VSDL multiple service provider interface

Details VSDL multiple service provider interface VSDL multiple service provider interface

1999-08-24

2001-02-27

Vincent, David R. (Department: 2732)

Multiplex communications

Channel assignment techniques

Details of circuit or interface for connecting user to the...

C370S480000, C370S466000, C370S487000, C375S222000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06195364

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to broadband VDSL based communication networks having combined broadband and narrowband services, and more particularly to an improved system architecture and method capable of supporting multiple service providers provisioning their own customers over a single network interface.
BACKGROUND ART
VDSL (Very high speed Digital Subscriber Line) is a packet-based transmission architecture used to provide extremely high bandwidth distribution of digital video and data signals to customer buildings. A VDSL-based architecture can advantageously provide a single platform for supporting bandwidth-intensive applications, such as Internet access, remote LAN access, video conferencing, and video-on-demand.
VDSL services are typically implemented in an asymmetric form having a downstream transmission capability of about 52 Mbps over twisted pair copper wire arranged in local loops of 300 m, 26 Mbps at 1,000 m, and 13 Mbps at 1,500 m. Upstream data rates in asymmetric implementations tend to range from about 1.6 Mbps to about 2.3 Mbps. A typical distribution network includes a central office equipped with a host digital terminal (HDT) and arranged to operate as hub between multiple video information providers (VIPs) and digital service providers (DSPs) and customer residential dwellings. In a fiber-to-the-neighborhood (FTTN) type distribution network, optic fiber (e.g. OC-3c and OC-12c) lines are used to connect the central office to a universal system access multiplexer (USAM), which is then connected to a network interface device (NID) located on the customer property via twisted pair copper wire. A dedicated VDSL loop extends between the NID and an individual customer residence using an existing POTS or telephone system twisted pair wire, and a customer interface device, such as a residential gateway or set top box, provides a connection point for a customer television or personal computer. A fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) type distribution network is similar except that a broadband network unit (BNU) is used in place of the USAM, and coaxial cable is used to connect the BNU, NID, and set top box.
In any distribution network, a primary focus is the ability to provide a secure and efficient transport of services from multiple outside service providers, such as video information providers (VIP) and data service providers (DSP), over the network. To date, known VDSL broadband networks utilize a single platform entitlement manager that enables a single VIP/DSP to provision customers for receipt of video and data service on the VDSL broadband network. Although multiple VIP/DSP can be provisioned by the single platform entitlement manager, there is only one external billing and provisioning business system interface, and all VIP/DSP would be required to use this interface. Numerous disadvantages to such an arrangement are outlined below.
One such disadvantage results from the fact that customer set-top box (STB) IP address assignment associated with each VIP/DSP is handled by the respective VIP/DSP, and is sent over the network ATM system to the network entitlement manager for subsequent processing and assignment to the customer. The entitlement manager also uses an IP address to all of the BDT for provisioning and monitoring of video/data services. As a result, the use of two IP addresses creates a security problem on VDSL broadband network provider. It also complicates the ability for multiple VIP to assign IP addresses of their own and keep them all separated as part of their maintaining their own security and administration.
Another disadvantage arises when a VIP/DSP wants to inventory STBs connected to the entitlement manager. To perform such inventorying, the external billing system is arranged to send an add new set top command. In general, the VDSL network has no need to receive such an STB Inventory message. In addition, such inefficient use of the network is further magnified when each one of a multiple number of service providers perform their own inventory, thereby generating a large quantity of unnecessary network traffic.
Yet another disadvantage results from credit limits and Impulse Pay Per View (IPPV) service that the VIP provides. In general, a customer sends a request for such services to the service provider. The service provider then must pass authorization through the network to the customer's STB. However, for security and efficient use of the network, such service should be controlled directly by the VIP and otherwise transparent to the VDSL network entitlement manager. However, the use of the entitlement manager involves network management. In addition, ATM virtual path identifiers/virtual channel identifiers (VPI/VCI) are presently administered from a single entitlement manager that is under the control of a single VIP. Such an arrangement presents difficulties for efficiently supporting multiple VIP/DSP.
Therefore, a need exists for a secure arrangement in a VDSL distribution network that overcomes the above-noted problems and allows multiple service providers to provision customers for receipt of services in a transparent manner to the network entitlements manager.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a VDSL broadband communication network having a single standard business system interface that supports multiple video/data service providers.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a VDSL broadband communication network that uses a standard ACC4000D protocol over TCP/IP to enable a service provider to provision their own customer's service using a single interface to a network entitlement manager.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a VDSL network and method for interfacing multiple service providers by arranging the network to provision and administer customer entitlement profiles and VPI/VCI assignments for both video and data service to all BDT, while actual service authorization is performed under sole control of the service provider.
In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention provides a VDSL based broadband communication network having a network ATM system connected to at least one video or data service provider for passing service provider signaling through the VDSL broadband network to customer locations, and a network entitlement manager connected to a digital terminal for maintaining a customer entitlement profile in the digital terminal. An external service provider entitlement manager is located at the at least one video or data service provider for authorizing customer requests to add or modify a service received through the VDSL broadband network, and a system interface is provided between the network entitlement manager and the service provider manager using an ACC4000D protocol. The service provider entitlement manager is arranged to signal the network entitlement manager after authorization of the customer request to update the customer profile stored in the digital terminal.
With the present invention, the network entitlement manager is arranged to assign a soft permanent virtual circuit (PVC) to allow for service connection through the VDSL network when the customer profile is updated. To accommodate multiple service providers on a single business interface, each service provider entitlement manager is arranged to send signals on the interface with a unique business system interface code. Each service provider entitlement manager is arranged to provision a customer video or data device as part of a customer request, while the network entitlement manager maintains control over network connections. The system of the present invention is equally adaptable to either FTTC or FTTN networks.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for interfacing multiple service providers to a VDSL based broadband communication network, wherein the method includes passing all requests relating to receipt of services from one or more service providers through t

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