VECTOR TECHNOLOGIES has been playing an active role in the Remote-PHY technology development from the very beginning of the standardization work. To get the most from the laboratory environment, VECTOR TECHNOLOGIES developed the CCAP Core Simulator (CCS), which has been demonstrated at the US and Europe-based interops and the Remote PHY interoperability events in Europe. The CCS allows Multiple System Operators (MSOs) for testing Remote-PHY Device (RPD) from different vendors to achieve full interoperability in compliance with the MHAv2 set of the specification. Thanks to the CCAP Core Simulator, MSOs can successfully secure Remote PHY deployment in their network. What’s more, the CCS will in the future enable fast adaptation to the Full Duplex DOCSIS 3.1® technology and any changes implemented in the MHAv2 set of specifications.

The CCAP Core Simulator (CCS) is a pure software validation platform that emulates the CCAP core with all logical layers/functions that are required for RPD proper operation – GCP, DEPI, UEPI, L2TPv.3 network services. Based on the custom build Linux operating system with various services and daemons to emulate CCAP Core in the Remote PHY architecture.

It is certain that the deployment of Remote PHY will change the way traditional HFC networks are installed, tested and serviced, especially as far as an optical layer is concerned. Remote PHY technology provides several major benefits to the HFC networks that bring cable TV and broadband internet services to subscribers and enterprises. Not surprisingly, MSOs are turning their attention towards Fiber Deep and Distributed Access Architecture (DAA) for their infrastructure.


THE SOLUTION – CCAP CORE SIMULATOR


The CCAP Core Simulator (CCS) is a network platform for validation, debugging, and prototyping for Remote PHY platforms. The solution is a pure software validation platform with various services and daemons to emulate CCAP Core in Remote PHY architecture. The CCS is a complete platform that allows MSOs for testing RPD from multi-vendors to achieve full interoperability in compliance with the MHAv2 set of the specification.

The CCS has been developed on the basis of COTS hardware and C++/Python languages which results in the easiness of the further development in accordance with the R-PHY specification, in the area of services and network functions. Any new features, adjustments, or necessary extensions may be efficiently and promptly introduced at the further stage of the product life.

The role of the CCAP Core Simulator in the market is essential. The purpose of our solution is simple:  help the cable MSOs to achieve an interoperable and reliable solution as quickly as possible. Thanks to the CCAP Core Simulator, MSO can successfully secure DAA deployments in its HFC plant and reduce the operational cost. All the network bottlenecks caused by moving into Distributed Access Architecture can be easily identified before they will limit deployments.


KEY FEATURES


  1. With the CCAP Core Simulator (CCS) an operator can make a basic or an advanced Remote PHY Device (RPD) validation and compliance test with Remote PHY specification.
  2. The CCS can simulate up to two different CCAP Cores, making it possible to test multicore architecture using the same platform:

Principal CORE – that controls all configuration and management of RPD
DOCSIS CORE – that corresponds to the DOCSIS function and cable modem communication
VIDEO CORE – that corresponds to the VIDEO function, like VIDEO encapsulation (static video stream)
OOB Core – that corresponds to the control RPD in signal processing, that is used in the HFC network like a sweep, HMS, FM (no data processing, only control function)

  1. PTP is a critical part of the Remote PHY architecture. Synchronization between the RPD and the CCAP Core is required. The CCS has the ability to be a master clock or a slave clock with a variety of supported PTP profiles.
  2. With digitalization of the network, MSOs have to face new challenges while transforming their HFC plants. One of those is security. The CCS has a full spec of functions that are required according to the Remote PHY specification. MSO can go through the validation process in compliance with the Remote PHY Device set of specification.

CCS vs CCAP Core


CCSCCAP Core
Pure SW implementationProprietary HW
Fast convergence with Remote PHY standardSoftware tested for production services with high performance in the first place
Rich and user-friendly debug functions( phase status, outcome interpretation, persistent logs )Limited and raw debug function ( counters only)
Product for the LAB and testingProduct for the field
“Lab in the BOX” 

PERFORMANCE BENEFITS


a. Custom-built OS system based on the Linux operating system;
b. Set of the network/operation services based on the open standard platforms:

  • 802.1x Server,
  • DHCP Server with support for IPv6 and IPv4,
  • Tod Server IPv4 and IPv6,
  • Mutual Authentication Server based on IKE v2 protocol compliant with R-PHY specification,
  • Secure Software Download Server – with the certificate management.

c. PTP Master clock:

  • IPv4/IPv6 support,
  • Support for Telecom Profile G.8275.1
  • Slave/master Mode
  • A predefined set of configuration for the fast test of each profile.

d. Custom-built software module with the advanced API, based on the open standard (JSON), allowing for a dynamic change of configuration:

  • Control plane modules:
    VECTOR TECHNOLOGIES GCP Daemon – GCP module compliant with CM-SP-GCP-I10 and CM-SP-R-PHY. IPv4/IPv6 support,
    VECTOR TECHNOLOGIES L2TPv3 Daemon.
  • Data Plane modules:
    UEPI- support for IPv4/IPv6, compliant with the CM-SP-R-DEPI
    DEPI- support for IPv4/IPv6, compliant with the CM-SP-R-UEPI
    Custom DOCSIS MAC – D3.0; D3.1; DS., US

e. Predefined configuration sets for all services in various scenarios – ready “out of the box”,
f. Web based GUI for status and log reports.