WO2002037739A2

WO2002037739A2 - Method and apparatus for configuration or diagnostics of a communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2002037739A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/048400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas C. Burd; Charles F. Raasch
Original assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-11-03
Filing date: 2001-11-01
Publication date: 2002-05-10
Also published as: AU2002232587A1; EP1332564A2; WO2002037739A3; EP1332564A4; CN1505868A

Abstract

A system for remote diagnosis of a communication device (200) is disclosed. In one embodiment the system diagnoses or optimizes a DSL device (202). To diagnose or configure a first communication device (200) a second communication device (202) establishes a communication channel between local diagnosis software (210) of the first communication device and a remote diagnosis center (120). In one embodiment the remote diagnostic center includes remote diagnostic software (222) configure to interface with the local diagnostic software (210). The local diagnostic system or software (210) establishes a communication channel to the remote diagnostic software (222) using a second communication device. The second communication device in conjunction with the local diagnostic software (210) records and transmits settings, configuration, or behavior data of the first communication device to the remote diagnostic software (222). The remote diagnostic software analyzes the information and determines desired changes to the configuration of the first communication device. These changes are transmitted via the communication channel to the local diagnostic software and the changes are transmitted via the communication channel to the local diagnostic software and the changes implemented on the first communication device. In this manner the undesirable operation of the first communication device is diagnosed and altered to achieve desired operation.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURATION OR DIAGNOSTICS OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to data communications and in particular to a method and apparatus to utilize a communication channel to configure one or more communication devices via a communication channel from a remote location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the growth of the Internet and other on-line content, more individuals and companies are providing information on-line and accessing on-line information. Thus, the use of a computer network to exchange information has become common place and is often the preferred way of performing daily tasks or executing business. Indeed, many individuals or companies depend on some form of on-line access for business, communication, healthcare or some other necessary service or product. Consequently, it would be very undesirable for an individual or company to have difficulty configuring or installing communication devices. In the event of malfunction, it is preferred that data communication be restored as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Concurrently, the type of information available on-line is changing from text-based toward a graphics-based information. Content such as pictures, graphics, color, audio, and video are commonly offered on-line and increase user demand for the on-line content.

As a result of on-line access becoming a part of daily activities, both at home and in the workplace, there is an increased desire for faster access to the on-line content, i.e. users want more bandwidth so they can upload and download the on-line content faster. One method for increasing on-line access speed is to access the Internet or other computer network with a faster communication device or communication standard.

One desirable method of increasing upload and download speeds is to upgrade or install a communication device operating under the Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) communication standard. DSL advantageously uses standard twisted pair cabling, as is commonly found in homes and businesses establishments, as the communication media. With DSL services, data transmission speeds are greatly increased. Other communication devices are also able to increase communication speeds over that offered by V.90 technology or other voice-band modems.

While DSL or other new service, greatly increases data transfer rates, it can be difficult to properly install and configure. This is especially true for individuals or company personnel who are not technically knowledgeable with regard to the configuration of communication systems. The complexity of DSL installation is compounded by the numerous and various types of computers and computer configurations that exist. As a result, installation of a high speed service has traditionally required greater amounts of technical assistance than prior technologies, such as voice-band modem devices.

Due to the amount of technical assistance often required to properly install, configure or re-configure a high speed device, such as DSL device, the cost associated with the installation can be greater than the cost associated with installation of a voice-band modem device. Moreover, the time required for installation is also greater, such as days or weeks, as compared to minutes or hours for a voice-band modem device.

In the case of DSL devices, these costs and delays increase the cost associated with a DSL product and/or decrease sales of DSL products. For example, the DSL device has numerous settings that must be properly configured for operation. If a user is unable to properly configure the DSL device, a service technician must physically drive to the location and test and reconfigured the device. This is an added cost that cuts into profit and inconveniences the DSL subscriber. Moreover, if there are problems other than the configuration, the technician may have to leave, repair other communication lines or connections, and later return to the DSL device to re-attempt a proper configuration. Even if a service technician is not dispatched, it is common for a DSL subscriber to require numerous long-distance calls to a technical help line provided by the manufacturer of the device or provider of the service. This undesirably costs the service provider money.

