WO2015079114A1

WO2015079114A1 - Methods and apparatus for testing of interworking

Info

Publication number: WO2015079114A1
Application number: PCT/FI2014/050918
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jussi-Pekka Koskinen; Jarkko Koskela
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2013-11-27
Filing date: 2014-11-27
Publication date: 2015-06-04

Abstract

Systems and techniques for testing of radio inter working. A radio bearer test mode of a wireless local area network capable user device and the device activates its wireless local area network radio. For the test mode, the device ignores user preferences relating to wireless access point selection and identifies as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING OF INTERWORKING

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present invention relates generally to wireless communication. More particularly, the invention relates to improved systems and techniques for testing of radio interworking.

BACKGROUND:

Wireless network operators are constantly struggling to use their available communication frequencies as efficiently as possible and to avoid degradation of service due to overloading of frequencies. Demand for wireless communication services is constantly increasing and it is a constant challenge to network operators to serve their users without saturating the frequencies devoted to cellular network use. One approach that has gained considerable interest is sharing of traffic between cellular and non-cellular networks, or (in the context of third generation partnership project (3GPP) communication), between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks). Wireless local area networks are widely used for data communication and they provide for the opportunity for communication over a range of frequencies different from those used by 3GPP cellular communications, and cellular operators may operate WLAN networks and may shift devices between their 3GPP networks and their WLAN networks as needed to achieve load balancing.

3GPP is developing specifications for management of such load balancing, and a number of issues have been highlighted for study for 3GPP Release 12: "WLAN/3GPP Radio Interworking (RP- 122038). Items of interest include allowing for operator control, enabling more efficient utilization of operator managed WLAN networks for data offloading from cellular access. Another item of interest is to provide mechanisms to return from WLAN to cellular access if service quality is not satisfactory over the WLAN.

Desirable solutions are those that provide for deployment scenarios with and without access network discovery and selection, testable solutions for WLAN/3GPP radio interworking, and development of test cases so as to insure sufficient test coverage for user equipment (UE) requirements.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment is an apparatus including a one or more processors and one or more memories including computer program code. The one or more memories and the computer program code are configured to, with the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: control a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes controlling a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

An additional exemplary embodiment includes a computer program, comprising code for performing the method of the previous paragraph, when the computer program is run on a processor. The computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer.

Another exemplary embodiment is an apparatus comprising a means for controlling a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection,

control a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection. A further exemplary embodiment is an apparatus comprising one or more processors and one or more memories including computer program code. The one or more memories and the computer program code are configured to, with the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: configuring a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and transmitting the signal to the user device.

A further exemplary embodiment is a method comprising: configuring a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and transmitting the signal to the user device.

Another exemplary embodiment is an apparatus comprising: means for configuring a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and means for transmitting the signal to the user device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Fig. 1 illustrates a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 2-4 illustrates processes according to embodiments of the present invention; and

Fig. 5 illustrates elements used in carrying out one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

One obstacle to (conformance) testing is that user preferences and the local operating environment are used to determine WLAN access point selection, with user preference being specified as having the highest priority. This priority of user preference is specified in 3GPP technical report 37.834, clause 5.1, as follows:

5. User preference always takes precedence over RAN based or ANDSF based rules.

A user might specify any number of approaches. For example, a user might specify a list of preferred wireless LAN access points, or a device might assemble a list of access points previously connected to by a user and automatically connect to an access point on the list when within range, with the user being allowed to change the selection when desired.

Local Operating Environment information can be optionally generated by a UE locally, and the contents of Local Operating Environment information may be implementation dependent. Such information may, for example, include rules for accessing WLAN access points based on their radio quality (such as power level, interference, load, and other appropriate characteristics).

If access network selection, traffic routing, or both, are based on local operating environment and user preference settings for a UE, and these factors have priority in network selection or traffic routing, the behavior of the UE will be unpredictable and so conformance testing will be difficult or impossible. In one or more embodiments of the invention, therefore, a network element such as a base station (an eNodeB or eNB in 3 GPP systems) signals the UE to set the UE to a state required by testing. User preferences may be initialized (for example, WLAN AP preference may be turned off) and the Local Operating Environment information may be initialized to a state required by testing (such as allowing all WLAN APs to be used).

