JPH1042044A - Countermeasure simulating method for call processing and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute desired unmanned actual verification by operating a pseudo-terminal which is falsely generated in a testing means by means of integrated procedure, executing a simulation to the terminal and verifying a processor. SOLUTION: A protocol control part 2 is normally arranged in the neighborhood of an exchange 3 in order to correctly control an operation time and a timing. An operating WS1 and a control part 2 are respectively provided with a communication control part consisting of a TPS/IP interface so as to making controlling possible the control part 2 from a WS part 1 with LAN/ WAN, which is arranged in a remote place. The control part 2 is provided with the same hardware as that of the terminal 5a and an opposed exchange 3b in the exchange to be tested 3a so as to simulate a calling/call-incoming operation as a terminal. Then, the plural terminals 5a and the exchange 3b are simulated under the control of the WS part 1 and protocol sequence is executed while obtaining synchronization at the time of a parallel operation based on the procedure of a procedure document 22.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for performing various tests for verifying a communication line including a digital / analog exchange, and more particularly to a method for performing tests by simulation corresponding to various protocols. The present invention relates to a call processing opposing simulation method and its apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a plurality of communication modes such as a telephone line network are shared by the same line, and various terminals perform tests for verifying operation check of a communication line connected via an exchange. In this method, an operator is arranged at each terminal, and the operation is performed by manual operation through exchange with a simulation device.

For example, there is a simulation apparatus for testing a line including a digital / analog switch as shown in FIG. The simulation device includes operation terminals 31a and 31b such as a personal computer (PS), a workstation (WS), and a telephone operated by a tester.
And a plurality of simulation devices 3 connected to the exchange under test 32 to simulate various tests.
3a to 33d, and a plurality of description systems 34a and 34b having different description formats and description formats each comprising a sequence for testing whether each facility is performing a normal operation or a specified operation.

At the time of this test, as many simulation devices 33a to 33d as necessary for the test are simultaneously connected, activated and operated. In this case, different procedures 34a,
34b, processing is performed in parallel with each other, but a plurality of testers perform tests while synchronizing as necessary due to the sequence of the procedure manual.

[0005]

The above-mentioned conventional simulation apparatus has the following problems. First, an operator is arranged in each of a large number of terminals and a plurality of simulation devices, and tests are performed in correspondence with each of the operators. Further, it is desirable that such a test be performed during a time period when the use of the line is small, such as on holidays or late at night, and it is not easy to arrange many operators during that time period. Time and frequency were limited.

Second, the functions of the simulation devices used in the conventional test are not uniform and differ depending on the signal type and the pseudo function (single call / multiple types / multiple calls / monitor / operation information collection). There is a problem.

(1) The operating environment of each operation terminal and the system startup / environment setting / simulation execution operation method of each device are different, and each device requires skill.

(2) In an actual configuration, the test switchboard and the simulation device are arranged close to each other, and the operation terminal and the simulation device are often arranged apart from each other. There is a simulation device that cannot be controlled from a computer.

(3) Since the test pattern of the protocol sequence is fixed for each simulation device,
Quasi-normal test and confirmation test of illegal processing cannot be performed.
(4) The test result is insufficient and an OK / NG result is obtained, but the operation sequence cannot be confirmed at the time of NG.

(5) When a plurality of operation terminals are heterogeneous devices, synchronization control between protocols cannot be performed. For example, it is not possible to perform synchronization control using different analog and digital signals of the apparatus, or overload (generating a large number of calls) and simulation of a single call using the same procedure manual.

(6) An installation space is required for each simulation apparatus, and the apparatus itself is large, so that the space factor as a test facility is deteriorated. (7) Since the simulation device does not support a dedicated protocol (undisclosed protocol), the conventional device does not support a protocol for a public terminal / fire and police related / relay system which is a dedicated protocol. Significant expense and time is required for new / enhanced functions.

[0012] Further, in addition to the test of the protocol sequence conforming to the service specifications and the international standards, it is impossible to receive any signal from the exchange under test and to collect and analyze the received signal (possible or impossible). Judgment only).

