WO2021159301A1

WO2021159301A1 - Method and system for reducing service impact to users during image and/or firmware changes

Info

Publication number: WO2021159301A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/074852
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chunlin Zhao; Wenji Zhao; Jie Li; Wei Lu
Original assignee: Arris Enterprises Llc
Priority date: 2020-02-12
Filing date: 2020-02-12
Publication date: 2021-08-19

Abstract

A method and system are disclosed for reducing impact to users during image and/or firmware changes. The method includes receiving a command on a modem for an image upgrade and/or an image downgrade on the modem; downloading the image upgrade and/or the image downgrade image on the modem; and delaying a rebooting of the modem with the image upgrade and/or the downgrade image until a download_reboot_delay timer expires, the download_reboot_delay timer configured to delay the rebooting of the modem for predetermined period of time after the modem enters an idle state, the idle state of the modem being a state in which an amount of data throughput is less than a predetermined threshold and the modem does not have any active calls.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING SERVICE IMPACT TO USERS DURING IMAGE AND/OR FIRMWARE CHANGES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates generally to a method and system for reducing service impact to users during image and/or firmware changes, and more particularly to a method and system for reducing service impact during image and/or firmware changes to a network terminal using a download reboot delay timer, which delays the rebooting of the network terminal until calls and/or data throughput of users has ceased.

BACKGROUND

Cable service providers, which are also referred to as Multiple System Operators ( “MSO” ) , or any communication or content distribution business that operates through a cable network, renders its services to its subscribers. The services can include, but are not limited to, different subscription plans for broadband Internet access and telephony. In order to consume these services, subscribers connect to a private network owned (or co-owned or rented) by the broadband cable operator which is implemented according to the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) standard.

Subscribers connect their computers, routers, voice-over-IP telephones and other devices to this network through the network terminals, for example, cable modems (CM) or network gateways. The network terminals, for example, cable modems (CM) or network gateways include hardware which runs software that provides the low-level control for the device's specific hardware, which is known as firmware, which can be updated by pushing a new firmware version (or image) from time to time to the network gateway, for example, the cable modem (CM) or gateway. In some situations, it may be desirable to roll-back the firmware version or image to the previous version of the firmware or image.

With the use of smart phones and tables, users can play games, chat with friends and others via a plurality of different types of applications. However, when a system, for example, a home router, receives an update to the image or firmware, the home router will reboot immediately after the necessary software downgrade/upgrade is finished. In addition, when a modem is in an idle state, there is a baseline or minimum amount of data interaction between modem and WAN-side servers (i.e., necessary modem data) . If a user is using their smart phones, computers and tablets to communicate with others, the modem can detect real-time data throughput in excess of the baseline or minimum amount of data in the idle state. Alternatively, if the real-time data throughput through the modem is more than a baseline data throughput or minimum data throughput (i.e., necessary modem data) , the modem can determine that the user is using a device utilizing the services of the modem.

SUMMARY

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, it would be desirable that the network gateway reboot, for example, the modem reboot immediately after downgrade/upgrade is not performed until the network gateway or modem returns to an idle state, for example, wherein only the necessary real-time data throughput is detected by the network gateway or modem.

In accordance with an aspect, a method is disclosed for reducing impact to users during image and/or firmware changes, the method comprising: receiving a command on a modem for an image upgrade and/or an image downgrade on the modem; downloading the image upgrade and/or the image downgrade image on the modem; and delaying a rebooting of the modem with the image upgrade and/or the downgrade image until a download_reboot_delay timer expires, the download_reboot_delay timer configured to delay the rebooting of the modem for predetermined period of time after the modem enters an idle state, the idle state of the modem being a state in which an amount of data throughput is less than a predetermined threshold and the modem does not have any active calls.

In accordance with an another aspect, a modem is disclosed for use on a network, the modem comprising: a processor configured to: receive a command for an image upgrade and/or an image downgrade from a cable service provider; download the image upgrade and/or the image downgrade image from the cable service provider; and delay a rebooting of the modem with the image upgrade and/or the downgrade image until a download_reboot_delay timer expires, the download_reboot_delay timer configured to delay the rebooting of the modem for predetermined period of time after the modem enters an idle state, the idle state of the modem being a state in which an amount of data throughput is less than a predetermined threshold and the modem does not have any active calls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary network environment for a system and method for image rollback based on wireless connectivity.

