Network Probe Restore Client for Automatic Modem Reboot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home and small-office networks, comprising modems and routers, often experience faults due to complexity and lack of remote monitoring and automatic reset capabilities, leading to time-consuming troubleshooting and potential network downtime.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Network Probe Restore (NPR) clients and Network Monitor & Control Servers that autonomously monitor network connectivity, perform fault analysis, and automatically reset network components, such as modems and routers, without human intervention, using a system of Network Probe Restore clients, Network Monitor & Control Servers, and Remote Status Indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modems and routers are made more complex with additional features and functions, then network capability and functionality are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to faults and crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The NPR client enables network devices to automatically monitor their own status, detect faults, and perform self-recovery through automated rebooting and restoration processes, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining system reliability despite increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network device status and performance metrics, providing feedback loops that trigger automated recovery actions when faults are detected, thereby maintaining reliability through active management of complex systems
2Reliability
If automatic monitoring and recovery systems are implemented, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional software and hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring and recovery functionality is segmented into a separate NPR client component that operates independently from the core modem/router functions, allowing automatic recovery capabilities to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The NPR client acts as an intermediary layer between the network devices and the user, automatically managing fault detection and recovery processes without requiring users to understand or interact with the underlying complexity of the monitoring system
3Device complexity
If manual troubleshooting and resetting of network devices is performed, then cost of additional automation systems is reduced, but loss of time increases due to user intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The NPR client continuously monitors network device status in advance and automatically initiates recovery actions immediately when faults are detected, eliminating the time delay associated with manual detection and response while managing automation costs through efficient resource utilization
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention is a client on a local area network that periodically and automatically evaluates its physical connectivity with the local area network, exercises local-network services such as DHCP, and verifies Internet connectivity and function by pinging one or more numerically specified IP addresses and by pinging one or more IP addresses specified by an FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) known to the assigned DNS servers. An embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of client elements monitoring one or more networks. Functionality according to embodiments of the invention can send notices, automatically initiate action, and otherwise assist in, among other things, remote monitoring and administration of networks, and particularly wireless networks.