Method and system for collecting access network data

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method and a system for collecting data from an access layer device. The method includes the steps of: establishing an access layer connection between a data collection device and the access layer device, wherein the data collection device and the access layer device are capable of communicating with each other; collecting key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection based on the data collected; analyzing the collected key metrics to assess a service quality; and generating a report or a notification based on the analyzed key metrics.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING ACCESS NETWORK DATACROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional Application No. 63 / 521,103, filed on June 15, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of Internet service provider's access layer devices and, more specifically, to a software application that enables the collection of data from access layer devices by leveraging an application programming interface (API) through a data collection device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In today's digital age, ISPs (Internet service providers) face increasing demands for efficient network quality monitoring and assessing the health of the customer's service. Customers' expectations for seamless internet service continue to rise, and any brief service disruption or performance degradation can lead to dissatisfaction. However, traditional methods of network quality monitoring present several challenges, especially in large-scale network environments.

[0004] Conventionally, ISPs use centralized servers to monitor and diagnose the health of customer connections. These servers communicate with each individual modem using the simple network management protocol (SNMP) to gather relevant performance data. This approach, however, faces multiple significant challenges such as high resource demand, time-consuming process and discrepancy between customer expectations and reality.

[0005] SNMP is a messaging protocol that uses Operator IDs (OIDs) to collect various metrics from modems. Each OID corresponds to a specific network metric, such as temperature, signal strength, etc. These OIDs are essentially key-value pairs used to identify and record modem performance data. Given that each modem has hundreds of thousands of OIDs, the centralized server must communicate with each modem individually to gather the required data. This process is extremely resource-intensive because the server needs to handle a vast number of data requests and responses. In anISP network with hundreds of thousands or even millions of users, this approach becomes particularly challenging.

[0006] In addition to being resource-intensive, the data collection process is also timeconsuming. Since the centralized server must query each modem one by one, the entire process can take several hours or longer. Consequently, ISPs can typically only collect data once or twice a day, which means they only get daily snapshots of network performance. This makes it difficult to capture transient but significant network events in real time.

[0007] Further, customers' expectations for Internet service often exceed the technical capabilities of ISPs. Even if a network issue lasts only a few minutes, customers expect ISPs to promptly identify and resolve the problem. However, due to the limited frequency and speed of data collection, ISPs might not have timely access to the necessary data to diagnose and fix these brief issues, leading to decreased customer satisfaction.

[0008] As such, there is a need for an automated system for collecting access network data to provide accurate, real-time insights into service quality.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To address the above technical issues, the present disclosure provides a method and a system that can collect key metrics directly from an access layer device to provide accurate and real-time information about the service quality.

[0010] More particularly, the present disclosure provides the technical solutions as follows.

[0011] The present disclosure provides a method for collecting data from an access layer device, comprising: establishing an access layer connection between a data collection device and the access layer device, wherein the data collection device and the access layer device are capable of communicating with each other; collecting key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection based on the data collected; analyzing the collected key metrics to assess a service quality; and generating a report or a notification based on the analyzed key metrics.

[0012] In some embodiments, the data collection device is a router and the access layer device is a cable modem, fiber ONT or a fixed wireless access modem.

[0013] In some embodiments, the access layer connection is a TCP / IP connection.

[0014] In some embodiments, a network configuration of sub-interfaces allowing for direct and isolated communication is utilized between the data collection device and the access layer device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the access layer device is connected to the data collection device using a separate private (RFC1918) subnet from other devices also connected to the data collection device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: mapping each of the key metrics collected to illustrate the health and performance status of the access layer connection to a web service prepared to respond to application programming interface (API) requests from the data collection device; and leveraging an application programming interface (API) implemented on the data collection device to retrieve data from the access layer device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the API is triggered from a cloud system to the data collection device.

[0018] The present disclosure further provides a system for facilitating data collection from an access layer device, wherein: an access layer connection is established between a data collection device and the access layer device, wherein the data collection device and the access layer device are capable of communicating with each other; key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection are collected based on the data collected; the collected key metrics are analyzed to assess a service quality; and a report or a notification is generated based on the analyzed key metrics.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system is a software application running as a process on the access layer device.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the key metrics collected to illustrate the health and performance status of the access layer connection is mapped to a web service prepared to respond to application programming interface (API) requests from the datacollection device; and an application programming interface (API) implemented on the data collection device is leveraged to retrieve data from the access layer device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the software application facilitates the following steps: connecting to the access layer device from the data collection device in a secure manner; retrieving data from the access layer device via an API; forwarding instructions from a management system to the access layer device for the purposes of executing a speed test or rebooting the access layer device.

