WO2007018490A1

WO2007018490A1 - Subscriber initiated mso approved software upgrade mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2007018490A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/026079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Larry Cecil Brown
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing
Priority date: 2005-07-21
Filing date: 2005-07-21
Publication date: 2007-02-15

Abstract

A system (10) shows a client (12) and a server (14) adapted to employ a subscriber initiated software upgrade. A cable modem subscriber (16) has a personal computer (18), which includes a modem (20) used to communicate with a network (22). Modem (20) may include a cable modem, which includes a client software program (24), which is in turn connected to a local cable operator's distribution wiring; such as an access network (22). In one embodiment, access network includes a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. An HFC network is a telecommunication technology in which optical fiber cable and coaxial cable are used in different portions of a network to carry broadband content (such as video, data, and voice). Using HFC, a local a cable TV company installs fiber optic cable from a cable head-end (distribution center) (26) to serving nodes located close to business and residential users and from these nodes uses coaxial cable to individual businesses and homes. Other access networks may also be employed.

Description

SUBSCRIBER INITIATED MSO APPROVED SOFTWARE UPGRADE

MECHANISM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for upgrading software on broadband devices and, more particularly, a mechanism that permits broadband access service subscribers to perform software upgrades on their broadband access devices despite related standards limitations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Higher bandwidth networks permit multiple uses of the network since the bandwidth is available to carry the needed information to perform these services. These higher bandwidth systems, or broadband systems, typically employ modems or similar devices at user locations.

[0003] As a result of industry standard specifications for cable modems, subscribers are not allowed to initiate software upgrades to their cable modems. Only cable system operators or multiple service operators (MSO's) are permitted to do so. Thus, subscribers cannot directly keep the software in their cable modems up to date with the latest features and bug fixes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A system and method for upgrading software in broadband equipment of a client includes a software upgrade requestable by a client to upgrade a software version of a broadband access device of the client. A server includes a mechanism responsive to a client request for upgrade wherein the server grants the request of the client if one or more conditions are met, wherein one of the conditions is based upon a hardware configuration of the client.

[0005] A method for upgrading software on broadband customer equipment includes requesting a software upgrade by the subscriber for broadband equipment of the subscriber, determining if an update is available and whether at least one condition is met to enable the upgrade and if available and the condition is met, pushing the software upgrade to the subscriber to upgrade the broadband equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments now to be described in detail in connection with accompanying drawings wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 is block diagram of an exemplary system for upgrading software on broadband customer equipment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block/flow diagram showing a method for upgrading software on broadband customer equipment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides a standard-compliant way where a multiple service operator (MSO) or service provider can enable subscribers to trigger upgrades for equipment as needed. In one embodiment, the upgrade may be initiated by the subscriber only if the MSO has approved the modem manufacturer and model for subscriber upgrade. Other conditions or different conditions may also be needed. The enablement of users or subscribers to trigger the upgrade can result in large operating cost savings for MSO's, as the normal way of "pushing" modem upgrades to all systems and subscribers in a network is costly to establish and maintain.

[0011] It is to be understood that the present invention is described in terms of a cable system; however, the present invention is much broader and may include any multimedia system, which is capable of delivery of data over a network. In addition, the present invention is applicable to any network type including telephone, cable, DSL, satellite, etc. The present invention is described in terms of a cable or satellite network; however, the concepts of the present invention may be extended to other wireless and wired network types. [0012] It should be understood that the elements shown in the FIGS, may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software or combinations thereof. Preferably, these elements are implemented in a combination of hardware and software on one or more appropriately programmed general-purpose devices, which may include a processor, memory and input/output interfaces.

[0013] Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIG. 1 , an illustrative system 10 shows a client 12 and a server 14 adapted to employ a subscriber initiated software upgrade. A cable modem subscriber 16 has a personal computer 18, which includes a modem 20 used to communicate with a network 22. Modem 20 may include a cable modem which includes a client software program 24, which is in turn connected to a local cable operator's distribution wiring such as an access network 22. In one embodiment, access network includes a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. An HFC network is a telecommunication technology in which optical fiber cable and coaxial cable are used in different portions of a network to carry broadband content (such as video, data, and voice). Using HFC₁ a local a cable TV company installs fiber optic cable from a cable head-end (distribution center) 26 to serving nodes located close to business and residential users and from these nodes uses coaxial cable to individual businesses and homes. Other access networks may also be employed.

[0014] Network 22 is connected to the cable operator's head end facility 26. Head end facility 26 may include a cable modem termination system (CMTS) 27 or other systems, hardware and software, including servers 15, etc., for carrying out information exchange and communication services. Head end facility 26 may be connected to a network 28, which may include a local area network, wireless network, the internet or any other network. In this example, network 28 includes the Internet. In this illustration, broadband access to the Internet may be provided by a cable modem service over a cable TV system. Another embodiment may entail similar access via satellite or telco (e.g. DSL) delivery. Network 28 is connected to another facility housing server 14 and having a server software program 30 loaded thereon.

