OTA DUT Connection Setup Using Preloaded Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for establishing a communication connection between a device under test (DUT) and a test network is time-consuming due to a camping procedure that requires blind searching for network configuration, limiting the number of DUTs that can be tested per unit time and increasing the risk of unobserved errors.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile communication tester (MCT) provides direct configuration data to the DUT, allowing it to establish a connection without blind searching, thereby reducing the camping time and enabling faster testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DUT performs blind searching for network configuration during camping procedure, then the connection establishment is autonomous and reliable, but the camping time period becomes excessively long (one or several minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The MCT performs preliminary actions by determining the configuration data of the simulated network before the DUT needs to connect. The MCT proactively transmits this configuration data to the DUT via the USB connection, so that when the DUT needs to camp on the network, the configuration is already available, eliminating the need for time-consuming blind searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCT acts as an intermediary between the simulated network and the DUT. Instead of the DUT directly searching for network configuration, the MCT mediates by obtaining the configuration data from the simulated network and transmitting it to the DUT, thus shortcutting the blind search process while maintaining connection reliability.
2Productivity
If the camping time period is reduced by providing configuration data directly, then the productivity increases, but the autonomous search capability of the DUT is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection establishment process is segmented into two distinct parts: (1) The MCT handles configuration data acquisition and transmission through USB connection, and (2) The DUT uses this pre-provided configuration to establish the wireless connection. This segmentation allows the DUT to focus only on the wireless connection part, reducing its complexity while increasing overall productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If blind searching is performed for network configuration, then the DUT can autonomously establish connection, but the number of simultaneous connections is limited due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical blind searching process is replaced by an electronic data transmission mechanism. Instead of the DUT mechanically scanning and searching for network configuration through wireless signals, the configuration data is electronically transmitted via USB connection from the MCT to the DUT, which is a faster and more efficient process that enables higher testing throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a method and a test system for establishing an over-the-air communication connection between a device under test and a mobile communication tester. A simulated network is provided by using the mobile communication tester. The device under test is activated and a search for the simulated network to connect to is initiated by the device under test. Configuration data of the simulated network are submitted to the device under test by using the mobile communication tester. A communication connection is established between the device under test and the simulated network based on the configuration data submitted.