[0022] The present disclosure further provides a system for collecting data from an access layer device, comprising: a data collection device capable of communicating with the access layer device such that an access layer connection is established between the data collection device and the access layer device; an application programming interface (API) implemented on the data collection device and configured to communicate with the access layer device and retrieve data; and a software application executed on the data collection device and configured to utilize the API and collect key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection based on the data collected.

[0023] In some embodiments, the data collection device further comprises: a memory module configured to store the collected key metrics; and a communication module configured to transmit a report or a notification generated based on the key metrics to a managing entity.

[0024] In some embodiments, the data is to be returned from the access layer device to the data collection device in a JSON (JavaScript object notation) format.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The above-mentioned technical features, advantages and implementations of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting data from an access layer device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for wireless multi-hop networking based on the DPP according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a step for collecting key metrics according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a software application for facilitating the collection of data from an access layer device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In order to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art more clearly, the specific implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Apparently, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to these drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings and adopt other implementation without creative efforts.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting data from an access layer device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 10 includes an access layer device 100, a data collection device 200, an application programming interface (API) 300, and a software application (not shown). The data collection device 200 is capable of communicating with the access layer device 100 such that an access layer connection 120 is established between the data collection device 200 and the access layer device 100. In some embodiments, the access layer device 100 is a cable modem, a fiber optical network terminal (ONT) or a fixed wireless access modem that is connected through a physical connection 110 to an access network 400 provided by an Internet service provider (ISP) to have access to the Internet 500. In some embodiments, the data collection device 200 is a router. In some embodiments, the access layer connection 120 is a physical connection, for example, a TCP / IP connection. The application programming interface (API) 300 is implemented on the data collection device 200 and configured to communicate with the access layer device 100 and retrieve data from the access layer device 100. The software application is executed on the data collection device 200 and configured to utilize the API 300 and collect key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection based on the data collected.

[0032] In some embodiments, the network connection between an access layer device and a data collection device support two functions on a single physical connection, leveraging both WAN and LAN interfaces through logical sub-interfaces. Such innovative approach facilitates enhanced data collection, secure communication, and efficient network management.

[0033] More particularly, the Ethernet interface of the data collection device acts as the WAN interface, similar to how a wireless data collection device connects to an access layer device via an Ethernet cable. This connection performs DHCP with the service provider's network and serves as the default data collection device for all user devices connected to the data collection device. Utilizing a private (RFC 1918) IPv4 address, this secondary logical interface allows the data collection device to manage local area network (LAN) traffic. This interface ensures the data collection device can communicate directly with the access layer device using a secure and isolated subnet. The Ethernet interface facilitates data transmission from the data collection device to the ISP and the Internet, functioning as a bridge. This sub-interface joins the LAN of the data collection device, enabling the access layer device itself to communicate directly with the data collection device. This setup allows for seamless data collection and reporting, utilizing internal routing tables of the data collection devices to manage traffic effectively.

[0034] In some embodiments, the data collection device 200 may further include a memory module 210 and a communication module 220. The memory module 210 is configured to store the collected metrics and the communication module 220 is configured to transmit a report or a notification generated based on the key metrics to a managing entity. As such, the data collection device 200 can wirelessly send the data to the cloud on the Internet 500 or to the access network 400.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system 10 facilitates for the data collection device 200 to push firmware upgrades to the access layer device 100. Further, the data is to be returned from the access layer device 100 to the data collection device 200 in a JSON (JavaScript object notation) format.

[0036] Further, the present disclosure provides a method for collecting data from an access layer device. Referring to FIG. 2, which is a flowchart of a method for wirelessmulti-hop networking based on the DPP according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes the following steps:

[0037] In Step S21, an access layer connection is established between a data collection device and an access layer device.

[0038] In Step S22, key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection are collected based on the data collected.

[0039] In Step S23, the collected key metrics are analyzed to assess a service quality.

[0040] In Step S24, a report or a notification is generated based on the analyzed key metrics.

[0041] In some embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the data collection device 200 is capable of communicating with the access layer device 100 such that an access layer connection 120 is established between the data collection device 200 and the access layer device 100. In some embodiments, the access layer device 100 is a cable modem, a fiber optical network terminal (ONT) or a fixed wireless access modem that is connected through a physical connection 110 to an access network 400 provided by an Internet service provider (ISP) to have access to the Internet 500. In some embodiments, the data collection device 200 is a router. In some embodiments, the access layer connection 120 is a physical connection, for example, a TCP / IP connection.

