OSS Test Tool Automating Case Generation from Network Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software testing for operations support systems (OSS) is time-consuming and expensive, often manual and ad hoc, leading to inconsistent test cases and potential data corruption in the test environment, which can delay software deployment and impact customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A test tool that automatically generates test cases by reading real data entries from communication network element databases, reducing the risk of data corruption and promoting consistency, while allowing for efficient testing of OSS applications, including provisioning, user interface, and messaging middleware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual testing is used for OSS applications, then testing can be performed with simple tools, but testing is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The test tool automatically generates test cases by reading real data entries from communication network element databases, eliminating the need for manual test case creation. The system self-configures and self-executes tests, reducing both time and human effort while maintaining testing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical testing processes are replaced with an automated computer-based test tool that queries databases, generates test cases programmatically, and executes tests automatically. This substitution transforms the testing system from manual to automated, dramatically reducing testing time
2Adaptability or versatility
If ad hoc manual testing is performed, then testing can be flexible, but test cases are inconsistent and may corrupt test environment data
Solution Approach 1:
The test tool creates accurate copies of real data entries from communication network element databases for testing purposes. By copying actual production data structures and formats, the system ensures test cases are consistent and representative without corrupting the original test environment data
Solution Approach 2:
The test tool acts as an intermediary between the OSS application and the test environment database. It manages data access systematically, ensuring that test cases are generated consistently and that the test environment remains intact, thereby improving reliability while maintaining flexibility
3Productivity
If automated test case generation is implemented, then testing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test tool is designed as a universal system that can test multiple OSS applications across different domains (provisioning, user interface, messaging middleware). By consolidating multiple testing functions into a single automated tool, the system improves productivity while managing complexity through standardization rather than proliferation of separate tools
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing an operations support system (OSS). The method comprises receiving an input by a test tool executing on a computer system from a user interface of the test tool selecting an OSS application to test, querying the data store by the test tool for test system configuration information associated with the selected OSS application, automatically generating test case OSS input data by the test tool, testing a plurality of different user interface screens of the OSS by the test tool based on the test system configuration information associated with the selected OSS application and based on the automatically generated test case OSS input data, capturing screen shots of test results presented in the user interface screens of the OSS by the test tool, and storing the screen shots of test results in a test results data store.