Wireless Test Bed Emulating Network Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing wireless communication device applications, such as field testing and emulator-based testing, fail to thoroughly evaluate applications under varying network conditions, leading to incomplete testing and potential abnormal behavior when installed on devices.
Innovation Solution
A test-bed system that receives user-defined testing parameters, establishes a wireless connection with the device, and emulates various network conditions, allowing for rigorous testing of applications in simulated environments that mirror real-world conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If field testing is used to test applications in real network conditions, then the application can be tested in actual deployment environment, but the tester cannot control network conditions and testing becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network emulator as an intermediary device between the wireless communication device and the actual network. The emulator simulates various network conditions (packet loss, delay, bandwidth limitations) that would otherwise require field testing, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining reliability through controlled simulation of real-world scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary testing in controlled environments using the network emulator before actual field deployment. By simulating various network conditions in advance, potential issues are identified and resolved before the application is deployed to real networks, reducing the need for extensive field testing and iterative fixes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If emulator-based testing is used to simulate various network conditions, then the application can be tested in controlled environments, but the application behaves abnormally when installed on actual wireless communication devices
Solution Approach 1:
The network emulator is designed to closely mimic actual network behavior and device characteristics. It acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between idealized emulation and real device operation, ensuring that applications tested on the emulator maintain consistent behavior when deployed on actual wireless communication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of emulation parameters to match specific device characteristics and network conditions. By configuring the emulator to replicate hardware and software environments of target devices, the testing results become more representative of actual device behavior, eliminating anomalies.
3Measurement precision
If field testing is used to test applications, then the application can be tested in real network environment, but the testing cannot cover varying network conditions and becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The network emulator serves as a controlled intermediary that provides precise measurement and control of network conditions without requiring complex field testing setups. It enables accurate measurement of application performance under specific network parameters while maintaining a manageable testing system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a test bed, a method and a computer program product for testing an application installed on a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device communicates with a server over a network through the test bed. Further, the test bed is connected to the server and receives various testing parameters from a user. Furthermore, the test bed establishes a wireless connection between the test bed and the wireless communication device. Thereafter, the test bed emulates various network conditions, based on the testing parameters, and subsequently communicates the emulated network conditions to the wireless communication device. The application installed on the wireless communication device experiences the emulated network conditions. The user then tests the application in the emulated network conditions.