SDN Controller Automated Network Service Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current networks face challenges in actively testing and monitoring transparent network services, such as firewalls and security services, due to the manual and time-consuming nature of inserting probing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller to generate and process test requests within the network, analyzing responses to evaluate the functionality of network services through repeated iterations until testing is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probing mechanisms are manually inserted into the network topology to test transparent network services, then the functionality and availability of network services can be tested, but the operation becomes manual and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion of probing mechanisms with an automated software-based system. The SDN controller automatically generates, injects, and analyzes test packets without manual intervention, substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated software system that reduces time loss while maintaining testing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-service by automatically generating test scenarios, injecting test packets, capturing responses, and analyzing results without external manual intervention. The SDN controller and testing software module work autonomously to complete the entire testing cycle, eliminating the need for manual probing mechanism insertion
2Reliability
If probing mechanisms are inserted into the network topology to actively test network services, then network service functionality can be monitored, but the process is manual and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion operations with automated software-based packet injection through the SDN controller. The controller programmatically generates and injects test packets into the network fabric without manual configuration, substituting complex manual operations with simple automated software commands that enhance ease of operation while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller serves as an intermediary between the testing software module and the network infrastructure. It receives testing requests, automatically configures the network path, injects test packets, and captures responses, mediating the entire process to eliminate manual insertion complexity while enabling effective network service monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for testing a network service associated with a communications network. In use, a network service to be tested is identified, the network service including at least one network service associated with a communication network. Further, test criteria associated with the network service to be tested is identified. Additionally, a test scenario is generated for testing the network service based on the testing criteria. Furthermore, a Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller is programmed such that: a request associated with the generated test scenario is sent to an ingress point associated with the network service; the request is received at an egress point of the network service, upon the request being processed utilizing the network service; and the request is passed back to a testing software module that initiated the request, the testing software module having knowledge of rules associated with the SDN controller for generating the testing scenario. Moreover, the request that is passed back to the testing software module that initiated the request is analyzed to test the network service. Still yet, a generated response to the request is sent to the egress point of the network service such that the network service is applied to the generated response and the generated response is passed back to the software testing module from the ingress point of the network service. The abovementioned sequence is repeated until testing is completed.