(8) These simulation devices are:
When constructing a simulation environment according to the purpose, it is not possible to set a flexible device configuration that can easily set an appropriate call volume and call type without waste.

Accordingly, the present invention supports a wide variety of protocols through the configuration of a unified procedural manual while recognizing the same operation and call voice as a real terminal with a pseudo terminal in a unified simulation environment from a remote location via a network. And
It is an object of the present invention to provide a call processing opposite simulation method and an apparatus thereof capable of performing desired verification unattended from single call processing to various kinds of call processing.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for testing a network comprising a plurality of terminals connected to a plurality of processing units having a switching function using a plurality of different types of protocols. In a verification method of connecting and performing various verifications, for each of the protocols, a procedure manual for simulating items for verifying the processing device based on a predetermined sequence is created or created. Managing, based on the protocol, overloading with a single call or a large number of calls, the remote testing means via the network,
By operating a pseudo terminal pseudo-generated in the test means in a unified procedure, in the simulation for the terminal,
A call processing opposite simulation method for verifying the processing device is provided.

Further, a communication system comprising a plurality of terminals, a plurality of processing devices having a switching function using a plurality of different types of protocols, and a network formed by connecting the terminals and the processing devices by lines. In a verification device that performs various verifications, a procedure manual for simulating items for verifying the processing device based on a predetermined sequence in a uniform manner with respect to the protocol, and a pseudo terminal generated in a pseudo manner. Operating means for operating and simulating the terminal with the pseudo terminal means, and for preparing for performing verification of the processing apparatus using the opposing simulator, performing a test, and instructing test result analysis; An interface unit connected to the operation unit via a line, and a building unit in which the protocols are arranged and connected in parallel. In block structure, and a protocol unit for storing a plurality of protocols, by an instruction from the operating means, to provide a configured call processing counter simulation apparatus by the protocol control unit for selectively controlling the protocol.

The above-described call processing opposite simulation method and its apparatus are provided from a remote location via a network.
By operating the pseudo terminal in a unified simulation environment, the test is performed while recognizing the same operation and call voice as operating the actual terminal, and the procedure result is created and reproduced from the execution result .

Furthermore, when a single procedure manual is prepared, various and flexible protocols are described, and the sequence of each protocol is executed in parallel while synchronizing them. The test is executed unattended and the execution results are collected. It is analyzed including pass / fail. Since the protocol is formed in the building block structure and packaged according to the protocol type, it is combined with a package according to a call type and a call volume.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a system for realizing a call processing counterpart simulation method and its apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of an operation WS unit and a protocol control unit which are characteristic parts of the present invention. FIG.

The system according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for the preparation, verification and test result analysis for verifying the digital exchange system using the counter simulator.
And a work station (WS) unit 1 for giving an instruction via the network, is connected to the work WS unit 1 via a network 4 such as an Ethernet or a telephone line, and has a physical interface with the exchange 3a under test. The protocol control unit 2 controls each protocol (corresponding to a line) based on an instruction of the operation WS unit 1 for exchanging with a plurality of stored protocols.

In response to an instruction from the operation WS unit 1,
An exchange control unit 8 for controlling the operation of the exchange 3 is provided. The GUI is included in the category of a human-machine interface (HMI) for smoothly exchanging information between the operator and the device, and is not particularly limited to the GUI but has the same function. It should just be.

The operating WS unit 1 has a display unit such as a display, and is provided with a plurality of pseudo terminals 5b connected to or displayed on the terminal unit 5a and a plurality of procedure manuals 22 described later. ing. The protocol control unit 2 includes a control unit 6 and a plurality of types of protocol units 7 that are connected to each other in a building block structure provided in parallel with the control unit 6.
It is connected to the exchange under test 3a such as a D70 exchange. Further, the pseudo terminal 5b and the procedure manual 22 may be stored in the memory of the operation WS unit 1 as data or program software, and may be operated by a GUI via a display screen.

The protocol control unit 2 is usually arranged near the exchange 3 in order to accurately control the operation time and timing. The operation WS unit 1 and the protocol control unit 2 are both TCP / IP. Communication control units 9a and 9b each comprising an interface are provided, and a protocol control unit 2 can be controlled from a remote operation WS unit 1 via a LAN / WAN.

