Dynamic Network Protocol Testing Without Re-compilation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network protocol testing systems require extensive knowledge of source code and limit modifications to individual protocols, necessitating re-compilation and restarts, making them inefficient for testing new or modified protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for adding, modifying, or deleting messages and state machines in a protocol stack during runtime without re-compilation, using commands received in interpreted code to modify protocols in a protocol stack, enabling dynamic testing of network protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unique test is programmed for each network protocol, then protocol compliance and correctness can be tested, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and inefficient when protocols are modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal test tool that can test multiple network protocols through a single interface. The tool uses templates to describe protocols and an interpreter to execute test commands, allowing one test tool to handle various protocols (FTP, Telnet, HTTP, etc.) without requiring separate unique tests for each protocol, thereby reducing test modification time when protocols are modified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interpreter as an intermediary layer between the test commands and the protocol implementation. The interpreter reads commands from recorded files or user input, parses them, and executes appropriate test actions. This intermediary allows flexible protocol testing without requiring direct modification of test code when protocols change, as the interpreter handles the adaptation through its command parsing and execution logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If test tools allow message creation and sending, then protocol functionality can be tested, but extensive knowledge of source code is required and modifications are limited to one protocol
Solution Approach 1:
The interpreter serves as an intermediary that shields the tester from complex source code knowledge. It provides a simplified command language that testers can use to create, modify, and send messages without needing to understand the underlying protocol implementation details. The interpreter handles the complexity of message construction and protocol-specific operations through its command parsing and execution mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The test tool is designed with universal message manipulation capabilities that work across multiple protocols. The message structure and modification commands are protocol-agnostic, allowing testers to perform the same message creation and modification operations on different protocols (FTP, Telnet, HTTP, etc.) through a unified interface, thereby increasing adaptability without increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If protocols are modified during testing, then continuous protocol improvement can be evaluated, but re-compilation and restart are required, interrupting the testing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol modification capability where the protocol stack can be changed during runtime without stopping the testing process. The system loads protocol implementations dynamically and allows substitution of protocol versions or modifications to existing protocols while the test tool continues to operate. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for re-compilation and restart, maintaining continuous testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The test tool is designed to maintain continuous operation during protocol modifications. The testing process does not need to be interrupted or restarted when protocols are modified, as the system supports hot-swapping of protocol implementations and continues executing test commands from recorded files or user input without breaking the testing workflow, thereby preserving continuity of useful action.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that tests a network protocol. This test system allows a user to modify a protocol in the protocol stack of the network while the test is being performed. The system receives a command to modify the protocol. The system then determines the protocol to modify and performs the modification.