Remote monitoring system using cloud convergence-type network test equipment

Abstract

Disclosed are cloud convergence-type network test equipment and a remote monitoring system using same. Network test equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the objective described above is connected to an external server and performs network measurement and then transmits network measurement data to the external server, and a user terminal is connected to the external server and can receive a measurement result and the like from the external server. In addition, by showing the corresponding network measurement data or a processed report on a display of a user terminal, it is not only possible to quickly and easily check a measurement result value through a UI separately configured according to the environment of a user, but a user guide presenting a solution can be received when the measurement result value is determined to be abnormal. In addition, the direct connection to the external server makes it possible to update to the latest measurement function in real time. Accordingly, the disadvantages of general network test equipment can be overcome, and network test work of uniform quality can be performed independently of the skill of the user.

Description

Remote monitoring system using cloud-integrated network test equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to cloud-integrated network test equipment and a remote monitoring system for information and communication equipment and network status using the same. More specifically, unlike typical network test equipment, the network test equipment according to the present invention performs measurements in conjunction with a cloud server, thereby enabling users of the network test equipment to remotely view measurement results. Furthermore, by supporting two-way data linkage, the network test equipment can be remotely updated with the latest measurement features.

[0002] With the recent advancement of information and communication technology, various on-site communication facilities such as broadcasting and communication facilities, internet facilities, and home network facilities are being installed in buildings. However, problems such as insufficient management, such as neglect and damage to broken facilities due to the absence of a legal basis for maintenance responsibility, are being raised.

[0003] Accordingly, matters concerning the maintenance of information and communication equipment installed within buildings and other premises, as well as the basis for such maintenance, are expected to be legislated, and accordingly, the need for efficient maintenance methods for information and communication equipment is increasing.

[0004] In addition, with the recent introduction of various real-time Internet services such as OTT and streaming games, service quality degradation issues that are difficult to identify at the core network level are occurring, and at the subscriber network level, the need to constantly monitor network status and identify the cause is growing.

[0005] Additionally, network test equipment generally only produces results in specific numerical values ​​for specific test subjects and does not provide solutions based on the test results, which requires a high level of user skill to interpret the test results.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention proposes an invention that not only implements a method for remotely monitoring information and communication equipment and network status based on changed information and communication equipment maintenance standards, but also provides a report on a preset network test target to a user based on measurement data by having network test equipment directly connected to an external server, and proposes a user behavior guide based on analysis of measurement data, thereby enabling the user to easily interpret test results and solve network-related problems regardless of their skill level.

[0007] Additionally, we plan to implement a method to remotely update the measurement functions of network test equipment using a cloud platform.

[0008] In addition, the present invention proposes a method for remotely monitoring information and communication equipment and network status using only separate network test equipment without expensive facility investment.

[0009] Meanwhile, the background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0010] The present invention proposes a method for remotely monitoring information and communication equipment and network status (hereinafter referred to as a 'remote measurement monitoring system').

[0011] In addition, we propose a new type of network test equipment to implement cloud-integrated network test equipment used to realize a remote measurement monitoring system.

[0012] The tasks of the invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0013] According to the present embodiment for achieving the above-described purpose, in contrast, a network test equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an external server to perform network measurement and then transmit the network measurement data to the external server, and a user terminal is connected to the external server to receive the network measurement data or a report processed based on the network measurement data (hereinafter referred to as "measurement result, etc.") from the external server, and implements the network measurement data or the processed report on the display of the user terminal, so that the measurement result value can be quickly and easily checked through a UI set separately according to the user's environment, and if the measurement result value is determined to be abnormal, a user guide suggesting a solution can be received accordingly. Accordingly, the shortcomings of general network test equipment can be resolved, and a network test task of consistent quality can be performed without relying on the user's skill level.

[0014] Accordingly, when using the network test equipment according to the present invention, the user can perform tests related to wired and wireless networks using relatively small and light test equipment, and can easily perform tests through a test result report provided to the user terminal through an external server.

[0015] In addition, when using the network test equipment according to the present invention, the user can not only immediately check the test results remotely, but also remotely respond to abnormal situations through an alarm function, and remotely perform tasks related to network testing, such as test cycles and test targets.

[0016] In addition, the invention proposes an invention in which network test equipment is directly connected to an external server, thereby providing a report on a preset network test target to the user based on measurement data, and suggesting a user behavior guide based on analysis of the measurement data, thereby enabling the user to easily interpret test results and solve network-related problems regardless of their skill level.

[0017] In addition, when using the network test equipment according to the present invention, it is possible to perform updates on the latest measurement functions in real time by directly connecting to an external server.