As a result, there exists a need for a method and apparatus to more easily and more rapidly configure a DSL or other communication device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a system for configuring or diagnosing a first communication device from a remote location over a communication channel established using a second communication device. To more efficiently configure communications devices without resorting to telephone service calls or the dispatch of technical personal, the invention described herein utilizes a reliable and easily configurable communication channel (established using the second communication device) to communicate data regarding the settings and operation of the first communication device. This data is sent to a remote diagnostic center configured to analyze the data and determine possible solutions, in the form of configuration changes, to achieve desired operation of the first communication device. The proposed configuration changes are subsequently transmitted from the remote location to the first communication device and the configuration changes are implemented on the first communication device.

In one embodiment, the second communication device comprises a modem device and the first communication device comprises a DSL device. It is contemplated that the first communication device is more difficult to configure arid achieve desired operation than the second communication device. Hence, the second communication is easily installed and configured without the aid of a technician. The first and second communication devices maybe located on single chip or integrated circuit, co-located on a single board or within a single housing. The first and second communication devices may also be located on separate boards or within the housing of a common communication system.

Although this document often describes the invention in terms of the first communication device comprising a DSL device and the second device comprising a device operating in the voice-band of a twisted pair channel, such as a V.90 modem, the invention should not be considered as limited to or requiring these types of devices. The invention is directed to use of a second communication device to assist in the diagnostics or configuration of a first communication device. The second communication device, as compared to the first communication device, is less complex to configure, traditionally easier to install, or already operational. Thus, the second communication device aids in the installation and configuration of the first communication device. It is contemplated that the second communication device may comprise whatever communication device is already operational and is thus useful in configuring a communication device that is experiencing problems. Hence, it is contemplated that a more complex communication device that is operational could be used to configure a less complex communication device that is not operational.

Software is associated with each of the first and second communication devices to facilitate operation. It is further complicated that a communication path, such as an inter- exchange bus or cable may exist between the first and second communication device. The inter- exchange bus may comprise a system bus, PCI bus, EISA, ISA, PC, MCA, PCMCIA, VESA, CardBus, or any other data communication channel architecture or protocol now existing or developed in the future.

The invention also includes software preferably located with the first and second communication devices (local devices) and/or remotely located diagnostic center. This software is referred to herein for purposes of understanding as local diagnostic software (local D.S.) and remote diagnostic software (remote D.S.). The functions of the local D.S. include monitoring the operation and configuration of the first communication device, transmitting and receiving data to and from the remote D.S., altering the configuration of the first communication device, and other associated tasks. The functions of the remote D.S. include receiving data from the local D.S., analyzing data from the local D.S. to determine configuration changes to the first communication device, transmitting data to the local D.S., and other associated tasks.

In operation the invention is particularly useful when initially configuring the first communication device or re-configuring it at a later date. The invention also assists in obtaining optimal performance or troubleshooting the first communication device. The various steps or operation of the various methods of operation described herein may occur in any order without departing from the scope of the invention.

In one method of operation, the second communication device establishes a communication channel with the remote D.S. at the remote location. Thereafter, the first communication device attempts operation. During the attempted operation of the first communication device the local D.S. monitors the attempted operation of the first communication device.

If the first communication device does not operate as desired, the local D.S. transmits the current settings of the first communication device and data regarding the attempted operation to the remote D.S. over the communication channel established using the second communication device. The remote D.S. then analyzes the settings and the data recorded during the attempted operation of the first communication device. As a result of the analysis, the remote D.S. determines changes in the settings of the first communication device to improve its operation. It is contemplated that the remote D.S. may determine these changes automatically or in conjunction with a technician.

After the changes are determined, the remote D.S. transmits the desired changes from the remote location to the local D.S. Upon receipt, the local D.S. implements the changes on the first communication device. Operation of the first communication device can then be re-attempted.

This process can be repeated as necessary until operation of the first communication device occurs in a desired manner.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the inventions will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a first example configuration of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of a second example configuration of the invention.

