FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates to Internet protocol television (IPTV) and,
particularly, but not exclusively, to internet protocol (IP) video channel validation.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Last few decades have witnessed emergence of new technologies for providing
television services to users around the world. One such technology which has emerged and found
popularity among service providers for offering television services is Internet protocol television
(IPTV). The IPTV technology enables delivery of television services to the users over an IP
based communication network and enhances television viewing experience for the users by
providing high quality video services, for example, high definition television channels, digital
video recording, interactive video on demand, and several other features. In IPTV, streaming of
video channels, also known as IP video channels, takes place over the IP based communication
network in the form of IP data packets.
[0003] Typically, such television services are offered to the users on a subscription basis.
The service providers offer several subscription packages with different services and quality of
services, or example, high definition video channels and video on demand features. The users
may subscribe to any of such television services for enjoying such benefits of IPTV.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to internet protocol (IP)
video channel validation. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the
claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
[0005] In one implementation, a method for validating internet protocol (IP) video
channel is disclosed. The method comprises, receiving a test message from an optical line
terminal (OLT), wherein the test message includes test information pertaining to one or more IP
video channels, a test time duration, and a reference number of video frames. Further, one or
more IP video channels to be validated are identified by an optical network unit based on the test
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message. Further, a plurality of video frames is received during the test time duration. Further,
number of received video frames, for each of the one or more IP video channels, is compared
with the reference number of video frames. The method further comprises validating by
determining, for each IP video channel, a level of quality of service (QoS) of the IP video
channel based on the comparison.
[0006] In another implementation, an Optical Network Unit (ONU) for validating IP
video channels is described. The ONU includes a processor and an identification module coupled
to the processor. In one implementation, the identification module receives a test message from
an Optical Line Terminal (OLT), wherein the test message includes test information pertaining to
one or more IP video channels, a test time duration, and a reference number of video frames. The
identification module further identifies the one or more IP video channels to be validated based
on the test message. The ONU further includes a testing module coupled to the processor. In one
implementation, the testing module receives, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a
plurality of video frames over a connection established between the OLT and the ONU during
the test time duration. Further, the testing module compares, for each of the one or more IP video
channels, number of received video frames with the reference number of video frames. The
testing module further validates by determining, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a
level of quality of service (QoS) of the IP video channel based on the comparison.
[0007] In another implementation, a method for validating IP video channels is
described. The method comprises generating, by an optical line terminal, a test message, where
the test message includes test information pertaining to the one or more IP video channels to be
validated, a test time duration, and a reference number of video frames. The method further
comprises sending the test message to an optical network unit (ONU) for initiating a validation
test for validating each of the one or more IP video channels. Further, a plurality of video frames,
for each of the one or more IP video channels, is transmitted to the ONU for the validation test
over a connection established between the OLT and the ONU. The method further comprises
obtaining, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a level of QoS determined by the ONU
(104), wherein the level of QoS is determined based on number of transmitted video frames and
the reference number of video frames.
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[0008] In another implementation, an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) for initiating a
validation test for validating IP video channels is described. The OLT includes a processor and a
a monitoring module coupled to the processor. In one implementation, the monitoring module
generates a test message, where the test message includes test information pertaining to the one
or more IP video channels to be validated, a test time duration, and a reference number of video
frames. The monitoring module further sends the test message to an optical network unit (ONU).
The OLT further comprises a video channel module coupled to the processor to transmit, for
each of the one or more IP video channels, a plurality of video frames to the ONU for the
validation test over a connection established between the OLT and the ONU.
[0009] In accordance with another implementation of the present subject matter, a
computer-readable medium having embodied thereon a computer program for executing a
method of validating IP video channels is described. The method comprises identifying, by an
optical network unit, one or more IP video channels to be validated based on a test message
generated by an optical line terminal, wherein the test message includes test information
pertaining to the one or more IP video channels, a test time duration, and a reference number of
video frames. The method further comprises, receiving, a plurality of video frames during the
test time duration. Further, number of received video frames, for each of the one or more IP
video channels, is compared with the reference number of video frames. The method further
comprises determining, for each IP video channel, a level of quality of service (QoS) of the IP
video channel to validate the IP video channel for transmitting video frames corresponding to the
IP video channel, based on the comparison.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the
reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference
like features and components. Some embodiments of systems and/or methods in accordance with
embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with
reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a network environment implementation for validating internet
protocol (IP) video channels, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
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[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a method for validating IP video channels, according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a method for validating IP video channels, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The continual evolution in communication technology has significantly improved
television viewing experience of users around the world. Several emerging technologies, such as
internet protocol television (IPTV) and DTH, have enhanced the quality and the efficiency of
television services to the users. The IPTV may be understood as services which involve
providing one or more IP video channels rendered to the users over a packet switched network,
such as the internet. The service providers offering IPTV services typically deploy a passive
optical network. Examples of such passive optical network include a Gigabit Passive Optical
Network (GPON) based on which such television services are provided to multiple user
premises.
