as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2007/0177513 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Aug. 2, 2007
`
`Kuokkanen
`
`US 20070177513A1
`
`(54) METHOD, APPARATUS, COMPUTER
`PROGRAM PRODUCT AND ARRANGEMENT
`FOR TESTING RADIO NETWORK DATA
`CONNECTION
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Jari Kuokkanen, Oulu (FI)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
`P.O. BOX 19928
`
`ALEXANDRIA,VA 22320 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Nemo Technologies OY, Oulunsalo (FI)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`—-10/591,295
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Mar. 22, 2005
`
`(86)
`
`PCT No.:
`
`PCT/EFI03/50100
`
`§ 371(¢)(),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`Sep. 25, 2006
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Mar. 26, 2004
`
`(FI) vecsccecccececsessessesneseeeeeees 20045108
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HO4L 12/26
`(2006.01)
`HO4L 12/56
`(52) US. Che
`cceseccssscssesseessee 370/241; 370/389; 370/401
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A method, apparatus, computer program product and
`arrangementfor testing radio network data connections. The
`method comprises establishing, by means of radio network
`terminals, simultaneous data connections in accordance with
`the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Proto-
`col) protocol or the UDP/IP (User Datagram Protocol/
`Internet Protocol) protocol from the host computerto at least
`one server connectedto the radio network. This is performed
`by establishing beach data connection from the host com-
`puter to a different public IP (Internet Protocol) address of
`the server, and dynamically establishing a dedicated unam-
`biguous route for each data connection, whereby the data
`connections to different IP addresses travel along different
`routes via different terminals and their air interfaces. Each
`established data connection may be measured separately.
`
`106
`
`lt SERVER|
`no
`INTERNET
`
`SERVER 2
`
`148
`
`150
`
`V6
`
`12 1416
`
`142
`
`116
`
`
`{DATA
`DATA
`TRANSFER | TRANSFER
`
`
`TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY
`]
`i
`
`
`2
`
`106
`
`7X
`
`NS
`
`134
`
`126
`130
`DATA|DATA 4139
`TR|TR
`TECHN| TECHN
`1
`2
`
`TERMINAL1
`
`TERMINAL2
`
`HOST
`POSITIONING
`104| COMPUTER—[y99DEVICE
`
`TESTING APPARATUS
`
`
`
`] S8
`
`106
`
`114
`
`116
`
`128
`
`Data Co Exhibit 1031
`Data Co Exhibit 1031
`Data Co v. Bright Data
`Data Co v. Bright Data
`
`
`
`138 RADIO
`
`NETWORK
`eae
`
`
`
`TERMINAL3
`TERMINAL4
`
`TERMINAL5
`
`TERMINAL
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 2,2007 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2007/0177513 Al
`
`ls—SERVER
`1467
`INTERNET
`M0
`150
`
`106
`
`148
`
`
`108
`4 16
`
`
`
`
`RADIO
`RADIO
`1344 NETWORK
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`RADIO
`NETWORK
`
`138
`
`wae enpere
`
`
`
`DATA
`i
`DATA
`
`TRANSFER | TRANSFER
`TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY
`
`1 £2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SERVER 2
`
`142
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘NS
`118 DATA|DATA 1139120 12 124 126 130}
`TR
`TR
`TECHN| TECHN
`1
`2
`
`
`
`
`
`TERMINAL1
`
`TERMINAL2
`
`TERMINAL3
`
`TERMINAL4
`
`TERMINAL5
`
`TERMINAL
`6
`
`108 10/12 14
`
`
`
`
`104
`128
`
`POSITIONING
`DEVICE
`
`104)
`
`|
`
`HOST
`COMPUTER
`
`|
`
`102
`
`FIG. 1
`
`116
`
`TESTING APPARATUS
`
`100
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 2,2007 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2007/0177513 Al
`
`SERVER1
`
`200
`
`SNI 2
`IP ADDRESS 2
`
`108
`
`146
`
`
`
`
`SNIT
`IP ADDRESS1
`148
`
`
`
`
`
`[P ADDRESS|
`
`
`202
`IP ADDRESS 2
`
`
` IP ADDRESS3
`
`SNI3
`IP ADDRESS 3
`
`
`150 IP ADDRESS 4
`
`
`INTERNET
`
`SERVER 2
`
`
`
`SERVICE
`
`
`IP ADDRESS ALIAS 5
`PROVIDER'S
`
`
`ROUTER
`IP ADDRESSALIAS 6
`
`208
`
`
`
`
`112
`
`114
`
`116
`
