CPE PVC Auto-Configuration via Packet Parameter Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC) parameters for ADSL Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) is time-consuming and inefficient due to countrywide differences in VPI/VCI values, requiring users or installation staff to manually set up connections between CPE and Central Office devices.
Innovation Solution
The CPE pre-stores a list of PVC parameters and automatically configures them by appending these parameters to packets sent to the CO device, detecting and modifying them based on replies from the BRAS to establish and maintain a single working PVC, using ARP, PADI, and DHCP Discover packets for reliable detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of PVC parameters is performed, then the CPE can be configured to correspond to the CO device, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE performs self-configuration by automatically detecting PVC parameters through packet exchange with the CO device. The system embeds PVC parameters in detection packets, receives responses from the network side, and automatically configures itself without requiring manual intervention from users or installation staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPE pre-embeds a list of possible PVC parameters into detection packets before sending them to the CO device. This preliminary preparation allows the system to efficiently test multiple parameter combinations in sequence, rapidly identifying the correct configuration without manual trial-and-error.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PVCs are pre-configured in the CPE, then the CPE can detect the working PVC, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the PVC detection process into individual parameter tests. Instead of configuring multiple complete PVCs simultaneously, the CPE embeds one PVC parameter set at a time in detection packets, sends them to the CO device, and determines validity based on responses. This sequential segmentation reduces device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
3Reliability
If manual configuration is required due to countrywide differences in VPI/VCI values, then the PVC can be configured correctly, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE automatically adapts to countrywide VPI/VCI differences through self-service detection. The system embeds PVC parameters in detection packets, receives standardized responses from the CO device regardless of location, and automatically configures the correct parameters. This eliminates the need for users to manually adjust configurations for different regions.
4Ease of repair
If the CPE is reset to default factory configuration, then the configuration can be restored, but the re-configuration process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
After resetting to default configuration, the CPE automatically performs PVC parameter detection and configuration through packet exchange with the CO device. The system embeds detection packets with pre-configured parameter lists, receives responses from the network side, and self-configures without requiring users to re-enter manual settings, thus avoiding complicated re-configuration processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention describes a method to automatically configure the PVC for a CPE. The said method includes: The CPE stores a list of PVC parameters, which it appends onto the packets received from the user's PC before forwarding the packets to the CO device for PVC detection; receiving the reply packets containing the PVC parameters sent from the BRAS on the network side, the CPE will configure the said PVC parameters as its own parameters. This invention adopts multiple strategies and packet types for PVC auto-configuration to improve its reliability and flexibility. At the same time, the communication between the CPE and a higher layer system is infrequent during the configuration to prevent a broadcast storm within the network. Besides, the CPE needs to maintain only a single list of PVC parameters and require only one PVC in practice, which reduces the operation cost at the terminal and the extra costs involved in using multiple PVCs.