Passive Optical Network Terminal Authentication Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current passive optical network (PON) terminal authentication methods require manual input of authentication information, leading to tedious and error-prone processes that negatively impact user experience and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Preconfiguring authentication parameters on the optical line terminal (OLT) allows for automatic authentication of authorized terminals without manual input, using a preconfigured authentication parameter to identify and authorize terminals of the same type, thereby enhancing automation and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual authentication information input is used on the OLT side, then authentication can be performed, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidauthentication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service authentication by having the ONT automatically send its authentication parameter (such as serial number or LOID) to the OLT during the registration process. The OLT automatically retrieves and verifies this parameter against its preconfigured authentication information, eliminating the need for manual input and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Authentication parameters are preconfigured on the OLT side before the ONT connects. This preliminary preparation allows the OLT to immediately verify the ONT's authentication parameter upon registration without requiring manual input during the authentication process, streamlining the overall procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual authentication information input is used on the OLT side, then authentication can be performed, but the authentication time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ONT automatically provides its authentication parameter during registration, and the OLT immediately verifies it against preconfigured information. This automated exchange eliminates the time-consuming manual input process while maintaining secure authentication through preconfigured verification criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By preconfiguring authentication parameters on the OLT before the ONT connects, the system prepares the verification data in advance. When the ONT registers and sends its authentication parameter, the OLT can immediately perform the verification without any delays for manual data entry or retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If authentication parameters are preconfigured on the OLT, then automatic authentication is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication automation levelVSAvoidOLT configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication parameters are preconfigured on the OLT during initial setup or provisioning. This one-time preliminary configuration enables automatic authentication for all subsequent ONT registrations without requiring complex ongoing configuration or intervention, simplifying the operational process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If manual authentication input is required, then specific terminal identification can be verified, but user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal identification accuracyVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ONT automatically sends its identification parameter (serial number or LOID) during the registration process. The OLT retrieves and verifies this parameter against its preconfigured authentication information, ensuring precise terminal identification while providing a seamless, automated user experience without manual input requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3007384B1Method, apparatus and system for terminal authentication in passive optical network
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3007384B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3007384B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3007384B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a terminal authentication method in a passive optical network. The passive optical network includes an optical line terminal and at least one optical network terminal, where the optical line terminal is connected to the at least one optical network terminal by using an optical distribution network, and an authentication parameter is preconfigured on the optical line terminal. The method includes: receiving, by the optical line terminal, a registration request that carries an authentication parameter and is sent by the optical network terminal, where the authentication parameter is used to identify the optical network terminal of a same type; and determining, by the optical line terminal, that the authentication parameter sent by the optical network terminal matches the authentication parameter preconfigured on the optical line terminal, and authorizing that the optical network terminal is an authorized terminal. By using the foregoing technical solutions, an optical line terminal may be, during ONU registration and authentication, plug-and-play, without needing to manually input authentication information, which improves automation and flexibility of authentication.