U.S. patent application number 13/567927 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for delivering docsis services over heterogeneous access networks.
Invention is credited to Vladimir Bronstein, Thomas Fong, Oleh Sniezko.
Application Number | 20120300789 13/567927 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39777124 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120300789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sniezko; Oleh ; et
al. |
November 29, 2012 |
Delivering DOCSIS Services Over Heterogeneous Access Networks
Abstract
Methods and systems are described for inserting protocol
adaptation layers into access equipment to translate data over
cable service interface specification services control messages to
the corresponding messages in the other (multiple) heterogeneous
access specification(s). A method of expanding DOCSIS into an
alternative access network includes deploying a protocol adaptation
layer in access equipment to translate DOCSIS control messages to
corresponding messages in the alternative access network.
Inventors: |
Sniezko; Oleh; (Highlands
Ranch, CO) ; Fong; Thomas; (Rewood Shores, CA)
; Bronstein; Vladimir; (Sunnyvale, CA) |
Family ID: |
39777124 |
Appl. No.: |
13/567927 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12148140 |
Apr 14, 2008 |
8239907 |
|
|
13567927 |
|
|
|
|
60923284 |
Apr 13, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 69/08 20130101;
H04L 12/2801 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/466 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/06 20060101
H04L029/06 |
Claims
1. A method of expanding DOCSIS into an alternative access network,
comprising deploying a protocol adaptation layer in access
equipment to translate DOCSIS control messages to corresponding
messages in the alternative access network.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the protocol adaptation layer is
a single DOCSIS protocol adaptation layer.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the protocol adaptation layer is
a double DOCSIS protocol adaptation layer.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising translating DOCSIS
control messages to corresponding messages in another alternative
access network.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the alternative access network
and the another alternative access network are heterogeneous.
6. A system for expanding DOCSIS into an alternative access
network, comprising a protocol adaptation layer in access equipment
to translate DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages in
the alternative access network.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the protocol adaptation layer is
a single DOCSIS protocol adaptation layer.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the protocol adaptation layer is
a double DOCSIS protocol adaptation layer.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the protocol adaptation layer
translates DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages in
another alternative access network.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the alternative access network
and the another alternative access network are heterogeneous.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims a benefit
of priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 from copending utility patent
application U.S. Ser. No. 12/148,140, filed Apr. 14, 2008, which
in-turn claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from
copending provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 60/923,284,
filed Apr. 13, 2007, the entire contents of both of which are
hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field
of delivering data over cable service interface specification
services over heterogeneous access network(s). More particularly,
an embodiment of the invention relates to methods and systems for
inserting protocol adaptation layers into access equipment to
translate data over cable service interface specification services
control messages to the corresponding messages in the other
(multiple) heterogeneous access specification(s).
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) is
an international standard developed by Cable Television
Laboratories, Inc (CableLabs.RTM.) and has made delivery of
broadband services over hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cable television
systems using cable modems possible. Internet access, video on
demand movies, telephony, telephony over the Internet, interactive
games and a host of other applications are being offered based on
the DOCSIS architecture.
[0006] DOCSIS defines the communications and operation support
interface requirements for a data over cable system. It permits the
addition of high-speed data transfer to an existing coaxial cable
system. It is employed by most cable television operators to
provide Internet access over their existing HFC infrastructure
using cable modems. The first DOCSIS specification was version 1.0,
issued in March of 1997. Since then, it gained worldwide acceptance
and is ubiquitously deployed by cable operators around the world.
It becomes the most popular subscriber and network management
platform for residential and commercial broadband services over
cable modems.
[0007] However, DOCSIS is only defined for cable modems over HFC
systems and is not applicable when operators expand its coverage
into alternative access networks, such as fiber and wireless. What
is needed is an approach that expands DOCSIS into alternative
(heterogeneous) access network(s).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] There is a need for the following embodiments of the
invention. Of course, the invention is not limited to these
embodiments.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, a method of
expanding DOCSIS into an alternative access network, comprises
deploying a protocol adaptation layer in access equipment to
translate DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages in the
alternative access network. According to another embodiment of the
invention, a system for expanding DOCSIS into an alternative access
network, comprises a protocol adaptation layer in access equipment
to translate DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages in
the alternative access network.
