WO2014116983A1 - Procédé et appareil de services dans le nuage destinés à améliorer la performance large bande - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil de services dans le nuage destinés à améliorer la performance large bande Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014116983A1
WO2014116983A1 PCT/US2014/012998 US2014012998W WO2014116983A1 WO 2014116983 A1 WO2014116983 A1 WO 2014116983A1 US 2014012998 W US2014012998 W US 2014012998W WO 2014116983 A1 WO2014116983 A1 WO 2014116983A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
broadband
service
data
user
server
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2014/012998
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Philip Bednarz
Tuncay CIL
Ardavan Maleki Tehrani
Leonardo Dagum
Marc Goldburg
Original Assignee
Adaptive Spectrum And Signal Alignment, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/US2013/034697 external-priority patent/WO2014116286A2/fr
Application filed by Adaptive Spectrum And Signal Alignment, Inc. filed Critical Adaptive Spectrum And Signal Alignment, Inc.
Priority to CA2899419A priority Critical patent/CA2899419A1/fr
Priority to AU2014209180A priority patent/AU2014209180A1/en
Priority to KR1020157022426A priority patent/KR101770050B1/ko
Priority to BR112015017899A priority patent/BR112015017899A2/pt
Priority to JP2015555354A priority patent/JP2016514383A/ja
Priority to US14/763,486 priority patent/US9967156B2/en
Priority to EP14743423.7A priority patent/EP2949076A4/fr
Publication of WO2014116983A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014116983A1/fr
Priority to AU2016266044A priority patent/AU2016266044B2/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/54—Store-and-forward switching systems 
    • H04L12/56—Packet switching systems
    • H04L12/5691—Access to open networks; Ingress point selection, e.g. ISP selection
    • H04L12/5692—Selection among different networks

Definitions

  • LAN performance information is not centrally analyzed by a communication device coupled to such networks to account for information such as topological information, geographical information, user's network usage pattern, quality of network connection, time, throughput, user behavior, usage data, etc. Accordingly, user behavior associated with user's broadband service may not be contextually analyzed by any central system to provide a targeted offer to the user of the broadband service according to its broadband service usage. A lack of targeted offer may result negatively in terms of customer (user) satisfaction of the broadband service.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a communication network with some or all communication devices having a downloadable agent to assist with performance analysis, rewarding a user of a broadband service, recommending new profiles to broadband service providers and/or subscribers, providing instructions and commands according to statistical analysis for at least one of the broadband subscriber and broadband subscriber' s service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a system with a server (or the analysis machine) operable to provide a targeted offer to a user of a broadband service, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a system with a server (or the analysis machine) operable to recommend new profiles to broadband service providers and/or subscribers, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a system with a server (or the analysis machine) operable to report a new profile to the broadband subscriber and broadband subscriber's service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a system with a server (or the analysis machine) operable to generate and provide instructions and commands according to statistical analysis for at least one of the broadband subscriber and broadband subscriber's service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a server to provide targeted offers to users of a broadband service, according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a server to recommend new service profiles to a broadband subscriber and/or broadband service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method performed by a server to determine and send operational profile to an agent of a broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a processor-based system having machine-readable storage medium with computer executable instructions to perform the processes and methods, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • One of the problems with current communication systems is that information about the communication device and communication device performance inside the local area network (LAN) is generally available to other devices on the LAN, however not available to machines outside the LAN; i.e., the wide area network (WAN), or the cloud.
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • the embodiments of this disclosure describe an agent (also called downloadable agent) which is placed inside the LAN, where the agent collects data on behalf of the cloud or WAN-based server and then transfers that data to the cloud or WAN-based server for analysis.
  • agent also called downloadable agent
  • comprehensive analysis allows the cloud or WAN-based server to compare collected user behavior and usage data with benchmark data.
  • cloud or WAN-based server provides user of the broadband service a targeted offer when the collected user behavior and usage data exceeds a threshold associated with the benchmark data.
  • benchmark data is determined by analyzing user behavior and usage data of other users in a common geographical area.
  • user behavior data includes one or more of online activities and mobile activities.
  • online activities include data collected via the broadband service which is a digital subscriber line (DSL) broadband service.
  • the targeted offer includes at least one of; Over The Top (OTT) services including one or more of movies, TV shows or games provided by a third party vendor; recommendations for improving performance of a broadband link associated with the broadband service; higher throughput for the broadband link associated with the broadband service, etc.
  • OTT Over The Top
  • cloud or WAN-based server provides user of the broadband service a reward in response to analyzing the collected data.
  • the reward includes at least one of: reward points to build credit towards future bill; reward credit for using the broadband service; reward miles towards an airline miles program, etc.
  • the embodiments also describe a method performed by a downloadable agent for collecting information associated with a communication device and then sending the collected information to another machine for analysis.
  • a downloadable agent for collecting information associated with a communication device and then sending the collected information to another machine for analysis.
  • other interfaces of the communication device may be used in conjunction or independent of the downloadable agent to collect information associated with the communication device and then to send that collected information to another machine for analysis.
  • the downloadable agent is executable on a computing device coupled to a LAN of a broadband subscriber, wherein the LAN is coupled by another device to a WAN.
  • the method further comprises transmitting the WAN performance information to a machine.
  • the downloadable agent may be executable on a variety of different computer platforms and operating systems.
  • the other machine is a server in a cloud which has access to information related to many communication devices and can use that information to generate a performance report for the communication device.
  • the server in the cloud does not have access to information of the communication devices in the absence of the downloadable agents.
  • the downloadable agent that may be downloaded on a user's browser or installed on the communication device, provides the server access to the information associated with the communication device.
  • the downloadable agent receives the report.
  • the report can be used to enhance the performance of the communication device.
  • comprehensive analysis allows the cloud or WAN-based server to recommend a service profile to a broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider.
  • the server receives broadband data from an agent, wherein the agent is executable on a computing device coupled to a LAN of a broadband subscriber.
  • broadband data is at least one of WAN performance information or LAN performance data.
  • a current service profile of the broadband subscriber is identified.
  • the received broadband data in view of a current service profile is analyzed.
  • a new service profile is determined for the broadband subscriber according to the analyzed broadband data.
  • the new service profile is recommended to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider.
  • the cloud, server, or broadband subscriber's service provider dynamically adjusts a service profile of the broadband subscriber with the new service profile.
  • the new service profile includes a turbo service with higher data rate or throughput than a previous server profile of the broadband subscriber.
  • the new service profile is accessed by one of: TV, personal computer, tablet computing device, mobile device or OTT services.
  • LAN Local Area Network
  • LAN generally refers to a computer or communication network that interconnects computers or communication devices in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media.
  • WAN Wide Area Network
  • WAN generally refers to a telecommunication network that covers a broad area (i.e., any network that links across metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries) compared to the limited area covered be a LAN.
  • the machine e.g., a server in a cloud
  • the machine is operable to: store the
  • the broadband subscriber and/or the broadband subscriber' s service provider analyzes the report and adjusts various performance parameters associated with the communication device or the networking devices with which it communicates to enhance the performance of the communication.
  • performance generally refers to network throughput (e.g., TCP/UDP), latency, jitter, connectivity, error rates, power consumption, transmit power, etc. Improving performance of the communication system includes increasing throughput, reducing error rate and latency, improving (i.e., reducing) jitter, reducing power consumption, etc. for the communicating system.
