GB2313457A - Online test diagnostics - Google Patents

Online test diagnostics Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2313457A
GB2313457A GB9710353A GB9710353A GB2313457A GB 2313457 A GB2313457 A GB 2313457A GB 9710353 A GB9710353 A GB 9710353A GB 9710353 A GB9710353 A GB 9710353A GB 2313457 A GB2313457 A GB 2313457A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
test
network
network element
network manager
script
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Withdrawn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
GB9710353A
Other versions
GB9710353D0 (en
Inventor
Nam-No Lee
Arthur Choi
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.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Publication of GB9710353D0 publication Critical patent/GB9710353D0/en
Publication of GB2313457A publication Critical patent/GB2313457A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
    • G06F11/22—Detection or location of defective computer hardware by testing during standby operation or during idle time, e.g. start-up testing
    • G06F11/2294—Detection or location of defective computer hardware by testing during standby operation or during idle time, e.g. start-up testing by remote test
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L1/00—Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • H04L41/06—Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications
    • H04L41/0677—Localisation of faults

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
  • Computer And Data Communications (AREA)
  • Maintenance And Management Of Digital Transmission (AREA)
  • Debugging And Monitoring (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)

Abstract

An online diagnostic apparatus for finding a fault point in an electronic system comprises a network manager and a network element. The network manager prepares a diagnostic test script which is sent via a communications link to the network element where it is parsed and executed and the results sent back to the network manager. The script may contain a plurality of test procedures which are run in order of priority according to the script. The results may be saved before transmission to the network manager.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ONLINE TEST DIAGNOSTICS Background to the Invention The present invention generally relates to online diagnostic procedures, and more particularly, to an efficient apparatus and method for online test diagnostics.
When a network system or other electronic system fails, online diagnostic routines are used to locate the exact fault point so that corrective measures can be taken to either fix the fault or bypass the fault and fix it at a later date.
The majority of online diagnostic procedures incorporate Simple Network Management Protocols (SNMP) messages. In a network system, for example, a set of SNMP messages consisting of multiple test routines are sent from a network or work station manager (NM) to a network element (NE). The test routines are then run on the network element to locate the fault.
While effective, SNMP diagnostics have some drawbacks. One is that SNMP diagnostic procedures are characterized by larger, comprehensive fault detection searches, requiring much session setup and continual interaction between the network manager and the affected network element. The ability to run a subset of comprehensive search would decrease the constant interaction required of the standard SNMP protocols.
A second drawback is that the SNMP protocols lack the ability to prioritize the test routines. The ability to prioritize may be an important time savings feature, especially where a network element is repeatedly susceptible to the same fault.
In light of the forgoing, there exists a need for an improved apparatus and method for online test diagnostics and the present invention is directed to its provision.
Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention provides an online diagnostic apparatus comprising: a network manager for transmitting diagnostic test scripts, containing test procedures, to at least one network element via a communications link; each of the network elements being adapted to parse the text script, execute the test procedures and transmit the results of the test procedures to the network manager via the communications link.
The network elements may be adapted to save the results of the test procedures before transmitting them to the network manager. The network elements are preferably adapted to execute the test procedures in order of priority according to the test script.
The present invention also provides a method of performing online test diagnostics in which: a network manager transmits a diagnostic test script containing test procedures to a network element via a communications link; and the network element parses the test script, executes the test procedures and transmits the results of the test procedures to the network manager via the communications link.
Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a conventional SNMP diagnostic test sequence; Figure 2 is a block diagram of the diagnostic test procedures in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 3 is a flow diagram of the test procedure sequence of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of online test diagnostics to locate a fault point.
The apparatus and method described herein may be utilized in any number of host managers and systems. For simplicity and ease of discussion, the apparatus and method of the present invention is described with regard to a network system having a network manager and at least one network element.
Reference will be made to Figure 1, which illustrates a typical online Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) procedure. Network Manager 10 would send a diagnostic request or test scenario via communications line 'A' to Network Element 12. Network Element 12 would then confirm receipt of the diagnostic request 'A' via communication link 'B'. After the test scenario is run, shown by Test Execution block 14 and internal communication link 'C', the results 'D' are sent back to the Network Element 12. The Network Manager 10 then requests the diagnostic results 'E', with the Network Element 12 sending the diagnostic results via 'F'.