FIG. 2A and 2B is a flow chart 200 illustrating a method and system for reducing impact to users during image and/or firmware changes to a network gateway, for example, in the form of a modem, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary hardware architecture for an embodiment of a communication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

System for reducing impact to users during image and/or firmware changes

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example network environment 100 operable to rollback validation based on wireless connectivity of devices within a network. In embodiments, a network gateway 120 can provide, for example, video and/or data services to a plurality of

devices

130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e. The network gateway 120 may communicate with the plurality of

devices

130a, 30b, 130c, 130d over a local network 132 (for example, a local area network (LAN) , a wireless local area network (WLAN) , a personal area network (PAN) , etc. ) and/or wired, for example, a television 130e connected to a modem, and may communicate with an upstream wide area network (WAN) 160 through a connection 150 to a cable provider 110. The cable provider 110 can provide high-bandwidth data transfer, for example, cable television and broadband internet access via, for example, coaxial cables 140. The cable provider 110 can include one or more servers 112 configured to deliver services, for example, cable television and/or broadband internet and infrastructure supporting such services including management of image software and/or firmware.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of

devices

130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e may be any type of computing device configured to connect via a wireless network, for example, wireless network utilizing an IEEE 802.11 specification, including a set-top box (STB) , a smart phone, a smart TV, a computer, a mobile device, a tablet, a router, a home security system, or any other device operable to communicate wirelessly with the network gateway 120. The network gateway 120 may provide access to an external network, such as the Internet, for any devices connected thereto via the area network 132. The area network 132 may be, for instance a local area. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the network gateway 120 may be a gateway device, an access point, a modem, a wireless router including an embedded modem, a wireless network extender or any other device operable to deliver, for example, data and/or video services from the provider 110 and/or a wide area network (WAN) 160 to one or more of the plurality of

devices

130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the network gateway 120 may communicate with the provider 110 over a wired or a wireless connection. A wireless connection between the provider 110 and the network gateway 120 may be established through a protected setup sequence (for example, Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) ) . The protected setup sequence may include the steps of scanning multiple wireless channels for an available access point, exchanging one or more messages between a station and access point, exchanging key messages (for example, pre-shared key (PSK) ) between the station and access point, and installing a key (for example, PSK) at the station.

Process for reducing impact to users during image and/or firmware changes

FIG. 2A and 2B is a flow chart 200 illustrating a method and system for reducing impact to users during image and/or firmware changes to a network gateway 120, for example, in the form of a modem, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the method and system as disclosed has a plurality of scenarios, which can include immediately rebooting the network gateway 120, for example, a modem, after an image downgrade or upgrade, or alternatively, the rebooting of the network gateway 120 can be delayed after the image downgrade or image upgrade as disclosed herein.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, if the user is doing nothing (scenario 1) , for example, the modem 120 is not in use or data throughput is not detected other than the between the modem 120 and the provider 110 or other background communications such as pinging to detect devices, etc. (i.e., the modem is in an idle state) , the modem 120 will reboot immediately after the image downgrade/image upgrade has been successfully completed. In accordance with a second scenario (scenario 2) , when the user is engaged, for example, on a personal computer, phones, or

tablet

130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, which is in communication with the modem 120 through wireless or Ethernet, the modem 120 detects current data throughput and regards the current data throughput as not vacant (i.e., the modem is not in an idle state) , the modem 120 will trigger a timer (i.e., a download_reboot_delay timer) that upon the modem 120 being transformed from an occupied state to an idle state, the modem 120 will reboot immediately after the timer expires.

In accordance with a third scenario (scenario 3) , when the user is in a call, the modem 120 detects that the current user is in a call and regards it is not vacant, and the modem will trigger a download_reboot_delay timer that upon the modem 120 being transformed from an occupied state to an idle state, and the modem 120 will reboot immediately after the timer expires. Other scenarios are possible and will occur to the skilled artisan.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in step 210, the modem 120 receives a command from, for example, the provider 110, for an image upgrade or an image downgrade, for example to a portion or part of the firmware of the modem 120, or alternatively, the image upgrade or image downgrade to an entirety of the firmware of the modem 120. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, in step 220, the modem 120 successfully downloads the new image from the server 112 (i.e., load server) of the provider 110.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, in step 230, upon completion of the successful downloading of the new image on the modem 120, the modem 120 determines if there is an active call for instance on the modem 120. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, if there are no active calls, the process continues to step 240 to determine if there is any user data throughput.

