Emulated PCP Client for Network Address Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Network equipment testing platforms face challenges in simulating and testing Port Control Protocol (PCP) controllable devices, particularly in obtaining knowledge of PCP-negotiated public network addressing information for application traffic routing.
Innovation Solution
A test system with an emulated PCP client module requests and receives public network addressing information from a device under test (DUT), providing mapping information to an emulated application client module for sending application traffic, thereby enabling self-contained testing without external resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a testing platform simulates PCP client and application server components to test PCP-controllable devices, then the testing capability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and information management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing components (PCP client emulator, application server emulator, and mapping information provider) into a single integrated testing platform. This consolidation allows the platform to manage PCP signaling and application traffic routing internally, reducing the need for external resources while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an internal mapping information mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the PCP client emulator and the application client emulator. This intermediary component manages the mapping between public network addressing information and internal application traffic routing, eliminating the need for external DNS servers or other external resolution services.
2Measurement precision
If the testing platform uses external resources like DNS servers for public address resolution, then the accuracy of address mapping is improved, but the loss of time and external dependencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism where the mapping information is pre-established and maintained within the testing platform itself. The PCP client emulator receives public network addressing information from the DUT and internally provisions this mapping information to the application client emulator before any testing occurs, eliminating the need for real-time external resolution during testing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the address resolution function from external resources (DNS servers) and relocates it internally within the testing platform. By taking out this critical function and embedding it in the platform's internal mapping information mechanism, the system achieves both accurate address mapping and eliminates external dependencies.
3Reliability
If conventional keep alive traffic is used to maintain open ports, then port availability is improved, but the loss of energy and network bandwidth increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the testing platform automatically manages port availability through internal mapping information. The PCP client emulator maintains open ports by receiving public network addressing information from the DUT and internally routing application traffic through these ports, eliminating the need for continuous keep alive traffic while ensuring port availability throughout the testing process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for a testing platform involving application traffic are disclosed. According to one method, the method occurs at a testing platform including an emulated port control protocol (PCP) client module for requesting public network addressing information for an emulated application server module and an emulated application client module for sending application traffic. The method includes receiving, from a device under test (DUT), the public network addressing information in response to a PCP request. The method also includes providing mapping information to the emulated application client module, wherein the mapping information includes the public network addressing information.