FIGURE 3 is a detailed block diagram of an example configuration of the invention.

FIGURE 4 is a plot of the utilized bandwidth of twisted pair cabling carrying voice-band modem signals and DSL signals.

FIGURE 5 is a detailed block diagram of an example configuration of the customer premise equipment and the apparatus of a central office.

FIGURE 6 is a detailed block diagram of a first communication device and a second communication device on a single card.

FIGURE 7 is a detailed block diagram of a first communication device and a second communication device on separate cards in a single system.

FIGURE 8 is an operational flow diagram of an example method of operation. FIGURES 9A-9C are detailed operational flow diagrams of an example method of operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is a method and apparatus for configuration and/or diagnosis of a communication device from a remote location, h the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Moreover, the various details and features described herein maybe arranged or utilized alone or in any combination.

Example Environment

One example environment that the invention is particularly well suited is in an environment of computer or other processing device utilizing the Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology to achieve communication with one or more other computers or computer networks. In such an environment, the DSL communication device is configured to provide high speed communication between the computer or other processing devices or one or more computers or computer networks. One example of a computer network is the Internet. The DSL device is most often located in a home, business, or mobile application, such as a laptop computer.

The process of configuring a DSL communication device can be complex and require professional assistance. As a solution to these difficulties, the various embodiments of the invention described herein provide capability to diagnose, test, configure, re-configure and interface with the DSL device.

One example of a computer that may interface with the DSL device is a desktop computer utilizing a Pentium based processing device from Intel Corp. In addition, the example environment may also include a remote location having diagnostic and configuration software, the remote locationbeing accessible from the desktop computer via any combination of computer networks, such as the Internet. Of course, this is but one example environment suitable for the principles of the invention described herein. It is fully contemplated that the invention be adopted for use in other environments than the one just described.

Example Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates one example configuration of hardware utilized to achieve operation of the invention, hi this example configuration, customer premise equipment (CPE) 102 is in communication with a central office (CO) 104 via one or more communication paths 106. The CPE comprises communication equipment located at the business, home or other location and configured to interface with the computer or processing device to transmit and receive data for the computer or processing device. The communication paths 106 may comprise any communication medium capable of carrying data between two locations. In one embodiment, the communication path 106 comprises one or more twisted pair of communication cable as is commonly utilized to achieve voice communication via the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Twisted pair is a particularly desirable conduit because it is generally installed throughout the United States and other countries and is capable of carrying both signals under the DSL standard and other communications standards, such as those achieved by the modulation and demodulation of the signal, i.e., voice-band modem communication. The term voice-band modem is defined to mean any communication device that utilizes the bandwidth utilized by voice communication over the PSTN. As utilized by the invention, voice-band modems are desirable for diagnostics due to their low cost and ease of installation. h the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the CO 104 may connect to a computer network, in this embodiment the Internet 110, or a first Internet service provider (ISP) 112 or an equivalent. Any communication path may be used to achieve communication between the CO 104 and the first ISP 112. Communication between the CO 104 and the Internet occurs via a communication channel 122.

As shown, the first ISP 112 connects to the Internet to achieve communication with computers linked to and comprising the Internet. One example of a computer or computer network linked to or comprising the Internet is the communication facilities of a second ISP 114 and computers that utilize the second ISP to gain access to the Internet. Connecting to the second ISP 114 is a computer, computer network, or Internet web site referred to herein as a remote diagnostic center 120 configured with remote diagnostic software (remote D.S.) (not shown).

As is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the first ISP 112 and second ISP 114 are generally interchangeable in that both simply provide access to the Internet or other computer network.

Figure 2 illustrates a second example embodiment of an example configuration including the diagnostic center 120. In Figure 2, elements shown in Figure 1 that are also shown in Figure 2 are identified with identical reference numerals. In contrast to Figure 1, the diagnostic center 120 communicates directly with the Internet 110 and may optionally communication with the first ISP 112, shown by dashed line 128.