[0042] In some embodiments, the network connection between an access layer device and a data collection device support two functions on a single physical connection, leveraging both WAN and LAN interfaces through logical sub-interfaces. Such innovative approach facilitates enhanced data collection, secure communication, and efficient network management.

[0043] More particularly, the Ethernet interface of the data collection device acts as the WAN interface, similar to how a wireless data collection device connects to an access layer device via an Ethernet cable. This connection performs DHCP with the service provider's network and serves as the default data collection device for all user devices connected to the data collection device. Utilizing a private (RFC 1918) IPv4 address, this secondary logical interface allows the data collection device to manage local area network (LAN) traffic. This interface ensures the data collection device can communicate directly with the access layer device using a secure and isolated subnet. The Ethernetinterface facilitates data transmission from the data collection device to the TSP and the Internet, functioning as a bridge. This sub-interface joins the LAN of the data collection device, enabling the access layer device itself to communicate directly with the data collection device. This setup allows for seamless data collection and reporting, utilizing internal routing tables of the data collection devices to manage traffic effectively.

[0044] Further in the method, Step S22 includes the following steps:

[0045] In Step S221, the access layer device 100 maps the individual metrics captured to illustrate the health and performance status of the access layer connection 120 to a web service 400 prepared to respond to API requests from the data collection device 200.

[0046] In Step S222, an API 300 implemented on the data collection device 200 is leveraged to retrieve data from the access layer device 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, the API 300 is triggered from a cloud system to the data collection device 200 or local data collection device mechanisms.

[0048] The application programming interface (API) 300 is implemented on the data collection device 200 and configured to communicate with the access layer device 100 and retrieve data from the access layer device 100. The software application is executed on the data collection device 200 and configured to utilize the API 300 and collect key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection based on the data collected.

[0049] Further, the present disclosure provides a system for facilitating data collection from an access layer device. In the system, an access layer connection is established between a data collection device and the access layer device; key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection are collected based on the data collected; the collected key metrics are analyzed to assess a service quality; and a report or a notification is generated based on the analyzed key metrics.

[0050] In some embodiments, the system is a software application running as a process on the access layer device.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, In some embodiments, the software application facilitates the following steps:

[0052] In Step S41, the data collection device is connected to the access layer device in a secure manner.

[0053] In Step S42, data is retrieved from the access layer device via an API.

[0054] In Step S43, instructions are forwarded from a management system to the access layer device for the purposes of executing a speed test or rebooting the access layer device.

[0055] In some embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the data collection device 200 and the access layer device 100 are capable of communicating with each other such that an access layer connection 120 is established between the data collection device 200 and the access layer device 100. In some embodiments, the access layer device 100 is a cable modem, a fiber optical network terminal (ONT) or a fixed wireless access modem that is connected through a physical connection 110 to an access network 400 provided by an Internet service provider (ISP) to have access to the Internet 500. In some embodiments, the data collection device 200 is a router. In some embodiments, the access layer connection 120 is a physical connection, for example, a TCP / IP connection.

[0056] In some embodiments, the network connection between an access layer device and a data collection device support two functions on a single physical connection, leveraging both WAN and LAN interfaces through logical sub-interfaces. Such innovative approach facilitates enhanced data collection, secure communication, and efficient network management.

[0057] More particularly, the Ethernet interface of the data collection device acts as the WAN interface, similar to how a wireless data collection device connects to an access layer device via an Ethernet cable. This connection performs DHCP with the service provider's network and serves as the default data collection device for all user devices connected to the data collection device. Utilizing a private (RFC 1918) IPv4 address, this secondary logical interface allows the data collection device to manage local area network (LAN) traffic. This interface ensures the data collection device can communicate directly with the access layer device using a secure and isolated subnet. The Ethernet interface facilitates data transmission from the data collection device to the ISP and the Internet, functioning as a bridge. This sub-interface joins the LAN of the data collection device, enabling the access layer device itself to communicate directly with the data collection device. This setup allows for seamless data collection and reporting, utilizing internal routing tables of the data collection devices to manage traffic effectively.

[0058] In some embodiments, each of the key metrics collected to illustrate the health and performance status of the access layer connection is mapped to a web service prepared to respond to application programming interface (API) requests from the data collection device; and an application programming interface (API) implemented on the data collection device is leveraged to retrieve data from the access layer device.

[0059] Compared with the existing technologies, the present disclosure offers at least one of the following beneficial effects.

[0060] Firstly, ISPs can adopt innovative solutions that shift data collection and processing from centralized servers to edge devices (such as access layer devices), significantly improving data collection efficiency and accuracy.

