throbber
PATENT NUMBEiR
`
`6668062,-
`
`L_
`
`(3659052
`
`ULG U
`
`ZUU
`
`s UTIITY Patent Application
`PATENT DATE
`
`0.1.
`
`SCANNE
`
`O.A. __i!
`
`71
`
`z o
`
`-
`
`I
`
`1
`
`im
`
`EL
`
`w
`0 co
`SQ_
`
`U'lp MCD
`
`oI
`
`-CPSM.-I
`VIC=
`
`APPLicAti6N NO.
`09/Y,-)5173
`
`CONY/PRIOR
`
`t)
`
`CLASS
`EX)4-
`
`SUBCLASS
`
`ART UNIT
`
`EXAMINER
`
`3763
`
`/< /m
`
`EL
`
`(L<
`
`ui
`
`_:-:1 -JPJ
`
`PT04M
`
`ORIG I NAL
`
`ISSUING CLASSIFICATION
`CROSS REFERENCE(S)
`
`CLASS
`
`SUBCLASS
`
`CLASS
`
`SUBCLASS (ONE SUBCLASS PER BLOCK)
`
`2- z
`INTERNATIONAL rLASSIFICATJON
`
`3, 20
`
`2
`
`Iq It- I
`
`TI 7
`
`TERMINAL
`DISCLAIMER
`
`FI Continued on Issue Slip Inside File Jacket
`
`A
`
`DRAwINGS
`
`CLAIMSALLgVED"
`
`Sheets'Drwg.
`
`Figs. DrWb.
`
`Print Fig.
`
`Total Claims
`
`Print Claim for O.G.
`
`The term of this patent
`subsequent to --- (date) 4;;Ovf"
`has been digetairnOd.
`
`(Assistani Examiner)
`
`(D a)
`
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`
`0 The term ot this patent shall
`
`not extend beyond the expiration date
`
`of U.S Patent. No.
`
`lw_
`
`-7
`
`rl""
`
`-
`Z"' STMtN MN
`4EMIiORY PATM UMM
`7MMOLWY OMR 2w,_
`
`(PHmary Examlner)
`
`(Data)
`
`The lorminal --month of
`
`ihis palent have been discialmed
`
`WARNING:
`
`hatruments Exakiner)
`
`ISSUE FEE
`
`Amount Due
`W-00
`
`ISSUE BATCH NUMBER
`
`The Iriformatlon disclosed herein may 6a restricted, Unauthorlzed disclosure may be prohibited by the United States Code
`Flossession outside ihe U.S. Patent & Trademark Off Ice Is restricted to aothorized employees and contractors only.
`
`Tltie 35, Secticns 122, 181 and 368.
`
`6199)
`
`FILED WITH: Lj DISK (CRF) F] FICHE Fl CD-ROM
`
`lAitachad in pocket on dght inelde fiap)
`
`ISSUE- FEE IN FILE
`
`I
`
`(FACE)
`
`CSCO-1006
`Cisco v. TQ Delta
`Page 1 of 253
`
`

`
`Y4
`
`INITIALP
`
`Date
`Received,
`(inel. C. of M.)
`or
`Date Mailed
`
`n
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`c-N7u s 3
`0
`51'7 P To
`
`i
`
`09755173
`
`CONTENTS
`
`Date Received
`(incl. C. of M.)
`or
`Date Mailed
`
`.
`
`1. Application_ papers.
`
`.2.
`
`Y -f-e. C-Ot Lc(
`
`LaT,020 -hiaUA
`
`Lj 1mg
`A.
`Zkat -te
`
`(17.
`
`9
`
`C.
`
`UAkffi
`
`u
`
`M Q5
`
`--y
`
`1015..
`
`e4z 'S"IM
`AM/5Vb
`
`133J
`
`A-7. 63
`
`m ,
`
`i
`
`27.--
`
`38--
`
`39.
`
`4o.-
`
`41.
`
`42.
`
`43.
`
`44,
`
`45.
`
`46.
`
`47.
`
`'48.
`
`49.
`
`50.-
`
`51.
`
`52.
`
`53.
`
`54.
`
`55.-
`
`57.
`
`58.
`
`59.-
`
`60.
`
`61.-
`
`62.
`
`63.-
`64.-
`65.-
`66.-
`
`67.
`
`69.
`
`70.
`
`71.
`
`72.
`
`73.
`
`74.
`
`75.-
`
`76.
`
`77.
`
`M
`
`79.
`
`80.
`
`8t
`
`82.
`
`Page 2 of 253
`
`

