EP1033022A2 - Appareil et procedes de test automatique de systemes de telecommunications sans fil - Google Patents

Appareil et procedes de test automatique de systemes de telecommunications sans fil

Info

Publication number
EP1033022A2
EP1033022A2 EP98942045A EP98942045A EP1033022A2 EP 1033022 A2 EP1033022 A2 EP 1033022A2 EP 98942045 A EP98942045 A EP 98942045A EP 98942045 A EP98942045 A EP 98942045A EP 1033022 A2 EP1033022 A2 EP 1033022A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
testing
service provider
wireless
provider network
wireless service
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98942045A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
John R. Watson
Thomas A. Hollfelder
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ameritec Corp
Original Assignee
Ameritec Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ameritec Corp filed Critical Ameritec Corp
Publication of EP1033022A2 publication Critical patent/EP1033022A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H04W24/06—Testing, supervising or monitoring using simulated traffic

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the field of automated test equipment. More particularly, it relates to automated test equipment for wireless communication systems, especially cellular communications systems and personal communications systems.
  • PCS personal communication services
  • Fig. 1 shows a diagramatic view of a typical wireless service provider network.
  • the complete system includes the public switched telephone network 10, the wireless service provider network 20 and wireless subscriber users 30.
  • the public switched network 10 serves in a conventional manner to provide switched communications among various callers.
  • the wireless service provider network 20 generally comprises a distribution network, most typically including a radio frequency distribution network of cell sites 22.
  • the cell sites 22 provide a wireless communication link to mobile communication devices or mobile phones 32.
  • Mobile phones 32 are known by various terms, and come in various technologies, examples of such terminology and technology include, but are not limited to, wireless cellular, flip phones, cellular phones, mobile telephones, cell phones and PCS phones.
  • one or more cell sites 22 are linked to a base station controller 24.
  • one or more base station controllers 24 are linked to a mobile telephone switching center 26.
  • the communication link 12 between the public switch network 10 and the wireless service provider 20, as well as communication links 28 among the various components of the wireless service provider network 20, are typically digital land- based or microwave carrier systems.
  • Tl, T3 or SONET facilities may be utilized.
  • mobile phones 32 were analog systems. More recently, mobile phones
  • Cell sites 22 are geographically distributed throughout a region served by a given wireless service provider. As the cell site 22 has a limited geographic coverage area, wireless service providers have been required to determine service area coverage through various methods. Predictive models of coverage area have been utilized. Further, "drive tests" have been utilized in which a technician affiliated with the wireless service provider moves about the geography of the region covered by the wireless service provider. Typically, a skilled field engineer drives a vehicle including sophisticated test equipment throughout the region believed to be covered by the wireless service provider. Commonly, the testing is initiated by causing a call to be placed from the mobile test equipment to a land-based, receiving location. A communication path is thereby established between the mobile test equipment and the receiving station. The initiation of the call from the mobile test equipment is initiated by the technician.
  • Tests typically performed include detailed radio frequency and system performance test data measuring radio frequency strength, frequency, noise, co-channel interference as well as other relevant parameters.
  • the test data is collected and archived within the mobile test vehicle.
  • the test data collected by the mobile unit is then often times combined with data from multiple other mobile units upon their return to the land- based facility.
  • Such "drive tests" utilizing dedicated testing vehicles is subject to a number of disadvantages.
  • a fully equipped vehicle used in a drive test often costs from $100,000 to $250,000.
  • a skilled field engineer is required to operate the equipment and conduct the tests.
  • multiple tasks must be performed in operating such systems, for example, the field engineer often collects the data, whereas then that data must be entered by yet another person for processing, and later for display.
  • Yet further intervention is required for modifications or upgrading of the equipment such as for upgrading software through revisions, bug-fixes or feature additions.
  • call simulator has many synonyms, including, but not limited to, load tester, load box, line simulator and bulk call generator. All of these terms generally relate to devices which serve to simulate calls.
  • a call simulator serves to automatically generate outbound calls through the wireless service provider network to various intended called parties.
  • the called parties are individuals having a mobile phone.
  • Various information regarding the placement of calls such as number of attempts and call completion percentages, may be generated at the load box end of the system.
