TWI565259B - Internet protocol video channel validation - Google Patents

Description

Network protocol video channel authentication

The present invention relates to Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), particularly but not exclusively for network protocol (IP) video channel authentication.

In the past few decades, many new technologies have been seen to provide TV services to users. One of the new and popular service providers that offer TV services is Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). IPTV technology can deliver TV services to users on IP-based communication networks and enhance users' TV viewing experience by providing high-quality video services, for example, HDTV channels, digital video recording, interactive Video selection, and many other features. In IPTV, the streaming of a video channel, also known as an IP video channel, occurs on an IP-based communication network in the form of IP data packets.

Typically, this television service is provided to the user upon order. Service providers offer a variety of subscriptions with different service and service qualities, for example, high-definition video channels and on-demand video features. Users can order these TV services to enjoy the benefits of these IPTVs.

The present invention introduces the concept of network protocol (IP) video channel authentication. This Summary is not an attempt to identify the essential features of the subject matter of the patent application, nor is it intended to determine or limit the scope of the subject matter of the patent application.

In one implementation, a network protocol (IP) video channel authentication method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a test message from an optical terminal (OLT), wherein the test message includes test information about one or more IP video channels, a test duration, and a reference number of video frames. In addition, the optical network unit identifies one or more IP video channels to be verified based on the test message. In addition, multiple video frames are received during the test duration. In addition, the number of received video frames for each channel in one or more IP video channels will be compared to the number of reference frames in the video frame. The method further includes verifying by determining a quality of service (QoS) level for the IP video channel of each IP video channel based on the comparison.

In another implementation, an optical network unit (ONU) for verifying an IP video channel is illustrated. The ONU includes a processor and an identification module coupled to the processor. In one implementation, the identification module receives a test message from an optical terminal (OLT), wherein the test message includes test information related to one or more IP video channels, a test duration, and a reference number of video frames. The identification module further identifies one or more IP video channels to be verified based on the test message. The ONU in turn includes a test module coupled to the processor. In one implementation, during the test duration, the test module receives a plurality of views for one or more IP video channels on a connection established between the OLT and the ONU. News. In addition, the test module compares the number of video frames received by each video channel in one or more IP video channels with the reference number of video frames. The test module is then verified by determining the quality of service (QoS) level of the IP video channel for each IP video channel based on the comparison.

In another implementation, a method of verifying an IP video channel is illustrated. The method includes generating a test message by using a light terminal, wherein the test message includes test information related to one or more IP video channels to be verified, a test duration, and a reference number of the video frame. The method further includes transmitting a test message to an Optical Network Unit (ONU) for initiating a verification test for verifying each of the one or more IP video channels. In addition, on the connection established between the OLT and the ONU, a plurality of video frames for each channel in one or more IP video channels are transmitted to the ONU for verification testing. The method further includes obtaining a QoS level determined by the ONU (104) for each of the one or more IP video channels. The QoS level is determined according to the number of transmitted video frames and the reference number of video frames.

In another implementation, an optical terminal (OLT) for initiating verification testing of an IP video channel is illustrated. The OLT includes a processor and a monitoring module coupled to the processor. In one implementation, the monitoring module generates a test message, wherein the test message includes test information for verifying one or more IP video channels, a test duration, and a reference number of video frames. The monitoring module in turn transmits the test message to the optical network unit (ONU). The OLT further includes a video channel module, and the video channel module is coupled to the processor to transmit a plurality of video frames for each channel in one or more IP video channels to the ONU on the connection established between the OLT and the ONU, to Used for verification testing.

According to another implementation of the subject matter, a computer readable medium having a computer program for performing an IP video channel verification method is illustrated. The method includes: identifying, by the optical network unit, one or more IP video channels to be verified according to the test message generated by the light terminal, wherein the test message includes test information about one or more IP video channels, test duration, And the number of references to the video. The method further includes receiving a plurality of video frames during the test duration. In addition, the number of received video frames for each channel in one or more IP video channels will be compared to the number of reference frames in the video frame. The method further includes verifying a quality of service (QoS) level of the IP video channel for each IP video channel by comparison to verify an IP video channel for transmitting an IP video frame corresponding to the IP video channel.

