Test System Abstraction Module for Multi-Protocol Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network test applications require significant development efforts to support and test multiple protocols, leading to repetitive and costly development cycles due to their reliance on specific, compiled programming languages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing abstracted user-defined data through a Test System Abstraction (TSA) module to convert native protocol commands into TSA protocol commands, enabling the emulation of network test devices and allowing for the reuse of emulated network devices across different communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network test applications are implemented using compiled programming languages with protocol logic embedded for specific protocols, then the applications can perform dedicated protocol testing, but significant and continuous development efforts are required for each additional protocol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal test application framework that can handle multiple protocols through a common architecture. The test application server and protocol logic server work together to provide protocol-agnostic testing capabilities, where protocol-specific behaviors are implemented as pluggable modules rather than hard-coded logic. This allows a single test application to support multiple protocols without requiring separate development cycles for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the test application into separate functional modules: a test application server that handles test execution and a protocol logic server that handles protocol-specific processing. This segmentation allows protocol logic to be independently developed, tested, and updated without affecting the core test application functionality. Each protocol can be implemented as a separate module that can be dynamically loaded and unloaded.
2Reliability
If separate network test applications are developed for each protocol using compiled languages, then each application can be optimized for its specific protocol, but expensive and repetitive development cycles must be conducted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test platform that can accommodate multiple protocols through a standardized interface framework. The test application server provides common testing functionalities that work across different protocols, while protocol-specific extensions can be added through the protocol logic server. This eliminates the need to develop separate applications for each protocol while maintaining protocol-specific testing accuracy through modular protocol handlers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protocol logic server as an intermediary between the test application server and the devices under test. This intermediary layer translates protocol-specific requirements into standardized test operations, allowing the core test application to remain protocol-agnostic while still providing accurate protocol-specific testing. The intermediary handles protocol parsing, message generation, and response validation without requiring the test application itself to be rewritten for each protocol.
3Speed
If protocol logic is embedded in network test applications using compiled languages, then the applications can execute efficiently, but the applications lack flexibility to adapt to new protocols without significant redevelopment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic architecture where protocol logic can be loaded, unloaded, and updated during runtime without restarting the test application. The protocol logic server allows protocol modules to be dynamically instantiated based on the specific testing requirements. This dynamic approach maintains execution efficiency through optimized protocol handlers while providing adaptability to new protocols through on-demand module loading and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables protocol adaptability through configurable parameters and settings that can be adjusted without recompiling the application. Protocol-specific behaviors are controlled through parameter files, configuration databases, or script-based definitions that can be modified to support new protocols. This allows the same compiled application binary to adapt to different protocols by changing runtime parameters rather than requiring re compilation for each protocol variation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer readable media for utilizing abstracted user-defined data to conduct network protocol testing are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein comprises a method that includes receiving, by a test system abstraction (TSA) module from a device under test (DUT), a packet containing a command that is associated with a native protocol and converting the command included in the received packet into a TSA protocol command. The method further includes processing the TSA protocol command at a TSA engine module that is provisioned with at least one instruction sequence enabling the TSA engine module to emulate a network test device and generating, by the TSA engine module, a TSA protocol command response in accordance with protocol behavior specified by the at least one instruction sequence.