Over-the-air Isolation Testing via Dual-mode Network Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing network performance issues in mobile communications networks cannot effectively isolate problems within the over-the-air segment, as existing tests cannot differentiate between over-the-air and backhaul/network issues.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated testing approach using a device that simulates both mobile client and base station modes, allowing for separate testing of the over-the-air and wired network segments by executing similar tests in two distinct modes, enabling comparison to isolate the source of network problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If end-to-end tests are executed through the mobile network, then network performance can be measured, but it is not possible to separate out the contribution of the over-the-air segment on the test results
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device segments the network test into two distinct modes: Mode 1 where the device acts as a mobile client device communicating through the base station over-the-air, and Mode 2 where the device emulates a base station using wired interfaces. By comparing results from these segmented test modes, the contribution of the over-the-air segment can be isolated and measured precisely.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both Mode 1 (mobile client emulation) and Mode 2 (base station emulation) tests using the same device. This universal capability allows the device to execute similar test sequences in both modes, enabling direct comparison of results to isolate over-the-air performance contributions.
2Reliability
If test handsets simulate traffic over-the-air, then traffic can be transmitted through the network, but the tests cannot determine that the cause of a network performance problem is in the over-the-air portion of the network
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device performs preliminary actions by executing identical test sequences in both Mode 1 (over-the-air) and Mode 2 (wired/emulated base station) before comparing results. This preliminary execution of tests in differentiated modes enables the isolation of over-the-air segment contributions to network performance problems, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device acts as an intermediary that can operate in two roles: as a mobile client device (Mode 1) and as an emulated base station (Mode 2). This intermediary capability allows the device to introduce controlled variations in the test path, enabling the isolation and identification of over-the-air segment issues through result comparison.
3Measurement precision
If the testing device emulates a base station in the second mode, then the over-the-air segment can be bypassed, but the device must act as both mobile client device and base station in tandem
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments its operational capabilities into two distinct modes: Mode 1 where it functions as a mobile client device communicating through the actual base station, and Mode 2 where it emulates a base station using wired interfaces to bypass the over-the-air segment. This segmentation enables precise isolation of over-the-air segment impact by comparing test results from both modes.
Solution Approach 2:
In Mode 2, the testing device creates a copy or emulation of the base station functionality using wired interfaces. This base station emulator replicates the base station's behavior without requiring actual over-the-air communication, allowing the device to bypass the wireless segment while maintaining test validity through comparison with Mode 1 results.
Data Source
AI summary
A unique method/device for isolating the over-the-air segment within a mobile communications network is provided. A coordinated set of tests is run to isolate problems in an end-to-end network including over-the-air segment, wired, and core network segments. Test results are compared to identify which segment or components within a segment is failing. The testing device executes the same test in two differentiated modes. In one mode, the device acts as a mobile client device identified by subscriber identification data that communicates with the network base station over-the-air using the standard control and data protocols of the mobile network. In another mode, the testing device, identified by the same subscriber identification data, acts like the combination of the same Mobile Client Device(s) and a Network Base Station using a wired interface that is equivalent to the wired interface that connects the network base station to the rest of the wired network.