Universal Cable Modem Testing System with Asynchronous Web Socket Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current device testing systems are limited in their ability to simultaneously test multiple devices of different types without requiring significant changes to their core architecture, and they lack the flexibility to easily accommodate new devices and tests.

Innovation Solution

A universal testing system with a core testing subsystem, user interface, and asynchronous communication via web sockets, allowing for real-time bi-directional communication and enabling the simultaneous testing of disparate devices with seamless integration of new devices and tests through a modular architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal testing system uses a modular architecture with asynchronous communication via web sockets, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to test multiple device types simultaneouslyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is divided into independent modular components including device interfaces, test controllers, and a core testing subsystem. Each device type (cable modem, eMTA, set-top box, wireless router) has its own dedicated interface module that communicates asynchronously with the core subsystem via web sockets, allowing simultaneous testing of multiple devices without increasing core complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core testing subsystem is designed as a universal platform that can test multiple types of devices simultaneously through standardized web socket communication. The system provides a common test controller and result aggregation mechanism that works with diverse device types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing systems for each device category

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If the system enables real-time bi-directional communication via web sockets, then the speed of information exchange and real-time monitoring is improved, but the use of energy and computational resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time communication speedVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The web socket communication implements asynchronous periodic polling and event-driven updates rather than continuous bidirectional data streams. Test results and status changes are transmitted periodically or triggered by specific events, reducing the constant computational overhead while maintaining real-time monitoring capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The core testing subsystem acts as an intermediary that aggregates test results from multiple device interfaces before transmitting to the user interface. This mediation layer consolidates data processing, reducing the total computational load on individual components and optimizing energy usage across the distributed system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the system tests multiple disparate devices simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the measurement precision and reliability of individual device testing may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devices tested per unit timeVSAvoidtesting accuracy of individual devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each device interface module operates independently with dedicated test execution and result processing capabilities. This segmentation ensures that simultaneous testing of multiple devices does not interfere with the measurement precision of individual devices, as each maintains its own testing context and data processing pipeline

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses virtualized test environments and simulated device models to replicate testing conditions for multiple devices simultaneously. Virtual copies of test configurations and control parameters are created for each device interface, ensuring consistent and precise measurement conditions are maintained across all simultaneous tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9992084B2Cable modems/eMTAs under test

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 CONTEC LLC

AI summary

A system for testing multiple cable modem/eMTA devices independently and simultaneously using different types of device probes is disclosed. The system employs multiple device probes configured to test various functions and connectivity associated with the device under test, including wireless local area network (WLAN), local area network (LAN), Multimedia Over Coax Alliance (MoCA), DOCSIS, and Foreign Exchange Station (FXS). The system includes real-time, bi-directional/asynchronous communication and interaction between the system components.