Framework for Automated Testing of Transmission Systems
Project Title: Framework for Automated Testing of Transmission Systems
Client: Nevion
Industry: Telecoms
Expertise: Software Testing
Scope of the project: Automated software testing, audio-video systems
Tools: Python, Pytest, Selenium Webdriver, Jenkins, PostgreSQL
A framework for automated testing of transmission systems is a set of tools and procedures designed to conduct automated functional, non-functional, and load testing in audio-video systems. Its purpose is to ensure system stability, reliability, and compliance while simulating real-world operational conditions.
Nevion, a Sony Group company and an award-winning provider of media production solutions, required a framework for automated testing of audio-video connections. The challenge was to validate connections from various systems, which traditional regression tests could not handle.
The goal was to create a configurable solution to test signal transmissions across diverse client systems, extending Nevion’s service offering. Limited internal resources necessitated collaboration with a reliable technology partner to deliver the project.
Project Execution
ALTEN Polska (formerly Solwit) developed a configurable framework for automated testing and reporting. This solution operates in both laboratory conditions and production environments specific to end clients, ensuring compliance with strict security requirements.
Key functionalities include:
- Automation of non-functional, load, and compliance tests.
- Real-time simulation of activities to monitor resource consumption under specific conditions.
- Stability, availability, reliability, and failover testing for systems handling hundreds of endpoints streaming audio and video.
The framework supports long-term scenarios—lasting from minutes to months—while collecting and analyzing non-functional metrics. Technologies used include Python, pytest, Ansible, PostgreSQL, REST, Prometheus, Selenium Webdriver (3-4), Selenium GRID, Docker, and Jenkins.
The solution effectively supports testing across components such as GUI, REST backend, and media networks, ensuring smooth and comprehensive system validation.
Final Outcome
The project not only delivered a robust testing framework but also automated software version management on any machine, reducing system downtime for end clients. All test scenarios are highly configurable and adaptable to production environments, ensuring Nevion’s systems operate at peak efficiency.
The successful implementation of the framework paved the way for expanded collaboration, including an analysis of Nevion’s audio-video transmission systems. Future plans involve creating additional test scenarios, parameterization, and further automation of functional tests.
Summary
The collaboration between ALTEN Polska and Nevion demonstrates the potential of tailored automation frameworks in addressing complex technological challenges. By delivering a flexible, scalable, and reliable solution, ALTEN Polska enabled Nevion to enhance its service offering and ensure system stability for its global clientele.