Fig. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system 100 comprising cellular network, suitably a 3 GPP network, represented by a base station, which is suitably implemented as an eNodeB (eNB) 102 defining a cell 104. Within the area of the cell 104 are wireless network access points (APs) 106A-106C. The communication system 100 serves user devices (user equipments or UEs) 108A-108E, and these devices are capable of being served by the eNB 102 or the APs 106A-106C. The eNB 102 is configured to manage load balancing by transferring one or more UEs within its coverage area (in this case, one or more of the UEs 108A-108E) to one or the other of the APs 106A-106C. Under ordinary conditions, the UEs select APs for transfer based on local operating environment information and user preference, with user preference taking priority. However, in order to accomplish testing, the, selection of an access point for connection by the UE needs to be controlled, or at least predicted. In order to accomplish testing, the system 100 includes a system simulator 110, responsible for test control and for controlling a testing mode for UEs and directing UE behavior during the testing mode. The system simulator connects to a UE, typically with a radio frequency cable during signaling conformance testing (although some testing can typically be performed over the air). The system simulator 110 provides eNB and mobility management entity (MME) functions, such as access stratum and non-access stratum layers. Typically, testing is performed in the radio frequency shield so as to eliminate "live network" radio signals. The system simulator may direct or control the UE behavior through test control signaling, which may include detailed directions specifying UE behavior or may simply direct the UEs to enter a test mode (upon receiving an appropriate indication) in which detailed direction of UE behavior is performed or achieved. UEs used in conformance testing may be, for example, specially configured for test mode, configured to enter a testing mode in response to test control signaling.

Therefore, in one or more embodiments of the invention, mechanisms are used that override user preference or in one way or another base decisions on conditions other than user preferences. Such mechanisms may include, for example, test signaling by the system simulator 110 and the response to such test signaling by the UEs, or configurations of UE behavior. Approaches may include:

Local Operating Environment information is emptied/cleared/deleted/postponed o Alternatively all the detected / found WLAN APs / base stations would be considered as allowed

o Alternatively WLAN identifier(s) under a test could be set as a allowed i.e. the UE would not evaluate whether or not access/select that specific WLAN

AP

o Alternatively the radio quality (received signal strength indication, received channel power indicator, load, throughput, queuing delay etc.) threshold/rule could be set i.e. WLAN is allowed if e.g. RCPI of the WLAN is above the threshold etc.

User preferences (e.g. Allowed APs, using of WLAN):

o Are emptied/cleared/deleted/postponed/not utilized including e.g.

APs/service set identifications (SSIDs)AWLAN radio on/off setting

o Alternatively some (could be all) WLAN identifier(s) under a test could be set as a preferred / allowed /not allowed / WLAN turned on/off Any combination of the above

Fig. 2 illustrates a process 200 of test mode activation according to an embodiment of the present invention, with activation being directed through signaling by the system simulator. At block 202, UEs able to participate in testing are configured to enter a test mode upon receiving appropriate signaling from a system simulator. Configuration may include direction to activate (WLAN) radio communication, to ignore all user preferences relating to WLAN access, and to set Local Operating Environment conditions so that all WLAN APs indicated by the system simulator sending the test control signaling are designated as acceptable for selection regardless of radio conditions of the APs (provided that they can be detected by the UEs) At block 204, a system simulator transmits an ACTIVATE TEST MODE message to activate UEs configured to respond to the message The message may be included in a radio resource control DLInformationTransfer information element and may provide information directing UE behavior, such as specifying acceptable WLAN UEs. Alternatively a new information element indicating "WLAN testing" could be included in the ACTIVATE TEST MODE message. At block 206, the UEs respond to the message according to their configuration as specified at block 202 above, in accordance with any needed information included in the ACTIVATE TEST MODE message. At block 208, each UE entering test mode transmits an ACTIVATE TEST MODE COMPLETE message, suitably as part of a radio resource control DLInformationTransfer information element.

