Selective Mobile Software Testing for Granular Network Feature Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive testing for telecommunications networks is costly, energy-intensive, and limited in scope, failing to provide real-time data on network performance at a granular level, especially for various user equipment and locations, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables pre-existing users to execute software tests on their devices, selecting from a database of test profiles based on device capabilities and conditions, to collect network performance metrics without relying on separate drivers, thus providing more frequent and comprehensive data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional drive testing is used to assess network performance, then network coverage and capacity can be measured, but the cost increases significantly and environmental impact worsens due to fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform network testing themselves using their own mobile devices. Users install and execute test applications on their personal smartphones or tablets, eliminating the need for dedicated drive testing vehicles and personnel. This self-service approach dramatically reduces fuel consumption and testing costs while maintaining measurement capability through standardized test protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the network testing function through software applications installed on users' devices. Instead of requiring physical drive testing vehicles equipped with specialized measurement equipment, the system uses replicated test applications that can be distributed to multiple users simultaneously, reducing the need for physical infrastructure and fuel consumption.
2Measurement precision
If drive testing is performed to collect network data, then coverage information can be gathered, but the data becomes outdated quickly due to the time and resource intensity of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms network testing from periodic drive tests to continuous distributed measurement. Test applications run continuously on users' devices as they move through the network, collecting data in real-time. This continuous measurement approach ensures that network performance data is always fresh and up-to-date, reflecting current network conditions without requiring repeated manual testing campaigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based platform as an intermediary between users' mobile devices and network operators. This platform receives test results from distributed users, processes the data, and makes it available to operators in real-time. The intermediary system enables continuous data collection and immediate availability, eliminating the time delays inherent in traditional drive testing workflows.
3Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used, then network performance can be evaluated, but the system lacks adaptability to dynamic network changes and new features
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic test application configurations that can be remotely updated without requiring users to reinstall software. Network operators can modify test parameters, add new measurement capabilities, or adjust testing protocols in response to network changes or new features. This dynamic configuration approach maintains the reliability of performance assessment while enabling rapid adaptation to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a library of pre-configured test applications and measurement templates that can be selected and deployed as needed. Operators can prepare and store various test configurations in advance, allowing rapid deployment of appropriate tests when network changes occur or new features are introduced, without requiring time-consuming setup procedures.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated drive testing vehicles are deployed to collect network data, then comprehensive measurements can be performed, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network testing functionality from complex dedicated vehicles and relocates it to simple mobile devices. By removing specialized measurement hardware and control systems from the testing platform, the system can run on any smartphone or tablet, dramatically reducing device complexity and operational burden while maintaining measurement precision through standardized software-based test protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for assessing network features by selectively executing software tests to enhance a customer's experience with a telecommunications service network are disclosed. The method includes accessing, from a database, a suite of test profiles corresponding to software tests for assessing a network feature, wherein each test profile comprises (1) at least a portion of a script, (2) conditions for triggering execution, (3) power consumption availability threshold required for execution, and (4) metrics to be measured. The system may receive, from a device, data indicative of power consumption availability of the device and values corresponding to conditions for triggering execution for the software tests. The system identifies software tests that the device is capable of executing. The system transmits, to the mobile device, at least one portion of a script and receiving an indication of successful execution and metrics indicating network performance of the device during the execution.