Telecommunication Network Test Automation via Message Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for testing telecommunication networks are labor-intensive and costly, requiring separate test development for each network element, with limited reusability of tests across different elements and necessitating expertise in programming languages, protocols, and expected results analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect management messages from a network management server, filter and replicate payloads to perform management operations on multiple network elements, encapsulating them for injection into the network, allowing automated testing without separate test development for each element, and adaptive rescheduling based on test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tests are developed for each network element, then test coverage and compliance checking are improved, but testing time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal test framework where a single test template can be applied across multiple network elements. The test management system enables parameterized testing where the same test structure can evaluate different network elements by simply changing parameters, eliminating the need to develop separate tests for each element while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses test result templates and result sets that can be copied and applied across multiple network elements. Instead of manually creating and analyzing separate test results for each element, the system generates standardized result templates that can be automatically applied, reducing the time required for testing while maintaining thorough evaluation.
2Reliability
If manual test development and analysis is performed, then test customization and compliance verification are improved, but operator workload and expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test management system performs self-service functions by automatically managing test execution, collecting results, and generating compliance reports. The system automatically compares test results against compliance criteria and generates detailed reports without requiring manual analysis, reducing operator workload while maintaining thorough compliance verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where test results are automatically collected, compared against expected outcomes, and used to generate compliance reports. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates manual analysis requirements and provides automated verification of compliance, reducing operator expertise requirements while maintaining reliable compliance checking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tests are adapted to common test platforms, then test reusability and standardization are improved, but test configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments tests into modular templates and result sets that can be independently configured and reused. The test management system separates test logic from execution details, allowing operators to select and reuse test templates without configuring complex parameters each time. This segmentation reduces configuration complexity while maintaining high reusability across different network elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed a method for supporting test of a plurality of network elements (NE1, NE2, NE3) of a telecommunication network (TN). The method comprises the steps of detecting a management message directed to a network element (NE1) of the plurality of network elements (NE1, NE2, NE3), filtering the detected management message (MM1) for obtaining an information (P) indicating a management operation, replicating the information (P) for obtaining at least one copy of the information (P), encapsulating the at least one copy of the information (P) in at least one further management message (MM2), injecting at least one of the at least one further management message (MM2) in the telecommunication network (TN).