address that matches its own assigned address from among the assigned addresses contained in the stored communication setting information. When the test start command sent by the auxiliary device 20 is received, the controller 300 sends a test packet with an information volume specified by the packet size to the wireless terminal 30, specified by the destination address, at a transmit frequency specified by the receive channel, and with a transmission time specification related to the assigned address being searched for.

[0145] On the other hand, if the determination is that the received information is a test start command to instruct the start of testing, the controller 300 causes the wireless terminal 30 to move from the normal state, which indicates a state in which test packets are not sent, to the test state, which indicates a state in which test packets can be sent (step S85), and terminates the receiving process.

[0146] Furthermore, if the determination is that the received information is a send command requiring the transmission of measurement data, the controller 300 sends the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage device 310 to the auxiliary device 20 (step S86) and terminates the receiving process.

[0147] When the reception process described above ends, the controller 300 determines the outcome by the determination in step S66, shown in Fig. 11. Whether or not a termination operation was performed by the user, for example via the keyboard (step S66). If the determination is that a termination operation was not performed by the user (step S66: No), the controller returns to step S61. On the other hand, if the determination is that a termination operation was performed by the user (step S66: Yes), the controller terminates the main process.

[0148] As previously described, the wireless terminal 30 performs the sending and receiving of test packets between wireless terminals 30; in other words, it conducts test communication that follows content determined by communication setting information sent by the auxiliary device 20 in this embodiment. This test communication consists of tests that change the wireless terminal 30 to send test packets and the wireless terminal 30 to receive test packets. In this way, the auxiliary device 20 causes the sending and receiving of test packets (test communications) to be carried out in a predetermined order in the wireless terminals 30, after the wireless terminal 30 has been changed to send test packets and the wireless terminal 30 to receive test packets by the different types of information sent.Therefore, the auxiliary device 20 makes it possible to support the creation of a test communication execution screen, which determines the order in which the communication series from sending to receiving test packets is performed in the wireless terminal 30. Furthermore, it generates a screen when the content of the specific condition information (see . Fig. 3), which is stored in the condition label information storage device 222, is designated by the user as the auxiliary device 20 communication setting information. Here, the content of the specific condition information is content that does not require advanced technical knowledge. Therefore, even a user without technical knowledge can cause test communication to be carried out by the wireless terminals 30 in accordance with the content designated by the communication setting information.

[0149] Furthermore, by instigating that the wireless terminal 30 receives the communication setting information, the auxiliary device 20 initiates the sending and receiving of test packets (test communications) in accordance with the content specified by the communication setting information, thus eliminating the need for the user to operate the wireless terminal 30 during test communications. Consequently, the user does not need to be present when the test communications are executed. Moreover, because the user's presence is unnecessary during test communications, the auxiliary device 20 can initiate test communications in a state free from the effects of external interference (radio wave reflections and / or similar) caused by the user's presence.In addition, the auxiliary device generates 20 communication setting information for the number of patterns according to the conditions specified by the user (see . Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B) and causes this number of tests of the communication setting information to be carried out by the wireless terminals 30 in one round of test communications. Therefore, it is possible with the auxiliary device 20 to cause the necessary tests to be carried out simultaneously.

[0150] Furthermore, when communication setting information is generated in the priority order for test packets to be sent and received by the wireless terminals 30, the auxiliary device 20, according to this embodiment, determines whether or not the same communication paths are already selected, such that the same communication paths exist non-redundantly. Therefore, the auxiliary device 20 can assemble sets of communication paths with non-redundant communication paths. Accordingly, the auxiliary device 20 can prevent the sending and receiving of test packets through redundant communication paths for which there is an extremely high probability of obtaining the same transmission and reception results.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when generating communication configuration information to cause test packets to be sent and received by the wireless terminals 30, the auxiliary device 20 ensures that completely identical communication path sets exist non-redundantly through a series of test communications performed according to each pattern. Therefore, the auxiliary device 20 can cause the series of tests to be performed by the wireless terminals 30 through non-redundant communication path sets. Accordingly, the auxiliary device 20 can prevent the sending and receiving of test packets through redundant communication paths with an extremely high probability of producing the same send and receive results obtained from a series of tests.

