SDN Auto-Provisioning for FTTH Mobile Base Station Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting mobile base stations to Fiber to Home (FTTH) networks lack real-time auto-provision capabilities, requiring manual activation and pre-registration of Optical Network Units (ONUs), which limits user interaction and service flexibility, and does not authenticate users, necessitating alternative connections for service activation.
Innovation Solution
An auto-provision method using Software Defined Networking (SDN) that detects ONU connections, activates temporary virtual Customer Premises Equipment (vCPE), and provides restricted network access for technician credential input, enabling real-time subscription and activation of FTTH backhaul, midhaul, or fronthaul services, with optional Blockchain storage for service records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual activation and pre-registration of ONUs is used, then service activation can be controlled, but service activation time is extended from minutes to days and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring the SDN controller with auto-provisioning rules and pre-registering ONU devices in the system database before actual service activation. When an ONU connects, the pre-established rules automatically trigger service activation without manual intervention, reducing activation time from days to minutes while maintaining control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated service activation where the ONU and SDN controller interact autonomously. The ONU automatically registers itself with the SDN controller upon connection, and the SDN controller automatically provisions services based on pre-configured rules, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly speeding up activation.
2Ease of operation
If manual provisioning procedures are used, then service configuration can be controlled, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller serves as an intermediary between the ONU and the service provisioning system. It automatically mediates the connection by receiving ONU connection notifications, querying device information, matching services based on pre-configured rules, and activating services without human intervention. This intermediary automates complex provisioning tasks while presenting a simple interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from manual step-by-step provisioning to automated parameter-based provisioning. The SDN controller uses pre-configured service parameters and rules to automatically determine which services to activate based on ONU type, connection characteristics, and service requirements, simplifying the operator's task while maintaining control.
3Extent of automation
If user authentication is not implemented, then ONU registration can be automated, but user identity verification and service personalization are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges automated ONU registration with user authentication by integrating both processes in the SDN controller. When an ONU connects, the system automatically registers the device and simultaneously prompts for user credentials. Upon successful authentication, the system personalizes services based on user identity, combining the benefits of automation with user verification and personalization.
Data Source
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AI summary
An auto-provision method, system and computer programs for FTTH backhaul, midhaul or fronthaul for mobile base stations based on SDN. The method comprises detecting, by OLT when an ONU is connected to an optical termination point and responsive to said detection said OLT notifying a SDN controller. The SDN controller then provides connectivity to a base station connected to the ONU to a first restricted network providing access to a web site with limited connectivity. Then, said web site receives credential information identifying a technician of the base station and, once the technician is connected therein, further receives configuration information specifying which FTTH services the base station requires subscription. The SDN controller then disconnects the base station from the web site and reconnects it to a second network configured to provide access to a core network and to the subscribed FTTH services to the base station.