U.S. patent application number 12/126088 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-11 for system and method for adjusting digital subscriber line based services.
This patent application is currently assigned to SBC Knowledge Ventures, LP. Invention is credited to George Keith Cambron, Raghvendra G. Savoor, John Porter Van Slyke.
Application Number | 20080219182 12/126088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36125559 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080219182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Savoor; Raghvendra G. ; et
al. |
September 11, 2008 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER LINE BASED
SERVICES
Abstract
A system and method for adjusting digital subscriber line based
services is provided. In a particular embodiment, a computer
readable medium is provided including computer-executable
instructions that when executed, cause a computer to modify a value
of a first control parameter associated with a Digital Subscriber
Line (DSL) network based on a first performance parameter that is
measured in real-time at a DSL modem over a first pre-determined
time period.
Inventors: |
Savoor; Raghvendra G.;
(Walnut Creek, CA) ; Cambron; George Keith;
(Walnut Creek, CA) ; Van Slyke; John Porter;
(Lafayette, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOLER LAW GROUP
8500 BLUFFSTONE COVE, SUITE A201
AUSTIN
TX
78759
US
|
Assignee: |
SBC Knowledge Ventures, LP
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
36125559 |
Appl. No.: |
12/126088 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10958631 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
7400720 |
|
|
12126088 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/252 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 5/1438 20130101;
H04M 11/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/252 |
International
Class: |
H04L 12/26 20060101
H04L012/26 |
Claims
1. A computer readable medium including computer-executable
instructions that when executed, cause a computer to: modify a
value of a first control parameter associated with a Digital
Subscriber Line (DSL) network based on a first performance
parameter; wherein the first performance parameter is measured in
real-time at a DSL modem over a first pre-determined time
period.
2. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the first
performance parameter data is measured in real-time over the first
pre-determined time period to promote statistical confidence in the
first performance parameter.
3. The computer readable medium of claim 1, further comprising
computer-executable instructions that when executed, cause the
computer to: modify the value of the first control parameter
associated with the DSL network based on a second performance
parameter; wherein the second performance parameter is measured in
real-time at the DSL modem over a second pre-determined time
period.
4. The computer readable medium of claim 3, wherein the first
pre-determined time period and the second pre-determined time
period are substantially the same.
5. The computer readable medium of claim 3, further comprising
computer-executable instructions that when executed, cause the
computer to modify a value of a second control parameter associated
with the DSL network based on the second performance parameter.
6. The computer readable medium of claim 3, wherein the second
performance parameter is measured in real-time over the second
pre-determined time period to promote statistical confidence in the
second performance parameter.
7. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the DSL modem
associated with the DSL network is located at a central office, and
wherein the first performance parameter is measured at the central
office.
8. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the DSL modem
associated with the DSL network is located at a residence, and
wherein the first performance parameter is measured at the
residence.
9. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein measured values
of the first performance parameter are communicated to a secure
website.
10. The computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein measured
values of the first performance parameter are communicated to a
secure computer via a secure network connection.
11. A method of modifying a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network,
the method comprising adjusting a control parameter value
associated with the DSL network based at least in part on a
performance parameter associated with a DSL circuit of the DSL
network, wherein the performance parameter is measured in real-time
at a DSL modem over a predetermined period of time.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the performance parameter is
measured in real-time over the first pre-determined time period to
promote statistical confidence in the performance parameter.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the performance parameter
comprises a measure of layer 2 activity and layer 3 activity on the
DSL circuit.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining that
usage of the DSL circuit is below a threshold, wherein the
determination is based at least partially upon the performance
parameter; and adjusting the control parameter value in response to
the determination.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, in response to the
determination that the usage of the DSL circuit is below a
threshold, initiating a first re-provisioning cycle between a first
termination unit coupled to the DSL circuit and a second
termination unit coupled to the DSL circuit.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first termination unit
comprises a first DSL modem situated at a central office and the
second termination unit comprises a second DSL modem situated at a
residence.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining, based
at least in part on the performance parameter, whether operation of
the DSL circuit is within an acceptable operating range; and
modifying the control parameter value after determining that the
operation of the DSL circuit is not within the acceptable operating
range.
