US5680325A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Network capacity creation for video dial tone network
Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc
•
Filing: 1995-08-24
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Granted: 1997-10-21
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Expires: 2015-08-24
Abstract
Abstract An arrangement for creating network transport capacity for a broadband network, such as a video dial tone network. The arrangement performs network capacity creation using capacity planning, capacity management, capacity implementation, and capacity activation. During capacity planning, a strategic plan for providing broadband transport services is established, and desired deployment regions are identified with the corresponding forecasted demands for service, to define a capacity budget which correlates the forecasted demand for service with forecasted network capacity and the desired deployment regions. Usage capacity of existing architecture is also monitored to determine whether existing network capacity has been or soon will be exhausted. A network model is developed for the desired deployment region in accordance with the capacity budget and the usage capacity for the selected network architecture. Capacity implementation determines changes necessary to the network, and orders and tracks the changes to the networks, and updates an inventory of existing network assets upon completion of the change orders. During capacity activation, the available assets in the network assets inventory are logically assigned and stored as assignable inventory representing available capacity for use in broadband data services.
Inventors
- 👤 Janet Rohner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 20:40
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/173; H04N7/17309; H04N7/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; implementing said network transport capacity in accordance with said transport capacity requirements to obtain network unit inventory, comprising: (1) tracking network construction in a job tracking and management system based on the transport capacity requirements, and (2) updating a network unit database to store said network unit inventory based on the network construction, said network unit inventory comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution facilities; and logically assigning at least a portion of said network assets to logical paths of broadband transport to obtain an assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; implementing said network transport capacity in accordance with said transport capacity requirements to obtain network unit inventory, comprising: (1) tracking network construction in a job tracking and management system based on the transport capacity requirements, and (2) updating a network unit database to store said network unit inventory based on the network construction, said network unit inventory comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution facilities; and logically assigning at least a portion of said network assets to logical paths of broadband transport to obtain an assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said planning step comprises the steps of: establishing a strategic plan for providing broadband transport services, said strategic plan comprising a demand forecast for broadband services; identifying and defining said desired deployment region; selecting the selected broadband network architecture from a plurality of available network architectures; and determining a capacity budget comparing said demand forecast with a forecasted network capacity of said selected broadband network, said transport capacity requirements being generated in accordance with said capacity budget.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as recited in claim 2, wherein said selecting step comprises the step of preparing a local area plan for at least one area within said desired deployment region, said local area plan identifying a point of interconnect, and a location of network equipment, for said broadband network.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as recited in claim 2, wherein said plurality of available network architectures include hybrid-fiber coax, fiber to the home, fiber to the curb, and wireless.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as recited in claim 2, further comprising the step of developing a network model of the desired deployment region in accordance with said selected broadband network architecture and said capacity budget, said network model comprising network specifications for said implementing step.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as recited in claim 5, wherein said network specifications identify one of network equipment and network facilities to be built.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as recited in claim 5, wherein said network specifications identify a network point-of-interconnect for a subscribing information provider, network equipment for the broadband transport, and network facilities.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as recited in claim 5, further comprising the step of monitoring capacity of existing network elements to determine an occurrence of capacity exhaust, said developing step developing said network model in accordance with said occurrence of capacity exhaust.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method as recited in claim 5, wherein said implementing step comprises the steps of: generating a project recommendation for said network construction, said project recommendation identifying capital requirements; and engineering network specifications identifying components of said network assets; wherein said tracking step tracks said network construction of said components in accordance with said capital requirements and said network specifications.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method as recited in claim 9, wherein said implementing step further comprises the steps of: designing network elements in accordance with said network assets stored in said network unit inventory; logically assigning selected network assets to said respective designed network elements; updating said network unit database to identify said selected network assets as assigned network assets.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
355 words
A method, for creating network transport capacity for a broadband network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; implementing said network transport capacity in accordance with said transport capacity requirements to obtain network unit inventory, said network unit inventory comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution facilities; logically assigning at least a portion of said network assets to logical paths of broadband transport to obtain an assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity, wherein said planning step comprises the steps of: (1) establishing a strategic plan for providing broadband transport services, said strategic plan comprising a demand forecast for broadband services; (2) identifying and defining said desired deployment region; (3) selecting the selected broadband network architecture from a plurality of available network architectures; and (4) determining a capacity budget comparing said demand forecast with a forecasted network capacity of said selected broadband network, said transport capacity requirements being generated in accordance with said capacity budget; the method further comprising the step of developing a network model of the desired deployment region in