[0010] These, and other, embodiments of the invention will be
better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction
with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It
should be understood, however, that the following description,
while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous
specific details thereof, is given for the purpose of illustration
and does not imply limitation. Many substitutions, modifications,
additions and/or rearrangements may be made within the scope of an
embodiment of the invention without departing from the spirit
thereof, and embodiments of the invention include all such
substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings accompanying and forming part of this
specification are included to depict certain embodiments of the
invention. A clearer concept of embodiments of the invention, and
of components combinable with embodiments of the invention, and
operation of systems provided with embodiments of the invention,
will be readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and
therefore nonlimiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings
(wherein identical reference numerals (if they occur in more than
one view) designate the same elements). Embodiments of the
invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of
these drawings in combination with the following description
presented herein. It should be noted that the features illustrated
in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block schematic view of a conventional, basic
DOCSIS reference architecture, appropriately labeled "PRIOR
ART."
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block schematic view of a multi-Access DOCSIS
reference architecture, representing an embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block schematic view of a multi-access DOCSIS
service architecture, representing an embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block schematic view of a conventional DOCSIS
protocol stack, appropriately labeled "PRIOR ART."
[0016] FIG. 5 is a block schematic view of a single DOCSIS protocol
adaptation layer where access can be PON (BPON, EPON, GPON),
Wireless (WiFi, WiMax, Proprietary), or Non-DOCSIS cable modem,
representing an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block schematic view of a double DOCSIS protocol
adaptation layer where access can be PON (BPON, EPON, GPON),
Wireless (WiFi, WiMax, Proprietary), and/or Non-DOCSIS cable modem,
representing an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a block schematic view of an implementation of a
single DOCSIS protocol adaptation layer, representing an embodiment
of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 8. is a block schematic view of an implementation of a
double DOCSIS protocol adaptation layer, representing an embodiment
of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Embodiments of the invention and the various features and
advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following
description. Descriptions of well known starting materials,
processing techniques, components and equipment are omitted so as
not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed
description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred
embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only
and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications,
additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of
the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure.
[0021] One solution to solve the problem of expanding DOCSIS into
alternative (heterogeneous) access network(s)s to insert protocol
adaptation layers in the access equipment to translate DOCSIS
control messages to the corresponding messages in the other access
specification(s). Benefits of the invention include at least the
following:
[0022] The same DOCSIS broadband services can be offered over cable
and non-cable access networks.
[0023] DOCSIS back office system (subscriber management system,
network management system, security system, performance and fault
monitoring system) can be used to manage equipment and devices
developed for different access specifications.
[0024] The invention can include a method and system for delivering
DOCSIS broadband services over multiple heterogeneous access
networks. The invention can include a multi-access platform using
DOCSIS.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows the Basic DOCSIS Reference Architecture,
appropriately labeled prior art. The key interfaces defined by
DOCSIS are:
[0026] Data Interfaces: The transmission path over the HFC system
is realized at the head-end by a Cable Modem Termination System
(CMTS), and at each subscriber location by a Cable Modem (CM). At
the head-end, the interface to the data-over-cable system is called
the Cable Modem Termination System--Network-Side Interface
(CMTS-NSI). At the subscriber locations, the interface is called
the cable-modem-to-customer-premises-equipment interface
(CMCI).
[0027] Operation Support Systems Interfaces (OSSI): These are
network element management layer interface between the network
elements and the high-level OSSs (operations support systems) which
support the basic business processes.
[0028] Baseline Privacy Interface and Baseline Privacy Plus
Interface (BPI and BPI+): Baseline data-over-cable security is
defined.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows the Multi-Access DOCSIS Reference Architecture.
The protocol adaptation layers turns DOCSIS from a HFC platform
into a generic access platform and can be deployed over at least
the following access networks:
[0030] HFC system using non-standard CMTS and CM;
[0031] Passive Optical Networks (PON) using Optical Line Terminals
(OLT) and Optical Network Terminals (ONT); and
[0032] Wireless Networks using Wireless Modem Termination System
(WMTS) and Wireless Modem (WM).
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 2, Non-DOCSIS CMTS 200 is coupled to
the generic regional IP network and the hybrid fiber cable network,
in parallel with the cable modem termination system. Non-DOCSIS
CMTS 200 is also coupled to the subscriber management system and
the security & access controller. The Non-DOCSIS CM 210 is
coupled to the hybrid fiber cable network. Customer premise
equipment 215 is coupled to the Non-DOCSIS CM 210. Optical line
terminal 220 is coupled to the generic regional IP network. Optical
line terminal 220 is also coupled to the subscriber management
system and the security & access controller. Passive optical
network 225 is coupled to the optical line terminal 220. Optical
network terminal 230 is coupled to the passive optical network 225.
