Portable Test System for Automated Network Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional device testing methods for electronic devices interacting with large networks are resource-intensive, costly, and inconvenient, often requiring significant manual interaction and expensive facilities to simulate communication networks, limiting flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A portable test system with a network access point simulation component and a local control component that automatically configures test network components and user equipment control components, allowing for flexible simulation of various network scenarios and devices, including small cells, EPC, eNodeB, and IMS components, without the need for extensive manual intervention or large facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional large stationary facilities are used to simulate communication networks, then network simulation capability is improved, but cost and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional large stationary test facility into a portable test system comprising a portable access simulator and a portable core network simulator. These segmented components can be deployed locally at customer premises, eliminating the need for a large centralized facility while maintaining network simulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable test system as an intermediary between the device under test and the actual communication network. This intermediary locally simulates network access points and core network functions, providing accurate network behavior simulation without requiring connection to or simulation of the entire large communication network.
2Device complexity
If manual interaction is used for test configuration and equipment maintenance, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The portable test system implements automated configuration capabilities where the system automatically configures test parameters, access simulator settings, and core network simulator settings based on input criteria. This self-service automation eliminates manual configuration steps while maintaining system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated setup and configuration of the test environment before actual testing begins. Configuration parameters, device profiles, and test scenarios are pre-prepared and automatically applied, reducing the need for manual intervention during testing operations.
3Reliability
If products are shipped to a single facility for testing, then test environment control is improved, but convenience and operational continuity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shipping products to a centralized test facility, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the test facility to the product location. The portable test system is deployed locally at customer premises, allowing testing to occur in situ without disrupting field operations or requiring product transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized horizontal test model (single facility location) to a distributed vertical test model (local deployment at multiple customer sites). This dimensional change enables testing to occur in the field dimension rather than requiring centralization, improving convenience while maintaining environmental control.
4Measurement precision
If each different device type requires complete reset and reconfiguration of the facility, then testing accuracy is improved, but time consumption and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The portable test system implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the access simulator and core network simulator can be rapidly reconfigured for different device types through software parameter changes rather than physical reconfiguration. This dynamic adaptation maintains testing accuracy for each device type while dramatically reducing reconfiguration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter-based configuration where different device types are tested by changing software parameters and profiles rather than physically reconfiguring the facility. Configuration parameters including network settings, access simulator behavior, and core network simulator functions are adjusted through parameter changes, preserving testing accuracy while enabling rapid transitions between device types.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a test system comprises a first interface for communicating with remote devices; a second interface for communicating with local devices; a memory for storing information, including information received from the first interface and second interface; a processor for automatically configuring test system components in accordance with the information stored in the memory. The test system components comprise a network access point simulation component and a local control component. The network access point simulation component is configured to simulate communication network access point operations comprising test interactions with user equipment. The number of devices under test included in the user equipment and distinct network access points that are coincidentally simulated can be variable. The local control component is configured to direct the network access point simulation component and to control the test interactions with the user equipment.