Network Simulator for Device Under Test Using Cloud Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field-testing of mobile network devices is expensive and time-consuming due to the need to test at various geographic locations with different network environments, which vary by operator and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A test device and system that recreates real-life network environments using cloud-based network profiles, allowing devices to be tested in a laboratory under simulated conditions, reducing the need for physical travel and ensuring current network profiles are used by monitoring and updating them regularly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If field-testing is performed at different geographic locations to account for varying network environments, then testing comprehensiveness is improved, but testing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of real-world network environments through network profiles that capture operator-specific settings, environmental factors, and geographic characteristics. These profiles are stored in a database and used to simulate different testing locations in the laboratory, eliminating the need for physical travel while maintaining testing comprehensiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements and characterizations of real network environments to create detailed network profiles before actual device testing begins. These pre-captured profiles include operator settings, environmental factors, and geographic data that are prepared in advance for efficient laboratory simulation
2Reliability
If field-testing is performed at different geographic locations to account for varying network environments, then testing comprehensiveness is improved, but testing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of real-world network environments through network profiles that capture operator-specific settings, environmental factors, and geographic characteristics. These profiles are stored in a database and used to simulate different testing locations in the laboratory, eliminating the need for physical travel while maintaining testing comprehensiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical field testing with an information-based system using network profiles and software simulation. Instead of physically transporting devices to multiple locations, the system uses digital representations of network environments to achieve the same testing objectives
3Measurement precision
If network profiles are updated regularly to reflect current network conditions, then testing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms that monitor network conditions and trigger profile updates when changes are detected. The server receives notifications about network changes and automatically retrieves updated measurements, ensuring testing accuracy without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-updating by automatically detecting network changes, retrieving fresh measurements from the network, and regenerating profiles without external intervention. This reduces the burden of manual profile management while maintaining current accuracy
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A test device for performing tests on a device under test has a network simulator being adapted to create a network test environment for the device under test. The network test environment has a network profile (25) comprising network configurations, in particular technology settings, protocol settings and/or encryption settings, and/or comprising at least one environmental factor, in particular base station density and/or presence of at least one geographic feature. The network profile (25) is based on a real-life network environment at a specific geographic location and/or of a specific operator so that the network test environment corresponds to the real-life network environment at the specific geographic location and/or of the specific operator. Further, a test system, a test infrastructure and a method for performing tests on a device under test are shown.