  • TCP Transmission Control Protocol
  • UDP User Datagram Protocol
  • uccessful generally refers to an indication suggesting safe receipt of a packet that is often confirmed by ACK (acknowledge) message packet.
  • operational data such as error counts, retransmission counts, modulation, signal strength, etc. are used to estimate the performance and throughput of the communications link.
  • a user of a communication device installs (downloads) an agent on their communication device, for example, personal computer, tablet computer, laptop, network gateway, smart phone, smart device, computer, DSL access equipment, router, etc., so that the communication device is able to collect performance related information for analysis by another machine (e.g., a server on a cloud) and then receive at least one of several statistical and commercial analysis including throughput and other measures of communications performance; availability of higher bandwidth for operating a communication device/link (e.g., DSL) service; purchase information (or service product information) for improving communication device/link (e.g., DSL) service performance; or utilization information for optimizing a consumers' communication device/link (e.g., DSL) service cost.
  • an agent allows for customized enhancement of user experience with a communication device by enhancing the communication device's or link's performance.
  • signals are represented with lines. Some lines may be thicker, to indicate more constituent signal paths, and/or have arrows at one or more ends, to indicate primary information flow direction. Such indications are not intended to be limiting. Rather, the lines are used in connection with one or more exemplary embodiments to facilitate easier understanding of a circuit or a logical unit. Any represented signal, as dictated by design needs or preferences, may actually comprise one or more signals that may travel in either direction and may be implemented with any suitable type of signal scheme.
  • Coupled generally refers to two or more elements which are in direct contact (physically, electrically, magnetically, electromagnetically, optically, etc.).
  • the term “coupled” generally may also refer to two or more elements that are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a communication network 100 with some or all communication devices having a respective downloadable agent (DA) to assist with performance analysis, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • DA downloadable agent
  • communication network 100 comprises a local network 101
  • LAN 101 optionally comprises a line enhancement device 101c which is any device coupled to DSL 110 that improves the quality or performance on DSL 110.
  • line enhancement device 101c is a standalone device.
  • line enhancement device 101c is integrated with CPE 101a.
  • one or more devices of LAN (e.g., home LAN) 101 are operable to communicate with server 105 via Internet 109 (via wired or wireless connections).
  • communication network 100 comprises a server 105 coupled to a database 106.
  • server 105 and/or the database 106 reside in a cloud 104.
  • cloud refers generally to cloud computing which is the delivery of computing and storage capacity as a service to a community of end-recipients.
  • cloud is indicated with use of a cloud-shaped symbol 104 as an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it contains in system diagrams. Cloud computing entrusts services with a user's data, software and computation over a network.
  • server 105 resides in cloud 104 and is operable to perform complex analysis (e.g., statistical) based on information collected from other communication devices via the Internet.
  • communication network 100 comprises DSL access equipment 103a (also called a DSL access network, or DSL node) which is operable to communicate with CPE 101a via DSL line 110.
  • DSL access equipment 103a comprises a DSLAM (digital subscriber line access multiplexer).
  • DSL access equipment 103a comprises a CO (central office).
  • DSL access equipment 103a receives control signals 108 from server 105 that instruct a DSL operator 103b about ways to improve performance of its customers e.g., CPE 101a, etc.
  • control signals 108 include at least one or more of signals or commands related to: power, for example, transmit power, spectrum control, for example, Power Spectral Density (PSD) mask, margin, data rate, latency/delay, coding, for example, Forward Error Correction (FEC) coding.
  • power for example, transmit power
  • spectrum control for example, Power Spectral Density (PSD) mask
  • margin for example, data rate, latency/delay
  • coding for example, Forward Error Correction (FEC) coding.
  • FEC Forward Error Correction
  • cloud 104 communicates with DSL access equipment 103a via Network Management System (NMS) 103c.
  • NMS Network Management System
  • the NMS 103c may represents any
  • operational data can be collected from NMS 103c of the service provider.
  • NMS 103c is communicatively coupled to DSL modem pairs.
  • server 105 is operable to access external communication devices (external to cloud 104) through cloud-based applications via a web browser or mobile application.
  • DA 102 is operable to communicate with resources (e.g., server 105, database 106) of cloud 104.
  • resources e.g., server 105, database 1066 of cloud 104.
  • DA 102 may be downloaded from any platform e.g., a disk, memory stick, web browser, web server, etc.
  • DA 102 associated with a communication device executes on an Internet browser (e.g., Safari®, Netscape®, FireFox®, Internet Explorer®, etc.).
  • DA 102 associated with the communication device is accessible remotely via the Internet.
  • DA 102 is operable to execute on multiple computing platforms with different operating systems.
  • DA 102 may operate on operating systems including Android, Berkley Software Distribution (BSD), iOS, GNU/Linux, Apple Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Windows Phone, and IBM z/OS.
  • DA 102 is operable to execute in a virtual machine (VM).
  • a VM is a software implementation of a machine (e.g., a computer) that executes programs like a physical machine. Examples of virtual machines include a Java Virtual Machine and the previously mentioned operating systems executing in VMWare, Virtual Box or the like.
  • DA 102 may receive automatic updates to keep the application up to date with the latest features.
  • the downloadable agent is dynamically downloaded to the computing device.
  • dynamically also refers to downloading of an agent by a computing device on-demand and prior to use of an agent.
  • a dynamically downloaded agent may be deleted from the computing device following the use of that agent.
  • dynamically also refers to automatic (i.e., with little or no human interaction) adjusting of service profile of a broadband subscriber with a new service profile.
  • communication network 100 comprises a wireless device, for example, a smart device 107 (e.g., smart phone, tablet, etc.) with a DA 102.
  • DA 102 is operable to review an analysis report generated by server 105 for any of the communicating devices it has authorization to access.
  • server 105 is operable to receive WAN performance information from a DA 102.
  • DA 102 is executable on a computing device (e.g., lOla-b, 107, 113) coupled to LAN 111 of a broadband subscriber.
  • LAN 111 is coupled by another device to WAN 112.
  • a DSL modem and a home gateway couple LAN 111 to WAN 112.
  • the DSL modem and home gateway are integrated into a single enclosure.
  • DA 102 associated with the communication device collects data locally within the communication device and then periodically sends the collected data to server 105. In one embodiment, DA 102 may wait for certain conditions or thresholds to be met before sending all collected data to server 105.
  • conditions and/or thresholds are related to a function of the type of data collected.
  • collected data may include at least one of: topological information, geographical information, time, throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss, type of communication device, device network identification, manufacturer and model of equipment, equipment characteristics, firmware, user's network usage pattern, RF characteristics including at least one of: signal power, frequency bands and mode of operation, environment statistics, or data on operation of communication devices.
  • conditions are limits or thresholds on a performance level related to collected data.
  • a condition is an upper limit on jitter, or a lower limit on throughput. For example, if throughput drops below a lower limit/threshold, then DA 102 may report and send the data to server 105. In another example, if packet loss exceeds an upper limit, then DA 102 may report and send the data to the server.
  • a condition is time expiration on a scheduled collection. For example, DA 102 may send data to server 105 after a pre-defined time is expired.
  • server 105 collects information from the DA's, through server initiated communication.
  • server 105 collects information by polling or scheduled based system.
  • polling is ping.
  • server 105 may send a signal to a DA 102, or ping a DA 102, or communicate with a DA 102 on scheduled basis, after which DA 102 sends collected information to server 105.