`
`PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO.
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`01/155J200i Mill
`
`00000094 09755173
`
`01 FLAW
`(1114".103
`01) I-N.102
`
`710.00 OP
`414.00 W
`480.00 01)
`
`PTO-1556
`(5/87)
`GPO: 2000460-981139595
`
`Page 3 of 253
`
`

`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 3915
`
`CLASS
`375
`
`GROUP ART UNIT
`2634
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET
`NO.
`081513-4
`
`STATE OR
`
`SHEETS
`
`TOTAL
`
`INDEPENDENT
`
`COUNTRY
`MA
`
`DRAWING
`2
`
`CLAIMS
`43
`
`CLAIMS
`9
`
`1
`
`11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`Bib Data Sheet
`
`FILING DATE
`01/08/2001
`
`RULE
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`09/755,173
`
`APPLICANTS
`
`David M. Krinsky, Acton, MA;
`
`Robert Edmund Pizzano JR., Stoneham, MA;
`
`CONTINUING DATA
`This appin claims benefit of 60/224,308 08/10/2000
`and claims benefit of 60/174,865 01/07/2000
`
`FOREIGN APPLICATIONS `**** .... *
`
`IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED
`05/02/2001
`
`Foreign Priority claimed
`
`35 USC 119 (a-d) conditions met
`
`yes
`
`yes
`
`r
`
`no
`
`no'
`
`Met after Allowance
`
`Venfied and Acknoyvledged
`
`Examinees Signature
`
`Initials
`
`ADDRESS
`22204
`NIXON PEABODY, LLP
`8180 GREENSBORO DRIVE
`SUiTE 800
`MCLEAN, VA
`22102
`
`TITLE
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING A DIAGNOSTIC TRANSMISSJON MODE AND COMMUNICATJNG OVER
`THF-SAME
`
`FiLING FEE
`
`RECEIVED
`6962
`
`FEES: Authority has been given in Paper
`to charge/credit DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
`No.
`for following:
`No-
`
`All Fees
`
`I
`
`1. 16 Fees ( Filing
`
`F 1 .17 Fees ( Processin
`1. 18 Fees (Issue)
`
`Other
`
`Credit
`
`Page 4 of 253
`
`

`
`Docket No, 081513-000004
`
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING A DIAGNOSTIC
`
`TRANSMISSION MODE AND COMMUNICATING OVER THE SAME
`
`5
`
`Field ot the Invention
`
`This invention relates to test and diagnostic information. ln particular, this invention
`
`relates to a robust system and method for communicating diagnostic information.
`
`10
`
`The excbange of diagnostic and test inforrnation between tra-nsceivers in a
`
`Background of the Invention
`
`telecommunications environment is an important part of a telecommunications, such as an
`
`ADSL, deployment. In cases where the transceiver connection is not performing as expected,
`
`for exainple, where the data rate is low, where there are many bit errors, or the like, it is
`
`necessary to collect diagnostic and test infonnation from the rernote transceiver. This is
`
`perforrned by dispafching a technician to the remote site, e.g., a truck roll, which is time
`
`constuning and expensive.
`
`In DSL technology, communications over a local subscriber loop between a central
`
`office and a subscriber premises is accomplished by modulating the data to be transmitted
`
`onto a multiplicity of discrete frequency carriers wbich are summed together and then
`
`O transmitted over the subscriber loop. Individually, the carriers form discrete, non-
`
`overlapping communication subchannels of limited bandwidth. Collectively, the carriers
`
`form what is effectively a broadband communications channel. At the receiver end, the
`
`carriers are demod-alated and the data recovered.
`
`DSL systems experience disturbances from other data services on adjacent phone
`
`25
`
`lines, sucb as, for example, ADSL, HDSL, ISDN, TI, or the like. These disturbances may
`
`commence after the subject ADSL service is already initiated and, since DSL for intemet
`
`access is envisioned as an always-on service, the effect of these disturbances must be
`
`ameliorated by the subject ADSL transceiver.
`
`tLi
`
`SUMMARY OF THE IWENTION
`
`The systems and rnethods of this invention are directed toward reliably exchanging
`
`diagnostic and test infonnation between transceivers over a digital subscriber line in the
`
`presence of voice communications and/or other disturbances. For simplicity Of Teferetice, the
`
`NVA165661.1
`
`Page 5 of 253
`
`

