Network Simulation Server for UE Conformance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for applying TTCN-3 test cases for user equipment (UE) in wireless cellular networks are expensive and require complex hardware testing setups, making them inefficient for conformance testing.
Innovation Solution
A test system comprising a base station device with multiple small cell eNBs and a network simulation server that simulates core network components, using TTCN-3 test cases to configure and control UE interactions, reducing the need for extensive hardware and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hardware testing setups are used for UE conformance testing, then testing reliability is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the core network functionality through software simulation rather than using complete physical hardware networks. The network simulation server replicates essential network behaviors and protocols, allowing UE testing without requiring actual network infrastructure, thus reducing hardware complexity while maintaining testing validity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical hardware testing infrastructure with software-based simulation. Instead of using actual network equipment and physical test benches, the system uses a network simulation server that emulates network behavior through software, substituting mechanical/physical systems with information processing systems
2Reliability
If complete hardware testing infrastructure is deployed, then comprehensive UE validation is achieved, but testing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software copies of network functionalities to replace expensive physical hardware. The network simulation server creates virtual representations of network elements, allowing comprehensive UE validation through simulated interactions rather than requiring actual network deployment, significantly reducing testing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs software-based test environments that can be quickly deployed, modified, and discarded without significant investment. The simulation server provides temporary, on-demand testing capabilities that eliminate the need for permanent, expensive hardware test facilities, reducing overall testing costs
3Device complexity
If simplified testing methods are used, then cost and complexity are reduced, but testing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing only the specific network functions and protocols necessary for the particular UE conformance tests being performed. The network simulation server dynamically configures and provides only the relevant network behaviors needed for each test case, rather than implementing complete network functionality, maintaining precision where needed while simplifying the overall system
Data Source
AI summary
Compatibility and/or compliance testing for a wireless cellular network may be performed using a testing system that includes a device that implements multiple base stations in a single hardware device. Additionally, a network simulation server may simulate a core portion of the wireless cellular network. Test cases, such as test cases defined using a scripting language, may be received and the test cases may be interpreted to obtain configuration information for the testing system. Based on the configuration information, the base stations and the simulated network devices may be initially configured. After configuration, and based on the test case, a UE may be controller to interact with the simulated network in a manner implements the desired compatibility and/or compliance tests.