Packet data load generator system for 1×-EVDO wireless network
View Patent ↗A packet data load generator (PDLG) system, and method for testing the PDLG system, includes a Linux-based computer terminal having multiple 1x-EVDO wireless interface cards, e.g., Sierra Wireless AirCards®, directly interfaced therewith. PCI-to-PCMCIA adapter cards are used for connecting the wireless cards to the terminal. The terminal also includes a Linux control program for controlling the multiple wireless cards on a single terminal. In operation, the wireless interface cards are controlled to establish multiple simultaneous 1x-EVDO calls between the terminal and a 1x-EVDO wireless network, e.g., each wireless interface card supports one call with the network. Packet data is transferred between the terminal and the network, in effect simulating a multiple 1x-EVDO call load on the network. PDLG software in place on the network is monitored and/or tested. Multiple similarly configured terminals may be provided for a large number of 1x-EVDO calls, e.g., 40-50, in a laboratory setting.
1. A method for communicating over a wireless network, said method comprising the steps of:
establishing a plurality of discrete communication links between a terminal and the wireless network, said communication links being respectively established through a plurality of wireless units directly interfaced with the terminal; and transferring packet data between the terminal and the wireless network over said communication links;
wherein the wireless units are directly interfaced with a local bus of the terminal;
wherein there are at least ten wireless units directly interfaced with the local bus of the terminal; and
wherein the wireless network is a 1x-EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized) wireless network, the communication links are 1x-EVDO data channels, and the wireless units are 1x-EVDO wireless interface cards.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
monitoring operation of a packet data load generator in place on the wireless network during transfer of said packet data.
3. A method for testing a packet data load generator in a wireless network, said method comprising the steps of:
establishing a plurality of discrete simultaneous communication links between a plurality of wireless units and a wireless network, said wireless units being directly interfaced with a terminal; and
monitoring operation of the packet data load generator during transfer of packet data between the terminal and the wireless network over said communication links;
wherein:
there are at least ten wireless units directly interfaced with a local bus of the terminal; and
the wireless network is a 1x-EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized) wireless network, the communication links are 1x-EVDO data channels, and the wireless units are 1x-EVDO wireless interface cards.
4. A wireless communication system comprising:
a first terminal; and
a plurality of wireless units directly interfaced with the first terminal, each of said wireless units being configured to maintain a discrete communication link over a wireless network;
wherein the first terminal is configured to control the wireless units for the simultaneous transmission and/or reception of packet data over said discrete communication links
wherein the wireless network is a 1x-EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized) wireless network, the communication links are 1x-EVDO data channels, and the wireless units are 1x-EVDO wireless interface cards; and
wherein there are at least ten wireless units directly interfaced with the terminal.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein:
the terminal is a computer terminal having a local bus; and
each of said wireless units is a wireless interface card directly interfaced with said local bus.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein:
each of said wireless interface cards has a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) connection;
the local bus is a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus having a plurality of expansion slots; and
the system further comprises a plurality of adapters respectively attached to the expansion slots, each of said adapters having a PCI connector attached to the expansion slot and at least two PCMCIA slots electrically connected to the PCI connector, wherein the wireless interface cards are connected to the PCMCIA slots.
7. The system of claim 4 further comprising:
at least one second terminal having an additional plurality of wireless units directly interfaced therewith, each of said additional wireless units being configured for maintaining a discrete communication link over the wireless network;
wherein said at least one second terminal is configured to control the additional wireless units for the simultaneous transmission and/or reception of packet data over said discrete communication links of the additional wireless units.