The protocol control unit 2 has the same hardware interface as the terminal 5a and the opposite exchange 3b for the exchange under test 3a, and performs a calling / incoming operation as a terminal and an outgoing / incoming call as the opposite exchange. Implement the operation (simulation). Then, under the control of the operation WS unit 1, a plurality of terminals 5a and a plurality of opposite exchanges 3b are simulated, and when the parallel operation is performed based on the procedure of the procedure manual 22, the protocol sequence is executed while maintaining synchronization. Things.

Note that the protocol control unit 2 does not operate the above-mentioned operation WS unit 1, but the protocol manual 22 describes the protocol sequence in advance in a dedicated procedure manual format.
It may be a simple terminal that can input the data.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a specific configuration example of the operation WS unit 1 described above and will be described. This operation WS unit 1
Is composed of the following parts. (1) GUI unit 10 The terminal 5 is connected and functions as a human-machine interface. That is, for example, the tester operates a mouse or a keyboard to indicate an icon displayed on the display unit, and performs graphical control for performing various tests.

(2) Test support section 11 A section for constructing a test support environment for performing a remote test, an unmanned test, a procedure manual creation, and an analysis using an opposite simulator in accordance with an instruction input from the GUI section 10. is there.

(3) Procedure document execution control section 12 The protocol sequence described in the procedure document 22 is sequentially executed.
This part controls the execution and outputs the execution result information to the information accumulation unit 14.

(4) Test execution unit 13 Based on the control from the procedure manual execution control unit 12 and the test support unit 11, the protocol control unit 2 is activated via the communication control unit 9a to execute various tests. is there. As a result, audible sound (dial sound, PB sound, etc.) at the time of test execution
Can be confirmed on the operation WS unit 1 in real time.

(5) Communication control sections 9a and 9b These sections control communication between the operation WS section 1 and the protocol control section 2. (6) Information editing unit 14 This is a part that stores and reuses the results of the previously executed procedure manuals and test results as a repository, and generates the procedure manual 22 from the test results. The memory unit 15 has a digital protocol dictionary, and can easily create and edit complicated protocol data. Also, by passing the information collected in real time through a protocol dictionary, it can be represented by a logical signal.

The operation WS unit 1 configured as described above includes:
It interprets the operation of the test procedure book 22 and the pseudo terminal (the same function as a terminal such as a telephone on a GUI) and executes a call processing sequence with the exchange under test in real time.

In addition, the execution result can be collected and analyzed together with the time stamp and exchanges with the exchange under test, and the result of operation with a pseudo terminal or the like can be reproduced in a test procedure manual. By combining an exchange control unit in addition to the protocol control unit 2 described later, an unattended call processing automatic test can be performed. Therefore, by starting at a predetermined time, the test can be performed unattended without being affected by the presence or absence of the operator even in the middle of the night or on holidays when the line usage is low.

FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the configuration of the protocol control unit 2 described above. The protocol control unit 2 includes a communication control unit 9b, a control unit 6 including a common control unit 16 and a line distribution control unit 17, which will be described later, and a common line 1 for realizing a protocol sequence between the exchange 3 under test.
8, a switching unit 19, and a protocol unit 7 for individually supporting lines such as subscriber terminals 20. The details of these parts will be described.

(1) Communication control section 9b This section is connected to the communication control section 9a via the network 4 and controls communication with the operation WS section 1 and a simple terminal (PC).

(2) Common control section 16 A section for executing a protocol sequence while synchronizing a specific line and a plurality of protocol sections 7 based on control signals from the operation WS section 1 and a simple type terminal (PC). It is.

That is, the common control unit 16 executes the protocol sequence based on the instruction from the operation WS unit 1, and determines whether the simulation execution result is good or not (whether the execution is performed according to the procedure). Then, an execution control of an overload test or a composite test for simultaneously executing a large number of various pseudo calls from the plurality of terminals 20 and the opposite exchange 19 of the protocol unit 7 is performed. In addition, the same procedure is also used for testing a single call,
It can also be used individually or at the same time as an overloaded call.

