Patent Description:
In <CIT>, there is described a home network analyser for a home network comprising a plurality of communication layers, said home network analyser comprising a collection module configured to receive physical communication layer performance parameters indicative for the performance of a physical communication layer of said home network.

In <CIT>, there is described clinical decision support systems, apparatus, and methods.

Users of broadband service often get frustrated with problems with the broadband network. For example, unexpected slowing down of the network increases time to download a movie from the Internet which hampers down user broadband experience. Fixing network and performance problems is hard, particularly if the network comprises several devices accessing the broadband network through a combination of fixed and wireless links. Examples of fixed links include Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). Examples of wireless links include Wi-Fi. Going beyond the basic troubleshooting methods, users are provided with understandable diagnosis and actionable recommendations to fix their problems and enhance the overall broadband experience, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, centralized cloud based recommendation engine is used to provide scope for actionable recommendations based on one or more factors such as long-term behavior, aggregated or correlated behavior, overall quality of experience (QoE), etc..

Here, long-term behavior refers to historical user behavior i.e., to maintain historical benchmarks for all components of the broadband network (e.g. the maximum wireless throughput historically recorded for a device). The real-time data may be compared against those historical benchmarks to recommend better fixes for the user. Here, aggregated/correlated behavior refers to identifying similar device networking behavior into groups i.e., to analyze multiple components of the broadband network together and provide consolidated recommendations. With different parts of the network impacting each other, it is important to eliminate ambiguity or redundancy in the recommendations. One way to eliminate or reduce such ambiguity is by aggregating or correlating behavior into groups. Here, QoE is associated with recommendations to capture evolving nature of broadband networks (e.g., new applications, new mobile devices, new complex home-networks).

The embodiments describe method and apparatus for improving broadband experience using cloud based recommendation engine. In one embodiment, a method is provided which is performed by a computing device for controlling home network system associated with a plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices. In one embodiment, the method comprises analyzing operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices. In one embodiment, the operational data is collected from a plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices. For example, downloadable agents in the Wi-Fi devices collect data and send that data to the cloud. In one embodiment, the method further comprises providing (or generating) recommendations for users of the broadband service for improving performance of the home network system according to the analyzed operational data. In one embodiment, the method comprises correlating the recommendations into groups, and aggregating the recommendations from the groups to generate unified recommendations for improving the home network system. The unified recommendations are then provided to a user of the home network system.

The term "Local Area Network" (LAN) generally refers to a computer or communication network that interconnects computers or communication devices in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media.

The term "Wide Area Network" (WAN) generally refers to a telecommunication network that covers a broad area (i.e., any network that links across metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries) compared to the limited area covered be a LAN.

The term "performance" generally refers to any one or more of network throughput (e.g., TCP/UDP), latency, jitter, connectivity, error rates, power consumption, transmit power, coverage, security, etc. Improving performance of the communication system includes increasing throughput, reducing error rate and latency, improving (i.e., reducing) jitter, reducing power consumption, increasing area of coverage, enhancing network security, etc. for the communicating system.

<FIG> illustrates a communication network <NUM> having an apparatus for improving broadband experience, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, communication network <NUM> comprises User Broadband Network <NUM>, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>, and Information Service Provider (ISP) <NUM>. In one embodiment, User Broadband Network <NUM> comprises one or more Wi-Fi enabled devices. For example, User Broadband Network <NUM> includes a WAN Gateway <NUM>, LAN/Wi-Fi Gateway <NUM>, and Devices <NUM> such as smart-phone, laptop, tablets, etc. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> includes various logics including logic 106a, 107a, and 108a to provide individual diagnostics (Diag. ) and recommendations associated with WAN Gateway <NUM>, LAN/Wi-Fi Gateway <NUM>, and Devices <NUM> respectively. In one embodiment, logics 106b, 107b, and 108b define hierarchies for the recommendations generated by 106a, 107a, and 108a, respectively, to generate hierarchical recommendations. Hierarchical recommendations are targeted to a specific Wi-Fi communication device and are defined based on the inclusiveness of the respective communication element (e.g., AP (Access Point) serves stations and so AP has a higher hierarchy than stations). They are hierarchical, since they are at different layers within the system i.e., Wi-Fi device, Wi-Fi AP, Broadband, etc. The hierarchy may be important in the grouping or aggregating process, since problems in the higher level (i.e., network) may have higher priority than the problems in lower level (i.e., station).

