CA2536103C - Method and system for internet protocol provisioning of customer premises equipment - Google Patents

Method and system for internet protocol provisioning of customer premises equipment Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2536103C
CA2536103C CA2536103A CA2536103A CA2536103C CA 2536103 C CA2536103 C CA 2536103C CA 2536103 A CA2536103 A CA 2536103A CA 2536103 A CA2536103 A CA 2536103A CA 2536103 C CA2536103 C CA 2536103C
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Prior art keywords
provisioning
vendor
network
data
protocol
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CA2536103A
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French (fr)
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CA2536103A1 (en
Inventor
Richard Woundy
John G. Bevilacqua
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Comcast Cable Communications LLC
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Comcast Cable Communications LLC
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2801—Broadband local area networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
    • H04L12/2856—Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
    • H04L12/2856—Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access
    • H04L12/2869—Operational details of access network equipments
    • H04L12/287—Remote access server, e.g. BRAS
    • H04L12/2872—Termination of subscriber connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L47/00—Traffic control in data switching networks
    • H04L47/70—Admission control; Resource allocation
    • H04L47/82—Miscellaneous aspects
    • H04L47/825—Involving tunnels, e.g. MPLS
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L49/00—Packet switching elements
    • H04L49/30—Peripheral units, e.g. input or output ports
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/09—Mapping addresses
    • H04L61/25—Mapping addresses of the same type
    • H04L61/2503—Translation of Internet protocol [IP] addresses
    • H04L61/2592—Translation of Internet protocol [IP] addresses using tunnelling or encapsulation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/50—Address allocation
    • H04L61/5007—Internet protocol [IP] addresses
    • H04L61/5014—Internet protocol [IP] addresses using dynamic host configuration protocol [DHCP] or bootstrap protocol [BOOTP]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H04L67/125—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/2866—Architectures; Arrangements
    • H04L67/30—Profiles
    • H04L67/303—Terminal profiles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/4227—Providing Remote input by a user located remotely from the client device, e.g. at work
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6118—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6156—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6168—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/643—Communication protocols
    • H04N21/64322—IP
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2838—Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/2849—Audio/video appliances

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Communication Control (AREA)
  • Small-Scale Networks (AREA)
  • Cable Transmission Systems, Equalization Of Radio And Reduction Of Echo (AREA)

Abstract

Method and system for Internet Protocol (IP) provisioning over a cable network. The method and system including a plurality of embedded settop boxes (eSTBs) of at least two different vendors requesting IP provisioning according to a first protocol. The method and system further including a network provisioning? ¿unit (NPU) in communication with the eSTBs over the network for responding to the eSTB IP provisioning requests with IP provisioning data, wherein the eSTB IP provisioning data is outputted according to the first protocol such that provisioning of the eSTBs is standard for each vendor in so far as each eSTB utilizes the first protocol for provisioning.