Further, the reception signal information from the protocol unit 7 is temporarily stored, or the operation WS unit 1 is timely received.
Or a simple terminal (PC). (3) Line Distribution Control Unit 17 The protocol unit 7 is a part that is packaged for each protocol type and that can be freely combined according to the application. Each package is connected with a general-purpose path interface, so it is built with a building block structure that allows the combination to be freely selected.

(4) Protocol section 7 This section has a physical interface connected to an actual exchange via an actual line, and implements a protocol sequence with the exchange under test.

First, block control is performed based on the sequence of the procedure manual. Then, a protocol sequence is distributed according to each line of the protocol unit 7 for each block as shown in FIG. 5 to be described later, and it is determined whether the execution result of each block is good or bad (whether the execution was performed according to the procedure). This is sent to the common control unit 16. Then, according to the sequence of the procedure manual 22,
Signal transmission The signal transmission is performed while taking the timing.

In the signal reception from the exchange under test 3, any supposed signal can be received at any time without regard to the state. When a signal is received, the received signal and the time stamp are reported simultaneously.

If a specific signal reception instruction is described on the procedure manual 22 at the time of signal reception, the procedure manual 22
If the arrival waiting time of the signal is specified, the reception is reported immediately after the signal is received.

The procedure manual defines the operation order and timing of transmission and reception in communication performed in a time series. The timing includes, for example, a waiting time at the time of reception, and the like. It shows an extremely short time from when the receiver of a terminal is picked up to when a call is made.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a sequence based on the procedure manual of one protocol in which the terminals a and b as shown in FIG. 6A are configured with the exchange under test 21 and the opposite exchange.

This describes a procedure of an operation including the exchange 21 performed when another terminal b is called from the terminal a using the telephone network. In this sequence, the procedure manual is divided into six blocks.

Each of these blocks is a sequence of operations for each single sequence of the four protocols of transmission only, reception only, reception and transmission, transmission and reception. If the preceding block is not completed, the next block is executed. Do not shift to the sequence of

FIG. 6B shows a signal flow in the procedure manual shown in FIG. First, in block 1, a signal 1 is transmitted from the terminal a to the exchange under test 21, for example, a call signal is transmitted. In the next block 2, the terminal 1 receives the signal 1 from the exchange under test 21 and outputs it as a signal 2 indicating that the incoming call has been received.
Send to 1. For example, a response signal.

Hereinafter, in blocks 3 to 5, the exchanges based on the signals 3 and 4 are performed. Here, timings 1 and 2 indicate the waiting time. In block 3, after the signal 3 from the terminal b arrives at the exchange under test 21, after the waiting time at timing 1, the signal 3 is sent to the opposite exchange. Is sent. These timings are set by a device or the like or by experience.

In the procedure manual in this example, even when a signal other than the expected signal arrives at the time of waiting for signal reception, branching is performed according to the signal that has arrived, and subsequent processing is described or post-processing for terminating the procedure is executed. You can describe the procedure to be performed.

According to the call processing opposing simulation method and the apparatus of the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. First, for various protocols, simulation control and execution (single call, multiple calls, monitoring, collection of test results and analysis, etc.) are performed based on a unified procedure, and are executed on the operation WS section. , A test environment can be set from a remote place or a pseudo terminal such as a public telephone or an opposite exchange can be easily defined and tested by using a GUI.

Second, since the procedure can be described by focusing on each transmission / reception exchange as a protocol sequence, the procedure manual created once can be used for the next development unless the protocol sequence is changed. Even if the device under test changes, it can be reused as it is, and its applicability to degrading (confirming existing functions) test work and new systems is high.
It is efficient.

Thirdly, when the pseudo terminal displayed on the display screen on the operation WS unit is operated, a real audible sound (real sound on the line such as a DT sound or a ringback tone) can be heard and recognized. A continuity test during a call is possible even from a remote location.

Fourth, public telephones, police fire trunks, etc.
Since a variety of circuit types and call types are simulated, most of the call processing tests can be performed by remote control.

Fifth, the protocol control unit is packaged for each protocol type and has a building block structure in which the number of lines and the traffic can be freely selected and set according to the purpose. The amount can be freely selected.

