Unified Network Testing System for Layer Interaction Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network testing systems lack the capability to effectively combine lower layer and upper layer network tests, making it difficult to evaluate how network devices and applications handle real-world traffic and conformance with communication standards.
Innovation Solution
A network testing system that integrates lower layer and upper layer testing capabilities, allowing users to simulate network traffic and anomalies, and synchronize tests across different layers to evaluate network performance and conformance with various communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate lower layer and upper layer network tests are performed independently, then each layer can be tested individually, but the system cannot evaluate interdependent interactions between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lower layer network tests (OSI layers 1-3) and upper layer network tests (OSI layers 4-7) into a unified testing system that executes both test types simultaneously or sequentially, capturing and correlating results from both layers to evaluate interdependent interactions between network layers
2Reliability
If comprehensive network testing is performed, then network performance and conformance can be evaluated, but the complexity of coordinating multiple test types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into distinct lower layer test components and upper layer test components, each handling specific OSI layers, with a coordination mechanism that manages the segmentation while integrating results to reduce overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a test coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between lower layer and upper layer tests, managing test execution, synchronization, and result correlation to simplify the complexity of coordinating multiple test types
3Measurement precision
If real-world traffic simulation is implemented, then network conformance with communication standards can be assessed, but the testing setup and configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-configured test scenarios and traffic patterns that simulate real-world communication standards, allowing users to select from predefined configurations rather than building complex test setups from scratch, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
Combining lower layer network tests and upper layer network tests is disclosed. A method includes receiving a user selection to create an upper layer test and a lower layer test, receiving upper layer test information and lower layer test information, displaying a first timeline showing the activity of the upper layer test in a first pane and a second timeline showing the activity of the lower layer test in a second pane. Synchronization between the lower layer tests and upper layer tests may be defined. The method allows for observing and ascertaining the impact of the lower layer tests on the upper layer tests. The method may be implemented in software, stored on a storage medium and performed on a network testing system that includes one or more network cards and in one or more network testing systems.