100‧‧‧Network environment

102‧‧‧Light terminal

104‧‧‧ Optical network unit

106‧‧‧Network

A detailed description will be given with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost digit of the code represents the graphic in which the code first appears. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent similar features and components. Some embodiments of systems and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a verification network protocol (IP) in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter. The network environment of the video channel is implemented; FIG. 2 shows an IP video channel verification method according to an embodiment of the subject; and FIG. 3 shows an IP video channel verifier according to an embodiment of the subject matter. law.

The continuous evolution of communication technology has significantly improved the TV viewing experience of users in the world. Several newly developed technologies, such as Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and DTH, have enhanced the quality and efficiency of television services offered to users. The IPTV can be used to provide one or more IP video channels to users on a switched switched network such as the Internet. Service providers that supply IPTV services deploy passive optical networks. An example of such a passive optical network includes a one billion passive optical network (GPON), according to which these television services are provided to multiple clients.

GPON access network is a good and secure architecture. This architecture includes multiple devices, such as optical terminals (OLT) installed on the service provider side, optical network units (ONUs) installed on the user side, optical fibers, and separation. Device. Typically, each OLT is connected to a number of ONUs, which in turn are connected to a client device (CPE), commonly referred to as a set-top box (STB), for delivering IP video channels to the consumer.

These devices are typically subject to routine upgrades, such as software or software upgrades, to ensure a high standard of service for the user. Typically, the upgrade is performed during a predetermined maintenance window when the user's activity is minimal, usually at night. However, such updates, for example, sometimes cause upgrade failures, such as software failures, hardware compatibility problems, device failures, and the like, causing service quality to collapse or deteriorate. For example, a software upgrade failure of the device may result in the access of the user's TV service stored at the OLT and the ONU. Inequality between rights. In this case, the user cannot view all or a few of the IP video channels that are ordered, thereby causing the user to experience television viewing experience that is not satisfactory.

Conventionally, reports of these upgrade failures are performed by the set-top box, which proves to be a time consuming process. For example, at power-on, the STB attempts to connect to the ONU for receiving an IP video channel. However, when the IP video channel cannot be received, the STB initiates a problem resolution procedure for identifying the cause of the unreceived IP video channel. If the problem is determined to be an upgrade failure, the problem will be reported to the service provider. However, the conventional method proves to be time consuming, and the problem solving process itself involves the use of network resources such as bandwidth, for example, because the set-top box repeatedly transmits data about the problem-solving program until the fault is isolated. In addition, in the case where the STB cannot isolate the fault, or in the case where the STB itself is not operating, the report of the upgrade fault is reached by the user by giving the service provider an email or telephone call, thereby causing unsatisfactory User experience. Typically, as service providers provide services to a large number of users, the loss will increase substantially for service providers. In addition, a large number of service provider resources, such as manpower and backup devices, are used to address this issue, thereby causing increased financial losses to service providers.

This standard discloses a system and method for performing verification testing of an IP video channel. According to an embodiment, the standard ensures that the IP video channel delivered to the user has a satisfactory quality of service (QoS) rating. In this embodiment, the test message for initiating a verification test for verifying one or more IP video channels is first generated by the OLT. The test message is then sent to the ONU. Upon receiving the test message, the ONU performs a verification test for one or more IP video channels. Although reference is made to a single ONU associated with the OLT to illustrate the subject matter, it is to be understood that the OLT can simultaneously perform verification tests for each ONU to ensure that a satisfactory QoS level of the IP video channel is delivered to the user.

In an embodiment, upon receiving the verification request message from the service provider, the OLT generates a test message for initiating a verification test for verifying one or more IP video channels. The test message contains test information about one or more IP video channels to be tested. In one implementation, the test information can be a list of one or more IP video channels. The list in turn contains the corresponding multicast IP address for each IP video channel. In another implementation, the test information includes an instruction set for accessing a multicast access control list stored in the ONU, wherein the multicast access control list includes an IP video channel subscribed by the user. In addition, the message contains the test duration and the number of references to the video frame. The test duration can be viewed as the duration of time that each channel in one or more IP video channels is tested. The number of reference frames for a video frame can be defined as the minimum number of video frames that are desired to be received during the test duration for a satisfactory quality of service (QoS) level of the IP video channel. The number of reference frames for the video frame can be used to determine the QoS level for each IP video channel to determine if the IP channel is operating at the desired QoS. The test message can then be sent to the ONU.

