Integrated Network Switch for Automated Test Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network test automation requires costly and complex specialized equipment, leading to high setup complexity and costs, and lacks efficient consolidation of test tools, making it difficult to achieve 24×7 automated testing across global locations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated network switch with a physical layer engine and multiple processing cores, coupled with a test engine having dynamically configurable function modules, allows for automated testing by loading configuration images and generating network traffic to evaluate network performance, reducing the need for multiple test tools and simplifying operator training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized test equipment is deployed for network test automation, then testing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple specialized test equipment functions (traffic generation, traffic analysis, impairment injection, protocol validation) into a single network switch device. The switch integrates a test engine with dynamically configurable function modules that can perform Layer 1 through Layer 7 testing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated test instruments for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch is designed with universal testing capabilities through dynamically loadable configuration images that enable the same hardware platform to perform multiple test functions. The switch can be reconfigured via software to provide different test functionalities, making a single device capable of replacing multiple specialized tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized test tools are used, then testing functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch provides a unified platform with diverse testing capabilities through software configuration. Operators interact with a single device interface rather than multiple specialized tools, reducing training requirements while maintaining comprehensive test functionality across all OSI layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The test engine uses dynamically configurable function modules that can be loaded or unloaded based on testing requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its functionality through software rather than requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple static devices, simplifying operator interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If test resources are not consolidated, then testing flexibility is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables rapid reconfiguration of test resources through software-based dynamic function module loading. Configuration changes that previously required physical reconnection of multiple devices can now be performed in seconds by loading different configuration images, dramatically reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical reconfiguration of test equipment with software-based configuration. Instead of physically connecting and configuring multiple separate devices, operators can programmatically reconfigure the integrated switch, eliminating manual setup time and enabling automated test resource allocation.
4Reliability
If specialized test equipment is deployed, then testing capability is improved, but capital expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple expensive specialized test instruments into a single network switch platform. By integrating traffic generation, analysis, impairment injection, and protocol validation capabilities into one device, the organization reduces capital expenditure on test equipment while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch provides universal testing functionality that replaces multiple specialized tools. A single investment in the switch with dynamically loadable configuration images provides the same or greater testing capability as multiple separate specialized instruments, reducing overall capital expenditure.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated network test system includes an integrated network switch connected to a network under test. The network switch includes a first and second plurality of network switch ports. The network switch further includes a physical layer engine coupled to the first plurality of network switch ports. The network switch also includes at least one processor having a plurality of processing cores that can each asynchronously execute a test execution context and a test engine having a plurality of dynamically configurable function modules. The test engine is coupled to the second plurality of network switch ports, the physical layer engine and at least one processor. The test engine is configured for automatic testing of the network under test.