Dynamic Bandwidth Tier Control for Accurate Broadband Speed Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing broadband network speeds are costly and inefficient, requiring large test panels to achieve statistically significant results, and are prone to interference from user configurations and local factors, making it difficult to accurately measure advertised network speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically changing the tier of service on a test device within a broadband communications network, using a policy enforcement point and policy server to set bandwidth tiers for testing, allowing for more efficient and accurate speed measurements without the need for large user panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large test panels are used to achieve statistically significant results, then measurement reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the test device to dynamically change service tiers during testing. The policy enforcement point modifies network parameters in real-time, allowing a single device to experience multiple service conditions sequentially, thereby replacing the need for large static test panels with a smaller dynamic testing approach that maintains statistical significance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by modifying network service tier parameters dynamically during the testing process. The policy enforcement point changes bandwidth, latency, and other network parameters to simulate different service tiers, allowing comprehensive measurement across multiple conditions using fewer test devices
2Ease of operation
If user configurations and local factors are present during testing, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the variables being tested by having the policy enforcement point directly control network parameters. This removes the confounding influence of user configurations and local factors, as the test device operates in a controlled environment where only the intended service tier parameters vary, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The policy enforcement point acts as an intermediary between the test device and the network infrastructure. It mediates the testing process by controlling and standardizing network conditions, filtering out external interference from user configurations and local factors while preserving the ease of operation for test initiation
Data Source
AI summary
A test device is located within a broadband communications network. The test device is interconnected with a policy enforcement point of the broadband communications network. Responsive to commencement of a test to be conducted with the test device, the policy enforcement point is signaled, from a policy server of the broadband communications network, so as to set a bandwidth tier for the test to be conducted with the test device. The test is conducted with the test device in accordance with the bandwidth tier. One or more additional tests can be conducted for additional, different, bandwidth tier(s). Related methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are also disclosed.