Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080212744 | Method, system, apparatus, and program for verifying media service features - Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for verifying a service provided to at least one subscriber terminal in a communication network. The method includes connecting a communication device to the network, logging into a test unit communicatively coupled to the network using the communication device, entering into the communication device an access code corresponding to a test for verifying a service, and conducting the test for verifying the service, corresponding to the access code. | 09-04-2008 |
20080253771 | Method and apparatus for configuring Optical Network Terminals (ONT) in a network - A method and system allowing a network operator to change services on a large group of Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at one time through the use of profiles. At least one profile is configured, and at least one of the profiles is associated with at least one Optical Network Terminal (ONT) having a number of ports. A configuration for the ONTs is generated based on the profiles and, upon a request by an ONT, the configuration is forwarded to the requesting ONT. The method and system may include a graphical user interface (GUI) for entering information used in configuring the profiles, and may assign the profiles to multiple ONTs. Further, the GUI may automatically gather and provide statistics relating to the ONTs to the network operator. Additionally, in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) network, the method and system may communicate with the ONTs without using a SIP protocol stack. | 10-16-2008 |
20090015417 | Method and apparatus for managing battery log information and method of generating revenue through sales thereof - Example embodiments of the present invention provide management and reporting tools for service providers to manage batteries within battery backup units (BBUs) deployed their networks. Service providers may generate battery reports periodically, on-demand, or on an event driven basis, and, in turn, may notify customers of a status of battery replacement. Specifically, example embodiments of the present invention allow an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to log BBU history via a craft port, Optical Line Terminal (OLT), direct internal communications with the battery, or some other technician interface. The ONT may store this information in memory when it detects a battery replacement or when a technician issues commands about battery log information. The OLT or an Element Management System (EMS) may query battery log information from all ONTs and generate management reports therefrom. The information may be sold, on a subscription fee basis, for example, to battery manufacturers or service providers. | 01-15-2009 |
20090024725 | Method and apparatus to integrate and manage an optical network terminal and a broadband home router - Common techniques for processing software updates have Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and Broadband Home Router (BHR) managers to manage the ONTs and BHRs respectively from separate remote locations in a network. In contrast, a system employing ‘an example’ embodiment of the invention may receive network traffic for an ONT and BHR (“components”) via a single management channel. The system parses signals (e.g., software updates) and processes the management signals with a processor in a first component (e.g., ONT). The system converts a remaining software update to a format compatible with a management channel between the components to forward to the second component (e.g., BHR) for processing. In this way, the system may update multiple components using a single management channel. Thus, software updates or other management procedures can be performed using a single management channel with improved efficiency. | 01-22-2009 |
20090034411 | AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING MECHANISM FOR END-USERS AND TECHNICIANS - A method, apparatus, system, and computer-readable program, for operating a communication network that supports a plurality of types of communication services, such as video, voice, and data services. According to an example embodiment of the invention, the method includes detecting an operating condition affecting any of the communication services within the network, and providing a notification of the operating condition, by way of at least one of the communication services not affected by the operating condition. This notification can be provided in response to a request from a network component or a user, or in response to the detection. The method enables end-users and technicians to troubleshoot service problems based on the notification, which can be forwarded via a service not affected by the condition. | 02-05-2009 |
20090041460 | Method and apparatus to provide bonded optical network devices - An apparatus and corresponding method for a bonded Optical Network Terminals (ONT) enhances throughput, redundancy and user-port flexibility by Passive Optical Network (PON) services, such as Gigabit-capable (GPON), Broadband PON (BPON), Ethernet PON (EPON) and future PON services, by mechanically or logically externally managing a plurality of individual ONTs as a single bonded ONT while maintaining individual internal management. Further, multiple OLTs may communicate with the same ONT, thereby increasing throughput and providing redundancy. For manufacturers, user-port flexibility reduces time-to-market for unique products to meet specific user needs. That is, different applications may require multiple ONTs to be managed as a single device, yet provide the port counts from various ONTs. For service providers, mechanical or logical combination(s) of ONTs allows management from a user perspective, providing an opportunity for servicing a single device, improving accounting, billing, inventory, etc. | 02-12-2009 |