`
`-2-
`
`systems a-nd methods of the invention will hereafter refer to the transceivers generically as
`moderns. One such modem is typically located at a customer prtmises such as a home or
`
`business and is "downstream" from a central office with which it communicates. The otber
`
`modem I's typically located at the central office and is "upstream" from the customer
`
`5
`
`premises. Consistent with industry practice, the modems are often referred to as "ATU-W'
`
`("ADSL transceiver unit, remote," i.e., located at the customer premises) and "ATU-C"
`
`("ADSL transceiver unit, central office" i.e., located at the central office), Each modem
`
`includes a transmitter section for transmitting data and a receiver section for receiving data,
`
`and is of the discrete multitone type, i.e., the modem transmits data over a multiplicity of
`
`10
`
`subchannels of limited bandwidth. Typically, the upstream or ATU-C modem transmits data
`
`to the downstream or ATU-R modem over a first set of subchannels, which are usually the
`
`higher- frequency subchannels, and receives data from the downstream or ATU-R modem
`
`over a second, usually smaller, set of subehannels, commonly the lower-frequency
`
`subchannels. By establishing a diagnostic link mode between the two modems, the systems
`
`15
`
`and methods of this invention are able to exchange diagnostic and test i-nforrnation in a
`
`sirnple and robust manner.
`
`In the diagnostic li-nk mode, the diagnostic and test information is communicated
`
`using a signaling mechanism that has a very high immunity to -noise and/or other disturbances
`
`and can therefore operate effectively even in the case where the modems could not actually
`
`20
`
`establish an acceptable connection in their norrnal operational mode.
`
`For example, if the ATU-C and/or ATU-R modem fail to complete an initialization
`
`sequence, and are thus unable to enter a normal steady state communications mode, where the
`
`diagnostic ai-id test inforrnation would normally be exchanged, the modems according to the
`
`systems and methods of this invention enter a robust diagnostic link mode. Altematively, the
`
`25
`
`diagnostic link mode can be entered automatically or manually, for example, at the direction
`
`ofauser. In the robust diagnostic link mode, the modems exchange the diagnostic and test
`infortnation that is, for example, used by a technician to determine the cause of a failure
`
`without the technician having to physically visit, i.e., a trackroll to, the remote site to collect
`
`data.
`
`30
`
`The diagnostic and test information can include, for example, but is not limited to,
`
`signal to noise ratio information, equalizer infoiTnation, programmable gain setting
`
`infonnation, bit allocation inforination, transmitted and received power information, margin
`
`infortnation, status and rate infonnation, telephone line condition information, such as the
`
`length of the line, the number and location of bridged taps, a wire gauge, or the like, or any
`
`NVA1656611
`
`Page 6 of 253
`
`