Turning now to Figure 3, an exemplary block diagram is provided showing in greater detail the systems shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. In one particular embodiment, the CPE 102 includes a computer (not shown) configured to interface with a second communication device 140 and a first communication device 142. In one embodiment the second communication device 140 comprises a voice-band modem (modulation/demodulation device) and the first communication device 142 comprises a DSL device. The voice-band modem 140 comprises any form of communication device capable of communication with a remote location. In one embodiment the voice-band modem comprises communication device operating under the V.90 communication standard, the V.42 communication standard or other standard. As is commonly understood, the second communication device 140 provides a reliable and easily installed and configured communication channel.

The communication medium 106, such as a twisted pair of wires, may connect to the second communication device 140 and the first communication device 142. Use of a voice-band modem and DSL device with common twisted pair wire is desirable because the modem frequency band and the DSL device frequency band are capable of simultaneously sharing the same twisted pair of wires.

Figure 4 illustrates a frequency verse signal magnitude plot of the bandwidth usage of the voice-band modem 140 and the DSL device 142. In the example plot, power 150 is shown on the vertical axis while frequency 152 is shown on the horizontal axis. As can be seen, the total available and usable twisted pair bandwidth 154 is shown by dashed line. Within the usable bandwidth of the twisted pair is the frequency band 156 of the voice-band modem and the DSL frequency band 158. As canbe seen, the voice-band modem frequency band 156 does not overlap with the DSL frequency band 158. Thus both communication standards can share a single twisted pair communication wire.

Returning to Figure 3, an example configuration of the CO 104 includes a switch 146 and a first communication device interface 144. In one embodiment the first communication device interface 144 comprises a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM). The first communication device interface 144 connects the first communication device 142 to the Internet 110. The switch 146 and its operation is known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The switch 146 accepts the signals from the second communication device and forwards these signals over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 150 for interface with the first ISP 112.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ISP 112 connects to the Internet 110 to provide communication between the second communication device 140 and the Internet. In one embodiment the second communication device 140 and the first communication device 142 communicate with the hardware and software of the diagnostic center 120 using the Internet 110. h an alternative embodiment the diagnostic center 120 communicates directly with the CO 104. This allows the diagnostic center 120 to communicate directly with the first communication device 142 via the first communication device interface 144.

Figure 5 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of the CPE 102. Figure 5 is shown for purposes of understanding, and hence the linkings or connections the communication shown should not be interpreted as the physical communication cables that interconnect each apparatus. For purposes of understanding, the configuration shown in Figure 5 utilizes a DSL device for the first communication device and a voice-band modem device for the second communication device. As shown, the CPE 102 comprises voice-band modem hardware 500 in communication with voice-band modem stack software 506, referred to together as the voice-band modem 200. Also shown is DSL hardware 206 in communication with DSL software stack 204, referred to together as the DSL device 202.

In communication with both of the voice-band modem software stack 506 and the DSL software stack 508 is local diagnostic software (local D.S.) 210. The local D.S. interfaces with the software of voice-band modem software stack 506 and the DSL software stack 508 to thereby provide capability to monitor the operation, or non-operation of the DSL device 202. In one desired method of operation the local D .S .210 includes software to diagnose the operation of the DSL device 202 by interfacing with the DSL software stack 508 to determine likely or probable solutions to enable operation of the DSL device or to optimize performance of the DSL device. The local D.S.210 communicates with the remote D.S. via the voice-band modem software stack 506 and the voice-band modem hardware 500.

The apparatus at the CPE 102 communicates with the CO 104. The voice-band modem hardware communicates directly with the switch 146 while the DSL hardware 502 communicates with the DSLAM 504. The switch 146 selectively communicates the voice-band modem signals to a central site modem 220 (CSM) of the diagnostic center 120. hi turn, the CSM 220 connects the voice-band modem signals to the remote diagnostic software (remote D.S.) 222.

As can be understood, the remote D.S.222 is capable of attempting communication with the DSL device 202, via the DSLAM 504 over a direct connection with the diagnostic center, the Internet, or any other communication medium or route. The remote D.S. 222 is also capable of communicating with the DSL device 202, via the voice-band modem 200 and the local D. S .210.

