TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is directed to a system for testing devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] For a better understanding of the various embodiments of the invention, reference should be made to the description of embodiments below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

[0003] FIG. 1 is a high-level exploded view of a rack system associated with a universal test station, according to certain embodiments.

[0004] FIG. 2 is a high-level diagram of an exploded view of a Faraday cage associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments.

[0005] FIG. 3 is a high-level diagram of an enlarged view of the base plate of a Faraday cage associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 4 is a high-level diagram of an enlarged view of the back plate of a Faraday cage associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 5 is a high-level diagram of an enlarged view of the connector plate of a Faraday cage associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 6 is a high-level diagram of a perspective view of a MoCA harness associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 7 is a high-level diagram of an exploded view of a MoCA harness associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments

[0010] FIG. 8 is a high-level diagram of a perspective view of a splitter assembly of the MoCA harness associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments. [001 1] FIG. 9 is a high-level diagram of a router bracket of the MoCA harness associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 10 illustrates a high-level hardware architecture of a universal testing system for wireless routers tests, according to certain embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 1 1 illustrates a high-level hardware architecture of a universal testing system for cable modem tests, according to certain embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are high-level schematics of a front view of a set of Faraday cages of a universal testing system, according to certain embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 13 is a high level schematic that illustrates the connectivity features of backplates (also known as backplanes) of physical slots to test servers, according to certain embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 14 is a high-level schematic of connectivity of a given DUT with a MoCA LAN harness and a MoCA WAN harness, according to certain embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 15 is a high-level schematic that illustrates a WiFi test hardware setup, according to certain embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 16 is a high-level schematic that illustrates an FXO test hardware setup, according to certain embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 17 is a high-level schematic that illustrates a CMTS test harness associated with the FXO test hardware setup, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Methods, systems, user interfaces, and other aspects of the invention are described. Reference will be made to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments alone. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and

equivalents that are within the spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. [0021 ] Moreover, in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these particular details. In other instances, methods, procedures, components, and networks that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention.

[0022] Universal Test Station Architecture

[0023] According to certain embodiments, a universal test station for testing wireless devices such as wireless routers, cable modems, set top boxes, cable modems with eMTA (Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter, a combination cable modem and telephone adapter) comprises a modular rack with a symmetrical architecture and compact footprint. The symmetrical design provides for easy installation of the universal test station equipment. For example, the equipment includes:

• 2 MoCA harnesses

• 4 Faraday cages (each cage has 4 device test slots but the embodiments not restricted to 4 slots per Faraday cage. The number of slots per Faraday cage may vary from implementation to

implementation)

• 4 servers (the embodiments not restricted to 4 servers per rack. The number of servers per rack may vary from implementation to implementation).

• keyboard and mouse

• computer screen

• 4 PDUs (power distribution unit with multiple outputs to distribute

electric power to the equipment in the universal tester station

[0024] FIG. 1 is a high-level exploded view of a rack system associated with a universal test station, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a universal test station 100 set-up that includes a rack 101 , MoCA harnesses 102, Faraday cages 103, test servers 104, keyboard and mouse shelf 105, computer screen 106 with attachment, power distribution units 107 and cover plates 108. The embodiments not restricted to 4 Faraday cages per rack. The number of Faraday cages per rack may vary from implementation to implementation The symmetrical design of rack 101 accommodates 2 Faraday cages on the right side 1 1 1 of rack 101 and another 2 Faraday cages (not shown in FIG. 1 ) on the left side 1 12 of rack 101 . Similarly, the symmetrical design of rack 101 accommodates one MoCA harness that is accessible at the front side 109 of rack 101 and another MoCA harness that is accessible at the rear side 1 10 of rack 101 . Further, rack 101 can accommodate 4 servers. The embodiments not restricted to 4 servers per rack. The number of servers per rack may vary from implementation to implementation.

[0025] As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the symmetrical design of the rack not only provides for easy installation but also provides easy access to the test equipment supported by the rack. For example, as can be from FIG. 1 , each test slot of the Faraday cages are easily accessible from the right side 1 1 1 and left side 1 12 of rack 101. The test slots of the Faraday cages are easily accessible because the door assemblies face outward away from the rack. The computer screen 106, mouse and keyboard shelf are easily accessible from the front side 109 of rack 101 .