Sixth, it is possible to execute a plurality of procedure manuals at the same time and to execute a large amount of call processing (such as an overload test). In addition, a test using a single call and a test using a plurality of calls (such as an overload test) can be performed using the same procedure manual.

[0055]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, a simulation of an opposite exchange with respect to an exchange under test can be performed by a pseudo terminal in the same operation and communication as a real terminal by a unified simulation environment from a remote place via a network. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a call processing opposite simulation method and an apparatus capable of performing desired verification unattended by coping with various protocols by a unified procedure manual configuration while recognizing voice.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system for realizing a call processing opposite simulation method and its device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation WS unit and a protocol control unit that are characteristic parts of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of an operation WS unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration example of a protocol control unit shown in FIG. 1 and will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol sequence based on a procedure manual in the embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a configuration diagram for explaining an example of a protocol sequence, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a signal flow in a procedure manual.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional simulation apparatus for testing a line including a digital / analog exchange.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation workstation (WS) part 2 ... Protocol control part 3a, 21 ... Switch under test 3b ... Opposite switch 4 ... Network 5a ... Terminal 5b ... Pseudo terminal 6 ... Control part 7 ... Protocol part 8 ... Switch control part 9a , 9b ... communication control unit 10 ... GUI unit 11 ... test support unit 12 ... procedure book execution control unit 13 ... test execution unit 14 ... information accumulation unit 15 ... memory unit 16 ... common control unit 17 ... line distribution control unit 18 ... common Line 19: Oncoming exchange 20: Subscriber terminal 22: Procedure manual

Claims (6)

[Claims] In a verification method for performing various verifications by connecting test means to a network formed by connecting a plurality of terminals and a plurality of processing apparatuses having a switching function using a plurality of different types of protocols, In accordance with the protocol, a procedure manual for simulating items for verifying the processing device based on a predetermined sequence is created or managed, and based on the procedure manual, a single call or a mass call is performed. Overloading, the remote testing means via the network,
A call processing opposing simulation method, characterized in that a pseudo terminal generated by the test means is operated in a unified procedure to simulate the terminal and to verify the processing device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in preparing and managing the procedure manual by the test means, the executed procedure manual and a result of simulation performed by the procedure manual are accumulated, and a new protocol dictionary associated with various protocol data is used. 2. The call processing opposite simulation method according to claim 1, wherein the procedure manual is created and reproduced and managed. 3. A simulation based on a procedure manual by the test means, wherein the procedure manual transmits and transmits the sequence.
Based on the exchange of reception, it is divided into a plurality of time-series block units, and along the unique timing of each terminal,
2. The call processing opposite simulation method according to claim 1, wherein signals are exchanged while being synchronized. 4. The simulation based on the procedure manual by the test means executes a call processing sequence in real time with the processing device by operating the procedure manual and a pseudo terminal generated in a simulated manner. 2. The call processing opposing simulation method according to claim 1, wherein the execution result is collected together with a time stamp, analyzed as to whether or not the operation is normal according to a predetermined routine, and used for reproducing the procedure manual. 5. A communication system comprising a plurality of terminals, a plurality of processing devices having a switching function using a plurality of different types of protocols, and a network formed by connecting the terminals and the processing devices by lines. In a verification device that performs various verifications, for the protocol, a procedure manual for simulating items for verifying the processing device based on a predetermined sequence and a pseudo terminal generated in a pseudo manner. Operating means for operating and simulating the terminal with the pseudo terminal means, and for preparing for performing verification of the processing apparatus using the opposing simulator, performing a test, and instructing test result analysis; An interface unit connected to the operation means via a line, and a building block in which the protocols are arranged and connected in parallel. In phrase structure, and protocol unit for storing said plurality of protocols, said an instruction from the operation unit, the call processing opposing simulation apparatus characterized by comprising: a protocol controller for selectively controlling the protocol. 6. The call processing opposite simulation device, wherein the protocol control unit further includes a processing device control unit that controls an operation of the processing device, and the protocol control unit is set in advance by a sequence based on a procedure manual of the operation unit. 6. The call processing opposite simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the opposite processing simulation is performed on the processing apparatus from the set time.