[0152] The embodiment of the present disclosure is described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above, as many variations and applications are possible.

[0153] For example, in accordance with the embodiment described above, the auxiliary device 20 sends communication setting information stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 to the wireless terminal devices 30, but this is meant to be explanatory and not restrictive.That is, it would be good for the auxiliary device 20 to be designed such that when an input of changes to communication setting information stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 (the communication setting information generated by the communication setting information generator 203) is made by the user through operation of the input device 210, communication setting information reflecting the received changes in the communication setting information stored in the communication setting information storage device 223 is regenerated, and the regenerated communication setting information is stored in the communication setting information storage device 223.In particular, if changes to the execution plan generated by the plan generator are received through user operation of the input device 210, the auxiliary device 20 (communication setting information generator 203) deletes the information corresponding to the received changes and regenerates the execution plan with the information that replaces the deleted information. Furthermore, it would be beneficial for the auxiliary device 20 to send the regenerated communication setting information to the wireless terminal 30. Examples of such user changes include changing the destination address, the packet size, the transmission time setting, and / or similar actions. These changes enable the user to perform the test communications as desired.

[0154] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 20 of the embodiment described above causes the wireless terminals 30 to send and receive test packets (test communication) in accordance with the content instructed by the communication setting information, by causing the wireless terminals 30 to receive the communication setting information; however, this is meant to be explanatory and not limiting. That is to say, it would be good for the auxiliary device 20 to form a screen (for example, a screen that displays the in Fig. (4B shows the communication setting information) with the communication setting information, without sending the communication setting information to the wireless terminal 30, and displaying the screen on the display device 42. Even with this display, it is possible to support the creation of an execution plan for test communication, for which order the communication series from sending to receiving test packets in the wireless terminal 30 should be carried out.

[0155] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 20 described above, when generating the communication setting information to cause test packets to be sent and received by the wireless terminals 30, facilitates the determination of step S37 (see Fig. 8), so that exactly identical communication path sets exist non-redundantly, through a series of test communications carried out in response to the patterns, but this is meant to be explanatory and not restrictive. That is, through a series of test communications carried out in response to the patterns, the auxiliary device 20 is able to omit step S37 in cases where it would be good for the exactly identical communication path sets to exist redundantly. In this case, if a "yes" determination is made in step S36 (see Fig. 8), it would be good for the auxiliary device 20 to perform the communication path set generation process (see Fig. 8) to finish.

[0156] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 20 described above was configured so that each wireless terminal 30 could communicate with another wireless terminal 30 by receiving configuration information via user input to enable communication between the wireless terminals 30, and by sending the received configuration information (the information stored in the configuration information storage device 221) to the wireless terminals 30. However, this is meant to be explanatory and not restrictive. That is to say, it would be advantageous for the auxiliary device 20 to capture information that links the current configuration information from the wireless terminal 30, in particular the MAC address, the assigned address, the receiving channel, and the modulation format (protocol) of the test packets, and to store the captured configuration information in the configuration information storage device 221.With an auxiliary device 20 of this design, the user does not need to specify the setting information.

[0157] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 20 described above sends test packets of a fixed packet size to the wireless terminals 30, but this is only meant to be explanatory and not restrictive. That is to say, it would be advantageous for the auxiliary device 20 to cause test packets whose packet size is varied within a range that satisfies the calculated average communication volume per communication path to be sent to the wireless terminals 30. In this case, it is possible to cause the wireless terminals 30 to execute test communication that closely simulates actual communication conditions.

