Network Test Controller for Reproducible Communication Traffic Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard communication network testing struggles with replicability and control, particularly in simulating real-world traffic patterns and fully testing the Radio Frequency Air Interface, which often requires a large number of users and is difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a central control point and remote nodes that coordinate to generate and control communication traffic, allowing for reproducible and controllable load testing of communication networks, including the ability to mimic various traffic types and monitor network status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simulated traffic patterns are used for network testing, then network load capacity can be validated, but the testing cannot reproduce real-world traffic conditions leading to untested failure scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures real-world network traffic from production environments and creates copies of actual traffic patterns for testing. Traffic capture devices record genuine user communications, which are then replayed through the test system to reproduce authentic traffic conditions rather than using synthetic patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary traffic capture and analysis during low-activity periods, building a library of real traffic patterns before testing is needed. This allows the test system to have authentic traffic data ready for reproduction during critical testing phases
2Reliability
If a large number of users are assembled for air interface testing, then full Radio Frequency Air Interface testing can be performed, but the testing becomes difficult to repeat and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of multiple user devices by using a single test system that can replay captured traffic patterns. Instead of requiring many physical users, the system takes out the core requirement (traffic generation) and implements it through automated replay mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The test system serves itself by automatically capturing, storing, and replaying traffic patterns without requiring manual assembly of users. The system autonomously reproduces traffic conditions through programmed replay of previously captured data
3Adaptability or versatility
If real world traffic is used for testing, then authentic traffic conditions are tested, but the traffic cannot be controlled and may create untested conditions leading to equipment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts traffic replay parameters based on test objectives. It can modify timing, frequency, and content of replayed traffic to balance authenticity with controlled test conditions, allowing flexible adaptation between realistic reproduction and safe testing
Data Source
AI summary
A load test system may include a plurality of remote nodes, a network test controller and a command and control path. Each of the remote nodes may be associated with a corresponding remote user terminal of a plurality of user terminals. The command and control path may operably couple the network test controller to the remote nodes via a communication network under test. The network test controller comprises processing circuitry configured to provide command and control of the remote nodes to generate prescribed communication traffic to load the communication network under test, and monitor a status of network traffic.