In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> comprises Aggregation Logic <NUM> and Logic <NUM> to provide Actionable Recommendations. In one embodiment, Historical data is stored in memory <NUM> (or database) in Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> resides in a server. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine is coupled to DSLAMs in the ISP <NUM> to learn more about the DSL performance. ISP <NUM> may collect performance data <NUM> from User Broadband Network <NUM> to monitor the internet service being provided to the User Broadband Network <NUM>. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> retrieves DSL data (in ISP Data <NUM>) from the DSLAMs in ISP <NUM> to learn about the DSL performance and to use that data to form Recommendations and messages <NUM>.

In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> gathers Recent Data 112a/b/c from User Broadband Network <NUM>. In one embodiment, the communication devices in User Broadband Network <NUM> have corresponding agents that collect Wi-Fi, DSL, Broadband, coaxial cable, optic cable, and/or device data, and then provide that data as Recent Data to Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>. For example, Agent 116a in WAN Gateway <NUM> collects DSL, Broadband, and/or device data and sends that information to Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>. Here, Agent refers to a downloadable application or existing hardware that collects various types of data and allows communication with Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>.

In one embodiment, Agent 116a periodically sends collected data to Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>. For example, Agents <NUM>/a/b/c may send data to Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> at night. In one embodiment, Agent 116a sends data to the Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> immediately when a certain event happens. For example, if the station that needs a continuous connection is disconnected, the agent can send a notification/data to the Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> right away to indicate that the station is disconnected. In one embodiment, Agents <NUM>/a/b/c send data automatically to Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> at a predetermined time(s) or periodically without user interaction. In one embodiment, User of the User Broadband Network <NUM> may initiate data collection by Agents 116a/b/c. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> requests Agent 116a to send the most recent data collected by WAN Gateway <NUM> so Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may analyze it and provide recommendations to the user. In one embodiment, Agent 116b in LAN/Wi-Fi Gateway <NUM> collects Wi-Fi and/or device data and sends that information to Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> for analysis. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> collects data from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) <NUM>. In one embodiment, based on Recommendations and messages <NUM> from Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>, data collection policy of Agents <NUM> a/b/c or applications in the devices may change. For example, if Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> suggests automatic optimization of broadband service, then user may initiate the optimization process and Agents <NUM> a/b/c may collect data more frequently.

The data collected by Agents 116a/b/c include one or more of data of Wi-Fi performance counters, Wi-Fi operational data, Wi-Fi active probing data, Wi-Fi user traffic data, DSL operational data, broadband performance data, and device operational data (e.g., amount of free memory, processor load, etc.). In one embodiment, Agents 116a/b/c also collect User Preference Data <NUM> that indicate user's preference of using the devices in User Broadband Network <NUM>. Examples of user preference include: monitoring broadband connectivity of home security devices more frequently than usual, and sending immediate alerts to the user when there are connectivity issues with any of those home security devices. Another examples of user preference is monitoring and alerting the user when a specified device or devices generate activity in the night. In one embodiment, this User Preference Data <NUM> is provided to logic <NUM> associated with providing Actionable Recommendations so that logic <NUM> generates Recommendation and messages <NUM> in view of User Preference Data <NUM> and aggregated data from logic <NUM>.

In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> maintains a database (in a memory) of Historical Data <NUM> and benchmarks. For example, the database of Historical Data <NUM> includes data such as maximum achieved speed for a device in User Broadband Network <NUM>, maximum throughput capacity of for a device in the User Broadband Network <NUM>, device-type, authorization history, etc. In one embodiment, after Recent Data 112a/b/c is received by Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>, Logics <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> develop Hierarchical Recommendations for corresponding devices in User Broadband Network <NUM> using Recent Data 112a/b/c and Historical Data <NUM>. In one embodiment, Logics <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> generate diagnostics and targeted recommendations, set priority levels, and action levels for individual recommendations. Here, diagnostics includes throughput, connectivity, latency, coverage, traffic, incorrect setting, noise, transmitter error, driver problems, and broadband per AP, etc..

In one embodiment, Logic <NUM> receives Hierarchical Recommendations from Logics <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and aggregates the recommendations into groups based on priority, action-levels, and correlations between recommendations. In one embodiment, Logic <NUM> may Request/Collect Additional Data <NUM> from User broadband Network <NUM> to assist with categorizing the recommendations. Aggregated recommendations include recommendations to enable optimization, improve coverage for devices, restart Wi-Fi driver, enable Wi-Fi security, etc. In one embodiment, recommendations are categorized by Logic <NUM> which include groups such as manual real-time recommendations (e.g., recommendations for real-time fixes that user can execute), automatic long-term recommendations (e.g., signing up for services such as optimization that automatically fixes the broadband problems), one-time permanent recommendations (e.g., recommendations to upgrade device, router, or broadband service), and generic recommendations (e.g., recommendation to user to contact service provider).