[0026] According to certain embodiments, the compact footprint of the rack 101 allows for the set up of multiple similar racks in the testing area of a room. According to certain embodiments, each rack 101 is approximately 7 feet in height and 3 feet in width and has a depth that can accommodate the Faraday cages as described herein. Each rack 101 can be assembled using standard 19 inch rack rails and rack shelves that are approximately 3 feet in width and with a depth that can

accommodate the Faraday cages as described herein. Further, rack 101 is not restricted to 4 Faraday cages, 4 servers, and 4 PDUs. Since rack 101 is modular in nature, rack 101 can be easily expanded to support an increased number of MoCA harnesses and/or Faraday cages and/or servers and/or PDUs, etc., depending on the floor space available and/or the needs or business objectives or technical objectives of the test facility or of the associated enterprise. Similarly, modular rack 101 can be easily reduced to support a reduced number of MoCA harnesses and/or Faraday cages and/or servers and/or PDUs, etc.

[0027] As a non-limiting example, each universal test station 100 is supplied with Internet connectivity for remote management and technical support of the universal test station 100. As a non-limiting example, Internet access for the universal test station 100 comprises a static public IP address. As another non-limiting example, each universal test station 100 has two "20A" outlets.

[0028] According to certain embodiments, as a non-limiting example, each server in the universal test station 100 is of a 3U rackmount size (e.g., 17.1 " x 5.1 " x 25.5") and supports the testing of 4 devices under test (DUTs) simultaneously. Each DUT when undergoing tests are installed in a given test slot of a given Faraday cage of universal test station 100.

[0029] According to certain embodiments, as a non-limiting example, the computer screen, keyboard and mouse (not shown in FIG. 1 ) are used for interacting with a web based GUI (e.g., GUI is an operator dashboard used for setting up the tests for one or more DUTs). The computer screen is attached to a wall mount arm, which in turn is attached to the rack. The computer screen can be rotated 90 ^ΰ and can be tilted downwards according to the needs of the operator.

[0030] As a non-limiting example, each server is equipped with at least the following components of the latest engineering design (if appropriate):

• 7 x Quad Ethernet card: Network interface cards are used to test the

LAN/WAN functionality of the device under test (DUT). The ports include cables that connect to the connector plate of a given test slot of a given Faraday Cage (there are 4 test slots in a Faraday cage, according to certain embodiments). The DUT is connected to the server ports through the connector plate.

• 4 x Dual Band Wireless adapter: The adapter cards are used to test the WiFi functionality of the DUT. Each adapter card supports 2 bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and IEEE 802.1 1 b/g/n/ac standard. The SMA (SubMiniature version A connectors or semi-precision coaxial RF connectors) cables run from the adaptor card ports to the connector plates of a given Faraday Cage where WiFi antennas are connected.

[0031 ] According to certain embodiments, there are total of 4 Faraday (RF) cages per universal test station 100. Each RF cage supports 4 test slots to support a total of 16 slots. Two of the RF cages are on right side of Rack 101 and the other two RF cages are on left side of Rack 101. The RF cages help protect the DUT from WiFi interference from nearby devices and DUTs. The WiFi signal strength and reverse/forward bandwidth of signals are improved to great extent through the use of RF cages, according to certain embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a high-level diagram of an exploded view of a Faraday cage

associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 2, Faraday cage 103 comprises 4 test slots (e.g., test slot 200). Faraday cage 103 includes a back plate 201 , right end plate 202, left end plate 203, 3 septum walls (such as septum wall 204), 4 connector plates (such as connector plate 205), 4 door assemblies (such as door assembly 206) with hinges 210, 3 center stiles (such as center stile 216), 2 rack ears (such as rack ear 207), a base plate 208, and a top plate 209, according to certain embodiments. The embodiments are not restricted to 4 slots per Faraday cage. The number of slots per Faraday cage may vary from implementation to implementation. The sizing of rack 101 can be modified to

accommodate Faraday cages that have more than or less than 4 slots per Faraday cage according to certain embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a high-level diagram of an enlarged view of the base plate of a