[0018] The effects that can be achieved through the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Other effects that can be achieved or expected from embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. For example, various effects expected according to embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in the detailed description that follows.

[0019] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which discloses various embodiments of the present invention in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of network test equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a network testing method using network testing equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a remote monitoring system using network test equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram showing the results of performing a network test according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a network testing method using a network testing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a method for implementing a remote monitoring system using a network test device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The present embodiments may be modified and have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0028] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] Additionally, the following examples may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concepts of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Rather, these examples are provided to further faithfully and completely convey the technical concepts of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0030] The terms used in this invention are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] In the present invention, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, or part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0032] In the present invention, expressions such as "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," or "one or more of A or / and B" can include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" can all refer to cases where (1) at least one A is included, (2) at least one B is included, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B are included.

[0033] The expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc. used in the present invention can describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components.

[0034] When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled to the other component, or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0035] On the other hand, when it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it can be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between the component and the other component.

[0036] The expression "configured to" used in the present invention may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware.

[0037] Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device, in conjunction with other devices or components, is "capable of" performing A, B, and C. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0038] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, a plurality of 'modules' or 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented as a specific hardware.

[0039] Meanwhile, the various elements and areas in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0040] Below, the terms used in this specification are defined.

[0041] Network test equipment refers to tools and systems designed to evaluate the performance, functionality, stability, and security of a network. In the present invention, network test equipment can be used to examine various aspects of a data communications network, diagnose problems, and assist in network optimization. It can measure performance indicators such as network speed, latency, throughput, and packet loss rate, and identify and diagnose network connectivity issues, configuration errors, and hardware defects. It can also detect network security vulnerabilities, evaluate Quality of Service (QoS) and User Experience (QoE), and analyze network traffic to examine protocol compliance and traffic patterns. Furthermore, it can perform tests on both wired and wireless networks. Specifically, for wired networks, it can perform Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) and Near End Cross Talk (NEXT), which can test cable connection status, quality level, and damage location.

[0042] Network metrics refer to various network elements that must be measured and analyzed to assess network performance, status, security, and functionality. They are the measurement targets that network test equipment can perform. Representative examples include throughput, latency, packet loss rate, error rate, traffic volume, traffic patterns, cable status, equipment status, service quality, protocol compliance, and network security.

[0043] Network measurement function management refers to managing the overall functions of network measurement, such as varying the network measurement target according to the network test environment or varying the signal strength within the same network measurement target to obtain more accurate test results. In the present invention, rather than performing this network measurement function management through hardware replacement, network measurement function management can be performed by providing preset functions through an external server or by user decision. Furthermore, the corresponding network measurement function may change depending on software updates, etc.

[0044] Network measurement data refers to the results generated by network tests for each network measurement target. The results may include throughput, latency, packet loss rate, connection status, traffic distribution, cable length measurements, cable breaks, cable shorts, and cable damage. The results may vary depending on the network measurement target. In addition, if the network test equipment does not have a display capable of displaying network measurement data, the network measurement data may be transmitted from the network test equipment to an external server, and then directly transmitted to the user terminal or provided in the form of a report after certain processing.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of network test equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] The network test equipment (100) may include a memory (140), a communication interface (150), a processor (160), a wired network measurement unit (180), and a wireless network measurement unit (185). However, the configuration included in the network test equipment (100) is not limited thereto, and some configurations may be omitted or other configurations may be added. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the network test equipment (100) is not equipped with a display (110), but in another embodiment, the display (110) may be equipped. In addition, the network test equipment (100) may include an update management unit (168) to perform updates on the network test equipment based on software update information received from an external server (170). The software update information may refer to software update information that matches the type of payment plan of the user. For example, for free users, only the minimum free measurement features are activated. Users paying the Standard plan (an example of a payment plan type) have features activated, including certain paid features. Furthermore, future feature updates may only include features applicable to the Standard plan. Accordingly, users paying the Professional plan (an example of a payment plan type) have all features activated and will receive update information for any new features added in the future. Furthermore, upon expiration of a user's payment period, test equipment may be updated to activate only the minimum free measurement features, just as for free users.

[0048] The external server (170) may include a memory (140), a communication interface (150), and a processor (160). The processor (160) may include a network measurement function management unit (162), a network measurement data processing unit (164), a guide provision unit (166), an update management unit (168), an artificial intelligence learning unit (not shown), etc. However, the configuration included in the network test equipment (100) is not limited thereto, and some configurations may be omitted or other configurations may be added. In addition, the configuration included in the external server (170) described below may also be included in the network test equipment (100) and the user terminal (105).

