Digital and Communication Technology
Testing the robustness of the 5G network infrastructure in the IoT era
The rollout of 5G has emerged as a prominent subject of discussion, yet its implications for daily life and the future of technology remain a central question. Post 2020, the global reliance on the digital realm for connectivity has become abundantly evident. Consequently, there is a growing necessity for networks to offer swiftness, dependability, and readiness to accommodate the continually escalating technological demand. Projections indicate that by 2025, over two billion devices will be interconnected. To ensure such growth is possible and successful, 5G networks need to withstand the increase in traffic, and, as a result, the robustness, security, and resilience need to be tested frequently. Distrelec explains more.
Understanding the role of quality assurance in 5G networks Put into its simplest form, quality assurance means being proactive and looking for any errors or flaws, including any problems in the process, before they become an issue for customers. Differing from its predecessors, 3G or 4G, 5G will be unlike anything seen before, meaning entirely different testing is needed. One of the most crucial changes for quality assurance testers is adjusting to the 3GPP specification and its implications for their acceptance test strategy.
The quality of any service or product keeps customers and clients returning to businesses, whereas outages, security breaches, and similar can harm not only the reputation of businesses but also their profits. Zendesk found that after more than one bad experience, 80 per cent of consumers would do business with a competitor instead. This solidifies the importance of quality assurance and its potential impact on business.
52 December/January 2024
Key testing methodologies for 5G network components
When it comes to key testing methodologies, there are several potential options; however, three key areas should be considered: functional testing, performance testing and interoperability testing. Combined, these three methodologies allow for comprehensive coverage and accuracy.
Functional testing focuses on validating functionality when it comes to different protocol layers while ensuring that they adhere to the standard specifications.
Performance testing assesses the network’s capability to handle high volumes of data traffic. In addition to this, performance testing analyses latency and throughput, doing so through packet loss while also identifying any potential bottlenecks or possible performance issues that would cause frustration or disruption to end users.
Interoperability testing is all about understanding compatibility, including
Components in Electronics
networks, devices and applications from various vendors, which will be needed to cement seamless communication and eradicate interoperability issues.
Security testing for 5G networks To ensure a safe and reliable network, multiple tests should be considered, including Security Compliance Testing (CST), Basic Vulnerability Assessment (VA), Enhanced Security Assessment and Penetration Testing (PT) and Incorporating Public Key Information (PKI) security. Combined, these give a broad scope of testing, adding an extra level of security. Working alongside machine learning and AI, these can work to spot and stop threats before they become an issue.
Tools and techniques for comprehensive quality assurance Several tools and techniques can be employed to ensure top quality assurance in telecommunications, combining
automation with human knowledge and preventing cyber-attacks before they can penetrate the network and cause chaos. Network Simulation Tools can be a great way to understand how a network performs and any issues that may arise before giving access to end-users. There are many network simulation tools that allow a range of areas to be modelled, including: NS-2, NS-3, Optimized Network Engineering Tool (OPNET), QualNet and OMNet++. Each has its merits and should be considered based on what is needed and available.
Due to its complexity, using automated testing frameworks for 5G has been noted as crucial to the testing process. As it says in the name, the process is automated, which reduces the likelihood of human errors and, as a result, improves efficiency overall. Some benefits of automated testing include increased speed and efficiency, more exhaustive tests and comprehensive coverage,
www.cieonline.co.uk
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