Upon receiving the test message, the ONU analyzes the test information contained in the test message to identify the IP video channel to be tested. Once the IP video channel to be tested is identified, the ONU performs verification for each IP video channel. Verification test. In an implementation, in order to verify the IP video channel, the ONU transmits an Inter-Network Group Management Protocol (IGMP) join message to the OLT for establishing a connection between the ONU and the OLT. The ONU then receives a plurality of video frames corresponding to the IP video channel from the OLT over the connection. In one implementation, a connection is established for testing duration, and when the test duration is complete, the ONU transmits an IGMP Leave message to terminate the connection between the ONU and the OLT. For example, if the test duration is two seconds, then two seconds after the connection is established, the ONU transmits an IGMP Leave message to terminate the connection.

The ONU then determines the number of video frames received during the test duration. The number of video frames is then compared to the reference number of video frames for determining the QoS level of the IP video channel, wherein the QoS level is one of an acceptable level and an unacceptable level. The acceptable level is defined as the height of the IP video channel service quality and is achieved in the case where the number of video frames received during the test duration is greater than the reference number of the video frame. The unacceptable level is defined as a low IP video channel quality of service and is achieved in the case where the number of video frames corresponding to the IP video channel received during the test duration is lower than the number of reference frames of the video frame. In the case where the number of received video frames is greater than the reference number of the video frames, it is determined that the verification result is an acceptable level. In the case where the number of received video frames is less than the reference number of the video frames, it is determined that the verification result is an unacceptable level.

In one implementation, the OLT obtains verification results for each IP video channel for identifying and subsequently reporting an unacceptable degree of IP video channel to the service provider. The service provider then takes preemptive measures to ensure Maintain high service quality for these IP video channels. As will be appreciated, each channel in one or more IP video channels is tested and the corresponding verification results for each IP video channel are obtained in the manner described herein.

Therefore, the proposed preemptive authentication method for the IP video channel helps to provide an efficient service quality to the user when the service provider detects any upgrade failure related to the transmission, thereby eliminating the detection and reporting by the set-top box. . In addition, self-detecting these faults and subsequently correcting them can ensure a satisfactory level of user experience. The method can be implemented by a service provider to complete the upgrade to test the device for ensuring proper operation of the device. In addition, the system and method are also implemented by a service provider for testing IP video channels based on user complaints. In addition, the proposed method can be implemented by the service provider for home testing of the device to ensure proper operation of the device prior to deployment in the GPON network. In addition, in addition to verifying the IP video channel after the channel upgrade, the method can also be used for regular verification of IP video channels to ensure proper operation and high QoS.

It should be noted that the description and drawings only show the principles of the subject matter. Therefore, it is to be understood that those skilled in the art are able to devise various embodiments that are not specifically described or illustrated herein, but are in the spirit and scope. Moreover, all of the examples described herein are merely for the purpose of teaching, to assist the reader in understanding the principles of the subject matter and the concepts of the inventor's contribution, and to make the technique further and should be construed as not limiting. Examples and conditions cited in these specific references. In addition, all statements of the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the subject matter, as well as the specific examples thereof

Referring to Figures 1-3, a manner of implementing a system and method for verifying an IP video channel is described in detail. Embodiments are illustrated in the context of the systems illustrated below, but the numerous systems and methods for IP video channels can be implemented in any number of different computing systems, transmission environments, and/or configurations. kind.

Figure 1 shows a network environment 100 for verifying an IP video channel. The network environment 100 includes an optical terminal (OLT) 102 and a plurality of optical network units (ONUs) 104-1, 104-2, ..., and 104-N, and optical network units (ONUs) 104-1, 104-2. , ... and 104-N are collectively referred to as ONU's 104 and individually as ONUs 104. In accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter, OLT 102 and ONU's 104 can communicate with one another via network 106.

The OLT 102 can be defined as a hardware device implemented by a service provider that provides television services using Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). As will be appreciated, the OLT 102 forms part of a passive optical network PON, such as a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON), and is typically deployed on a service provider side for dissemination under what is referred to as IP video. Television services, such as network protocol (IP) based video channels, are provided to a plurality of ONU's 104 associated with OLT 102. The ONU 104 is defined as a hardware device implemented by a service provider at the user end of the user registered with the service provider to facilitate the television service provided by the service provider.

