Handheld VoIP and RF Signal Diagnostic Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field testing equipment for broadband communication networks, particularly those providing VoIP services, lacks comprehensive tools for analyzing VoIP quality and physical layer measurements, limiting the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, portable device that combines VoIP analysis and physical layer testing capabilities, including signal level measurements, packet loss, delay, and jitter assessments, along with signal level measurements and related physical layer tests, to provide diagnostic data in human-perceptible form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate handheld devices are used for signal level measurements and VoIP quality analysis, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall diagnostic capability is limited and multiple devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signal level measurement circuitry and VoIP quality analysis circuitry into a single handheld device. The signal level measurement circuit measures RF signal characteristics while the VoIP quality analysis circuit simultaneously analyzes packet loss, delay, and jitter, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and providing comprehensive diagnostic capability in one tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure signal levels on broadband RF signals, analyze VoIP packet quality metrics, and provide integrated diagnostics. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace what previously required separate specialized tools for each measurement type.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive VoIP quality analysis (packet loss, delay, jitter) is performed, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides VoIP quality analysis into separate functional modules: packet loss measurement, delay measurement, and jitter measurement. Each module processes specific aspects of VoIP quality independently, allowing comprehensive analysis while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design. The processing circuit receives measurements from both signal level and VoIP quality analysis circuits and integrates results systematically.
3Measurement precision
If signal level measurements are performed on broadband RF signals, then physical layer diagnostics improve, but the ability to diagnose higher-layer VoIP issues is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges physical layer signal level measurements with higher-layer VoIP quality analysis in a single integrated system. The signal level measurement circuit captures RF signal characteristics while the VoIP quality analysis circuit simultaneously monitors packet-level metrics, enabling diagnostics to span from the physical layer through the network layer without requiring separate measurement systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that includes a coupling, a signal level measurement circuit, a communication circuit and a processing circuit. The coupling is configured to connect to and received broadband RF signals from a coaxial cable termination of a communication network. The signal level measurement circuit is operably coupled to the coupling, and is operable to generate signal level measurements regarding a first set of the broadband RF signals. The communication circuit operable to obtain voice over internet protocol data packets from a second set of broadband RF signals. The processing circuit is operably connected to the communication circuit, and is operably connected to receive signal level measurements from the signal level measurement circuit. The processing circuit is operable to obtain diagnostic data relating to the second set of broadband RF signals. The processing circuit is further operable to cause communication of information representative of the signal level measurements and the diagnostic data in human-perceptible form.