NF Device Functional Testing with Language-Neutral gRPC APIs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional functional testing of network function (NF) devices requires developers to write test scripts in specific languages compatible with the device under test (DUT), which can be costly and cumbersome, and often necessitates multiple developers with specialized knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic device using gRPC APIs to generate test scripts that are language-neutral, allowing testing through a test harness manager that emulates multiple NF nodes, reducing the need for specific language knowledge and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If developers write test scripts in specific languages compatible with the DUT, then testing can be performed, but the process becomes costly and cumbersome requiring multiple specialized developers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (test harness with translation mechanism) between the developer and the DUT. This intermediary translates high-level language-agnostic test scripts into DUT-specific language commands, eliminating the need for developers to learn multiple specialized languages while maintaining full testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test harness is designed to be universal, supporting multiple DUT languages through a single interface. The system can translate test scripts into various DUT-specific languages (Python, JavaScript, C++, etc.), making the testing tool multi-functional and adaptable to different device types without requiring separate specialized tools for each language.
2Reliability
If developers write test scripts in specific languages compatible with the DUT, then testing can be performed, but the burden on developers increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The test harness acts as a mediator that shields developers from language-specific complexities. Developers write tests in their preferred language using high-level abstractions, and the harness automatically handles the translation to DUT-specific languages, significantly reducing developer burden and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service testing where developers can independently write and execute tests without needing specialized knowledge of DUT languages. The automatic translation and execution mechanisms allow developers to perform testing themselves without requiring additional specialized personnel or extensive training.
3Reliability
If multiple specialized developers are involved to provide test scripts in specific languages, then comprehensive testing can be achieved, but the process becomes more costly
Solution Approach 1:
A single test harness provides universal testing capability across multiple DUT languages. Instead of requiring separate specialized developers for each language (Python, JavaScript, C++, etc.), one developer can use the unified harness to test against various DUTs, reducing the quantity of developers needed while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The test harness creates virtual copies of DUT interfaces in multiple languages. Rather than needing actual human experts for each language, the system generates and manages multiple language-specific test script versions automatically, replacing the need for multiple specialized human developers with automated language translation and execution.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein disclose an electronic device for performing functional testing of a NF device. A processor is configured to receive a specification corresponding to a service to be tested on a DUT and generate a proto file based on the specification, where the proto file comprises a plurality of messages and definitions associated with a plurality of RPCs for enabling communication with a test harness manager. The processor is further configured to generate a plurality of test scripts based on the generated proto file; invoking, by the electronic device, at least one RPC of the plurality of RPCs based on at least one test script to be executed on the DUT; and perform the functional testing based on the invoked at least one RPC for testing the at least one method of the service on the DUT, where the DUT is the NF device.