18. A Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network comprising: a computer
adapted to execute a computer program to modify a control parameter
associated with a DSL channel of the DSL network; wherein the
control parameter modification is based at least in part on a
performance parameter associated with the DSL network; wherein the
performance parameter is measured in real-time at a DSL device over
a predetermined time period.
19. The DSL network of claim 18, wherein the computer is further
adapted to analyze measurements of the performance parameter to
promote statistical confidence of the performance parameter.
20. The DSL network of claim 18, wherein the control parameter is a
forward error correction control parameter.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims priority from and is a
continuation of patent application Ser. No. 10/958,631 filed on
Oct. 5, 2004 and entitled "System and Method for Optimizing Digital
Subscriber Line Based Services," the contents of which are
expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to adjusting
digital subscriber line based services.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Digital subscriber line (DSL) has quickly emerged as a high
quality solution for high speed Internet access and other services
associated with high speed Internet services, such as, voice over
Internet protocol (VoIP) and streaming video services. DSL can
transmit both voice and data simultaneously over an existing,
single copper pair up to 18,000 feet long. Since DSL can utilize
existing copper telephone lines, the service costs associated with
DSL is relatively low for service providers and for customers.
Moreover, since data can be transmitted relatively quickly using
DSL, it is a very attractive option for providing high-speed access
to end users.
[0004] Traditional plain old telephone service (POTS) uses a narrow
4-kHz baseband frequency to transmit analog voice signals, and
current modem technology can achieve a data transmission rate of up
to 56 kb/s. DSL, e.g., asymmetric DSL (ADSL), can increase the
usable frequency range from 4 kHz to 1.1 MHz and can provide a data
transmission rate up to 8 Mb/s. Further, frequency division
multiplexing (FDM) can allow ADSL to create multiple frequency
bands that can be used to carry data simultaneously with POTS
signals over the same copper pair. The lower 4-kHz frequency range
is reserved for POTS, the middle frequency band is used to transmit
upstream data and the larger, higher frequency band is used to
transmit downstream data.
[0005] Discrete multi-tone (DMT) modulation is the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard T1.413 line code. DMT
modulation is used to divide the data bandwidth into 256
subchannels, or tones, that range from 20 kHz to 1.1 MHz for ADSL.
Upstream data transfer frequencies range from 20 kHz to 160 kHz and
downstream data transfer frequencies range from 240 kHz to 1.1 MHz.
The remaining tones are used as guard bands for dividing the three
frequency bands, and one pilot tone is used in each data stream,
both upstream and downstream, for timing purposes. Each tone, or
channel, has a spacing of 4.3 kHz and each tone supports a maximum
number of 15 bits, which is limited by the signal-to-noise ratio on
the channel. Since the tones in the higher frequencies are subject
to higher attenuation and noise, the number of bits per tone can be
fewer than that in the lower frequencies.
[0006] In addition to the normal data bits, an embedded operations
channel (EOC) is provided as part of the ADSL protocol for
communication between the ATU-C and the ATU-R to provide in-service
and out-of-service maintenance, to retrieve a limited amount of
ATU-R status information, and to monitor ADSL performance.
[0007] Typically, the optimization of the data transmission
channels used for DSL data transport, e.g., VoIP and video, is
largely ignored due to technical and economic factors. Without
optimization, DSL circuits are either over-engineered or
under-engineered for performance. Over engineered circuits operate
at sub-optimum rates and deliver less performance to the customer.
Under-engineered circuits experience frequent data errors that
result in increased peer-to-peer communications required to perform
re-transmissions of data packets. This yields a reduced throughput
to the customer. Some under-engineered circuits experience error
rates severe enough to cause service interruption or the inability
to establish the data channel when initially requested by the
customer.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method for
adjusting digital subscriber line based services.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention is pointed out with particularity in
the appended claims. However, other features are described in the
following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary DSL network; and
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flow chart to illustrate an exemplary method for
adjusting a DSL network.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In a particular embodiment, a computer readable medium is
provided, and includes computer-executable instructions that when
executed, cause a computer to modify a value of a first control
parameter associated with a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network
based on a first performance parameter that is measured in
real-time at a DSL modem over a first pre-determined time
period.