Fig. 3 illustrates a process 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. At block 302, system elements such as a WLAN AP and a 3GPP or 3GPP long term evolution (3GPP LTE) eNB are configured with good radio quality. At block 304, a UE is powered on and registration is completed for connection of the UE to the eNB. At block 306, a test mode is activated (suitably by signaling from a system simulator or from the eNB). In one alternative approach, the UE may be configured such that when the test mode is activated, user preferences are cleared, deleted, or postponed; In addition or as an alternative, local Operating Environment information may likewise be cleared, deleted, or postponed; and/or all detected WLAN APs or 3GPP eNBs are specified as allowed for access by the UE (with one possible configuration being that access is allowed only if a radio quality threshold for the AP or eNB is met); and/or WLAN communication for the UE is set to turn on or off depending on whether testing is to involve WLAN APs.

At block 308, UEs responding to test mode activation send ACTIVATE TEST

MODE MESSAGE COMPLETE messages to the system simulator or eNB. At block 310, cellular data transfer begins. At block 312, the element directing testing (such as the eNB or the system simulator) directs the UEs to switch to WLAN for data transfer (with the direction being accomplished, for example, through ANDSF or RAN commands). At block 314, the UE switches connection from the eNB to a WLAN access point and begins data transfer over WLAN.

Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative process 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the process 400 being similar to the process 300 of Fig. 4, but with the behavior of the UEs being explicitly directed by signaling from the system simulator. At block 402, system elements such as a WLAN AP and a 3GPP or 3GPP long term evolution (3GPP LTE) eNB are configured with good radio quality. At block 404, a UE is powered on and registration is completed for connection of the UE to the eNB. At block 406, a system simulator directs test mode operations by UEs. The simulator station may send a UE user preference and Local Operating Environment Configuration Request test control message, specifying clearance of user preferences and setting all detected WLAN

APs as acceptable for the UEs. As another alternative, the test control message may include a list of preferred or allowed WLAN identifiers. At block 408, UEs receiving and responding to the test control message send a UE USER PREFERENCE AND LOE

CONFIGURATION COMPLETE message to the system simulator. At block 410, cellular data transfer begins. At block 412, the element directing testing (such as the eNB or the system simulator) directs the UEs to switch to WLAN for data transfer (with the direction being accomplished, for example, through ANDSF or RAN commands). At block 414, the UE switches connection from the eNB to a WLAN access point and begins data transfer over WLAN.

Fig. 5 illustrates details of a base station, implemented as an eNB 500, a system simulator 520, and a mobile communications device, implemented as a UE 550. The eNB 500 may suitably comprise a transmitter 502, receiver 504, and antenna 506. The eNB 500 may also include a processor 508 and memory 510. The eNB 500 may employ data 512 and programs (PROGS) 514, residing in memory 510.

The system simulator 520 may comprise a transmitter 522, receiver 524, and antenna 526, and may also comprise a processor 528 and memory 530. The system simulator may employ data 532 and programs (PROGS) 534, residing in memory 530.

The UE 550 may suitably comprise a transmitter 552, receiver 554, and antenna 556. The UE 550 may also include a processor 558 and memory 560. The UE 550 may employ data 562 and programs (PROGS) 564, residing in memory 560.

At least one of the PROGs 514 in the eNB 500 is assumed to include a set of program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP 508, enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as detailed above. In these regards the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored on the MEM 510, which is executable by the DP 508 of the eNB 500, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware).

Similarly, at least one of the PROGs 534 in the system simulator 520 is assumed to include a set of program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP 528, enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as detailed above. In these regards the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored on the MEM 530, which is executable by the DP 528 of the system simulator 520, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware).