`IP ADDRESS4
`
`FIG. 2
`
`104
`
`GPS
`RECEIVER
`
`q
`
`C4
`338
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 2,2007 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2007/0177513 Al
`
`
`
`600 START
`
`
`
`602 ESTABLISH TCP/IP DATA CONNECTIONS
` NETWORK INTERFACE
`
`
`FROM HOST COMPUTER TO SERVER
`
`BY MEANS OF TERMINALS
`
`
`
`
`604 ESTABLISN EACH DATA CONNECTION
`TO DIFFERENT IP ADDRESS
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 4
`
`
`APPLICATION LAYER
`
`HOST-TO-HOST
`TRANSFER LAYER
`
`INTERNET LAYER
`
`LAYER
`TCP/IP
`
`Os!
`
`606 ESTABLISH DYNAMICALLY DEDICATED
`UNAMBIGIOUS ROUTE
`FOR EACH DATA CONNECTION
`608 MEASURE EACH DATA
`CONNECTION SEPARATELY
`
`
`
`143. Paar
`106
`
`TESTING APPARATUS
`
`
`508{ INTERFACE|¢}- NTERNETCOMNECTION 7NETWORK :
`
`
`
`
`TCP/IP STACK
`CON |
`506
`—4_
`ROUTING TABLE opeyd
`
`512
`7
`50”
`sop
`ROTOCOL TART
`fe—|APPUCATINCONNECTION
`
`
`
`
`FIG.5
`
`|
`
`|_TESTINGSOFTWARE_102 500 —[_TESTING SOFTWARE
`HOST COMPUTER
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 2,2007 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2007/0177513 Al
`
`C\>rovteprinteee
`Interfaelit ==©.
`ODsessssssesscsssseccescesesssceessetsssssssensesMS TCP Loopback interface
`0x18000003....00 53 45 00 00 00.................WAN(PPP/SLIP)Interface
`
`Active Routes:
`
`Network Destination Interface=MatricNetmask Gateway
`
`
`0.0.0.0
`700
`0.0.0.0
`10.105.136.163
`10.105.136.163
`1
`10.105.136.163
`255.255.255.255
`127.0.0.1
`127.0.0.1
`]
`
`
`
`10.255.255.255 10.105.136.163=10.105.136.163255.255.255.255 ]
`127.0.0.0
`255.0.0.0
`127.0.0.1
`127.0.0.1
`1
`
`
`
`192.168.254.254 110.105.136.163=10.105.136.163255.255.255.255 1
`224.0.0.0
`224.0.0.0
`110.105.136.163
`110.105.136.163
`1
`
`
`Persistent Routes:
`None
`
`Netmask:—255.255.224.0=.11111111.11111111.11100000.00000000
`702
`AND
`DestinationIP:80.223.161.25____01010000.11011111.10100001.00011001
`Result:
`80.223.160.0
`01010000.11011111.10100000.00000000
`
`704{ Network Destination
`
`80.223.161.25
`
`Netmask
`
`255.255.255.255
`
`Gateway
`
`110.105.136.163
`
`Interface
`
`110.105.136.163
`
`Metric
`
`1
`
`706
`
`255.255.255.255 TVW
`
`Netmask:
`AND
`DestinationIP:80.223.161.25____01070000.11011111.10100001.00011001
`Result:
`80.223.161.25
`—-01010000.11011111.10100001.00011001
`
`Itefacelist = = |
`OKT ceesssssssssssosssssvssssssssssssssssssssseseseteMS TCP Loopback interface
`0x18000003....00 53 45 00 00 00................WAN(PPP/SLIP)Interface
`0x19000004....00 53 45 00 00 00.................WAN (PPP/SLIP}Interface
`
`Active Routes:
`708
`
`Network Destination Interface=>MetricNetmask Gateway
`
`
`80.223.161.25
`255.255.255.255
`10.105.136.163
`10.105.136.163
`1
`80.223.160.29
`255.255.255.255
`110.105.146.249
`110.105.146.249
`l
`10.105.146.249
`
`Persistent Routes:
`None
`
`

`

`US 2007/0177513 Al
`
`Aug. 2, 2007
`
`METHOD, APPARATUS, COMPUTER PROGRAM
`PRODUCT AND ARRANGEMENT FOR TESTING
`RADIO NETWORK DATA CONNECTION
`
`FIELD
`
`[0001] The invention relates to a testing apparatus for
`radio network data connections, a method for testing radio
`network data connections, a computer program product,
`whichis installed in a host computer and which encodes a
`computer process for testing radio network data connec-
`tions, and an arrangementfor testing a radio network.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Operators have a need for finding out the capacity
`of data transfer in a radio network. Testing of this kind can
`be carried out
`in various ways, for example by testing
`internal load in one radio network, by comparing the capac-
`ity to that of the competitors’ radio networks, or by testing
`various supported data transfer techniques with one another
`either within the same radio network or between different
`radio networks. Different data transfer techniques may be
`examined in respect of their capacity or handover between
`different data transfer techniques, for example.
