The impact of 5G and Edge Computing on software testing

Two major technological advances, 5G and Edge Computing, are now playing a key role in accelerating digital transformation.

These technologies are revolutionizing the way IT systems communicate, process data and respond to users, profoundly transforming software testing practices and requirements.

In this article, we analyze how 5G and Edge Computing are redefining testing methods, the challenges to be met, and the strategies to be adopted to ensure the reliability, security and performance of applications in an ultra-connected environment.

What is 5G and Edge Computing?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks. It promises connection speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, latency reduced to a few milliseconds, and the ability to massively connect objects.

It is essential to support the explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality and autonomous vehicles.

Edge Computing involves processing data as close as possible to its source, rather than sending it to a centralized data center.

This reduces latency, improves responsiveness and eases the network load, particularly for critical applications such as connected vehicles, medical devices or industrial maintenance.

Why are we grouping these two technologies in the same article?

5G and Edge Computing are complementary and even interdependent in the construction of new digital infrastructures.

Specifically, 5G provides the ultra-fast, stable connectivity needed to transport large amounts of data in real time.

Edge Computing ensures that this data is processed locally with minimum delay.

Together, they enable the deployment of use cases that were not previously possible:

• Autonomous vehicles capable of making decisions in real time
• Smart factories where sensors control machines without the need for a cloud connection
• Connected medical services that instantly analyze and react to vital signals

5G without Edge Computing loses some of its potential, and Edge without 5G lacks the connectivity needed to flourish on a large scale. It is their synergy that paves the way for a new generation of innovations.

Why not just use Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is often perceived as a valid alternative to 5G, particularly in the enterprise. Yet in critical use cases - predictive maintenance, industrial automation, autonomous vehicles - 5G offers decisive advantages over Wi-Fi:

In short, Wi-Fi can guarantee neither the connection density, nor the ultra-low latency, nor the resilience required, and 5G's theoretical maximum throughput is higher than Wi-Fi's, particularly in its millimeter bands (mmWave), while offering much more flexible and secure mobile connectivity. These elements are decisive in contexts where the slightest interruption or slowness has far-reaching consequences (e.g. production line stoppage, medical error, autonomous navigation incident).

5G and Edge Computing - what are the new challenges for software testing?

These technologies introduce new imperatives for QA teams:

Testing in a distributed, decentralized environment

Edge Computing involves testing performance on different processing nodes, often located in widely varying network conditions.

For example, in a connected factory, sensors can send data to local analysis units, which need to be tested independently to understand how they interact with the central system.

It is therefore essential to set up multi-environment and geographically distributed tests.

Managing network performance variability

With 5G, performance testing becomes crucial, especially for real-time applications.

A videoconferencing application or multiplayer game must continue to function without interruption, even if the terminal moves from a well-covered urban environment to a suburban area with a weaker signal.

It is therefore essential to test in a variety of mobile connectivity contexts.

Ensure multi-device and multi-OS compatibility

Use cases are deployed on a multitude of terminals (mobiles, connected objects, vehicles, etc.), each with its own technical constraints.

A telemedicine application, for example, needs to offer the same reliability on an Android tablet as a dedicated medical monitor.

Tests must therefore cover a wide range of hardware and software configurations.

Securing locally processed data

Data flows need to be tested to avoid security breaches associated with Edge computing.

For example, a security sensor in a connected warehouse can process video surveillance data locally.

It is imperative to check that this data is not intercepted or corrupted during processing or transmission to the cloud. Specific security tests must be integrated as early as possible in the development cycle.

New test approaches in the 5G + Edge era

Automate network testing

To simulate different conditions of latency, throughput or failover between networks, it is necessary to use tools capable of creating realistic scenarios.

For example, testing a location-based delivery app involves simulating a loss of 5G signal or a temporary switch to 4G in a tunnel.

Run performance tests in real time

Users expect immediate reactivity, which means that validation must be carried out with very low latency.

Platforms such as cloud gaming or augmented reality (AR) demand near-instantaneous responses. Performance tests must therefore accurately measure every millisecond of response.

Validate Edge and IoT use cases

Testing the behavior of applications that process data locally involves creating environments that simulate sensors and connected devices.

For example, a home automation system needs to be tested for its ability to function even in the event of a cloud connection failure.

Integrating safety into testing

Ultra-fast, massively distributed connections increase the surface area exposed to attacks.

So it's crucial to include security tests right from the start. A connected voice assistant, for example, needs to be protected against eavesdropping or malicious manipulation.

Simulate high loads

Applications need to be able to cope with sudden peaks (HD streaming, gaming, e-commerce). When launching an online promotional operation, an e-commerce application may experience a massive influx of users.

Load tests must anticipate these scenarios to guarantee the stability of the architecture.

Ensuring a fluid UX

User experience tests should include rich scenarios such as AR, 4K video or live interactions.

For example, an e-learning app using virtual reality needs to remain fluid on different types of headsets and in various network environments.

Mr Suricate - an agile response to new testing standards

5G and Edge Computing are transforming the very foundations of digital architecture. They are paving the way for ultra-fast, smarter and ever more demanding computing in terms of quality.

Mr Suricatethe leader in no-code test automation, offers an automated test platform designed to meet these new technological constraints:

• Code-free, customizable testing for specific 5G/Edge use cases
• Multi-device and multi-OS coverage for testing on desktop, mobile, IoT and connected objects
• Continuous monitoring of user paths with real-time alerts
• Scalability and security tests to validate data resilience and protection
• Continuous integration with DevOps pipelines for faster, more reliable delivery
  

With its user-centric approach, Mr Suricate is a practical and strategic partner in this new era of software testing.