  • the called parties may be requested to manually record various data regarding the call, such as location of the received call and some subjective assessment of the call quality.
  • Test equipment has been utilized in which a dedicated phone testing unit is placed in a vehicle.
  • the unit is adapted to work with a specific manufacturer's phone. Calls may be placed from and received by the dedicated phone, with network parameters under test including network coverage, quality, and identification of location of existing problems.
  • a GPS capability is provided to provide location information.
  • the parameter information is stored to a PCMCIA flash disk. This data may be transferred by a technician after storage for collection and analysis by the system.
  • a ruggedized personal computer is placed in a mobile vehicle for wireless network provider testing. The system utilizes actual speech samples to monitor the system quantitatively utilizing a mean opinion scoring measurement.
  • the mobile test unit consists of an embedded PC, audioprocessing hardware, GPS receiver and one or more cellular transceivers. The mobile test unit automatically places and receives calls to and from the field test unit while being driven over a selected or random route.
  • Wireless service providers have long sought methods for conducting coverage tests which provide usable system quality and performance data without the requirement for such time intensive and costly field engineer drive tests, and to make audio quality tests using traditional test methods without the need to depend on subjective Mean Opinion Score quality rating measurements.
  • This invention is directed towards a solution of these long standing concerns.
  • testing of the wireless service provider network generally comprises the steps of, first, initiating one or more outbound call attempts under control of a master to one or more automatic mobile responders, second, receiving calls from at least some of the automatic, mobile responders, third, monitoring parameters relating to the wireless service provider network and fourth, transmitting information between the responder and master indicative of the parameters.
  • Testing of the wireless service provider may be in any form or parameter, and especially includes quantitative testing of the wireless service provider network.
  • Other parametric testing optionally includes radio frequency power level testing, frequency testing, audio quality testing, especially through the use of the 23 -tone test, and spectrum analysis.
  • the testing method further includes the step of analyzing the information transmitted, preferably from multiple responders to the master.
  • information may be obtained from multiple automatic mobile responders located throughout the geography covered by the wireless service provider network, thereby providing real-time assessment of the network.
  • the system level invention comprises a system for testing a wireless network which generally comprises an analysis system coupled to a master, where the master serves to automatically place calls, and optionally to receive calls, when connected to a wireless network or public switched network.
  • the system includes one or more responders adapted to automatically communicate through the wireless service provider network with the master.
  • the responders are provided with an antenna connection for communication with the wireless service provider RF (radio frequency) network and include a receptacle adapted to receive one or more wireless communication device.
  • RF radio frequency
  • one or more standard mobile phones of any manufacturer may be utilized to emulate regular wireless subscriber calls.
  • the mobile phones used in the responder architecture may alternatively be VLSI-chip-level mobile phones, test phone or any combination thereof.
  • a responder control system typically includes a wireless control device controller, parametric testing systems and digital signal processing capability.
  • the system is equipped with a global positioning system which provides some or all of the position, time and velocity of the responder unit.
  • apparatus and method for testing communications between a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device over a wireless service provider network.
  • the apparatus and steps comprise utilizing a master to initiate a call to a first responder including a first wireless communication device, wherein the first responder is instructed to effectuate a subsequent call to the second wireless communication device in the second responder.
  • testing is performed.
  • At least one of the first and second responders communicates with the master to provide test data regarding the call between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device.
  • a testing system whereby "virtual subscribers" are provided by automated, mobile responder units.
  • the responders are of sufficiently small size so as to readily fit within a typical automobile trunk, and are more particularly preferred to be substantially smaller than the volume of the trunk, preferably less than one cubic foot.
  • the responders may be placed in vehicles which are not dedicated to the testing function, but have a independent purpose.
  • responders may be included in vehicles that cover regular, thorough routes, such as postal or public transit vehicles, or in vehicles which cover relatively regular routes with some degree of variation, such as delivery vehicles, or in vehicles which cover random routes, and may go into and out of the service area, such as taxis, or vehicles owned by the wireless service provider.
  • the responders typically would be located within a mobile vehicle, at least certain of the responders within a system may be immobile without varying from the invention described herein.