accordance with said selected broadband network architecture and said capacity budget, said network model comprising network specifications for said implementing step; wherein said implementing step comprises the steps of: (1) generating a project recommendation for network construction, said project recommendation identifying capital requirements, (2) engineering network specifications identifying components of said network assets, (3) tracking said network construction of said components in accordance with said capital requirements and said network specifications, said tracking step updating a network unit database storing said network unit inventory in response to said network construction, (4) designing network elements in accordance with said network assets stored in said network unit inventory, (5) logically assigning selected network assets to said respective designed network elements, (6) updating said network unit database to identify said selected network assets as assigned network assets, and (7) requesting a plug-in of specified network assets for one of said designed network elements, said network unit database being updated to identify completion of said plug-in.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
355 words
A method, for creating network transport capacity for a broadband network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; implementing said network transport capacity in accordance with said transport capacity requirements to obtain network unit inventory, said network unit inventory comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution facilities; logically assigning at least a portion of said network assets to logical paths of broadband transport to obtain an assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity, wherein said planning step comprises the steps of: (1) establishing a strategic plan for providing broadband transport services, said strategic plan comprising a demand forecast for broadband services; (2) identifying and defining said desired deployment region; (3) selecting the selected broadband network architecture from a plurality of available network architectures; and (4) determining a capacity budget comparing said demand forecast with a forecasted network capacity of said selected broadband network, said transport capacity requirements being generated in accordance with said capacity budget; the method further comprising the step of developing a network model of the desired deployment region in accordance with said selected broadband network architecture and said capacity budget, said network model comprising network specifications for said implementing step; wherein said implementing step comprises the steps of: (1) generating a project recommendation for network construction, said project recommendation identifying capital requirements, (2) engineering network specifications identifying components of said network assets, (3) tracking said network construction of said components in accordance with said capital requirements and said network specifications, said tracking step updating a network unit database storing said network unit inventory in response to said network construction, (4) designing network elements in accordance with said network assets stored in said network unit inventory, (5) logically assigning selected network assets to said respective designed network elements, (6) updating said network unit database to identify said selected network assets as assigned network assets, and (7) requesting a plug-in of specified network assets for one of said designed network elements, said network unit database being updated to identify completion of said plug-in.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as recited in claim 11, wherein said implementing step further comprises the step of updating an asset inventory in response to assignment of network assets, respectively.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as recited in claim 5, wherein said implementing step comprises the steps of: designing network elements in accordance with said network assets stored in said network unit inventory; logically assigning selected network assets to said respective designed network elements; updating said network unit database to identify said selected network assets as assigned network assets.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
294 words
A method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; implementing said network transport capacity in accordance with said transport capacity requirements to obtain network unit inventory, said network unit inventory comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution facilities; logically assigning at least a portion of said network assets to logical paths of broadband transport to obtain an assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity, wherein said planning step comprises the steps of: (1) establishing a strategic plan for providing broadband transport services, said strategic plan comprising a demand forecast for broadband services, (2) identifying and defining said desired deployment region, (3) selecting the selected broadband network architecture from a plurality of available network architectures, and (4) determining a capacity budget comparing said demand forecast with a forecasted network capacity of said selected broadband network, said transport capacity requirements being generated in accordance with said capacity budget; the method further comprising the step of developing a network model of the desired deployment region in accordance with said selected broadband network architecture and said capacity budget, said network model comprising network specifications for said implementing step; wherein said implementing step comprises the steps of: (1) designing network elements in accordance with said network assets stored in said network unit inventory, (2) logically assigning select network assets to said respective designed network elements, (3) updating said network unit database to identify said selected network assets as assigned network assets, and (4) requesting a plug-in of specified network assets for one of said designed network elements, said network unit database being updated to identify completion of said plug-in.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
294 words
A method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; implementing said network transport capacity in accordance with said transport capacity requirements to obtain network unit inventory, said network unit inventory comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution facilities; logically assigning at least a portion of said network assets to logical paths of broadband transport to obtain an assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity, wherein said planning step comprises the steps of: (1) establishing a strategic plan for providing broadband transport services, said strategic plan comprising a demand forecast for broadband services, (2) identifying and defining said desired deployment region, (3) selecting the selected broadband network architecture from a plurality of available network architectures, and (4) determining a capacity budget comparing said demand forecast with a forecasted network capacity of said selected broadband network, said transport capacity requirements being generated in accordance with said capacity budget; the method further comprising the step of developing a network model of the desired deployment region in accordance with said selected broadband network architecture and said capacity budget, said network model comprising network specifications for said implementing step; wherein said implementing step comprises the steps of: (1) designing network elements in accordance with said network assets stored in said network unit inventory, (2) logically assigning select network assets to said respective designed network elements, (3) updating said network unit database to identify said selected network assets as assigned network assets, and (4) requesting a plug-in of specified network assets for one of said designed network elements, said network unit database being updated to identify completion of said plug-in.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as recited in claim 5, further comprising the step of monitoring capacity of existing network elements and said network transport capacity indicated by said assignable inventory to determine an occurrence of capacity exhaust, said developing step developing said network model in accordance with said occurrence of capacity exhaust.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