[0013] In another particular embodiment, a method of modifying a
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network is provided. The method
includes adjusting a control parameter value associated with the
DSL network based at least in part on a performance parameter
associated with a DSL circuit of the DSL network. The performance
parameter is measured in real-time at a DSL modem over a
predetermined period of time.
[0014] In another particular embodiment, a Digital Subscriber Line
(DSL) network is provided and includes a computer adapted to
execute a computer program to modify a control parameter associated
with a DSL channel of the DSL network. The control parameter
modification is based at least in part on a performance parameter
associated with the DSL network. The performance parameter is
measured in real-time at a DSL device over a predetermined time
period.
[0015] In another particular embodiment, a method is provided that
can be used for modifying a control parameter associated with a
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service. Initially, a real-time
performance parameter is received from a first termination unit
that is coupled to a DSL circuit. The real-time performance
parameter can be measured at the termination unit after the
termination unit is provisioned and after the DSL circuit is placed
in-service. In a particular embodiment, a value of a control
parameter associated with the DSL circuit can be modified based on
the measured real-time performance parameter.
[0016] In another particular embodiment, activity over the DSL
circuit is monitored in real-time. Further, a determination is made
to ascertain when usage of the DSL circuit is below a threshold.
The provisionable service parameter corresponding to the control
parameter can be modified when the usage is below the threshold. In
still another particular embodiment, a first re-provisioning cycle
between a first termination unit and a second termination unit
coupled to the DSL circuit can be initiated using the provisionable
service parameter. In yet another particular embodiment, the first
termination device is a DSL modem and the second termination device
is a DSL modem.
[0017] Also, in another particular embodiment, a determination is
made in order to determine whether operation of the DSL circuit is
within an acceptable operating range. The provisionable service
parameter is modified after determining that the operation of the
DSL circuit is not within the acceptable operating range. Further,
performance data of the termination unit is monitored and a
determination is made in order to ascertain whether operation of
the DSL circuit is stable based on the monitored performance
data.
[0018] In another embodiment, a digital subscriber line (DSL)
network is provided and includes a first modem at a central office
and a second modem at a remote site. A DSL channel is established
between the first modem and the second modem. Further, a computer
communicates with the first modem and the second modem. The
computer includes a program for modifying a provisionable service
parameter associated with the DSL channel based on measured
in-service performance parameters received from the first modem or
the second modem.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, a method for modifying a data
network is provided and includes provisioning a data circuit within
the data network with a first set of provisioning parameters.
Thereafter, a first set of in-service performance data is acquired
from a terminating unit coupled to the data circuit. A second set
of provisioning parameters is determined based on the first set of
performance data. The data circuit can be re-provisioned with the
second set of provisioning parameters.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment
of a DSL network is shown and is generally designated 100. In a
particular embodiment, the DSL network can be an ADSL network, an
ADSL 2 network, an ADSL 2+ network, or a very high data rate DSL
(VDSL) network. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the DSL network 100
includes a central office (CO) 102 in which a DSL access
multiplexer (DSLAM) 104 can be located. A first central DSL modem
106 and a second central DSL modem 108 are located in the CO 102.
In the case in which the DSL network is an ADSL network, each DSL
modem in the CO 102 can be an ADSL terminating unit--central office
(ATU-C). In a particular embodiment, the first DSL modem 106 and
the second DSL modem 108 are installed in the DSLAM 104.
[0021] In an illustrative embodiment, a layer 2/layer 3 switch 110
is connected to the first DSL MODEM 106 and a router 112 is
connected to the second DSL MODEM 108. In a particular embodiment,
the layer 2/layer 3 switch 100 is an asynchronous transfer mode
(ATM) switch or an Ethernet switch. As shown, the layer 2/layer 3
switch 110 and the router 112 are connected to a data network 114,
e.g., the Internet. As such, in a particular embodiment, the layer
2/layer 3 switch 110 and the router 112 provide data network
connectivity to the first DSL MODEM 106 and the second DSL MODEM
108. In an illustrative embodiment, an Internet service provider
(ISP) 116 is connected to the data network 114. Moreover, a
corporate network 118 is connected to the data network 114. For
simplicity, only one ISP 116 and only one corporate network 118 is
shown connected to the data network 114, but any number of ISPs and
any number of corporate networks 118 can be connected to the data
network 114.