Similarly, at least one of the PROGs 564 in the UE 550 is assumed to include a set of program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP 558, enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as detailed above. In these regards the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored on the MEM 560, which is executable by the DP 558 of the UE 550, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware). Electronic devices implementing these aspects of the invention need not be the entire devices as depicted at Figure 1 or Fig. 5 or may be one or more components of same such as the above described tangibly stored software, hardware, firmware and DP, or a system on a chip SOC or an application specific integrated circuit ASIC.

In general, the various embodiments of the UE 550 can include, but are not limited to personal portable digital devices having wireless communication capabilities, including but not limited to cellular telephones, navigation devices, laptop/palmtop/tablet computers, digital cameras and music devices, and Internet appliances.

Various embodiments of the computer readable MEM 510, 530, and 560 include any data storage technology type which is suitable to the local technical environment, including but not limited to semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, removable memory, disc memory, flash memory, DRAM, SRAM, EEPROM and the like. Various embodiments of the DP 508, 528, and 558 include but are not limited to general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and multi-core processors.

The following are additional examples. Example 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; memory storing a program of instructions; wherein the memory storing the program of instructions is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: control a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

Example 2. The apparatus of example 1, wherein the memory storing the program of instructions is further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: activate a radio bearer test mode of the wireless local area network capable user device; control the device to activate its wireless local area network radio; and

identify, as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

Example 3. The apparatus of example 2, wherein activation of the test mode is performed in response to an activation message received from a system simulator.

Example 4. The apparatus of example 3, wherein the criteria established by the test mode are specified by the activation message. Example 5. The apparatus of example 2, 3, or 4, wherein the criteria established by the test mode specify that all wireless local area network access points indicated by the system simulator are acceptable for selection.

Example 6. The apparatus of example 2, 3, or 4, wherein the criteria established by the test mode specify that all access points meeting a specified radio quality threshold are acceptable for selection. Example 7. The apparatus of example 3 or 4, wherein the apparatus is caused to control the apparatus to perform operations based on specific direction included in the activation mode message. Example 8. The apparatus of example 7, wherein the apparatus is further caused to control the user device to send an activate test mode complete message after performing test mode operations.

Example 9. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 8, wherein the local environment operation information is suspended upon activation of a test mode. Example 10. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 9, wherein controlling the device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information comprises modifying at least one of the following: emptying, clearing, deleting, postponing, or not utilizing a user preference and/or local operating environment information. Example 11. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 10, wherein the user preferences comprise at least one of access point identifications, service set identifications, and wireless local area network radio on/off setting. Example 12. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 11, wherein controlling the device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection further comprises controlling the device in response to signaling to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection. Example 13. A user equipment comprising the apparatus of any of examples 1 to 12.

Example 14. A method comprising: controlling a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection. Example 15. The method of example 14, further comprising: activating a radio bearer test mode of the wireless local area network capable user device; controlling the device to activate its wireless local area network radio; and identifying, as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

Example 16. The method of example 15, wherein activation of the test mode is performed in response to an activation message received from a system simulator. Example 17. The method of example 15, wherein the criteria established by the test mode are specified by the activation message. Example 18. The method of example 15, 16, or 17, wherein the criteria established by the test mode specify that all wireless local area network access points indicated by the system simulator are acceptable for selection.

Example 19. The method of example 15, 16, or 17, wherein the criteria established by the test mode specify that all access points meeting a specified radio quality threshold are acceptable for selection. Example 20. The method of example 16 or 17, further comprising performing operations based on specific direction included in the activation mode message. Example 21. The method of example 20, further comprising sending an activate test mode complete message after performing test mode operations.

Example 22. The method of any of examples 14 to 20, wherein the local environment operation information is suspended upon activation of a test mode. Example 23. The method of any of examples 14 to 22, wherein controlling the device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information comprises modifying at least one of the following: emptying, clearing, deleting, postponing, or not utilizing a user preference and/or local operating environment information.