`
`-3-
`
`other known or later developed diagnostic or test infonnation that may be appropriate for the
`
`particular communications environment. For example, the exchanged diagnostic and test
`
`information can be directed toward specific limitations of the modems, to infon-nation
`
`relating to the modem installation and deployment environment, or to other diagnostic and
`
`test information that can, for example, be determined as needed which may aid in evaluating
`
`the cause of a soccific failure or problem. Altematively, the diagnostic and test infonnation
`
`can include the loop length and bridged tap length estimations as discussed in copending
`
`Attomey Docket No. 081513-000003, filed herewith and incorporated herein by reference in
`
`its entirety.
`
`10
`
`For example, an exemplary embodiment of the inventio-n illustrates the use of the
`
`diagnostic linlc mode in the communication of diagnostic information from the remote
`
`terminal (RT) transceiver, e.g., ATU-R, to the central office (CO) transceiver, e,g., ATU-C.
`
`Transmission of information from the remote terminal to the central office is important since
`
`a typical ADSL service provider is located in the central office and would therefore benefit
`
`from the ability to deterrnine problems at the remote terminal without a truckroll. However,
`
`it is to be appreciated, that the systems and the methods of this invention will work equally
`well in communications from the central office to the remote terminal.
`
`These and other features and advantages of this iiivention are described in or are
`
`apparent from the following detailed description of the en-ibodiments.
`
`i z
`
`15
`
`20
`
`13RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The embodiments of the invention will be described in detail, with reference to the
`following figur s wherein,
`
`Fig.
`
`izrs 'a,' functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary communications system
`
`25
`
`according to this invention; and
`
`is a flowchart outlining an exemplary method for communicating diagnostic
`Fig.
`and test infonnation according to this invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`30
`
`Foy ease of illustration the following description will be'described in relation to the
`
`CO receiving diagnostic and test information from the RT. In the exemplary embodiment,
`
`the systems and methods of this invention complete a portion of the normal modem
`
`initialization before entering into the diagnostic link mode. The systems and methods of this
`
`iiivention can enter the diagnostic link mode manually, for example, at the direction of a
`
`NVA165661 I
`
`Page 7 of 253
`
`

`
`-4-
`
`technician or a user after completing a portion of initialization, Altematively, the systems
`
`and methods of this invention can enter the diagnostic link mode automatically based on, for
`
`example, a bit rate failtire, a forward error correction or a CRC error during showtime, e.g.,
`
`the nonnal steady state transmission mode, or the like. The transition iuto the diagnostic link
`
`5
`
`mode is accomplished by transmitting a message from the CO modem to the RT modem
`
`indicating that the modems are to enter into the diagnostic link mode, as opposed to
`
`transitioning into the normal steady state data transmission mode. Altematively, the
`
`transition into the diagnostic link mode is accomplished by transmitting a message from the
`
`RT modem to the CO modem indicating that the modems are to enter into the diagnostic link
`
`10
`
`mode as opposed to transitioning into the norinal steady state data transmission mode. For
`
`example, the transition signal uses an ADSL state transition to tra-nsition from a standard
`
`ADSL state to a diagnostic link mode state.
`
`In the diagnostic link mode, the RT modem sends diagnostic and test infonnation in
`
`the form of a collection of information bits to the CO modem that are, for example,
`
`modulated by using onr, bit per DTM symbol modulation, as is used in the C-Rates I message
`
`in thi-, TTU and ANSI ADSL standards, where the symbol may or may not include a cyclic
`
`prefix. Other exemplary modulation techniques include Differential Phase Shift Keying
`
`(DPSK) on a subset or all the carriers, as specified in, for example, ITU standard G.994. 1,
`
`higher order QAM modulation (>I bit per carrier), or the like.
`
`20
`
`In the one bit per DMT symbol modulation message encoding scheme, a bit with
`
`value 0 is mapped to the REVERB I signal and a bit witb a value of 1 mapped to a SEGUE 1
`
`signal. The REVERB I and SEGUEI signals are defined in the ITU and ANSI ADSL
`
`standards. The R-EVERB I signal is generated by modulating all of the carriers in the
`
`multicarrier system with a known pseudo-random sequence thus generating a wideband
`
`25
`
`modulated signal. The SEGUEI signal is generated from a carrier by 180 degree phase
`
`reversal of the REVERB I signal. Since both signals are wideband and Imown in advance,
`
`the receiver can easily detect the REVERB I and SEGUEI signal using a simple matched
`
`filter in the presence of large amounts of noise and other disturbances.
`
`30
`
`35
`
`NVA165661.1
`
`Page 8 of 253
`
`

