Adaptive Virtual Service Testing via Signature-Based Capability Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The actual capability of network functions often differs from their stated specifications, making it difficult to determine how they will behave in a computer network and evaluate interoperability, leading to compatibility issues and performance bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A testing framework generates a derived signature for network functions based on metadata and network signatures to classify and categorize them accurately, allowing for efficient inventory management and selection of compatible functions for computer networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network functions are tested individually to determine actual capabilities, then reliability of capability determination is improved, but time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing on representative network functions and stores their capability profiles in advance. When a new network function arrives, the system first generates a signature and performs classification before detailed capability determination, using pre-established classification rules and previously tested capability profiles to accelerate the process while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates signatures that capture essential characteristics of network functions without requiring full duplication of the actual functions. These signatures serve as lightweight copies that enable classification and capability determination without needing to test every single network function instance individually, reducing time while preserving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive testing is performed on each network function, then measurement precision of capabilities is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The testing framework is segmented into distinct modular components: signature generation module, classification module, and capability determination module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the testing process, allowing for independent optimization and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces signatures as intermediary representations between the actual network functions and the testing framework. These signatures capture essential characteristics without requiring direct interaction with the full complexity of the network functions, simplifying the testing process while preserving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If vendor-stated specifications are used directly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of network function performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where actual capability measurements from testing are compared against vendor-stated specifications. This feedback loop allows the system to identify discrepancies and adjust capability determinations accordingly, maintaining ease of operation by accepting vendor specs while ensuring reliability through empirical verification and correction.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure describe a testing framework for adaptive virtual services. In an example, a function vendor provides a network function having stated specifications to a service provider. A derived signature is generated for the network function (e.g., based on associated metadata, an image associated with the network function, and/or a network signature for the network function), which is used to classify the network function. The testing framework is used to test the network function according to its classification, thereby determining a set of capabilities. In examples, a network function having the same or similar signature as a previously tested network function may be categorized according to the previously tested network function. The network function is categorized according to its determined capabilities and added to an inventory of network functions for the service provider. Network functions in the inventory can then be selected to form a computer network.