Network 106 can be an optical network for interconnecting the fibers of OLT 102, and ONU's 104. As will be appreciated, network 106 can be a point-to-multipoint architecture of light and splitter that is not explicitly shown for the sake of brevity. As will be known, optical fibers and splitters are also collectively referred to as optically dispersed networks. In one implementation The network 106, including the fiber and splitter, can support optical signal transmission between the OLT 102 and the ONU's 104 for providing television services to users registered with the service provider.

In one implementation, OLT 102 and ONU 104 include processors 108-1 and 108-2, respectively. Processors 108-1 and 108-2, collectively referred to as processor 108, may be implemented as one or more processors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuits, and/or Any device that manipulates signals according to operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to retrieve and execute computer readable instructions stored in the memory.

By using dedicated hardware and hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software, the functionality of the various elements shown in the figures of any functional block labeled "processor" can be provided. When provided by a processor, these functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or numerous individual processors, some of which may be shared.

Moreover, OLT 102 and ONU 104 include I/O interfaces 110-1 and 110-2, respectively. I/O interfaces 110-1 and 110-2, collectively referred to as I/O interface 110, include a wide variety of software and hardware interfaces that allow OLT 102 and ONU 104 to interact with network 106. In addition, I/O interface 110 enables OLT 102 and ONU 104 to communicate with other communication and computing devices, such as network servers and external storage. The OLT 102 and the ONU 104 respectively include memories 112-1 and 112-2, and the memories 112-1 and 112-2 are collectively referred to as a memory 112. Memory 112-1 and 112-2 are coupled to processor 108-1 and processor 108-2, respectively. Memory 112 is well known in the art. Any computer readable medium, such as an electrical memory (eg, RAM), and/or a non-electrical memory (eg, EPROM, flash memory, etc.).

OLT 102 and ONU 104 respectively include modules 114-1, 114-2, and data 116-1, 116-2, modules 114-1, 114-2, and data 116-1, 116-2 are collectively referred to as modes. Group 114 and data 116. Module 114 contains routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Module 114 in turn includes modules that complement the application on OLT 102 and ONU 104, such as operating system applications.

Moreover, module 114 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or a combination thereof. The processing unit includes a computer, a processor such as processor 108, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable device capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general purpose processor that executes instructions to cause a general purpose processor to perform the required work, or the processing unit can be dedicated to performing the desired function.

In another aspect of the subject matter, module 114 can be a machine readable instruction (software) that, when executed by a processor/processing unit, performs any of the described functions. Machine readable instructions can be stored on electronic memory devices, hard drives, optical disks or other machine readable storage media or non-transitory media. In one implementation, machine readable instructions are also downloaded to the storage medium via a network connection. The data 116 is used in particular as a repository for storing data that can be retrieved, processed, received, or generated by one or more modules 114.

In implementation, the module 114-1 of the OLT 102 includes a monitoring module 118, video channel module 120, and other modules 122. In this implementation, the data 116-1 of the OLT 102 includes monitoring data 124, video channel data 126, and other data 128. The other modules 122 contain programs or coded instructions that complement the application and functions, for example, programs in the operating system of the OLT 102. Other data 128 includes information corresponding to one or more other modules 122.

Similarly, in an implementation, the module 114-2 of the ONU 104 includes an identification module 130, a test module 132, and other modules 134. In this implementation, the data 116-2 of the ONU 104 includes identification data 136, test data 138, and other data 140. The other modules 134 include programs or coded instructions that complement the application and functions, for example, programs in the operating system of the ONU 104. Other data 140 includes material corresponding to one or more other modules 134.

According to an embodiment of the subject matter, a television service is provided to a service provider of one or more users registered with the service provider to seek verification of the IP video channel provided to the user. The verification of the IP video channel can be defined as determining whether the IP video channel achieves a satisfactory quality of service (QoS) level when transmitted to the user. Service providers can seek to verify IP video channels for a variety of reasons, for example, to ensure proper IP video channel service quality after upgrade, to verify IP video channels after user complaints, and to ensure, for example, OLT 102 and ONU 104 The hardware device is tested in a home that works properly. In an implementation, the service provider can transmit an authentication request message to the OLT 102 to instruct the OLT 102 to verify the IP video channel.