  • the system may be utilized to emulate any feature or function of the wireless service provider and to test implementation of that feature.
  • certain systems permit a mobile telephone number to be changed to another area code.
  • Certain models permit mobile phones telephone numbers to be changed remotely.
  • the system of this invention would permit the changing of the telephone number of the mobile phone, when permitted, either locally at the responder or remotely, to permit testing of this feature. In this way, accuracy of roaming and number verification systems can be achieved.
  • This particular test would serve to verify the home location register (HLR) used by wireless service providers.
  • HLR home location register
  • Yet other features of such a test system would permit testing of an authentication system center (AUC) which manages the security data for subscriber authentication.
  • the equipment identify register EIR which stores the data of mobile equipment (ME) or ME-related data.
  • FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a wireless service provider network.
  • Fig. 2 shows a diagrammatic view of the subscriber wireless automated remote measurement system.
  • Fig. 3 shows a block diagram description of the analysis software components for the subscriber wireless automated remote measurement system.
  • Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the responder equipment.
  • Fig. 5 shows a block diagram view of the main hardware components of the responder system.
  • Fig. 6 shows a flowchart for the responder program flow.
  • Fig. 7 shows a flowchart for the inside weight for command sequence.
  • Fig. 8 shows a flowchart for the received call-back instructions sequence.
  • Fig. 9 shows a flowchart for a send-current location/time sequence.
  • Fig. 10 shows a flowchart for the send oldest unsent unsuccessful call destails sequence.
  • Fig. 11 shows a flowchart for the 23-tone test receiving and scoring sequence.
  • Fig. 12 shows a flowchart for a network access test.
  • Fig. 13 shows a flowchart for an audio quality test.
  • Fig. 14 shows a flowchart for an unsuccessful completion test.
  • Fig. 15 shows a flowchart for a dropped call test.
  • a call simulator 40 serves to initiate telephone calls.
  • the call simulator 40 emulates telephone calls placed over lines 56 through the public switched telephone network 10 and the wireless service provider network 20 to a responder 42 via the cell site 22.
  • the call simulator 40 preferably includes the ability to receive calls originated from the responder 42.
  • Call simulators are available from many commercial sources including Ameritec Corporation (FeatureCallTM system), Zarak Systems, Inc. (Abacus: Advanced Bulk Call Simulator), Teradyne (Hammer product line), and Redcom (TeleTraffic Generator).
  • the responder 42 serves to generate and/ or receive calls. Further, it preferably performs parametric measurements of test calls and network status over the wireless network through one or more cellular telephone interfaces.
  • the responder typically would include one or more wireless communication device 48, such as a mobile phone or PCS device.
  • the responder 42 is capable of providing geographic position information. Most preferably, the responder 42 provides geographic position information through use of the global positioning system. In such a global positioning system, a satellite 52 provides positional information to the responder 42 as received by antenna 54. The responder 42 preferably provides the positional information via antenna 50 during a telephonic communication between the responder 42 and the line simulator 40 and analyzer 44.
  • the responder 42 may be deployed to various geographic locations.
  • the responder 42 would be included within a vehicle so as to travel through the service area. Automated coverage testing may be achieved through the use of such mobile responder units.
  • the responder units 42 operate remotely under control of the master 40. Most preferably, numerous responders 42 are provided in separate vehicles or locations throughout the service area, preferably in separate vehicles, so as to provide data to the master 40 and analyzer 44 under remote control from the master 40.
  • this test methodology and equipment enables the wireless service provider the ability to validate service area predictive model data and to provide a survey of the quality of service and network status throughout a designated service area utilizing the wireless service providers subscriber's mobile phones.
  • the system may be utilized to test for any telephony related problem consistent with the goals and objects of this invention, the main types of problems contemplated are as follows.
  • unsuccessful network access may be monitored.
  • Such an unsuccessful network access is an uplink problem wherein the wireless subscriber is unable to originate calls from a mobile phone.
  • the system may check for audio quality.
  • simulation of voice conversation is performed over a wireless connection and measured from the wireless subscribers location. Both downlink call simulation and uplink call simulation may be tested.