In the SNMP procedure, only one diagnostic scenario is sent per request 'A'. Moreover, the Network Manager/Network Element interface is characterized by four messages per request.
Figure 2 illustrates the more efficient diagnostic test procedure in accordance with the present invention. In general, rather than using test messages as the SNMP procedures, file based test scripts 'W' are sent from the Network Manager 20 to the Network Element 22. After the test scripts have been run and the results saved (shown by Test Execution block 24 and internal communications links 'X' and 'Y'), the Network Element 22 sends the results back to the Network Manager 20 via communication line 'Z'.
The functions of the Network Manager 20 and Network Element 22 will now be described in greater detail. The Network Manager 20 prepares the test scripts 'W' and down loads the test scripts to a target Network Element 22. The test scripts 'W' may be prepared manually or through a graphical user interface (GUI). After sending the test scripts to the target Network Element 22, the Network Manager 20 simply waits for the results without further query of the Network Element 22.
A test script 'W' consists of a set of test units and a starting test unit. A test unit consists of a sequence of statements, such as "assignment", "function", "call", "goto", "repeat", "accept", "reject", "abort", or "end" and the like. The test scripts 'W' can support may data types, including integer, string, integer array, and string array.
A sample test unit is shown in Table 1 with explanatory comments contained in brackets Table 1 - Sample Test Script
//Test Unit TestUnit QsaalTestt port~addr=0x00600O;(assign a port address] value=0xFE4500O; (assign a value] DiaFuncCall (port~addr,value);ttwo parameter diagnostic function] Reject (0) ) (result line where 0 means an error] PrintOut ("error reason/n"); Abort; } DiaFuncCallXYZ (100,200, "some string", "other string");(start a second, four parameter, diagnostic test] Accept (0) C (test results PrintOut ("All done"); End; The test script is easily configurable to incorporate one or more test units of the total available test units containing respective test procedures. For example, test script 'W' may incorporate test units #1, #3, and #5 out of a possible twenty test units, with each test unit containing a test procedure. Moreover, the user can customize the test scenario by prioritizing the test procedures, for example, by using a test script 'W' that runs test units #3, #5, and #1 in that order.
Referring back to Figure 2, after the test scripts are parsed or segregated, the test scripts are executed by the Network Element 22 (shown by Test Execution block 24). The results are saved and then sent back to the originating Network Manager 20.
With reference to Figures 2 and 3, and using the example described above, the test sequence will now be described.
The Network Manager 20 prepares and prioritizes test scripts #3, #5, and #1 in that order and downloads them to the Network Element 22 via communications link 'W'. The Network Element 22 parses the test scripts, executes and saves the results of test #3, executes and saves the results of test #5, and executes and saves the results of test #1. All three test results are then sent back to the Network Manager 20 via communications link 'Z'. The Network Manager 20 evaluates each test script result for an indication of either a successful test or a fault. It no fault is indicated, another set of test scripts are prepared and downloaded for execution by the Network Element 22.
Note that the sending a receiving communications links in the above disclosure are separately identified for simplicity and clarity of discussion of the data flow. It is understood that the communication links may be separate one-way links or single two-way lines, or some combination of the above.
The present invention, therefore, allows a user to customize and prioritize the test scripts and the sequence of execution. This ability to parse the test scripts and to prioritize provides significant advantages in error detection over the standard SNMP procedures. Various combinations of test procedures can be downloaded and executed in accordance with the diagnostic approach of the present invention.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS:
1. An online diagnostic apparatus comprising: a network manager for transmitting diagnostic test scripts, containing test procedures, to at least one network element via a communications link; each of the network elements being adapted to parse the text script, execute the test procedures and transmit the results of the test procedures to the network manager via the communications link.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which each of the network elements is adapted to save the results of the test procedures before transmitting them to the network manager.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which each of the network elements is adapted to execute the test procedures in order of priority according to the test script.
4. An online diagnostic apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
5. A method of performing online test diagnostics in which: a network manager transmits a diagnostic test script containing test procedures to a network element via a communications link; and the network element parses the test script, executes the test procedures and transmits the results of the test procedures to the network manager via the communications link.
6. A method according to claim 5 in which the network element saves the results of the test procedures before transmitting them to the network manager.
7. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6 in which the test procedures of the test script are prioritized and the network element executes the test procedures in priority order according to the test script.
8. A method of performing online test diagnostics substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
GB9710353A 1996-05-21 1997-05-21 Online test diagnostics Withdrawn GB2313457A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US65201996A 1996-05-21 1996-05-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9710353D0 GB9710353D0 (en) 1997-07-16
GB2313457A true GB2313457A (en) 1997-11-26

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GB9710353A Withdrawn GB2313457A (en) 1996-05-21 1997-05-21 Online test diagnostics

Country Status (4)