[0015] A GPON access network is a well-knit architecture comprising several devices,
such as an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) installed at the service provider's end, an Optical
Network Unit (ONU) installed at the user premises, optical fibers, and splitters. Typically, each
OLT is connected to several ONU's, which in turn are further connected to customer premises
equipment (CPE), commonly referred to as a set top box (STB), for delivering the IP video
channels to the user premises.
[0016] Such devices are typically subjected to routine upgrades, for example, hardware
or software upgrades, for ensuring high standards of quality of service to the users. The upgrades
are typically carried out during a predetermined maintenance window, usually during night time,
when user activity is minimal. However, such routine upgrades at times may result in upgrade
faults, for example, software glitches, hardware compatibility issues, device failures, and the
like, resulting in either disruption or degradation in quality of service. For instance, a glitch in a
software upgrade of the devices may result in imparities between television service access rights
of a user stored at the OLT and the ONU. In such a case, the user may not be able to view all or
few of the IP video channels despite being subscribed to the same, thus resulting in a
dissatisfactory television viewing experience for the user.
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[0017] Conventionally, reporting of such upgrade faults is performed by the set top box
which may prove to be a time consuming process. For instance, on being powered up, the STB
may try to connect to the ONU for reception of the IP video channels. However, upon not being
able to receive the IP video channels, the STB may start a troubleshooting procedure for
identifying the cause of non-reception of the IP video channels. If the issue is determined to be
an upgrade fault, the same is reported to the service provider. However, the conventional method
may prove to be time consuming and the trouble shooting process itself may involve high
utilization of network resources, such as bandwidth as the set top box may repeatedly send data
pertaining to the trouble shooting procedure until the fault is isolated. Further, in a case where
the STB is unable to isolate the fault or in a case where the STB itself is not operational,
reporting of such upgrade faults is done by the user either through an e-mail or a telephonic call
to the service provider, thus resulting in dissatisfactory user experience. Typically, as the service
provider renders services to a large number of users, the losses may increase manifold for the
service provider. Further, a large number of service provider resources, such as manpower and
backup devices are utilized for resolving such issues, thereby resulting in additional monetary
loss to the service provider.
[0018] The present subject matter discloses systems and methods for conducting
validation tests for IP video channels. According to an embodiment, the present subject matter
ensures that the IP video channels being transmitted to a user are of satisfactory level of quality
of service (QoS). In said embodiment, a test message for initiating the validation test for
validating one or more IP video channels is initially generated by the OLT. Thereafter, the test
message is transmitted to the ONU. Upon receiving the test message, the ONU conducts the
validation test for the one or more IP video channels. Although the present subject matter is
described with reference to a single ONU associated with the OLT, it may be understood that the
OLT may simultaneously conduct the validation test for each of the ONU's for ensuring that a
satisfactory level of QoS the IP video channels is delivered to the users.
[0019] In one embodiment, upon receiving a validation request message from the service
provider, the OLT may generate the test message for initiating the validation test for validating
one or more IP video channels. The test message includes test information pertaining to the one
or more IP video channels to be tested. In one implementation, the test information may be a list
of the one or more IP video channels. The list may further include a corresponding multi-cast IP
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address for each of the IP video channel. In another implementation, the test information may
include a set of instructions for accessing a multi-cast access control list stored with the ONU,
where the multi-cast access control list includes IP video channels subscribed by the user.
Further, the test message may include a test time duration and a reference number of video
frames. The test time duration may be understood as the time duration for which each of the one
or more IP video channels may be tested. The reference number of video frames may be defined
as a minimum number of video frames desired to be received during the test time duration for
achieving the satisfactory level of quality of service (QoS) of the IP video channel. The reference
number of video frames may be used for determining a level of QoS for each of the IP video
channel to determine whether the IP channel is working with a desired QoS or not. Thereafter,
the test message may be transmitted to the ONU.
[0020] Upon receiving the test message, the ONU analyzes the test information included
in the test message for identifying the IP video channels to be tested. Once the IP video channels
which are to be tested are identified, the ONU conducts the validation test for validating each of
the IP video channels. In one implementation, in order to validate an IP video channel, the ONU
transmits an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) join message to the OLT for
establishing a connection between the ONU and the OLT. Subsequently the ONU receives from
the OLT, a plurality of video frames corresponding to the IP video channel over the connection.
In one implementation, the connection may be established for the test time duration, upon
completion of which, the ONU transmits an IGMP leave message for terminating the connection
between the ONU and the OLT. For instance, if the test time duration is of two seconds, the
ONU transmits the IGMP leave message for terminating the connection after two seconds from
the time of establishment of the connection.