  • the computing device is one of: computer, personal computer, laptop/desktop, smart phone, tablet computing device; an access point (AP); a base station; a wireless smart phone device; a wireless LAN device; an access gateway; a router, a performance enhancement device; a DSL CPE modem; a cable CPE modem; an in-home powerline device; a Home Phoneline Network Alliance (HPNA) based device; an in-home coax distribution device; a G.hn (Global Home Networking Standard) compatible device; an in-home metering communication device; an in-home appliance communicatively interfaced with the LAN; a wireless femtocell base station; a wireless Wi-Fi compatible base station; a wireless mobile device repeater; a wireless mobile device base station; nodes within an ad-hoc/mesh network; a set-top box (STB)/set-top unit (STU) customer electronics device; an Internet Protocol (IP) enabled television; an IP enabled media player; an IP enabled Internet Protocol (IP)
  • server 105 is operable to store the WAN performance information in database 106 associated with server 105. In one embodiment, server 105 is operable to store the WAN performance information with an associated timestamp. In one embodiment, DA 102 is operable to collect LAN performance data from at least one of the computing device (e.g., 101b) and another device (e.g., PC 113) coupled to LAN 111. In one embodiment, server 105 is operable to receive the LAN performance data from DA 102.
  • the computing device e.g., 101b
  • another device e.g., PC 113
  • the WAN and LAN performance information include at least one of: topological information, geographical information, time, throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss, type of communication device, device network identification, manufacturer and model of equipment, equipment characteristics, firmware, user's network usage pattern, RF characteristics including at least one of: signal power, frequency bands and mode of operation, environment statistics, or data on operation of communication devices.
  • Topological information may include information regarding the WAN or LAN topology. For example, whether a DSL modem is behind a firewall, or whether the Internet gateway is connected to a Wi-Fi access point via a router.
  • the geographical information may include the address or global positioning system (GPS) location of the WAN or LAN modem, or the Internet gateway. The geographical information may be useful for example, for
  • Environment Statistics may include any statistics related to the environment surrounding the WAN or LAN. For example, usage statistics, statistics on periods of peak operation, statistics on the data traffic (peak traffic, average traffic, etc.).
  • LAN performance information also includes, without limitation: LAN media type, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or power-line adapters; LAN media throughput rates; channel assignments for Wi-Fi media; Wi-Fi mode such as 802. l lg or 802.11 ⁇ ; Wi-Fi transmit power levels; and spectral masks for power- line communication.
  • LAN media type such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or power-line adapters
  • LAN media throughput rates such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or power-line adapters
  • channel assignments for Wi-Fi media such as 802. l lg or 802.11 ⁇
  • Wi-Fi transmit power levels such as 802. l lg or 802.11 ⁇
  • spectral masks for power- line communication such as 802. l lg or 802.11 ⁇
  • server 105 is operable to analyze the WAN performance information to generate an analysis result.
  • server 105 is operable to generate analysis result by computing throughput of DSL connection 110 by collecting current performance metrics associated with DSL service.
  • server 105 is operable to perform statistical analysis, including throughput, based on information received from the DA 102 and other information in the database.
  • server 105 is operable to compute throughput of a communication link (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet link 109) by probing.
  • the process of probing comprises: transmitting probing data from a communication device (e.g., PC 101b) to another communication device (e.g., PC 113, PC 114, etc.); and waiting for a predetermined time before reading operational data including counter values related to user data traffic.
  • the counter values include at least one of packet error counts, packet retransmission counts, successful ACK message counts, etc.
  • the throughput information discussed in this embodiment and other embodiments of this disclosure could include at least one or more of the following: instantaneous speed or data rate, average data rate, and/or information on the peak and minimum data rates of a connection or communication link associated with the LAN and/or with the associated WAN.
  • active probing or simply “probing” generally refers to testing of a communication network by sending test pattern/data over the network from one communication device to another communication device, and then measuring the response from the sent test pattern.
  • the response data is also referred herein as “active data” or “active measurement data” which is data associated with active probing of a communication network.
  • operation data generally refers to user visible or accessible data and is generally used for debugging and basic performance monitoring of communication systems.
  • the method of probing comprises: transmitting probing data from a communication device (e.g., PC 101b) to another communication device (e.g., PC 113); and receiving a report indicating amount of data or data received by the other communication device.
  • server 105 is operable to determine availability of higher bandwidth for operating a DSL service.
  • server 105 is operable to determine purchase information (or service product information) for improving DSL service performance.
  • server 105 is operable to determine network, service, or communication link utilization information for optimizing a consumer DSL service cost.
  • server 105 is operable to group data in database 106 according to at least one of geographical location, services type, service provider, or time.
  • the service product information includes information regarding the type and specification of the DSL service or services which is a DSL service user/customer has purchased from the DSL service provider.
  • server 105 receives information from other devices and/or sources other than the communication devices to perform a comprehensive analysis of the performance of the communication system as a whole and/or individually for the communication devices in the communication system.
  • the other devices and/or sources include near-by radio stations, location of AM radio stations, goals or business rules defined by an operator, weather forecast from the National Weather Service, etc.
  • server 105 is operable to report the analysis result by sending availability of higher bandwidth for operating a DSL service to DA 102 of 101a.
  • server 105 is operable to report the analysis result by sending purchase information (or service product information) to PC 101b, smart device 107, or the user for improving DSL service performance.
  • server 105 is operable to report the analysis result by sending utilization information to PC 101b, smart device 107, or any device accessible by the user for optimizing consumer DSL service cost.
  • DA 102 receives updated or new operational parameters from server 105 based on the analysis performed by server 105.
  • server 105 when analyzing the data collected by DA 102 of 101a, also takes into account historical information about the communication device 101a and information from other communication devices coupled to the network to provide updated operational parameters to DA 102 of 101a so that communication device 101a operates more efficiently under the current circumstances.
  • server 105 is operable to report the analysis result to at least one of the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider. In one embodiment, server 105 is operable to report the analysis result by sending statistical analysis to the PC 101b, smart device 107, or any device accessible by the user, the statistical analysis including throughput. In one embodiment, server 105 is operable to report the analysis result by sending availability of higher bandwidth for operating a DSL service to DA 102 of 101a. In one embodiment, server 105 is operable to report the analysis result by sending purchase information (or service product information) to PC 101b, smart device 107, or the user for improving DSL service performance. In one embodiment, server 105 is operable to report the analysis result by sending utilization information to PC 101b, smart device 107, or any device accessible by the user for optimizing consumer DSL service cost.
  • server 105 is operable to receive an on-demand change request.
  • the on-demand change is associated with at least one of:
  • DA 102 of the PC 101b sends a request via connection 109 to server 105 to acquire higher throughput than current throughput for its DSL line 110.
  • server 105 performs analysis based on available data in database 106 and determines if the on-demand request by PC 101b can be met. If it can be met, a report is provided to DA 102 by server 105 with information (e.g., cost etc.) about how to improve throughput.
  • server 105 provides a marketplace of ideas for the communication devices for trading bandwidth (or performance) for media (or related) services.
  • server 105 may provide information to the communication devices (after performing its analysis from the collected and historical information of the communication system) such as subscription to premium media services, direct payment, etc. in exchange for improved performance.
  • server 105 performs comprehensive analysis to recommend a service profile to a broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider.
  • server 105 receives broadband data from an agent (e.g., 102 of 115).
  • the agent is executable on a computing device (e.g., 115) coupled to LAN 111 of a broadband subscriber.
  • broadband data is user data and at least one of WAN performance information or LAN performance data.
  • a current service profile of the broadband subscriber is identified.
