CPE Data Collection Module for DSL Network Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DSLAM systems are limited in collecting comprehensive data from the LAN side of communications networks, particularly regarding physical interfaces like Ethernet, HPNA, and wireless protocols, and fail to provide rich per-tone base data such as downstream HLOG and signal-to-noise ratio, making it difficult to troubleshoot issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a CPE data collection module that communicates with a CMS server to collect and analyze diagnostic parameters from customer premises equipment (CPE) on the LAN side, including per-tone diagnostics, loop length computations, bridged tap detection, and noise level measurements, and providing historical and real-time data through graphical charts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If DSLAM collects data from WAN side, then data collection capability is provided, but data completeness and troubleshooting accuracy deteriorate due to inability to access LAN side interface conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE device performs self-diagnosis by automatically collecting diagnostic parameters from its own LAN side interfaces and transmitting them to the DSLAM. This eliminates the need for complex manual testing equipment and procedures, allowing the CPE to serve itself in gathering comprehensive network data without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPE acts as an intermediary between the DSLAM and the LAN side interfaces. It collects diagnostic information from interfaces that the DSLAM cannot directly access, then relays this information back to the DSLAM, enabling comprehensive data collection without requiring the DSLAM to directly interface with LAN equipment.
2Measurement precision
If traditional DSLAM troubleshooting is used, then basic network monitoring is available, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of per-tone base data such as downstream HLOG and signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic data is segmented into multiple detailed components including per-tone HLOG measurements, signal-to-noise ratio data, and individual interface status information. This segmentation allows the DSLAM to receive and process granular data that reveals precise network conditions, enabling accurate troubleshooting of specific issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPE performs preliminary diagnostic testing on its LAN side interfaces before transmitting data to the DSLAM. By conducting these measurements in advance at the CPE location, the system captures accurate baseline data that reflects actual network conditions, improving subsequent troubleshooting precision.
3Productivity
If comprehensive LAN side data collection is implemented, then troubleshooting capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional CPE functionality requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard communication device and as a diagnostic tool. It can collect various types of diagnostic parameters from different LAN interfaces, perform per-tone measurements, and communicate with the DSLAM, thereby enhancing troubleshooting efficiency without requiring separate dedicated equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting data from a communications network includes customer premises equipment (“CPE”) for monitoring and storing response data. A CPE data collection module uses a Web-based service to collect information from the CPE and process the information to determine line quality and any errors that may exist on either the WAN side or the LAN side of the communications network, and further determine the root cause based on built-in business rules for trouble shooting customer service. The CPE conducts per-tone diagnostics on the WAN side of the communications network and obtains WAN side data. The CPE obtains response data from devices on the LAN side. Both WAN side data and LAN data may be transmitted substantially in real-time or stored and transmitted periodically to the CPE data collection module upon requests originated from the CPE data collection module.