When receiving the verification request message, the monitoring module 118 generates a test message. Information, used to initiate verification tests for verifying one or more IP video channels. In one implementation, the test message contains test information related to one or more IP video channels to be tested. For example, the test information can be a list of one or more IP video channels to be tested. In another example, the test information can be an instruction set for accessing a multicast access control list stored in the ONU 104, wherein the multicast access control list is a list of IP video channels subscribed by the user. In this case, each IP video channel ordered by the user can be tested for verification. For example, the ONU-104-1 installed at the first user end has a multicast access control list stored in its memory, wherein the multicast access control list is an IP video subscribed by the first user. List of channels.

In addition, the test message contains the test duration and the number of references to the video frame. The test duration can be defined as the duration of time that each IP video channel is tested for verification. The number of reference frames for a video frame can be defined as the minimum number of video frames that are desired to be received during the test duration for a satisfactory quality of service (QoS) level of the IP video channel. The reference value of the video frame can be used to determine the QoS level for each IP video channel, as will be explained in more detail below. In another implementation, the test message further includes a flag, wherein the flag indicates that the inter-network group management protocol (IGMP) message originating from the set-top box associated with the user account of the user is interrupted for a period of time. The instruction to test the duration. As will be understood, the IGMP message contains the IGMP join message and the IGMP leave message.

As mentioned above, service providers seek to verify IP video channels for different reasons. Solving a single use called a first user at a service provider In the case of a complaint about the service of the IP video channel, the test message is only transmitted to the ONU 104-1 associated with the first user. In the event that the service provider seeks to verify the transmission of the IP video channel after the upgrade, the test message is transmitted to all ONU's 104 associated with the OLT 102.

For purposes of illustration, the verification of the IP video channel is described with reference to a single ONU 104, but as will be appreciated, the OLT 102 can also perform an IP video channel to all ONUs 104 associated with the OLT 102.

In one implementation, the monitoring module 118 transmits a test message to the ONU 104 for initiating the verification test. In this implementation, the OLT 102 transmits test messages using the known ONT Management and Control Interface (OMCI) protocol. In this case, the test message will be in the format described in Table 1 below.

As will be understood, the OMCI test message contains information indicating the IP video channel to be tested, the duration of the test, the number of video reference references, and other related fields.

In one implementation, the identification module 130 of the ONU 104 receives the test message. Upon receiving the test message, the identification module 130 initially identifies the IP video channel to be tested. For this purpose, the identification module 130 analyzes the test information. In the implementation, the test information is a list of IP video channels to be tested, and the identification module 130 identifies the IP video channel according to the list. In another implementation, the test message is a set of instructions for accessing the multicast access control list, and the identification module 130 analyzes the instructions and then receives the multicast access control list based on the analysis. After that, the identification module is identified according to the multicast access control list. Identify the IP video channel to be tested. In this implementation, each IP video channel included in the list is tested for verification. In one embodiment, the multicast list is stored in the identification data 136 during user registration or setup to facilitate the provision of television services by the service provider.

When the IP video channel is identified, the test module 132 performs a verification test for verifying each IP video channel. In one implementation, a verification test is performed in a manner described below for verifying each of the IP video channels in one or more IP video channels.

Initially, the test module 132 transmits an Inter-Network Group Management Protocol (IGMP) join message to the video channel module 120 for establishing a connection between the test module 132 and the video channel module 120. When the connection is established, the test module 132 receives a plurality of video frames transmitted by the video channel module 120 corresponding to the IP video channel on the connection. In one implementation, the test module 132 establishes a connection for a period of time to reach the test duration specified in the test message. In this implementation, from the time the connection is established, at the end of the test duration, the test module 132 transmits an IGMP leave message to the video channel module 120 for terminating the connection. The connection is terminated after the IGMP Leave message is transmitted.

Thereafter, the test module 132 determines the number of video frames received during the test duration based on the plurality of cells. The number of video frames is the total number of video frames received during the test duration. The received number of cells is then compared to the number of reference frames of the video frame to determine the QoS level of the IP video channel. The QoS level indicates whether the IP video channel has a satisfactory QoS level. In an implementation, the level of QoS may be in an acceptable level or an unacceptable level. One. The acceptable level can be defined as the height of the IP video channel service quality, and is achieved in the case where the number of video frames received during the test duration is greater than the reference number of the video frame. The unacceptable level is defined as the low quality of the IP video channel service and is achieved in the case where the number of video frames corresponding to the IP video channel received during the test duration is lower than the number of reference frames of the video frame.

