Media Protocol Device Modem Chatter Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communications systems are inefficient in monitoring modem states and identifying network problems, as they only track modem states without providing quick identification of network issues.

Innovation Solution

A communications system and method that includes a media protocol device capable of determining a modem's state and tracking transitions between registered and unregistered states, providing a flag when the number of transitions exceeds a predetermined threshold, and maintaining a chatter list to alert system operators of problematic modems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional communications systems track modem states, then modem state information is recorded, but the system cannot quickly identify network problems or provide useful information to operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuseful information for problem identificationVSAvoidefficiency of problem identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring function by creating a dedicated chatter detection module within the media access control layer that operates independently from conventional modem state tracking. This segmentation allows the system to specifically identify and flag chattering modems without being limited by general-purpose monitoring, thereby providing targeted useful information for problem identification while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the system monitors modem state transitions, then toggling behavior can be detected, but the system lacks a mechanism to provide actionable information to operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of modem togglingVSAvoidoperator ability to identify problems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the media protocol device monitor modem registration states and generate specific chatter flags when toggling exceeds a threshold. This feedback mechanism provides operators with actionable information about problematic modems, transforming raw state transition data into meaningful operational insights that ease problem identification and resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If conventional systems track modem states, then state data is available, but the information does not enable quick identification of network anomalies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to identify network problemsVSAvoidquality of monitoring information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively monitoring modem registration states and preemptively flagging chattering behavior before it causes network anomalies. The system continuously tracks state transitions and immediately generates chatter flags when thresholds are exceeded, eliminating the time delay associated with reactive problem identification and providing high-quality monitoring information for immediate operator response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7639622B2Communications system for monitoring a modem

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

A communications system and method for monitoring modems on a communications network includes at least one modem that is configured to have at least a first and a second state. A media protocol device is also included that is configured to determine whether the modem is in the first state or the second state. The media protocol device also has a memory for storing the state of the modem. The media protocol device monitors whether the modem is toggling between the first and the second state and provides a flag when the a number of the toggles between the first and the second states is greater than a predetermined registration threshold.