[0022] FIG. 1 further shows that the CO 102 includes a plain old
telephone service (POTS) splitter 120 that can be connected to the
first DSL MODEM 106 and the second DSL MODEM 108. Also, a main
distribution frame (MDF) 122 is connected to the POTS splitter 120.
A POTS switch 124 can be connected to the POTS splitter 120 in
order to switch incoming telephone calls received at the CO 102.
Additionally, the CO 102 includes a managing computer 126 that can
be connected to the DSLAM 104. In a particular embodiment, the
managing computer 126 can be used to manage the DSL network 100 and
to enhance or optimize the performance of the DSL network 100.
[0023] As depicted in FIG. 1, the DSL network 100 can connect to a
customer residence 128 in which a first computer 130 and a second
computer 132 are located. FIG. 1 also shows a first telephone 134
and a second telephone 136 that are located in the customer
residence 128. As shown in FIG. 1, the first computer 130 and the
second computer 132 are connected to a remote DSL modem 138. In the
case that the DSL network 100 is an ADSL network the remote DSL
modem 138 can be an ADSL terminating unit--remote (ATU-R). The
remote DSL modem 138 is connected to a remote POTS splitter 140
that, in turn, is connected to the MDF 122. Accordingly, either the
first central DSL modem 106 or the second central DSL modem 108 can
communicate with the remote DSL modem 138 via the POTS splitter
120, the MDF 122, and the remote POTS splitter 140 in order to
provide network connectivity to the computers 130, 132.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows that the telephones 134, 136 are also connected
to the remote POTS splitter 140. Telephone calls made by the
telephones 134, 136 can be routed to the POTS switch 124 at the CO
102 via the remote POTS splitter 140, the MDF 122, and the POTS
splitter 120. In the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the DSL
network 100 shown in FIG. 1, two computers 130, 132 and two
telephones 134, 136 are illustrated, but any number of computers
and telephones can be located in the customer residence 128 and
connected to the CO 102.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates that the DSL network 100 can further
include a customer business 142 in which a first computer 144 and a
second computer 146 are located. A first telephone 148 and a second
telephone 150 can also be located in the customer business 142. As
shown in FIG. 1, the first computer 144 and the second computer 146
are connected to remote DSL modem 152. In a particular embodiment,
the remote DSL modem 152 is connected to a remote POTS splitter 154
that, in turn, is connected to the MDF 122. Accordingly, either the
first central DSL modem 106 or the second central DSL modem 108 can
communicate with the remote DSL modem 152 via the POTS splitter 120
within the CO 102, the MDF 122, and the remote POTS splitter 154 in
order to provide network connectivity to the business computers
144, 146.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows that the business telephones 148, 150 are also
connected to the remote POTS splitter 154. Telephone calls made by
the telephones 148, 150 can be routed to the POTS switch 124
located at the CO 102 via the remote POTS splitter 154, the MDF
122, and the CO POTS splitter 120. In an illustrative embodiment,
two business computers 144, 146 and two business telephones 148,
150 are illustrated, but any number of business computers and
business telephones can be located in the customer business 142 and
connected to the CO 102.
[0027] In a particular embodiment, data can be transmitted over the
DSL network 100 using transmission control protocol/Internet
protocol (TCP/IP), file transfer protocol (FTP) (e.g., for large
files), user datagram protocol (UDP) (e.g., for VoIP and streaming
video), or real-time transport protocol (RTP) (e.g., for streaming
video files or streaming audio files). As such, the protocol used
is an indirect user of the physical layer of the DSL network 100.