  • unsuccessful call completion may be monitored.
  • An unsuccessful call is defined as any call, either uplink and/or downlink, not completed as dialed.
  • dropped calls may be monitored. This generally is defined as any call terminated before a call termination command is initiated by either the calling or called party.
  • the responder 42 is preferably located within a vehicle, most preferably a vehicle which moves through a relatively large geographic area within the wireless service provider region. Examples of vehicles preferably utilized with the methods of the system include: postal or public transit vehicles (such as those that cover regular, thorough routes), delivery vehicles (such as those that cover regular routes which vary somewhat), taxis or other wireless service provider vehicles (such as those which cover random routes and sometimes go into and out of the service area). Alternatively, the responder 42 may be placed at a fixed location.
  • Fig. 3 shows a flowchart for the subscriber wireless automated remote measurement system analysis methods.
  • the master 60 bi-directionally interfaces with a graphical user interface system 62, such as the FeatureCallTM system.
  • the master 60 accesses the test processor 64.
  • the test processor 64 in turn interacts with the database 66.
  • the database 66 bi-directionally accesses a configuration screen and data manager 68 various reports 70, standard and custom, may be prepared.
  • the subscriber wireless automated remote measuring system analysis consists of the test processor 64, database 66, configuration screen and data manager 68 and report generator 70.
  • the database 66 must be of sufficient capacity, speed and sophistication to achieve the goals and objectives of this invention. Generally, a relational database management system (RDBMS) is utilized. In the preferred embodiment, the database 66 is Oracle Work Group for Windows NT. Among its various functions, the database 66 serves as a repository for test results and preferably contains configuration information.
  • the test processor 64 among other tasks, receives messages from the master 60 and translates them into SQL for the oracle database. Preferably, the test processor 64 is able to connect to multiple masters 60. Optionally, feedback may be provided from the test processor 64 to the master 60.
  • the report package 70 preferably includes a graphical user interface (GUI) application to display test results and print reports.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • Derived values may be calculated by the report package 70.
  • the configuration screens and data manager package 68 preferably serves to save data captured by the system for future analysis.
  • system 68 is a file management system for augmentation of the database 66.
  • the system 68 may be incorporated into the report package 70.
  • a geological information system for GIS may be utilized in conjunction with the system disclosed herein.
  • a geological information system provides through mapping software a system in which previously compiled geographic data may be combined with newly collected and/or processed information to provide a composite image.
  • Such software is available from many sources, including ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.), who offer programs including, but not limited to, Arc View, MapObjects, and ARC/INFO. Overlays may be utilized on the underlying data, such as location of cell sites, commercially existing map grids (e.g., Thomas Brother map grids) or other relevant points of interest, either geographical or man-made.
  • ESRI Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
  • MapObjects MapObjects
  • ARC/INFO ARC/INFO
  • Overlays may be utilized on the underlying data, such as location of cell sites, commercially existing map grids (e.g., Thomas Brother map grids) or other relevant points of interest, either geographical or man-made.
  • the analysis components identified in Fig. 3 may be run on a single Windows NT workstation or notebook, or any other system which is compatible with the objects of this invention, such as Unix platforms, whether in a single work station or client-server configuration.
  • the system requirements would include: a single Pentium or PentiumPro processor running at or above 133 MHZ, 1.5 Gb available disk space, 48 Mb of RAM, a CD-ROM, 10 base-T network card, and Windows NT 3.51 SPx or Windows NT 4.0 SPx.
  • Fig. 4 shows an exploded, perspective view of the responder 80 in one physical implementation.
  • the responder 80 may be relatively compact, such as to fit within a standard vehicle trunk, and is most preferably relatively compact, in the preferred embodiment being 8 inches x 11 inches x 2.5 inches, or smaller.
  • a base 82 is connected to a lid 84 such as by operation of a key lock system 88 which cooperatively secures the lid 84, base 82 and bracket 86.
  • the lid 84 is locked to the base 82 via a lock assembly 88.
  • the bracket 86 preferably includes flanges 90 disposed on the bottom of the base to permit mounting of the responder 80, such as on the floor of a vehicle trunk.
  • a bracket may be utilized to facilitate vehicle trunk or side- wall installations.