If in step 230, there is an active call on the modem 120, the process continues to step 232, where a determination is made if the call has been terminated. If the call has not been terminated, the process continues to step 234 where the call’s status is monitored. During the monitoring of the call status, the process continues via loop back to step 232 to determine if the call has been terminated since the last status check. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the loop can be a continuous loop or have, for example, a pause or delay between each of the status checks, for example, between 1 second and 1200 seconds (20 minutes) , and perhaps more likely between 60 seconds and 300 seconds (5 minutes) , although other timeframes are possible, depending on implementation.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, in step 230, if there is no active calls, the process continues to step 240 as shown in FIG. 2B, where a determination is made if there is user data throughput on the modem 120. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user data throughput should be in excess of a baseline, for example, a minimum or predetermined amount or threshold of data throughput associated with the communication between the modem 120 and, for example, the provider 110, i.e., an idle state of the modem 120. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, if there is no user data throughput in excess of the baseline or minimum amount of data throughput, the process continues to step 260.

Alternatively, if in step 240 a determination is made that there is user data throughput in excess of the baseline or minimum throughput in excess of the data throughput associated with the data connection between the modem 120 and the provider 110, the process continues to step 250. In step 250, a determination is made if the user data throughput is still exceeding the baseline or minimum data throughput. In step 250, if the user data throughput does not exceed the baseline or minimum data throughput of the modem 120, the process continues to step 260. Alternatively, if the user data throughput exceeds the baseline or minimum data throughput of the modem 120, the process continues to step 252 where the user data throughput is monitored via a loop. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the loop associated with the monitoring of the user data throughput can be a continuous loop or have, for example, a pause or delay between each of the status checks, for example, between 1 second and 1200 seconds (20 minutes) , and perhaps more likely between 60 seconds and 300 seconds (5 minutes) , although, again, other timeframes are possible, depending on implementation.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, in step 250, once the user data throughput is below or at the baseline or minimum, the process continues to step 260. In step 260, the download_reboot_delay timer is triggered. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the download_reboot_delay timer is configured to delay the rebooting of the modem 1120 until a time in which the user is neither engaged in a telephone call and/or alternatively accessing or using data via an application on the modem 120. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, when the upgrade_reboot_delay timer is activated in step 260, the modem 120 is transformed from an occupied state to an idle state, and modem 120 will reboot, for example, immediately after the timer expires. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the timer in step 260 can be set between 0 seconds (immediately reboot) and 1200 seconds (20 minutes) , and perhaps more likely between 60 seconds and 300 seconds (5 minutes) , although other timeframes are possible, depending on implementation.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the in step 270, a determination is made if the download_reboot_delay timer has expired. If the download_reboot_delay timer has expired, the process continues to step 290 where the modem 120 is rebooted to load the new image. Alternatively, if the download_reboot_delay timer has not expired, in step 280, the time continues counting via a loop. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the loop can be a continuous loop or have, for example, a pause or delay between each of the status checks, for example, between 1 second and 1200 seconds (20 minutes) , and perhaps more likely between 60 seconds and 300 seconds (5 minutes) , although it is reiterated other timeframes are possible, depending on implementation.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the modem 120 can be configured to reset the download_reboot_delay timer upon a change in a status of the modem from the idle state to the occupied state. For example, if there is a user places a telephone call and/or the user data throughput exceeds that predetermined threshold prior to the download_reboot_delay timer expiring.

Computer System Architecture

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative computer system 300 in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented as computer-readable code. For example, the one or more servers 112, the network gateway 120, and the plurality of

devices

130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e of FIG. 1 may be implemented in whole or in part by a computer system 300 using hardware, software, firmware, non-transitory computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. Hardware, software, or any combination thereof may embody modules and components used to implement the methods and steps of the present invention.

If programmable logic is used, such logic may execute on a commercially available processing platform configured by executable software code to become a specific purpose computer or a special purpose device (for example, programmable logic array, application-specific integrated circuit, etc. ) . A person having ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be practiced with various computer system configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, computers linked or clustered with distributed functions, as well as pervasive or miniature computers that may be embedded into virtually any device. For instance, at least one processor device and a memory may be used to implement the above described embodiments.

