Alternate Communication Path for Broadband CPE Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and configuring broadband connections are inefficient when the connection is inoperable or unstable, as they require manual intervention and cannot transport diagnostic and configuration information automatically between customer-premises equipment (CPE) and broadband network management devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an alternate communication path to enable automated data retrieval, analysis, and reconfiguration of broadband connections by using an alternate communication device to relay diagnostic information from CPE to a broadband network management device, allowing for remote diagnosis and remediation of disconnected broadband services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used to diagnose disconnected broadband services, then diagnostic information can be retrieved from CPE, but the process is time-consuming and requires technician dispatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alternate communication path as an intermediary channel between CPE and network management devices. When the primary broadband connection is disconnected, this alternate path (such as cellular data or Wi-Fi) enables automated retrieval of diagnostic information from CPE without requiring manual technician intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between obtaining complete diagnostic data and minimizing troubleshooting time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the alternate communication path and configuring automated diagnostic data retrieval before a technician would normally be dispatched. The CPE is pre-configured to send diagnostic information through the alternate path when the primary connection fails, enabling remote diagnosis to occur immediately without waiting for manual intervention
2Productivity
If automated diagnostic data retrieval is implemented over disconnected broadband lines, then remote diagnosis efficiency improves, but the communication path must be established through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE device is given multi-functionality by equipping it with multiple communication interfaces (primary broadband interface and alternate communication interface such as cellular or Wi-Fi). This allows the same device to automatically switch between communication paths based on availability, enabling automated diagnostic retrieval without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the CPE monitors the status of the primary broadband connection and automatically activates the alternate communication path when disconnection is detected. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to self-manage the communication path selection without requiring complex manual configuration
3Reliability
If technicians are dispatched for manual repair of broadband connections, then complex issues can be diagnosed, but service provider costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the CPE to automatically generate and transmit comprehensive diagnostic information through the alternate communication path to network management devices. This automated self-diagnosis capability handles routine troubleshooting cases without technician intervention, reducing service provider costs while maintaining reliable diagnosis for issues that can be remotely resolved
Data Source
AI summary
An alternate communications device is coupled to a broadband CPE in broadband customer premises equipment (CPE). The broadband CPE is coupled to a broadband communication network management device via a primary communication path. The alternate communications device is further coupled to the broadband communication network management device via an alternate communication path. The alternate communications device is to provide diagnostic and configuration information about a broadband connection to the broadband communication network management device via the alternate communication path when the broadband CPE is unable to provide such via the broadband connection. The broadband communication network management device is to perform analysis on this information. The alternate communications device is to receive from the broadband communication network management device, via the alternate communication path, new diagnostic information and new configuration information about the broadband connection responsive to the broadband communication network management device performing the analysis.