`
`[0003] Radio network terminals, which are controlled by
`a ‘host computer’, may be employed in testing. Thus the
`testing may be simultaneously carried out in the sameplace,
`which is important since the load and efficiency of a radio
`network vary considerably depending on the terminal loca-
`tion and testing time. The testing may employa test server
`or a real server, which is connected to the network to be
`tested through the Internet, for example. Nowadays the
`TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol)
`protocol is usually employed in data transfer.
`
`[0004] A problem arising in testing is that when several
`dial-up connections are opened from one host computer to
`terminals, all “socket connections” to be established travel
`along one connection between the host computer and the
`terminal, i.e. all dial-up connections are routed via one and
`the same terminal, not via different
`terminals and their
`interfaces. This problem distorts the test results, making
`them useless.
`
`this problem has been
`[0005] According to prior art,
`solved by using one host computer per each terminal. This
`can be implemented either by really providing a complete
`host computer (for example a portable computer) for each
`terminal or by providing a portable computer with an
`accessory including a sufficient number of independent host
`computers. These solutions are, however, relatively cumber-
`some and expensive since they require additional hardware
`parts. The structure ofthe testing software may also become
`unnecessarily complicated.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION
`
`[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an
`improved testing apparatus for radio network data connec-
`tions, an improved method of testing radio network data
`connections, an improved computer program product, which
`is installed in the host computer and which encodes a
`computer process for testing radio network data connec-
`tions, and an improved arrangement for testing a radio
`network.
`
`[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, there is
`provided a testing apparatus for radio network data connec-
`tions, the apparatus comprising at least two radio network
`terminals and a host computer, which is configured to
`establish, by means of the terminals, simultaneous data
`connections in accordance with the TCP/IP (Transmission
`Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocol or the UDP/IP
`(User Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocol to at
`least one server connected to the radio network and to
`
`measure each established data connection separately. The
`host computer is configured to establish each data connec-
`tion to a different public IP (Internet Protocol) address of the
`server and to dynamically establish a dedicated unambigu-
`ous route for each data connection, whereby the data con-
`nections to different
`IP addresses travel along different
`routes via different terminals and their air interfaces.
`
`[0008] According to an aspect of the invention, there is
`provided a method of testing radio network data connec-
`tions, comprising: establishing, by means of radio network
`terminals, simultaneous data connections in accordance with
`the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Proto-
`col) protocol or the UDP/IP (User Datagram Protocol/
`Internet Protocol) protocol from the host computerto at least
`one server connected to the radio network; and measuring
`each established data connection separately. The method
`further comprises: establishing each data connection from
`the host computerto a different public IP (Internet Protocol)
`address of the server; and dynamically establishing a dedi-
`cated unambiguousroute for each data connection, whereby
`the data connections to different IP addresses travel along
`different routes via different terminals and their air inter-
`faces.
