Cable Modem Idle Receiver Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cable network monitoring systems are inadequate for comprehensive, economical network-wide monitoring that can test both downstream and upstream communication paths without requiring dedicated end-of-line measurement equipment.

Innovation Solution

The use of measurement-capable cable modems that utilize idle receivers and transmitters to perform network measurements while still providing customer services, leveraging the intrinsic capabilities of DOCSIS 3.0 compliant cable modems to enable efficient and real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated end-of-line measurement equipment is deployed for comprehensive network monitoring, then measurement precision and network monitoring capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork measurement capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable modem is designed to perform both its primary function of providing customer data services and its secondary function of performing network measurements. The modem controller can allocate receivers and transmitters to either data communications or network measurements, making the device universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable modem performs network measurements using its own idle receivers and transmitters without requiring external dedicated measurement equipment. The modem serves itself by utilizing its inherent capabilities to monitor network conditions, thereby simplifying the overall monitoring system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If dedicated measurement equipment is installed at end-of-line locations, then network monitoring coverage is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork monitoring coverageVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If cable modems allocate all receivers and transmitters to data communications, then productivity and service quality are improved, but network measurement capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cable modem employs dynamic resource allocation where the modem controller can flexibly assign receivers and transmitters between data communications and network measurements based on current network conditions and requirements. This dynamic allocation ensures that measurement capabilities are preserved when needed while maintaining optimal data communication performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cable modem utilizes idle or excess receivers and transmitters that are not fully required for data communications to perform network measurements. By using partially available resources for dual purposes, the system achieves both data communication and measurement objectives without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If portable testers are used for network diagnostics, then measurement flexibility is improved, but loss of time and operational efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic flexibilityVSAvoiddiagnostic time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable modem continuously monitors network conditions using its idle receivers and transmitters, performing measurements in advance before problems occur. This preliminary action enables real-time detection of network issues without requiring technicians to deploy portable testers and perform manual diagnostics, thereby reducing diagnostic time and improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8649421B2Cable modem for network measurements

Publication Date: 2014.02.11 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)

AI summary

The invention relates to measurement-capable cable modems for cable networks. Idle receivers and transmitters of a cable modem are used to perform upstream and downstream measurements on DOCSIS and non-DOCSIS digital and analog TV channels without disrupting customer services. A currently idle receiver is tuned to a target downstream channel under directions of a modem measurement controller, and is queried by the measurement controller to perform a measurement as specified by a measurement plan. A currently idle transmitter is tuned to a target upstream channel to transmit a test signal that is received by an upstream measurement system. Measurements are communicated to a central measurement controller, for example located at the headend, which collects measurements from a plurality of cable modems and the upstream measurement system. The resulting monitoring system performs cable network wide monitoring using existing cable modems without requiring additional monitoring devices.