Virtual CCAP Core Using COTS Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) systems rely on proprietary hardware, leading to high costs and complexity, with limited scalability and management challenges in large-scale deployments, as they require separate management of multiple fiber nodes and lack flexible resource allocation between downstream and upstream processing.
Innovation Solution
A virtual CCAP Core is implemented using Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) packet switches/routers and programmable computing servers, eliminating proprietary hardware and enabling scalable, cost-effective deployments with a single point of management for Layer 2 and Layer 3 operations, and flexible resource allocation using cluster technology for Network Function Virtualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary hardware is used for CCAP systems, then system reliability and performance are maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the CCAP core functionality using software on COTS hardware. The virtual CCAP core emulates the behavior and functions of proprietary CCAP hardware, providing the same service capabilities without requiring specialized physical devices. This copying approach maintains system reliability while eliminating the need for complex proprietary hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical proprietary hardware system with a software-based virtualization system running on standard commercial off-the-shelf hardware. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized hardware components while maintaining the functional equivalence of the original system, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple fiber nodes are deployed for large-scale coverage, then service area expands, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fiber node management functions into a single virtual CCAP core instance. By consolidating the control plane and management functions at a centralized virtual core, the system can manage multiple fiber nodes and remote physical devices through one unified interface, significantly reducing management complexity while expanding service area.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual CCAP core is designed as a universal platform that can manage multiple fiber nodes, remote physical devices, and various service types through a single instance. This multi-functional capability allows one virtual core to perform the roles of multiple traditional fiber node controllers, simplifying operations across large service areas.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed hardware resources are allocated, then system stability is maintained, but resource allocation flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation within the virtual CCAP core, allowing computational resources such as CPU, memory, and bandwidth to be dynamically assigned and reassigned based on real-time service demands. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain stability through consistent service delivery while adapting resource allocation flexibly to changing traffic patterns and service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual CCAP core enables parameter changes in resource allocation without physical reconfiguration. Software-defined parameters such as bandwidth allocation, processing priority, and service capacity can be adjusted dynamically through configuration changes rather than hardware modifications, maintaining system stability while providing allocation flexibility.
4Reliability
If proprietary hardware is used, then service quality is ensured, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive proprietary hardware with inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf hardware that can be readily procured and replaced. The virtual CCAP core software ensures service quality is maintained while the underlying hardware uses standard, cost-effective components, significantly reducing operational costs while preserving service reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches for a virtualized Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for providing high speed data services to a remote physical device (RPD). The virtualized Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) comprises a core routing engine (CRE) for performing packet switching and routing and one or more physical or virtual compute servers (CS) that each perform CMTS functions for the one or more remote physical devices (RPDs). Ethernet links are established between the core routing engine (CRE) and the one or more physical or virtual core servers (CSs), wherein one or more of: (a) a Virtual LAN (VLAN) and (b) a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Transport Stream tunnel are employed on the Ethernet links, and wherein the VLAN or the MPLS tunnel encapsulates traffic for IP hosts within a single CMTS cable bundle.