[0021] Thereafter, the ONU may determine number of received video frames during the
test time duration. The number of video frames may then be compared with the reference number
of video frames for determining the level of QoS of the IP video channel, where the level of QoS
is one of an acceptable level and a non-acceptable level. The acceptable level may be defined as
a high level of quality of service of the IP video channel and is achieved in a case where number
of video frames received during the test time duration is greater than the reference number of
video frames. The non-acceptable level may be defined as a low level of quality of service of the
IP video channel and is achieved in a case where number of video frames, corresponding to the
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IP video channel, received during the test time duration is lower than the reference number of
video frames. In a case where the number of video frames received is greater than the reference
number of video frames, the validation result is ascertained to be of acceptable level. In a case
where the number of video frames received is less than the reference number of video frames,
the validation result is ascertained to be of non-acceptable level.
[0022] In one implementation, the OLT may obtain the validation result for each of the
IP video channel for identifying and subsequently reporting the IP video channels with nonacceptable
level to the service provider. The service provider may then take preemptive measures
for ensuring that high quality of service for such IP video channels is maintained. As will be
understood, each of the one or more IP video channel are tested in a manner as described herein
and a corresponding validation result is obtained for each IP video channel.
[0023] Thus, the proposed method of preemptive validation of the IP video channels
helps in facilitating efficient quality of service to the users as any upgrade fault pertaining to the
transmission is detected by the service provider itself, thereby eliminating the need for detection
and reporting by the set top box. Further, the self detection of such faults and subsequent
rectification of the same ensures satisfactory level of user experience. The method may be
implemented by the service provider for testing the devices upon completion of the upgrade for
ensuring proper working of the devices. Further, the systems and the methods may also be
implemented by the service provider for testing of IP video channels based on a user complaint.
Additionally, the proposed method may further be implemented for in-house testing of the
devices by the service provider in order to ensure proper working of the devices before
deployment in the GPON network. Further, apart from validating the IP video channels after the
channel up gradation, the method may be used for regular validation of the IP video channels to
ensure proper working and high QoS.
[0024] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles
of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to
devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the
principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Further, all
examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to
aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts
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contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without
limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein
reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific
examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0025] The manner in which the systems and the methods for validating IP video
channels shall be implemented has been explained in details with respect to the Figures 1-3.
While aspects of described systems and methods for IP video channels can be implemented in
any number of different computing systems, transmission environments, and/or configurations,
the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system(s).
[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a network environment 100 for validating IP video channels.
The network environment 100 includes an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) 102 and a plurality of
Optical Network Units (ONU) 104-1, 104-2, …., and 104-N, hereinafter collectively referred to
as the ONU’s 104 and individually referred to as the ONU 104. The OLT 102 and the ONU’s
104 may communicate with each other, through a network 106, according to an embodiment of
the present subject matter.
[0027] The OLT 102 may be defined as a hardware device implemented by a service
provider offering television services using internet protocol television (IPTV). The OLT 102, as
will be understood, constitutes a part of a passive optical network PON, such as a gigabit passive
optical network (GPON), and is typically deployed at the service provider’s end for distribution
of the television services, for example, internet protocol (IP) based video channels, herein
referred to as IP video channels, to the plurality of ONU’s 104 associated with the OLT 102. The
ONU 104 may be defined as a hardware device implemented by the service provider at a user
premises of a user, registered with the service provider, for availing the television services
offered by the service provider.
[0028] The network 106 may be an optical network of optical fibers for interconnecting
the OLT 102 and the ONU's 104. As will be understood, the network 106 may be a point-tomultipoint
architecture of optical fibers and splitters, not shown explicitly for the sake of brevity.
As will be appreciated, the optical fibers and the splitters may also be collectively hereinafter
referred to as optical distribution network. In one implementation, the network 106 comprising
the optical fibers and the splitters may support transmission of optical signals between the OLT
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102 and the ONU's 104 for providing the television services to the users registered with the
service provider.
[0029] In one implementation, the OLT 102 and the ONU 104 include processors 108-1
and 108-2, respectively. The processors 108-1 and 108-2, hereinafter collectively referred to as
the processor 108, may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers,
microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic
circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among
other capabilities, the processor(s) is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable
instructions stored in the memory.
[0030] The functions of the various elements shown in the figure, including any
functional blocks labeled as “processor(s)”, may be provided through the use of dedicated
hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate
software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated
processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which
may be shared.
