Virtualized Network Tester Emulation for VNF Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) in service provider networks are inefficient and costly, as they often require reactive fixes and limited load testing, making it difficult to simulate real network conditions accurately, especially with the rapid changes in network topology and user traffic patterns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of Virtualized Network Testers (VNTs) within the network to emulate external interfaces and environments, allowing for on-demand testing and deployment of VNFs, using metadata to define test suites and execute tests under realistic conditions, minimizing interference with real traffic and optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional reactive fixes and drive tests are used to test network changes, then network reliability is improved, but testing cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating virtualized network testers (VNTs) that can proactively test network functions before actual deployment or changes occur. The system retrieves test parameters, creates appropriate VNTs, and executes test suites in advance to identify potential issues, thereby improving network reliability while reducing the time needed for reactive testing and fixes.
2Measurement precision
If traditional drive tests with real mobile devices are used, then testing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating virtualized network testers (VNTs) that replicate the functionality of real mobile devices and network conditions in a virtual environment. These VNTs copy the essential characteristics and behaviors needed for accurate testing without requiring physical devices, thereby maintaining testing accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If comprehensive network testing is performed with real network conditions, then test realism is improved, but interference with production traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies intermediary by introducing virtualized network testers (VNTs) as a mediating layer between the test objectives and the actual network. These VNTs simulate real network conditions and traffic patterns in a controlled virtual environment, enabling comprehensive and realistic testing while isolating the production network from interference through virtualization boundaries.
4Productivity
If rapid deployment of new network functions is enabled through NFV, then productivity is improved, but testing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional virtualized network tester (VNT) system that can handle various testing scenarios, network functions, and conditions through a unified platform. The system retrieves appropriate test parameters based on the specific VNF being deployed and automatically creates and executes relevant test suites, enabling rapid deployment testing without proportionally increasing testing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for testing a Virtualized Network Function (VNF) in a network. Metadata including test parameters pertaining to a network environment specific to the VNF is retrieved. At least one Virtualized Network Tester (VNT) for testing the VNF is created and stored in the network. The metadata is mapped to a test list to define a test suite of test cases based on the test parameters in the metadata. The VNF is tested by the at least one VNT according to the test suite to enable the at least one VNT to emulate the network environment specific to the VNF. The VNF is disconnected from the network and from virtual networks during the testing. If the testing is successful, the VNF is attached to the network and to virtual networks to enable the VNF to be deployed in the network. If the testing is unsuccessful, the method ends.