[0015] Server 14 is located at a regional data center facility 32, which may be owned by a cable operator or MSO 33. Another embodiment may place server 14 at a facility managed by the cable modem manufacturer, an Internet Service Provider (e.g., AOL™) facility, or any other facility with Internet connectivity. This could enable, for example, an entity to enter a revenue-producing service business of providing software upgrades direct to cable modems or other broadband equipment and saving the cable operator the expense of maintaining nationwide staff to do so.

[0016] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, server 14 provides software upgrades to subscriber equipment based upon subscriber initiated requests for upgrades. This shifts the burden of the software upgrade from MSO to the subscriber, and MSO software upgrade costs are virtually eliminated. In addition, the MSO can maintain control of the software version of each model, and subscribers cannot change their modem software unless the MSO permits. Service revenue may be generated by charging for upgrades or improved services. For example, the MSO could own and install needed servers (14), then charge a fee per modem maintained or upgrade downloaded or charge a license fee for the software.

[0017] The present invention provides a basis for subscribers to actively protect their home networks or computers by upgrading Network Address Translation/Port Address Translation (NAT/PAT) fire wall (FW) rules. Such upgrades can make the system resistant to attacks by others, reduce the risk of unwanted access, etc.

[0018] Advanced broadband access products like wireless cable modem gateways and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) may use a cable modem as their foundation. The software upgrade system of the present invention provides a way by which the MSO can keep these additional subscribers' features and functions up to date with minimal cost to the MSO. The MSO can also provide incentives to prefer one type of hardware or software version over another. For example, one particular manufacturer or model of modem may be preferred and the MSO can provide a coupon or free service to get the subscriber to use the hardware or upgrade the software in accordance with the promotion.

[0019] Due to current market conditions, cable modems are commodities. Embedded client software upgrade capability in accordance with the present invention provides product differentiation at negligible incremental cost per modem. In this way, a reason to buy a particular brand of cable modem based broadband access product instead of a competitor's may be provided. [0020] The present invention will now be described in terms of a mechanism 40. Mechanism 40 may be implemented in hardware or software or in a combination of both. In a preferred embodiment, mechanism 40 is implemented in software and loaded on server 14 and included in server program 30. Mechanism 40 is preferably compliant with Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS). In a particularly useful embodiment, mechanism 40 includes a web page.

[0021] Mechanism 40 is compliant with the requirements of the cable industry standard for cable modems (e.g., CABLELABS™ DOCSIS), which mandates that software upgrades to a cable modem must be "pushed" from the cable operator's side of the network. The cable modem subscriber can keep cable modem 20 updated as easily as keeping other personal computer software updated, preferably by employing a network connection, e.g., an Internet connection. This results in increased subscriber satisfaction.

[0022] In accordance with one embodiment, a subscriber 16 requests a software upgrade 31 from MSO or regional data center 32. The subscriber browses to a URL or address, e.g., 192.168.100.0/Update. html, and notes a current software version shown on a website. 192.168.100 is the modem diagnostic IP by which a subscriber reaches the modem's built in web pages - which would be known to the cable modem subscribers. /Update. html would be a new page added to illustrate the present invention, which the client 12 uses for a GUI interface for subscriber input/output. The cable modem 20 retrieves an available software list from server 14 and adds hyperlink data to the Update.html page.

[0023] When the subscriber accesses the /Update.html page in the modem 20, the client 12 automatically communicates with the server 14 to learn the latest software version available for the particular modem manufacturer/model. If the subscriber's cable modem model is present, the subscriber selects the corresponding new software version hyperlink. The presence of an upgrade (31) may be one condition; however, other conditions may be needed prior to beginning the upgrade process. For example, a determination of whether a condition or conditions 35 are met to enable the upgrade may be made made. In one embodiment, a predetermined manufacturer and/or model may be needed (conditions) before an upgrade can be performed. Other conditions may include security measures, system traffic, etc.

[0024] If server 14 is not present, or if the condition(s) 35 are not met (e.g., the server doesn't recognize this manufacturer/model), a short text message appears on Update.html informing the subscriber no update is available. If the server is present and recognizes the manufacturer/model, a hyperlink appears on update.html informing the subscriber the update is available and to click there to initiate the update.

[0025] The cable modem 20 relays a request to server 14. Subscriber selects (e.g., mouse clicks) the hyperlink. This is communicated to the server 14, which then automatically takes control of managing the software upgrade 31. Server 14 pushes the software upgrade 31 to cable modem using mechanism 40. Mechanism 40 may include a DOCSIS SNMP compliant mechanism. Cable modem 20 indicates the software upgrade is complete, e.g., scrolling LEDs or other indicators, then the cable modem restarts.

[0026] The DOCSIS standard mandates the use of the internet Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to trigger software upgrades to online cable modems. Server 14 manages to accomplish this in accordance with the present invention. Subscriber 16 may experience the same effects as if the MSO manually triggered the event. For example, LED indications that a software upgrade is taking place, followed by an LED indication that the upgrade has completed, and the modem is back online and operational. For example, in some cable modems, this indication includes scrolling (marquee pattern) LEDs during the upgrade, followed by a modem restart LEDs sequence.