It is contemplated that the communication system of a computer or other processing device include both a first communication device 142 and a second communication device 140. Inclusion of both a first communication device 142 and second communication device 140 in some configuration, including the configurations discussed above, allows for use of the second communication device 140 to configure the first communication device 142 and/or diagnose problems with first communication device.

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system having a first communication device 142 and a second communication device 140 on a single card or in a single system, such as a system external from the computer or processing device. As shown, the card or device 250 includes a input/output line or connector 252 such as might connect to a bus. hi this embodiment communication between the second communication device 140 and the first communication device 142 occurs over an inter-exchange channel 254. The inter-exchange channel 254 can comprise any channel capable of communicating data between two communication systems. The inter-exchange channel 254 communicates data regarding the operation and settings of the first communication device 142 to the second communication device 140. Similarly, the inter-exchange channel 254 communicates data from the remote D.S. to the first communication device 142 to change the settings of the first communication device. This configuration is particularly desirable because data can be exchanged directly on a single system or device 250 without use of outside software, hardware or operating systems.

Figure 7 illustrates a configuration having a first communication device 142 on a first card 262 and second communication device 140 on a second card 260. This configuration is desirable if a mother board 274 is already equipped with the second communication device 140. In the configuration shown in Figure 7, the second communication device 140 resides in one of a plurality of bus slots 270, contained on a mother board or main system board 274. Each bus slot 270 is interconnected by a bus 272. The bus 272 carries data between the second communication device 140 and the first communication device 142.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will envision other configurations than those described herein. For example, it is contemplated that the circuitry of the second communication device 140 and the first communication device 142 be combined onto a single integrated circuit. Such a configuration reduces space requirements.

Operation

Turning now to the operation of the invention described above, Figure 8 illustrates a high level operational flow diagram of an example method of operation of the present invention, hi general, the invention configures a communication device. To assist or perform the configuration of the first communication device, a second communication device is used in the determination of the settings and behavior of the first communication device. In particular, the diagnostic software determines the settings and performs diagnostics, in conjunction with remote software. The diagnostic software uses the second communication device to communicate with a remote location. Through interaction with a remote location over a communication channel, the first communication device can be configured to achieve desired operation. h reference to Figure 8, at a step 300, the first communication device is energized or powered up. At a step 302 operation of the first communication device is initiated. At a step 304, the system determines if the first communication device is operating properly. If the first communication device is operating properly, the operation progresses to a step 306 and operation of the first communication device continues.

If the first communication device is not operating properly, then operation of the second communication device is initiated at a step 308. Thereafter, at a step 310, the first communication device is diagnosed using the second communication device, the local diagnostic software (local D.S.) and the remote diagnostic software (remote D.S.). Next, at a step 312, the configuration or settings of the first communication device local D.S. alters based on information transmitted from the remote D.S. via the second communication device communication channel to the local D.S. The local D.S. is capable of changing the settings of the first communication device. At a step 314, the first communication device, having its settings changed to achieve or improve operation, continues operation in a desired manner.

Figure 9A-9C illustrates a more detailed operational flow diagram of another exemplary method of operation described in terms of a voice-band modem device and a DSL device. This is but one exemplary method of operation and hence the invention is not limited to this particular method. At a step 350, the operation detects a new DSL device installation or a problem with an existing DSL device. Next, at a step 352, the system runs the local D.S. in an attempt to diagnose the problem.

Once the remote diagnostic process is initiated, the voice-band modem initiates a communication session by connecting to an ISP. This occurs at a step 354. Next, at a step 356, the ISP allows the voice-band modem to connect to the remote diagnostic center. It is contemplated that the remote diagnostic center comprise a location remote from the DSL device capable of achieving communication with the voice-band modem in a traditional manner. It is further contemplated that the diagnostic center include software capable of communicating with the voice-band modem to diagnose operation or non-operation of the DSL device. The diagnostic center may be staffed by one or more technicians to maintain operation or communication with an operator, installer, or owner of the DSL device to achieve operation of the DSL device. Thus, the voice-band modem channel assisted diagnostics may be combined with interaction with a diagnostic center technician via telephone. After the voice-band modem communication is initiated, the communication channel is established in a traditional manner. The ISP facilitates communication over the Internet or other computer network to achieve communication with the diagnostic channel, at step 358. This channel, existing through the packet switched network of the Internet, or other computer network, can be referred to as a virtual channel. The virtual channel is in contrast to the DSL connection or channel, which in some embodiments is a dedicated channel between the DSLAM and the DSL device.

