Network Layer Test Module for Unidirectional Radio Bearers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional performance testing procedures for wireless communication devices are incompatible with point-to-multipoint services, as they require bidirectional radio bearers and acknowledged modes, whereas point-to-multipoint services use unidirectional bearers and operate in unacknowledged modes, leading to a need for test procedures applicable to these services.
Innovation Solution
A test module is activated in the network layer of the wireless communication device to receive RLC data units from a test system, evaluate error metrics, and report them back, optionally using a unidirectional uplink radio bearer to loop-back data units for performance evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional test procedures require bidirectional radio bearers for loop-back testing, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the test procedures become incompatible with point-to-multipoint services that use unidirectional bearers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing function into separate components: a test module in the network layer that receives data units, a metric evaluator that determines error metrics, and a reporting mechanism. This segmentation allows the test to function independently without requiring bidirectional communication, making it compatible with unidirectional point-to-multipoint services while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reporting mechanism where the wireless communication device reports error metrics back to the test system through available uplink resources. This intermediary approach enables performance measurement without requiring direct loop-back through bidirectional bearers, thus adapting conventional testing to unidirectional service architectures.
2Measurement precision
If conventional test procedures require acknowledged mode for error indication, then measurement precision is improved, but the test procedures become incompatible with unacknowledged mode operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the metric evaluator determines error metrics based on received data units and the device reports these metrics to the test system. This feedback approach enables error detection and measurement precision without requiring acknowledged mode protocols, making the test compatible with unacknowledged mode operations used in point-to-multipoint services.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device performs self-evaluation of error metrics using the metric evaluator and autonomously reports results to the test system. This self-service capability allows accurate error measurement without needing the test system to initiate acknowledgment protocols, thus adapting to unacknowledged mode constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a test module is implemented in the network layer to support unidirectional bearers, then adaptability to point-to-multipoint services is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both conventional bidirectional service testing and point-to-multipoint unidirectional service testing. By evaluating error metrics based on received data units and utilizing existing uplink reporting capabilities, the module achieves universal applicability across different service types without requiring separate specialized hardware or complex additional structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing network layer structures and protocols, copying and adapting proven mechanisms from conventional testing to the unidirectional context. The metric evaluator and reporting functionality leverage existing device capabilities rather than introducing entirely new complex structures, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for testing point-to-multipoint services and other wireless communication services dependent on unidirectional radio bearers and/or unacknowledged mode operations is described herein. A wireless communication device activates a test module responsive to receiving a test activation message. During a test mode, the test module receives RLC data units from a test system via a unidirectional downlink radio bearer or a control channel. In one embodiment, the test module includes a metric evaluator that determines an error metric based on the received RLC data units. The test module reports the error metric to the test system. In another embodiment, the test module includes a loop-back module that loops-back at least a portion of the received RLC data units to the test system via a unidirectional uplink radio bearer.