Broadband Cellular Network Test System With Segmented Probe Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test systems for broadband cellular networks lack the flexibility and scalability to effectively test 5G networks and other broadband cellular networks, particularly in terms of quality of experience (QoE) and key performance indicators (KPIs), and do not allow for end-to-end or network component group testing.
Innovation Solution
A test system comprising a central test module, smartphone test probe interface, radio test probe interface, and core network test probe interface, which enables data/signal connections with network components, allowing for user-defined test methods, distributed probe sites, and integration with cloud-based servers for global access, along with an API for interaction with third-party applications and DevOps tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional test systems are used for broadband cellular networks, then the testing capability is limited, but the flexibility and scalability required for 5G network testing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is divided into multiple independent interface modules (smartphone test probe interface module, radio test probe interface module, core network test probe interface module) that can be selectively connected to different network components. This segmentation enables flexible testing configurations without requiring a completely complex integrated system, resolving the contradiction between testing flexibility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The central test module serves multiple functions by interfacing with different types of test probes (smartphone, radio, core network) through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single test system to perform various testing tasks on different network components, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If end-to-end and network component group testing is enabled, then comprehensive network performance monitoring is achieved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement complexity is segmented across multiple independent interface modules, each responsible for specific measurement tasks at different network layers. The smartphone test probe interface module handles user experience measurements, the radio test probe interface module handles signal quality measurements, and the core network test probe interface module handles network infrastructure measurements. This segmentation makes the overall measurement system more manageable while enabling comprehensive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The central test module acts as an intermediary that coordinates measurements from different probe types and aggregates the results. It receives measurements from various interface modules, correlates them with network component information, and produces comprehensive network performance reports. This intermediary function simplifies the measurement process by centralizing coordination and data aggregation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distributed probe sites and cloud-based servers are integrated, then global access and scalability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The central test module is designed with universal interfaces that can connect to various types of test probes (smartphone, radio, core network) and can be deployed in different locations including cloud-based servers. This universal design enables the same core system to serve multiple deployment scenarios and global locations without requiring separate specialized systems for each, thereby improving scalability while controlling architecture complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system can be replicated and deployed at multiple distributed locations, including cloud-based servers. Instead of building a completely new system for each location, the same core test module and interface modules can be copied and deployed at different sites. This copying approach enables global access and scalability while reducing the overall system architecture complexity by using standardized, repeatable deployment units.
Data Source
AI summary
A test system (1) serves to test a broadband cellular network. The test system (1) includes at least one user interface (2, 3) and at least one central test module (7) capable to run a predetermined or user-defined test method. A smartphone test probe interface module (13) of the test system (1) is connected to the central test module (7). Such smartphone test probe interface module (13) is capable to establish a data/signal connection between at least one smartphone test probe (14) and a network component of the broadband cellular network. The test system (1) further includes a radio test probe interface module (15) and a core network test probe interface module (17) capable to establish in a similar manner a data/signal connection between at least one radio/core test probe (16, 18) and a respective network component of the broadband cellular network. During a test method using such test system, a group of test probes is assigned to network components of the network to be tested via the respective interface modules (13, 15, 17). After that, at least one test sequence within the network is performed and data and results from the test probes (14, 16, 18) and the test sequences are aggregated to monitor the performance of the network. A test system results having enhanced capabilities to enable the testing of the broadband cellular network.