Cable Modem Traffic Redirection for Bricked Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable modems that are 'bricked' due to non-payment or service violations often leave users unaware of the status, leading to confusion and frustration as they may assume network or hardware failures, causing unnecessary support inquiries.
Innovation Solution
A method and system to redirect network traffic by delivering a specialized configuration file to the cable modem, associating it with a Quality of Service (QOS) Profile, rewriting certain bytes of traffic to redirect it through a tunnel to a remote switch, limiting access to pre-defined Web sites, including a self-provisioning page, within a 'Walled Garden' environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable modem is bricked by disabling its MAC address to prevent service access, then service violation is effectively prevented, but the user becomes unaware of the bricked status and may incorrectly assume network or hardware failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the bricked modem itself) that actively communicates its status to the user through redirected web traffic. Instead of silently disabling service, the system uses the modem's remaining functionality to display status information via a web page, eliminating information loss while maintaining service control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the bricked modem send status information back to the user through redirected web requests. The modem detects when a user attempts to access the internet and automatically redirects them to a status page that explains the bricked condition, creating a closed-loop communication system that informs users of the service state.
2Reliability
If the cable modem is bricked to prevent service access, then service violations are stopped, but users experience confusion and frustration due to lack of clear communication about the status
Solution Approach 1:
The bricked modem serves as an intermediary that translates the technical bricked state into user-friendly information. It captures user attempts to access the internet and redirects them to a clearly formatted web page explaining the situation, making the service status understandable without requiring technical knowledge from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by having the bricked modem automatically generate and display status information without requiring user intervention or support staff involvement. The modem itself communicates the bricked status through redirected web traffic, allowing users to understand their situation independently.
3Reliability
If the cable modem is bricked without providing status information, then service control is maintained, but unnecessary support inquiries are generated as users assume hardware or network failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the bricked modem actively notifies users of its status through redirected web traffic. When users attempt to access the internet, they are automatically directed to a status page that explains the bricked condition, eliminating guesswork and preventing unnecessary support inquiries by providing immediate status information.
Solution Approach 2:
The bricked modem acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between service control and user understanding. It maintains service restriction while simultaneously communicating status information through redirected web requests, preventing users from mistakenly contacting support for issues that are actually service-related rather than hardware-related.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for redirecting network traffic are described, in which network traffic originating from a first network element and initially intended to be received at a first destination network element is modified by, for example, rewriting the Type of Service field of an Internet Protocol packet, and as a result the modified traffic is redirected to a second final destination network element.