Method and apparatus for testing traffic and auxiliary channels in a wireless data communication system

• US 8,089,888 B2
• Filed: 12/10/2001
• Issued: 01/03/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Krishnamurthi, Rajeev, Pankaj, Rajesh K., Mohanty, Bibhu, Bender, Paul E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ahmed, Salman
• Application Number:
  US10/015,926
• Publication Number:
  US 20030142629A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,676 Days
• Field of Search: 370/242, 370/252, 370/249, 370/389, 370/253, 370/250, 455/423, 455/115.1, 455/226.1
• US Class Current: 370/250
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/0085 using test signal generators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/00 Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0847 Transmission error
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0888 Throughput
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/50 Testing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/00 Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/18 Negotiating wireless communication parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/00 Wireless network protocols or protocol adaptations to wireless operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 Access point devices

Abstract

Techniques to test performance of terminals and access points in CDMA data (e.g., cdma2000) systems. A framework of protocols and messages is provided to support systematic performance testing of terminals and to ensure interface compatibility. The framework comprises a Forward Test Application Protocol (FTAP) for testing forward channels and a Reverse Test Application Protocol (RTAP) for testing reverse channels. Techniques are also provided to (1) test different types of channels (e.g., traffic channels as well as auxiliary channels), (2) test bursty data transmissions, (3) support “persistence” testing (i.e., continued testing over connection and disconnection), (4) force the settings of certain auxiliary channels (e.g., so that the error rate of the channels may be determined), and (5) collect, log, and report various statistics that may be used to derive performance metrics such as throughput and packet error rate.

Claims

1. A method for testing forward link for specific configuration of one or more auxiliary channels in a wireless data communication system, comprising:

receiving a first message having included therein test settings selected from among a plurality of possible test settings for one or more auxiliary channels used to carry signaling for data transmission on the forward link for the one or more auxiliary channels, wherein the test settings selected comprise indications for configuring each auxiliary channel and indications of procedures to be performed by each auxiliary channel during testing, and wherein the first message includes a test setting indicative of maintenance of a test mode in an event of a connection closure or a lost connection;

configuring each auxiliary channel based on test settings applicable to the auxiliary channel;

transmitting an indication of configuration completion within a predetermined time interval of having received the first message; and

transmitting each configured auxiliary channel in accordance with the applicable test settings to test the configured auxiliary channel.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each test setting is provided via a respective record in the first message.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more auxiliary channels comprise at least one of an acknowledgement (ACK) channel and a data rate control (DRC) channel.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first message includes a test setting for a particular bit value to be transmitted on an acknowledgment (ACK) channel.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first message includes a test setting for a particular value to be transmitted on a data rate control (DRC) channel.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first message includes a test setting for a particular cover to be used for a data rate control (DRC) channel.