Digital switching system testing-some special considerations

In recent years, the importance of enhanced methodologies for testing digital switching system software has increased, primarily due to the increase of software complexity and size. This coupled with shortened time intervals for the deployment of new features and releases has demanded better test strategies and improved test management methodologies. This paper considers some key considerations for testing of digital switching system software and introduces some test management metrics that could be useful in controlling: the test process. The test methodology discussed focuses on test objectives based on customer, traffic, overload control and regression test requirements. Testing of firmware and software patches are also considered.