Example 24. The method of any of examples 14 to 23, wherein the user preferences comprise at least one of access point identifications, service set identifications, and wireless local area network radio on/off setting. Example 25. The method of any of examples 14 to 24, wherein controlling the device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection further comprises controlling the device in response to signaling to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

Example 26. A method comprising: configuring a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and transmitting the signal to the user device. Example 27. The method of example 26, wherein the signal is a test mode activation signal, and wherein the test mode activation signal causes the user device to enter a test mode and, while operating in the test mode, to ignore the user preferences and/or the local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection, and to identify as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode. Example 28. The method of any of examples 26 or 27, wherein the method comprises simulation of a system environment for one or more user devices.

Example

Example 29. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; memory storing a program of instructions; wherein the memory storing the program of instructions is configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: configure a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and

transmit the signal to the user device.

Example 30. The apparatus of example 29, wherein the signal is a test mode activation signal, and wherein the test mode activation signal causes the user device to enter a test mode and, while operating in the test mode, to ignore the user preferences and/or the local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection, and to identify as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode. Example 31. A system simulator comprising the apparatus of any of examples 29 or 30, configured to simulate a system environment for one or more user devices. Example 32. An apparatus comprising: means for controlling a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection. Example 33. The apparatus of example 32, further comprising: means for activating a radio bearer test mode of the wireless local area network capable user device; means for controlling the device to activate its wireless local area network radio; and means for identifying, as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

Example 34. An apparatus comprising: means for configuring a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and means for transmitting the signal to the user device. Example 35. The apparatus of example 34, wherein the signal is a test mode activation signal, wherein the test mode activation signal causes the user device to enter a test mode and, while operating in the test mode, to ignore the user preferences and/or the local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection, and to identify as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

Example 36. A system comprising that apparatus of any of the examples of 1 to 12 or the user equipment of example 13 and the apparatus of any of the examples 29 to 30 or the system simulator of example 31.

Example 37. A computer program comprising program code for executing the method according to any of examples 14 to 25 or 26 to 28. Example 38. The computer program according to example 37, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer. Electronic devices implementing these aspects of the invention need not be the entire devices as depicted at Fig. 1 or Fig. 5 or may be one or more components of same such as the above described tangibly stored software, hardware, firmware and DP, or a system on a chip SOC or an application specific integrated circuit ASIC.

In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises at least one processor and memory storing a program of instructions. The program of instructions is configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive a test mode activation message and respond to the test mode activation command by overriding user preferences for wireless local area network access point selection.

In another embodiment of the invention, access points specified by the test mode activation message as acceptable are designated as candidates for connection without respect to their radio quality.

In another embodiment of the invention, access points meeting a specified radio quality threshold are designated as candidates for connection.

In another embodiment of the invention, user preferences for use of access points are suspended upon entry into the test mode.

In another embodiment of the invention, local environment operation information is suspended upon entry into the test mode.

In another embodiment of the invention, behavior upon receiving the activate test mode message is conducted according to previous configuration.

In another embodiment of the invention, behavior upon receiving the activate test mode message is conducted based on specific direction included in the activate test mode message.

In another embodiment of the invention, an activate test mode complete message is sent after performing operations based on the activate test mode message. In another embodiment of the invention, a method comprises receiving a test mode activation message and responding to the test mode activation command by overriding user preferences for wireless local area network access point selection.

In another embodiment of the invention, a computer readable medium stores a program of instructions, execution of which by a processor configures an apparatus to at least receive a test mode activation message and respond to the test mode activation command by overriding user preferences for wireless local area network access point selection.

While various exemplary embodiments have been described above it should be appreciated that the practice of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and discussed here. Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this invention may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description. It will be further recognized that various blocks discussed above may be performed as steps, but the order in which they are presented is not limiting and they may be performed in any appropriate order with or without additional intervening blocks or steps.

Further, some of the various features of the above non-limiting embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other described features.