A processor unit or device as discussed herein may be a single processor, a plurality of processors, or combinations thereof. Processor devices may have one or more processor “cores. ” The terms “computer program medium, ” “non-transitory computer readable medium, ” and “computer usable medium” as discussed herein are used to generally refer to tangible media such as a removable storage unit 318, a removable storage unit 322, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 312.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in terms of this representative computer system 300. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implement the present disclosure using other computer systems and/or computer architectures. Although operations may be described as a sequential process, some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, concurrently, and/or in a distributed environment, and with program code stored locally or remotely for access by single or multi-processor machines. In addition, in some embodiments the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

Processor device 304 may be a special purpose or a general purpose processor device specifically configured to perform the functions discussed herein. The processor device 304 may be connected to a communications infrastructure 305, such as a bus, message queue, network, multi-core message-passing scheme, etc. The network may be any network suitable for performing the functions as disclosed herein and may include a local area network ( “LAN” ) , a wide area network ( “WAN” ) , a wireless network (e.g., “Wi-Fi” ) , a mobile communication network, a satellite network, the Internet, fiber optic, coaxial cable, infrared, radio frequency ( “RF” ) , or any combination thereof. Other suitable network types and configurations will be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant art. The computer system 300 may also include a main memory 308 (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, etc. ) , and may also include a secondary memory 310. The secondary memory 310 may include the hard disk drive 312 and a removable storage drive 314, such as a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, etc.

The removable storage drive 314 may read from and/or write to the removable storage unit 318 in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 318 may include a removable storage media that may be read by and written to by the removable storage drive 314. For example, if the removable storage drive 314 is a floppy disk drive or universal serial bus port, the removable storage unit 318 may be a floppy disk or portable flash drive, respectively. In one embodiment, the removable storage unit 318 may be non-transitory computer readable recording media.

In some embodiments, the secondary memory 310 may include alternative means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 300, for example, the removable storage unit 322 and an interface 320. Examples of such means may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (e.g., as found in video game systems) , a removable memory chip (e.g., EEPROM, PROM, etc. ) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 322 and interfaces 320 as will be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant art.

Data stored in the computer system 300 (e.g., in the main memory 308 and/or the secondary memory 310) may be stored on any type of suitable computer readable media, such as optical storage (e.g., a compact disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc. ) or magnetic tape storage (e.g., a hard disk drive) . The data may be configured in any type of suitable database configuration, such as a relational database, a structured query language (SQL) database, a distributed database, an object database, etc. Suitable configurations and storage types will be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant art.

The computer system 300 may also include a communications interface 324. The communications interface 324 may be configured to allow software and data to be transferred between the computer system 300 and external devices. Exemplary communications interfaces 324 may include a modem, a network interface (e.g., an Ethernet card) , a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via the communications interface 324 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals as will be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant art. The signals may travel via a communications path 326, which may be configured to carry the signals and may be implemented using wire, cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, a radio frequency link, etc.

The computer system 300 may further include a display interface 302. The display interface 302 may be configured to allow data to be transferred between the computer system 300 and external display 330. Exemplary display interfaces 302 may include high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) , digital visual interface (DVI) , video graphics array (VGA) , etc. The display 330 may be any suitable type of display for displaying data transmitted via the display interface 302 of the computer system 300, including a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, liquid crystal display (LCD) , light-emitting diode (LED) display, capacitive touch display, thin-film transistor (TFT) display, etc.

Computer program medium and computer usable medium may refer to memories, such as the main memory 308 and secondary memory 310, which may be memory semiconductors (e.g., DRAMs, etc. ) . These computer program products may be means for providing software to the computer system 300. Computer programs (e.g., computer control logic) may be stored in the main memory 308 and/or the secondary memory 310. Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface 324. Such computer programs, when executed, may enable computer system 300 to implement the present methods as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, may enable processor device 304 to implement the methods illustrated by FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, as discussed herein. Accordingly, such computer programs may represent controllers of the computer system 300. Where the present disclosure is implemented using software executed on hardware, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 300 using the removable storage drive 314, interface 320, and hard disk drive 312, or communications interface 324.