  • the received broadband data in view of a current service profile is analyzed by server 105.
  • a new service profile is determined by server 105 for the broadband subscriber according to the analyzed broadband data.
  • the new service profile is recommended to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider.
  • cloud 104, server 105, or broadband subscriber's service provider dynamically adjusts a service profile of the broadband subscriber with the new service profile.
  • the new service profile includes a turbo service with higher data rate or throughput than a previous server profile of the broadband subscriber.
  • the new service profile is accessed by one of: TV, personal computer, tablet computing device, mobile device, OTT services.
  • comprehensive analysis allows cloud 104 or WAN-based server to compare collected user behavior and usage data with benchmark data.
  • cloud 104 or WAN-based server 105 provides user of the broadband service a targeted offer when the collected user behavior and usage data exceeds a threshold associated with the benchmark data.
  • benchmark data is determined by analyzing user behavior and usage data of other users in a common geographical area.
  • user behavior data includes one or more of online activities and mobile activities.
  • online activities include data collected via the broadband service which is a DSL broadband service.
  • the targeted offer includes at least one of OTT services including one or more of movies, TV shows, games provided by a third party vendor; recommendations for improving performance of a broadband link associated with the broadband service; higher throughput for the broadband link associated with the broadband service, etc.
  • cloud 104 or WAN-based server 105 provides user of the broadband service a reward in response to analyzing the collected data.
  • the reward includes at least one of: reward points to build credit towards future bill; reward credit for using the broadband service; reward miles towards an airline miles program, etc.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a system 200 with a server 105 (or the analysis machine) operable to provide targeted offer to user of a broadband service, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. It is pointed out that those elements of Fig. 2 having the same reference numbers (or names) as the elements of any other figure can operate or function in any manner similar to that described, but are not limited to such. Fig. 2 is described with reference to Fig. 1.
  • the system 200 comprises a device 201 (e.g., cloud 104) having the server 105 coupled to the database 106.
  • server 105 comprises: a first module 202 (also called collecting means) for collecting the WAN and LAN performance and configuration information.
  • first module 202 collects user behavior and usage data associated with the broadband service.
  • first module 202 also collects physical layer data.
  • user behavior data includes one or more of: online activities and mobile activities.
  • online activities include data collected via the broadband service which is a DSL broadband service. Examples of online activities include shopping online, browsing the web, accessing video online, online gaming activities, accessing cloud-based applications, two-way video communications such as video conferencing, etc.
  • mobile activities include data associated with transfer of data via WiFi, 3G wireless network or 4G wireless network, or other mobile or wireless networks. Examples of mobile or wireless activities include mobile shopping, browsing the web, mobile online gaming, working with mobile applications, and mobile music, video, multimedia, two-way
  • user behavior data includes timing patterns of data packets transmitted and received by the user over a broadband link associated with broadband service.
  • user behavior data include any type of the data that relate to the user online or mobile activities, which for example include, timing information such as when the activity took place, or the length of time of the activity, type of data accessed (pictures, videos, applications), or any attribute related to the activities (for example type of games, type of videos), and prior user behavior date (e.g., historical data).
  • prior user behavior data and user interests are used for determining choice of targeted offer for the user of the broadband service. For example, user visits an online photo sharing website (e.g., Shufferfly.com) using the broadband service. This visit information is stored and may be used to offer a faster upload connection to the user.
  • user behavior data may also include third party data such as user data obtained from a social network or from an Over-the-Top (OTT) service provider.
  • OTT Over-the-Top
  • user behavior data may also include location data (e.g., GPS data) or other identifying data (e.g. MAC (Media Access Control) address of the user device) of the user.
  • location data or user identification data is used for determining choice of targeted offer for the user of the broadband service.
  • a service provider may offer an improved service at a location different from the current location of the user.
  • the providing means 204 may offer the user the improved service to improve user broadband usage experience.
  • usage data includes amount of data packets transmitted and received by the user over a broadband link associated with the broadband service.
  • user usage data includes: location of the user, and location of the broadband service associated with the user. Examples of user usage data further includes data rates, throughput of data, layer 3 data, IP layer data, volume of data used, or type of data service used, or any usage data that relates to the user behavior.
  • server 105 comprises a second module 203 (also called analyzing means) which analyzes the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data to determine whether a different broadband service can be offered to a user compared to existing broadband service.
  • second module 203 analyzes the physical layer data in view of benchmark data.
  • Benchmark data may include best data rates or average data rates achieved in a specific geographical area; data on downtimes of data services; data on loop length, data regarding physical layer characteristics of the line providing the broadband service, and/or any benchmark that is related to the data usage information.
  • server 105 comprises a third module 204 (also called providing means) which provides the user of the broadband service a targeted offer according to the analysis performed by second module 203.
  • the targeted offer is a reward.
  • targeted offer is processed and managed by a third party. Examples of third party include the service providers or operators of the broadband services, or
  • third module 204 provides instructions to the third party or provider of the broadband service about how to manage the targeted offer.
  • the third party has access to billing system of the provider of the broadband service.
  • the targeted offer includes at least one of: offer to fix broadband service if it is determined that the broadband service cannot be improved; OTT services including one or more of movies, TV shows, games provided by a third party vendor; recommendations for improving performance of a broadband link associated with the broadband service; higher throughput for the broadband link associated with the broadband service, higher upload or download speeds, permanent upgrade to a faster broadband service, OTT service for free for 'N' number of months, where 'N' is an integer; or minimum latency setting for playing games over the broadband service, etc.
  • cloud 104 or WAN-based server 105 provides user of the broadband service a reward in response to analyzing the collected data.
  • the reward includes at least one of: reward points to build credit towards future bill; reward credit for using the broadband service; reward miles towards an airline miles program, etc.
  • broadband services are one of: DSL service, WiFi, 3 rd generation of mobile telecommunications technology (3G), 4 th generation of mobile
  • server 105 comprises: a management interface 205 for communicating with the DA 102 (any one of DAs 1-N, where 'N' is a positive integer) via the Internet 206 (e.g., Il l, 109 of Fig. 1).
  • server 105 comprises: a user interface module 207 for providing access to other communication devices and for displaying information associated with the first 202, second 203 and third 204 modules.
  • analyzing (by analyzing means 203) the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data includes: determining available services offered by the broadband service; and assessing the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data to identity parameters to improve performance of the broadband service in view of applications used by the user of the broadband service and determined available services.
  • the parameters identified to improve performance of the broadband service include at least one of: rate; margin; power; or latency.
  • the analyzing means 203 (or any other appropriate logic) adjusts the identified parameters to improve performance of the broadband service.
  • the server 201/104 sends diagnostics recommendations to the user.
  • the diagnostics recommendations include high level recommendations to the user. For example, the user may be asked to call a customer service representative for getting assistance for improving the broadband service.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a system 300 with a server (or the analysis machine) operable to recommend new profiles to broadband service providers and/or subscribers, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. It is pointed out that those elements of Fig. 3 having the same reference numbers (or names) as the elements of any other figure can operate or function in any manner similar to that described, but are not limited to such.
  • system 300 comprises a device 301 (e.g., cloud 104) having the server (e.g., 105) coupled to the database (e.g., 106).
  • server 105 comprises: a first module 302 (also called receiving means) for receiving broadband data from an agent (e.g., agent 102).
  • the agent is executable on a computing device coupled to a LAN of a broadband subscriber.
  • broadband data is user usage data and at least one of WAN performance information or LAN performance data.
