Patent ID: 8767586

Claim:
A memory storing instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising: receiving data service from a data network at a residential gateway; distributing the data service from the residential gateway over a residential network to different devices; sending a query from the residential gateway over the residential network to each one of the different devices communicating with the residential gateway; receiving configuration and performance data in response to the query; generating a simulated view of a topology of the residential network; generating icons in the simulated view that represent the residential gateway and each one of the different devices; generating simulated communications links in the simulated view that represent communications links between the residential gateway and each one of the different devices; determining bandwidth being consumed by each one of the different devices communicating with the residential gateway over the residential network; retrieving a maximum data rate permitted by a communications protocol governing the communications links between the residential gateway and each one of the different devices; comparing the bandwidth being consumed by each one of the different devices to rules imposing limits on the maximum data rate permitted by the communications protocol; and graphically illustrating in the simulated view the maximum data rate and the bandwidth being consumed by each one of the different devices, wherein automated diagnosis of the residential network is performed.