[0049] The user terminal (105) may include a display (110), an input device (120), a memory (140), a communication interface (150), and a processor (160). The input device (120) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen), a touch panel, etc. The touch panel may be formed of a capacitive touch panel that detects changes in electrical signals, a pressure-sensitive touch panel that detects physical pressure, an infrared touch panel that forms an infrared grid to detect changes in the infrared grid, a surface ultrasonic touch panel that forms an ultrasonic grid to detect changes in the ultrasonic grid, etc. The touch panel may be implemented together with the display (110) and may be implemented in the form of a touch screen by overlapping the display (110) panel or being included in the display (110) panel. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment in which the touch panel is implemented together with the display (110) panel or the touch panel is implemented as being included in the display (110) panel, and the touch panel may be implemented separately in a different location from the location in which the display (110) is implemented in the network test equipment (100). The processor (160) may receive signal information regarding a user touch (e.g., drag) detected through the touch panel. The display (110) may include various types of display (110) panels such as, but not limited to, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) panel, an AM-OLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode), an LcoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), a QLED (Quantum dot Light-Emitting Diode), a DLP (Digital Light Processing), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) panel, an inorganic LED panel, and a micro LED panel.Meanwhile, the display (110) may be configured as a touch screen together with the above-described touch panel (120), and may be formed as a flexible panel.

[0050] When the display (110) is implemented as a touch screen with a touch panel, the processor (160) can receive a touch pattern through the display (110). Here, the processor (160) can receive a user's touch pattern through the touch screen and simultaneously display (110) the trajectory of the touch pattern received from the user on the touch screen.

[0051] The memory (140) temporarily or non-temporarily stores various programs or data, and transmits the stored information to the processor (160) upon a call from the processor (160). In addition, the memory (140) can store various information necessary for calculations, processing, or control operations of the processor (160) in an electronic format.

[0052] The memory (140) may include, for example, at least one of a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory may be implemented using a semiconductor storage medium such as ROM and / or RAM. The ROM may include, for example, a conventional ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and / or MASK-ROM. The RAM may include, for example, DRAM and / or SRAM. The auxiliary memory may be implemented using at least one storage medium capable of permanently or semi-permanently storing data, such as a flash memory (140) device, an SD (Secure Digital) card, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical media such as a magnetic drum, a compact disc (CD), a DVD, or a laser disc, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disc, and / or a floppy disk. Additionally, the memory (140) may be a virtual memory implemented through the cloud.

[0053] The processor (160) can store, in the memory (140), information about the user, network measurement history, user actions, network measurement data, information about the network test target, information and update data related to network test functions, reports generated based on the network measurement data, user behavior guides, etc. The user behavior guide may mean a user behavior guide that can resolve the cause of quality deterioration or a user behavior guide for quality improvement when the cause of quality deterioration is estimated based on the network test results.

[0054] The wireless network measurement unit (180) can perform measurements related to a wireless network in the environment where the network test equipment is located. The wireless network may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, CAN communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, ultrawide band communication (UWB), Zigbee, infrared data association (IrDA), or near field communication (NFC), and may include Wi-Max, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G, 6G, and subsequent communication standard technologies. The wireless network measurement unit can perform signal strength measurement (RSSI), signal quality analysis (SNR), interference analysis, channel utilization analysis, network speed and throughput testing, connection delay measurement, roaming and handoff performance evaluation, network coverage verification, security and authentication protocol verification, etc. for the wireless network, and can mainly perform functions such as analyzing electromagnetic wave attenuation and interference phenomena.

[0055] The wired network measurement unit (185) performs the function of measuring the performance, stability, security, etc. of a network that uses physical wires or cables to transmit data. The wired network may include Ethernet using twisted pair cables such as CAT5, CAT5e, and CAT6, fiber optics, coaxial cables, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) using telephone lines, and power lines. The wired network measurement unit can perform measurements on throughput, latency, packet loss rate, error rate, cable connection status and length measurement, and equipment status or settings connected to the network through transmission, reception, filtering, and amplification of electrical signals.

[0056] The network measurement function management unit (162) can perform functions such as managing network measurement targets performed by a wired network measurement unit or a wireless network measurement unit and setting different measurement methods under the same hardware.

[0057] The network measurement data processing unit (164) can process the results generated through wired or wireless network measurements using a preset method. For example, the results can be arranged according to the UX or UI design implemented on the user terminal, or the results can be categorized based on specific criteria to indicate good or bad test results. This processing can also be reported in a pre-determined manner.

[0058] The guide provider (166) can generate and provide to the user terminal a guide that instructs the user to take action based on network measurement results, if the results meet predetermined criteria. For example, the guide can be generated to instruct the user to take additional measurements, perform measurements using a different measurement method, or perform measurements at a different location.