Faraday cage associated with the universal test station, according to certain

embodiments. In FIG. 3, base plate 208 of a Faraday cage associated with the universal test station comprises air holes 302 and a plurality of rivet holes 304 (for assembling a given Faraday cage) as can be seen around the perimeter 306 of base plate 208, according to certain embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a high-level diagram of an enlarged view of the back plate of a Faraday cage associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 4, back plate 201 of a Faraday cage associated with the universal test station comprises cut-outs 402 for associated connector plates (e.g., see connector plate 205 of FIG. 2), and a plurality of rivet holes 404 (for assembling a given Faraday cage and for installing the connector plates), according to certain embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a high-level diagram of an enlarged view of the connector plate of a Faraday cage associated with the universal test station, according to certain

embodiments. FIG. 5 shows a front view 205A, and a back view 205B of connector plate 205. Connector plate 205 includes 7 RJ45 coupler holes 501 , 2 RJ12 coupler holes 502, 2 F-Jack to F-Jack adapters 503, 2 SMA connectors 504, and a power harness 505, according to certain embodiments. A given DUT is installed one of the slots of a Faraday cage. The installed DUT is thus connected to the LAN, MoCA, WIFI interfaces (associated with the universal test station) and power through the connector plate 205, according to certain embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a high-level diagram of a perspective view of a MoCA harness associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6 shows a MoCA harness 102 that includes a harness chassis 601 , end plates (such as end plate 602), a top plate 603 (with holding holes 606) and 16 router brackets 604 (8 router brackets on each side of the harness chassis). The router brackets are associated with wireless routers configured as MoCA LAN Bridge and MoCA WAN Bridge for the test slots of the Faraday cages. Thus, each MoCA harness has total of 8 MoCA LAN Bridges and 8 MoCA WAN Bridges, according to certain embodiments. The MoCA LAN Bridges and MoCA WAN Bridges are used for testing the MoCA LAN/WAN functionality of a given DUT, according to certain embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a high-level diagram of an exploded view of a MoCA harness associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 7 shows a MoCA harness 102 that includes a harness chassis 601 (with bottom plate 703, and side walls 704), end plates 602, a top plate 603 and router brackets 604 (there are 8 router brackets on each side of the harness chassis 601 , but only one router bracket is shown in FIG. 7), and 2 splitter assemblies 702 (only 1 splitter assembly is shown in FIG. 7). The splitter assembly is designed to help in cable management and the routing of cables from the MoCA harness to the connector plates of the Faraday cages. Further, the splitter assembly makes for easy maintenance and convenient replacement of parts such as attenuators and splitters, according to certain embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a high-level diagram of a perspective view of a splitter assembly of the MoCA harness associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 8, the splitter assembly 702 includes four 3-way splitters 802, and 4 wire tabs 804, according to certain embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a high-level diagram of a router bracket of the MoCA harness associated with the universal test station, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 9 shows a top view 605A, a right side view 605B and a front side view 605C of the router bracket 605, according to certain embodiments. Router bracket 605 includes a bare modem card bracket 901 , a printed circuit board 902, a front bezel 903, and screws 904, according to certain embodiments.