[0031] Also, the OLT 102 and the ONU 104 include I/O interface(s) 110-1 and 110-2,
respectively. The I/O interfaces 110-1 and 110-2, collectively referred to as I/O interfaces 110
may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces that allow the OLT 102 and the ONU
104 to interact with the network 106, or with each other. Further, the I/O interfaces 110 may
enable the OLT 102 and the ONU 104 to communicate with other communication and
computing devices, such as web servers and external repositories. The OLT 102 and the ONU
104 may further include memory 112-1, and 112-2, respectively, collectively referred to as
memory 112. The memory 112-1 and 112-2 may be coupled to the processor 108-1, and the
processor 108-2, respectively. The memory 112 may include any computer-readable medium
known in the art including, for example, volatile memory (e.g., RAM), and/or non-volatile
memory (e.g., EPROM, flash memory, etc.).
[0032] The OLT 102 and the ONU 104 include modules 114-1, 114-2 and data 116-1,
116-2, respectively, collectively referred to as modules 114 and data 116, respectively. The
modules 114 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like,
which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The modules 114
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further include modules that supplement applications on the OLT 102 and the ONU 104, for
example, modules of an operating system.
[0033] Further, the modules 114 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed
by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer,
a processor, such as the processor 108, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable
devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose
processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the
required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to perform the required functions.
[0034] In another aspect of the present subject matter, the modules 114 may be machinereadable
instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform
any of the described functionalities. The machine-readable instructions may be stored on an
electronic memory device, hard disk, optical disk or other machine-readable storage medium or
non-transitory medium. In one implementation, the machine-readable instructions can be also be
downloaded to the storage medium via a network connection. The data 116 serves, amongst
other things, as a repository for storing data that may be fetched, processed, received, or
generated by one or more of the modules 114.
[0035] In an implementation, the modules 114-1 of the OLT 102 include a monitoring
module 118, a video channel module 120, and other module(s) 122. In said implementation, the
data 116-1 of the OLT 102 includes monitoring data 124, video channel data 126, and other data
128. The other module(s) 122 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement
applications and functions, for example, programs in the operating system of the OLT 102. The
other data 128 comprise data corresponding to one or more other module(s) 122.
[0036] Similarly, in an implementation, the modules 114-2 of the ONU 104 include an
identification module 130, a testing module 132, and other module(s) 134. In said
implementation, the data 116-2 of the ONU 104 includes identification data 136, testing data
data 138, and other data 140. The other module(s) 134 may include programs or coded
instructions that supplement applications and functions, for example, programs in the operating
system of the ONU 104. The other data 140 comprise data corresponding to one or more other
module(s) 134.
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[0037] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, a service provider
offering television services to one or more users, registered with the service provider, may seek
to validate IP video channels being provided to the users. Validation of an IP video channel may
be defined as determining whether the IP video channel, upon transmission to a user, achieves a
satisfactory level of quality of service (QoS) or not. The service provider may seek to validate
the IP video channels for varied reasons, for example, for ensuring proper quality of service of IP
video channels being transmitted following an upgrade, validation of IP video channels
following a complaint from a user, and in-house testing for ensuring proper working of hardware
devices, such as the OLT 102 and the ONU 104. In one implementation, the service provider
may transmit a validation request message to the OLT 102 thereby indicating to the OLT 102 to
validate the IP video channels.
[0038] Upon receiving the validation request message, the monitoring module 118 may
generate a test message for initiating a validation test for validating one or more IP video
channels. In one implementation, the test message may include test information pertaining to the
one or more IP video channels which are to be tested. For example, the test information may be a
list of the one or more IP video channels which are to be tested. In another example, the test
information may be a set of instructions for accessing a multi-cast access control list stored in the
ONU 104, where the multi-cast access control list is a list of IP video channels subscribed by the
users. In such a case, each of the IP video channels subscribed by the users may be tested for
validation. For example, an ONU-104-1 installed at a first user's premises may have a multi-cast
access control list stored in its memory, where the multi-cast access control list is a list of the IP
video channels subscribed by the first user.
[0039] Further, the test message may include a test time duration and a reference number
of video frames. The test time duration may be defined as a time duration for which each IP
video channel is tested for validation. The reference number of video frames may be defined as a
minimum number of video frames desired to be received during the test time duration for
achieving the satisfactory level of quality of service (QoS) of the IP video channel. The reference
value of video frames may be used for determining a level of QoS for each of the IP video
channel which will be explained in greater detail in the description below. In another
implementation, the test message may further include a flag, where the flag indicates instructions
to drop, for the test time duration, Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) messages
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originating from a set top box associated with a user account of the user. As will be understood,
the IGMP messages may include both, the IGMP join messages and the IGMP leave messages.
[0040] As described previously, the service provider may seek to validate the IP video
channels for varied reasons. In a case where the service provider is addressing a service
complaint pertaining to the IP video channels from a single user, say the first user, the test
message may be transmitted only to the ONU 104-1 associated with the first user. In a case
where the service provider may seek to validate the transmission of IP video channels following
an upgrade, the test message may be transmitted to all the ONU's 104 associated with the OLT
102.
