Investigation of Automated Terminal Interoperability Test

Abstract: In order to develop and secure the functionality of its cellular communications systems, Ericsson deals with numerous R&D and I&V activities. One important aspect is interoperability with mobile terminals from different vendors on the world market. Therefore Ericsson co-operates with mobile platform and user equipment manufacturers. These companies visit the interoperability developmental testing (IoDT) laboratories in Linköping to test their developmental products and prototypes in order to certify compliance with Ericsson's products. The knowledge exchange is mutual, Ericsson as well as the user equipment manufacturers benefit from the co-operation. The goal of this master's thesis performed at Ericsson AB is to suggest areas in which the IoDT testing can be automated in order to minimize time consuming and tedious work tasks. Primarily the search should be aimed at replacing manual tasks in use today. The thesis suggests a number of IoDT tasks that might be subject for automation. Among these one is chosen for implementation. The thesis also includes an implementation part. The task that has been chosen for implementation is the network verification after base station controller software upgrade procedure. This is not a core IoDT function but it implies a lot of work, and is often performed. The automation project is also supposed to act as a springboard for future automation within IoDT. The forthcoming LTE standard will require a lot of IoDT testing, and therefore the automation capabilities should be investigated. The thesis shows that automation work is possible, and that the startup process is straightforward. Existing tools are easy to use, and well supported. The network verification automated test scope has been successful.