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JP (1) JPH1097478A (en)
KR (1) KR100242422B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1174461A (en)
GB (1) GB2313457A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2357170A (en) * 1999-12-08 2001-06-13 Inventec Corp Method and device for computer testing on a production line.
WO2001044925A2 (en) * 1999-12-17 2001-06-21 Honeywell International Inc. System and method for multiprocessor management
WO2001075685A1 (en) * 2000-04-01 2001-10-11 Abb Research Ltd. Method and system for recording and saving data from a production plant
GB2394089A (en) * 2002-09-10 2004-04-14 Sun Microsystems Inc Parsing test results having diverse formats
US6895573B2 (en) 2001-10-26 2005-05-17 Resultmaker A/S Method for generating a workflow on a computer, and a computer system adapted for performing the method
EP1791296A1 (en) * 2005-11-29 2007-05-30 Alcatel Lucent Automated QS interface testing framework
WO2008138685A1 (en) * 2007-05-14 2008-11-20 Abb Research Ltd Simplified support of an isolated computer network

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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CN100433668C (en) * 2002-08-19 2008-11-12 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 Method for appointing network manager of local area web
US7583587B2 (en) * 2004-01-30 2009-09-01 Microsoft Corporation Fault detection and diagnosis
KR100680999B1 (en) * 2005-12-08 2007-02-09 한국전자통신연구원 Simulation device for open service and method thereof
WO2012095960A1 (en) * 2011-01-12 2012-07-19 トヨタ自動車 株式会社 Online debugging system for information processing device and online debugging method

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US5278977A (en) * 1991-03-19 1994-01-11 Bull Hn Information Systems Inc. Intelligent node resident failure test and response in a multi-node system
US5367667A (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-11-22 Compaq Computer Corporation System for performing remote computer system diagnostic tests
US5491791A (en) * 1995-01-13 1996-02-13 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for remote workstation monitoring within a distributed computing environment

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5278977A (en) * 1991-03-19 1994-01-11 Bull Hn Information Systems Inc. Intelligent node resident failure test and response in a multi-node system
US5367667A (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-11-22 Compaq Computer Corporation System for performing remote computer system diagnostic tests
US5491791A (en) * 1995-01-13 1996-02-13 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for remote workstation monitoring within a distributed computing environment

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2357170B (en) * 1999-12-08 2002-02-06 Inventec Corp Method and device for computer testing
GB2357170A (en) * 1999-12-08 2001-06-13 Inventec Corp Method and device for computer testing on a production line.
WO2001044925A2 (en) * 1999-12-17 2001-06-21 Honeywell International Inc. System and method for multiprocessor management
WO2001044925A3 (en) * 1999-12-17 2002-02-21 Honeywell Int Inc System and method for multiprocessor management
US6668275B1 (en) 1999-12-17 2003-12-23 Honeywell International Inc. System and method for multiprocessor management
AU771290B2 (en) * 1999-12-17 2004-03-18 Honeywell International, Inc. System and method for multiprocessor management
WO2001075685A1 (en) * 2000-04-01 2001-10-11 Abb Research Ltd. Method and system for recording and saving data from a production plant
US7127312B2 (en) 2000-04-01 2006-10-24 Abb Research Ltd Method and system for acquiring and storing data from a production plant
US6895573B2 (en) 2001-10-26 2005-05-17 Resultmaker A/S Method for generating a workflow on a computer, and a computer system adapted for performing the method
GB2394089B (en) * 2002-09-10 2004-11-10 Sun Microsystems Inc Parsing test results having diverse formats
GB2394089A (en) * 2002-09-10 2004-04-14 Sun Microsystems Inc Parsing test results having diverse formats
EP1791296A1 (en) * 2005-11-29 2007-05-30 Alcatel Lucent Automated QS interface testing framework
CN101013968B (en) * 2005-11-29 2011-11-16 阿尔卡特公司 Automated interface testing method and system
US8079017B2 (en) 2005-11-29 2011-12-13 Alcatel-Lucent Automated QS interface testing framework
WO2008138685A1 (en) * 2007-05-14 2008-11-20 Abb Research Ltd Simplified support of an isolated computer network
EP2001164A1 (en) * 2007-05-14 2008-12-10 Abb Research Ltd. Simplified support of an isolated computer network
US8307069B2 (en) 2007-05-14 2012-11-06 Abb Research Ltd. Simplified support of an isolated computer network
CN101690006B (en) * 2007-05-14 2014-12-03 Abb研究有限公司 Method and device permitting for achieving relative data to performance from isolated computer network

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH1097478A (en) 1998-04-14
KR970078189A (en) 1997-12-12
GB9710353D0 (en) 1997-07-16
KR100242422B1 (en) 2000-02-01
CN1174461A (en) 1998-02-25

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