Demarcation Device for Virtual Network Service Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of a consistent interface between telecommunication service providers' networks and customers' premises wiring leads to complex and intrusive service installations, limited flexibility in upgrading or modifying networks, and the need for proprietary hardware, especially with the proliferation of various telecommunication services like xDSL, which requires different hardware configurations and often necessitates expensive service calls for new installations.
Innovation Solution
A demarcation device is introduced to establish a virtual private network (VPN) and virtual local area network (VLAN) between customer premises equipment (CPE) and the source of information services, providing a programmable and addressable interface that can accommodate multiple services and technologies, isolating external and internal transport media to allow for flexible network operations and secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a consistent interface is implemented between service provider networks and customer premises wiring, then service installation complexity is reduced and flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for demarcation devices with VPN and VLAN capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network interface into distinct functional components: a demarcation device that separates service provider network from customer premises wiring, virtual private networks for secure communication, and virtual local area networks for internal communication. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific functions independently, reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The demarcation device acts as an intermediary between the service provider network and customer premises equipment. It provides a standardized interface that mediates communication between different network types, enabling flexible service installation without requiring changes to either the provider network or customer infrastructure.
2Reliability
If proprietary hardware is used for different telecommunication services, then service-specific requirements are met, but customer flexibility and provider upgrade options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The demarcation device provides a universal interface that can support multiple telecommunication services (xDSL, cable, satellite, wireless) through standardized connections. Instead of requiring proprietary hardware for each service type, the device can be configured to handle different services through software and virtual network configurations, maintaining service-specific capabilities while improving hardware flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic virtual network configurations (VPN and VLAN) that can be adjusted based on service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the same physical hardware to adapt to different service types and upgrade scenarios, eliminating the need for proprietary hardware while maintaining service-specific functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple telecommunication services are added to customer premises, then service offerings increase, but installation cost and complexity increase due to separate wiring and service calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple telecommunication services into a single integrated interface at the demarcation device. Different services (voice, data, video) can be transmitted over existing customer premises wiring without requiring separate physical infrastructure for each service. The virtual network capabilities allow multiple services to share the same physical pathway, reducing wiring complexity and installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The demarcation device serves as a universal entry point that can accommodate multiple service types simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate wiring installations for each service, the device provides standardized interfaces that can be configured to support various services over the existing infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If service personnel enter customer premises for service calls, then direct installation can be performed, but logistical issues arise and customer frustration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the service installation process from the customer premises by implementing a remote demarcation device. Service configuration and management can be performed remotely through the virtual network interface, eliminating the need for service personnel to physically enter customer premises for routine service calls and installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service capabilities where customers can manage their own telecommunication services through the standardized interface provided by the demarcation device. Configuration and monitoring can be performed remotely without requiring service personnel presence, allowing customers to independently manage their services while reducing logistical complexity for providers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing the communication of information services between customer premises equipment (CPE) at a customer's premises and a source of the information services includes providing a demarcation device at the customer's premises. The demarcation device defines an interface between an external transport medium that is substantially external to the customer's premises and an internal transport medium that is substantially internal to the customer's premises. The method also includes establishing a virtual private network (VPN) between the demarcation device and the source of information services and establishing a virtual local area network (VLAN) between the demarcation device and the CPE.