`
`i
`
`- 5 -
`
`Exemplary Message Variables
`Data Sent in the Diag Link
`Train Type
`ADSL Standard
`Chip Type
`Vendor ID
`Code Version
`Average Reverb Received Signal
`Profranunable gain amplifier (PGA) Gain Training
`Programmable gain amplifier PGA Gain Showtime
`Filter Present during Idle Channel Calculation
`Average Idle Channel Noise
`Signal to Noise during Training
`Signal to Noise during Showtime
`Bits and Gains
`Data Rate
`Framing Mode
`Margin
`Reed-Solomon Coding Gain
`QAM Usage
`Frequency Domain Equalizer (FDQ) Coefficients
`Gain Scale
`Time domai-n equalizer (TDQ) Coefficients
`Digital Echo Canceller (DEC) Coefficients
`Table I
`Table I shows an example of a data message that can be sent by the RT to the CO
`
`S
`
`during the diagnostic link mode. In this example, the RT modem sends 23 different data
`
`variables to the CO. Eacb data variable contains different items of diagnostic and test
`
`information that are used to analyze the condition of the link. The variables may contain
`10 more than one item of data. For example, the Average Reverb Signal contaiTis the power
`
`levels per tone, tip to, for example, 256 entries, detected during the ADSL Reverb signal.
`
`Conversely, the PGA Gain Training is a single entry, denoting the gain in dB at the receiver
`
`during the ADSL training.
`
`Many variables that represent the type of diagnostic and test infonnation that are used
`
`15
`
`to analyze the condition of the link are sent from the RT modem to the CO modem. These
`
`variables can be, for example, arrays with different lengths depending on, for example,
`
`infon-nation in the initiate diagnostic mode message. The systems and methods of this
`
`invention can be tailored to contain many different diagnostic and test information variables,
`
`NVA165661 I
`
`Page 9 of 253
`
`

`
`WON
`
`Tbus, the system 'Is fully configurable, allowing stibsets of data to be se-nt and addit'lonal data
`
`variables to be added in the future. Therefore, the message length can be increased or
`
`decreased, and diagnostic and test inforrnation customized, to sLipport more or less variables
`
`as, for example, hardware, the environment and/or the telecommunications equipment
`
`5
`
`dictates.
`
`Therefore, it is to be appreciated, that in general the variables transmitted from the
`
`modem being tested to the receiving modem can be any combination of variables which
`
`allow for transrnission of test and/or diagnostic information.
`
`Fig. I illustrates an exemplary embodiment of tl-ie additional modem components
`
`10
`
`associated with the diagnostic link mode. In particular, the diagnostic link system 100
`
`compnses a central office modem 200 and a remote terminal modem 300. The central office
`
`modem 200 comprises, in addition to the standard ATU-C components, a CRC checker 210,
`
`a diagnostic device 220, and a diagnostic inforrnation monitoring device 230. The remote
`
`terrninal modem 300 comprises, in addition to the standard components associated with an
`
`15
`
`ATU-R, a message determination device 3 10, a power control device 320, a diagnostic device
`
`330 and a diagnostic infonnation storage dovice 340. The central office modem 200 and the
`
`remote terminal model 300 are also connected, via link 5, to a splitter 10 for a phone switch
`
`20, and a splitter 30 for a phone 40. Altematively, the ATU-R can operate without a splitter,
`
`e.g., splitterless, as specified in ITU standard G.992.2 (G.11te) or with an in-line filter in series
`
`20
`
`with the phone 40. In addition, the reniote terminal modem 300, can also be connected to, for
`
`example, one or more user terminals 60. Additionally, the central office modem 200 can be
`
`connected to one or more distributed networks 50, via link 5, which may or may not also be
`
`connected to one or more other distributed networks.
`
`While the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig. I shows the diagnostic link
`
`25
`
`system 100 for an embodiment in which the remote tenninal modem 300 is communicating
`
`test and diagnostic information to the central office 200, it is to be appreciated that the
`
`various components of the diagnostic link system can be rearranged such that the diagliostic
`
`and test information can be forwarded from the central office 200 to the remote terminal
`
`modem 300, or, altematively, such that both modems can send nd receive diagnostic and/or
`
`30
`
`test information. Furthcrmore, it is to be appreciated, that the components of the diagnostic
`
`link system 100 can be located at various locations within a distributed network, such as the -
`
`POTS network, or other comparable telecommunications network. Tbus, it should be
`
`appreciated that the components of the diagnostic tink system 100 can be combi-ned into one
`
`device for respectively transmitting, receiving, or transrnitting aiid receiving diagnostic
`
`NVA165661 1
`
`Page 10 of 253
`
`