In order to provide peak DSL service, and peak protocol throughput,
using the DSL network 100, the physical layer of the DSL network
100 can have its performance enhanced or optimized. In other words,
the circuits in the DSL network 100 that are established between
the CO 102 and the customer residence 128 can be enhanced or
optimized. Optimization is a process of finding and establishing
optimal values for provisionable data communications parameters.
Once a circuit is optimized, it can provide optimum or near optimum
DSL service regardless of the operating conditions.
[0028] In an illustrative embodiment, DSL performance is dominated
by two major factors: 1) insertion loss caused by the transmission
cable connecting the DSL modems; and 2) electronic noise that
reduces the signal to noise ratio at the modem receivers. The
electronic noise generally includes a relatively predictable amount
of random noise and intermittent noise known as impulse noise.
Construction and service records can provide information about the
transmission channel loop from which the insertion loss can be
ascertained. However, both components of the noise on the channel
are unknown. Typically, a service provider does not measure the
noise on its circuits before a sale is made to a customer, nor does
the service provider typically have accurate information about
expected or anticipated noise levels on the data communication
circuit that will be used by a customer. Loss and noise could be
measured prior to circuit provisioning, but the costs associated
with such a project could be overly expensive.
[0029] In a particular embodiment, the information necessary to
enhance or optimize the circuits in the DSL network 100 is
available, but only after the circuits have been provisioned,
service has been activated, and after the service is in use by one
or more customers.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, a method for enhancing or
optimizing a DSL network is shown. In a particular embodiment, the
method can be used to optimize the DSL network 100 shown in FIG. 1.
During execution of the method, several measurements are taken,
recorded, and analyzed for the DSL network 100 to promote
statistical confidence. These performance parameters can be used to
affect the settings of one or more control parameters. In an
illustrative embodiment, the performance parameters that can be
measured during the optimization of the DSL network are shown in
Table 1. Further, the control parameters are shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Exemplary, Non-limiting DSL Performance
Parameters. Performance Parameter Description NMR The Noise Margin
Ratio measured upstream and downstream. Max Bit Rate The maximum
data rate the channel can support (assessed by an DSL modem). Net
Rate (Actual Rate) The bit rate currently available to the
customer. QLN[n] The Quiet Line Noise measured during a brief
period, e.g., less than two minutes for each DSL DMT. Hlog[n] The
insertion loss of the DSL channel measured for each DSL DMT. CV[t]
A times series of counts of Code Violations (CV) wherein each CV
represents a data packet that could not be corrected by the
channel's provisioned forward-error-control parameters; ES[t] A
time series of counts of Errored Seconds (ES) wherein each ES is a
one second interval during which one to M CVs are observed and
wherein M is a value set in DSL standards. SES[t] A time series of
counts of Severely Errored Seconds (SES) wherein each SES is a one
second interval during which greater than M CVs are observed.
SYMu[t] A count during a fifteen minute interval of the number of
user data packets sent and received over the DSL channel. SYMd[t] A
count during a fifteen minute interval of the number of overhead
data packets sent and received over the DSL channel. Power The
transmission power of the data signal. PSD[n] The power spectral
density of the data signal. Freq range The tone indices of the DSL
DMT. MSE[n] The noise over the channel when the DSL modem is
operating. SNR[n] The signal to noise ratio for each tone. B[n] The
total bits for each tone. G[n] The gain for each tone. Dual Path
On? Fast, Interleaved on/off Forward Error Correction The
information added to the data transmitted over the DSL channel in
order to account for any bits that are corrupted during
transmission. The FEC parameters can include: N, which is the Reed
Solomon codeword length; P, which is the Parity bytes/codeword (4
bits); D, which is the Interleave depth (6 bits); and S, which is
the DMT symbols/codeword. Trellis On? An indication of whether
Trellis coding is on or off. ATTNDR The attainable rate for the DSL
channel. Code violations One or more code violations for the DSL
channel, e.g., cyclic redundancy check (CRC), errored second (ES),
forward error correction (FEC), etc. Attenuation The difference
between the total maximum transmitted power at one end of the DSL
channel and the total power received at the remote end of the DSL
channel, e.g., loop attenuation as specified in International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) Standard G.992.3 Margin The margin
available to accommodate increases losses on the DSL channel, e.g.,
due to temperature changes, physical aging of equipment, physical
aging of copper lines, etc.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Exemplary, Non-limiting Control Parameters.