[0059] The update management unit (168) can provide update data when network test equipment requires updates, such as for measurement functions. These measurement function updates refer to software updates, not hardware updates. In this case, since update policies may vary depending on whether the user is billed, the update management unit can include information such as user-specific billing policies. For example, for free users, only the minimum free measurement functions are activated. For users paying the Standard plan (an example of a payment plan type), functions including certain paid functions are activated. Furthermore, when additional functions are added in the future, only the functions applicable to the Standard plan can be updated. Accordingly, users paying the Professional plan (an example of a payment plan type) have all functions activated, and can receive update information for all new functions added in the future. Furthermore, when a user's payment period expires, the test equipment can be updated to activate only the minimum free measurement functions, just like for free users.

[0060] Additionally, learning for user action guidance can be performed based on data such as network measurement results and user actions through a separate artificial intelligence learning unit (not shown).

[0061] The communication interface (150) may include a wireless communication interface (150), a wired communication interface (150), or an input interface. The wireless communication interface (150) may communicate with various external devices using wireless communication technology or mobile communication technology. Examples of such wireless communication technologies may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, CAN communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, ultrawide band (UWB), Zigbee, infrared Data Association (IrDA), or near field communication (NFC), and examples of mobile communication technologies may include Wi-Max, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G, 6G, and subsequent communication standard technologies. The wireless communication interface (150) can be implemented using an antenna, a communication chip, a substrate, etc. that can transmit electromagnetic waves to the outside or receive electromagnetic waves transmitted from the outside.

[0062] The network test equipment (100) may have an integrated communication interface (150) that supports both wireless connection by a wireless communication interface (150) and wired connection by a wired communication interface (150).

[0063] The network test equipment (100) is not limited to including one communication interface (150) that performs one type of communication connection, but may include multiple communication interfaces (150).

[0064] The processor (160) according to various embodiments of the present invention can communicate with various user terminals or external servers (170) located outdoors or indoors through the communication interface (150). Specifically, the processor (160) can transmit and receive information by performing a communication connection with external user terminals, external storage, external servers (170), etc. through the communication interface (150).

[0065] For example, the processor (160) may perform a communication connection with an external server (170) through a communication interface (150) to transmit and receive user information, network measurement data, measurement history, user actions, information on network test targets, information related to network measurement functions, network measurement function update data, reports generated based on network measurement data, user behavior guides, etc.

[0066] The processor (160) controls the overall operation of the network test equipment (100). Specifically, the processor (160) is connected to the configuration of the network test equipment (100) including the memory (140) as described above, and can control the overall operation of the network test equipment (100) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (140) as described above. In particular, the processor (160) may be implemented not only as one processor (160) but also as multiple processors (160).

[0067] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a network testing method using network testing equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] When using typical network test equipment, each device has a separate display, and depending on the intended use, the test target can be specified through configuration, and the results can be verified after the test. While some models offer cloud services, these devices simply store measurement results when connected to the Internet. Furthermore, typical network test equipment often features low-performance CPUs for portability and price competitiveness, resulting in a simple UI that can be extremely slow. Furthermore, users must verify the measurement results for the intended measurement target using the network test equipment, relying on their experience to determine whether the results are normal or abnormal. If the results are abnormal, any appropriate action must also be taken based on this experience. Consequently, typical network test equipment is not only unfriendly, but also relies heavily on user experience to interpret the results.

[0069] In contrast, the network test equipment (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to an external server (210) to perform network measurement and then transmit the network measurement data to the external server (210), and the user terminal (220) is connected to the external server (210) to receive the network measurement data or a report processed based on the network measurement data (hereinafter referred to as "measurement result, etc.") from the external server (210), and implements the network measurement data or the processed report on the display of the user terminal (220), so that the user can quickly and easily check the measurement result value through a UI set separately according to the user's environment, and can receive a user guide suggesting a solution accordingly if the measurement result value is determined to be abnormal. Accordingly, the shortcomings of the general network test equipment (200) can be resolved, and a network test task of consistent quality can be performed without relying on the user's skill level.

[0070] The user terminal (220) may be a terminal or smartphone equipped with a display and capable of connecting to an external server (210), and is not limited by its form. In addition, the user terminal (220) is basically connected to the external server (210) to receive measurement results, etc. However, in a special environment (e.g., located underground) where it is not connected to the external server (210), it may be directly connected to the network test equipment (200) to receive measurement results, etc. In this case, the network test equipment (200) may be connected by wire or may be connected via a wireless connection means such as Bluetooth.