  • agent 102 i.e., downloadable agent
  • API Application Programming Interface
  • server 105 comprises a second module 303 (also called analyzing means) which identifies a current service profile of the broadband subscriber.
  • second module 303 analyzes the received broadband data in view of the current service profile.
  • second module 303 determines a new service profile for the broadband subscriber according to the analyzed broadband data.
  • second module 303 computes throughput of DSL connection by collecting current performance metrics associated with DSL service.
  • throughput is computed with reference to a website.
  • throughput computation comprises probing a network.
  • the new service profile includes a turbo service with higher data rate or throughput than a pervious services profile of the broadband subscriber.
  • server 105 comprises a third module 304 (also called recommending means) which recommends the new service profile to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider.
  • the new service profile is accessed by one of: television (TV), personal computer (PC), tablet computing device, Mobile device, and OTT services.
  • server 105 is operable to receive WAN performance information from agent, wherein the LAN is coupled by another device to the LAN.
  • server 105 comprises: a management interface 305 for communicating with the DA 102 (any one of DAs 1-N, where 'N' is a positive integer) via the Internet 306 (e.g., Il l, 109 of Fig. 1).
  • server 105 comprises: a user interface module 307 for providing access to other communication devices and for displaying information associated with the first 302, second 303 and third 304 modules.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a system 400 with a server (or the analysis machine) operable to report a new profile to the broadband subscriber and broadband subscriber's service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. It is pointed out that those elements of Fig. 4 having the same reference numbers (or names) as the elements of any other figure can operate or function in any manner similar to that described, but are not limited to such.
  • the server 105 comprises: a first module 402 (also called collecting means) for collecting and/or storing the WAN and LAN performance and
  • first module 402 may receive on-demand change request associated with at least one of:
  • server 105 comprises a second module 403 (also called analyzing means) for analyzing the WAN performance information.
  • WAN performance information includes at least one of: topological information, geographical information, time, throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss, type of communication device, device network identification, manufacturer and model of equipment, equipment characteristics, firmware, user's network usage pattern, RF characteristics including at least one of: signal power, frequency bands and mode of operation, environment statistics, or data on operation of communication devices.
  • a new service profile for the broadband subscriber is determined according to the received and analyzed WAN performance information.
  • second module 403 analyzes received user preference data and WAN performance information to determine an operational profile for the broadband subscriber in response to the analysis.
  • server 105 comprises a third module 404 (also called reporting means) for reporting the new service profile to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider.
  • reporting the analysis result comprises at least one of: sending statistical analysis including throughput; sending availability of higher bandwidth for operating a DSL service; sending purchase information for improving DSL service performance; or sending utilization information for optimizing a consumers' DSL service cost.
  • third module 404 sends the operational profile to the agent of the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider.
  • modules that receive the instruction and command from third module 404 are accessible by the Internet.
  • server 105 comprises: a management interface 405 for communicating with the DA 102 (any one of DAs 1- N, where 'N' is a positive integer) via the Internet 406 (e.g., Il l, 109 of Fig. 1).
  • server 105 comprises: a user interface module 407 for providing access to other communication devices and for displaying information associated with first 402, second 403 and third 404 modules.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a system 500 with a server (or the analysis machine) which is operable to generate instructions and commands according to statistical analysis for at least one of the broadband subscriber and broadband subscriber's service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. It is pointed out that those elements of Fig. 5 having the same reference numbers (or names) as the elements of any other figure can operate or function in any manner similar to that described, but are not limited to such.
  • server 105 comprises: a first module 502 (also called receiving means) for collecting and/or storing the WAN and LAN performance and
  • server 105 comprises a second module 503 (also called analyzing means) for performing statistical analysis using the WAN and LAN performance and configuration information.
  • server 105 comprises a third module 504 (also called sending means) for generating instruction and commands according to the statistical analysis and sending them to at least one of the broadband subscriber, networking equipment at the broadband subscriber' s premises, the service provider of the broadband subscriber and the access equipment of the service provider.
  • modules e.g., DA 102
  • modules that receive the instruction and command from the third module 504 are accessible by the Internet.
  • server 105 comprises: a management interface 505 for communicating with DA 102 (any one of DAs 1- N, where 'N' is a positive integer) via the Internet 506 (e.g., I ll, 109 of Fig. 1).
  • server 105 comprises: a user interface module 507 for providing access to other communication devices and for displaying information associated with first 502, second 503 and third 504 modules.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart 600 of a method performed by a server (e.g., 105) to provide targeted offers to users of a broadband service, according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • a server e.g., 105
  • collecting means 202 collects user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data associated with the broadband service.
  • analyzing means 203 analyzes the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data to determine whether a different broadband service can be offered to a user compared to existing broadband service.
  • analysis means 203 determines existing available broadband services provided by the broadband service provider to a location where the user is currently residing. The analysis means 203 then compares the existing available broadband services against usage data, user behavior data, and/or physical data collected by collecting means 202.
  • analysis means 203 prepares a service change
  • the service change recommendation may indicate whether an improved service (i.e., faster and more reliable broadband service) is available to the user in the current location of the user.
  • providing means provide the user of the broadband service a targeted offer according to the analysis.
  • the targeted offer may also include an offer to the user to help to fix the physical line providing the broadband service to the user.
  • the service change recommendation included no new recommendations the bottleneck for improved services may reside in the physical line providing the broadband service. Improving the physical line may unlock faster broadband service which is currently not possible with the user' s current physical line providing the broadband service.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart 700 of a method performed by a server to recommend new service profiles to a broadband subscriber and/or broadband service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • receiving means 302 of server 105 receives broadband data from an agent (e.g., DA 102).
  • agent 102 is executable on a computing device coupled to a LAN of a broadband subscriber.
  • analyzing means 303 of server 105 identifies a current service profile of the broadband subscriber.
  • analyzing means 303 of server 105 analyzes the received broadband data in view of the current service profile.
  • analyzing means 303 of server 105 determines a new service profile for the broadband subscriber according to the analyzed broadband data.
  • analysis means 303 prepares a service change
  • the service change recommendation may indicate whether an improved service (i.e., faster and more reliable broadband service) is available to the user in the current location of the user.
  • the service change recommendation may also include an offer to the user to help to fix the physical line providing the broadband service to the user.
  • analysis means 303 determines that the bottleneck for improving services may reside in the physical line providing the broadband service, and that improving the physical line may unlock faster broadband service which is currently not possible with the user's current physical line providing the broadband service.
  • recommending means 304 of server 105 recommends the new service profile to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider.
  • the method further comprises dynamically adjusting a service profile of the broadband subscriber with the new service profile.
  • the method further comprises receiving by collecting means 402 WAN performance information from the agent, where the LAN is coupled by another device to the LAN.
  • the method further comprises storing the WAN performance information in the database 106 associated with the server 105.
  • the method further comprises analyzing by the analyzing means 403 the WAN performance information.
  • the method further comprises determining by the analyzing means 403 a new service profile for the broadband subscriber according to the received and analyzed WAN performance information.
  • the method further comprises reporting by the reporting means 404 the new service profile to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider.
  • reporting the analysis result comprises at least one of: sending statistical analysis including throughput; sending availability of higher bandwidth for operating a DSL service; sending purchase information for improving DSL service performance; or sending utilization information for optimizing a consumer's DSL service cost.