In the case where the number of received video frames is greater than the reference number of video frames, the level of QoS is determined to be an acceptable level. In the case where the number of received video frames is less than the reference number of video frames, it is determined that the level of QoS is an unacceptable level.

As will be appreciated, each channel in one or more IP video channels is tested in the same manner as described above, and then, in a similar manner, the QoS level corresponding to the IP video channel is obtained. The test module 132 stores the QoS level for each IP video channel as a verification report in the test data 138. In one implementation, the monitoring module 118 of the OLT 102 retrieves the verification report stored in the test data 138. For example, the monitoring module 118 periodically communicates with the test module 132 for obtaining verification results. In another example, the monitoring module 118 obtains the verification results in a manner as defined in the OMCI protocol. The monitoring module 118 then identifies the IP video channel with an unacceptable QoS level and reports it to the service provider. The service provider then takes the necessary actions to ensure high QoS for these IP video channels.

2 shows an authentication method 200 for an IP video channel in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter. 3 shows an authentication method 300 for an IP video channel in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter.

The order in which the methods 200 and 300 are illustrated should not be construed as limiting, and any number of the method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the methods 200 and 300, or alternative methods. In addition, individual blocks may be deleted from methods 200 and 300 without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Moreover, methods 200 and 300 can be implemented by any suitable hardware, machine readable instructions, firmware, or a combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the steps of methods 200 and 300 can be performed by a stylized computer. Here, some examples also include a program storage device that can be read by a machine or a computer and that encodes machine-executable or computer-executable instructions, and non-transitory computer-readable media, such as digital data storage media. Wherein the instructions perform some or all of the steps of the methods 200 and 300 described. For example, the program storage device may be a digital memory, a magnetic storage medium such as a disk and a tape, a hard disk drive, or an optically readable digital data storage medium.

Referring to FIG. 2, at block 202, a test message is generated for initiating a verification test for verifying one or more IP video channels. The test message contains test information related to one or more IP video channels to be tested. In one implementation, the test information can be one or more IP video channel lists. In another implementation, the test information may be an instruction for receiving a multicast access control list, wherein the multicast is a list of IP video channels ordered by the user. In addition, the test message contains the test duration and the number of references to the video frame. In one implementation, a test message for verifying one or more IP video channels is generated by light transmission (OLT) 102.

At block 204, the test message is transmitted to the optical network unit (ONU), Used to initiate verification testing. In one implementation, the OLT 102 transmits a test message associated with the OLT 102 to the ONU 104 to initiate a verification test. The verification of the IP video channel can be defined as determining whether the IP video channel achieves a satisfactory quality of service (QoS) level when transmitted to the user.

At block 206, a plurality of video frames for each of the IP video channels in one or more IP video channels are transmitted to the ONU. In one implementation, the ONU verifies each IP video channel by establishing a connection for receiving a plurality of video frames. The number of received video frames is compared to the number of reference frames in the video.

At block 208, the QoS level for each of the one or more IP video channels determined according to the verification test is obtained. Based on the comparison, the QoS level for the IP video channel is determined. In the case where it is recognized that the number of received video frames is greater than the reference number of the video frames, it is confirmed that the QoS level is an acceptable level. In the case where it is recognized that the number of received video frames is less than the reference number of the video frames, it is confirmed that the QoS level is an unacceptable level. In one example, ONU 104 determines the QoS level for the IP video channel based on the comparison. In an implementation, OLT 102 obtains a QoS level. The OLT 102 then notifies the service provider of the IP video channel. The service provider then takes the necessary steps to ensure that all of these IP video channels achieve a satisfactory level of QoS.