[0071] The external server (210) can be connected to the network test equipment (200) via a wire or wireless connection. For example, when the network test equipment (200) is connected to a specific LAN cable for a new home network connection, the network test equipment (200) automatically sends a DHCP Discover message requesting an IP address to a DHCP server, the DHCP server provides an available IP address to the network test equipment (200) via a DHCP Offer message, the network test equipment (200) sends a DHCP Request message using the provided IP address, and the DHCP server can confirm the IP address allocation via a DHCP Ack message. Consequently, after successfully acquiring an IP address, the network test equipment (200) can connect to the external server (210) using the allocated IP address. As another example, when the network test equipment (200) cannot be connected to a LAN cable, the network test equipment (200) can connect to a base station using its own wireless communication means and then connect to the external server (210).

[0072] The external server (210) can receive information about the test equipment, measurement results, etc. from the connected network test equipment (200). The information about the test equipment may be identification information about a specific test equipment that can be distinguished from other network test equipment (200). Based on the received information, the external server (210) can verify the user linked to the network equipment and then obtain information about the user. The information about the user may include information about the measurement target, information related to measurement function management, information related to user authentication, etc. In addition, the external server (210) can change or process the network measurement results according to a preset method so that the network measurement results can be displayed on the display of the user terminal (220). This preset method may vary depending on the measurement target and may vary depending on the user's settings. For example, if the user pre-selects only a portion of the network measurement targets that the network test equipment (200) can measure, the result values ​​for the portion of the measurement targets can be configured as a separate UI and provided to the user terminal (220). Additionally, the network measurement results can be processed in the form of a separate report and provided to the user terminal (220).

[0073] The external server (210) may determine that the network measurement result is abnormal based on preset criteria, or may provide the result to the user terminal (220) by dividing the degree into separate steps. For example, in relation to delay time, if the delay time is less than a certain standard, the network condition may be considered good, and if it is greater than the certain standard, the network condition may be considered bad. Status information that divides the degree of goodness or badness into 5 or 3 steps may be provided to the user terminal (220). In addition, if the measurement result value related to a specific network measurement target is below a preset standard, it may be determined that a specific action is required by the user, and a user action guide may be generated and provided to the user terminal (220). The user action guide may be determined based on preset criteria, or may be determined through artificial intelligence learning such as separate machine learning. In addition, the action guide may be set differently for each measurement target.

[0074] The external server (210) can set different measurement targets and different measurement methods depending on the environment in which the user performs a network test through the network measurement function management unit. For example, network test targets required for setting up a new home network may be TCP Throughput, Ping, Traceroute, TWAMP, Network Packet Capturing, Packet Loss, Delay, Bandwidth, etc. By separately setting these network test targets and notifying the network test equipment (200), the network test equipment (200) can perform measurements only for the corresponding network measurement targets. In addition, if the measurement method needs to be set differently from the existing one in order to improve the measurement method, the measurement method can be updated through the update management unit and the network measurement function can be managed.

[0075] The network test equipment (200) can perform wireless network measurements or wired network measurements, and can perform them simultaneously depending on the user's settings. The network test equipment (200) can measure performance indicators such as network speed, latency, throughput, and packet loss rate, or identify and diagnose network connection problems, configuration errors, and hardware defects. In addition, the network test equipment (200) can detect network security vulnerabilities, evaluate quality of service (QoS) and user experience (QoE), and analyze network traffic to check protocol compliance and traffic patterns. Furthermore, it can perform tests on both wired and wireless networks, and in particular, in the case of wired networks, it can perform TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) to test the cable connection status and damage location.

[0076] In addition, the external server (210) can be linked with a separate user server (230), and in this case, by supporting two-way data linkage through API-based data linkage, it is possible to receive separate instructions related to network measurement from the user as well as transmit measurement results, etc.

[0077] In addition, the external server (210) may generate a guide that instructs the user's actions based on predetermined criteria based on the network measurement results through the guide provision unit and provide the guide to the user terminal (220) if the results correspond to predetermined criteria. For example, if a cable is determined to be disconnected at a specific point through wired network measurement, the user may be instructed to go to the estimated location and perform measurement again to find the exact disconnection point. Such a guide may be stored in the form of a table based on predetermined criteria, or may be determined by performing artificial intelligence learning such as machine learning based on existing measurement data and data on user actions resulting from the measurement data.

[0078] When the network test equipment (200) requires updates, such as for measurement functions, the external server (210) can provide such update data to the network test equipment (200) through the update management unit. Upon receiving the update data, the network test equipment (200) can automatically perform updates to its internally installed software. In this case, since the update policy may vary depending on whether the user is billed, the update management unit may include information such as a billing policy for each user.