[0040] Universal Testing System for Wireless Routers

[0041 ] FIG. 10 illustrates a high-level hardware architecture of a universal testing system for wireless routers tests, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 10 shows a test station 1000 that includes a test control computer 1002 (test controller), a plurality of test servers 1004a-1004n, non-limiting examples of user interfaces that can include touch screen display 1006, bar code scanners/keyboard/mouse 1012, a remote tablet 1008. Each of the plurality of test servers 1004a-1004n is associated with four Faraday cages/physical test slots. In each of the several physical test slots can be installed a device (e.g., wireless router) to be tested. Each installed device in the various physical slots is also referred to as a device under test (DUT). For ease of explanation and to avoid overcrowding the drawing of FIG. 10, FIG. 10 shows only one of the Faraday cages 1014/test slots. Each Faraday cage/test slot 1014 is associated with a MoCA Wan harness 1020, a MoCA LAN harness 1022 and a radio frequency (RF) splitter 1024. According to certain embodiments, MoCA LAN harness 1022 is connected to RF splitter 1024 via RF cable 1026b. MoCA WAN harness 1020 is connected to RF splitter 1024 via RF cable 1026a. RF splitter 1024 is connected to Faraday cage/test slot 1014 via COAX cable 1026c. Faraday cage/test slot 1014 has Ethernet connections to its associated test server. MoCA LAN harness 1022 also has an Ethernet connection 1029 to the associated test server. MoCA WAN harness 1020 also has an Ethernet connection 1028 to the associated test server. Test control computer 1002 and test servers 1004a-1004n have a LAN 1030 (Local Area Network) connection to a firewall/gateway/router 1010, which in turn is connected to a WAN 1032 (Wide Area Network). A user can optionally use remote wireless tablet 1008 to interface with test station 1000 remotely through a wireless communication 1034 to firewall/gateway/router 1010. According to certain embodiments, the firewall isolates the test framework of the testing system.

[0042] According to certain embodiments, the testing system comprises at least one test station. According to certain embodiments, each test station includes a plurality of Faraday cages/physical test slots. As a non-limiting example, a subset of the plurality of physical test slots is associated with a test server. As a non-limiting example, a test station may have plurality of test servers, each of which is associated with four Faraday cages/physical test slots. Further, embodiments are not restricted to four Faraday cages/ physical test slots per test server. The number of test servers, Faraday cages/test slots may vary from implementation to

implementation. According to certain embodiments, each test server includes virtuahzation containers that act as probes for testing devices installed in the physical slots in the test station.

[0043] According to certain embodiments, several wireless devices can be tested simultaneously in the test station.

[0044] According to certain embodiments, the user interface can communicate through web sockets with the test system. Such communication is in real-time, bidirectional and asynchronous so that the user can control and monitor the testing of multiple devices simultaneously and independently of each other using the same universal testing system.

[0045] According to certain embodiments, the testing system is capable of testing a set of similar types of devices or a set of disparate devices.

[0046] According to certain embodiments, test controller 1002 is a computer subsystem that manages the user interfaces of the testing system. Thus, at least the following devices are connected to test controller 1002: touch screen display 1006, and bar code scanners/keyboard/mouse 1012.

[0047] According to certain embodiments, touch screen display 1006 is a touch- enabled screen that senses user/operator inputs for a given DUT. For example, each DUT is represented on the touch screen display as a window that includes test related information such as test progress and test results. As another non-limiting example, a user/operator can use touch screen display 1006 to input light emitting diode (LED) status (is the LED lit or not lit) when the user/operator is prompted for inputs as part of the testing procedure of a given DUT.

[0048] According to certain embodiments, one or more the bar code scanners 1012 can be used to read DUT information such as serial number of the DUT, and default WiFi passwords associated with the given DUT. Such information is needed to conduct testing on the given DUT. [0049] According to certain embodiments, test controller 1002 includes an Ethernet interface to connect to the plurality of test servers 1004a-1004n. Test controller 1002 communicates with the plurality of test servers 1004a-1004n using such an Ethernet interface in order to conduct tests on the various DUTs that are installed in test station 1000.

[0050] According to certain embodiments, keyboard/mouse 1012 are part of test controller 1002 and can be used by the user/operator to input data needed to run the tests on the various DUTs installed in test station 1000.

[0051 ] According to certain embodiments, each test server of the plurality of test servers 1004a-1004n provides interfaces (hardware ports) needed to conduct one or more tests on the DUTs. Depending on the type of test, a given test may need a single port or multiple ports as part of the test infrastructure. According to certain embodiments, such ports are controlled by virtualization containers at the test servers.

[0052] According to certain embodiments, a given test server includes the following devices: PCI/PCI Express/Mini PCI Express slots, Ethernet connectivity hardware and software.