At step 360 the voice-band modem initiates communication with the remote diagnostic software over the voice-band modem channel. Thereafter, the operation initiate the diagnostic session with the remote location, hi one embodiment this comprises running the remote diagnostic software and the remote diagnostic software communicating with the local diagnostic software.

Next, at a step 362, the local D.S. attempts to initiate operation of the DSL device. At a step 364, the local D.S. records the settings and operation or behavior of the DSL device. Simultaneously, the remote D.S. maybe recording data regarding any attempted communication by the DSL device. This data may later assist in the diagnosis of the DSL device.

Thereafter, at a step 366, the voice-band modem and the local D.S. transmit the DSL settings and or data regarding the behavior of the DSL device to the remote D.S. over the voice- band modem channel. It is contemplated that the type or model of DSL device may also be transmitted to the remote D.S. The voice-band modem channel is assumed available because of the ease with which the voice-band modem communication channel can be established as compared to most DSL installations. Next, at a step 368, the remote D.S. receives the data and initiates a diagnostic session with the local D.S. At a step 370, the remote D.S. identifies the type of DSL device being diagnosed and retrieves data regarding desired diagnostic procedure for that device and the proper software routines and procedures to properly diagnose and fix the particular DSL device being diagnosed.

The process of diagnosing DSL device behavior, non-operation, or optimization is encoded into one or more software programs referred to herein as the remote D.S. and the local D.S. Through the interface between the DSL device and the local D.S. and the communication of data to the remote D.S. these encoded diagnostics are executed to achieve desired DSL device operation.

At a step 372, the remote D.S. utilizes the data from the local D.S. and the corresponding data files and software files to diagnose the operation of the DSL device. After an initial diagnostics, at a step 374, the remote D.S. determines if a possible solution or fix is available. If a fix is not available, the process progresses to a step 376 where data is sent to the local D.S. to display a message on the computer associated with the DSL device that remote diagnosis was unsuccessful and, at a step 378, to create an unsuccessful diagnosis attempt record containing relevant data with the remote D.S. This record and data can be used in later attempts to achieve desired operation.

If, at step 374, the remote D.S. determines a change to the settings of the DSL device to achieve desired operation, then at step 380 the remote D.S. transmits setting or configuration changes to the local D.S. via the voice-band modem channel. Thereafter, at a step 382 the local D.S. changes the settings of the DSL device based on the data from the remote D.S.

After the settings or configuration of the DSL device has been changed, the local D.S., at a step 384, re-attempts DSL operation, hi one embodiment the DSL device attempts to connect to the remote diagnostic center so that an evaluation may be made of the quality of communication or a better assessment may be made regarding the reason for operation in an undesired manner.

At a step 386, the local D.S. and the remote D.S. perform an evaluation to determine if operation of the DSL device was successful. If the operation was successful, the process advances to a step 388 where a message is provided to the DSL device user that the operation was successful. At a step 390, a record can be created and stored regarding the successful operation.

If at step 386 the DSL device operation is not successful, then at step 392 the local D.S. collects error codes and other data regarding failed operation of the DSL device. At a step 394, the voice-band modem and local D.S. transmit the collected data to the remote D.S. Upon receipt by the remote D.S. the data is analyzed, step 396. At a step 400, a determination is made, based on the prior DSL data, the current DSL device settings and, the configuration of the DSL device, if additional diagnostic changes are available to achieve desired operation.

If no additional changes are available, then at a step 402 a message is sent to the local D.S. via the voice-band modem channel that the remote diagnostics were unsuccessful. Thereafter, at a step 404, a record is created at by the local D.S. to be stored on the DSL computer and by the remote D.S. to be stored at the diagnostic center. The record contains data regarding the diagnostic operation to assist in future remedial actions.

