Network Device Signature Analysis for Impairment Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing network service quality are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly in diagnosing multiple impairments and identifying issues in smaller areas within larger networks, due to the superimposition of impairments and masking by frequency-dependent waveform signatures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves gathering and analyzing DOCSIS equalization coefficients to generate energy level waveforms, applying Fourier transforms to construct radio frequency signatures, and grouping devices based on these signatures to identify common impairments, allowing for the computation of service quality scores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual inspection methods are used to assess network service quality, then installation and troubleshooting can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming with high installation and troubleshooting times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated signal processing and analysis systems. Measurement devices automatically capture equalization coefficients and generate energy level waveforms, substituting the mechanical visual inspection process with electronic measurement and computational analysis, thereby reducing labor intensity and time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-diagnosis by having the network devices provide their own diagnostic data (equalization coefficients) that are automatically processed into energy level waveforms and signatures, allowing the network to assess its own service quality without requiring manual intervention for data collection and initial analysis
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to diagnose network impairments, then troubleshooting can be attempted, but multiple distinct impairments cannot be adequately analyzed due to superimposition of impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex network impairment analysis into distinct components by generating separate energy level waveforms for different frequency ranges and devices. This segmentation allows multiple superimposed impairments to be analyzed individually through their unique waveform signatures, making it possible to identify and diagnose each impairment separately rather than as a confused mixture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses waveform signatures as unique identifiers for different impairments, analogous to color coding. Each impairment produces a distinctive waveform signature that can be recognized and classified, enabling precise identification of multiple different impairments even when they occur simultaneously in the network
3Measurement precision
If frequency dependent waveform signatures are generated from signal level measurements, then service quality assessment can be performed, but the signatures are masked by echoes on the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic information by converting equalization coefficients into energy level waveforms that represent the magnitude response. This extraction process isolates the useful service quality information from the harmful echo effects, creating a simplified representation that maintains diagnostic accuracy while reducing the impact of echo masking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the equalization coefficients, which contain information about network impairments including echoes, into energy level waveforms through a transformation process. This conversion transforms the raw coefficient data into a form where echo effects are reduced and the underlying impairment signatures become more distinguishable, effectively turning the problematic raw data into a beneficial diagnostic tool
4Measurement precision
If manual troubleshooting using conventional methods is used, then network issues can be addressed, but the overall service quality of larger areas masks problems affecting smaller areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables local quality assessment by generating device-specific energy level waveforms and signatures that characterize the network conditions at each individual device location. This local-level analysis allows problems in small areas to be detected with high precision without being masked by the overall service quality of larger areas, as each device's unique signature reveals local impairments independently
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables deterministic trouble isolation and remote assessment of service quality, reducing labor costs and improving the accuracy of network issue detection and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a Fourier transform can be applied to one or more energy levels (e.g., tap magnitudes, equalization tap, signal levels) to construct a waveform (e.g., radio frequency (RF)) signature in the frequency domain
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for analyzing a network are disclosed. One method can comprise determining a parameter for each of a plurality of devices, generating a signature for each of the plurality of devices based upon the determined parameters, comparing the signatures of two or more of the plurality of devices, and grouping the plurality of devices based upon the comparison of the signatures of the two or more of the plurality of devices.