[0053] According to certain embodiments, the PCI/PCI Express/Mini PCI Express slots allow WiFi cards to be installed on a given test server to provide WiFi

connectivity in order to perform WiFi tests on the DUTs. Such slots can also be used to install Ethernet cards to provide Ethernet ports in order to perform tests on the DUTs. According to certain embodiments, such PCI/PCI Express/Mini PCI Express slots can host a set of ports that can be associated with a corresponding set of virtualization containers on the test servers. Such virtualization containers are used for testing various features on the DUTs such as WiFi, LAN, WAN, or MoCa

interfaces of a given DUT.

[0054] According to certain embodiments, a voice port associated with an FXO card is used for testing VoIP connection and functions.

[0055] According to certain embodiments, Ethernet connectivity hardware and software are provided in order to connect the test controller computer to the plurality of test servers for controlling the plurality of test servers.

[0056] According to certain embodiments, the test servers run test scripts to perform one or more tests such as: 1 ) testing Ethernet data throughput speeds, 2) testing WiFi throughput speeds, 3) testing MoCA throughput speeds, 4) testing voice over IP (VOIP) connections and functions, 5) testing MIMO (multi input, multi output) antenna technology, according to certain embodiments. According to certain embodiments, the test servers use virtualization containers to run such tests.

[0057] Universal Testing System for Cable Modems

[0058] FIG. 1 1 illustrates a high-level hardware architecture of a universal testing system for cable modem tests, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1 shows a test station 1 100 that includes a test control computer 1 102 (test controller), a plurality of test servers 1 104a-1 104n, a foreign exchange office (FXO) server 1 140, non-limiting examples of user interfaces that can include touch screen display 1 106, bar code scanners/keyboard/mouse (1 1 12), a remote tablet 1 108. Each of the plurality of test servers 1 104a-1 104n is associated with four physical test slots which are Faraday cages. In each physical test slot can be installed a device (e.g., wireless router) to be tested. Each installed device in the various physical slots is also referred to as a device under test (DUT). For ease of explanation and to avoid overcrowding the drawing of FIG. 1 1 , FIG. 1 1 shows only one of the Faraday cages 1 1 14. Each Faraday cage/test slot 1 1 14 is associated with a cable modem

termination system (CMTS) 1 120, a MoCA LAN harness 1 122 and a radio frequency (RF) splitter 1 124. According to certain embodiments, MoCA LAN harness 1 122 is connected to RF splitter 1 124 via RF cable 1 126b and CMTS 1 120 is connected to RF splitter 1 124 via RF cable 1 126a. RF splitter 1 124 is connected to Faraday cage/test slot 1 1 14 via COAX cable 1 126c. Faraday cage/test slot 1 1 14 has Ethernet connections 1 1 16 to its associated test server. MoCA LAN harness 1 122 also has an Ethernet connection 1 129 to the associated test server. CMTS 1 120 also has an Ethernet connection 1 128 to the FXO server via local router 1 142. Test control computer 1 102, test servers 1 104a-1 104n, and FXO server have a LAN 1 130 (Local Area Network) connection to a firewall/gateway/router 1 1 10, which in turn is connected to a WAN 1 132 (Wide Area Network). A user can optionally use remote wireless tablet 1 108 to interface with test station 1 100 remotely through a wireless communication 1 134 to firewall/gateway/router 1 1 10. Further FXO server 1 140 is connected to Faraday cage/test slot 1 1 14 via telephony cable 1 144, according to certain embodiments. [0059] According to certain embodiments, the firewall isolates the test framework of the testing system.

[0060] According to certain embodiments, the CMTS is used for testing DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) device registration and data throughput.

[0061 ] According to certain embodiments, the testing system comprises at least one test station. According to certain embodiments, each test station includes a plurality of Faraday cage/test slots for testing devices. As a non-limiting example, a subset of the plurality of physical slots is associated with corresponding test servers. As a non-limiting example, a test station may have a plurality of test servers, each of which is associated with four Faraday cages/physical test slots. The number of test servers and physical slots may vary from implementation to implementation.

According to certain embodiments, each test server includes virtualization containers that act as probes for testing devices installed in the physical slots in the test station.

[0062] According to certain embodiments, several wireless devices can be tested simultaneously in the test station.