  • the interior of the responder 80 is preferably divided into two major components, the components being divided by a shield 92 so as to form a first compartment 94 and a second compartment 96.
  • the first compartment 94 may contain, preferably, one or more mobile phones 48, and may be alternatively designated as the mobile phone compartment 94.
  • the second compartment 96 may contain responder electronics and be alternatively designated as the responder electronics compartment 96.
  • One or more printed circuit boards 98 may be supported from the base 82 via standoffs 100.
  • the printed circuit boards 98 may include the circuitry for the responder and, optionally, the global positioning satellite daughter board standoffs.
  • the combination of a standard subscriber mobile phone and a component or chip-level mobile phone may be utilized on-line simultaneously on two separate cellular or PCS calls.
  • the results of these two separate calls may be coordinated and correlated by the analysis system.
  • the first compartment 94 when adapted for holding the mobile phone, preferably includes foam rubber material on both the base 82 and the lid 84. This foam rubber material serves to receive the mobile phone 48 within a nest so as to support the mobile phone 48 during vehicle motion.
  • a mobile phone window 102 is provided in the lid 84 to permit user observation of the mobile phone 48 panel.
  • the second compartment 96 is connected to the first compartment 94 by a connector 104 passing through shield 92.
  • the mobile phone connector 106 meets with connector 104 and connects to the mobile phone 48.
  • the mobile phone connector 106 is typically unique depending upon the type of mobile phone 48 utilized.
  • the software utilized by the responders cellular telephone controller serves to configure the system for the specific brand of mobile telephone then utilized within the responder 80.
  • the responder 80 includes various connections to external. An antenna connection
  • a barrier strip 112 or water tight connector preferably provides for connection to ground 114, battery 116 and vehicle ignition 118. Preferably, provision is made to reduce risk of electrical error from electrostatic discharge through use of O-rings or elastomeric gaskets for sealing.
  • Fig. 5 shows an electrical block diagram of the responder electronics.
  • a microprocessor 110 such as Zilog microprocessor, is coupled to an address bus 112, databus 114 and control signal lines 116.
  • a power supply 118 provides power to the system, and preferably comprises the vehicle battery.
  • a regulator/sensor 120 provides a low battery voltage flag signal to the microprocessor 110 via the address but 112.
  • the regulator 120 optionally couples to a mobile phone variable voltage regulator 122, which in turn is connected to the mobile phone input/ output port 124.
  • the mobile phone input/output port 124 is preferably coupled to an analog to digital codec 126 providing phone/audio input/output.
  • the A/D codec 126 is coupled to buses, such as address bus 112 and databus 114.
  • the A/D codec 126 is coupled to a digital signal processing chip 128, such as a 2171 DSP chip.
  • the mobile phone input/output port 124 is further connected for mobile phone data and control signal communication to the mobile phone controller 130.
  • the mobile telephone 130 is coupled to the buses, such as the address bus 112 and databus 114.
  • External computer input/output 132 is likewise coupled to the buses.
  • Various control signals 134 are provided to various electronics. Chip select is effected via coupling between the address bus 112 and the control signal interface 134.
  • an electronically programmable logic device (EPLD) 136 connects the chip select and control signal interface 134.
  • EPLD electronically programmable logic device
  • a global positioning satellite system is utilized.
  • a GPS daughter board 136 is coupled to the database 114.
  • An antenna 138 connects to the daughter board 136.
  • Fig. 6 is a software flowchart for the responder program flow.
  • cold start begins when the power rises above 11.4 volts in a nominally 12 volt system.
  • Initialization 142 includes some or all of the following: global reset, start z-180 program, initialize digital signal processor and mobile telephone controller (CTC) initialize mobile phone, set call-back count to 0 and set call sequence number to 0.
  • CTC digital signal processor and mobile telephone controller
  • a call is placed to the master 150, which if not successful, block 158, is logged in the circular queue 160.
  • a recheck is then made of the call-back count equally zero 148. If the call-back count is zero in decision block 148, the system waits for a call at block 162, receives the call at block 164, and performs a command at block 166. When completed, the system hangs up at step 168.