Customer premise equipment 235 is coupled to the optical network
terminal 230. Wireless modem termination system 240 is coupled to
the generic regional IP network. Wireless modem termination system
240 is also coupled to the subscriber management system and the
security & access controller. Wireless network 245 is coupled
to the wireless modem termination system 240. Wireless modem 250 is
coupled to the wireless network 245. Customer premise equipment 255
is coupled to the wireless modem 250.
[0034] FIG. 3 displays the architecture of a Multi-Access DOCSIS
Services platform. It illustrates how a range of broadband services
from residential broadband services to commercial circuit-switched
services, can be offered using DOCSIS over different access
networks from PON to wireless. It is a major advantage of the
invention that a single back office system can be used to manage
these services simultaneously over different physical media.
[0035] Still referring to FIG. 3, this embodiment of the invention
includes a services layer, a DOCSIS back office layer and an access
networks layer. The services layer includes residential broadband
services 302; video 304; voice over IP 306; commercial data
services 308; and commercial circuit switched services 310. The
DOCSIS back office layer includes DOCSIS subscriber management
system 312; DOCSIS network management system 314; DOCSIS security
system 316; and DOCSIS performance and fault monitoring system 318.
The access networks layer includes PON (BPON, EPON, GPON) 322;
DOCSIS MAC & PHY 324; Non-DOCSIS cable MAC & PHY 326; and
wireless 328.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows the protocol stack defined by DOCSIS,
appropriately labeled prior art. In this current (state-of-the-art)
specification, the interfaces are only defined for HFC access
networks.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates the use of single protocol adaptation
layers at Access Modem Termination System (AMTS) and Access Modem
(AM) to translate DOCSIS control messages for other access
specifications.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 5, the access modem termination
system stack includes a DOCSIS-AMTS adaptation layer 505. The
DOCSIS-AMTS adaptation layer 505 includes an AMTS DOCSIS-to-access
protocol translator 510 and an AMTS access-to-DOCSIS protocol
translator 515. The access modem termination system stack also
includes access security 525, access MAC 530 and access PHY 535
that are coupled to access networks 540. The access modem stack
includes a DOCSIS-AM adaptation layer 545. The DOCSIS-AM adaptation
layer 545 includes an AM DOCSIS-to-access protocol translator 550
and an AM access-to-DOCSIS protocol translator 555. The access
modem stack also includes access security 560, access MAC 565 and
access PHY 570 that are coupled to access networks 540.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates the use of double protocol adaptation
layers only at AMTS to facilitate the complete DOCSIS translation.
Referring to FIG. 6, the access modem termination system stack
includes a DOCSIS-AMTS adaptation layer 605. The DOCSIS-AMTS
adaptation layer 605 includes an AMTS DOCSIS-to-access protocol
translator 610; an AMTS access-to-DOCSIS protocol translator 615;
an AM DOCSIS-to-access protocol translator 650 and an AM
access-to-DOCSIS protocol translator 655. The access modem
termination system stack also includes access security 625, access
MAC 630 and access PHY 635 that are coupled to access networks 640.
The access modem stack also includes access security 660, access
MAC 665 and access PHY 670 that are coupled to access networks
640.
[0040] FIG. 7 demonstrates the implementation of single adaptation
layers at AMTS and AM to facilitate the translation of DOCSIS
control messages. The DOCSIS-AMTS adaptation layer implemented in
AMTS 710 includes DOCSIS-AMTS SNMP agent 720; DOCSIS-AMTS security
agent 730; and DOCSIS-AMTS configuration manager 740. The DOCSIS-AM
adaptation layer implemented in AM 750 includes DOCSIS-AM SNMP
agent 760; DOCSIS-AM security agent 770; and DOCSIS-AM
configuration manager 780.
[0041] FIG. 8 demonstrates the implementation of double adaptation
layers at AMTS to facilitate the complete DOCSIS translation. The
DOCSIS-AMTS-AM adaptation layer (implemented in AMTS only) includes
an AMTS-DOCSIS SNMP agent 810 and an AMTS-DOCSIS security agent
820, which communicate like a DOCSIS CMTS. The DOCSIS-AMTS-AM
adaptation layer (implemented in AMTS only) includes an AM-DOCSIS
IP address manager 830 and an AM-DOCSIS security agent 840. The
DOCSIS-AMTS-AM adaptation layer (implemented in AMTS only) includes
an AM-DOCSIS SNMP proxy agent 850 and an access modem configuration
and parameter table 860.