20090042536 | Method and apparatus to manage femtocell traffic - Common techniques for processing cellular service uses a signal cellular tower, but these techniques are limited to the capacity of the single cellular tower. In contrast, a system employing an example embodiment of the invention increases ability to process cellular service by using an access point access network using resident wireless devices, referred to as a femtocell. A system supports communications of a resident and roaming device while employing the access point access network, based on database information, to support soft handoff between adjacent femtocells or from femtocell to cell tower and vice-versa. As a result, the system enables the resident and roaming devices to have seamless transitions between the cellular access network and the access point access network. Thus, the access point access network supplements cellular access networks and can provide cellular service regardless of the capacity of the cellular tower. | 02-12-2009 |
20090042563 | Method and apparatus to support services for a non-resident device - Common techniques for processing cellular service uses a signal cellular tower, but these techniques are limited to the capacity of the single cellular tower. In contrast, a system employing an example embodiment of the invention increases ability to process cellular service by using an access point access network using resident wireless devices, referred to as a femtocell. A system supports communications of a resident and roaming device while employing the access point access network, based on database information, to support soft handoff between adjacent femtocells or from femtocell to cell tower and vice-versa. As a result, the system enables the resident and roaming devices to have seamless transitions between the cellular access network and the access point access network. Thus, the access point access network supplements cellular access networks and can provide cellular service regardless of the capacity of the cellular tower. | 02-12-2009 |
20090047016 | Multi-access network terminal, communication method, service-providing method, and revenue-receiving method - A multi-access network terminal includes first and second communication interfaces. The first interface is configured to communicate with a first service provider providing services to a user through the first interface with a first type of signal and/or a first type of communications protocol. The second interface is configured to communicate with the first service provider providing services to the user through the second communication interface using a second type of signal and/or a second type of communications protocol. Alternatively, the second interface is configured to communicate with a second service provider providing services to the user through the second communication interface using the first or second type of signal and/or the first or second different type of communications protocol. | 02-19-2009 |
20090047021 | Integrated overlay card, optical line terminal and system with integrated overlay card, and methods for operating the system and terminal - An integrated overlay card, an optical line terminal with an integrated overlay card, and a method for operating an optical network. The integrated overlay card may fit at least partially within the optical line terminal. The integrated overlay card includes a wavelength dimension multiplexer/demultiplexer that overlays first signals at a first wavelength onto second signals at a second wavelength, so as to combine signals. The combined signals may be routed to an optical network. In example embodiments, the invention may be used to provide an IP television service. | 02-19-2009 |
20090067840 | Method of providing multi-staged IP filters in a point-to-multipoint environment - Various service providers have different architectures to deliver Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) to their subscribers. Some service providers equipment is based on layer 2 IPTV protocol, and other equipment is based on layer 3 IPTV protocol. Within a Passive Optical Network (PON) environment, there may be multiple service providers that employ different delivery techniques to Optical Network Terminals (ONTs). Example embodiments of the invention accommodate these different delivery mechanisms by supporting layer 2 and layer 3 delivery by dynamically configuring traffic filters as a function of a layer and content of an upstream traffic request. | 03-12-2009 |
20090074411 | SYSTEM, METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND PROGRAM CODE FOR CAPTURING, STORING, AND RETRIEVING INFORMATION COMMUNICATED IN A NETWORK - A method, apparatus, system, and computer-readable program, for for capturing communicated information across a network that includes a plurality of nodes. The method includes providing criteria for capturing, in at least a first one of the nodes, information included in at least one communication passing through the at least one first node, capturing, from the at least one communication passing through the at least one first node, information meeting the criteria, and providing the information captured in the capturing to at least a second one of the nodes of the network. According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first node includes an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), the at least one second node includes an Element Management System (EMS), and the information includes Ethernet frames. The method further comprises presenting the information to an operator at the EMS, in a decomposed, interpretable format. | 03-19-2009 |
20090074423 | Method and apparatus for configuring an optical network terminal - Separating Passive Optical Network (PON) functions in different mechanical devices, such as optical to electrical conversion of the PON protocol, allows installation of an optical termination device at an exterior of an installation premises and installation of a user interface device performing PON functions inside the installation premises. Various embodiments allow service providers first to install an optical device outside the premises and, later, to install an electrical device, optionally by a customer. This eliminates a service provider from entering the installation premises and enables the customer to complete installation in the interior of the installation premises. Further, more robust, hardened components may be used in the more-permanently installed exterior device, while less-expensive, lower-quality components may be used in the easily-replaceable indoor device, thus reducing cost. | 03-19-2009 |