Control Parameter Description Power The transmission power of the
data signal. PSD The power spectral density of the data signal.
ADDNMR The additional noise margin and signal noise ratio. MAXSNRM
The maximum noise margin and signal noise ratio. TARSNRM The target
noise margin and signal ratio. Dual Paths The ability to use two
data transmission paths. Forward The controls used to account for
any bits that are Error Correction corrupted during transmission.
The FEC (FEC) controls controls can include: N, which is the Reed
Solomon codeword length; P, which is the Parity bytes/codeword; D,
which is the Interleave depth (6 bits); and S, which is the DMT
symbols/codeword. Data rate The upstream and downstream data
transmission rate.
[0031] At block 200, an DSL circuit, i.e., a connection between one
of the DSL modems 106, 108 (FIG. 1) at the CO 102 and a user
computer is brought on-line in an over-engineered state, i.e., in
optimal conditions. This provides that the DSL service to the
customer computer is established. At block 202, the performance
parameters are measured in real-time at each DSL modem, e.g., the
DSL modem at the CO and the DSL modem at the residence, and stored.
In a particular embodiment, QLN is measured during a brief period,
e.g., less than two minutes. Moreover, in a particular embodiment,
CV[t], ES[t], SES[t], SYMu[t] and SYMd[t] are measured in real-time
during an observation time period T.sub.obs. In an illustrative
embodiment, T.sub.obs is approximately fifteen minutes. Further, in
a particular embodiment the performance parameters can include
dynamic spectrum management (DSM) data. Additionally, in a
particular embodiment, the performance parameters can be measured
and stored multiple times over a predetermined time period, e.g.,
every 8 hours for twenty four hours, in order to promote
statistical confidence.
[0032] In a particular embodiment, to optimize the portion of the
DSL circuit transmitting data to a user computer, each of these
measurements may be measured by an DSL modem at a user residence.
Also, in a particular embodiment, the measurements may be taken by
a DSL modem at the CO 102 (FIG. 1) in order to optimize the portion
of the DSL circuit transmitting data from the user computer to the
DSL modem at the CO 102 (FIG. 1). Moreover, once measured, the
values can be communicated by the DSL modem at the residence 128
(FIG. 1) or one of the DSL modems 106, 108 (FIG. 1) at the CO 102
(FIG. 1) to a secure website or a secure computer via a secure
network connection.
[0033] Proceeding to block 204, the performance parameters measured
in step 202 are analyzed in order to make a number of
determinations. In an illustrative embodiment, the maximum
attainable bit rate is determined, e.g., by a reported value from
the ATU-C or the ATU-R. Moreover, the loop length can be estimated
based in part on the HLOG[n] values for the upstream portion of the
DSL channel. In a particular embodiment, excessive power levels can
be detected. Further, any cross talk, any white noise, and any
non-linear echoes can be detected based on patterns observed in the
empirical data collected per tone. For example, cross talk can be
determined in part based on the QLN[n] values measured above. In a
particular embodiment, the source of white noise or cross talk can
be determined based on the "finger prints" of the different sources
of the white noise. The "finger prints" of the sources of the white
noise can be empirically determined and can include carrier tones
or frequencies associated with the sources of the white noise or
cross talk. The sources of the white noise or cross talk can
include, for example, amplitude modulation (AM) radio interference,
HAM radio interference, ionosphere interference that can depend on
a time of day, and T-carrier interference.
[0034] In a particular embodiment, the presence and location of
bridged taps, the presence of bad splices, the presence of bad
grounds, and the presence of bad bonds can be determined based in
part on the values of the performance parameters measured above.
Additionally, an inadequately filtered inside wire at a customer
location, the presence of a maintenance test unit, and the presence
of an alarm system on an DSL line can be determined based in part
on the values performance parameters measured above.