251 words
In a broadband digital network support system comprising a network element design system adapted for designing components for use as one of equipment and facilities for a broadband digital network, a job tracking and management system, a first database for tracking network inventory available for use, a second database for tracking assignable inventory available for service creation for network subscribers, and a logical assignment system adapted for logically assigning at least a portion of said network inventory identified in said first database as said assignable inventory in said second database, a method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband digital network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; developing a broadband network model in said network element design system in accordance with said transport capacity requirements; tracking network construction in said job tracking and management system in accordance with said network model; updating said first database with said job tracking and management system in response to said tracking network construction step, said network inventory identified in said first database comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution plant; compiling at least a portion of said network inventory with said logical assignment system to obtain a logical path connecting said portion of said network inventory; and storing said logical path obtained by said logical assignment system to said second database, said logical path representing assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
251 words
In a broadband digital network support system comprising a network element design system adapted for designing components for use as one of equipment and facilities for a broadband digital network, a job tracking and management system, a first database for tracking network inventory available for use, a second database for tracking assignable inventory available for service creation for network subscribers, and a logical assignment system adapted for logically assigning at least a portion of said network inventory identified in said first database as said assignable inventory in said second database, a method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband digital network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; developing a broadband network model in said network element design system in accordance with said transport capacity requirements; tracking network construction in said job tracking and management system in accordance with said network model; updating said first database with said job tracking and management system in response to said tracking network construction step, said network inventory identified in said first database comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution plant; compiling at least a portion of said network inventory with said logical assignment system to obtain a logical path connecting said portion of said network inventory; and storing said logical path obtained by said logical assignment system to said second database, said logical path representing assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said planning step comprises the steps of: establishing a strategic plan for providing broadband transport services, said strategic plan comprising a demand forecast for broadband services; identifying and defining said desired deployment region; selecting the selected broadband network architecture from a plurality of available network architectures; determining a capacity budget comparing said demand forecast with a forecasted network capacity of said selected broadband network architecture, said transport capacity requirements being generated in accordance with said capacity budget.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as recited in claim 17, wherein said selecting step comprises the step of preparing a local area plan for at least one area within said desired deployment region, said local area plan identifying a point of interconnect, and a location of network equipment, for said broadband digital network.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as recited in claim 17, wherein said plurality of available network architectures include hybrid-fiber coax, fiber to the home, fiber to the curb, and wireless.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
96 words
A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said broadband digital network support system further comprises an integrated planning system for monitoring network traffic, the method further comprising the steps of: supplying traffic threshold information from said network element design system to said integrated planning system in accordance with said transport capacity requirements; retrieving traffic information corresponding to said monitored network traffic from said integrated planning system; and determining an occurrence of capacity exhaust in response to said retrieved traffic information, said developing step developing said network model in accordance with said occurrence of capacity exhaust.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
337 words
In a broadband digital network support system comprising a network element design system adapted for designing components for use as one of equipment and facilities for a broadband digital network, a job tracking and management system, a first database for tracking network inventory available for use, a second database for tracking assignable inventory available for service creation for network subscribers, and a logical assignment system adapted for logically assigning at least a portion of said network inventory identified in said first database as said assignable inventory in said second database, a method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband digital network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; developing a broadband network model in said network element design system in accordance with said transport capacity requirements; tracking network construction in said job tracking and management system in accordance with said network model; updating said first database with said job tracking and management system in response to said tracking network construction step, said network inventory identified in said first database comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution plant; compiling at least a portion of said network inventory with said logical assignment system to obtain a logical path connecting said portion of said network inventory; and storing said logical path obtained by said logical assignment system to said second database, said logical path representing assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity, wherein said broadband digital network support system further comprises a work force administration system, the method further comprising the steps of: outputting from said logical assignment system a work order request to said work force administration system in accordance with said network model, said network model identifying network facilities to be built; tracking installation of said network facilities with said work force administration system; and updating said second database with said network facilities in response to a work completion message from said work force administration system.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