  • the method further comprises receiving means 502 for collecting WAN performance information. In one embodiment, the method further comprises performing statistical analysis by the analysis means 503 using a first WAN performance information. In one embodiment, the method further comprises generating instructions and commands according to the statistical analysis and sending them by sending means 504 to at least one of the broadband subscriber, networking equipment at the broadband subscriber' s premises, the service provider of the broadband subscriber and the access equipment of the service provider. In one embodiment, the method further comprises computing throughput of DSL connection by collecting current performance metrics associated with DSL service.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart 800 of a method performed by a server to determine and send optional profile to an agent of a broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • receiver means 502 of server 105 receives user preference data, associate with a broadband service, from an agent (e.g., DA 102).
  • the agent is executable on a computing device coupled to LAN of a broadband subscriber.
  • receiver means 502 of server 105 receives WAN performance information, where LAN is coupled by another device to a WAN.
  • analyzing means 503 of server 105 analyzes received user preference data and WAN performance information.
  • analyzing means 503 of server 105 determines an operational profile for the broadband subscriber in response to the analysis.
  • sending means 504 of server 105 sends the operational profile to the agent of the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider.
  • Fig. 9 illustrates a processor-based system 900 having machine-readable storage medium with computer executable instructions to perform the processes and methods, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • processor-based system 900 comprises a processor(s) 901, memory/database 902, network bus 903, machine-readable storage medium 904, and network interface 905.
  • machine-readable storage medium 904 and associated computer executable instructions 904a may be in any of the communication devices and/or servers discussed herein.
  • the computer-machine -readable/executable instructions 904a are executed by processor 901. Elements of embodiments are provided as machine-readable medium for storing the computer-executable instructions (e.g., instructions to implement the flowcharts and other processes discussed in the description).
  • database 902 is operable to store data used by the instructions
  • network interface 905 is operable to communicate with other devices.
  • the components of processor- based system 900 communicate with one another via network bus 903.
  • the machine-readable storage medium 904 may include, but is not limited to, flash memory, optical disks, hard disk drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), CD-Read Only Memory (CD-ROMs), DVD ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of machine-readable media suitable for storing electronic or computer-executable instructions.
  • a computer program e.g., BIOS
  • BIOS BIOS
  • Program software code/instructions 904a executed to implement embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module, routine, or other sequence of instructions or organization of sequences of instructions referred to as "program software code/instructions," "operating system program software code/instructions," “application program software code/instructions,” or simply "software.”
  • the program software code/instructions 904a typically include one or more instructions stored at various times in various tangible memory and storage devices in or peripheral to the computing device, that, when fetched/read and executed by the computing device, as defined herein, cause the computing device to perform functions, functionalities and operations necessary to perform a method, so as to execute elements involving various aspects of the function, functionalities, and operations of the method(s) forming an aspect of the disclosed subject matter.
  • a module is a software, hardware, or firmware
  • a module can include sub-modules.
  • Software components of a module may be stored on a tangible machine readable medium (e.g., 904). Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an engine or an application.
  • a tangible machine readable medium (e.g., 904) can be used to store program software code/instructions (e.g., 904a) and data that, when executed by a computing device 900, cause the computing device 900 to perform a method(s) as may be recited in one or more accompanying claims directed to the disclosed subject matter.
  • the tangible machine readable medium may include storage of the executable software program code/instructions and data in various tangible locations, including for example ROM, volatile RAM, non-volatile memory and/or cache and/or other tangible memory as referenced in the present application. Portions of this program software code/instructions and/or data may be stored in any one of these storage and memory devices.
  • program software code/instructions can be obtained from other storage, including, e.g., through centralized servers or peer to peer networks and the like, including the Internet. Different portions of the software program code/instructions and data can be obtained at different times and in different communication sessions or in a same
  • the software program code/instructions and data can be obtained in their entirety prior to the execution of a respective software program or application by the computing device. Alternatively, portions of the software program code/instructions and data can be obtained dynamically, e.g., just in time, when needed for execution. Alternatively, some combination of these ways of obtaining the software program code/instructions and data may occur, e.g., for different applications, components, programs, objects, modules, routines or other sequences of instructions or organization of sequences of instructions, by way of example. Thus, it is not required that the data and instructions be on a tangible machine readable medium in entirety at a particular instance of time.
  • tangible computer-readable media include but are not limited to recordable and non-recordable type media such as volatile and non- volatile memory devices, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), etc.), among others.
  • the software program code/instructions may be temporarily stored in digital tangible communication links while implementing electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagating signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc. through such tangible communication links.
  • a tangible machine readable medium includes any tangible mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits in digital form, e.g., data packets) information in a form accessible by a machine (i.e., a computing device), which may be included, e.g., in a communication device, a computing device, a network device, a personal digital assistant, a manufacturing tool, a mobile communication device, whether or not able to download and run applications and subsidized applications from the communication network, such as the Internet, e.g., an iPhone®, Blackberry® Droid®, or the like, or any other device including a computing device.
  • a machine i.e., a computing device
  • a communication device e.g., a communication device, a computing device, a network device, a personal digital assistant, a manufacturing tool, a mobile communication device, whether or not able to download and run applications and subsidized applications from the communication network, such as the Internet, e.g., an iPhone®,
  • processor-based system 900 is in a form of or included within a PDA, a cellular phone, a notebook computer, a tablet, a game console, a set top box, an embedded system, a TV, a personal desktop computer, etc.
  • the traditional communication applications and subsidized application(s) may be used in some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
  • a method for controlling a broadband service comprises: collecting user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data associated with the broadband service; analyzing the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data to determine whether a different broadband service can be offered to a user compared to existing broadband service; providing, the user of the broadband service, a targeted offer according to the analysis.
  • analyzing the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data includes: determining available services offered by the broadband service; and assessing the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data to identity parameters to improve performance of the broadband service in view of applications used by the user of the broadband service and determined available services.
  • the parameters identified to improve performance of the broadband service include at least one of: rate; margin; power; or latency.
  • the method further comprises adjusting identified parameters to improve performance of the broadband service.
  • the method comprises: sending diagnostics recommendations to the user.
  • the diagnostics recommendations include high level recommendations to the user.
  • the broadband service is a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband service.
  • analyzing the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data comprises analyzing user behavior and usage data of other users in a common geographical area.
  • the user behavior data includes one or more of: online activities; and mobile or wireless activities.
  • the online activities include at least one of: data collected via the broadband service which is a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband service; data collected when the user is shopping online using the broadband service; data collected when the user is browsing the Internet using the broadband service; data collected when the user is accessing video online using the broadband service; data collected when the user is participating in online gaming activities using the broadband service; data collected when the user is accessing cloud-based applications using the broadband service; and data collected when the user is participating in a two-way communication using the broadband service.
  • DSL Digital Subscriber Line
  • the mobile activities include data associated with transfer of data via WiFi, 3G wireless network or 4G wireless network.
  • the user behavior data includes timing patterns of data packets transmitted and received by the user over a broadband link associated with the broadband service.
  • the usage data includes amount of data packets transmitted and received by the user over a broadband link associated with the broadband service.
  • the usage data includes: location of the user; location of the broadband service associated with the user; and Layer 3 data.
  • the targeted offer includes a reward.
  • the targeted offer includes at least one of: offer to fix broadband service if it is determined that the broadband service cannot be improved; Over The Top (OTT) services including one or more of movies, TV shows, games provided by a third party vendor; recommendations for improving performance of a broadband link associated with the broadband service; higher throughput for the broadband link associated with the broadband service; higher upload or download speeds, permanent upgrade to a faster broadband service, OTT service for free for 'N' number of months, where 'N' is an integer; or minimum latency setting for playing games over the broadband service.