[0041] For the sake of explanation, the following description of validation of IP video
channels has been described with reference to a single ONU 104, however, as will be
understood, the OLT 102 may simultaneously perform the validation of IP video channels for all
the ONUs 104 associated with the OLT 102.
[0042] In one implementation, the monitoring module 118 may transmit the test message
to the ONU 104 for initiating the validation test. In said implementation, the OLT 102 transmits
the test message using known ONT management and control interface (OMCI) protocol. In such
a case, the test message will be in a format as mentioned in Table 1 below:
Table 1
OMCI TEST MESSAGE
Field Byte 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Comments
Transaction
identifier
1-2
Message type 3 0 1 0 DB = 0, AR = 1, AK = 0
bits 5-1: action = test
Device
identifier type
4 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 OMCI = 0x0A
Managed entity
identifier
5-6 Entity class.
Note – This format applies to Multicast
Subscriber Config Info (MSCI) entity class.
7-8 Entity instance.
Note - All IGMP signaling channel related
information is derived from this Entity
instance.
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Message
contents
9 0 0 0 0 0 x x x xxx=select test
000: Abort any current running Test
(Generate an IGMP leave message for the
most recent Join message sent, for cleanup).
001: Test a single Multicast Channel, using
bytes 13-24.
010: Test the list of Multicast Channels
specified by the List in bytes 13-36, one
Multicast Channel at a time and a
maximum of 4 Multicast Channels.
011: Test the list of Multicast Channels one
at a time, provisioned in Dynamic Access
Control List (DACL) Table, of the
Multicast Operations Profile (MOP) entity
class. The Channels to be tested (Group IP,
Source IP) can be picked up from the
DACL in random order. Host IP address to
be used is specified in bytes 13-16. The
number of Channels to test is specified by
byte-10.
Other values are reserved
10 Number of Multicast Channels to Test,
only for byte-9 value of 011.
This sets a limit for the number of
Channels that can be tested with a single
Test message (i.e. 255), using DACL.
11 Timeout value in 10th of a second to
validate a single Multicast Channel, from
the instance a Join message is generated.
Range is 0 - 25.5secs.
Note - The Test for a Multicast Channel
shall be declared FAIL, if the downstream
Multicast Stream is not received within this
time.
12 Number of downstream Multicast Frames
that shall be received to declare the Test for
a Multicast Channel PASS. Range 1-255.
Value 0 shall not be used by the OLT.
13- Host Source IP Address (4 bytes) to be
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16 used to generate the IGMP Message.
17-
20
Multicast Source IP Address (4 bytes) to be
used in case of IGMPv3. Address 0.0.0.0
shall mean ASM.
21-
24
Multicast Group IP Address #1 (4 bytes) of
the Multicast Chanel to be Tested.
25-
28
Multicast Group IP Address #2 (4 bytes) of
the Multicast Chanel to be Tested.
29-
32
Multicast Group IP Address #3 (4 bytes) of
the Multicast Chanel to be Tested.
33-
36
Multicast Group IP Address #4 (4 bytes) of
the Multicast Chanel to be Tested.
37-
38
Pointer (2 bytes) to a general purpose
buffer ME, used to return the Multicast
Channel Test results. The results buffer
might contain multiple entries (Test results)
for various Channels with each entry
occupying 9 bytes ([Multicast Group IP]
[Multicast Source IP][1=PASS/2=FAIL]).
The buffer shall accommodate a maximum
of 255 such rows (inline with byte-10 of
Message Contents).
39-
40
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Padding
As will be understood, the OMCI test message includes data indicative of the IP video channels
to be tested, the test time duration, the reference number of video frames, and other relevant
fields.
[0043] In one implementation, the identification module 130 of the ONU 104 may
receive the test message. Upon receiving the test message, the identification module 130 may
initially identify the IP video channels to be tested. For the purpose, the identification module
130 may analyze the test information. In an implementation where the test information is a list of
the IP video channels to be tested, the identification module 130 may identify the IP video
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channels based on the list. In another implementation, where the test message is a set of
instructions for accessing a multi-cast access control list, the identification module 130 may
analyze the instructions and subsequently access the multi-cast access control list based on the
analysis. Thereafter, the identification module may identify the IP video channels which are to be
tested based on the multi-cast access control list. In said implementation, each IP video channel
included in the list may be tested for validation. In one example, the multi-cast list may be stored
in the identification data 136 during setup or registration of the user for availing the television
services offered by the service provider.
[0044] Upon identifying the IP video channels, the testing module 132 may conduct the
validation test for validating each of the IP video channels. In one implementation, the validation
test may be performed for validating each IP video channel, from amongst the one or more IP
video channels, in a manner as described below.