Description

\A/c? 2005/024588 PCT/US2004/028907 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERNET PROTOCOL PROVISIONING
OF CUSTOMER PREMISES EQUIPMENT
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/501,231 filed September 5, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to methods for provisioning Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). In particular, the present invention relates to Internet Protocol (IP) provisioning for use in a cable network having a network provisioning unit (NPU) in communication with CPE having embedded settop boxes (eSTBs).
2. Background Art Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) is a broad term intended to refer to devices located at a subscriber station of a cable subscriber that are used to receive signals from a cable network. In particular, the CPE may include an embedded settop box (eSTB) to receive television signals and to output the received signals to a television or other device for viewing. In addition, the CPE may include an embedded cable modem (eCM) to receive signals to control, provision, manage, and secure the CPE, such as through Data Over Cable Services Interface Specification (DOCSIS) Out-Of-Band (00B) messaging.
A need exists for Internet Protocol (IP) provisioning of the eSTB of the CPE over a cable network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contemplates a number of features and configurations to provide IP provisioning, including a system comprising a plurality of embedded settop boxes (eSTBs) and a network provisioning unit (NPU) in communication with the cable network.
The system preferably includes a plurality of eSTBs provided by at least two different vendors, wherein each eSTB is preferably configured to output IP provisioning requests to the network according to a first protocol. The NPU
is preferably configured to receive the eSTB IP provisioning requests and output eSTB
IP provisioning data in response thereto, wherein the eSTB IP provisioning data is outputted according to the first protocol such that provisioning of the eSTBs is standard for each vendor in so far as each eSTB utilizes the first protocol for provisioning. Preferably, the first protocol is defined according to a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the NPU
preferably selects the provisioning data according to the vendor of the requesting eSTB. Preferably, the NPU determines the vendor of the requesting eSTB based on an eSTB vendor identifier included in the eSTB IP provisioning request.
Preferably, the NPU includes a database comprising IP provisioning data associated by vendor identifiers with a plurality of eSTB vendors, wherein the NPU determines the vendor of the requesting eSTB by searching the database for a vendor identifier that matches with the eSTB vendor identifier. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the eSTB vendor identifier may be a serial number, a hardware version, a software version, an Organization Unique Identifier (OUT), a model number, or a vendor name.
The above features and advantages, along with other features and advantages of the present invention, are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 illustrates a cable system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 illustrates Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; and FIGURE 3 illustrates a flowchart of method of eSTB IP provisioning in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) FIGURE 1 illustrates a cable system 10 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The system 10 includes a management network 12 and a High Speed Data (HSD) network 14 that respectively provide management and HSD
services over a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) 18, or other communication medium, to a subscriber station 20, which includes Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) 22 and a cable modem (CM) 24.
The management network 12 generally comprises two portions, a control portion 30 and an application portion 32. The control portion 30 includes a settop box (STB) controller to control, provision, manage, and secure the through out-of-band (00B) messaging. The application portion 32 provides applications to the CPE 22, such as video on demand (VOD), interactive television (iTV), and other services.
The HSD network 14 provides data services for the system 10, including services for the CM 24 to access the Internet 36. It includes a network provisioning unit (NPU) 38 having capabilities for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), and the like, in addition to a Domain Name System (DNS) server.
-3-The system 10 includes a cable modem termination system (CMTS) 42 to send and receive signals to and from the CPE 22 and the CM 24 over the HFC
18, In general, the CMTS 42 transfers IP packets from the HSD network 14 and the management network 12 to the CPE 22 and CM 24 for processing. Preferably, the signals are outputted from the CMTS 42 on downstream output channels, which preferably include one-way output data tunnels, such as for 00B messaging, In addition, the CMTS 42 is configured to receive signals from the CPE 22 and the CM 24 to support two-way communication therewith, such as for transfer of IP
packets from the CPE 22 and/or the CM 24 to the Internet 36 and/or the VOD or STB controller portions 32 and 30.
The system 10 includes a conditional access router (CAR) 46 to connect the management network 12 to the CMTS 42. The CAR 46 transports signals therebetween using IP protocols and provides firewall separation for the VOD or STB controller portions 32 and 30 from the HSD network 14, enhancing security from any devices attempting to associate with devices and signaling on the management network 12. In operation, signaling traffic transported between the management network 12 and the CMTS 42 may be wrapped into addressable packets, such as Ethernet, IP, or other packets.
The system 10 includes a video unit 50 for delivering video signals to the subscriber station 20 over the HFC 18. The video unit 50 can deliver any number of video signals, including network television, cable television, pay-per-view, video on demand, and the like.
FIGURE 2 illustrates the subscriber station 20 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The subscriber station 20 is preferably configured to communicate with the CMTS 42 through digital cable signals, such as through signaling defined by the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) and/or through other protocols authorized through DHCP registration.
The subscriber station 20 includes a radio frequency (RF) splitter 60, an embedded cable modem (eCM) 62, an embedded set-top box (eSTB) 64, an audio visual (A/V)
-4-port 66, and an optional conditional access (CA) unit 68. The RF splitter 60 splits the RF signal into two portions - one for 00B control functions and two-way application traffic and one for video delivery. The 00B and two-way application traffic is relayed to the eCM 62 and the video is relayed to the eSTB 64.
The eSTB 64 outputs video and other media signals to a media output device (not shown) or other device connected to the AN port 66, such as to a television (TV), digital video recorder (DVR), personal video recorder (PVR), or the like.
The eCM 62 processes control and other non-media signals, such as DOCSIS and other IP packets, and bridges or relays the signals to the eSTB 64 through an internal communications link 70. In particular, the communications link 70 is used to transfer data tunnels tuned to by the eCM 62 to the eSTB 64 so that 00B messaging signals can be delivered to the eSTB 64 for processing.
The CA unit 68 provides conditional access control for the subscriber station 20. It can be a CableCard, SmartCard, or other item for controlling security and access to the data, video, and control signals transmitted over the HFC
18. It is illustrated as a standalone item, however, it can be included with or embedded on the eSTB 64 or the eCM 62 to perform similar functions.
The eCM 62, eSTB 64, and CA unit 68 are logically separate entities, however, they may physically share hardware and software. Other items, such as control logic and applications may be included on the subscriber station 20 for controlling operation of the eSTB 64 and/or the eCM 62.
FIGURE 3 illustrates a flowchart 80 of method of eSTB IP provisioning in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The method is preferably executed using DHCP protocols, however, the present invention is not so limited.
Block 82 relates to receiving an eSTB IP provisioning request at the NPU 38 from at least two eSTBs 64 associated with two different vendors. The
-5-receipt of multiple eSTB IP provisioning requests from different vendors requires the system 10 to support IP provisioning according to the configuration and operation of the different vendors.
Block 84 relates to determining the vendors associated with the requesting eSTBs 64. For example, if two eSTB IP provisioning requests are received from eSTBs 64 from a first vendor and a second vendor, the second vendor being different from the first vendor, the first and second vendors must be identified. Preferably, the eSTB IP provisioning requests each include an eSTB