In one embodiment, aggregated recommendations are received by Logic <NUM> that generates actionable Recommendations and messages <NUM> in view of User Preference Data <NUM>. In one embodiment, Logic <NUM> integrates User Preference Data <NUM> to set alert levels and to categorize the types of fixes. In one embodiment, user QoE is generated based on diagnostics. In one embodiment, QoE is used to set the priority level of recommendations, and/or to decide recommendations. In one embodiment, depending on the priority levels or categorization of recommendations, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may use one of many ways to provide recommendations to the user. For example, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may provide daily (or at any fixed frequency) recommendations of actions for non-urgent issues, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may provide alerts or notifications to users through the Agents 116a/b/c or through any other communication channel, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may provide customized recommendations according to User Preference Data <NUM>, etc..

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> for improving broadband experience, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Although the blocks in the flowcharts with reference to <FIG> are shown in a particular order, the order of the actions can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments can be performed in a different order, and some actions/blocks may be performed in parallel. Some of the blocks and/or operations listed in <FIG> are optional in accordance with certain embodiments. The numbering of the blocks presented is for the sake of clarity and is not intended to prescribe an order of operations in which the various blocks must occur. Additionally, operations from the various flows may be utilized in a variety of combinations. <FIG> is explained with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM>, operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices is analyzed. In one embodiment, the operational data is collected from the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices.

At block <NUM>, recommendations for improving performance of the home network systems are provided according to the analyzed operational data. In one embodiment, individual elements are diagnosed by logics 106a, 107a, and 108a to provide individual recommendations. For example, each communication element in the home network (e.g., Wi-Fi station, Wi-Fi link, Wi-Fi AP, CPE (customer premises equipment), Broadband, etc.) is diagnosed individually to generate individual recommendations. In one embodiment, the diagnosis of an element (e.g. Station A diagnosis by logic 108a) is performed independently of other elements in the same network (e.g. AP, Station B). In one embodiment, the recommendations for an element (e.g. Recommendations 108a for Station A) are generated only from the diagnostic results of that element (e.g. Station A). In one embodiment, diagnostics includes throughput, connectivity, latency, coverage, traffic, incorrect setting, noise, transmitter error, driver problem, etc..

In one embodiment, after individual recommendations are collected, hierarchies for individual recommendations are defined by logics 106b, 107b, and 108b. Hierarchies are defined for the individual recommendations to define their level of importance, for example. In one embodiment, the individual recommendations are classified into hierarchies based on their inclusiveness: station recommendations are at the lowest level of inclusiveness, followed by the link/network (recommendations for a network will cover for station problems as well), followed by the CPE/AP and so on. The problems at higher-level in the network may mostly trickle down to lower-levels of the network and so understanding the role of the different communication elements in the network is used for defining the hierarchy. For example, Wi-Fi AP serves as the gateway for all Wi-Fi stations and hence is at a higher hierarchy (an AP fix might cover for all stations. ) Consequently, recommendations to resolve AP driver problems are at a higher hierarchy compared to station performance recommendations since addressing the AP recommendations may also resolve the station problems.

At block <NUM>, recommendations are correlated into groups. In one embodiment, after defining the hierarchies, the generated hierarchical recommendations are grouped and/or correlated for generating aggregated recommendations. At block <NUM>, the recommendations from the groups are aggregated to generate unified recommendations for improving the home service. At block <NUM>, the unified recommendations are provided to a user of the home network system.

The unified recommendations are final actionable recommendations that are provided to the user. To generate the unified recommendations, the hierarchical recommendations are consolidated. In one embodiment, similar recommendations are grouped. For example, if Station A's and AP's recommendations specify to enable optimization, then those recommendations are grouped. In one embodiment, correlated recommendations are grouped. For example, if Station A has low throughput and AP has driver-problems, then associated recommendation can be correlated since AP is servicing the stations. In one embodiment, redundant recommendations and proposed fixes are eliminated from the groups by applying the pre-defined hierarchies. For example, higher-level recommendations may suppress lower-level recommendations. One reason for generating the unified recommendation is to present to the user the minimum set of recommendations that will resolve all of the network problems.