20090103694 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING VOICE COMMUNICATIONS - A network element, a system to deliver voice communications, and methods for delivering voice services from an optical network to a telephone at a location within a premises. The system may include a network element and a telephone system having a connector. The telephone system may be positioned proximate to the network element so that the connector contacts an analog interface of the network element. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106406 | METHOD OF INITIATING DTMF DIAGNOSTICS AND OTHER FEATURES VIA A CALL IN DIAGNOSTICS INTERFACE - A method to initiate a remote diagnostic mode in a network terminal includes determining whether a received signal corresponds to a command to initiate a remote diagnostic mode, and setting the network terminal in a remote diagnostic mode in accordance with the result of the determining. An authentication procedure may be performed prior to setting the network terminal in the remote diagnostic mode, for increased security. | 04-23-2009 |
20090148157 | IDENTIFYING COMMUNICATION ERRORS CAUSED BY THE EXCHANGE OF UNSUPPORTED MESSAGES AMONG DEVICES IN A NETWORK - A method, and an apparatus, system, and sequences of instructions that operate in accordance with the method, for identifying errors in communications in a system that provides services. In the method, control messages are generated and sent to a network device. Error information generated in response to an unsupported control message being received by the network device, from at least one controlling device, is stored in the network device. The error information stored in the network device is retrieved, and errors in communications between the network device and the controlling device are identified, based on the error information retrieved. | 06-11-2009 |
20090154349 | Method and apparatus for managing traffic flow of forwarding entries through a virtual forwarding database of a network node - Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for supporting a virtual forwarding database in response to telecommunications network service demands and standard Media Access Control learning processes to support an overall forwarding database greater than the size supported in hardware. An example embodiment of the present invention provides a possible solution or workaround for certain hardware platforms that limit the total number of forwarding entries that are currently available. This is done by creating a virtual forwarding database that may be maintained in local random access memory and not in the switch(es)/network processors' forwarding database. As such, a traffic module (e.g., application code/processor or central processing unit) may continuously update a virtual forwarding database along with a dedicated forwarding database based on the reception of external data, which includes, but is not limited to, any combination of the following: IPTV joins/leaves, new/unknown packets, and known packets. | 06-18-2009 |
20090174561 | System and Method for Transmitting Security Information Over a Passive Optical Network - An optical network terminal (ONT) includes an input device coupled to at least one sensing device mounted in a structure, and an output coupled to a passive optical network (PON). The ONT also includes a processor programmed to receive security information from the input device, determine if an alarm condition exists using the security information, and transmit an alarm to the output based on the determination. The processor is programmed to detect an open circuit between the sensing device and the ONT, and to generate an alarm if an open circuit is detected. The processor is also programmed to receive information from a keypad located remotely from the ONT. The keypad is utilized to program the ONT from the remote location. | 07-09-2009 |
20090179130 | BRACKET SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING MULTIPLE NETWORK DEVICES, AND METHOD THEREOF - A network device mounting bracket and system for mounting multiple network devices. A network device mounting bracket includes a device interface for receiving a network device and a connection interface for connecting to other network device mounting brackets. Alternatively, the network device mounting bracket includes multiple device interfaces. The brackets can have various wire management capabilities. | 07-16-2009 |
20090180777 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR DOWNLOADING AND MAINTAINING IP STREAM WHITELISTS ON OPTICAL NETWORK TERMINALS - Systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for downloading a whitelist onto a passive optical network including a passive optical network and a management interface communicatively coupled to the passive optical network and configured to provision the whitelist. An optical line terminal also on the passive optical network includes a passive optical network card operable to broadcast the whitelist to optical network terminals which are configured to receive and enforce the whitelist. | 07-16-2009 |
20090180782 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIMEDIA-OVER-COAX-ALLIANCE NETWORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN OPTICAL NETWORK - An apparatus, system, computer program, and method for providing a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) (or other multimedia-over-coaxial cable technology) network in conjunction with an optical network. In example embodiments, MoCA data is communicated between network nodes in an optical signal. In other example embodiments, MoCA data, or other data, is transmitted in optical frequencies above 860 MHz. | 07-16-2009 |
20090187480 | METHOD, SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR PROVIDING SELECTIVE ADVERTISING TO SUBSCRIBERS - A method, apparatus, system, and computer program for providing selective advertising. The method includes providing an advertisement request specifying that advertising content be provided and automatically providing the advertising content on at least one network service in response to the advertisement request. The advertising content provided is based upon advertising content preferences pre-specified by a subscriber. Also provided is a method for exchanging payments, which includes determining a payment payable to a network service provider from a subscriber and providing the payment to the network service provider from the subscriber. The payment is determined as a cost for access to a selective advertisement service and/or a provisioning of selective advertising. | 07-23-2009 |