`
`7-
`
`and/or test information. As will be appreciated from the following description, and for
`
`reasons of computational efficiency, the components of the diagnostic link system 100 can be
`
`arranged at any location within a telecommunications network and/or modem without
`
`affectirig the operation of the system.
`
`The links 5 ca-n be a wlyed or wireless link or a-ny other k-nown or later developed
`
`element(s) that is capable of supplying and communicating electronic data to a-nd from the
`
`connected elements. Additionally, the user terminal 60 can be, for example, a personal
`
`computer or other device allowing a user to interface witli and communicate over a modem,
`
`such as a DSL modem. Furthermore, the systems and method of this invention will work
`
`10
`
`equally well with splitterless and low-pass mulitearrier modem technologies.
`
`In operation, the remote terminal 300, commences its non-nal initialization sequence.
`
`The diagnostic device 330 monitors the initialization sequence for a failure. If there is a
`
`failure, the diagnostic device 330 iTiitiates the diagnostic link mode. Altematively, a user or,
`
`for exatnple, a technician at the CO, cari specify that the remote terminal 300 enter into the
`
`i15
`
`diagnostic link mode after completing a portion of an initialization. Altematively still, the
`
`diagnostic device 330 ca-n monitor the norrnal steady state data transmission of the remote
`
`tertninal, and upon, for example, an error threshold being exceeded, the diagnostic device 330
`
`will initiate the diagnostic link mode.
`
`Upon initialization of the diagnostic link mode, the diagnostic device 330, in
`
`20
`
`cooperation with the remote tertninal 300 will transmit an initiate diagnostic link mode
`
`message from the remote terminal to the central office 200 (RT to CO). Altematively, the
`
`central office modem 200 can transmit an initiate diagnostic link mode message to the remote
`
`terminal modem 300. If the initiate diagnostic li-nk mode message is received by the central
`
`office 200, the diagnostic device 330, in cooperation with the message detennination device
`
`25
`
`310, detennines a diagnostic link mcssage to be forwarded to the central office 200. For
`
`example, the diagnostic link message can include test information that has been assembled
`during, for example, the normal ADSL ilriltialization procedure. The diagnostic and/or test
`
`information can include, but is not limited to, the version number of the diagnostic link mode,
`
`the length of the diagnostic and/or test information, the cormnunications standard, such as the
`
`30
`
`ADSL standard, the chipset type, the vendor identifications, the ATU version number, the
`
`time domain received reverb signal, the frequency domain reverb signal, the amplifier
`
`settings, the CO transmitter power spectral density, the frequency domain received idle
`
`channel, the signal to noise ratio, the bits and gains and the upstream and doNvnstream
`
`transmission rates, or the like.
`
`NVA165661.1
`
`Page 11 of 253
`
`

`
`-8-
`
`If the initiate diagnostic link mode message is not received by the central office 200,
`
`the li'litiate diagnostic link mode rnessage can, for example, be re-transmitted a predetermined
`
`number of iterations until a deterrnination is made that it is not possible to establish a
`
`connection.
`
`AssuTning the initiate diagnostic link mode message is received, then, for a
`
`predetermined number of iterations, the diagnostic device 330, in cooperation with the remote
`
`terminal modem 300 and the diagnostic informa'tion storage device 340, transmits the
`
`diagnostic link message with a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to the central office modem
`
`200. Ilowever, it is to be appreciated that i-n general, any error detection sebeme, such as bit
`
`10
`
`error detection, can be used without affecting the operation of the system. The central office
`
`200, in cooperation with the CRC checker 210, determines if the CRC is correct. If the CRC
`
`is correct, the diagnostic information stored in the diagnostic information storage device 340
`
`has been, witb the cooperation of the diagnostic device 330, and tbc remote terminal modem
`
`300, forwarded to the central office 200 successfully.
`
`5
`
`If, for example, the CRC chi2cker 2 10 is unable to determine the correct CRC, the
`
`diagnostic device 330, in cooperation with power control device 320, increases the
`
`transmission power of the remote terminai 300 and repeats the transmission of the diagnostic
`
`link message from the remote terminal 300 to the central office 200. This process continues
`
`until the correct CRC is detennined by the CRC checker 210.
`
`The rnaximum power level used for transmission of the diagnostic link message can
`
`be specified by, for example, the user or the ADSL service operator. If the CRC checker 210
`
`does not determine a correct CRC at the maximum power level and the diagnostic link mode
`
`can not be initiated then other methods for determining diagnostic information are utilized,
`
`such as dispatching a technician to the remote site, or the like.
`
`25
`
`Alternatively, the remote ten-ninal 300, with or without an increase in the power level,
`
`can transmit the diagnostic link message several times, for example, 4 times. By transmitting
`
`the diagnostic link rnessage several tirnes, the CO modem 200 can use, for example, a
`
`diversity combining scheme to improve the probability of obtaining a correct CRC from the
`
`received diagnostic link message(s).
`
`30
`
`Alternatively, as previously discussed, the central office 200 comprises a diagnostic
`
`information monitoring device 230. The remote terminal 300 can also include a diagnostic
`
`infonnation monitoring device. One or more of these diagnostic information monitoring
`
`devices can monitor the normal steady state data transrnission between the remote terrninal
`
`300 and the central office 200. Upon, for example, the norinal steady state data transrnission
`
`NVA165661 I
`
`Page 12 of 253
`
`