[0063] According to certain embodiments, the user interface can communicate through web sockets with the test system. Such communication is in real-time, bidirectional and asynchronous so that the user can control and monitor the testing of multiple devices simultaneously and independently of each other using the same universal testing system.

[0064] According to certain embodiments, the testing system is capable of testing a set of similar types of devices or a set of disparate devices.

[0065] According to certain embodiments, test controller 1 102 is a computer subsystem that manages the user interfaces of the testing system. Thus, at least the following devices are connected to test controller 1 102: touch screen display 1 106, and bar code scanners/keyboard/mouse 1 1 12.

[0066] According to certain embodiments, touch screen display 1 106 is a touch- enabled screen that senses user/operator inputs for a given DUT. For example, each DUT is represented on the touch screen display as a window that includes test related information such as test progress and test results. As another non-limiting example, a user/operator can use touch screen display 1 106 to input light emitting diode (LED) status (is the LED lit or not lit) when the user/operator is prompted for inputs as part of the testing procedure of a given DUT.

[0067] According to certain embodiments, one or more the bar code scanners 1 1 12 can be used to read DUT information such as serial number of the DUT, and default WiFi passwords associated with the given DUT. Such information is needed to conduct testing on the given DUT.

[0068] According to certain embodiments, test controller 1 102 includes an Ethernet interface to connect to the plurality of test servers 1 104a-1 104n. Test controller 1 102 communicates with the plurality of test servers 1 104a-1 104n using such an Ethernet interface in order to conduct tests on the various DUTs that are installed in test station 1 100.

[0069] According to certain embodiments, keyboard/mouse 1 1 12 are part of test controller 1 102 and can be used by the user/operator to input data needed to run the tests on the various DUTs installed in test station 1 100.

[0070] According to certain embodiments, each test server of the plurality of test servers 1 104a-1 104n provides interfaces (hardware ports) needed to conduct one or more tests on the DUTs. Depending on the type of test, a given test may need a single port or multiple ports as part of the test infrastructure. According to certain embodiments, such ports are controlled by virtualization containers at the test servers.

[0071 ] According to certain embodiments, a given test server includes the following devices: PCI/PCI Express/Mini PCI Express slots, Ethernet connectivity hardware and software.

[0072] According to certain embodiments, the PCI/PCI Express/Mini PCI Express slots allow WiFi cards to be installed on a given test server to provide WiFi connectivity in order to perform WiFi tests on the DUTs. Such slots can also be used to install Ethernet cards to provide Ethernet ports in order to perform tests on the DUTs. According to certain embodiments, such PCI/PCI Express/Mini PCI Express slots can host a set of ports that can be associated with a corresponding set of virtualization containers on the test servers. Such virtualization containers are used for testing various features on the DUTs such as WiFi, LAN, WAN, or MoCa interfaces of a given DUT. [0073] According to certain embodiments, a voice port associated with an FXO card is used for testing VoIP connection and functions.

[0074] According to certain embodiments, Ethernet connectivity hardware and software are provided in order to connect the test controller computer to the plurality of test servers for controlling the plurality of test servers.

[0075] According to certain embodiments, the test servers run test scripts to perform one or more tests such as: 1 ) testing Ethernet data throughput speeds, 2) testing WiFi throughput speeds, 3) testing MoCA throughput speeds, 4) testing voice over IP (VOIP) connections and functions, 5) testing MIMO (multi input, multi output) antenna technology, according to certain embodiments. According to certain embodiments, the test servers use virtualization containers to run such tests.

[0076] Universal Testing System Schematics

[0077] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are high-level schematics of a front view of a set of Faraday cages/test slots of a universal testing system, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 12A shows a number of physical slots, such as slots 1202a, 1202b, 1202c, 1202d, 1204a, 1204b, 1204c, 1204d. Each slot has a backplate (1202ab, 1202bb, 1202cd, 1202db, 1204ab, 1204bb, 1204cd, 1204db). Backplates are also known as backplanes.