20090232008 | SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING EQUIPMENT WITH A SERVICE PROVIDER, APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING DIAGNOSTIC AND/OR MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATION WITH SUCH EQUIPMENT, AND PROCEDURE FOR COMMUNICATING WITH SUCH EQUIPMENT - A system, apparatus, and procedure connects customer premises equipment with a service provider network and includes a first local area network, a second local area network, and a management interface device. The first local area network connects the customer premises equipment to the service provider network and is configured to transmit primary service signals to and receive primary service signals from the customer premises equipment. The second local area network connects the customer premises equipment to the service provider network via the management interface device and is configured to transmit diagnostic and/or management signals from the service provider network to the customer premises equipment through the management interface device and/or to receive diagnostic and/or management signals from the customer premises equipment and transmit those signals to the service provider network through the management interface device. These various functions can also be instructed to be performed by a software computer program or computer program product. | 09-17-2009 |
20090238561 | Method and apparatus for measuring quality of traffic performance in a passive optical network (PON) - Systems and methods for measuring and reporting the performance of communications traffic in a Passive Optical Network (PON) are disclosed. According to the disclosed embodiments, the PON network may include an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and multiple Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) downstream of the OLT. By aggregating multicast communications traffic received by the ONTs at a point downstream of the ONTs, selectively accessing the aggregated communications traffic, collecting information representative of performance of each selected communications traffic, and reporting the collected information upstream to a network management node, communications traffic in the PON network may be tested in both downstream and upstream directions. Advantages provided by the disclosed embodiments include simplification of the testing process by consolidating all performance reports in one place, enabling more flexible testing, and creating value from the collected information, such as by using the collected information in conjunction with simulation tools during customer deployment. | 09-24-2009 |
20090263139 | Method and apparatus for increasing voice service for an optical network terminal (ONT) - An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) has a fixed number of voice ports. A system employing an example embodiment of the invention increases the number of voice ports without changing hardware in the ONT by employing an Analog Terminal Adaptor (ATA) expander and configuring the ATA expander through use of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and other network resources already available in a network with which the ONT is associated. The ATA expander is configured to be compatible with the ONT and, thus the ONT can increase voice services without hardware changes to support growing demands by customers for access to voice services via increasing number of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). | 10-22-2009 |
20090269063 | Method and apparatus for enabling activation of services via an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) - Cell phones or other wireless devices are becoming increasingly more accessible to customers, but cell phone features are primarily focused on communications services. A system employing an example embodiment activates services for an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in the presence of wireless devices. In particular, the ONT responds to a ranging request from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) with an ONT Identifier (ID) and an ID of a wireless device. If the ID of the wireless device is known, the ONT may enable activate a service, such as a security service for a homeowner. If the ID of the wireless device is unknown, the system may employ security measures, such as notifying the homeowner that a person with a wireless device having an unknown ID is on the premises. Thus, the example embodiment enables or disables premises security or other security based on the ID of the wireless device. | 10-29-2009 |
20090285106 | IPTV fault integration and fault location isolation - A problem of collecting data unnecessarily in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network is, in part, caused by a centralized approach to data collection, whereby data is collected for logical channels, even if not currently streaming to an end node. A method or corresponding apparatus of fault detection according to an example embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting and reporting faults specific to a logical IPTV channel in an IPTV network for logical channels actively streaming to an end user device, such as in response to a “join” request. One or more nodes supporting a logical IPTV channel provide fault indicators, which may be reported to another node or end user. Node(s) in the IPTV network may aggregate and process multiple fault indicators from across a network, thereby enabling diagnosis of specific errors in the IPTV network. Through the use of the method or apparatus, network resources are conserved. | 11-19-2009 |
20090285576 | Method and apparatus for feedback/configuration of optical network terminal (ONT) anomalies to/from a central location - A method and system for collecting and analyzing diagnostic data relating to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) anomaly or failure is disclosed. Example embodiments of the method and system employ a SIP configuration server to collect and analyze diagnostic data efficiently to determine a cause of the anomaly or failure in both live and post-mortem scenarios. The collected data may be communicated to a central location, where analysis of the data may be conveniently performed by a technical support entity. The method and system are scalable and may be applied to an entire installed base of ONTs across many individual Passive Optical Networks (PONs). | 11-19-2009 |
