Cable Modem Auto-Installation via Bypass Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hybrid fiber coaxial networks have inflexible and static provisioning processes for cable modem devices, limiting flexibility and requiring pre-defined associations between cable modems and access nodes, which hinders auto-detection and verification of hardware and restricts auto-installation procedures.

Innovation Solution

A method that transmits cable modem identification information and infrastructure identification information to an operations support system via a communication channel bypassing the coaxial infrastructure access point, allowing registration with an access orchestrator entity and enabling auto-installation and centralized management of cable modems, decoupling modem termination system installation from service provisioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cable modem devices are preconfigured with hardware addresses and statically assigned to access nodes, then network stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability of device assignment are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of cable modem assignmentVSAvoidcomplexity of provisioning process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cable modem assignment by replacing static preconfiguration with a dynamic discovery and registration process. Cable modems can be automatically detected, verified, and assigned to access nodes through automated procedures, allowing flexible reassignment and adaptation without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables cable modems to perform self-discovery and self-registration with the network. The cable modems automatically transmit their identification information to the access node and register with the operations support system, eliminating the need for manual provisioning and reducing operational complexity while maintaining flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If cable modems are manually provisioned and registered with the network, then control and security are maintained, but installation time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidease of cable modem installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring access nodes with verification capabilities and pre-establishing communication channels for automatic discovery. The operations support system is pre-configured with policies and procedures that enable automated verification and assignment, allowing cable modems to be rapidly installed without manual provisioning steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical provisioning operations with automated electronic verification and registration processes. The manual assignment process is substituted with automatic cable modem discovery, identification information transmission, and centralized registration, significantly reducing installation time and operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cable modem identification information is transmitted through the coaxial infrastructure access point, then network simplicity is maintained, but security and reliability of information transmission are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of identification information transmissionVSAvoidcomplexity of information transmission path
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication channel that bypasses the coaxial infrastructure access point for transmitting cable modem identification information. This intermediary path, established through alternative means (such as wireless communication or pre-configured channels), ensures reliable transmission of identification data while maintaining network simplicity by centralizing the verification process at the access node

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3826234B1Method for operation of a broadband access network of a telecommunications network and/or for assignment and/or installation of cable modem devices to be used with a hybrid fiber coaxial network part of the broadband access network, telecommunications network, system, program and computer program product
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3826234B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3826234B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for an improved and simplified operation of a broadband access network of a telecommunications network and/or for an improved and more flexible assignment and/or installation of cable modem devices to be used with a hybrid fiber coaxial network part of the broadband access network, wherein the telecommunications network comprises an operations support system, and an access orchestrator entity, wherein in order to provide for an improved and more flexible assignment and/or installation of a specific cable modem device to be used with and/or connected to a specific hybrid fiber coaxial network equipment, and in connection to a specific coaxial infrastructure access point, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, a cable modem identification information of the specific cable modem device and an infrastructure identification information of the specific coaxial infrastructure access point is provided or transmitted to the operations support system using a communication channel bypassing the specific coaxial infrastructure access point, -- in a second step, subsequent to the first step, the cable modem identification information of the specific cable modem device, the infrastructure identification information of the specific coaxial infrastructure access point, as well as a line identification information are transmitted to the access orchestrator entity, wherein subsequent to the second step, the specific cable modem device is registered with the broadband access network, -- in a third step, subsequent to the registration of the specific cable modem device with the broadband access network, the specific cable modem device performs or triggers an attachment operation and/or is able to attach to the broadband access network, using the specific coaxial infrastructure access point and the specific hybrid fiber coaxial network equipment.