[0045] Initially, the testing module 132 may transmit an internet group management
protocol (IGMP) join message to the video channel module 120 for establishing a connection
between the testing module 132 and the video channel module 120. Upon establishment of the
connection, the testing module 132 may receive a plurality of video frames, transmitted by the
video channel module 120, corresponding to the IP video channel over the connection. In one
implementation, the testing module 132 may establish the connection for the test time duration
specified in the test message. In said implementation, the testing module 132 may transmit an
IGMP leave message to the video channel module 120 upon completion of the test time duration,
from the time of establishment of the connection, for terminating the connection. Subsequent to
the transmission of the IGMP leave message, the connection may be terminated.
[0046] Thereafter, the testing module 132 may determine a number of received video
frames received during the test time duration based on the plurality of frames. The number of
video frames is the total number of video frames received during the test time duration. The
number of frames received may then be compared with the reference number of video frames for
determining a level of QoS of the IP video channel. The level of QoS may indicate whether the
IP video channel is of the satisfactory level of QoS or not. In one implementation, the level of
QoS may be one of an acceptable level and a non-acceptable level. The acceptable level may be
defined as a high level of quality of service of the IP video channel and is achieved in a case
17
where number of video frames received during the test time duration is greater than the reference
number of video frames. The non-acceptable level may be defined as a low level of quality of
service of the IP video channel and is achieved in a case where number of video frames,
corresponding to the IP video channel, received during the test time duration is lower than the
reference number of video frames.
[0047] In a case where the number of video frames received is greater than the reference
number of video frames, the level of QoS is ascertained to be acceptable level. In a case where
the number of video frames received is less than the reference number of video frames, the level
of QoS is ascertained to be non-acceptable level.
[0048] As will be understood, each of the one or more IP video channels is tested in a
manner as described above and subsequently a level of QoS corresponding to the IP video
channel is obtained in a similar manner. The testing module 132 may store the level of QoS for
each of the IP video channel as validation report in the testing data 138. In one implementation,
the monitoring module 118 of the OLT 102 may obtain the validation report stored in the testing
data 138. For instance, the monitoring module 118 may periodically communicate with the
testing module 132 for obtaining the validation results. In another example, the monitoring
module 118 may obtain the validation results in a manner as defined in the OMCI protocol. The
monitoring module 118 subsequently identifies and reports the IP video channels having nonacceptable
level of QoS to the service provider. The service provider may then take necessary
actions for ensuring high QoS for such IP video channels.
[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a method 200 for validating IP video channels, according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 3 illustrates a method 300 for validating IP
video channels, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0050] The order in which the methods 200 and 300 are described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in
any order to implement methods 200 and 300, or an alternative method. Additionally, individual
blocks may be deleted from the methods 200 and 300 without departing from the spirit and scope
of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the methods 200 and 300 may be
implemented in any suitable hardware, machine readable instructions, firmware, or combination
thereof.
18
[0051] A person skilled in the art will readily recognize that steps of the methods 200 and
300 can be performed by programmed computers. Herein, some examples are also intended to
cover program storage devices and non-transitory computer readable medium, for example,
digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machineexecutable
or computer-executable instructions, where said instructions perform some or all of
the steps of the described methods 200 and 300. The program storage devices may be, for
example, digital memories, magnetic storage media, such as a magnetic disks and magnetic
tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media.
[0052] With reference to Figure 2, at block 202, a test message for initiating a validation
test for validating one or more IP video channels is generated. The test message may include test
information pertaining to the one or more IP video channels which are to be tested. In one
implementation, the test information may be a list of the one or more IP video channels. In
another implementation, the test information may be instructions for accessing a multi-cast
access control list, wherein the multi-cast is a list of IP video channels subscribed by a user.
Further, the test message may include a test time duration and a reference number of video
frames. In one implementation, the test message for validating the one or more IP video channels
may be generated by an optical line transmission (OLT) 102.
[0053] At block 204, the test message is transmitted to an optical network unit (ONU) for
initiating the validation test. In one implementation, OLT 102 may transmit the test message to
the ONU 104, associated with the OLT 102, to initiate the validation test. Validation of an IP
video channel may be defined as determining whether the IP video channel, upon transmission to
a user, achieves a satisfactory level of quality of service (QoS) or not.
[0054] At block 206, a plurality of video frames, for each of the one or more IP video
channels, is transmitted to the ONU. In one implementation, the ONU validates each IP video
channel by establishing a connection for receiving the plurality of video frames. The number of
received video frames is compared with the reference number of video frames.