[0027] The subscriber may see a 'CABLE" LED solid indicating the startup is complete, and then the browser is refreshed to confirm the new software version is now operating. In some cable modems, the modem restart LEDs sequence ends with the LED labeled "Cable-link" lit steady.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, methods for upgrading software on broadband customer equipment will now be illustratively described. In block 102, a software upgrade is requested by a subscriber or client for the client's broadband equipment, such as e.g., a cable modem or the like. This request may be made by the user when browsing a web site on the Internet for the broadband device upgrade. The website may be hosted by server 14 (FIG. 1) or any other server 15 (FIG. 1). The user initiates the search or the user may be prompted by the server or another information source (e.g., phone call, news ad, email, etc.). [0029] In block 104, a determination is made by the server if an update is available.

If an upgrade is available, a current version of software upgrade is compared with a latest version of software displayed on a web site. If a later version is available, the path goes to block 106. In block 106, a determination of whether a condition or conditions are met to enable the upgrade is made. For example, conditions may include determining whether an upgrade is available, whether a manufacturer of the broadband equipment matches an upgrade list of manufacturers, and/or whether a model of the broadband equipment matches an upgrade list according to model. Other conditions may also exist including bias conditions as explained below.

[0030] If the upgrade is not available and/or the condition(s) are not met, the server informs the subscriber of this in block 108. If the upgrade is available and the condition(s) are met, the software upgrade is pushed by the server to the subscriber to upgrade the broadband equipment in block 110. In block 112, the server manages the download process of the software upgrade and maintains the software upgrade.

[0031] In one embodiment, in block 113, the server biases the client into selecting a hardware type, software package or version, and/or software upgrade based on the conditions. For example, the server biases usage by the client of a software upgrade that provides features specific for a hardware make or model to entice the user to upgrade using a different or new software title. The user selects the software, but should satisfy the condition of having that particular feature or that particular model device. Another example includes biasing users toward certain models or manufacturers. This may be as simple as only listing preferred manufacturers or models for upgrade. This biases the user toward these devices in order to get the latest upgrade.

[0032] Advantageously, the upgrade method is Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) compliant. In block 114, a fee may be charged for the upgraded software or the maintenance of the broadband device (e.g., cable modem, DSL or telephone modem, set top box, etc.). This fee may be in the form of a new license fee for the software, may be included in a subscriber fee for the network service, e.g., cable network service, may be a per modem maintenance fee, etc. In block 116, the user or subscriber refreshes the mechanism to ensure that the new software upgrade has been properly installed and is working. [0033] A program storage device readable by machine, and tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the method steps may be employed.

[0034] Having described preferred embodiments for a system and method for subscriber initiated MSO-approved software upgrade mechanism (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for upgrading software in broadband equipment of a client, comprising: a software upgrade requestable by a client to upgrade a software version of a broadband access device of the client; and a server having a mechanism responsive to a client request for upgrade wherein the server grants the request of the client if one or more conditions are met, wherein at least one of the conditions is based upon a hardware configuration of the client.

2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the mechanism includes a web page.

3. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the server and the broadband device communicate over a network.

4. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the one or more conditions includes whether an upgrade is available.

5. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the one or more conditions includes whether a manufacturer of the broadband equipment is listed.

6. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the one or more conditions includes whether a model of the broadband equipment is listed.

7. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the broadband equipment includes a cable modem.

8. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the system is Data Over

Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) compliant.

9. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the server biases usage by the client of a software upgrade or broadband equipment type in accordance with the one or more conditions.

10. A system for upgrading software in broadband equipment of a client, comprising: a client including a cable modem connectable to a broadband network, the cable modem including software which is upgradeable; a software upgrade requestable by the client to upgrade a software version of the cable modem; and a server having a mechanism responsive to a client request for upgrade wherein the server grants the request of the client if one or more conditions are met, wherein at least one of the conditions is based upon a hardware configuration of the client.

11. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the mechanism includes a web page.

12. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the one or more conditions includes one of more of whether an upgrade is available, whether a manufacturer of the broadband equipment is listed, and/or whether a model of the broadband equipment is listed.

13. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the system is Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) compliant.

14. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the server biases usage by the client of a software upgrade or broadband equipment type in accordance with the one or more conditions.

15. A method for upgrading software on broadband customer equipment, comprising the steps of: requesting a software upgrade by the subscriber for broadband equipment of the subscriber; determining if an update is available and whether at least one condition is met to enable the upgrade; and if available and the at least one condition is met, pushing the software upgrade to the subscriber to upgrade the broadband equipment.

16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the step of requesting includes browsing a web site on the Internet.

17. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the step of determining if an upgrade is available includes comparing a current version of software with a latest version of software displayed on a web site.

18. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the at least one condition includes matching a manufacturer of the broadband equipment to an upgrade list according to manufacturer.

19. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the at least one condition includes matching a model of the broadband equipment to an upgrade list according to model.

20. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the broadband equipment includes a cable modem.

21. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the method is Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) compliant.

22. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising the step of managing a download of the software upgrade by the server.

23. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising the step of the server biasing usage by the client of a software upgrade or broadband equipment type in accordance with the one or more conditions.

24. A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps as recited in claim 15.