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart for the inside wait for command program flow.
  • the sequence checks the vehicle power status 172 after which the "phone off-hook" decision block 174 is reached. If the phone is off hook at block 174, the hang up mobile phone block 176 is executed and a return 178 is made to the wait for command block 170. If the phone is not off hook as determined in decision block 174, decision block 182 queries whether valid DTMF command has been received at block 180. If valid DTMF commands have been received at decision block 180, various commands may be directed, including one or more of the following: receive call back instructions 182, send current location and/or time 184, send oldest unsent unsuccessful call details 186, and receive and score 23-tone test 188.
  • DTMF Voice over Continuity
  • a modem may be utilized. Whether transmitted via DTMF or modem, it is preferred that an error checking procedure be utilized with the data transmission.
  • Fig. 8 shows a flowchart for the receive call back instructions sequence.
  • the master e.g., master 40 in Fig. 2 or 60 in Fig. 3
  • the responder e.g., 42 in Fig. 2
  • the responder initially is in the wait for command state 196.
  • the responder is in a corresponding receive command " 11 " and parameters state 198.
  • the call back number and call back counts are saved at block 200. The responder then returns to the wait for command state 196.
  • Fig. 9 shows the flowchart for the send current location/time sequence.
  • the master begins with the established call block 210.
  • the system then transmits command " 12" 212 to the responder.
  • the responder begins in a wait for command state 214.
  • the responder receives the prompting command in block 216.
  • the master is in the wait for reply state 218, the responder composes the result in state 220 and sends the result in state 222 to the master where it receives the result in state 224.
  • the responder returns to the wait for command state 214.
  • the master receives the result in step 224, it sends the result to the test processor in block 226 after which the program is placed in a done with command state 228.
  • Fig. 10 shows a flowchart for the send oldest unsent unsuccessful call details program flow.
  • the master begins with the establish call block 230.
  • the master transmits a prompting command at block 232 to the responder, which initially in the wait for command state 234 and then receives the prompting command in state 236.
  • the responder finds the data in the circular queue state 240, and sends the result at block 242 to the master who receives the result at block 244.
  • the master then sends the result to the test processor at step 246, after which the master is done with the command at block 248.
  • Fig. 11 is a flowchart for the 23-tone test receiving and scoring sequence.
  • the 23- tone test is described in one or more of the following United States Patents No. 4,301,536, 4,417,337 and 4,768,203, incorporated herein by reference.
  • the master establishes the call at block 250, acquires digital signal processing (DSP) resource at block 252 and transmits a prompting command at block 56 to the responder.
  • DSP digital signal processing
  • the responder begins in a wait state
  • the responder While the master waits a period of time, e.g., 500 milliseconds at block 260, the responder during that wait interval 260 prepares a DSP to receive the 23-tone sequence at block 262. The master sends the tones at step 264 and the receiver receives the tones at step 266. Alternatively, or in combination, the responder may be commanded to transmit the 23-tone test to the master for analysis of the uplink path audio quality. The responder then processes bins and prepares results at step 268, sending the result at step 270 to the master which receives them at step 272. The responder then proceeds to a wait for command state 256.
  • a period of time e.g., 500 milliseconds at block 260
  • the responder during that wait interval 260 prepares a DSP to receive the 23-tone sequence at block 262.
  • the master sends the tones at step 264 and the receiver receives the tones at step 266.
  • the responder may be commanded to transmit the 23-tone test
  • Fig. 12 shows a flowchart for the network access test.
  • start block 280 a call is placed to the mobile phone at step 282 after which call back instructions are sent at step 284. The system then hangs up and waits for a call at step 286, and is optionally subject to a time out 288. If the call is placed, the call is then accepted at step 290, where upon a request for the current location is made at step 292. A request for the oldest unsent unsuccessful call details step 294 is made.
  • decision block 296 if the system has not received all unsent data, the system loops to yet again request the oldest unsent unsuccessful call detail step 294. If all unsent data has been received as determined at decision block 296, decision block 298 determines whether more call attempts are necessary. If not, the program flows to a done state 300, whereas if more call attempts are required the program flows to the hang up and wait for call state 286.