[0158] Furthermore, the auxiliary device described above selected 20 in step S33 (see Fig. 8) The assigned address is selected according to a random number table of terminal candidates, including the assigned addresses selected in step S32. That is, the auxiliary device 20 has a configuration such that the assigned address selected in step S32 is not selected in step S33; however, this is only meant to be explanatory and not restrictive. That is, it would be good to select the assigned address in step S33 according to the random number table of terminal candidates, including the assigned address selected in step S32. With this configuration, there are cases where the assigned address selected in step S33 and the assigned address selected in step S32 are the same.In this case, test communications of receiving a test packet sent by the same device with the same device (for example, test communication in which a test packet sent by the first wireless terminal 30 is received by the first wireless terminal 30) are performed by the wireless terminal 30.

[0159] Furthermore, the auxiliary device described above selects 20 in step S32 (see Fig. 8) an assigned address from the terminal candidates and selects in step S33 (see Fig. 8) An assigned address from the terminal candidates with the remote assigned address selected in step S32, but this is only meant to be explanatory and not restrictive. That is to say, for example, it would be good for the auxiliary device 20 to generate a number of assigned address sets corresponding to a number of wireless terminals specified by the user, by selecting a first predetermined number of assigned addresses in step S32, likewise selecting a second predetermined number of assigned addresses in step S33, and combining the assigned addresses selected in step S32 and the assigned addresses selected in step S33.

[0160] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 20 described above has a user-specified modulation format; however, this is only meant to be explanatory and not restrictive, and it would be beneficial if multiple user-specified modulation formats were available. In this case, it would be advantageous for the auxiliary device 20 to generate communication setting information for each user-specified modulation format.

[0161] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 20 described above performs wireless communication with the wireless terminals 30, but this is meant only for illustrative purposes and not as a limitation. That is to say, it would be beneficial for the auxiliary device 20 and the wireless terminals 30 to perform wired communication, and for the wireless terminals 30 to perform wireless communication. Moreover, if the wireless terminals 30 are replaced by communication terminals with communication lines, it would be beneficial for the auxiliary device 20 to perform wired communication with the replacement communication terminals. Furthermore, if the wireless terminals 30 are replaced by communication terminals with communication lines, it would be beneficial for each of the communication terminals to perform sending and receiving test packets via wired communication.

[0162] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 20 described above is designed such that in step S57 (see Fig. 10) Send commands for measurement data to the wireless terminal devices 30, and the wireless terminal devices 30, upon receiving the send commands, send stored measurement data; however, this is only meant to be explanatory and not restrictive. That is, it would be good for the auxiliary device 20 to be configured such that in step S57 (see Fig. 10) a termination signal is sent to the wireless terminals 30, indicating the termination of the test communication, and the wireless terminals 30, upon receiving the termination signal, send the stored measurement data.

[0163] Furthermore, the wireless devices described above recorded measurement data that linked the assigned address, indicating the destination of the test packets, and the transmission time, as well as information linking the number of received test packets and the reception times for each transmission source (sending device) of test packets. However, this is only meant to be explanatory and not restrictive. That is to say, it would be beneficial for the wireless devices 30 to store, in addition to the information described above, information such as the transmission times of the test packets, the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), PER, and throughput of the received test packets, and / or similar data.Furthermore, if the wireless terminals 30 are capable of sending an ACK (ACKnowledgement) signal, it would be beneficial for the wireless terminals 30 to store information indicating the reception time of the ACK signal, in addition to the information described above. If test packets are received from a wireless terminal 30 other than the one specified by a pre-assigned address, it would be beneficial for the wireless terminals 30 not to include these in the number of receivers.

[0164] Furthermore, it would be beneficial for the wireless terminals 30 to add position information indicating the location of the measurement data. When position information is added to the measurement data, the auxiliary device 20, which received the measurement data, can perform an analysis of the relationship between RSSI and distance between the wireless terminals 30 and / or similar parameters. For the position information added to the measurement data, it would be advantageous to use information already available to the wireless terminal 30, obtained through the TOA (Time Of Arrival) format, the RSSI format, and / or similar methods.

[0165] It is possible to use an analysis of the breakpoint of sending and receiving, an analysis of the applicability of wireless communication in diverse environments and / or similar for the test communication performed by the wireless terminal devices 30 described above.

