Composite Virtual Service Testing via Idempotent Data Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for testing virtual services in NFV-based networks are limited, making it difficult to optimize network capacity and performance effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for testing composite services in communication networks using test data, where idempotent data is sent through a composition of virtual services, with outputs compared to ensure proper functionality, allowing for the evaluation of service chains and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current testing techniques are used for virtual services in NFV-based networks, then the testing process is simple, but the ability to optimize network capacity and performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into multiple specialized components: a service chain definition module that defines virtual service chains with input/output parameters, a test data generation module that creates test data based on service requirements, a test execution module that orchestrates testing across the service chain, and a result analysis module that evaluates performance metrics. This segmentation allows comprehensive network performance optimization testing while managing complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If comprehensive testing of virtual service compositions is performed, then the reliability of network performance optimization improves, but the complexity of integration testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by defining service chain configurations and generating appropriate test data before actual testing begins. The service chain definition module pre-establishes the sequence of virtual services, their parameters, and expected behaviors. The test data generation module pre-prepares test datasets tailored to each service's input requirements. This preliminary preparation simplifies the actual testing execution and reduces integration testing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components that facilitate comprehensive testing: a service chain definition that acts as an intermediary blueprint specifying how virtual services should be chained and tested, and a test data generation module that serves as an intermediary between testing requirements and actual test execution. These intermediaries translate complex integration testing requirements into structured, manageable test cases, reducing overall testing complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for testing composite services in a communication network utilizing test data. In use, test data is sent to a composition of virtual services to test at least a portion of the composition of virtual services, the composition of virtual services including at least one first virtual service and at least one second virtual service chained such that the test data is received by the at least one first virtual service and an output of the at least one first virtual service is input to the at least one second virtual service, and at least a portion of the test data being configured such that at least a portion of the output of the at least one first virtual service is the same as the test data input to the at least one first virtual service. Additionally, a first output is received from the at least one second virtual service, the first output including a result of the output of the at least one first virtual service being input to the at least one second virtual service. Further, the test data is sent as an input to at least one third virtual service, the at least one third virtual service including the same functionality as the at least one second virtual service. In addition, a second output is received from the at least one third virtual service, the second output including a result of the test data being input to the at least one third virtual service including the same functionality as the at least one second virtual service. Moreover, the first output from the at least one second virtual service is compared with the second output from the at least one third virtual service including the same functionality as the at least one second virtual service to test the at least a portion of the composition of virtual services.