[0055] At block 208, a level of QoS, for each of the one or more IP video channels,
determined based on the validation test is obtained. Based on the comparison, the level of QoS
for the IP video channel is determined. In a case where it is identified that the number of
received video frames is greater than the reference number of video frames, the level of QoS is
19
ascertained to be acceptable level. In a case, where it is identified that the number of received
video frames is less than the reference number of video frames, the level of QoS is ascertained to
be non-acceptable level. In one example, the ONU 104 may determined the level of QoS for the
IP video channel based on the comparison. In one implementation, the OLT 102 may obtain the
level of QoS. Subsequently the OLT 102 may notify a service provider of the IP video channels.
The service provider may subsequently take necessary steps to ensure satisfactory level of QoS
for all such IP video channels is restored.
[0056] With reference to Figure 3, at block 302, a test message generated by an optical
line terminal (OLT) is received. In one implementation, the test message includes test
information, a test time duration, and a reference number of video frames. The test information
pertains to one or more IP video channels to be tested for validation. Validation of an IP video
channel may be defined as determining whether the IP video channel, upon transmission to a
user, achieves a satisfactory level of quality of service (QoS) or not. The test time duration may
be defined as a time period for which an IP video channel may be tested for validation. Further,
the reference number of video frames may be defined as a minimum number of video frames
desired to be received during the test time duration for achieving the satisfactory level of quality
of service (QoS) of the IP video channel. In another implementation, the test message may
further include a flag. The flag, as used herein, is indicative of instructions to drop internet group
management protocol (IGMP) messages, i.e., either one of an IGMP join message or an IGMP
leave message, received from a customer premises equipment, such as a set top box.
[0057] At block 304, the one or more IP video channels are identified based on the test
information. In one implementation, the test information may be a list of the one or more IP
video channels. In said implementation, the IP video channels which are to be tested are
identified based on the list. In another implementation, the test information may be instructions
to access a multi-cast access control list, where the multi-cast access control list comprises the IP
video channels subscribed by a user. In said another implementation, the IP video channels may
be identified based on the multi-cast access control list. In one example, the ONU 104 may
access the multi-cast access control list stored in its memory for identifying the IP video
channels to be tested.
20
[0058] At block 306, a connection, for each of the one or more IP video channel, is
established with the OLT. In order to establish the connection with the OLT, an IGMP join
message may be transmitted to the OLT for establishing the connection. In one implementation,
the ONU 104 may send the IGMP join message to the OLT 102 for establishing the connection.
[0059] At block 308, a plurality of video frames, for each of the one or more IP video
channels is received over the connection. Once the connection is established, a plurality of video
frames corresponding to the IP video channel are received from the OLT over the connection. In
one example, the connection is established only for the test time duration, upon completion of
which, an IGMP leave message is transmitted to the OLT 102 for terminating the connection. In
one implementation, the ONU 104 may receive the plurality of video frames.
[0060] At block 310, number of video frames received, for each of the one or more IP
video channels, are compared with the reference number of video frames. In one implementation,
the number of received video frames of the IP video channel is compared with the reference
number of video frames.
[0061] At block 312, a level of QoS, for each of the one or more IP video channel, is
determined based on the comparison. As mentioned above, the number of received video frames
are compared with the reference number of video frames. Based on the comparison, the level of
QoS for the IP video channel is determined. In a case where it is identified that the number of
received video frames is greater than the reference number of video frames, the level of QoS is
ascertained to be acceptable level. The acceptable level may be defined as a level equal to or
greater than the satisfactory level of QoS. In a case, where it is identified that the number of
received video frames is less than the reference number of video frames, the level of QoS is
ascertained to be non-acceptable level. The non-acceptable level may be defined as a level lower
than the satisfactory level of QoS. In one example, the ONU 104 may determined the level of
QoS for the IP video channel based on the comparison.
[0062] Further, the ONU 104 may generate a validation report comprising of the IP video
channels, from amongst the one or more IP video channels, which are of non-acceptable level of
QoS. In one example, the OLT 102 may obtain the validation list. In another implementation, the
ONU 104 may transmit the validation report to the OLT 102. Subsequently the OLT 102 may
21
notify a service provider of the IP video channels. The service provider may subsequently take
necessary steps to ensure satisfactory level of QoS for all such IP video channels is restored.
[0063] Although embodiments for methods and systems for validating IP video channels
have been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be
understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods
described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary embodiments for
validating IP video channels.