`
`[0009] According to an aspect of the invention, there is
`provided a computer program product, which is installed in
`a host computer and which encodes a computer process for
`testing radio network data connections, the computer pro-
`cess comprising: establishing, by means of radio network
`terminals, simultaneous data connections in accordance with
`the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Proto-
`col) protocol or the UDP/IP (User Datagram Protocol/
`Internet Protocol) protocol from the host computerto at least
`one server connected to the radio network; and measuring
`each established data connection separately. The computer
`process further comprises: establishing each data connection
`from the host computer to a different public IP (Internet
`Protocol) address of the server; and dynamically establish-
`ing a dedicated unambiguousroute for each data connection,
`wherebythe data connections to different IP addresses travel
`along different routes via different terminals and their air
`interfaces.
`
`[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, there is
`provided an arrangement for testing radio network data
`connections, comprising at least two radio meansfor estab-
`lishing wireless data connections to a radio network, host
`meansfor establishing, utilizing the radio means, simulta-
`neous data connections in accordance with the TCP/IP
`(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocol
`or the UDP/IP (User Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol)
`protocolto at least one server connected to the data network,
`and measuring means for measuring each established data
`connection separately. The host means establish each data
`connection to a different public IP (Internet protocol)
`address of the server and dynamically establish a dedicated
`
`

`

`US 2007/0177513 Al
`
`Aug. 2, 2007
`
`unambiguous route for each data connection, whereby data
`connections to different IP addresses travel along different
`routes via different radio means andtheir interfaces.
`
`[0011] The invention provides several advantages. The
`solution according to the invention requires only one host
`computer. The invention provides reliable measurement
`results in different test situations. The solution allowsflex-
`ible testing of radio networks. The size of the testing
`apparatus according to the invention is moderate, and thusit
`is easy to transport in a vehicle or even on foot. The solution
`enables testing of multi-channel data transfer from one host
`computer.
`
`LIST OF FIGURES
`
`[0012] The invention will now be described in greater
`detail by means of preferred embodiments, with reference to
`the accompanying drawings, in which
`
`FIG.1 illustrates an embodimentofa testing appa-
`[0013]
`ratus for radio network data connections and connections of
`the testing apparatus to the radio networksto be tested,
`
`[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates embodiments of network inter-
`faces of the servers used in testing,
`
`[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the testing
`apparatus,
`
`[0016]
`stack,
`
`FIG.4 illustrates the structure of a TCP/IP protocol
`
`[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the testing
`apparatus,
`
`FIG.6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of
`[0018]
`a methodoftesting radio network data connections, and
`
`[0019]
`
`FIG.7 illustrates establishment of routes.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
`
`the structure of a testing
`[0020] Referring to FIG. 1,
`apparatus 100 for radio network data connections and con-
`nections of the testing apparatus 100 to networks 134, 136,
`138 to be tested will be described. The radio networks 134,
`136, 138 may be, for example, second-generation, 2.5-
`generation or third-generation public land mobile networks
`(PLMN). Examples of such mobile communication net-
`works include GSM (General System for Mobile Commu-
`nications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), UMTS
`(Universal Mobile Communications System) and TETRA
`(Terrestrial Trunked Radio).
`
`[0021] The radio network may simultaneously support
`more than one different data transfer technique: in FIG. 1,
`the radio network 138 supports two different data transfer
`techniques 140, 142. The data transfer technique may be of
`the packet-switched or of the circuit-switched type. In this
`context, the data transfer technique refers to various multi-
`use and modulation methods, for instance. Examples of data
`transfer techniques are EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for
`Global Evolution), CSD (Circuit-Switched Data), HSCSD
`(High-Speed CSD), CDMA (Code Division Multiple
`Access), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple
`Access) and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access).