[0078] Similarly, FIG. 12B shows a number of physical slots, such as slots 1206a, 1206b, 1206c, 1206d, 1208a, 1208b, 1208c, 1208d. Each slot has a backplate (1206ab, 1206bb, 1206cd, 1206db, 1208ab, 1208bb, 1208cd, 1208db). Sample backplates are described herein with reference to FIG. 13 herein.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a high-level schematic that illustrates the connectivity features of backplates of physical slots relative to test servers, according to certain

embodiments. For ease of explanation, FIG. 13 shows the connectivity of one backplate of the plurality of backplates to one test server of the plurality of test servers in the universal testing system, according to certain embodiments. As previously described, there are a plurality of test servers and a plurality of slots (and corresponding backplates) per test server, according to certain embodiments.

[0080] FIG. 13 shows a backplate 1302 associated with a give slot that is, in turn, associated with a test server 1304 in the universal testing system. Backplate 1302 includes but is not limited to a power supply port 1306, a set of ports 1308, a subset of which are Ethernet ports 1308a, a set of coaxial ports 1310, a set of voice ports 1312, and a set of WiFi ports (1314, 1316). Server 1304 includes but is not limited to a master Internet port 1330, a set of Ethernet card ports 1332a-g, of which 4 ports (1332a-d) are Ethernet LAN ports, one Ethernet MoCA LAN port 1332e, one

Ethernet MoCA WAN port 1332f, and one DUT WAN port 1332g. Test server 1304 also includes a set of WiFi card ports 1340a-d. One or more of the WiFi card ports 1340a-d can be associated with a WiFi virtualization container on test server 1304 for use in WiFi tests of the DUT, according to certain embodiments.

[0081 ] According to certain embodiments, port P3 of Ethernet ports 1308a is associated with port P1 of Ethernet card ports 1332a. Similarly, port P4 of Ethernet ports 1308a is associated with port P2 of Ethernet card ports 1332a. Port P5 of Ethernet ports 1308a is associated with port P3 of Ethernet card ports 1332a. Port P6 of Ethernet ports 1308a is associated with port P4 of Ethernet card ports 1332a.

[0082] According to certain embodiments, WiFi port 1314 is associated with an antenna 1314a and is also associated with port P2 of WiFi card port 1340d via WiFi cable 1314b, for example. WiFi port 316 is associated with an antenna 1316a and is also associated with port P1 of WiFi card port 1340d via WiFi cable 1316b.

[0083] According to certain embodiments, a given DUT that is installed in a given slot is connected via coaxial ports 1310 to the MoCA WAN Ethernet port (1332f) and MoCA LAN Ethernet port (1332e) via a corresponding MoCA WAN harness and a MoCA LAN harness, described in greater detail below.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a high-level schematic of connectivity of a given DUT (installed in a given slot) to a MoCA LAN harness and a MoCA WAN harness, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 14 shows MoCA WAN harness 1420 and MoCA LAN harness 1422 that are used for testing the MoCA WAN interface and the MoCA LAN interface, respectively, of DUT 1402. MoCA WAN harness 1420 and MoCA LAN harness 1422 are connected to a power splitter 1424 via RF cable 1426a and RF cable 1426b, respectively, according to certain embodiments. Power splitter 1424 connects the MoCA LAN and MoCA WAN to DUT 1402 via ale RF cable 1426c. According to certain embodiments, MoCA WAN harness 1420 is also connected via Ethernet cable 1428 to an Ethernet port 1412 of a test server, where such an Ethernet port 1412 is associated with a virtualization container on the test server. Similarly, MoCA LAN harness 1422 is also connected via Ethernet cable 1429 to an Ethernet port 1408 of a test server, where such an Ethernet port 1408 is associated with a virtualization container on the test server, according to certain embodiments. Further, DUT 1402 is also connected to the test server via RF cable 1418 to an Ethernet port 1410 of the server that is associated with a virtualization container.

[0085] For example, test information (and/or other related information) can flow from Ethernet port 1410 (and associated virtualization container) to DUT 1402 and then to the MoCA LAN interface of MoCA LAN harness 1422 and then to Ethernet port 1408 (and associated virtualization container). Test information (and/or other related information) can also flow from Ethernet port 1408 (and associated virtualization container) to the MoCA LAN interface of MoCA LAN harness 1422, and then to DUT 1402, and then to Ethernet port 1410 (and associated virtualization container).