`
`-9-
`
`exceeded a predetermined error threshold, the diagnostic information monitoring device can
`
`initiate the diagnostic link mode with the cooperation of the diagnostic device 300 and/or the
`
`diagnostic device 220.
`
`Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary method for entering a diagnostic link mode in
`
`accordance with this invention. In particular, control begins in step SIOO and coritinues to
`stepSI10. Instep SIIO, the initialization sequence is commenced, Next, instep S120, ifan
`initialization failure is detected, control continues to step S170, Otherwise, controljumps to
`
`stepS130. Instep S130, a determination is made whether the diagnostic link mode has been
`
`selected. If the diagnostic link mode has been selected, control conti-nues to step S 170,
`
`10
`
`otherwise, control jumps to step S 140.
`
`In step S 170, the initiate diagnostic link mode message is transmitted from, for
`
`example, the remote terminal to the central office. Next, in step S 180, a determination is
`
`made whether the initiate diagnostic mode message has been received by the CO. if the
`
`initiate diagnostic mode message has been received by the CO, control j'umps to step S200.
`
`Otherwise, control continues to step S190. ln step S190, a deterrnination is made whether to
`
`re-transmit the initiate diagnostic mode message, for example, based on whether a
`
`predetermined number of iterations have already been completed. If the initiate diagnostic
`
`mode message is to be re-transmitted, control coiitinues back to step S 170. Otherwise,
`
`control jumps to step S 160.
`
`ln step S200, the diagnostic link message is determined, for example, by assembling
`
`test and diagnostic information about one or more of the local loop, the modem itself, the
`
`telephone network at the remote terminal, or the like. Next, in step S21 0, for a predetermined
`
`number of iterations, steps S220-S240 are completed. In particular, in step S220 a diagnostic
`
`link message comprising a CRC is transmitted to, for exai-nple, the CO. Next, in step S230,
`the CRC is determined. Then, in step S240, a detennination is made whether the CRC is
`
`25
`
`correct. If the CRC is correct, the test and/or diagnostic information has been successfully
`
`communicated and control continues to step S 160.
`
`Otherwise, if step S210 has completed the predetermined number of iterations, control
`
`continues to step S250. In step S250, the transmission power is increased and control
`
`30
`
`continues back to step S2 10, Altematively, as previously discussed, the diagnostic link
`
`message may be transmitted a predetennined number of times, with our without a change in
`
`the transmission power.
`
`In step S 140, the normal steady state data transmission is entered into between two
`
`modems, such as the remote tertninal and the cental office modems. Next, in step S150, a
`
`NVA165661 I
`
`Page 13 of 253
`
`

