Test Automation Analysis in System Testing for Intelligent Packet Core

Abstract

In this thesis a test automation analysis for the System Testing team was done. It was mainly targeted towards the Nokia Flexi ISN product as part of the Intelligent Packet Core. Test Automation analysis was done in two parts. The first part uses the actual number of test executions with various corresponding network elements. The second part of the analysis investigates the overall benefits of automation for testing areas like pre-test configuration, execution, collection of test execution results, and analysis of test results after execution.

The theoretical part of the thesis includes an explanation of Nokia's Intelligent Packet Core along with the Nokia Flexi ISN. Flexi ISN Interfaces, Protocols, Features, and Procedures towards corresponding network elements were also investigated. Further, the basics of software creation process and software testing were described for the Flexi ISN. This was followed by a description about software test automation in general and in Service Access testing teams in Nokia Networks.

In the practical part of the thesis an actual analysis is presented along with a test automation tool setup for the System Testing team. Data is also presented for the test automation related effort estimation, training needs. Test automation maintenance steps the System Testing team along with some associated risks conclude the main analysis.

Main results from the study are: 1) Functionality areas and features tested most and can automated easily were identified. 2) Tool setup for test automation was described. 3) Effort Estimation and Maintenance needs for Test Automation for the System Testing team were discussed.