20090289534 | Network terminal cover - Customer premises equipment (CPE), such as optical network terminals (ONT), are often located on the outside of a premises, and are susceptible to theft and to weather elements. A cap for portions of customer premises equipment (CPE) used in telecommunications networks protects the CPE from theft and from the weather elements. The cap typically covers a portion of the CPE that carries communications and power connectors, providing protection from the weather elements. Additionally, the cap may be lockable, preventing unauthorized removal of the CPE or portions of the CPE. The cap may also provide strain relief for cables coupled to the CPE. The cap may also prevent unauthorized removal of covers on a CPE housing that protects valuable components, such as battery back-ups. | 11-26-2009 |
20090296578 | Optimal path selection for media content delivery - Networks continually change in terms of physical, logical, and traffic loading. Determining efficient traffic flow from a content server to a subscriber is a difficult task, and slow network delivery can cause a subscriber to be dissatisfied with a service provider. A method or corresponding apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention selects the best physical or logical path via which devices should forward media content to end-user devices through multicast selection techniques, optionally in request or delivery directions, or both. The multicast selection allows devices to send streams over the most efficient channel detected in the network based on a criterion, such as latency. Upstream request multicast selection provides an ability to send requests faster, by sending them over multiple channels, and downstream multicast selection allows streams to be delivered faster in the downstream direction. Ultimately, shorter request times or faster delivery speed increases customer satisfaction. | 12-03-2009 |
20090296584 | Method and apparatus to support customer premises diagnostics and service simulation via test user interface devices - Because networks, such as Optical Distributed Networks (ODNs), dynamically change over time as more users and services are added, service providers are challenged to test operational robustness following installation of equipment or provisioning of services or upgrades. Example embodiments of the present invention allow testing of various services along a communications path, including software upgrades, throughput tests and simulations, and combinations of simulated scenarios with live customer traffic. The example embodiments allow generation of reports based on the testing of various services so that a technician may correct errors and ensure proper provisioning during equipment installation. Such testing may be useful to detect installation or activation problems encountered when a subscriber activates a service at a later date or adds additional devices. The example embodiments simplify installation and provisioning, saving service providers cost on a per installation or provisioning basis. | 12-03-2009 |
20090310615 | Logical geographical and subscriber ONT subgroups in support of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) architecture - Example embodiments of the present invention help extend service provider visibility to all premises equipment (CPE) devices that are ranged with an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) by associating an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) within each device (CPE-ONT), such as a personal computer (PC), set-top box (STB), broadband home router (BHR), or analog telephone adapter (ATA). Therefore, each CPE device is managed independently via the CPE-ONT integrated with it. This allows each CPE device to terminate only optical signals supporting communications supported by the CPE device. Further, each CPE device has access to the entire GPON bandwidth, thereby increasing performance and eliminating bottlenecks caused by electrical communications over 10/100/1000 BaseT interfaces. | 12-17-2009 |
20090310962 | Service based power and battery backup selection in a multiple dwelling unit - Heavy users of a Multi-Dwelling Unit Optical Network Terminal (MDU ONT) continuing to use services, such as telephone, data and video, when the MDU ONT is operating from backup power unfairly use the power available from the battery backup power supply. In other words, a heavy user uses more than his share of the power available at the battery backup power supply. Example embodiments of the present invention eliminate such unfairness by associating with each user a separate battery backup power supply dedicated to support that user's services. Therefore, the heavy user will drain his battery more quickly than a light or moderate user. In situations when power from a user's battery backup power supply is not available and an emergency or priority service is requested, the MDU ONT may allocate power from other user batteries, or its own central battery, to support the service. | 12-17-2009 |
20090313476 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTRICTING USER ACCESS TO FIBER TO AN OPTIC NETWORK TERMINAL - In traditional networks, a user provides an authorization to establish a connection for services with an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and an Optical Line Terminal (OLT). The ONT becomes vulnerable to unauthorized users because the ONT restricts access at an Internet Protocol level. An embodiment of the present invention includes a system that restricts user access to services by causing a ranging fault to disable an ONT from communicating upstream with the OLT in an event the user fails to provide a valid ONT level user authorization. In an event the ONT is in a ranged state and the user fails to provide a valid service level authorization, the system causes a service level fault to restrict the ONT from granting user access to the user to services. Thus, unauthorized users are prevented access to the ONT and increased security is achieved. | 12-17-2009 |