[0061] Secondly, the concept of edge computing involves distributing data collection and initial processing tasks to individual access layer devices. This way, each access layer device can autonomously and regularly report its performance data to a centralized location, whether it is a cloud server or another data collection point. This approach reduces the burden on centralized servers and allows for more frequent data collection.

[0062] Moreover, by enabling access layer devices to report data on their own, ISPs can achieve real-time network monitoring. Each access layer device can automatically report its performance metrics at preset intervals or immediately when an anomaly is detected. This allows ISPs to identify and resolve network issues more promptly, improving customer satisfaction.

[0063] Unlike daily snapshot data, this decentralized data collection method provides more comprehensive coverage. ISPs can obtain detailed and continuous data, allowing for more accurate network performance analysis and better prediction of potential issues.

[0064] Last but not least, since data collection and preliminary processing are performed by the access layer devices, centralized servers only need to handle filtered and organized data, significantly reducing system resource requirements. This efficient use of resources not only enhances data collection efficiency but also lowers operational costs.

[0065] It should be noted that the embodiments described above can be freely combined as needed. They are merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the present disclosure. Suchimprovements and modifications should also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for collecting data from an access layer device, comprising: establishing an access layer connection between a data collection device and the access layer device, wherein the data collection device and the access layer device are capable of communicating with each other; collecting key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection based on the data collected; analyzing the collected key metrics to assess a service quality; and generating a report or a notification based on the analyzed key metrics.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data collection device is a router.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the access layer device is a cable modem, a fiber optical network terminal (ONT) or a fixed wireless access modem.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the access layer connection is a TCP / IP connection.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: mapping each of the key metrics collected to illustrate the health and performance status of the access layer connection to a web service prepared to respond to application programming interface (API) requests from the data collection device; and leveraging an application programming interface (API) implemented on the data collection device to retrieve data from the access layer device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the API is triggered from a cloud system to the data collection device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein a network configuration of sub-interfaces allowing for direct and isolated communication is utilized between the data collection device and the access layer device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the access layer device is connected to the data collection device using a separate private (RFC 1918) subnet from other devices also connected to the data collection device.

9. A system for facilitating data collection from an access layer device, wherein: an access layer connection is established between a data collection device and the access layer device, wherein the data collection device and the access layer device are capable of communicating with each other;key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection are collected based on the data collected; the collected key metrics are analyzed to assess a service quality; and a report or a notification is generated based on the analyzed key metrics.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the system is a software application running as a process on the access layer device.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the data collection device is a router.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the access layer device is a cable modem, a fiber optical network terminal (ONT) or a fixed wireless access modem.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the access layer connection is a TCP / IP connection.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein: each of the key metrics collected to illustrate the health and performance status of the access layer connection is mapped to a web service prepared to respond to application programming interface (API) requests from the data collection device; and an application programming interface (API) implemented on the data collection device is leveraged to retrieve data from the access layer device.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the API is triggered from a cloud system to the data collection device.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein a network configuration of sub-interfaces allowing for direct and isolated communication is utilized between the data collection device and the access layer device.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein the access layer device is connected to the data collection device using a separate private (RFC1918) subnet from other devices also connected to the data collection device.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the software application facilitates the following steps: connecting to the access layer device from the data collection device in a secure manner; retrieving data from the access layer device via an API; forwarding instructions from a management system to the access layer device for the purposes of executing a speed test or rebooting the access layer device.

19. A system for collecting data from an access layer device, comprising:a data collection device capable of communicating with the access layer device such that an access layer connection is established between the data collection device and the access layer device; an application programming interface (API) implemented on the data collection device and configured to communicate with the access layer device and retrieve data; and a software application executed on the data collection device and configured to utilize the API and collect key metrics related to a health and performance status of the access layer connection based on the data collected.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the data collection device is a router.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the access layer device is a cable modem, a fiber optical network terminal (ONT) or a fixed wireless access modem.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the data collection device further comprises: a memory module configured to store the collected key metrics; and a communication module configured to transmit a report or a notification generated based on the key metrics to a managing entity.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the system facilitates for the data collection device to push firmware upgrades to the access layer device.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the data is to be returned from the access layer device to the data collection device in a JSON format.

25. The system of claim 19, wherein the access layer connection is a TCP / IP connection.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein a network configuration of sub-interfaces allowing for direct and isolated communication is utilized between the data collection device and the access layer device.

27. The system of claim 19, wherein the access layer device is connected to the data collection device using a separate private (RFC1918) subnet from other devices also connected to the data collection device.

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