Convergent and reliable hybrid home networks

Home network complexity is increasing with the multiplication of the devices and the services. Moreover, heterogeneous connectivity technologies are used, typically: Ethernet, WiFi and PLC (Power Line Communication); which might contribute to customers' confusion whenever there is any service degradation. Therefore, along with efficient monitoring and management tools, mechanisms improving home network reliability and resilience are required on one hand to help users and on the other hand to allow reducing ISPs hotline costs while providing a satisfactory QoS. In this paper, we present ongoing activities conducted within a European research project (ACEMIND) targeting to provide a set of solutions for enhancing the performance and the management of home networks. In particular, we implement the software abstraction layer defined by IEEE 1905.1 standard for convergent digital home. Furthermore, we propose a traffic monitoring solution. Finally, we describe a user friendly GUI allowing to manage and to monitor the home network.