CPE OOB Messaging DCD Identifier Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an effective method and system for Out-Of-Band (OOB) messaging between Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) in cable systems, particularly for identifying and tuning to downstream channel descriptor (DCD) messages to ensure proper communication and service delivery.

Innovation Solution

The CPE, comprising an embedded set-top box (eSTB), embedded cable modem (eCM), and optional conditional access (CA) unit, scans downstream channels for DCD messages, matches identifiers, and tunes to specific data tunnels using network addresses, maintaining connectivity even during interruptions and re-scanning for new messages if necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the CPE scans downstream channels for DCD messages to identify matching identifiers, then the reliability of OOB messaging is improved, but the time required to establish communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOOB messaging reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The CPE performs preliminary scanning of downstream channels for DCD messages during initialization, identifying and storing matching DCD identifiers before actual service delivery begins. This preliminary action ensures that when service activation occurs, the CPE already has the necessary tunnel identification information ready, reducing the time penalty of channel scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The CPE creates a copy of the DCD message containing the matching identifier and stores it locally for future reference. Instead of repeatedly scanning channels to verify tunnel identification, the CPE uses the copied DCD information, significantly reducing the time required for subsequent communication establishment while maintaining reliable OOB messaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the eCM remains tuned to tunnels during data tunnel interruptions, then service continuity is improved, but the adaptability to network configuration changes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidnetwork configuration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The eCM performs periodic monitoring of tunnel status and间歇性 re-scanning of downstream channels for updated DCD messages. Rather than remaining continuously tuned or completely re-scanning, the eCM uses periodic checks to detect network configuration changes, balancing service continuity with adaptability to new network configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the eCM monitors for changes in DCD messages and tunnel status. When feedback indicates a configuration change or loss of matching DCD identifier, the eCM automatically initiates re-scanning procedures. This feedback-driven approach ensures the eCM maintains service continuity under normal conditions while adapting to network changes when they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8320376B2Method and system for out-of-band messaging

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Method and system for Out-Of-Band (OOB) massaging with Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) configured to receive OOB messaging signals from a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS). The method and system include determining whether a DCD message identifying data tunnels includes a DCD message identifier matching with a CPE identifier such that the data tunnels identified in the matching DCD message are tuned to by the CPE.