US 11,991,414 B2
Method and apparatus providing out of band validation by content analysis in a cable TV network
Robert Flask, New Palestine, IN (US); and Loren R. Eggert, Indianapolis, IN (US)
Assigned to Viavi Solutions Inc., Chandler, AZ (US)
Filed by Viavi Solutions Inc., Chandler, AZ (US)
Filed on Mar. 8, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/180,355.
Application 18/180,355 is a continuation of application No. 17/067,286, filed on Oct. 9, 2020, granted, now 11,665,396.
Prior Publication US 2023/0291965 A1, Sep. 14, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. H04N 21/442 (2011.01); H04L 43/08 (2022.01); H04N 21/438 (2011.01); H04N 21/61 (2011.01); H04N 21/84 (2011.01)
CPC H04N 21/44209 (2013.01) [H04L 43/08 (2013.01); H04N 21/4382 (2013.01); H04N 21/6118 (2013.01); H04N 21/84 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method performed on a test instrument, said method comprising:
capturing, by the test instrument, channel data transmitted in a network;
determining, by the test instrument, whether the channel data includes a predetermined amount of valid data based on a detected packet identifier or includes filler data to maintain a constant bitrate transmission;
determining, by the test instrument, that the channel is active when it is determined that the channel data includes the predetermined amount of valid data; and
determining, by the test instrument, that the channel is inactive in response to determining that the channel data includes the filler data to maintain the constant bitrate transmission.