`
`[0022] The radio network 134, 136, 138 may be a network
`other than a mobile communication network. An example of
`
`another kind of radio network is a wireless local area
`network (WLAN). An example of WLAN is the wireless
`local area network defined in the standards of the 802.11
`series by the IEEE (TheInstitute of Electrical and Electron-
`ics Engineers, Inc.).
`
`[0023] The testing apparatus 100 includes at least two
`radio network terminals. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, there
`are six terminals 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128. The terminal
`may be, for example, an ordinary subscriber terminal, a
`mobile station, a wireless network card, or a terminal
`designed and manufactured especially for test use by the
`producer. The terminal 128 is special in the respect that it
`supports two different data transfer techniques 130, 132. The
`terminal 128 may be, for example, a dual-band phone (or
`even a triband phone) or it may support second-generation,
`2.5-generation and third-generation air interfaces. The ter-
`minal 128 can be employed for testing the functionality of
`handovers upon switching from one data transfer technique
`to another, for instance. The terminal 128 may also support
`the simultaneous use of both data transfer techniques 130,
`132.
`
`[0024] The testing apparatus includes a host computer
`102. The host computer 102 may be an ordinary portable
`computer, for instance.
`
`[0025] The host computer 102 is configured to establish,
`employing the terminals 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128,
`simultaneous data connections 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116
`in accordance with the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Pro-
`tocol/Internet Protocol) protocol or the UDP/IP (User Data-
`gram Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocol to at least one
`server 148, 150 connected to the radio network 134, 136,
`138.
`
`[0026] The host computer 102 maybe an electronic digital
`computer comprising the following main parts: a central
`processing unit (CPU), a working memory and a system
`clock. In addition, various peripherals, such as a display, a
`keyboard, an audio card and loudspeakers, and a data
`storage unit, may be connected to the computer. The central
`processing unit comprises three main parts: registers, an
`arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and a control unit. The data
`structures and software required in programming can be
`implemented by a programming language. The host com-
`puter 102 can be configured by programming,i.e. by creat-
`ing software and data structures that contain the required
`functionality. Also, pure hardware implementationsare fea-
`sible,
`for example a circuit made up of separate logic
`components or one or more application-specific integrated
`circuits (ASIC). A hybrid of these implementations is con-
`ceivable, too. On selecting the implementation, a person
`skilled in the art will pay attention to the requirements set for
`the size and power consumption of the devices as well as to
`the necessary processing power, the production costs and the
`production lots, for instance.
`
`[0027] The host computer 102 is configured to establish
`each data connection 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 to a
`different public IP (Internet Protocol) address of the server
`148, 150 and to dynamically establish a dedicated unam-
`biguous route for each data connection 106, 108, 110, 112,
`114, 116, whereby the data connections 106, 108, 110, 112,
`114, 116 to different IP addresses travel along different
`routes via different terminals 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128
`and their air interfaces. The host computer 102 may be
`
`

`

`US 2007/0177513 Al
`
`Aug. 2, 2007
`
`configured to establish the data connections 106, 108, 110,
`112, 114, 116 as dial-up connections.
`[0028] Furthermore, the host computer 102 is configured
`to measure each established data connection 106, 108, 110,
`112, 114, 116 separately.
`[0029] The server 148, 150 may be, for example, an
`ordinary server computer. The server 148, 150 may be, for
`example, a WWW (World Wide Web) server or a server
`employing a protocol other than the HTTP (Hypertext
`Transfer Protocol), for example an FTP (File Transfer Pro-
`tocol) server. The server 148, 150 maybe an ordinary server
`used in production or a server intended particularly for test
`use. The server 148, 150 may be connected to the radio
`network 134, 136, 138 through the Internet 146, but other
`solutions are also feasible; for example, the server may be
`part of the radio network or the server may be connected to
`the radio network by means other than the data transfer
`network.
`
`[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates embodiments of the network
`interfaces of the servers 148, 150. The server 148 is con-
`nected to the Internet 146 by three different network inter-
`faces 200, 202, 204, each of which has a dedicated public IP
`address. The second server 150 is connected to the Internet
`
`by only one network interface 206 having one public IP
`address. The Internet service provider’s (ISP) router 208 has
`been provided with two ‘aliases’ of this one public IP
`address,
`in which case three public IP addresses are in
`practice shown outside the server.
