Patent ID: 7606145

Claim:
A dual-mode broadband modem operative to operate in a service mode and a surveillance mode, comprising: a primary communication device operative to communicate with at least a broadband service provider using a first network protocol; a secondary communication device operative to communicate with at least the broadband service provider using a second network protocol, the second network protocol different from the first network protocol; a central processing unit in communication with the primary and secondary communication devices, the central processing unit operative to switch the dual-mode broadband modem between the service mode and the surveillance mode; and a memory unit in communication with the central processing unit, the memory unit operative to store historical data relating to performance of the primary communication device; wherein the central processing unit activates the primary communication device and stores historical information regarding the performance of the primary communication device in the memory unit when the dual-mode broadband modem operates in service mode; and wherein the central processing unit activates at least the secondary communication device upon an interruption in broadband service between the primary communication device and the broadband service provider, and sends at least a portion of the historical information stored in the memory unit to the broadband service provider via the secondary communication device when the dual-mode broadband modem operates in surveillance mode for processing to determine a source of the interruption in broadband service between the primary communication device and the broadband service provider.