DSLAM Remote Connectivity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for troubleshooting Internet connectivity issues in DSL networks often require costly and inefficient dispatch of service technicians to subscriber premises and central offices, leading to wasteful use of resources and unnecessary port changes in DSLAMs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remote connection verification that introduces a tester into the network connection, allowing for remote instruction to perform connectivity tests between the subscriber station and the network, including metal tests on copper twisted pairs, and generates output reporting the test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If service technicians are dispatched to subscriber premises to verify Internet connectivity, then accurate diagnosis of connectivity problems can be made, but labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the network infrastructure to automatically diagnose connectivity issues without requiring technician intervention. The DSLAM performs automated connectivity tests and metal tests on copper twisted pairs, generating diagnostic reports that identify whether problems originate at the subscriber premises, central office, or elsewhere in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic system that acts as a mediator between the subscriber and the service provider. This system includes a verification host computer that remotely communicates with the DSLAM to initiate and coordinate connectivity verification tests, eliminating the need for direct technician-subscriber interaction while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If service technicians are sent to central office to troubleshoot connectivity problems, then network-side issues can be identified, but additional labor costs and technician dispatch requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification host computer serves as an intermediary that enables remote troubleshooting of network-side issues without requiring physical technician presence at the central office. The host can remotely instruct the DSLAM to perform connectivity tests and interpret results, simplifying the troubleshooting process while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for network-side problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical technician dispatch with an automated electronic diagnostic system. The DSLAM and verification host computer work together to perform automated testing and analysis, substituting human physical intervention with electronic automation while maintaining or improving diagnostic capabilities.
3Productivity
If DSLAM ports are changed without troubleshooting the cause, then connectivity issues may be resolved quickly, but resource waste increases and port availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions by automatically testing connectivity and performing metal tests on copper twisted pairs before any port changes are made. This preliminary analysis identifies the root cause of connectivity issues, ensuring that port changes are only performed when necessary and are targeted at the correct locations, thereby preserving port availability while maintaining productivity.
4Loss of time
If comprehensive connectivity testing is performed remotely, then accurate diagnosis can be achieved without technician visits, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DSLAM is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard digital subscriber line access multiplexer and as a remote test instrument. By integrating connectivity verification and metal testing capabilities directly into the DSLAM, the system achieves comprehensive diagnostic functionality without adding separate complex testing equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while eliminating technician dispatch time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and system for connection verification. An embodiment includes a DSL based system, with a tester resident at a central office respective to a DSLAM. When a problem is encountered by a subscriber, the tester can be readily connected to the DSLAM to allow performance of tests on the connection between the tester, the DSLAM and the Internet. If such tests are successful, then service provider can eliminate that portion of the link as the source of the connectivity problem. If unsuccessful, the service provider can repair that portion of the connection, and thereby potentially obviate the need to send a technician to the subscriber premises.