`[0031] The testing apparatus 102 can perform various
`measurements and tests. For example, employing the termi-
`nals 118 and 120, data connections 106, 108 implemented by
`one data transfer technique can be tested within the radio
`network 134 of one operator. Correspondingly, terminals
`124 and 126 can test data connections implemented by
`different data transfer techniques 140, 142 within the radio
`network 138 of one operator. It is also feasible to compare
`data connections, for example 106, 110, 112, implemented
`by the same data transfer techniques within the radio net-
`works 134, 136 of different operators. Furthermore, data
`connections, for example 106, 110 and 112, implemented by
`different data transfer techniques may be compared to one
`another within the different radio networks 134, 136, 138 of
`different operators.
`[0032] The data transfer connection between the host
`computer 102 and the terminal 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128
`can be implemented by fixed or wireless prior art connec-
`tions, for example by Bluetooth® or another shortrange
`transceiver, such as an IrDA (TheInfrared Data Association)
`transceiver, via USB (Universal Serial Bus), via an RS-232
`port or via a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card
`International Association) slot.
`[0033]
`Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the terminals 118, 120,
`122, 124 may be placed in a specific rack 302. The rack 302
`may include a communication port, through which a data
`transfer connection 300 is implemented to the host computer
`102 utilizing USB, for example. The terminals 118, 120,
`122, 124 may be attached mechanically to the rack 302 to
`facilitate transportation. The data transfer connection 300
`may be divided between the terminals 118, 120, 122, 124 in
`the rack by meansof cables 304, 306, 308, 310, for example.
`[0034] The testing apparatus 100 may also include a
`positioning device 104, which in the embodimentof FIG. 3
`
`is a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The posi-
`tioning device 104 may also be based on another prior art
`positioning technique, such as positioning performed by the
`terminal 118 and/or the radio network 134. Utilizing the
`positioning device 104, the measurements results obtained
`by the testing apparatus 100 can be associated with an exact
`time andplace.
`
`Thetesting performed by the testing apparatus 100
`[0035]
`may comprise simultaneous data transfers, and the transfer
`results may be compared with one another directly and/or
`statistically. Several test series may be performed utilizing
`different Internet protocols (FTP, HTTP, SMTP,etc.). In the
`tests, socket connections may be opened, utilizing the
`above-mentionedprotocols, to the server 148, 150, whichis
`fixed or semi-fixed to the Internet 146, and further to the
`radio network 134, 136, 138. Othertests, such as voice calls,
`can thus be performedparallel with the data testing, but only
`data connections are dealt with here since the functioning of
`the solution is not dependent on the presence of other test
`types.
`
`In the testing, predeterminedtest files whose size
`[0036]
`and packing (redundancy) are known can be transferred
`from the server 148, 150, but the testing may also be carried
`out by transferring varying content found in the Internet,
`such as WWW pagesor broadcast-type audio/video data
`(stream). The terminals 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 having
`a public IP address enable the transfer of test data (for
`example audio, image, video, files) between two terminals,
`too.
`
`[0037] The tests can be performed at one geographic
`location. If necessary, the testing apparatus 100 can also be
`moved between the tests or during them. The testing can be
`performedas tests drives in a city, suburb or on the road, for
`instance. Test drives are usually carried out by placing the
`testing apparatus 100 in a car, but it may also be placed in
`public meansof transport, trucks, lorries, etc.
`
`[0038] The testing apparatus 100 may function automati-
`cally. The testing apparatus 100 may also be a semi-auto-
`matic system which is remotecontrolled (through the radio
`network or another wireless network) in a centralized man-
`ner and integrated in a vehicle or in a fixed place. The testing
`apparatus 100 may also be used inside. If necessary, the
`testing apparatus 100 may be moved around a building on
`foot, for instance.
