Patent ID: 7873981
Filing Date: 2011-01-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of providing set up services to customer premise equipment (CPE), the CPE coupled to an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, the method comprising: storing user information on a set up server in response to the user purchasing the CPE; operating a network element as a set up terminal server, the network element being part of a communications network; receiving from the CPE a request to initiate a set up process, the request from a thin client application on the CPE, the network element executing client side processing for the CPE, the request generated in response to applying power to the CPE; accessing the set up server separate from the network element coupled to the communications network to initiate a set up application, the set up server confirming that the user account is paid prior to initiating a connection between the CPE and the IPTV network; wherein the set up server communicates with the CPE through the network element to perform installation of the CPE and provisioning of the CPE; and receiving CPE status information indicating the status of the CPE to the network element in the IPTV network for diagnostic analysis; wherein the CPE status information includes first status information received periodically at regular intervals and second status information sent upon a change in the CPE.