QoS Fault Isolation via Segmented Speed Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internet Service Providers face inefficiencies in identifying the cause of suboptimal internet speed issues, as problems often lie within subscriber equipment rather than the ISP's network, leading to valuable personnel time being spent on troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses multiple speed tests to differentiate between subscriber device and modem performance, allowing for the identification of bottlenecks within the network services delivery chain, such as routers or Wi-Fi equipment, through comparisons of data transfer rates and invoking diagnostic functions by either the subscriber or ISP personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple speed tests are performed to identify bottlenecks, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system segments the network path into distinct sections by performing speed tests at different points: one test measures performance from the subscriber device to a test server, another test measures from the modem to the same server. By comparing these segmented measurements, the system identifies which specific segment (subscriber device, modem, or network infrastructure) contains the bottleneck, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex diagnostic tool.
2Productivity
If automated diagnostic functions are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system enables self-service by automatically performing multiple speed tests, comparing results, and identifying bottlenecks without requiring manual intervention from ISP personnel. The system autonomously determines whether the issue lies with subscriber equipment or provider infrastructure, generating diagnostic reports that can be automatically communicated to subscribers. This automation dramatically improves troubleshooting productivity while the modular design keeps system complexity manageable.
3Measurement precision
If multiple speed tests are conducted to differentiate faults, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by conducting speed tests from multiple points (subscriber device and modem) simultaneously or in rapid succession to a test server. Rather than performing sequential diagnostic steps that would consume more time, the system pre-establishes multiple measurement paths and compares them to quickly differentiate between subscriber equipment faults and provider network issues, improving measurement precision while minimizing time loss through parallel test execution.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms or apparatus for automatically pinpointing specific service bottlenecks within a network services chain delivery network services to a subscriber by remotely and/or automatically invoking multiple quality of service (QoS) tests at customer premises equipment (CPE) such as a modem, wireless access point (WAP), subscriber device and the like.