In one embodiment, instead of providing the unified recommendations to a user of the home network system, the unified recommendations are automatically (or periodically) incorporated for the home network system without interaction of a user. For example, the unified recommendations are provided to one or more of diagnostic system, LAN device, performance optimization system, or home network controller. At block <NUM>, the unified recommendations are filtered according to filtering instructions.

Method <NUM> may be used to restrict low performing stations (or AP devices) to enhance the experience of high-speed devices in User Broadband Network <NUM>, according to one embodiment. Low throughput devices within User Broadband Network <NUM> may have a bigger impact on the performance of all devices operating on the Wi-Fi network. For example, in Wi-Fi networks, an active but low-speed device may degrade the speed of other high-speed devices on the network that are simultaneously trying to access the shared communications channel. Here, speed refers to speed associated with network traffic. In such an example, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may alert the user to send Recommendations and message <NUM> to restrict the access for the low-speed devices when high-speed devices are being used actively. This recommendation from Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may free up the busy network from slow speed devices to provide better Wi-Fi user experience for high speed devices.

Method <NUM> may be used to prioritize the components that need fixing, according to one embodiment. For example, when multiple devices in User Broadband Network <NUM> are experiencing poor connectivity due to router, DSL modem, or broadband link, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may identify the issue and consolidate the recommendation for the user to target the root-cause of the problem i.e., the DSL modem, or broadband link. In one embodiment, when only certain devices in User Broadband Network <NUM> are experiencing problems with the broadband network, recommendations to fix those individual devices in User Broadband Network <NUM> may take priority over other recommendation.

Method <NUM> may also be used to block rogue devices from gaining access to the Wi-Fi network. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> maintains an historical log in Logic <NUM> to flag or identify rogue devices. For example, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> maintains a flag for each device connected to the Wi-Fi network, where the flag indicates whether the device is an authorized device. In one embodiment, when Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> identifies that one of the devices on the network is a rogue device (as determined by the value of the flag associated with that device), Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may message the user about the rogue device, and may also request the rogue device to verify its identity with the Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> in case the flag setting associated with that device is false. If it is determined that the flag setting associated with the device is correct (i.e., the device is indeed rogue) then Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> Agent 116a and/or Agent 116b can block that device from attempting to connect to the Wi-Fi network, thus securing the Wi-Fi network.

Method <NUM> may also be used to monitor infrastructure changes, for example, when a new router, device, service, is incorporated. Users tend to periodically upgrade routers, devices, and services for various reasons. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> maintains historical benchmarks for performance metrics (e.g., maximum throughput, lowest latency, highest signal strength). In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> compares Recent Data 112a/b/c to identify whether recent changes in infrastructure of User Broadband Network <NUM> are causing significant changes (e.g., slowness) in the broadband service. Upon determining that the new changes in infrastructure are slowing down the network, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may recommend User to restore previous wireless router because the new router is achieving lower maximum speeds for several devices in User Broadband Network <NUM>.

Method <NUM> may also be used for assigning devices and applications, according to one embodiment. For example, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may provide certain recommendations for certain devices in User Broadband Network <NUM>. In one embodiment, when multiple wireless routers are deployed in the User Broadband Network <NUM>, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may recommend user to use the router with higher capabilities (e.g., 11AC, dual-band router) for devices with similar capabilities and for devices that are used for high-bandwidth applications (e.g., smart-TV, gaming-console). In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> recommends for the best device (in terms of speed) and network combination when multiple wireless networks are available for broadband access.

Method <NUM> may also be used for providing continuous connectivity of secure devices, according to one embodiment. For example, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may ensure that certain devices such as smoke detector, fire alarm, burglary alarm, thermostats, surveillance cameras, etc., are always connected with the Wi-Fi network. In one embodiment, Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> may monitor connectivity of these special devices and provide alerts to the user if any one of these devices stops contacting Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM> for more than a predetermined time period (e.g., <NUM> hour). While the above applications are exemplary applications, other applications may be used with various embodiments described here.

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> for improving broadband experience, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Although the blocks in the flowcharts with reference to <FIG> are shown in a particular order, the order of the actions can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments can be performed in a different order, and some actions/blocks may be performed in parallel. Some of the blocks and/or operations listed in <FIG> are optional in accordance with certain embodiments. The numbering of the blocks presented is for the sake of clarity and is not intended to prescribe an order of operations in which the various blocks must occur. Additionally, operations from the various flows may be utilized in a variety of combinations. <FIG> is described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM>, current operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices is collected. At block <NUM>, historical operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices is collected. At block <NUM>, the collected current and historical operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices is analyzed. At block <NUM>, individual recommendations are provided for each of the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices for improving performance of the home network systems according to the analyzed collected current and historical operational data. At block <NUM>, recommendations are correlated into groups for improving home network systems. At block <NUM>, the correlated recommendations from the groups are consolidated to generate unified recommendations for improving the home network system. The various applications discussed with reference to method <NUM> are also applicable for method <NUM>.