[0086] Similarly, test information (and other related information) can flow from

Ethernet port 1410 (and associated virtualization container) to DUT 1402 and then to the MoCA WAN interface of MoCA WAN harness 1420 and then to Ethernet port 1412 (and associated virtualization container). Test information (and/or other related information) can also flow from Ethernet port 1412 (and associated virtualization container) to the MoCA WAN interface of MoCA WAN harness 1420, and then to DUT 1402, and then to Ethernet port 1410 (and associated virtualization container).

[0087] FIG. 15 is a high-level schematic that illustrates a WiFi test hardware setup, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 15 shows a Faraday cage 1502 and a DUT 1504. FIG. 5 also shows a WiFi antenna 1506 that is associated with a WiFi card port (1510) of a given test server. According to certain embodiments, such a WiFi card port (1510) is associated with a virtualization container on the given test server. Such a virtualization container is for running WiFi tests on the DUT. According to certain embodiments, WiFi antenna 1506 is in Faraday cage 1502 along with the DUT's WiFi antenna 1505. DUT 1504 may be placed inside Faraday cage 1502 or outside Faraday cage 1502. FIG. 15 also shows that one of the LAN Ethernet ports of the DUT is connected via Ethernet cable 1512 to the test server's Ethernet port (1508), which in turn is associated with a virtualization container for handling such an Ethernet port. As a non-limiting example, test information (and other related information) can be sent via RF cable from WiFi card port 1510 to antenna 1506. The data then travels over the air to antenna 1505 (DUT's WiFi antenna), and then to LAN Ethernet port of the DUT, and then to the test server's Ethernet port (1508) via Ethernet cable 1512. Thus, the test server can perform WiFi test information measurements.

[0088] FIG. 16 is a high-level schematic that illustrates an FXO test hardware setup, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 16 shows a DUT 1602, a phone port 1604 of DUT 1602, a phone port 1606 at a given test server. An FXO card is installed at the given test server. Such an installed FXO card provides the phone port 1606 that can be connected to phone port 1604 of DUT 502. Further, phone port 1606 is also associated with a virtualization container 1608, according to certain embodiments. Such a virtualization container can make phone calls to the DUT. According to certain embodiments, DUT 1602 may be placed inside a Faraday cage/test slot of the testing system.

[0089] FIG. 17 is high-level schematic that illustrates a CMTS test harness associated with the FXO test hardware setup, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 17 shows DUT 1702, power splitter 1704, MoCA RF filter 1706, RF Tap 1708, combiner 1710, MoCA LAN harness 1712, CMTS 1714, virtualization container associated with Ethernet port 1716 and virtualization container associated with Ethernet port 1718. CMTS 1714 is connected to combiner 1710 via RF cable (1736, 1734). Combiner 1710 is connected to RF Tap 1708 via RF cable 1732. RF Tap 1708 is connected to MoCA RF filter 1706 via RF cable 1730. MoCA RF filter 1706 is connected to power splitter 1704 via RF cable 1728. Ethernet port 1716 on a given test server is connected to MoCA LAN harness 1712 via Ethernet cable 1722.

MoCA LAN harness 1712 is connected to power splitter 1704 via RF cable 1726. Power splitter 1704 is connected to DUT 1702 via RF cable 1724. DUT 1702 is connected to Ethernet port 1718 on the test server via Ethernet cable 1720.

[0090] According to certain embodiments, the CMTS test harness enables the DUT to respond to test phone calls from the MoCA interface and which test phone calls terminate at the DUT's phone port. According to certain embodiments, when the DUT is powered up, the CMTS is configured to provide IP addresses for the session initiation protocol (SIP) server running on the DUT. [0091 ] As a non-limiting example, a telephone call path flows from Ethernet port 1716 on the test server to MoCA LAN harness 1712 via Ethernet cable 1722 and then to power splitter 1704 via RF cable 1726, and then to DUT 1702 via RF cable 1724, and then to Ethernet port 1718 on the test server via Ethernet cable 1720.

[0092] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from

implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.