  • OTT Over The Top
  • the reward includes at least one of: reward points to build credit towards future bill; reward credit for using the broadband service; or reward miles towards an airline miles program.
  • the targeted offer is processed and managed by a third party.
  • the method further comprises providing instructions to the third party or provider of the broadband service about how to manage the targeted offer.
  • the third party has access to billing system of the provider of the broadband service.
  • the broadband services is one of: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service; WiFi; 3rd generation of mobile telecommunications technology (3G); 4th generation of mobile telecommunications technology (4G); Long Term Evolution; or Wired or wireless service.
  • DSL Digital Subscriber Line
  • WiFi 3rd generation of mobile telecommunications technology
  • 4G 4th generation of mobile telecommunications technology
  • Long Term Evolution Long Term Evolution
  • Wired or wireless service wireless service.
  • an apparatus for controlling a broadband service comprises: a database; and a server, coupled to the hardware database, the server operable to: collect user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data associated with the broadband service; analyze the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data to determine whether a different broadband service can be offered to a user compared to existing broadband service; provide the user of the broadband service a targeted offer according to the analysis.
  • the server is operable to analyze the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data by: determining available services offered by the broadband service; and assessing the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data to identity parameters to improve performance of the broadband service in view of applications used by the user of the broadband service and determined available services.
  • the parameters identified to improve performance of the broadband service include at least one of: rate; margin; power; or latency.
  • the apparatus further comprises adjusting identified parameters to improve performance of the broadband service.
  • the server is operable to send diagnostics recommendations to the user.
  • the diagnostics recommendations include high level recommendations to the user.
  • the broadband service is a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband service.
  • the server is operable to analyze the collected user behavior, usage data, and physical layer data by analyzing user behavior and usage data of other users in a common geographical area.
  • the user behavior data includes one or more of: online activities; and mobile activities.
  • the online activities include at least one of: data collected via the broadband service which is a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband service; data collected when the user is shopping online using the broadband service; data collected when the user is browsing the Internet using the broadband service; data collected when the user is accessing video online using the broadband service; data collected when the user is participating in online gaming activities using the broadband service; data collected when the user is accessing cloud-based applications using the broadband service; and data collected when the user is participating in a two-way communication using the broadband service.
  • DSL Digital Subscriber Line
  • the mobile activities include data associated with transfer of data via WiFi, 3G wireless network or 4G wireless network.
  • the user behavior data includes timing patterns of data packets transmitted and received by the user over a broadband link associated with the broadband service.
  • the usage data includes amount of data packets transmitted and received by the user over a broadband link associated with the broadband service.
  • the usage data includes: location of the user, and location of the broadband service associated with the user.
  • the targeted offer includes a reward.
  • the targeted offer includes at least one of: offer to fix broadband service if it is determined that the broadband service cannot be improved; Over The Top (OTT) services including one or more of movies, TV shows, games provided by a third party vendor; recommendations for improving performance of a broadband link associated with the broadband service; or higher throughput for the broadband link associated with the broadband service.
  • OTT Over The Top
  • the reward includes at least one of: reward points to build credit towards future bill; reward credit for using the broadband service; or reward miles towards an airline miles program.
  • the targeted offer is processed and managed by a third party.
  • the server is operable to provide instructions to the third party or provider of the broadband service about how to manage the targeted offer.
  • the third party has access to billing system of the provider of the broadband service.
  • the broadband services is one of: Digital Subscriber Line
  • DSL wireless local area network
  • WiFi Wireless Fidelity
  • 3G 3rd generation of mobile telecommunications technology
  • 4G 4th generation of mobile telecommunications technology
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • an apparatus for recommending a service profile is provided.
  • the apparatus comprises: a hardware database; and a server coupled to the hardware database, the server operable to: receive broadband data from an agent, wherein the agent is executable on a computing device coupled to a LAN of a broadband subscriber; identify a current service profile of the broadband subscriber; analyze the received broadband data in view of the a current service profile; determine a new service profile for the broadband subscriber according to the analyzed broadband data; and recommend the new service profile to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider.
  • the broadband data is user usage data and at least one of WAN performance information or LAN performance data.
  • the agent includes an Application Programming Interface (API).
  • the agent is a downloadable agent.
  • the server is operable to: dynamically adjust a service profile of the broadband subscriber with the new service profile.
  • the new service profile includes a turbo service with higher data rate or throughput than a previous service profile of the broadband subscriber.
  • the new service profile is accessed by one of: Television
  • the server is operable to receive WAN performance information from the agent, wherein the LAN is coupled by another device to a WAN.
  • the server is operable to: store the WAN performance information in the database associated with the server; analyze the WAN performance information; determine a new service profile for the broadband subscriber according to the received and analyzed WAN performance information; and report the new service profile to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider.
  • the server comprises: a first module for collecting the WAN performance information; a second module for performing statistical analysis using a first WAN performance information; and a third module for generating instruction and commands according to the statistical analysis for at least one of the broadband subscriber, networking equipment at the broadband subscriber's premises, the service provider of the broadband subscriber and the access equipment of the service provider.
  • the modules that receive the instruction and command from the third module are accessible by the internet.
  • the server comprises: a management interface for communicating with the agent via internet.
  • the server comprises: a user interface module for providing access and for displaying information associated with the first, second, third modules.
  • the server is operable to compute throughput of DSL connection by collecting current performance metrics associated with DSL service.
  • the server to perform throughput computation with reference to a website.
  • the throughput computation comprises probing a network.
  • the agent is executable in a virtual machine on the computing device.
  • the agent is dynamically downloaded to the computing device.
  • the server is operable to report a result from analysis by performing at least one of: sending statistical analysis including throughput; sending availability of higher bandwidth for operating a DSL service; sending purchase information for improving DSL service performance; or sending utilization information for optimizing a consumers DSL service cost.
  • the WAN performance information includes at least one of: topological information; geographical information; time; throughput; latency; jitter; packet loss; type of communication device; device network identification; manufacturer and model of equipment; equipment characteristics; firmware; user's network usage pattern; RF characteristics including at least one of: signal power, frequency bands and mode of operation; environment statistics; or data on operation of communication devices.
  • the server is operable to: receive an on-demand change request associated with at least one of: throughput, or latency.
  • the computing device is one of: an access point (AP); a base station; a wireless smartphone device; a wireless LAN device; an access gateway; a router; a performance enhancement device; a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) modem; a cable CPE modem; an in-home powerline device; a Home Phoneline Network Alliance (HPNA) based device; an in- home coax distribution device; a G.hn (Global Home Networking Standard) compatible device; an in-home metering communication device; an in-home appliance communicatively interfaced with the LAN; a wireless femtocell base station; a wireless WiFi compatible base station; a wireless mobile device repeater; a wireless mobile device base station; nodes within an ad- hoc/mesh network; a set-top box (STB)/set-top
  • STB set-top box
  • the server resides in a cloud.
  • the server is operable to store the WAN performance information with an associated timestamp.
  • the agent is operable to collect LAN performance data from at least one of the computing device or another device coupled to the LAN.
  • a method for recommending a service profile comprises: receiving broadband data from an agent, wherein the agent is executable on a computing device coupled to a LAN of a broadband subscriber;
  • the broadband data is user usage data and at least one of WAN performance information or LAN performance data.