`
`- 10-
`
`detennination is made whether an error threshold during the normal steady state data
`
`transmission has been exceeded. If the error threshold has been exceeded, cointrol continiies
`tostepS170. Otherwise, control jumps to step S160. Instep S160, the control sequence
`
`ends.
`
`5
`
`As shown in Fig. 1, the diagnostic link mode systetn can be implemented either on a
`
`single program general purpose computer, a modem, such as a DSL modem, or a separate
`
`program general purpose computer having a communications device. However, the
`
`diagnostic link system caii also be impletnented on a special purpose computer, a
`
`programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element, an
`
`10
`
`ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logic
`
`circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmed logic device such as a PLD, PLA,
`
`FPGA, PAL, or the like, and associated communications equipment. In general, any device
`
`capable of implementing a finite state machine that is capable of implementing the flowchart
`
`illustrated in Fig. 2 can be used to implement a diagnostic link system according to this
`
`invention.
`
`Furthermore, the diseloscd method may be readily implemented in software using
`
`object or object-oriented software development enviromnents that provide portable source
`
`code that can be used on a variety of computcr, workstation, or modem bardware platforms.
`
`Altematively, the disclosed diagnostic link system may be itTiplemented partially or fully in
`
`hardware using standard logic circuits or a VLSI design, Other software or hardware can be
`
`used to implement the systems in accordance with this iilvention depe-nding on the speed
`
`and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and a particular
`
`software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized.
`
`The diagnostic link system and methods illustrated heTein however, ca-n be readily
`
`25
`
`implemented in hardware and/or software using any known or later developed systems or
`structures, devices and/or software by those of ordinary skill in the applicable art from the
`
`functiolial description provided herein and with a general basic knowledge of the computer
`
`and telecommunications arts.
`
`Moreover, the disclosed methods can be readily implemented as software executed on
`
`30
`
`a programmed general purpose coniputer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or
`
`the like. In these instances, the methods and systems of this invention can be implemented as
`
`a program embedded on a modem, such a DSL modem, as a resource residing on a personal
`
`computer, as a routine embedded in a dedicated diagnostic link system, a central office, or the
`
`like. The diagnostic link system caii also be -implemented by physically incorporating the
`
`NVA165661 I
`
`Page 14 of 253
`
`

`
`- 11 -
`
`system and method into a software and/or hardware system, such as a hardware and software
`
`systems of a modem, a general purpose computer, an ADSL line testing device, or the like.
`
`It is, therefore, apparent that there is provided in accordance with the present
`
`invention, systems and methods for transmitting a diagnostic link message. While this
`
`5
`
`invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that
`
`many altematives, modifications and variations would be or are appare-nt to those of ordinary
`
`skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, applicants intend to embrace all such altematives,
`
`modifications, equivalents a-nd variations that are within the spirit and the scope of this
`
`invention.
`
`I
`
`NVA165661 I
`
`Page 15 of 253
`
`

`
`-12-
`
`What is Claimed is:
`A
`
`1,
`
`diagnos'ic 'il'ys'em
`multicarrier modulation comor
`n2-
`
`for communicating data between modems using
`
`aTi initiate
`
`mode trigger that instructs a transmitti-ng modem to
`
`5
`
`forward an initiate diagnostic
`
`message to a receiving modem;
`
`a message aetermir
`
`device that detennines a diagnostic link message; and
`
`a receiving modem
`
`device that receivcs the diagnostic link message
`
`and determines the accuracy of the agnostic link message.
`
`2.
`
`The system of cli im 1, fu-rther comprising a power control device that
`
`10
`
`increases a transmission power
`
`eejagnostic link message if the received diagnostic link
`
`message is inaccurate.
`
`CtA
`
`3.
`
`The
`
`predetermined number of -mes.
`system Of Claim
`
`1, wherein the diagnostic link message is re-transmitted a
`
`The system of claini 1, wherein the diagnostic link message comprises at least
`
`one of test and diagnostic
`
`The system of claim , wherein the diagnostic link message comprises at least
`
`one of a version number of a diagn stic link mode, a length of the diagnostic information, a
`
`communications standard, a chipset ype, one or more vendor ide-ntifications, an ATU version
`
`number, a time domain received rev rb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier
`
`setting, a CO transmiUer power spec
`
`density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a
`
`rmation, and upstream and downstream transmission
`signal to noise ratio, bits and gai-n in
`ral
`'c
`'t
`
`rates.
`
`The system of claim 1,1wherein the accuracy is deterruined based on at least
`
`one of an error detecting scheme, a bi
`
`tion
`
`a cyclic redundancy check.
`
`25
`
`.
`
`The system of claim 1, h ein the
`
`er is based on at least one of an
`
`initialization failure, a bit rate failure,
`
`'
`
`'
`
`a
`C C eirror 1
`trig
`an iiinitialization message, a CRC error
`
`during a normal s

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket