Applying test automation to type acceptance testing of telecom networks: a case study with customer participation

This paper presents results of a joint case study of Ericsson and the German cellular network provider Mannesmann Mobilfunk, targeted at automating type acceptance tests. Faced with a growing number of tests required to verify the quality of the telecom switch software, both companies seek to improve testing efficiency by means of test automation. In a joint effort, a test platform originally created by Ericsson for supporting statistical usage tests was enhanced with features designed by Mannesmann. The platform was then employed to automate existing test instructions and the gain of test automation was measured in all phases, from implementation through execution under type acceptance conditions to final analysis. This paper presents the results and conclusions of this case study.