337 words
In a broadband digital network support system comprising a network element design system adapted for designing components for use as one of equipment and facilities for a broadband digital network, a job tracking and management system, a first database for tracking network inventory available for use, a second database for tracking assignable inventory available for service creation for network subscribers, and a logical assignment system adapted for logically assigning at least a portion of said network inventory identified in said first database as said assignable inventory in said second database, a method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband digital network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; developing a broadband network model in said network element design system in accordance with said transport capacity requirements; tracking network construction in said job tracking and management system in accordance with said network model; updating said first database with said job tracking and management system in response to said tracking network construction step, said network inventory identified in said first database comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution plant; compiling at least a portion of said network inventory with said logical assignment system to obtain a logical path connecting said portion of said network inventory; and storing said logical path obtained by said logical assignment system to said second database, said logical path representing assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity, wherein said broadband digital network support system further comprises a work force administration system, the method further comprising the steps of: outputting from said logical assignment system a work order request to said work force administration system in accordance with said network model, said network model identifying network facilities to be built; tracking installation of said network facilities with said work force administration system; and updating said second database with said network facilities in response to a work completion message from said work force administration system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
338 words
In a broadband digital network support system comprising a network element design system adapted for designing components for use as one of equipment and facilities for a broadband digital network, a job tracking and management system, a first database for tracking network inventory available for use, a second database for tracking assignable inventory available for service creation for network subscribers, and a logical assignment system adapted for logically assigning at least a portion of said network inventory identified in said first database as said assignable inventory in said second database, a method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband digital network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; developing a broadband network model in said network element design system in accordance with said transport capacity requirements; tracking network construction in said job tracking and management system in accordance with said network model; updating said first database with said job tracking and management system in response to said tracking network construction step, said network inventory identified in said first database comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution plant; compiling at least a portion of said network inventory with said logical assignment system to obtain a logical path connecting said portion of said network inventory; and storing said logical path obtained by said logical assignment system to said second database, said logical path representing assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity, wherein said broadband digital network support system further comprises a plug-in inventory control system, the method further comprising the steps of: outputting from said logical assignment system a plug-in request to said plug-in inventory control system in accordance with said network model, said network model identifying network equipment to be installed for network elements; tracking installation of said network equipment with said plug-in inventory control system; and updating said second database with said network facilities in response to a completion message from said plug-in inventory control system.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
338 words
In a broadband digital network support system comprising a network element design system adapted for designing components for use as one of equipment and facilities for a broadband digital network, a job tracking and management system, a first database for tracking network inventory available for use, a second database for tracking assignable inventory available for service creation for network subscribers, and a logical assignment system adapted for logically assigning at least a portion of said network inventory identified in said first database as said assignable inventory in said second database, a method for creating network transport capacity for a broadband digital network, comprising the steps of: planning transport capacity requirements for a desired deployment region in accordance with a selected broadband network architecture; developing a broadband network model in said network element design system in accordance with said transport capacity requirements; tracking network construction in said job tracking and management system in accordance with said network model; updating said first database with said job tracking and management system in response to said tracking network construction step, said network inventory identified in said first database comprising network assets for use as one of network element equipment and loop distribution plant; compiling at least a portion of said network inventory with said logical assignment system to obtain a logical path connecting said portion of said network inventory; and storing said logical path obtained by said logical assignment system to said second database, said logical path representing assignable inventory identifying said network transport capacity, wherein said broadband digital network support system further comprises a plug-in inventory control system, the method further comprising the steps of: outputting from said logical assignment system a plug-in request to said plug-in inventory control system in accordance with said network model, said network model identifying network equipment to be installed for network elements; tracking installation of said network equipment with said plug-in inventory control system; and updating said second database with said network facilities in response to a completion message from said plug-in inventory control system.
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