Link Testing in Ethernet DSL Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Ethernet-based Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) networks, testing the link between Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and a Broadband Remote Access Server (BBRAS) is limited to the part of the connection using ATM technology, as standard testing methods do not effectively verify the connection when multiple transmission media are involved.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that tests the communication link between end nodes using multiple transmission media by executing loop-back tests according to the standards of each medium, with an intermediate node sending loop-back test messages and receiving responses from both ends, allowing for comprehensive verification of the link between CPE and BBRAS even when using ATM and Ethernet standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard loop-back testing method is used in Ethernet-based DSL network, then testing of ATM Virtual Circuit is verified, but full verification of connection between CPE and BBRAS cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link testing into two separate loop-back tests: one for the ATM transmission medium (between CPE and DSLAM) and another for the Ethernet transmission medium (between DSLAM and BBRAS). This segmentation allows each transmission medium to be tested according to its own standard, resolving the contradiction between maintaining standard testing procedures and achieving comprehensive multi-medium verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal testing approach where the intermediate node (DSLAM) performs multiple functions: it acts as both an ATM endpoint and an Ethernet endpoint, executing different loop-back test standards for different transmission media. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain adaptability to various transmission standards while achieving complete link verification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission media are used between CPE and BBRAS, then network flexibility is improved, but standard testing functionality is limited to ATM portion only
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is segmented into two distinct loop-back tests corresponding to the two transmission media. The first loop-back test verifies the ATM segment, and the second loop-back test verifies the Ethernet segment. This segmentation ensures that each transmission medium is properly tested according to its specific standards, achieving reliable end-to-end verification despite using multiple transmission media.
Solution Approach 2:
The DSLAM serves as an intermediary node that bridges the ATM and Ethernet transmission media. It receives and processes loop-back test messages from both CPE (via ATM) and BBRAS (via Ethernet), acting as a mediator that enables comprehensive testing across different transmission standards. This intermediary role resolves the limitation of standard testing by coordinating multiple test procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method in a communications network of testing a communications link between Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and a Broadband Remote Access Server (BBRAS). The CPE and BBRAS communicate mutually via an intermediate Internet Protocol Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (IPDSLAM). The CPE is connected to the IPDSLAM via an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) link, and the BBRAS is connected to the IPDSLAM via an Ethernet link. When a customer complaint is received in a Customer Care Center (CCC), the IPDSLAM is instructed to test the link. The IPDSLAM executes a first loop-back test with the CPE according to the ATM standard, and executes a second loop-back test with the BBRAS according to the Ethernet standard. The results of the first and second loop-back tests are reported to the CCC.