WO2015052089A1

WO2015052089A1 - Internet protocol video channel validation

Info

Publication number: WO2015052089A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/071237
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aravindan Jagannathan; Gopal Surya
Original assignee: Alcatel Lucent SAS
Current assignee: Alcatel Lucent SAS
Priority date: 2013-10-08
Filing date: 2014-10-03
Publication date: 2015-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2016-04-08
Also published as: TW201532405A; IN2013DE03001A; TWI565259B

Abstract

A method for validating internet protocol (IP) video channels is disclosed. The method comprises, 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 Further, one or more IP video channels to be validated are identified by an optical network unit based on the test 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.

Description

INTERNET PROTOCOL VIDEO CHANNEL VALIDATION

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 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. [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; [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. [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 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 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 non- acceptable 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 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-to- multipoint 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 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 O U 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) 1 10-1 and 1 10-2, respectively. The I/O interfaces 1 10-1 and 1 10-2, collectively referred to as I/O interfaces 1 10 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 1 10 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 1 12-1 , and 112-2, respectively, collectively referred to as memory 1 12. The memory 1 12-1 and 112-2 may be coupled to the processor 108-1 , and the processor 108-2, respectively. The memory 1 12 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 1 14-1 , 1 14-2 and data 1 16-1 ,

1 16-2, respectively, collectively referred to as modules 1 14 and data 1 16, respectively. The modules 1 14 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The modules 114 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 1 14 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 1 14 may be machine - readable 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 1 16 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 1 14.

[0035] In an implementation, the modules 1 14-1 of the OLT 102 include a monitoring module 1 18, a video channel module 120, and other module(s) 122. In said implementation, the data 1 16-1 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 1 14-2 of the ONU 104 include an identification module 130, a testing module 132, and other module(s) 134. In said implementation, the data 1 16-2 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. [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 1 18 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 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 1-2

identifier

Message type 3 0 1 0 DB = 0, AR = 1, AK = 0

bits 5-1 : action = test

Device 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 OMCI = OxOA

identifier type

Managed entity 5-6 Entity class.

identifier 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. Message 9 0 0 0 0 0 X X X xxx=select test

contents 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.

01 1 : 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 01 1.

This sets a limit for the number of

Channels that can be tested with a single Test message (i.e. 255), using DACL.

1 1 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 16 used to generate the IGMP Message.

17- Multicast Source IP Address (4 bytes) to be 20 used in case of IGMPv3. Address 0.0.0.0 shall mean ASM.

21- Multicast Group IP Address #1 (4 bytes) of

24 the Multicast Chanel to be Tested.

25- Multicast Group IP Address #2 (4 bytes) of

28 the Multicast Chanel to be Tested.

29- Multicast Group IP Address #3 (4 bytes) of 32 the Multicast Chanel to be Tested.

33- Multicast Group IP Address #4 (4 bytes) of

36 the Multicast Chanel to be Tested.

37- Pointer (2 bytes) to a general purpose

38 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- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Padding

40

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 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 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 1 18 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 1 18 may obtain the validation results in a manner as defined in the OMCI protocol. The monitoring module 1 18 subsequently identifies and reports the IP video channels having non- acceptable 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. [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 machine - executable 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 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. [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 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.

Claims

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 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; 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.

1 1. 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 (1 18) 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, 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;

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.