Method and system for test automation and dynamic test environment configuration

1. A method, comprising:

utilizing a user interface for automated testing of a network device wherein automated testing comprises:

specifying a network device to be tested;

specifying a network technology for testing the network device;

specifying a client of the network device;

configuring network connectivity for the network device, wherein configuring network connectivity includes dynamically configuring a network to include the specified network technology and the specified network device;

utilizing the client of a network device for a test action; and

allowing a user to view at least one of a test status and feedback during the automated testing.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the network device comprises at least one of: a broadband router, a modem, a set top box, a digital video recorder, a voice over IP analog telephony adapter, a wireless access point, and an optical network terminal.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the automated testing enables the testing of multiple clients and multiple network devices.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein automated testing further comprises configuring the client of a network device.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein configuration of the client comprises at least one of: imaging a client, downloading a script to a client, patching a client, upgrading a client, loading software on a client, changing a setting on a client, and executing a script on a client.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising scheduling of one or more automated tests.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein scheduling comprises managing the use of at least one of: a network device and a network technology for a plurality of tests.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the scheduling includes at least one of cancellation of a scheduled test, prioritization of a scheduled test, viewing a scheduled test, and concurrent scheduled tests.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising handling one or more errors resulting from the test action.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing notification of at least one of a test error, a time out, a test result and test completion.

11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising recording one or more test results.

12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising reporting one or more test results.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the network technology comprises at least one of: digital subscriber line, asymmetric digital subscriber line, symmetric digital subscriber line, fiber to the premises, cable modem broadband, leased line, integrated services digital network, dial-up, satellite, wireless networking, Internet Protocol over coaxial cable, and broadband over power lines.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test action comprises at least one of: a security test, a bandwidth test, a compatibility test, a performance test, and a compliance test.

15. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing analysis on one or more test results.

16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the client comprises at least one of a virtual machine, a virtual platform, a virtual system, and a virtual resource.

17. The method of claim 1 , wherein dynamically configuring a network comprises configuring a network connectivity device connected to a tested network element and a network technology to provide at least one of a virtual local area network, a virtual private network, and a virtual private LAN service.

18. The method of claim 1 , wherein configuring network connectivity for the network device comprises at least one of: setting one or more parameters of a network technology, setting a service profile of a network element, enabling a network address assignment, creating an account, and setting a permission.

19. A computer readable media comprising code to perform the acts of the method of claim 1 .

20. A system, comprising:

a database for storing test data;

a user interface for automated testing of a network device; and

a network element communicatively coupled to a network wherein the network element is configured to:

automate testing of a network device wherein automated testing comprises:

specifying a network device to be tested;

specifying a network technology for testing the network device;

specifying a client of the network device;

configuring network connectivity for the network device;

utilizing the client of a network device for a test action; and

allowing a user to view at least one of a test status and feedback during the automated testing.

21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the automated testing comprises the testing of multiple clients and multiple network devices.

22. The system of claim 20 , wherein the network element is further configured to schedule one or more automated tests.