[0079] The user terminal (220) is connected to an external server (210) through user authentication, etc., and can set measurement targets of specific network test equipment (200) and perform measurements, and can receive measurement results, etc. from the external server (210). Measurement results, etc. can be displayed in a separate UI through a display provided in the user terminal (220), and can include user guide information.

[0080] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a remote monitoring system using network test equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Recently, the need for maintenance of information and communication equipment installed on premises such as buildings is increasing, and the network test equipment according to the present invention can be used for the maintenance of on-premises information and communication equipment. Typically, equipment currently used for maintenance is connected to a switch or patch panel, and requires a separate patch panel analyzer as well as a reader and management server to enable remote monitoring. Even in this case, only the connection status can be checked for each port, which is expensive and has the disadvantage of limited functionality. Therefore, when using the network test equipment according to the present invention, a separate analyzer or reader is not required, and it is possible to monitor not only the connection status but also information about the equipment connected to the network, network tests for each equipment, and the performance of the network itself in real time.

[0082] That is, the network test equipment (310) is connected to the external server (320) as described above in FIG. 2, so that the user can remotely command network measurement from the user terminal (300) and check the measurement results, etc. thereof. Specifically, the network test equipment (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention is directly connected to network equipment such as an L2 switch and an L3 switch, and can check the information of the switch equipment using a standard protocol such as CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) and LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol), or can check the information on the switch equipment through SSH (Secure Shell). When SSH is used, more specific information can be checked than CDP and LLDP, and settings, etc. can also be changed. In addition, information on equipment connected under the L2 and L3 switches can be checked through Bonjour, Subnet Scan, etc. to see which devices are connected to the switch equipment.

[0083] In addition, even if an IP address is automatically assigned to the switch equipment, the network test equipment (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be connected to an external server (320) through the IP address.

[0084] The network test equipment (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform a connection status check (Ping Test, CDP / LLDP protocol-based inquiry) on network equipment (e.g., gateway, switch equipment, etc.), and acquire internal information of equipment based on SSH connection (resource information such as CPU / RAM, information of other devices connected to the equipment, etc.). In addition, it can perform a list of equipment connected to the network, a connection status check (Ping Test), an operation status check (TWAMP Test, etc.), and acquire internal information of equipment based on SSH connection (resource information, operation log, etc.) on various service equipment (e.g., various PCs, CCTV, common entrance wall pad, parking control device, etc.). In addition, it can perform a test on the network performance itself, such as a TCP Throughput Test (internet speed measurement) and a TWAMP Test, and can perform a connection line stability monitoring, such as a Bit Error Rate Test. In addition, it can measure the length of cables such as Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, and optical fibers using TDR, and check for a break in the cable, a short circuit in the cable, or a damage to the cable.

[0085] The network test equipment (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention can specifically check the internal connection equipment (330) connected under a specific switch, and therefore, the network test can be performed by differentiating the measurement target and measurement cycle depending on the type of each internal connection equipment (330). For example, according to the maintenance management guidelines for in-house information and communication equipment, the inspection cycle is divided into annual, monthly, quarterly, etc. depending on the type of information and communication equipment, and the measurement target is also divided according to in-house communication line equipment, video information processing equipment, public address equipment, intelligent home network equipment, broadcast common reception equipment, etc. Therefore, the network test equipment (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform a separate network test for each equipment and transmit the measurement result value therefor to an external server (320).

[0086] The external server (320) may transmit the network measurement results or reports generated based on the measurement results to the user terminal (300) based on the network measurement results received from the network test equipment (310). Separately, if the network measurement results are determined to be abnormal, such as below a preset standard, the external server (320) may notify the user terminal (300) in real time, and at the same time, provide a user guide for improving the abnormal measurement result values. Furthermore, the user may remotely command the network test equipment (310) to perform measurements regardless of the measurement cycle via the external server (320).

[0087] User measurement function management and update management are as described above.

[0088] Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram showing the results of performing a network test according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the results of a network test performed according to the present invention. After confirming the connection between the user terminal and the network test equipment, the user can select a measurement target through the user terminal. The network test equipment performs network measurements on each measurement target and transmits the measurement results to an external server. Accordingly, the external server can process and transform the measurement results based on the network measurement results and transmit them to the user terminal. The user can then view the measurement results in the form of a graph or table through the user terminal.