<FIG> is a processor-based system <NUM> having machine-readable storage medium with computer executable instructions to perform the processes and methods, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, processor-based system <NUM> comprises a processor(s) <NUM>, memory/database <NUM>, network bus <NUM>, machine-readable storage medium <NUM>, and network interface <NUM>. In one embodiment, processor-based system <NUM> is part of one or more devices in User Broadband Network <NUM>. In one embodiment, processor-based system <NUM> is part of the server having the Cloud Recommendation Engine <NUM>.

In one embodiment, machine-readable storage medium <NUM> and associated computer executable instructions 404a may be in any of the communication devices and/or servers discussed herein. The computer-machine-readable/executable instructions 404a are executed by processor <NUM>. Elements of embodiments are provided as machine-readable medium for storing the computer-executable instructions (e.g., instructions to implement the flowcharts and other processes discussed in the description).

In one embodiment, database <NUM> is operable to store data used by the instructions 404a (also called software code/instructions). In one embodiment, network interface <NUM> is operable to communicate with other devices. In one embodiment, the components of processor-based system <NUM> communicate with one another via network bus <NUM>.

The machine-readable storage medium <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, flash memory, optical disks, hard disk drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), CD-Read Only Memory (CD-ROMs), DVD ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of machine-readable media suitable for storing electronic or computer-executable instructions. For example, embodiments of the disclosure may be downloaded as a computer program (e.g., BIOS) which may be transferred from a remote computer (e.g., a server) to a requesting computer (e.g., a client) by way of data signals via a communication link (e.g., a modem or network connection).

Program software code/instructions 404a executed to implement embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module, routine, or other sequence of instructions or organization of sequences of instructions referred to as "program software code/instructions," "operating system program software code/instructions," "application program software code/instructions," or simply "software. " The program software code/instructions 404a typically include one or more instructions stored at various times in various tangible memory and storage devices in or peripheral to the computing device, that, when fetched/read and executed by the computing device, as defined herein, cause the computing device to perform functions, functionalities and operations necessary to perform a method, so as to execute elements involving various aspects of the function, functionalities, and operations of the method(s) forming an aspect of the disclosed subject matter.

For the purposes of this disclosure a module is a software, hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof) system, process or functionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates the processes, features, and/or functions, functionalities and/or operations described herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation) as being performed by the identified module. A module can include sub-modules. Software components of a module may be stored on a tangible machine readable medium (e.g., <NUM>). Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by one or more servers. One or more modules may be grouped into an engine or an application.

A tangible machine readable medium (e.g., <NUM>) can be used to store program software code/instructions (e.g., 404a) and data that, when executed by a computing device <NUM>, cause the computing device <NUM> to perform a method(s) as may be recited in one or more accompanying claims directed to the disclosed subject matter. The tangible machine readable medium may include storage of the executable software program code/instructions and data in various tangible locations, including for example ROM, volatile RAM, non-volatile memory and/or cache and/or other tangible memory as referenced in the present application. Portions of this program software code/instructions and/or data may be stored in any one of these storage and memory devices. Further, the program software code/instructions can be obtained from other storage, including, e.g., through centralized servers or peer to peer networks and the like, including the Internet. Different portions of the software program code/instructions and data can be obtained at different times and in different communication sessions or in a same communication session.

The software program code/instructions and data can be obtained in their entirety prior to the execution of a respective software program or application by the computing device. Alternatively, portions of the software program code/instructions and data can be obtained dynamically, e.g., just in time, when needed for execution. Alternatively, some combination of these ways of obtaining the software program code/instructions and data may occur, e.g., for different applications, components, programs, objects, modules, routines or other sequences of instructions or organization of sequences of instructions, by way of example. Thus, it is not required that the data and instructions be on a tangible machine readable medium in entirety at a particular instance of time.

Examples of tangible computer-readable media include but are not limited to recordable and non-recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), etc.), among others. The software program code/instructions may be temporarily stored in digital tangible communication links while implementing electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagating signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc. through such tangible communication links.

