5G Core Test Environment Hierarchy for Parallel Network Function Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy methods of testing and integrating network functions in operator labs slow down the development, testing, and rollout of network features and services in telecommunications.
Innovation Solution
A testing framework utilizing cloud computing services to establish a hierarchy of virtual testing environments that replicate the network core, enabling independent, parallel, and rapid testing by multiple partners, with automated data tracking and rule-enforceable pipelines for network function evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network functions are tested in operator labs using legacy methods, then testing can be performed with full control and oversight, but the development and rollout speed of network features and services is significantly slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing process by creating multiple independent testing environments (development, testing, validation, production) that can operate in parallel. Different partners can work independently in their own environments while maintaining consistency through automated synchronization, thus enabling faster development without sacrificing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that automatically manages the hierarchy of testing environments and synchronizes them with the production network. This intermediary automation layer maintains reliability by ensuring consistency across environments while enabling rapid development through automated processes.
2Productivity
If multiple partners test network functions simultaneously in the same environment, then resource utilization is maximized, but testing conflicts and interference occur between different partners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing infrastructure into multiple isolated environments (development, testing, validation, production) that can be allocated to different partners. This segmentation allows simultaneous testing by multiple partners without interference, while each environment maintains stability through isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the conflict by adding a dimensional layer to the testing architecture - creating a hierarchy of environments rather than allowing parallel testing in a single flat environment. This vertical dimensioning allows resource sharing at the infrastructure level while maintaining isolation at the testing level.
3Productivity
If a hierarchy of testing environments is created to enable parallel testing, then development and testing speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing framework where a single automated system manages multiple testing environments. This multi-functional system handles environment creation, synchronization, and management across the entire hierarchy, reducing the complexity burden despite the increased number of environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing environment hierarchy is designed to be self-managing through automated synchronization and configuration. The systems automatically adapt to changes in the production network and maintain consistency across environments without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity.
4Reliability
If testing environments are continuously synchronized with production network changes, then environment consistency is maintained, but computational resources and time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization between testing environments and the production network, rather than continuous real-time synchronization. This periodic approach maintains environment consistency while significantly reducing computational resource consumption by updating only when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for facilitating testing for a communications network are disclosed. An example method includes maintaining a hierarchy of testing environments that replicate at least part of a network core of the 5G communications network to be consistent with a current declared state of the communications network. The network core of the communications network is established virtually using a cloud computing service and the hierarchy of testing environments are generated via the cloud computing service. The method also includes evaluating network functions for entry into or exiting testing environments in the hierarchy, and tracking and recording data associated with testing of the network functions in individual testing environments.