Network protocol interoperability testing based on contextual signatures and passive testing

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a methodology for interoperability testing based on contextual signatures and passive testing with invariants. The concept of contextual signature offers a framework to add information on the states, the values of parameters, as well as logical connectors that increases the expressive power of invariants. This allows expressing horizontal and vertical interoperability properties, i.e., between layers of a protocol stack or end-to-end communication between distant entities. In order to test interoperability, we have defined a correlation algorithm between the events collected from different network views (client or network side). Once the correlation has been performed, we apply the contextual signatures that characterize interoperability properties to check their validity. To illustrate the application of the proposed approach, a real case study is proposed: the Wireless Application (WAP) protocol. The results of the experimentation performed on this protocol are also presented.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.2 Network Protocols
          Subjects: Routing protocols

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.5 Testing and Debugging
          Subjects: Testing tools (e.g., data generators, coverage testing)

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING

General Terms:
Design, Reliability, Verification

Keywords:
WAP, communication protocols, contextual signatures, interoperability testing, passive testing