Monitoring and Troubleshooting in Operational IP-TV System

Abstract

When deploying large scale of QoS guaranteed IP-TV services over Triple-Play networks, there is a growing demand to access to the live network services, monitor in real time the broadcast chains, acquire the dynamic network parameters to ensure an uninterrupted, high quality service. Considering the difference of IP packet switching network and the de-facto transport stream (TS) standard of broadcast digital video network, this paper describes design consideration and implementation of a powerful embedded IP-TV monitor for real time monitoring the IP-TV QoS and using this equipment to construct a payload-aware monitoring network for on-line troubleshooting when the QoS deteriorate. The monitor should be designed to have ability to monitor and troubleshoot the blended combination of network status and digital TV quality in real time and cross layer way, meanwhile the procedures of monitoring does not interfere with the on-line services. This monitor can be deployed in the networks to measure the three ultimate metrics: IP cumulative jitter, packet loss and MPEG TS errors and provide helpful information about the network and service when service failed. Implementation and experimental results show promise of being practical in the real IP-TV trial networks.