5G Network Simulation via Virtual Node Instances
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of wireless telecommunications networks, particularly 5G networks, makes it difficult to test performance or predict the effects of changes, such as hardware or software modifications, which can lead to malfunctions and affect users.
Innovation Solution
A simulation system that creates virtual instances of 5G network nodes, allowing for automated testing and monitoring by simulating interactions between nodes using exposed APIs, enabling the creation of test cases, and analyzing responses to determine if nodes pass tests, thereby identifying potential issues before deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the complexity of 5G network is increased to provide more functionality, then network capability is improved, but testing and performance evaluation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of 5G network nodes through virtualization technology. These virtual instances replicate the behavior and interfaces of physical network nodes, allowing comprehensive testing without requiring actual hardware deployment. The virtual nodes can be instantiated, configured, and tested in software environments, enabling repeated testing scenarios without physical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary testing system that sits between the virtual network nodes and the test cases. This intermediary layer manages test execution, coordinates interactions between virtual nodes, and handles test result collection. It abstracts the complexity of network testing by providing a standardized interface for test management and node interaction.
2Reliability
If manual testing methods are used to evaluate network changes, then testing can be performed, but time consumption and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated testing where the system performs testing operations independently without continuous human intervention. Virtual network nodes automatically execute test cases, monitor their own performance metrics, and generate test results. The system can autonomously manage test workflows, collect performance data, and evaluate network changes, significantly reducing manual effort and time consumption while maintaining testing accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If physical network nodes are used for testing, then real-world performance can be measured, but deployment risks affect users when issues are discovered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtualized copies of network nodes that replicate real-world behavior without the risks of physical deployment. These virtual instances can be tested extensively in controlled environments, allowing performance measurement and issue detection before any real network deployment. Problems identified in virtual testing can be resolved without affecting actual network operations or user services.
4Reliability
If comprehensive testing of all network nodes is performed, then network reliability is improved, but resource consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing platform that can manage multiple virtual network nodes through standardized interfaces and common test frameworks. The virtualization infrastructure provides multi-functional capabilities, allowing the same testing system to evaluate different node types, configurations, and scenarios using unified management mechanisms. This reduces overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive testing coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here is a system and method to simulate operation of a 5G wireless telecommunication network, prior to deploying a component of the network, to detect problems before the problems affect a large number of users. The system can provide a graphical user interface enabling a user to define a test including a test request and a criterion that a response to the test request needs to satisfy. The processor can create a virtual instance of the network including a virtual instance of a 5G NR node and a virtual instance of a second node. While the physical 5G wireless telecommunication network and the nodes include hardware and software, the virtual instances of the network and the nodes are software constructs simulating the behavior of the physical counterparts. Once the changes are released, the system can also be a monitoring tool to monitor performance of the network.