scope:

The present document, "Approaches for Testing Adaptive Networks" defines a framework of testing principles and guidelines that may be used to test networks that exhibit some form of autonomic adaptive behaviour, which allows them to dynamically change their configuration, structure or operational parameters. The (re)-configuration is performed in response to stimuli such as changes in workload, operator policies that govern their operation, context (the network is context-aware and may have a degree of self-awareness); and challenges in the environment (i.e. conditions under which the network is operating, e.g. manifestations of faults, errors, failures in various parts of the network and its hardware and software components).

The functionality of individual components and basic interoperability can be ensured at design time. However, the complex interactions between various components or functions deployed in a live Adaptive Network (AN) may not be fully assessed or foreseen. Consequently, the document addresses methodologies to test ANs towards meeting their functional targets or policies, and ensuring a minimum trust level for autonomic operation of such networks.

NOTE: In the literature, both the terms "autonomous" and "autonomic" are being used in this context, whereas "autonomous" appears to indicate a higher level of automation. As adaptive networks are, at the time of writing, surely a technology still at its beginnings, "autonomic" may be a less ambitious and therefore more appropriate term for the time being. On the other hand, the NGMN 5G White Paper (V1.0) uses the term combination "autonomic/self-management functions" which points, clearly towards a level beyond "autonomic". As mobile networks are complex systems, it is most likely that the degree of automation will increase in the course of technical evolution, but not in an isotropic way; there will be areas with higher and others with lower levels of automation, and sophistication of respective functions. For these reasons, the present document will use the term "autonomic".