Method and system for remote diagnostics

摘要

The present invention is directed towards a method and system for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) set-top box network having a head-end unit and a set-top box having diagnostics software. The diagnostics software stored in the set-top box enables the head-end unit to remotely query the set-top box about the current condition of the set-top box and, as a result, reduces the necessity of service calls and/or shipping charges that would otherwise be required. The diagnostics software generates data is response to a set-top box identification request, a software version request, a check television connections request, a check I/O ports request, a check HPNA networking request, a check USB request, a check system ICs request, a check DSL connection request, a check error codes request, a read warranty clock request, a read hours of operation request, and a perform default test request received from the head-end. Execution of the diagnostics software may be initiated as part of a periodical diagnostic test of the set-top box, at the request of a customer having difficulties with the set-top box, or in response to an alarm or alert message generated by the set-top box.

主权项

1. A method for remote diagnostics in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network having a head-end unit and a device having diagnostics software, the method comprising:
receiving a data request from the head-end unit at the device in response to a request from a user; determining if the received data request requires the device to execute an internal diagnostics program; transmitting a first response from the device to the head end unit in response to the reception of the data request if data request does not require the device to execute the internal diagnostics program; placing the device in a service mode in response to the reception of the data request if the data request requires the device to execute the internal diagnostics program, the device being placed in the service mode as a result of a flag being set in the device by the data request from the head-end; and transmitting a second response containing the requested data from the device to the head-end unit, the requested data in the second response including at least one of an error code, instrument identification, software revision, bit-rate, and bit-error rate and wherein the device resides at a customer's residence.