Alternatively, if at step 400 the remote D.S. determines alternate configuration changes for the DSL device, then the operation progresses to a step 408. At step 408 the remote D.S. transmits the next proposed configuration or settings changes to the local D.S. At a step 410 the local D.S. interfaces with the DSL device to implement the changes proposed by the remote D.S. to configure the DSL device. hi alternative embodiments, changes to systems other than the DSL device may be necessary. Byway of example and not limitation, changes in the settings of the operating system may be necessary. Alternatively, changes in the particular communication program interfacing with the DSL device may be necessary. It is contemplated that any change necessary may be achieved by the local D.S. software to achieve desired DSL device.

At step 412, the operation returns to step 384 by attempting operation of the DSL device with the most recent changes to the settings or configuration of the DSL device. Operation continues in this manner until either the DSL device is operating as desired or until the remote diagnosis is unsuccessful.

Alternative Embodiments

In another embodiment the invention described herein optimize operation of an existing DSL device that is at least partially achieving communication with a remote terminal, hi such an embodiment, the DSL device communicates with the diagnostic center while various changes are made to the settings of the DSL device using the remote D.S. and the local D.S. communicating over the voice-band modem channel. The settings or configuration of the DSL device can then be changed in real time to achieve optimal settings.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the methods achieved are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS OF THE INVENTION I CLAIM:

1. A method for achieving desired operation of a DSL communication device, the method comprising: establishing a modem communication channel with a remote location; initiating attempted operation of the DSL communication device; monitoring attempted operation of the DSL communication device and recording data regarding attempted operation; communicating the settings of the DSL communication device and the recorded data to the remote location over the modem communication channel; analyzing the settings and the data at the remote location; determining changes to the DSL communication device at the remote location to improve operation of the DSL communication device; transmitting the changes from the remote location to the DSL communication device; and implementing the changes on the DSL device.

2. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said voice-band modem channel comprises a channel operating under the V.90 standard.

3. The method of Claim 1, wherein the remote location comprises a remote diagnostic center having remote diagnostic software.

4. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising re-attempting operation of the DSL communication device to determine if the changes achieved desired operation.

5. The method of Claim 1 , wherein implementing comprises changing the settings of software associated with the DSL device.

6. A method for diagnosing a communication device from a remote location: recording the one or more parameters of the communication device; transmitting the one or more parameters of the communication device to a remote diagnostic center; evaluating the one or more parameters at the remote diagnostic center to determine changes to the one or more parameters; and transmitting the changes to the communication device.

7. The method of Claim 6, wherein the one or more parameters comprise the configuration of a DSL device and the behavior of a DSL device during attempted operation.

8. The method of Claim 6, wherein transmitting comprises sending the one or more parameters over a communication channel established by voice-band modem communication.

9. The method of Claim 6, wherein the remote diagnostic center includes software configured to evaluate the one or more parameters and generate changes.

10. The method of Claim 6, further including implementing the changes on the communication device and re- attempting operation of the communication device.

11. A method for configuring a first communication device comprising: monitoring a first communication device to obtain data; communicating the data to a remote location; analyzing the data at the remote location to obtain configuration changes; communicating the configuration changes to the first communication device; and, implementing the configuration changes on the first communication device.

12. The method of Claim 11 , wherein the first communication device comprises a DSL device.

13. The method of Claim 11 , wherein communicating the data to a remote location comprises creating a communication channel using a second communication device and transmitting the data over the communication channel to a remote location.

14. The method of Claim 11, wherein the second communication device comprises a voice-band modem.

15. A method for achieving desired operation of a first communication device, the method comprising: establishing a communication channel with a remote location; initiating attempted operation of a first communication device; monitoring attempted operation of the first communication device and recording data regarding attempted operation; communicating the settings of the first communication device and the recorded data to the remote location over the communication channel; receiving configuration data from a remote location; and implementing the configuration data on the first communication device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the remote location comprises a diagnostic center.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the establishing the communication channel comprises using a second communication device to establish a communication channel, the second communication device being operational.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein receiving configuration data from a remote location comprises receiving configuration data over the communication channel.

