Virtual E911 Call Routing Validation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current E911 call testing methods are inefficient and costly, relying heavily on manual testing and physical drive tests, which are time-consuming and prone to human error, and often fail to validate all call scenarios and network configurations, leading to delays in deploying new cell sites and impacting public safety.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing big data analytics to compare new cell site configurations against established reference configurations, automating the validation of E911 call routing and delivery, eliminating the need for extensive physical testing by using historical call data and end-to-end processing node configurations to ensure compliance and quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing and physical drive tests are used for E911 call validation, then testing thoroughness can be maintained, but testing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of network elements (cell sites, PSAPs, selective routers) and call scenarios to simulate E911 call routing and data delivery. Instead of physically driving to test locations, the system uses virtual test calls that replicate real-world conditions, achieving comprehensive validation without physical presence. This allows multiple test scenarios to be executed simultaneously in a virtual environment, dramatically reducing testing time while maintaining thoroughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing processes with automated software-based validation. The virtual testing apparatus automatically configures test scenarios, executes call routing validation, monitors data delivery, and generates test reports without human intervention. This substitution of manual operations with automated systems eliminates the time-consuming nature of physical testing while ensuring consistent, thorough validation of all call scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If extensive physical testing is performed to validate all call scenarios, then validation accuracy improves, but deployment speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs virtual testing and validation before actual network deployment. By pre-configuring test scenarios, validating call routing logic, and verifying data delivery mechanisms in a virtual environment, the system ensures that all potential issues are identified and resolved prior to live deployment. This preliminary validation eliminates the need for extensive post-deployment testing, thereby maintaining high validation accuracy while accelerating the overall deployment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual replicas of the network infrastructure to conduct comprehensive validation tests. These virtual copies allow for repeated, rapid testing of all call scenarios without affecting the actual deployed network. Multiple test iterations can be performed quickly in the virtual environment, ensuring thorough validation while maintaining fast deployment timelines for the real network.
3Loss of information
If manual testing procedures are used, then detailed observation of call routing can be achieved, but human error increases and consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual testing apparatus incorporates automated feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor call routing, data delivery, and system responses. Test results are automatically captured, analyzed, and reported, eliminating human interpretation errors. The system provides detailed feedback on each test scenario outcome, including call routing paths, data transmission timing, and any deviations from expected behavior, ensuring consistent and reliable validation across all tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-validation through automated monitoring and analysis of call routing and data delivery. The virtual testing apparatus independently executes test scenarios, collects performance data, validates results against expected outcomes, and generates comprehensive test reports without human intervention. This self-service capability ensures consistent, repeatable testing with detailed observation of all call routing aspects, free from human error and variability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method of operating a communication system including a public safety answering point (PSAP). In an embodiment, an apparatus is configured to compare a new configuration for routing an E911 communication to the PSAP employing a new primary communication path from a new cell site sector to a deployed configuration for routing an E911 communication to the PSAP employing a deployed primary communication path from a deployed cell site sector. The apparatus is also configured to demonstrate that a communication from a handset in the new cell site sector can connect to another handset.