[0166] In the embodiment described above, it would be advantageous for the program to control the auxiliary device 20 and the wireless terminals 30 to be stored and distributed on a computer-readable non-volatile recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto-Optical Disc) and / or similar, and for the auxiliary device to execute the processes as described in Fig. 6-10 shown and the wireless end devices for executing the processes as in Fig. 11-13 shows how to set it up by installing the program on a computer and / or similar device.

[0167] Furthermore, it would be good to store the program described above on a disk device and / or similar with a predetermined server device on a communication network such as the Internet and / or similar, and to download the program, for example, by superimposing the program onto carrier waves.

[0168] Furthermore, it would be appropriate if the above described Fig. 6-10 processes shown and those in Fig. Since the processes shown in 11-13 are realized by splitting through each OS (Operating System) or by cooperation between OS and application, it may be good to store and distribute only the portion differing from the OS on a medium, or to download it.

[0169] Having described and illustrated the principles of this application with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it should be obvious that the exemplary embodiment can be modified in arrangement and detail without deviating from the principles disclosed herein, and that the application is intended to encompass all such modifications and variations insofar as they fall within the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. Reference symbol list 10 Communication system 20 Auxiliary equipment 30 Wireless terminal 200,300 control 201 Recipients of hiring information 202 Condition designation information recipient 203 Communication Settings Information Generator 204 Measurement data analyzer 210 Input device 220 storage device 221 Settings information storage device 222 Condition label information storage device 223 Communication settings information storage device 224 Receiving data storage device 230, 340 Wireless Communicator 240 Display unit 310 Settings information storage device 320 Communication settings information storage device 330 Measurement data storage device