  • Fig. 13 shows a flowchart for an audio quality test.
  • a call is placed to the mobile phone at step 312, upon which a request is made for the current location in step 314 as determined by the responder.
  • a 23-tone test is conducted at step 316.
  • the responder may be commanded to transmit the 23-tone test to the master for analysis of the uplink path audio quality.
  • Decision block 318 determines if the loop is done. If the loop is not done, another call to the mobile phone at step 312 is made. If the loop 318 is done, the system hangs up at step 320, and is placed in a done state 322.
  • tone tests such as the 23-tone test, the system may be full duplex, half duplex or simplex.
  • Fig. 14 shows a flowchart for an unsuccessful completion test. From start block 330, a call is placed to the mobile phone at step 332. After a request for the current location in step 334, the results are logged in the master at step 336. Thereafter, the system hangs up at step 338. As determined by decision block 340, if the loop is not done, the system loops back to the call mobile phone step 332, whereas if the loop 340 is done the system goes to a done state 342.
  • Fig. 15 shows a flowchart for a dropped call test. From the start block 350, a call is placed to the mobile phone in step 352. The results are logged in the master at step 354.
  • the system waits while tracking the current location and time at step 356.
  • the system hangs up at step 360 and logs a successful call to the test processor at step 362. If the call is not still up at decision block 358, it is logged as a dropped call to the test processor at step 364.
  • a call mobile phone step 352 is executed. If the loop done 366 is completed, the system goes to a done state 368.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil et des procédés de test d'un réseau fournisseur de services sans fil par un système d'abonné virtuel. Dans un aspect de cette invention, un procédé de tests d'un réseau fournisseur de services sans fil, d'une manière générale, comprend les étapes consistant à effectuer des tentatives d'appels vers l'extérieur sous la commande d'une unité maîtresse vers des répondeurs mobiles automatiques multiples, à recevoir les appels au niveau d'au moins certains des répondeurs, à contrôler des paramètres relatifs au réseau fournisseur de services sans fil et à transmettre des informations indicatives de ces paramètres à l'unité maîtresse. Les paramètres pouvant être testés par l'intermédiaire du système comprennent le test de la qualité audio, notamment le test de 23 tonalités, le test quantitatif de la qualité audio, le test de la puissance RF, le test de fréquence et le test d'analyse de spectre. Dans le procédé préféré, les tests peuvent être effectués par des unités de répondeur multiples déplacées à l'intérieur de la zone géographique du fournisseur de services sans fil, de manière à fournir une indication en temps réel de la qualité du réseau. De préférence, un système de positionnement global est utilisé pour produire des informations de localisation relatives à la position du répondeur. Dans un autre aspect de l'invention, on a prévu un procédé de test de communication entre deux dispositifs de télécommunications sans fil. Une unité maîtresse effectue un appel vers un premier répondeur comprenant un premier dispositif de télécommunication sans fil, le premier dispositif de télécommunication sans fil effectue un appel sur le réseau vers un second dispositif de télécommunication sans fil dans un second répondeur, le test est effectué et les résultats de ce test sont transmis à l'unité maîtresse par le réseau. Les dispositifs et les réseaux de télécommunications sans fil pouvant être testés avec ces inventions comprennent au moins des systèmes téléphoniques mobiles et des systèmes SCP.
EP98942045A 1997-09-02 1998-08-21 Appareil et procedes de test automatique de systemes de telecommunications sans fil Withdrawn EP1033022A2 (fr)

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US92182697A 1997-09-02 1997-09-02
US921826 1997-09-02
PCT/US1998/016763 WO1999012228A2 (fr) 1997-09-02 1998-08-21 Appareil et procedes de test automatique de systemes de telecommunications sans fil

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EP1033022A2 true EP1033022A2 (fr) 2000-09-06

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AU (1) AU9018298A (fr)
CA (1) CA2302399A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999012228A2 (fr)

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WO1999012228A3 (fr) 2000-06-29
AU9018298A (en) 1999-03-22
CA2302399A1 (fr) 1999-03-11
WO1999012228A9 (fr) 1999-05-14
WO1999012228A2 (fr) 1999-03-11

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