  • the method further comprises: dynamically adjusting a service profile of the broadband subscriber with the new service profile.
  • the agent includes an Application Programming Interface (API).
  • API Application Programming Interface
  • the agent is a downloadable agent.
  • the new service profile includes a turbo service with higher data rate or throughput than a previous service profile of the broadband subscriber.
  • the new service profile is accessed by one of: Television
  • the method further comprises receiving WAN performance information from the agent, wherein the LAN is coupled by another device to a WAN.
  • the method further comprises: storing the WAN performance information in the database associated with the server; analyzing the WAN performance information; determining a new service profile for the broadband subscriber according to the received and analyzed WAN performance information; and reporting the new service profile to the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider.
  • the method further comprises: collecting the WAN performance information; performing statistical analysis using a first WAN performance information; and generating instruction and commands according to the statistical analysis for at least one of the broadband subscriber, networking equipment at the broadband subscriber's premises, the service provider of the broadband subscriber and the access equipment of the service provider.
  • the method further comprises computing throughput of DSL connection by collecting current performance metrics associated with DSL service.
  • computing throughput is performed with reference to a website.
  • the throughput computation comprises probing a network.
  • the agent is executable in a virtual machine on the computing device.
  • the agent is dynamically downloaded to the computing device.
  • reporting the analysis result comprises at least one of:
  • the WAN performance information includes at least one of: topological information; geographical information; time; throughput; latency; jitter; packet loss; type of communication device; device network identification; manufacturer and model of equipment; equipment characteristics; firmware; user's network usage pattern; RF characteristics including at least one of: signal power, frequency bands and mode of operation; environment statistics; or data on operation of communication devices.
  • the method further comprises: receiving an on-demand change request associated with at least one of: throughput, or latency.
  • the computing device is one of: an access point (AP); a base station; a wireless smartphone device; a wireless LAN device; an access gateway; a router; a performance enhancement device; a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) modem; a cable CPE modem; an in-home powerline device; a Home Phoneline Network Alliance (HPNA) based device; an in- home coax distribution device; a G.hn (Global Home Networking Standard) compatible device; an in-home metering communication device; an in-home appliance communicatively interfaced with the LAN; a wireless femtocell base station; a wireless WiFi compatible base station; a wireless mobile device repeater; a wireless mobile device base station; nodes within an ad- hoc/mesh network; a set-top box (STB)/set-top unit (STB)/set-top unit (
  • the method further comprises: analyzing received user preference data and WAN performance information; determining an operational profile for the broadband subscriber in response to the analysis; and sending the operational profile to the agent of the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber's service provider.
  • an apparatus for implementing user preference of a broadband service comprises: a database; and a server coupled to the database, the server operable to: receive user preference data, associated with a broadband service, from an agent, wherein the agent is executable on a computing device coupled to a LAN of a broadband subscriber; receive WAN performance information, wherein the LAN is coupled by another device to a WAN; analyze the received user preference data and WAN performance information; determine an operational profile for the broadband subscriber in response to the analysis; send the operational profile to the agent of the broadband subscriber and the broadband subscriber' s service provider.
  • the user preference data includes one or more of: data services that a user of the broadband service uses; or applications that the user of the broadband service uses.
  • the user is one of: broadband user; Over The Top (OTT) services user; online shopper; voice over IP user; or game player.
  • the user preference data is accessed for the server by one of: Television (TV); Personal computer (PC); Tablet computing device; Mobile device; and Over The Top (OTT) services including one or more of movies, TV shows, games provided by a third party vendor.
  • the computing device is one of: an access point (AP); a base station; a wireless smartphone device; a wireless LAN device; an access gateway; a router; a performance enhancement device; a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Customer Premises
  • AP access point
  • base station a wireless smartphone device
  • wireless LAN device a wireless LAN device
  • access gateway a wireless gateway
  • router a performance enhancement device
  • DSL Digital Subscriber Line
  • CPE Customer Equipment
  • HPNA Phoneline Network Alliance
  • an in-home coax distribution device a G.hn (Global Home Networking Standard) compatible device
  • an in-home metering communication device an in-home appliance communicatively interfaced with the LAN
  • a wireless femtocell base station a wireless WiFi compatible base station
  • a wireless mobile device repeater a wireless mobile device base station
  • nodes within an ad-hoc/mesh network a set-top box (STB)/set-top unit (STU) customer electronics device
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the WAN performance information includes at least one of: topological information; geographical information; time; throughput; latency; jitter; packet loss; type of communication device; device network identification; manufacturer and model of equipment; equipment characteristics; firmware; user's network usage pattern; RF characteristics including at least one of: signal power, frequency bands and mode of operation; environment statistics; or data on operation of communication devices.
  • the agent includes an Application Programming Interface
  • the agent is a downloadable agent.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un procédé permettant de commander un service large bande. Le procédé consiste à : recueillir des données de comportement utilisateur, d'utilisation et de couche physique associées au service large bande ; analyser les données recueillies pour déterminer s'il est possible d'offrir à un utilisateur un service large bande différent du service large bande existant ; et fournir à l'utilisateur une offre ciblée en fonction de l'analyse. L'invention concerne aussi un procédé permettant de recommander un profil de service. Ce procédé consiste à : recevoir des données large bande à partir d'un agent, ledit agent pouvant être exécuté sur un dispositif informatique couplé à un réseau local d'un abonné à large bande ; identifier un profil de service actuel de l'abonné à large bande ; analyser les données large bande reçues, compte tenu du profil de service actuel ; déterminer un nouveau profil de service pour l'abonné à large bande en fonction des données large bande analysées ; et recommander le nouveau profil de service à l'abonné à large bande et au fournisseur de service de l'abonné à large bande.
PCT/US2014/012998 2013-01-25 2014-01-24 Procédé et appareil de services dans le nuage destinés à améliorer la performance large bande WO2014116983A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2899419A CA2899419A1 (fr) 2013-01-25 2014-01-24 Procede et appareil de services dans le nuage destines a ameliorer la performance large bande
AU2014209180A AU2014209180A1 (en) 2013-01-25 2014-01-24 Method and apparatus for cloud services for enhancing broadband experience
KR1020157022426A KR101770050B1 (ko) 2013-01-25 2014-01-24 광대역 경험을 향상시키기 위한 클라우드 서비스에 대한 방법 및 장치
BR112015017899A BR112015017899A2 (pt) 2013-01-25 2014-01-24 método e aparelho para serviços em nuvem para aprimorar experiência em banda larga
JP2015555354A JP2016514383A (ja) 2013-01-25 2014-01-24 ブロードバンドの体感を高めるためのクラウドサービスの方法および装置
US14/763,486 US9967156B2 (en) 2013-01-25 2014-01-24 Method and apparatus for cloud services for enhancing broadband experience
EP14743423.7A EP2949076A4 (fr) 2013-01-25 2014-01-24 Procédé et appareil de services dans le nuage destinés à améliorer la performance large bande
AU2016266044A AU2016266044B2 (en) 2013-01-25 2016-12-01 Method and apparatus for cloud services for enhancing broadband experience

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361757070P 2013-01-25 2013-01-25
US61/757,070 2013-01-25
PCT/US2013/034697 WO2014116286A2 (fr) 2013-01-25 2013-03-29 Procédé et appareil d'amélioration d'une expérience à large bande, pour services dans le nuage
USPCT/US2013/034697 2013-03-29

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WO2014116983A1 true WO2014116983A1 (fr) 2014-07-31

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