`
`[0039] The testing may be performed in order to find a
`fault reported by customers,to statistically compare capacity
`or to carry outa statistical temporal comparison by perform-
`ing the sametests alwaysat the same time (the same moment
`or week day, etc.). The testing apparatus 100 consists of
`terminals 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, which are connected
`to one host computer 102 to enable centralized controlling of
`different data transfers by one program, simultaneous ini-
`tiation of transfers, as easy transportation of the testing
`apparatus as possible, and testing of different networks/
`techniques at the same time becausethe network load varies
`considerably depending on the time andplace.
`
`[0040] Since the TCP/IP protocol is very well known in
`the field, it will not be described in greater detail here, but
`the readers are urged, if necessary, to familiarize themselves
`with its specifications as well as with the numerous text-
`books whereit is described. FIG. 4, however, illustrates the
`
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`

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`
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`
`TCP/IP protocol stack at the general level and comparesit
`with the seven-layer protocol stack of the OSI (Open Sys-
`tems Interconnection) model. A network interface layer 400
`corresponds to layers one and two in the OSI model. The
`network interface layer 400 includes physical network tech-
`niques and protocols, for example Ethernet, ATM (Asyn-
`chronous Transfer Mode), Token Ring and Frame Relay. An
`Internet layer 402 corresponds to layer three of the OSI
`model and comprises lower protocols, such as IP, ARP and
`ICMP. A host-to-host transport layer 404 corresponds to
`layers four and five of the OSI model and includes TCP and
`UDP. An application layer 406 corresponds to layer six of
`the OSI model and includes higher protocols, such as FTP,
`HTTP, SMTO, POP3, etc. The TCP/IP protocol stack has no
`counterpart for layer seven of the OSI model. The protocols
`used in connection with the TCP/IP protocol include the
`following
`(RFC=“Request
`for Comments”=documents
`where the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and
`Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG) define the
`protocols concerned):
`
`[0041] ARP—Address Resolution Protocol [RFC 826].
`
`[0042] BOOTP—BootProtocol.
`
`[0043] CHARGEN—Character Generator
`[RFC 864].
`
`Protocol
`
`[0044] DAYTIME—DaytimeProtocol [RFC867].
`
`[0045] DHCP—Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
`[RFC 2131, 1534].
`
`[0046] DISCARD—Discard Protocol [RFC 863].
`
`[0047] DNS—Domain Name System [RFC 1065, 1035,
`1123, 1886, 2136, 2181].
`
`[0048] ECHO—EchoProtocol [RFC 862].
`
`[0049] FTP—File Transfer Protocol [RFC 959].
`
`[0050] HTTP—Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
`
`ICMP—lInternet Control Message Protocol
`[0051]
`[RFC 792].
`
`IP—Internet Protocol [RFC 791, 894, 919, 922,
`[0052]
`1042, 1828, 1852; 2401, 2402, 2406].
`
`[0053] NetBIOS—NetBIOS Service Protocols [RFC
`1001, 1002].
`
`[0054] POP3—Post Office Protocol, version 3.
`
`[0055] QUOTE—Quote of the Day Protocol
`865].
`
`[RFC
`
`[0056]
`
`SMTP—Simple Mail Transfer Protocol.
`
`SNMP—Simple Network ManagementProtocol
`[0057]
`[RFC 1157].
`
`[0058] TCP—Transmission Control Protocol
`793, 1144, 1323, 2018, 2581].
`
`[0059] TFTP—Trivial File Transfer Protocol
`783].
`
`[RFC
`
`[RFC
`
`[0060] TELNET—Telnet Protocol [RFC 854].
`
`[0061] UDP—User Datagram Protocol [RFC 768].
`
`[0062] VOIP—Voice OverIP Protocol.
`
`[0063] Furthermore, the following brief descriptions on
`the concepts used are provided:
`
`[0064] Data connection—See socket.
`
`the
`[0065] Dynamic IP address—an IP address that
`computer obtains using the DHCP or BOOTPprotocol
`and that usually (but not necessarily) changes whenthe
`computer is started.
`
`[0066] Non-public IP address—an IP address that is not
`shownin the Internet but is determined only internally
`in a local network.
`
`IP address—a 32-bit network address according
`[0067]
`to the IP protocol.
