Software tool for automated diagnosis and resolution of problems of voice, data and VoIP communications networks

• US 6,598,183 B1
• Filed: 01/04/2000
• Issued: 07/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Hofman, James C., Brian, Michael, Grieco, Luigi, Hofman, Gerry T., Grieco, Nicholas
• Primary Examiner(s): Baderman, Scott
• Assistant Examiner(s): DAMIANO, ANNE L
• Application Number:
  US09/477,504
• Time in Patent Office: 1,295 Days
• Field of Search: 714/43, 702/119, 702/122
• US Class Current: 714/43
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2254 in networks

Abstract

A computerized system and method for testing and analyzing problems with communications networks is disclosed. The system computerizes and automates the testing of such networks by providing a computer with interface software that can communicate with the variety of different test equipment that is currently available. The system automates process that was previously performed manually by an engineer or technician.

Claims

1. A processing system for analyzing problems with communications networks comprising:

a) test equipment for the communications networks selected from a plurality of available test equipment;

b) a computer comprising interface software that is capable of communicating with and controlling the plurality of available test equipment through the transmission of electronic signals to the test equipment, a database comprising problems with communications networks and suggested remedies for the problems, means for analyzing data generated by the test equipment to determine problems with the communications networks and comparing those problems to the database to determine suggested remedies for the problems, and means for generating a report for the communications network to be tested, wherein the means for analyzing data generated by the test equipment comprises a one-dimensional matrix analysis and the means for generating a report for the communications network under test generates a report of the test score for the communications network, and wherein the means for analyzing data generated by the test equipment comprises a five-dimensional matrix analysis and the means for generating a report for the communications network under test generates a report of test score, the specific test conducted on the communications network, the VoIP vendor equipment, the VoIp vendor equipment model and the version of the O/S running on the VoIp under test.

2. The processing system of claim 1 wherein the means for analyzing data generated by the test equipment comprises an n-dimensional matrix analysis.

3. A computerized method for testing communications networks comprising:

a) sending electronic signals from interface software installed on a computer to conventional test equipment for communications networks and thereby causing the test equipment to perform a plurality of tests on the communications network;

b) sending output data generated from the test equipment as a result of the tests performed on the communications network through the interface software to the computer;

c) processing the output data in the computer to identify problems with the communications network using an n-dimensional matrix approach;

d) comparing any problems with the communications network to a data base of problems with communications networks installed on the computer;

e) generating causes and suggested remedies for the problems from the database; and

f) printing a report of the results of the tests conducted on the communications network including the cause and suggested remedy of the problem, wherein the processing of the output data comprises a one-dimensional matrix approach and the results of the tests conducted on the network are presented through the report of a test score and wherein the processing of the output data comprises a five-dimensional matrix approach and the results of the tests conducted on the network are presented through the report of a test score, the specific test conducted on the communications network, the VoIP equipment vendor, the VoIP equipment model and the version of the O/S running on the VoIP under test.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the interface software is installed on a CPU of the conventional test equipment.

5. A processing system for analyzing problems with communications networks comprising:

test equipment for the communications networks selected from a plurality of available test equipment comprising interface software a computer comprising interface software that is capable of communicating with and controlling the plurality of available test equipment through the transmission of electronic signals to the test equipment, a database comprising problems with communications networks and suggested remedies for the problems, means for analyzing data generated by the test equipment to determine problems with the communications networks and comparing those problems to the database to determine suggested remedies for the problems, and means for generating a report for the communications network to be tested, wherein the means for analyzing data generated by the test equipment comprises a five-dimensional matrix analysis and the means for generating a report for the communications network under test generates a report of test score, the specific test conducted on the communications network, the VoIP vendor equipment, the VoIp vendor equipment model and the version of the O/S running on the VoIp under test.

6. The processing system of claim 5 wherein the means for analyzing data generated by the test equipment comprises an n-dimensional matrix analysis.

7. The processing system of claim 5 wherein the means for analyzing data generated by the test equipment comprises a one-dimensional matrix analysis and the means for generating a report for the communications network under test generates a report of the test score for the communications network.