vendor identifier for identifying the vendor, such as a serial number, a hardware version, a software version, an Organization Unique Identifier (OUI), a model number, or a vendor name.
Block 86 relates to determining eSTB IP provisioning data associated with the vendor identified in block 84. Preferably, the NPU 38 includes a database (not shown) having IP provisioning data for each vendor supported by the system 10, including the first and second vendor, which is associated with a vendor identifier. The NPU 38 is configured to compare .the eSTB vendor identifier against the vendor identifiers in the database to determine the vendor associated with the requesting eSTB 64.
Block 88 relates to outputting the eSTB IP provisioning data to the requesting eSTB 64. In particular, the NPU 38 receives a request from a specific eSTB 64 in 82, and replies to that specific eSTB 64 in block 88 to preferably provide eSTB IP provisioning data for enabling IP address assignment to the eSTB
64 to help the eSTB 64 communicate to the rest of the system 10 and other networks connected thereto, such as through the Internet 36, and to provide eSTB
IP provisioning data for supplying parameter values to the eSTBs 64 for eSTB
and application initialization. For example, the eSTB 64 may learn the location of a DNS
server through IP provisioning, so that it can look up the hostname of the VoD

server 32 and communicate with it. In another example, the eSTB 64 may receive a parameter that instructs the eSTB 64 to disable a vendor-specific A/V port, because usage of that particular A/V port may require a special customer
-6-subscription. The corresponding parameter in IP provisioning may be vendor-specific, so it is important that the NPU 38 not send this vendor-specific parameter to all eSTBs 64.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by particular embodiments set forth herein, but should be construed in a manner consistent with the specification as a whole.
- 7 -

Claims (31)

CLAIMS:
1. A method comprising:
utilizing a network provisioning system to process first internet protocol (IP) provisioning requests having a first protocol associated with first vendor equipment received via a network and processing first IP provisioning data responsive to receiving the first IP
provisioning requests;
utilizing the network provisioning system to process second IP provisioning requests having a second protocol associated with second vendor equipment received via the network and processing second IP provisioning data responsive to receiving the second IP
provisioning requests; and separating, via a firewall in the network, an application portion and a control portion in a management network from a data network.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first IP provisioning requests and the second IP
provisioning requests are each received from a corresponding plurality of client premises devices.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
determining a vendor of each of the plurality of client premises devices based on a device vendor identifier included in at least one request of the first IP
provisioning requests and the second IP provisioning requests.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
storing the first IP provisioning data and the second IP provisioning data in a database and searching the database for a vendor identifier corresponding to the device vendor identifier.
5. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

associating the device vendor identifier with at least one of a serial number, a hardware version, a software version, an Organization Unique Identifier (OUI), a model number, or a vendor name.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first protocol comprises a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
7. A method comprising:
receiving, via a network, device internet protocol (IP) provisioning requests from a plurality of devices, each associated with a corresponding one vendor of a first vendor and a second vendor;
separating, via a firewall in the network, an application portion and a control portion in a management network from a data network, the data network including a network provisioning unit (NPU);
determining a first device vendor associated with a first device of the plurality of devices;
determining device IP provisioning data associated with the first device vendor; and transmitting the device IP provisioning data from the NPU to the first device.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the receiving device internet protocol (IP) provisioning requests from the plurality of devices comprises receiving device internet protocol (IP) provisioning requests from a plurality of client premises devices.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: performing the method in a satellite network.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the device IP provisioning data enables the first device to execute a set of operations associated with supporting media services provided by a content provider.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
adjusting the device IP provisioning data depending on whether the first device is associated with one of a first unit or a second unit that assists the content provider in providing the media services.
12. A system comprising:
a plurality of devices in communication with a network, wherein at least two devices of the plurality of devices are each associated with a corresponding at least two different vendors, and wherein the plurality of devices are configured to transmit, according to a first protocol, internet protocol (IP) provisioning requests via the network; and a network provisioning unit (NPU) within a data network, the NPU configured to:
receive a first IP provisioning request, determine, based on the first IP provisioning request, one vendor of the at least two different vendors, determine device IP provisioning data associated with the one vendor, and transmit the device IP provisioning data via the network, wherein the device IP provisioning data is transmitted according to the first protocol, and wherein the network separates, via a firewall, an application portion and a control portion in a management network from the data network.
13. A method comprising:
receiving, by a network provisioning system, a first internet protocol (IP) provisioning request comprising a first device vendor identifier associated with a first device and receiving a second IP provisioning request comprising a second device vendor identifier associated with a second device;
determining, based on the first device vendor identifier, a first vendor associated with the first device and determining, based on the second device vendor identifier, a second vendor associated with the second device;