`
`[0068] Host computer—a portable computer, a desktop
`computer or an integrated computer [RFC 1122, 1123]
`with TCP/IP support and at least one active socket.
`
`[0069] Public IP address—an IP address that is shown
`to all computers connected to the Internet.
`erver—any
`computer which has at
`1
`p
`hich hi
`vy
`S
`0070]
`public IP address and provides a TCP/IP service to the
`Internet via at least one port.
`
`least one
`
`[0071] Port—a port according to the TCP/IP protocols
`(1-65535) to which a socket connection is established.
`
`[0072] Terminal—a radio network terminal capable of
`data connection, shown to a computer as a socket.
`
`[0073] Routing table—a collection of routes for routing
`IP traffic to different network interfaces.
`
`an IP address determined
`Static IP address
`[0074]
`permanently for a computer that does not change unless
`it is modified.
`
`[0075] Computer—aportable computer, a desktop com-
`puter or an integrated computer, comprising mobile
`stations and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) as well
`as other devices provided with a microprocessor and
`programs.
`
`[0076] Network Interface—a network card, a mobile
`station, a wireless network card, a modem or any
`device that enables a TCP/IP connection from and to a
`host computer.
`
`[0077] Netmask—a 32-bit mask of an IP address for
`determining subnetworks, for example; used also in
`routing for searching for the best route to the destina-
`tion address.
`
`Socket—a socket established by TCP or UDP
`[0078]
`from the computer to another computer; consists of an
`IP address and a port number.
`
`[0079] Gateway—a destination to which a packet is
`send, the gateway reperforms routing comparison and
`continues transmission of the packet.
`
`[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the testing
`apparatus 100. The actual testing software 500 runs on the
`host computer 102. The testing software 500 establishes
`TCP/IP data transfer connectionsutilizing a protocollibrary
`502. The protocol library 502 uses the TCP/IP stack for
`establishing data transfer connections. The TCP/IP stack 504
`includes a routing table 506 and an interface 508. According
`to the general operating principle of the protocol stack, peer
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`
`layers establish connections between themselves, of which
`FIG. 5 illustrates an Internet connection 510, a socket
`connection 512 and an application connection 514 between
`the testing apparatus 100 andthe server 148.
`
`[0081] The establishment of routes will be described next
`with reference to FIG. 7.
`
`[0082] The purpose is thus to compare two or more data
`transfers with each other by the testing apparatus 100 so that
`the transfers are independent of each other. A test file is
`transferred though a first connection. Subpackets ofthefile
`maynottravel through other connections and, to ensure that
`the transfer speed and other parameters are correct, packets
`of other connections may not pass through this connection.
`
`[0083] When a socket is opened, the operating system of
`the host computer 102 creates a few standard routes in the
`routing table for establishing a connection to the domain
`nameserver (DNS)andto the servers 148, 150 connected to
`the Internet or to other terminals.
`
`FIG.7 illustrates an example of the routing table
`[0084]
`700 when one data connection has been opened. One row
`denotes one route and each route consists of a destination IP
`
`address, a netmask, a gateway and an interface. When a
`program running on the host computer 100 contacts a server
`148, 150 connectedto the radio network, the IP system of the
`host computer 102 goes through the routes in the routing
`table 506 one by one, selects the best socket and placesits
`packet
`in the
`transmission queue.
`In the
`example,
`10.105.136.163 is the IP address of the socket WAN (Wide
`Area Network) visible to the network, and 127.0.0.1 is a
`local host, i.e. a local address by means of which programs
`running on the host computer 102 can establish socket
`connections between each other.
`
`In the route comparison process, the system per-
`[0085]
`forms a logical AND operation between the route netmask
`and the destination address of the outgoing packet. The
`result of this operation is compared to the route destination
`address and the operation is repeated on each route. The
`route that is selected is the one whose comparisonyields the
`best congruence when the bits of the masked address and
`destination address are compared from left to right. If all
`routes appear to be equal, the packet is transmitted to a
`default gateway. After the route has been selected, the packet
`is transferred to the outgoing queue