Remote Network Element Testing via Fiber-Linked Test Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network testing requires human operators to physically connect and control testing equipment, lacking remote automation and graphical user interfaces for network element monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Automated testing software that remotely controls network elements via APIs, CLIs, and GUIs, using manual fiber connections and test set devices to simulate traffic and measure performance, integrated with EMS and data management systems for streamlined testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual physical connection and control of testing equipment is used, then ease of operation is maintained through direct control, but automation extent is reduced requiring human operators
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system performs self-service through automated testing software that independently controls test equipment, configures network elements, and generates test reports without requiring human operators to physically connect or manually control the equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated software control. The automated testing software communicates with test equipment and network elements through electronic interfaces and APIs, substituting physical manual connections and controls with digital automation
2Productivity
If remote automated testing is implemented, then productivity is improved through automation, but device complexity increases requiring multiple interfaces and systems
Solution Approach 1:
The automated testing software serves multiple functions within a single integrated system: it controls test equipment, configures network elements, monitors test execution, and generates reports. This multi-functionality increases productivity while managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The automated testing software acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex testing infrastructure. It provides a unified interface that abstracts the underlying complexity of multiple devices and protocols, allowing remote automated testing to proceed efficiently without requiring the operator to directly manage each component's complexity
3Ease of operation
If physical fiber connections are used to connect test equipment, then measurement precision is maintained through direct connection, but ease of operation is reduced requiring physical presence
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fiber optic connections that transmit light signals to create optical copies of data and signals between test equipment and network elements. This allows remote testing operations while maintaining the precision of direct physical connections through the optical signal transmission medium
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to remotely testing communication network equipment. A system may include a communications network including network equipment configured to facilitate communications in the communications network; fiber connections physically connecting test equipment to a network element of the network equipment; and automated testing software remote from the network element and from the test equipment, able to: turn up the test equipment via one or more interfaces; turn up the network element via the one or more interfaces; and send, via the one or more interfaces, wireless command signals to the test equipment to perform testing of the network element via the fiber connections.