Remote Cellular Device for Automated Network Performance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network performance testing is labor-intensive, expensive, and inefficient, particularly for 5G networks, due to the need for multiple human operators and specialized equipment, which increases costs and reduces testing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a remotely controlled cellular device that automatically initiates and performs network performance tests, transmitting data to a cloud server for evaluation, reducing the need for human intervention and specialized equipment by using a scalable, portable, and automated testing solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual network performance testing is conducted using human operators and specialized equipment, then testing accuracy and control are improved, but testing costs and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cellular device (smartphone) as a copy or alternative to specialized testing equipment. The cellular device replicates the functionality needed for network performance testing without requiring expensive, dedicated testing instruments. This copying approach maintains measurement capability while eliminating the need for complex specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular device performs self-testing by automatically initiating and executing network performance tests without human intervention. The device uses its own cellular radio to conduct tests, eliminating the need for external specialized testing equipment and manual operators, thereby reducing both equipment complexity and labor requirements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple human operators are deployed for network testing, then testing control and monitoring are improved, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular device autonomously performs all testing operations including initiating tests, collecting data, and transmitting results without human operators. The automated testing process eliminates the need for multiple operators while maintaining testing control through programmable instructions, thereby significantly improving testing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human operators physically controlling testing equipment with an automated software-based control system. The cellular device executes testing instructions programmatically, substituting human manual operations with automated digital control, which improves efficiency while maintaining operational control.
3Measurement precision
If specialized testing equipment is used for network performance testing, then measurement capability is improved, but testing costs and equipment availability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses commercially available cellular devices (smartphones) as copies of specialized testing equipment. These ubiquitous devices possess inherent network measurement capabilities that eliminate the need for expensive, specialized testing instruments. The approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving equipment accessibility and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the testing instrument and the test subject simultaneously. The device uses its own cellular radio for both normal communication and performance testing, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment. This multi-functionality improves accessibility while maintaining measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples provide a network testing solution using a remote-controlled testing device. A test device includes a computing device for executing network performance testing logic and a cellular device. The test device controls the cellular device via a series of commands issued to the cellular device by the computing device. The test device is placed onto or inside a vehicle. As the vehicle moves through a geographical area, the test device automatically and autonomously performs network testing operations. The test data generated during the test is periodically uploaded to a central controller. The central controller aggregates test data received from a plurality of test devices assigned to a plurality of vehicles for a given campaign. The aggregated test data is analyzed and filtered to generate performance test results. A user can dynamically set up each campaign and assign test devices and vehicles to each campaign using a graphical user interface.