Claims

Auxiliary device (20), comprising: a condition receiver (202) for receiving test conditions, which (i) specifies the number of variations m for a communication path set, which is a combination of the communication path sets in which a communication load test is performed, where m is a natural number, and (ii) specifies the number of variations n for a volume of communicated information, which is communicated via the communication paths in the communication load test, where n is a natural number; an identifier (203) for extracting a plurality of communication paths, wherein each of the communication paths is a combination of a communication device (30) used for transmission and a communication device (30) used for reception, which differs from the communication device (30) used for transmission, from a plurality of communication devices (30) which are the target of the communication load test.and for designating the m communication path sets, each of which is a combination of the extracted plurality of communication paths; and a plan generator (203) for generating an execution plan for performing m × n patterns of communication load tests, wherein the plan generator (203) determines n volumes of information that the communication device (30) used for transmission transmits and that the communication device (30) used for reception receives in the communication load test, for each of the plurality of communication paths from the m communication path sets designated by the identifier (203), and for generating the m × n patterns of communication load tests that are repeatedly performed at predetermined intervals or randomly in the communication paths, wherein the identifier (203) determines the m communication path sets, which are distinct from one another; wherein the plan generator (203) determines the n volumes of information, which are distinct from one another.and generates m × n patterns of communication load tests in which at least one communication path set or volume of information of one pattern of the m × n patterns is different from at least one communication path set or volume of information of another pattern of the m × n patterns, and wherein a total number of communication devices (30) used for reception and communication devices (30) used for transmission is less than a total number of communication devices (30) that are the target of the communication load test, wherein the communication devices (30) used for transmission and the communication devices (30) used for reception are extracted from the identifier (203). Auxiliary device according to claim 1, further comprising an executor (200) for initiating the communication load tests in accordance with the execution plan generated by the plan generator (203). Auxiliary device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identifier (203), upon the existence of two identical communication paths among the plurality of extracted communication paths, transforms the combination of the communication device (30) used for transmitting and the communication device (30) used for receiving of one of the two identical communication paths into another combination which is different from the combination of the communication device (30) used for transmitting and the communication device (30) used for receiving of the other of the two identical communication paths. Auxiliary device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the test conditions received by the condition receiver (202) further comprise an input value for determining applied values ​​that are applied to associated parameters of the communication load test; and the plan generator (203) generates the applied values ​​based on the input value by means of the variation counter m or n, and generates the execution plan including the patterns of the communication load test by applying the generated applied values ​​to the parameters. Auxiliary device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the auxiliary device (20) further comprises a change receiver (201) for receiving a change in the execution plan generated by the plan generator (203) from a user input; wherein, when the change is received by the change receiver (201), the plan generator (203) again generates an execution plan by deleting a part of information corresponding to information which specifies the contents of the received change from the generated execution plan, and replacing the information which specifies the contents of the received change in place of the deleted information. Auxiliary device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a communicator (230, 340) for sending the execution plan, which is sent from the plan generator (203) to the communication devices (30). Auxiliary device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an analyzer (204) for receiving from the communication devices (30) and for analyzing information concerning results of the transmission of the information and information concerning results of the reception of the information that is recorded in the communication devices (30). Auxiliary procedure performed by an auxiliary device (20), the procedure comprising: a condition receive step for receiving test conditions, which (i) specifies the number of variations m for a communication path set, which is a combination of the communication path sets in which a communication load test is performed, where m is a natural number, and (ii) specifies the number of variations n for a volume of communicated information, which is communicated via the communication paths in the communication load test, where n is a natural number; a labeling step in which the auxiliary device (20) specifies a first predetermined number of communication paths, wherein each communication path is a combination of communication device (30) used for transmission and communication device (30) used for reception, which differs from the communication device (30) used for transmission.from a plurality of communication devices (30) that are the target of the communication load test, and designates m of the communication path sets, each of which is a combination of the extracted plurality of communication paths; and a plan generator step in which the auxiliary device (20) generates an execution plan for executing m × n patterns of communication load tests, wherein the auxiliary device (20) executes n volumes of information that the communication device (30) used for transmission transmits and that the communication device (30) used for reception receives in the communication load test, for each of the plurality of communication paths from the m communication path sets designated in the designation step, and the m × n patterns of communication load tests that are executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals or randomly in the communication paths,wherein the labeling step comprises determining the m communication path sets which are distinct from one another; wherein the plan generator step comprises determining the n volumes of information which are distinct from one another, and generates the m × n patterns of communication load tests in which at least one communication path set or volume of information of one pattern of the m × n patterns is distinct from at least one communication path set or volume of information of another pattern of the m × n patterns, and wherein a total number of communication devices (30) used for receiving and communication devices (30) used for transmitting is less than a total number of communication devices (30) which are the target of the communication load test, wherein the communication devices (30) used for transmitting and the communication devices (30) used for receiving are extracted in the labeling step. Program for causing a computer to control an auxiliary device to implement: a condition receive function for receiving test conditions, which (i) specifies the number of variations m for a communication path set, which is a combination of the communication path sets in which a communication load test is performed, where m is a natural number, and (ii) specifies the number of variations n for a volume of communicated information, which is communicated over the communication paths in the communication load test, where n is a natural number; a label function for extracting a number of communication paths, where each communication path is a combination of communication device (30) used for transmission and communication device (30) used for reception, which differs from the communication devices used for transmission, from a plurality of communication devices (30).which are the target of the communication load test, and to designate m of the communication path sets, each of which is a combination of the extracted plurality of communication paths; and a plan generator function for generating an execution plan for performing mxn patterns of communication load tests, wherein the plan generator function generates n volumes of information that the communication device (30) used for transmission transmits and that the communication device (30) used for reception receives in the communication load test, for each of the plurality of communication paths from the m communication path sets designated by the label function, and the m × n patterns of communication load tests that are repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals or randomly in the communication paths, wherein the label function determines the m communication path sets,which are different from each other; wherein the plan generator function determines the n volumes of information which are different from each other, and generates m × n patterns of communication load tests in which at least one communication path set or volume of information of one pattern of the m × n patterns is different from at least one communication path set or volume of information of another pattern of the m × n patterns, and wherein a total number of communication devices (30) used for receiving and communication devices (30) used for transmitting is less than a total number of communication devices (30) which are the target of the communication load test, wherein the communication devices (30) used for transmitting and the communication devices (30) used for receiving are extracted by the labeling function.

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