The processor device 304 may comprise one or more modules or engines configured to perform the functions of the computer system 300. Each of the modules or engines may be implemented using hardware and, in some instances, may also utilize software executed on hardware, such as corresponding to program code and/or programs stored in the main memory 308 or secondary memory 310. In such instances, program code may be compiled by the processor device 304 (e.g., by a compiling module or engine) prior to execution by the hardware of the computer system 300. For example, the program code may be source code written in a programming language that is translated into a lower level language, such as assembly language or machine code, for execution by the processor device 304 and/or any additional hardware components of the computer system 300. The process of compiling may include the use of lexical analysis, preprocessing, parsing, semantic analysis, syntax-directed translation, code generation, code optimization, and any other techniques that may be suitable for translation of program code into a lower level language suitable for controlling the computer system 300 to perform the functions disclosed herein. It will be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant art that such processes result in the computer system 300 being a specially configured computer system 300 uniquely programmed to perform the functions discussed above.

Techniques consistent with the present disclosure provide, among other features, systems and methods for reducing service impact to users during image and/or firmware changes. While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed system and method have been described above it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, not limitations. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing of the disclosure, without departing from the breadth or scope.

Claims

A method for reducing impact to users during image and/or firmware changes, the method comprising:

receiving a command on a modem for an image upgrade and/or an image downgrade on the modem;

downloading the image upgrade and/or the image downgrade image on the modem; and

delaying a rebooting of the modem with the image upgrade and/or the downgrade image until a download_reboot_delay timer expires, the download_reboot_delay timer configured to delay the rebooting of the modem for predetermined period of time after the modem enters an idle state, the idle state of the modem being a state in which an amount of data throughput is less than a predetermined threshold and the modem does not have any active calls.
The method according to claim 1, comprising:

monitoring a call status on the modem; and

classifying the modem as in an occupied state when the modem detects an active call on the modem.
The method according to claim 2, comprising:

monitoring the call status of the modem in the occupied state via a continuous loop until the active call on the modem is no longer active.
The method according to claim 2, comprising:

monitoring data throughput on the modem; and

classifying the modem in the occupied state when the data throughput on the modem exceeds the predetermined threshold.
The method according to claim 4, comprising:

monitoring the data throughput on the modem via a continuous loop until the data throughput on the modem is less than the predetermined threshold.
The method according to claim 4, comprising:

triggering the download_reboot_delay timer upon the classification of the modem to the idle state.
The method according to claim 6, comprising:

rebooting the modem upon an expiration of the download_reboot_delay timer.
The method according to claim 7, comprising:

setting the expiration of the download_reboot_delay timer to between 0 seconds to 600 seconds.
The method according to claim 7, comprising:

setting the expiration of the download_reboot_delay timer to between 30 seconds and 300 seconds.
The method according to claim 6, comprising:

resetting the download_reboot_delay timer upon a change in a status of the modem from the idle state to the occupied state.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold is an amount of user data of the modem for connectivity between the modem and a provider in the idle state.
The method according to claim 1, comprising:

downloading the image upgrade and/or image downgrade image on the modem from a cable service provider.
A modem for use on a network, the modem comprising:

a processor configured to:

receive a command for an image upgrade and/or an image downgrade from a cable service provider;

download the image upgrade and/or the image downgrade image from the cable service provider; and

delay a rebooting of the modem with the image upgrade and/or the downgrade image until a download_reboot_delay timer expires, the download_reboot_delay timer configured to delay the rebooting of the modem for predetermined period of time after the modem enters an idle state, the idle state of the modem being a state in which an amount of data throughput is less than a predetermined threshold and the modem does not have any active calls.
The modem according to claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to:

monitor a call status on the modem;

classify the modem as in an occupied state when the modem detects an active call on the modem; and

monitor the call status of the modem in the occupied state via a continuous loop until the active call on the modem is no longer active.
The modem according to claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to:

monitor data throughput on the modem;

classify the modem in the occupied state when the data throughput on the modem exceeds the predetermined threshold; and

monitor the data throughput on the modem via a continuous loop until the data throughput on the modem is less than the predetermined threshold.
The modem according to claim 15, wherein the processor is configured to:

trigger the download_reboot_delay timer upon the classification of the modem to the idle state; and

reboot the modem upon an expiration of the download_reboot_delay timer.
The modem according to claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to:

set the expiration of the download_reboot_delay timer to between 0 seconds to 600 seconds.
The modem according to claim 15, wherein the processor is configured to:

reset the download_reboot_delay timer upon a change in a status of the modem from the idle state to the occupied state.
The modem according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined threshold is an amount of user data of the modem for connectivity between the modem and a provider in the idle state.