Referring to FIG. 3, at block 302, a test message generated by a light terminal (OLT) is received. In one implementation, the test message includes test information, test duration, and number of reference frames. Test information about one or more IP video channels tested for verification. The verification of the IP video channel can be defined as determining whether the IP video channel is obtained when it is transmitted to the user. Satisfactory quality of service (QoS) rating. The test duration can be defined as the length of time the IP video channel is tested for verification. In addition, the number of reference frames of the video frame can be defined as the minimum number of video frames that are desired to be received during the test duration of a satisfactory quality of service (QoS) level of the IP video channel. In another implementation, the test message in turn contains a flag. As used herein, the flag indicates an instruction to interrupt an Inter-Network Group Management Protocol (IGMP) message, that is, one of an IGMP Join message and an IGMP Leave message received from a client device such as a set-top box.

At block 304, one or more IP video channels are identified based on the test information. In one implementation, the test information can be a list of one or more IP video channels. In this implementation, the IP video channel to be tested is identified based on the manifest. In another implementation, the test information may be a list of access multicast control lists, wherein the multicast access control list includes an IP video channel subscribed by the user. In this other implementation, the IP video channel is identified based on the multicast access control list. In one example, the ONU 104 picks up a multicast access control list stored in its memory for identifying the IP video channel to be tested.

At block 306, a connection to the OLT is established for each of the one or more IP video channels. In order to establish a connection with the OLT, an IGMP join message can be sent to the OLT for establishing a connection. In one implementation, the ONU 104 transmits an IGMP join message to the OLT 102 for establishing a connection.

At block 308, a plurality of video frames for each of the one or more IP video channels are received on the connection. Once the connection is established, the connection is made Up, a plurality of video frames corresponding to the IP video channel are received from the OLT. In one example, the connection is only established for a period of time to reach the test duration, and at the end of the test duration, the IGMP Leave message is transmitted to the OLT 102 for terminating the connection. In one implementation, the ONU 104 receives a plurality of video frames.

At block 310, the number of received video frames for each of the one or more IP video channels is compared to the number of reference frames of the video. In one implementation, the number of video frames of the received IP video channel is compared to the number of reference frames of the video frame.

At block 312, the QoS levels for each of the one or more IP video channels are determined based on the comparison. As mentioned above, the number of received video frames is compared to the number of reference frames of the video. Based on the comparison, the QoS level for the IP video channel is determined. In the case where it is recognized that the number of received video frames is greater than the reference number of the video frames, it is confirmed that the QoS level is an acceptable level. The acceptable level can be defined as equal to or greater than a satisfactory QoS level. In the case where it is recognized that the number of received video frames is less than the reference number of the video frames, it is confirmed that the QoS level is an unacceptable level. Unacceptable levels can be defined as less than a satisfactory QoS level. In one example, ONU 104 determines the QoS level for the IP video channel based on the comparison.

In addition, ONU 104 generates a verification report that includes IP video channels from one or more IP video channels with unacceptable levels of QoS. In an example, OLT 102 obtains a verification list. In another implementation, the ONU 104 transmits an authentication report to the OLT 102. The OLT 102 then notifies the service provider of the IP video channel. After the service provider Continue to take the necessary steps to ensure a satisfactory QoS level for all of these IP video channels.

Although embodiments of the method and system for verifying IP video channels are described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular features or methods described. Rather, only specific examples of IP video channel verification embodiments are disclosed to reveal particular features and methods.

Claims (15)