[0035] At block 206, one or more of the control parameters, shown
in Table 2, are automatically adjusted to account for any observed
deficiencies based on the collected values of the performance
parameters. For example, in a particular embodiment, the data rates
can be adjusted to maximize service performance. Power and noise
margin settings can be adjusted. PSD masks are adjusted to limit
cross talk on the DSL channel. Further, the forward error
correction (FEC) controls and interleaved settings can be adjusted
to optimize TCP/IP performance and minimize signal latency in the
presence of impulse noise. Proceeding to block 208, the existences
of any physical problems that may require the attention of service
person are indicated, e.g., to the customer or a service person.
The physical problems can include one or more bridged taps, one or
bad wire bonds, one or more bad grounds, one or more bad splices,
one or more line filtering problems, and may require the attention
of a service person in order to correct the problem.
[0036] Moving to block 210, layer 2 and layer 3 activity on the DSL
circuit is monitored in real-time. (Layer 2 and layer 3 are based
on the OSI seven-layer model of networking.) At step 212, a
decision is made in order to determine when usage of the DSL
circuit is at a minimum. If the usage is not at a minimum, the
logic returns to block 210 and the activity on the DSL circuit
continues to be monitored. On the other hand, when the usage is at
a minimum, the logic proceeds to block 214 and communication is
established between the ATU-C and the ATU-R. At block 216, the line
provisioning parameters are modified based on the data collected
and analyzed above. In a particular embodiment, the line provision
parameters are modified based on the adjusted control parameters.
Moving to block 218, a re-training cycle is forced between the
ATU-R and the ATU-C. Then, the ATU-R and the ATU-C are monitored in
real-time, at block 220. Proceeding to step 222, a determination is
made in order to ascertain whether service over the DSL circuit is
restored. If service is not restored, the logic returns to block
218 and another re-training cycle is forced between the ATU-C and
the ATU-R and continues as previously described. If service is
restored, the logic continues to step 224.
[0037] At step 224, a decision is made in order to determine
whether operation of the DSL circuit is within a normal operating
range. If the operation is not within the normal operating range,
the logic returns to block 218 and continues as previously
described. Conversely, if the operation of the ADLS circuit is
within the normal operating range, the logic moves to block 226
where the ATU-R and the ATU-C are monitored. Specifically, in a
particular embodiment, performance data for the ATU-R and the ATU-C
is monitored. At step 228, a determination is made in order to
determine if the operation of the DSL circuit is stable. If not,
the logic returns to step 200 and the DSL circuit is re-optimized
using the steps previously described. If the operation of the DSL
circuit is stable, the logic ends at state 230.
[0038] In a particular embodiment, the method can be repeated
iteratively for each new DSL line until each new DSL line reaches
an acceptable state of performance. Moreover, each line can be
managed using a state machine translation table that incorporates
the performance parameters and control parameters shown in Table 1
and Table 2.
[0039] With the configuration of structure described above, the
system and method for optimizing DSL data service provides a method
to improve and preferably to ensure optimal performance of
individual circuits of an DSL network based on numerous parameters
measured in real-time. In an illustrative embodiment, each DSL
circuit can be optimized many times over the life of the DSL
circuit. For example, each DSL circuit can be optimized on a
predetermined schedule, e.g., once a week, twice a week, once a
month, twice a month, once every two months, once every six months,
once a year, etc. Also, the DSL circuit can be monitored and when
the operation of the DSL circuit becomes unstable, settings
associated with the DSL circuit can be adjusted or modified to
bring the operation of DSL circuit into a stable state. Further,
the DSL circuit can be optimized when requested by the customer, if
the customer believes his or her DSL service is not functioning
properly.
[0040] In a particular embodiment, the entire process can be
encapsulated in a software program that can be executed by a
computer connected to the DSL network, e.g., the central office
computer 126. The central office computer 126 can interface with
the ATU-Cs and the ATU-Rs, or their respective agents, in order to
obtain performance data, extract provisioning data, implant
provisioning data, and control the circuit provisioning in order to
provide optimum performance of each DSL circuit.
[0041] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the
scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
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