In general, a tangible machine readable medium includes any tangible mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits in digital form, e.g., data packets) information in a form accessible by a machine (i.e., a computing device), which may be included, e.g., in a communication device, a computing device, a network device, a personal digital assistant, a manufacturing tool, a mobile communication device, whether or not able to download and run applications and subsidized applications from the communication network, such as the Internet, (e.g., an iPhone®, Blackberry® Droid®,) or the like, or any other device including a computing device. In one embodiment, processor-based system <NUM> is in a form of or included within a PDA, a cellular phone, a notebook computer, a tablet, a game console, a set top box, an embedded system, a TV, a personal desktop computer, etc. Alternatively, the traditional communication applications and subsidized application(s) may be used in some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

The following passages pertain to examples useful for understanding the invention. All optional features of the apparatus described herein may also be implemented with respect to a method or process.

In one example, a method performed by a computing device for controlling home network system associated with a plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices is provided. In one example, the method comprises: analyzing operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices, the operational data collected from plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices; providing (or generating) recommendations for improving performance of the home network system according to the analyzed operational data; correlating the recommendations into groups; and aggregating the recommendations from the groups to generate unified recommendations for improving the home network system.

In one example, the method further comprises: providing the unified recommendations to a user of the home network system. In one example, the method further comprises providing the unified recommendations to one or more of: a diagnostic system, a LAN device, a performance optimization system, or a home network controller. In one example, the method further comprises: filtering the unified recommendations according to filtering instructions; and providing the filtered recommendations to a user of the home network system. In one example, the correlating is performed according to similarities in recommendations for improving performance of the home network system associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices. In one example, the collected operational data is collected by an agent in an AP or mobile application. In one example, the home network systems are one of: a broadband service; or a Wi-Fi service.

In another example, a computer readable storage medium is provided having computer executable instructions stored thereon, that when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method described above.

In another example, a method provided which is performed by a computing device for providing (or generating) recommendations to improve home network system associated with a plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices. The method comprises: collecting, by the computing device, current operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices; collecting, by the computing device, historical operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices; analyzing the collected current and historical operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices; providing (or generating) individual recommendations for each of the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices for improving performance of the home network system according to the analyzed collected current and historical operational data; defining hierarchies for the individual recommendations for each of the plurality of Wi-Fi communication devices; correlating recommendations for improving home network system into groups; and consolidating the correlated recommendations from the groups to generate unified recommendations for improving the home network system.

In one example, the hierarchies for individual recommendations are defined based on a level of inclusiveness of the respective Wi-Fi communication device. In one example, the method further comprises: providing the unified recommendations to a user of the home network system. In one example, the method further comprises: filtering the unified recommendations according to filtering instructions; and providing the filtered recommendations to a user of the home network system.

In one example, the correlating is performed according to similarities in recommendations for improving performance of the home network system associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices. In one example, the collected current operational data is collected by an agent in an AP or mobile application. In one example, the home network systems are one of: a broadband service; or a Wi-Fi service.

In another example, a computer readable storage medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon, that when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method according to the method discussed above.

In another example, an apparatus is provided for controlling home network system. In one example, the apparatus is comprises: logic to analyze operational data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices, the operational data collected from plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices; logic to provide (or to generate) recommendations for improving performance of the home network system according to the analyzed operational data; logic to correlate the recommendations into groups; and logic to aggregate the recommendations from the groups to generate unified recommendations for improving the home network system.

In one example, the apparatus further comprises: logic to provide the unified recommendations to a user of the home network system. In one example, the apparatus further comprises: logic to filter the unified recommendations according to filtering instructions; and logic to provide the filtered recommendations to a user of the home network system. In one example, the collected operational data is collected by an agent in an AP or mobile application. In one example, the home network systems are one of: a broadband service; or a Wi-Fi service.

Claim 1:
A method performed by a computing device for controlling a home network system associated with a plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices, the method comprising:
analyzing (<NUM>) data associated with the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices, the data collected from the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices;
providing (<NUM>) individual recommendations for each of the plurality of Wi-Fi communicating devices for improving performance of the home network system according to the analyzed data;
defining hierarchies for the individual recommendations for each of the plurality of Wi-Fi communication devices;
correlating (<NUM>) the individual recommendations into groups;
aggregating (<NUM>) the individual recommendations from the groups to generate unified recommendations for improving the home network system; and
providing the unified recommendations to a user of the home network system or to one or more of: a user broadband network, a diagnostic system, a Local Area Network device, a performance optimization system, or a home network controller.