A network protocol (IP) video channel authentication method, the method comprising: receiving a test message from an optical terminal (OLT) (102), wherein the test message includes test information about one or more IP video channels, and test duration And the number of video reference frames; the optical network unit (104) identifies the one or more IP video channels to be verified according to the test message; during the test duration, the OLT (102) is established with Receiving, by the connection between the ONUs (104), a plurality of video frames for each channel in the one or more IP video channels; comparing the receipt of each channel in the one or more IP video channels The number of video frames and the number of video reference frames; and verification by determining the IP video channel quality of service (QoS) level for each of the one or more IP video channels based on the comparison. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving further comprises: an Inter-Network Group Management Protocol (IGMP) message for establishing a connection between the OLT (102) and the ONU (104) to achieve the test. Duration; and at the end of the test duration, an IGMP Leave message is sent to terminate the connection. For example, the method of claim 1 of the patent scope, wherein the QoS, etc. The level is one of an acceptable level and an unacceptable level. The method of claim 1, wherein the test information is one of a list including the one or more IP video channels, and one of a command set for receiving a multicast access control list, wherein the multicast The access control list is a list of IP video channels subscribed to by the user. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the test message further comprises a flag, wherein the flag indicates that the network of the set-top box originating from the user account associated with the user is to be interrupted. Inter-Group Management Agreement (IGMP) messages reach the test duration command. An optical network unit (104) includes: a processor (108-2); an identification module (130) coupled to the processor (108-2) for receiving test messages from an optical terminal (OLT) (102) The test message includes test information related to one or more IP video channels, a test duration, and a number of video reference frames; and the one or more IP video channels to be verified are identified according to the test message; a test module (132) coupled to the processor (108-2) for receiving, during the test duration, a connection established between the OLT (102) and the ONU (104) for the connection Or a plurality of video frames of each channel in the IP video channel; and comparing the number of video frames received by each of the IP video channels in the one or more IP video channels with the number of reference frames of the video frame; Determining for the one or more IP video channels based on the comparison The IP video channel quality of service (QoS) level of each IP video channel is verified. For example, the optical network unit (ONU) (104) of claim 6 wherein the test module (132) transmits an IGMP bonding message to the OLT (102) for establishing a connection; and in the test At the end of the duration, an IGMP Leave message is sent to terminate the connection. A method for verifying a network protocol (IP) video channel, the method comprising: generating a test message by a light terminal (102), wherein the test message includes test information, test related to one or more IP video channels to be verified The duration, and the number of references of the video frame; transmitting the test message to the optical network unit (ONU) (104) to initiate verification testing for verifying each of the IP video channels in the one or more IP video channels; Establishing on the connection between the OLT (102) and the ONU (104), transmitting a plurality of video frames for each IP video channel in the one or more IP video channels to the ONU (104), For verifying the test; and obtaining a QoS level determined by the ONU (104) for each of the IP video channels in the one or more IP video channels, wherein, based on the number of transmitted video cells and the number of video reference frames The level of the QoS is determined. For example, the method of claim 8 of the patent scope, wherein the transmission The method includes receiving an Inter-Network Group Management Protocol (IGMP) message for establishing the connection; and receiving an IGMP Leave message transmitted by the ONU (104) to terminate the connection at the end of the test duration. The method of claim 8, wherein the test information is one of a list including the one or more IP video channels, and one of a command set for receiving a multicast access control list, wherein the multicast The access control list is a list of IP video channels subscribed to by the user. The method of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the test message further comprises a flag, wherein the flag indicates that the network of the set-top box originating from the user account associated with the user is to be interrupted. Inter-Group Management Agreement (IGMP) messages reach the test duration command. An optical terminal (OLT) (102) includes: a processor (108-1); a monitoring module (118) coupled to the processor (108-1) to generate a test message, wherein the test message includes Verifying test information, test duration, and reference number of video frames of the one or more IP video channels; and transmitting the test message to an optical network unit (ONU) (104); and, the video channel module (120) coupled to the processor (108-1) for transmitting IPs in the one or more IP video channels on a connection established between the OLT (102) and the ONU (104) Video channel Several video frames are given to the ONU (104) for verification testing. For example, the optical terminal (OLT) (102) of claim 12, wherein the video channel module (120) receives the inter-network group management of each IP video channel for the one or more IP video channels. An agreement (IGMP) message for establishing the connection; receiving an IGMP leave message for each IP video channel of the one or more IP video channels from the ONU (104) for terminating the connection, wherein, in the test At the end of the duration, the ONU (104) transmits the IGMP Leave message. For example, the optical terminal (OLT) (102) of claim 12, wherein the test module (132) obtains the IP video channels for the IP video channels in the one or more IP video channels by the ONU (104). a determined QoS level, wherein the QoS level is determined based on the number of transmitted video frames and the number of video reference references. A computer readable medium having a computer program for executing a method recorded thereon, comprising: identifying, by an optical network unit (ONU), one or more IPs to be verified according to a test message generated by a light terminal a video channel, wherein the test message includes test information, a test duration, and a number of video reference references for the one or more IP video channels; during the test duration, between the OLT and the ONU Connecting, receiving a plurality of video frames for each of the one or more IP video channels; comparing the IP video channels in the one or more IP video channels The number of received video frames and the number of reference frames of the video; and, based on the comparison, determining a quality of service (QoS) level for the IP video channels of the IP video channels in the one or more IP video channels, To verify the IP video channel used to transmit the video frame corresponding to the IP video channel.