Router Diagnostic Processor for Offline Fault Rectification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fault diagnosis and rectification methods for home network issues are hindered by the complexity of equipment and the need for external assistance, especially when internet or telephone connections are lost, making it difficult for users to identify and fix problems without causing further issues.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic processor with a fault detection unit and store of rectification instructions is installed in a communications device, allowing it to provide step-by-step troubleshooting guides to user terminals independently of a working network connection, enabling users to diagnose and rectify issues locally through broadcast messages and secure authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If users attempt to diagnose and fix network faults themselves, then cost of helpline assistance is reduced, but complexity of operation increases due to complex equipment design
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the communications device to autonomously detect faults, diagnose causes, and provide rectification instructions without requiring external helpline assistance. The device performs self-diagnosis and guides users through automated troubleshooting steps, reducing dependency on costly external support services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary diagnostic processor that acts as a mediator between the complex network equipment and the user. This intermediary translates complex technical fault conditions into simple, user-friendly diagnostic steps and instructions, bridging the gap between equipment complexity and user capability.
2Ease of operation
If online help systems are used to provide fault diagnosis, then user guidance is available, but the system cannot function when internet connection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing multiple fault scenarios, causes, and rectification instructions locally within the communications device before any fault occurs. This pre-stored knowledge base enables the device to provide diagnostic guidance offline without requiring an active internet connection, ensuring help is available even when the network is down.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a local copy of the fault diagnosis and rectification knowledge base within the communications device. Instead of relying on remote servers, the device maintains a replicated version of troubleshooting information locally, allowing it to function independently of external network connections during fault diagnosis.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive fault detection and diagnosis capabilities are implemented, then accuracy of fault identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fault diagnosis functionality into a separate, dedicated diagnostic processor component within the communications device. This segmentation isolates the complex detection and diagnosis logic from the main device operations, allowing comprehensive fault analysis capabilities to be added without significantly increasing the perceived complexity of the overall device. The diagnostic processor acts as a specialized module that handles complex analysis independently.
Data Source
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AI summary
A diagnostic processor (24) is installed in a router (2) on the user side of a network termination. This processor can be downloaded from the network and can in turn be downloaded to user terminals in a local network. On detection of a fault, the processor retrieves data from a store of fault rectification instructions, for display in a form appropriate to a user terminal, giving the user instruction appropriate to the fault condition detected and the type of router being used. This allows the user to rectify the problem without recourse to online or telephone helplines, which may be unavailable because of the prevailing fault condition.