19. A method for configuring a first communication device from a remote location comprising: maintaining a communication channel with a second commumcation device located at remote location; receiving data regarding attempted operation of a first communication device; analyzing the data regarding attempted operation; and sending configuration data from the remote location over the communication channel to change the settings of the first communication device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the communication channel comprises a channel over the voice-band of the telephone system.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein configuration data comprises data regarding settings of the first communication device to improve operation of the first communication device.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein maintaining a communication channel comprises maintaining a communication channel operating under the V.90 communication standard.

23. A DSL communication device configuration system designed to manipulate the settings of a DSL communication device using a communication channel established by a device other than the DSL device comprising: a DSL communication device; a storage apparatus configured to store local computer readable code, the local computer readable code configured to interface with a remote location and the DSL communication device; and a remote location configured to store remote computer readable code, the remote computer readable code configured to interface with DSL device and the local computer readable code and assist in the configuration of the DSL device via the communication channel.

24. The system of Claim 23, wherein the storage apparatus comprises a hard disk drive.

25. The system of Claim 23, wherein the communication channel utilizes the Internet to achieve communication between the local computer readable code and the remote computer readable code.

26. A system for performing remote diagnosis comprising: a first communication device; a second communication device; and an interface between the first communication device and the second communication device wherein the interface is configured to facilitate diagnosis of the first communication device.

27. The system of Claim 26, wherein the second communication device comprises a voice-band modem.

28. The system of Claim 26, wherein the first communication device comprises a DSL device.

29. The system of Claim 26, wherein the interface comprises an interface including software and hardware configured to assist in the diagnosis and configuration of the first device.

30. The system of Claim 26, further including a remote diagnostic center including remote diagnostic software configured to communicate with the interface using a commumcation channel established by the second communication device.

31. A system for performing remote diagnosis from a remote location comprising: a communication system configured to communicate with a second communication device; a diagnosis system configured to: interface with the communication system to obtain system data regarding a first communication device from a remote location; analyze the data regarding the first communication device; and provide diagnosis data to the communication system for transmission to the second communication device.

32. The system of Claim 31 , wherein the diagnostic system comprises a processor, memory, and computer readable code embodied on a computer readable medium.

33. The system of Claim 31 , wherein diagnosis data comprises data to improve operation of the first communication device.

34. The system of Claim 31 , wherein the communication system comprises a system configured to communication with an analog modem.

35. A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having computer program logic recorded thereon for providing a diagnostic system, comprising: a computer readable medium having first computer program code logic configured to: collect data regarding operation and configuration of a first communication device; communicate the data to a remote location; receive configuration changes from the remote location; communicate the changes to the first communication device to achieve the configuration changes; a computer readable medium having second computer program code logic located remote from the first communication device, the code logic configured to: receive data regarding operation and configuration of the first communication device; analyze the data; and communicate configuration changes to the first computer program code logic.

36. The system of Claim 35, wherein the second computer program code logic located remote from the first communication device comprises computer program code logic located at a diagnostic center that is accessible over the Internet.

37. The system of Claim 35, wherein communicate the data to a remote location comprises utilizing a modem communication channel to communicate data to a remote location.

38. The system of Claim 35, further including third computer program code logic configured to collect data regarding attempted operation of the first communication device.

39. A system for diagnosing a DSL device from a remote location comprising: means for establishing a modem communication channel with a remote location; means for initiating attempted operation of the DSL communication device; means for monitoring attempted operation of the DSL communication device and recording data regarding attempted operation; means for communicating the settings of the DSL communication device and the recorded data to the remote location over the modem communication channel; means for analyzing the data at the remote location; means for determining changes at the remote location to improve operation of the DSL communication device; means for transmitting the changes from the remote location to the DSL device; and means for implementing the changes on the DSL device.

40. The system of Claim 39, wherein the means for establishing a modem communication channel comprise a voice-band modem operating under the V.90 standard with associated software.

41. The system of Claim 39, further including means for storing the results of the attempted operation of the DSL communication device.