[0090] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the network test execution results according to the present invention. After the connection between the user terminal and the test equipment is confirmed, the external server can check the subscriber number, subscriber product name, previous measurement records, etc. based on the user information entered in the user terminal. The user can perform network measurements through the user terminal, and in this case, the initial setting values ​​for the measurement items for the network measurement can be entered. For example, when performing a cable test using TDR, the measurement direction, measurement point, number of measurements, and whether the line is live can be entered, and recommended setting values ​​can be automatically entered based on the user's previous measurement records. When the user initiates network measurement through the user terminal, the measurement can be performed, and the measurement data can be transmitted to the external server according to the preset number of measurements. Based on the received measurement data, the external server can identify information about the total length of the cable, measurement point and direction, and information about suspected quality degradation points or sections, and generate and transmit a user action guide accordingly to the user terminal. Additionally, if a user performs additional measurements or enters actions based on the measurements, this information can be transmitted to an external server, which can then store the information. User behavior guidelines can be determined using user input and preset algorithms. If the cause of quality degradation is suspected based on network test results, the user behavior guidelines can refer to user behavior guidelines that can address the cause of the quality degradation or user behavior guidelines for quality improvement.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a network testing method using a network testing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] The user can check the connection between the network test equipment (510) and the external server (520) and the connection between the user terminal (500) and the network test equipment (510) (S510), and input user information (S520). If the environment is such that the network test equipment (510) or the user terminal (500) cannot be connected to the external server (520), the user terminal (500) can be directly connected to the network test equipment (510) via wired or wireless communication.

[0093] The external server (520) can check the subscriber number, subscriber product name, previous measurement records, etc. based on the user information entered in the user terminal (500). (S525) The external server (520) can place restrictions on the measurement target and function according to the subscriber product, etc., and the restrictions may already be stored in the user terminal (500). The network test equipment (510) may store user information, etc. on its own, and if the network test equipment (510) or the user terminal (500) is in an environment where it cannot be connected to the external server (520), the measurement can be performed based on the user information stored in the network test equipment (510).

[0094] A user can determine a network measurement target through a user terminal (500) and input initial setting values ​​required for the network measurement. (S530) The initial setting values ​​may be necessary for network measurement, such as measurement direction, measurement point, number of measurements, and whether the line is active, and may be preset and stored. Alternatively, recommended setting values ​​may be preset and stored based on previous measurement history. In addition, recommended setting values ​​may be determined by an external server (520) and transmitted to the user terminal (500). (S535)

[0095] A user can command to perform network measurement through a user terminal (500), and this command can be transmitted to an external server (520), and the external server (520) can then transmit the command to the network test equipment (510). (S540) If the environment in which the network test equipment (510) or the user terminal (500) cannot be connected to the external server (520) exists, the user terminal (500) is directly connected to the network test equipment (510), and thus the network measurement execution command can be transmitted to the network test equipment (510) without going through the external server (520).

[0096] The network test equipment (510) can transmit the network measurement data to an external server (520) after performing network measurement (S545). (S550) If the network test equipment (510) or the user terminal (500) is in an environment where it cannot be connected to the external server (520), the network measurement data can be stored in the network test equipment (510) and then transmitted to the external server (520) in an environment where it can be connected to the external server (520).

[0097] The external server (520) can determine whether there is an abnormality based on the received network measurement data. (S560) In addition, the external server (520) can generate a user action guide based on predetermined criteria for each abnormal situation. (S570)

[0098] An external server (520) can transform and process measurement data to conform to the user terminal (500) UI set for each measurement target, and such transformation and processing can be expressed in the form of a picture, graph, or table. Furthermore, the data can be in the form of a report in a predetermined format and can include a user behavior guide. The user behavior guide can refer to a user behavior guide that can resolve the cause of quality degradation or a user behavior guide for quality improvement when the cause of quality degradation is estimated based on the network test results.

[0099] After receiving a measurement result report or user behavior guide, etc. from an external server (520) (S580), the user can input user actions, etc. through a user terminal (500) and transmit the user actions, etc. to the external server (520). (S590) In this case, the user actions may include whether to comply with the actions according to the user behavior guide, whether to perform additional measurements, and whether to change the measurement method.

[0100] When a measurement function update is required, the external server (520) transmits data related to the update to the network test equipment (510), and in this case, the external server (520) can check user information, etc., and determine whether to update depending on whether the user has subscribed to a specific product.

[0101] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a method for implementing a remote monitoring system using a network test device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The user can check the connection between the network test equipment (620) and the external server (610) and the connection between the network equipment (630) and the network test equipment (620) (S610), and input user information (S615).

[0103] The external server (610) can verify user information based on user information entered into the user terminal (600), and request information on the network equipment (630) connected through the network test equipment (620) and information on the internal equipment connected to the network equipment (630).

[0104] Network test equipment (620) is connected to network equipment (630) such as gateways and switch equipment, and can check internal information of internal connection equipment connected to the network equipment (630). (S620)

[0105] The external server (610) can check the subscriber number, subscriber product name, previous measurement records, etc. based on the user information entered in the user terminal (600). The external server (610) can place restrictions on the measurement target and function depending on the subscriber product, etc., and such restrictions may already be stored in the user terminal (600). The network test equipment (620) may store user information, etc. on its own.