responsive to the first IP provisioning request, transmitting first IP
provisioning data, wherein the first IP provisioning data comprises data specific to the first vendor and data enabling IP address assignment for the first device; and responsive to the second IP provisioning request, transmitting second IP
provisioning data, wherein the second IP provisioning data comprises data specific to the second vendor and data enabling IP address assignment for the second device.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
separating, using a firewall, the network provisioning system from a management network comprising an application portion and a control portion.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the method is performed in a content delivery system.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first IP provisioning request and the second IP
provisioning request are received from client premises devices.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
storing the first IP provisioning data and the second IP provisioning data in a database and wherein the determining the first vendor and the second vendor comprises searching the database for a vendor identifier that matches with the first device vendor identifier and the second device vendor identifier.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: associating the first device vendor identifier or the second device vendor identifier with at least one of a serial number, a hardware version, a software version, an Organization Unique Identifier (OUI), a model number, or a vendor name.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

processing the first IP provisioning request according to a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
20. A method comprising:
receiving device internet protocol (IP) provisioning requests respectively from a first device associated with a first vendor and from a second device associated with a second vendor;
separating a data network comprising a network provisioning unit (NPU) from a management network comprising an application portion and a control portion;
determining the first vendor associated with the first device;
determining device IP provisioning data associated with the first vendor, wherein the device IP provisioning data comprises data specific to the first vendor and data enabling IP
address assignment for the first device; and transmitting the device IP provisioning data from the NPU to the first device.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first device and the second device comprise client premises devices.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the separating comprises separating by a firewall.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the method is performed in a content delivery system.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein the method is performed in a satellite network.
25. The method of claim 20, further comprising:
confirming that the determined device IP provisioning data is sufficient to program the first device to execute a set of operations associated with supporting media services provided by a media service provider.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:
adjusting the device IP provisioning data depending on whether the first device is associated with one of a first unit or a second unit that assists the media service provider in providing the media services.
27. A method comprising:
receiving, from a first network device associated with a first vendor and receiving from a second network device associated with a second vendor, respective internet protocol (IP) provisioning requests according to a first protocol;
determining the first vendor associated with the first network device based upon a device vendor identifier included in the IP provisioning request received from the first network device;
determining device IP provisioning data associated with the first vendor, wherein the device IP provisioning data comprises data specific to the first vendor and data enabling IP
address assignment for the first network device; and transmitting the device IP provisioning data to the first network device, wherein the device IP provisioning data is transmitted according to the first protocol such that provisioning of the first network device utilizes the first protocol.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first and second network devices are client premises devices.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the method is performed by a network provisioning unit (NPU) within a data network.
30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:
separating the data network comprising the NPU from a management network comprising an application portion and a control portion.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the separating comprises separating by a firewall.
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US11184187B2 (en) 2021-11-23
CA2536177C (en) 2013-12-10
US20070198717A1 (en) 2007-08-23
WO2005025114A3 (en) 2005-11-24
CA2536177A1 (en) 2005-03-17
WO2005024588A3 (en) 2006-05-18
CA2536103A1 (en) 2005-03-17
CA2536106C (en) 2015-03-24
CA2536106A1 (en) 2005-03-17
US8320376B2 (en) 2012-11-27
US20160308784A1 (en) 2016-10-20
WO2005025114A2 (en) 2005-03-17
WO2005024589A3 (en) 2005-06-09
US20100274882A1 (en) 2010-10-28
US11271867B2 (en) 2022-03-08
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US20070274345A1 (en) 2007-11-29
US7774436B2 (en) 2010-08-10

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