20090317087 | Configurable control for network device operation - A network device can encounter operating conditions that have potential to affect upstream communications adversely for another network device, as well as for the upstream communications or hardware of the network device itself. A network device according to an example embodiment of the present invention is configured to determine when such conditions occur, and, in response, modify the behavior of the device so as to maintain the integrity of upstream communications and the network device. Network robustness is improved through the example embodiment, and fewer service calls are experienced by service providers. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319572 | Method and apparatus for field service management - Installing and maintaining equipment, such as optical network terminals (ONTs), at customer sites is time consuming. At present, there is no way to manage field service to improve installation and maintenance procedures. A method or corresponding system in an example embodiment of the present invention provides aids to manage field service to make installation and maintenance procedures more efficient. In one embodiment, field technicians use a data collection device to track installation tasks and corresponding Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates. The collected data and coordinates are analyzed, possibly for a fee, and used to make changes in installation and maintenance procedures. As a result, service provider can save significant cost on future installations and service calls. | 12-24-2009 |
20090323288 | Heat sink slack storage and adaptive operation - Optical Network Terminals (ONTS) receive and transmit fiber optic data signals to a premises, such as a home or office, and generate heat, which must be dissipated. An outdoor installation may introduce additional heat loads over an indoor installation. An ONT designed for outdoor use may be overbuilt for indoor use and an ONT designed for indoor use may overheat in an outdoor location. Making separate ONTs for indoor and outdoor use is expensive. A heat sink according to an embodiment of the present invention is attachable to an exterior portion of an ONT and provides extra heat dissipation capability in hotter environments. Other embodiments place the heat sink in a fiber optic cable slack storage region. Other embodiments include interchangeable, different-capacity, heat sinks, and the ONT determines the capacity of the heat sink and operates at a power level appropriate for the heat sink capacity, i.e., thermal dissipation capability. | 12-31-2009 |
20090324228 | ONT TEST UNIT - An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) simulator is provided. The ONT simulator includes one or more partially functional ONTs coupled to an Optical Line Termination (OLT) and an ONT/Optical network termination Management and Control Interface (ONT/OMCI) simulation utility. The ONTs receive test network traffic from the OLT and forward any OMCI traffic contained in the network traffic to the ONT/OMCI simulation utility. The ONT/OMCI simulation utility in turn simulates the operation of field-deployable ONT using the OMCI traffic. | 12-31-2009 |
20090328190 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PERFORM SECURITY AND VULNERABILITY TESTING OF PROTOCOLS - Flaws in information security infest modern software, and pervasive computing has made network systems vulnerable. Information security is constantly endangered by errors in protocol implementations. Testing a protocol implementation for errors directly from a network where a device implementing the protocol resides limits the coverage of protocols tested. In contrast, testing protocols from an access network that internetworks a customer premises with one or more service networks greatly expands the coverage of protocols tested. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus are provided to test from the access network, testing both service network devices and customer premises devices, and the protocols implemented on those devices. | 12-31-2009 |
20100001586 | Method and system for managing backup power - Typical battery backup solutions for network devices provide power for a limited range of services over a limited duration, and lack user serviceability. A configurable, redundant battery solution according to an example embodiment of the invention employs two or more battery backup units (BBUs) available to a device. The device and BBUs are responsive to respective configuration data directing usage of the BBUs and/or operation of the device. In the event of a power failure, the BBUs provide power to the device based on their respective configuration data. Through use of the at least one embodiment, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in a Passive Optical Network (PON) can be configured by a service provider to provide eight hours of emergency dial-out call service and configured by a user to provide other services, such as Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and data services, in a customized manner during a backup power condition. | 01-07-2010 |
20100003002 | Robust connector enforcement - The need for fiber optic connectors is increasing as the use of fiber optic transmission members is being incorporated in data and other transmission systems. Typically, strain relief provides extra support at the junction of a cable and connector interface. However, there is a need to provide strain relief for the connector portion itself. An example cover includes a housing member defining an aperture spanning transversely from a first end to a second end and engages a connector therewithin. The cover further includes at least two prongs protruding from the first end in a direction opposite to the second end in an axial direction relative to the aperture. The prongs may be inserted into a panel defining at least two openings to receive the prongs. The prongs in combination with the housing member provide strain relief to the connector in an angular direction relative to the at least two prongs. | 01-07-2010 |
20100003027 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING STANDBY CHANNELS AND STANDBY BUFFERING - Providing a user service may be threatened due to an inability to communicate upstream in an event of a network or network node fault. Often the user service is simply terminated leaving a user with a poor perception of the provided user service. In contrast, providing a network service, such as an alternative to the terminated user service, may leave the user with a better perception of the provided user service. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus are provided to support a network service by monitoring states of an access network interface and user network interface of an access network device, and providing a predetermined non-requested channel to the access network device based on a combination of the monitored states. As a result, a service provider can more reliably provide a user service to a user. | 01-07-2010 |