22
I/We claim:
1. A method for validating internet protocol (IP) video channels, the method comprising:
receiving a test message from an optical line terminal (OLT) (102), wherein the
test message includes test information pertaining to one or more IP video channels, a test
time duration, and a reference number of video frames.
identifying, by an optical network unit (104), the one or more IP video channels
to be validated based on the test message;
receiving, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a plurality of video
frames over a connection established between the OLT (102) and the ONU (104) during
the test time duration;
comparing, for each of the one or more IP video channels, number of received
video frames with the reference number of video frames; and
validating by determining, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a level
of quality of service (QoS) of the IP video channel based on the comparing.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving further comprises:
transmitting an internet group management protocol (IGMP) message for
establishing the connection between the OLT (102) and the ONU (104) for the test time
duration; and
sending an IGMP leave message for terminating the connection upon completion
of the test time duration.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the level of QoS is one of an acceptable level
and a not-acceptable level.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the test information is one of a list comprising
the one or more IP video channels and a set of instructions for accessing a multicast
access control list, wherein the multicast access control list is a list of IP video channels
subscribed by the user.
5. The method as claimed in claim any of the preceding claims, wherein the test message
further includes a flag, wherein the flag indicates instructions to drop, for the test time
23
duration, internet group management protocol (IGMP) messages originating from a set
top box associated with a user account of a user.
6. An optical network unit (104) comprising:
a processor (108-2);
an identification module (130) coupled to the processor (108-2) to,
receive a test message from an optical line terminal (OLT) (102), wherein
the test message includes test information pertaining to one or more IP video
channels, a test time duration, and a reference number of video frames;
identify the one or more IP video channels to be validated based on the
test message; and
a testing module (132) coupled to the processor (108-2) to,
receive, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a plurality of video
frames over a connection established between the OLT (102) and the ONU (104)
during the test time duration; and
compare, for each of the one or more IP video channels, number of
received video frames with the reference number of video frames; and
validate, by determining, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a
level of quality of service (QoS) of the IP video channel based on the
comparison.
7. The ONU (104) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the testing module (132) further,
transmits an IGMP join message to the OLT (102) for establishing the
connection; and
sends an IGMP leave message for terminating the connection upon completion
of the test time duration.
8. A method for validating internet protocol (IP) video channels, the method comprising:
generating, by an optical line terminal (102), a test message, wherein the test
message includes test information pertaining to the one or more IP video channels to be
validated, a test time duration, and a reference number of video frames;
sending the test message to an optical network unit (ONU) (104) for initiating a
validation test for validating each of the one or more IP video channels;
24
transmitting, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a plurality of video
frames to the ONU (104) for the validation test over a connection established between the
OLT (102) and the ONU (104); and
obtaining, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a level of QoS
determined by the ONU (104), wherein the level of QoS is determined based on number
of transmitted video frames and the reference number of video frames.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transmitting further comprises:
receiving an internet group management protocol (IGMP) message for
establishing the connection; and
receiving an IGMP leave message for terminating the connection transmitted by
the ONU (104) upon completion of the test time duration.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the test information is one of a list comprising
the one or more IP video channels and a set of instructions for accessing a multicast
access control list, wherein the multicast access control list is a list of IP video channels
subscribed by the user.
11. The method as claimed in claim any of the preceding claims, wherein the test message
further includes a flag, wherein the flag indicates instructions to drop, for the test time
duration, internet group management protocol (IGMP) messages originating from a set
top box associated with a user account of a user.
12. An optical line terminal (OLT) (102) comprising:
a processor (108-1);
a monitoring module (118) coupled to the processor (108-1) to,
generate a test message, wherein the test message includes test
information pertaining to the one or more IP video channels to be validated, a
test time duration, and a reference number of video frames; and
send the test message to an optical network unit (ONU) (104); and
a video channel module (120) coupled to the processor (108-1) to,
transmit, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a plurality of
video frames to the ONU (104) for the validation test over a connection
established between the OLT (102) and the ONU (104).
13. The OLT (102) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the video channel module (120) further,
25
receives, for each of the one or more IP video channels, an internet group
management protocol (IGMP) message for establishing the connection;
receives, for each of the one or more IP video channels, an IGMP leave message
from the ONU (104) for terminating the connection, wherein the ONU (104) transmits
the IGMP leave message upon completion of the test time duration.
14. The OLT (102) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the testing module (132) further obtains,
for each of the one or more IP video channels, a level of QoS determined by the ONU
(104), wherein the level of QoS is determined based on number of transmitted video
frames and the reference number of video frames.
15. A computer-readable medium having embodied thereon a computer program for
executing a method comprising:
identifying, by an optical network unit (ONU), one or more IP video channels to
be validated based on a test message generated by an optical line terminal, wherein the
test message includes test information pertaining to the one or more IP video channels, a
test time duration, and a reference number of video frames;
receiving, for each of the one or more IP video channels, a plurality of video
frames over a connection established between the OLT and the ONU during the test time
duration;
comparing, for each of the one or more IP video channels, number of received
video frames with the reference number of video frames; and
determining, for each of the one or more IP video channel, a level of quality of
service (QoS) of the IP video channel to validate the IP video channel for transmitting
video frames corresponding to the IP video channel, based on the comparing.