Remote Proximity Bridge Service for Network Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of determining which network devices work best in a computer network with proximity communication protocols is time-consuming and unreliable, especially when testing various topologies and configurations, due to the interference and compatibility issues caused by different devices and their positions within the network.
Innovation Solution
A remote proximity bridge service is used to test devices that employ proximity communication protocols, allowing clients to specify device configurations and parameters remotely, with the service selecting and configuring test devices to simulate different network scenarios without the need for physical setup, using bridge devices to convert signals between proximity protocols and network protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical devices are manually configured and tested in different network topologies, then device compatibility and performance can be evaluated, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive as additional devices are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical devices through virtualization technology. Virtual devices emulate the behavior and characteristics of physical devices, allowing multiple topology configurations to be tested simultaneously in software without requiring physical reconfiguration. This copying approach maintains evaluation reliability while dramatically reducing setup time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between physical devices and network protocols. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of physical device configuration and provides standardized virtual device interfaces, enabling automated testing across multiple topologies without manual intervention for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical devices are used to test different network topologies, then comprehensive device performance evaluation is possible, but the cost and complexity increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal virtual device templates that can function across multiple network topologies and configurations. A single virtual device template can be instantiated multiple times with different parameters to represent various device roles in different topologies, eliminating the need for separate physical devices for each test scenario and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the testing system into modular virtual device components that can be independently configured and combined. Each virtual device is divided into functional modules (network interface, processing logic, protocol handlers) that can be mixed and matched to create different topology configurations, making the system more manageable and less complex than using complete physical device assemblies.
3Measurement precision
If physical devices are reconfigured for different test scenarios, then accurate device performance measurement is achieved, but the process becomes unreliable due to interference from varying device positions and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the testing parameters from physical device attributes (position, hardware configuration) to virtual device parameters (software configuration, logical topology). By controlling test conditions through software parameters rather than physical reconfiguration, the system maintains consistent measurement conditions while varying only the specific test parameters needed, thereby improving both precision and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote proximity bridge service receives respective specifications that indicate a respective proximity communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, serial port, etc.) to be used by devices of a client-specified network. The service may then select different test devices to be used for testing the client-specified network, such that the selected test devices are capable of using the proximity protocol. The test devices may also be configured based on the specifications. A test device may communicate with another test device using bridge devices. The test device transmits a signal to a first bridge device according to a proximity protocol. The first bridge device converts the signal into a network protocol message and transmits the message to a second bridge device. The second bridge device converts the message into a signal and transmits the signal to the other test device. Performance results of the test devices may be transmitted to a client network.