DEFINITIONS
[0042] The term program and/or the phrase computer program are
intended to mean a sequence of instructions designed for execution
on a computer system (e.g., a program and/or computer program, may
include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an
object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a
servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic
load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for
execution on a computer or computer system). The term substantially
is intended to mean largely but not necessarily wholly that which
is specified. The term approximately is intended to mean at least
close to a given value (e.g., within 10% of). The term generally is
intended to mean at least approaching a given state. The term
coupled is intended to mean connected, although not necessarily
directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term proximate, as
used herein, is intended to mean close, near adjacent and/or
coincident; and includes spatial situations where specified
functions and/or results (if any) can be carried out and/or
achieved. The term distal, as used herein, is intended to mean far,
away, spaced apart from and/or non-coincident, and includes spatial
situation where specified functions and/or results (if any) can be
carried out and/or achieved. The term deploying is intended to mean
designing, building, shipping, installing and/or operating.
[0043] The terms first or one, and the phrases at least a first or
at least one, are intended to mean the singular or the plural
unless it is clear from the intrinsic text of this document that it
is meant otherwise. The terms second or another, and the phrases at
least a second or at least another, are intended to mean the
singular or the plural unless it is clear from the intrinsic text
of this document that it is meant otherwise. Unless expressly
stated to the contrary in the intrinsic text of this document, the
term or is intended to mean an inclusive or and not an exclusive
or. Specifically, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the
following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present),
A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A
and B are true (or present). The terms a and/or an are employed for
grammatical style and merely for convenience.
[0044] The term plurality is intended to mean two or more than two.
The term any is intended to mean all applicable members of a set or
at least a subset of all applicable members of the set. The term
means, when followed by the term "for" is intended to mean
hardware, firmware and/or software for achieving a result. The term
step, when followed by the term "for" is intended to mean a
(sub)method, (sub)process and/or (sub)routine for achieving the
recited result.
[0045] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes,"
"including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a
process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of
elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, article, or apparatus. The terms "consisting"
(consists, consisted) and/or "composing" (composes, composed) are
intended to mean closed language that does not leave the recited
method, apparatus or composition to the inclusion of procedures,
structure(s) and/or ingredient(s) other than those recited except
for ancillaries, adjuncts and/or impurities ordinarily associated
therewith. The recital of the term "essentially" along with the
term "consisting" (consists, consisted) and/or "composing"
(composes, composed), is intended to mean modified close language
that leaves the recited method, apparatus and/or composition open
only for the inclusion of unspecified procedure(s), structure(s)
and/or ingredient(s) which do not materially affect the basic novel
characteristics of the recited method, apparatus and/or
composition.
[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case
of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will
control.
CONCLUSION
[0047] The described embodiments and examples are illustrative only
and not intended to be limiting. Although embodiments of the
invention can be implemented separately, embodiments of the
invention may be integrated into the system(s) with which they are
associated. All the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein
can be made and used without undue experimentation in light of the
disclosure. Although the best mode of the invention contemplated by
the inventors is disclosed, embodiments of the invention are not
limited thereto. Embodiments of the invention are not limited by
theoretical statements (if any) recited herein. The individual
steps of embodiments of the invention need not be performed in the
disclosed manner, or combined in the disclosed sequences, but may
be performed in any and all manner and/or combined in any and all
sequences. The individual components of embodiments of the
invention need not be combined in the disclosed configurations, but
could be combined in any and all configurations.
[0048] Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or
rearrangements of the features of embodiments of the invention may
be made without deviating from the spirit and/or scope of the
underlying inventive concept. All the disclosed elements and
features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or
substituted for, the disclosed elements and features of every other
disclosed embodiment except where such elements or features are
mutually exclusive. The spirit and/or scope of the underlying
inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents cover all such substitutions, modifications, additions
and/or rearrangements.
[0049] The appended claims are not to be interpreted as including
means-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is
explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) "means for"
and/or "step for." Subgeneric embodiments of the invention are
delineated by the appended independent claims and their
equivalents. Specific embodiments of the invention are
differentiated by the appended dependent claims and their
equivalents.
REFERENCES
[0050] 1. Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications, Cable
Modem to Customer Premises Equipment Interface Specification,
SP-CMCI-I10-050408 [0051] 2. Data-Over-Cable Service Interface
Specifications, Cable Modem Termination System Network Side
Interface Specification, SP-CMTS-NSI-I01-960702 [0052] 3.
Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications, Operations
Support System Interface Specification, SP-OSSIIv2.0-109-050812
[0053] 4. Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications, Radio
Frequency Interface Specification, SP-RFIv2.0-110-051209 [0054] 5.
Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications, Baseline Privacy
Plus Interface Specification, CM-SP-BPI+-I12-050801
* * * * *