Loopback Testing Across Dissimilar Networks Using MGCP Tagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protocols, such as MGCP/NCS, lack the ability to efficiently perform loopback testing across networks with dissimilar transport technologies, limiting the assessment of end-to-end quality of service in hybrid networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables loopback testing by attaching a tag to a phone number to signal connection mode to a call agent, allowing a test device to initiate a connection in loopback mode across networks with diverse protocols, using a trunk gateway to bridge different networks and pre-configured switches to manage loopback connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If MGCP/NCS protocol is used for remote testing, then connection control capability is improved, but ability to perform loopback testing across dissimilar networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary device between the test device and the remote endpoint. The gateway translates loopback test signals across dissimilar network technologies (TDM, ATM, IP) and enables the MGCP/NCS protocol to control loopback testing in hybrid networks. The gateway acts as a mediator that understands both the testing protocol and the underlying network technologies, resolving the contradiction between automated control and adaptability to dissimilar networks.
2Device complexity
If standard MGCP/NCS architecture is used, then protocol simplicity is improved, but functionality for remote loopback testing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the remote testing functionality by introducing a separate gateway component that handles the complex interactions with dissimilar networks. The core MGCP/NCS protocol remains simple and unchanged, while the gateway provides the additional remote loopback testing functionality. This segmentation allows the protocol to maintain simplicity while gaining enhanced functionality through the gateway's translation and adaptation capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid networks with dissimilar technologies are used, then network compatibility is improved, but testing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of hybrid networks from the testing process. It handles the translation between different network technologies (TDM, ATM, IP) and presents a unified interface for loopback testing. This mediator approach maintains network compatibility across dissimilar technologies while preventing testing complexity from propagating to the test device and protocol layers.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a system and method of monitoring, by establishing end to end loopback testing across one or more networks with dissimilar transport technologies. The system allows for connection in loopback mode from a standard interface on a test device to a media adaptor located on an IP-based access network, such as a standard multimedia terminal adapter (“MTA”). End-to-End Quality of service delivered over the transmit and receive path can thus be monitored. Loopback tests are initiated from designated endpoints on the network and made operational by attaching a tag to a telephone number, to allow the gateway to signal connection mode to a call agent. The system and method overcome certain inherent limitations of the MGCP/NCS architecture.