The foregoing description should therefore be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and exemplary embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

We claim:

1. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor;

memory storing a program of instructions;

wherein the memory storing the program of instructions is configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least:

control a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the memory storing the program of instructions is further configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least:

activate a radio bearer test mode of the wireless local area network capable user device;

control the device to activate its wireless local area network radio; and

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein activation of the test mode is performed in response to an activation message received from a system simulator.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the criteria established by the test mode are specified by the activation message.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein the criteria established by the test mode specify that all wireless local area network access points indicated by the system simulator are acceptable for selection.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein the criteria established by the test mode specify that all access points meeting a specified radio quality threshold are acceptable for selection.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein the apparatus is caused to control the apparatus to perform operations based on specific direction included in the activation mode message.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is further caused to control the user device to send an activate test mode complete message after performing test mode operations.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the local environment operation information is suspended upon activation of a test mode.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein controlling the device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information comprises modifying at least one of the following: emptying, clearing, deleting, postponing, or not utilizing a user preference and/or local operating environment information.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the user preferences comprise at least one of access point identifications, service set identifications, and wireless local area network radio on/off setting.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein controlling the device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection further comprises controlling the device in response to signaling to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

13. A user equipment comprising the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method comprising :

controlling a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user

preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

activating a radio bearer test mode of the wireless local area network capable user device;

controlling the device to activate its wireless local area network radio; and identifying, as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein activation of the test mode is performed in response to an activation message received from a system simulator.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the criteria established by the test mode are specified by the activation message.

18. The method of claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein the criteria established by the test mode specify that all wireless local area network access points indicated by the system simulator are acceptable for selection.

19. The method of claim 15, 16, or 17, wherein the criteria established by the test mode specify that all access points meeting a specified radio quality threshold are acceptable for selection.

20. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising performing operations based on specific direction included in the activation mode message.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising sending an activate test mode complete message after performing test mode operations.

22. The method of any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the local environment operation information is suspended upon activation of a test mode.

23. The method of any of claims 14 to 22, wherein controlling the device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information comprises modifying at least one of the following: emptying, clearing, deleting, postponing, or not utilizing a user preference and/or local operating environment information.

24. The method of any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the user preferences comprise at least one of access point identifications, service set identifications, and wireless local area network radio on/off setting.

25. The method of any of claims 14 to 24, wherein controlling the device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection further comprises controlling the device in response to signaling to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

26. A method comprising:

configuring a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and

transmitting the signal to the user device.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the signal is a test mode activation signal, and wherein the test mode activation signal causes the user device to enter a test mode and, while operating in the test mode, to ignore the user preferences and/or the local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection, and to identify as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

28. The method of any of claims 26 or 27, wherein the method comprises simulation of a system environment for one or more user devices.

29. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor;

memory storing a program of instructions;

wherein the memory storing the program of instructions is configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

configure a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and

transmit the signal to the user device.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the signal is a test mode activation signal, and wherein the test mode activation signal causes the user device to enter a test mode and, while operating in the test mode, to ignore the user preferences and/or the local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection, and to identify as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

31. A system simulator comprising the apparatus of any of claims 29 or 30, configured to simulate a system environment for one or more user devices.

32. An apparatus comprising:

means for controlling a wireless local area network capable user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising:

means for activating a radio bearer test mode of the wireless local area network capable user device;

means for controlling the device to activate its wireless local area network radio; and means for identifying, as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

34. An apparatus comprising:

means for configuring a signal for transmission to a wireless local area network capable user device, wherein the signal causes the user device to modify user preferences and/or local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection; and

means for transmitting the signal to the user device.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the signal is a test mode activation signal, wherein the test mode activation signal causes the user device to enter a test mode and, while operating in the test mode, to ignore the user preferences and/or the local operating environment information relating to wireless access point selection, and to identify as acceptable for selection, all wireless local area networks meeting criteria established by the test mode.

36. A system comprising that apparatus of any of the claims of 1 to 12 or the user equipment of claim 13 and the apparatus of any of the claims 29 to 30 or the system simulator of claim 31.

37. A computer program comprising program code for executing the method according to any of claims 14 to 25 or 26 to 28.

38. The computer program according to claim 37, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer.