DSL Modem Microcode Remote Application Download
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DSL customer premises equipment (CPE) modems rely on expensive onboard flash memory to store application images, limiting upgradeability, increasing costs, and complicating service plan enforcement and fraud prevention.
Innovation Solution
The modem obtains its application image and configuration from a central office (CO) upon startup, using microcode in a small one-time programmable ROM to initialize the chipset, establish a data link, and download the necessary files via BOOTP and TFTP, storing them in RAM for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If application image is stored in onboard flash memory, then DCPE can operate with local storage, but manufacturing cost increases and upgradeability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application image storage function from the DCPE's onboard flash memory and relocates it to the service provider's network infrastructure. The DCPE only retains minimal boot code in its flash memory, while the full application image is downloaded from the service provider's server, thereby eliminating the need for expensive, large-capacity onboard flash memory while enabling easy upgrades through remote updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a service provider's network server as an intermediary between the DCPE and the application image. Instead of storing the application image locally in the DCPE, the system uses a centralized server to store and distribute application images, allowing the DCPE to download and execute applications remotely, thus reducing local storage requirements and enabling centralized management and updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger application image is used to add features, then functionality increases, but onboard flash memory capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application image from local flash memory storage and relocates it to remote network storage. This allows the DCPE to access much larger application images than would fit in onboard flash memory, enabling enhanced functionality and features without being constrained by limited local storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional local storage constraints to multi-dimensional network-based storage solutions. By leveraging network bandwidth and remote server capacity, the system effectively increases the available storage dimension, allowing large application images to be downloaded and executed without being limited by the physical flash memory capacity of the DCPE.
3Ease of operation
If application image is stored onboard, then DCPE can start up independently, but service provider control and plan enforcement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the DCPE download and cache the application image locally before execution. This allows the DCPE to start up independently using the cached image, while still maintaining service provider control over which images are distributed. The service provider can enforce service plans by controlling what application images are made available for download, thus combining independent operation with centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the DCPE reports to the service provider about its operational status, downloaded application images, and usage patterns. This feedback loop enables the service provider to monitor and enforce service plans, track device behavior, and maintain control over the network infrastructure while allowing the DCPE to operate autonomously based on downloaded configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A DSL customer premises equipment modem (DCPE) avoids the requirement of a flash or other static memory for storing an application image or configuration on the modem. The modem instead stores microcode used to boot its chipset and obtain the application image and/or configuration from a remote site, such as the central office (CO). In one possible startup procedure, this microcode initializes the modem's chipset, starts the DSL driver, establishes a data link with the service provider's CO equipment, and downloads the application image and/or the configuration from the CO. Other types of communications devices, such as cellular phones or other portable devices, can perform a similar procedure to obtain an application image from remote source, such as a base station.