[0106] A user can determine a network measurement target through a user terminal (600) and input initial setting values ​​required for the network measurement. (S630) Then, an external server (620) can transmit the input network measurement target and initial setting values ​​to the network test equipment (620). (S635) The initial setting values ​​may be necessary for network measurement, such as a measurement direction, a measurement point, a number of measurements, and whether a line is live, and may be preset and stored, or a recommended setting value may be preset and stored based on a previous measurement history, etc. In addition, the recommended setting value may be determined by the external server (610) and transmitted to the user terminal (600). In addition, since the network measurement target may vary depending on the type of equipment connected to the network equipment (630), the initial setting values ​​may also vary.

[0107] A user can command network measurement to be performed through a user terminal (600), and this command can be transmitted to an external server (610), which can then transmit the command to the network test equipment (620). (S640)

[0108] The network test equipment (620) can transmit network measurement data to an external server (610) after performing network measurement. (S650)

[0109] The external server (610) can determine whether there is an abnormality based on the received network measurement data. (S660)

[0110] If an abnormality is confirmed, the external server (610) can transmit an alarm about the occurrence of an abnormality to the user terminal (600) in real time.

[0111] An external server (610) can generate user behavioral guidelines based on pre-determined criteria for each abnormal situation. The user behavioral guidelines may also be transmitted along with an alarm notification regarding the occurrence of an abnormality (S670).

[0112] An external server (610) can transform and process measurement data to conform to the user terminal (600) UI set for each measurement target and generate a measurement report. Such transformation and processing can be expressed in the form of a picture, graph, or table. In addition, the report can be in a predetermined format and can include a user behavior guide.

[0113] After receiving a measurement result report or user behavior guide, etc. from an external server (610) (S680), the user can input user actions, etc. through the user terminal (600) and transmit the user actions, etc. to the external server (610). (S690) In this case, the user actions may include whether to comply with the actions according to the user behavior guide, whether to perform additional measurements, and whether to change the measurement method.

[0114] When a measurement function update is required, the external server (610) transmits data related to the update to the network test equipment (620), and in this case, the external server can check user information, etc. to determine whether to update depending on whether the user has subscribed to a specific product.

[0115] Meanwhile, the methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0116] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a measurement method including a user terminal, an external server, and network test equipment, A step of checking whether the user terminal is connected to the external server and the network test equipment; A step in which the above network test equipment performs network measurement; A step in which the above network test equipment transmits the network measurement performance results to the above external server; A step in which the external server determines whether there is an abnormality in the network based on the network measurement performance results received from the network test equipment; A step for generating a measurement report based on the network measurement performance results received from the network test equipment by the external server; and A method characterized in that it comprises a step of the external server transmitting the measurement report to the user terminal.

2. In paragraph 1, A step of confirming whether the user terminal is connected to the external server and the network test equipment, and then entering user information through the user terminal; and Further comprising a step of verifying the user information on the external server, A method characterized in that the external server determines a network measurement target based on the verified user information.

3. In paragraph 1, The external server further includes a step of generating a user behavior guide based on the network measurement performance results received from the network test equipment, A method characterized in that the above user behavior guide is a user behavior guide that instructs the user to take a specific action based on the cause of the network quality deterioration when the cause of the network quality deterioration is determined based on whether the network is abnormal.

4. In paragraph 3, A method characterized in that the user terminal further comprises a step of transmitting user action items to the external server after receiving the measurement report from the external server.

5. In paragraph 4, A method characterized in that the external server updates the user behavior guide based on the user behavior guide and the user actions.

6. In paragraph 2, A method characterized in that the external server determines whether to update the network test equipment based on the verified user information.

7. For network test equipment connected to user terminals and external servers, memory; communication interface; Network measurement unit; and Includes a processor, The above processor, Receive measurement targets and initial setting values ​​from the external server, Network measurement is performed based on the above measurement target and initial setting values, Network test equipment characterized in that it transmits the results of performing network measurement to the external server through the communication interface.

8. In paragraph 7, The above network measurement unit performs wired network measurement or wireless network measurement, Network test equipment characterized in that the above measurement target and initial setting values ​​are determined based on user information transmitted from the user terminal to the external server.

9. In paragraph 7, The above network test equipment further includes an update management unit that receives software update information for the network test equipment from the external server and performs an update based on the software update information. Network test equipment characterized in that the above software update information is determined based on a user rate plan determined based on the above user information.

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