Automated 5G Core Network Call Flow Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing the performance of complex wireless telecommunications networks, such as 5G networks, is challenging due to their complexity, making it difficult to determine how changes, like software or hardware updates, will affect network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a Call Flow Database and an AI-driven Call Flow Isolation, Stitching, and Validation Algorithm to automate the testing of call flows by isolating and validating packets within network traces, ensuring compliance with standardized and customized 3GPP call flows, and monitoring network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing methods are used for 5G core network, then testing can be performed, but the complexity of testing increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-testing of the 5G core network by having the network automatically generate, execute, and validate test call flows without external intervention. The testing system autonomously performs packet capture, processing, validation against expected outcomes, and reporting, eliminating manual testing operations while maintaining comprehensive test coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system divides the complex 5G core network testing into discrete, manageable components including individual call flow definitions, separate packet capture and processing stages, modular validation rules, and independent result reporting. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, maintained, and executed independently, reducing overall testing complexity.
2Reliability
If comprehensive network testing is performed to ensure reliability, then network performance can be validated, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining expected test outcomes, validation rules, and test scenarios before actual network testing begins. Call flows are configured with predetermined success criteria and expected packet sequences, allowing the automated system to quickly compare actual network behavior against these pre-established benchmarks during execution, enabling comprehensive reliability validation without proportionally increasing testing time.
3Measurement precision
If detailed packet validation is performed to identify problematic components, then network issues can be detected, but the complexity of analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual packet analysis and validation with automated computational processing. The automated testing system systematically captures packets, compares them against expected outcomes using predefined validation rules, and generates analysis results without human intervention. This substitution of manual mechanical analysis with automated computational methods maintains high measurement precision while eliminating the complexity burden on operators.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed method tests performance of a wireless telecommunication network. The method obtains from the network a network trace including packets exchanged among devices associated with the network. The method identifies packets within the network trace that match properties specified by the first and second tables, and obtains a call flow by chronologically mapping the identified packets, using the timestamps of the packets. The method determines whether a packet associated with the call flow matches the properties specified by the third table by comparing an IE value contained in the packet to the IE value included in the third table. Based on the determining, the method creates a call flow validation results report indicating whether the call flow satisfied the properties specified in the multiple tables. The call flow validation results report can indicate whether the network has passed the test, and/or whether the wireless network has any problematic components.