QA Cafe TR-069 Training Series - Overview of a TR-069 Session

Summary

TR-69 is a protocol developed by the Broadband Forum to help broadband providers remotely manage and configure customer premises equipment (CPE) such as routers, set-top boxes, and other networked devices. The protocol facilitates zero-touch installation, firmware management, and remote diagnostics. Through secure TCP sessions and HTTP POST requests, the CPE and Auto Configuration Server (ACS) exchange commands and parameters. TR-69 has evolved beyond initial applications, enabling a wide range of devices to be managed within home and business networks, providing flexibility and efficiency for service providers.

Takeaways

• 😀 TR-69 is a technical report that defines a protocol for managing customer-premises equipment (CPE) in broadband home and business networks.
• 😀 Initially focused on home routers and business gateways, TR-69 now supports a wide range of network devices including video set-top boxes, NAS, femtocells, and more.
• 😀 The TR-69 protocol allows service providers to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot broadband devices remotely.
• 😀 One key feature of TR-69 is 'zero-touch installation', enabling automatic configuration and activation of devices without customer intervention.
• 😀 TR-69 also supports remote firmware maintenance and diagnostics, helping service providers resolve customer issues more efficiently.
• 😀 The protocol defines the interaction between an Auto Configuration Server (ACS) and CPEs over a secure connection.
• 😀 The CPE initiates the session with an *inform* RPC, detailing the event that caused the session (e.g., device boot-up or configuration change).
• 😀 After processing the *inform* RPC, the ACS responds with an *inform* response, confirming receipt and initiating further interactions.
• 😀 The ACS can send 'get parameter values' RPCs to the CPE to request specific information, and the CPE responds with the requested data.
• 😀 TR-69 allows the ACS to send 'set parameter values' RPCs to change the state of the CPE, such as modifying configurations or activating services.
• 😀 Once all interactions are complete, both the ACS and CPE close the session, ending the TCP connection.

Q & A

What is TR-069 and what is its primary purpose?

TR-069, also known as the Technical Report 69, is a broadband management protocol that allows service providers to remotely manage and configure customer premises equipment (CPE), such as routers, set-top boxes, and other network devices. Its primary purpose is to automate device management, diagnostics, firmware updates, and service activation.

How has TR-069 evolved since its inception?

TR-069 was initially developed for home routers and business gateways, but it has since expanded to support a wide range of CPE devices, including set-top boxes, network-attached storage (NAS), femtocells, and other network-aware devices.

What is the role of the Auto Configuration Server (ACS) in TR-069?

The Auto Configuration Server (ACS) is responsible for managing and configuring the CPE remotely. It communicates with the CPE to perform tasks such as retrieving configuration data, updating firmware, and troubleshooting issues.

How does a TR-069 session begin?

A TR-069 session begins when the CPE establishes a TCP connection with the ACS. The CPE then sends an 'inform' message over HTTP POST, indicating the event that triggered the session, such as a device reboot or the need for configuration updates.

What types of remote procedure calls (RPCs) are exchanged during a TR-069 session?

During a TR-069 session, the ACS sends several types of RPCs to the CPE, including 'Get Parameter Values' to request information, 'Set Parameter Values' to change settings, and 'Set Parameter Attributes' to establish notifications for specific events.

What is the purpose of 'Get Parameter Values' RPC?

'Get Parameter Values' is an RPC used by the ACS to request specific configuration parameters or settings from the CPE. The CPE responds with the requested data in an HTTP POST.

How does the ACS change the configuration of a CPE device?

The ACS can modify the configuration of the CPE by sending a 'Set Parameter Values' RPC. This RPC changes the settings or state of the device, such as altering network configurations or enabling/disabling features.

What does 'Set Parameter Attributes' do in a TR-069 session?

'Set Parameter Attributes' is an RPC used to configure notifications for the CPE. This allows the ACS to be notified when certain events occur on the CPE, such as a change in configuration or a device error.

How does a TR-069 session end?

A TR-069 session ends when both the CPE and ACS have completed their communication. The CPE sends an empty HTTP response to indicate no further RPCs are needed, and the ACS responds in kind, signaling the end of the session.

What are some key use cases of TR-069 for service providers?

TR-069 enables service providers to perform zero-touch installation, automate firmware updates, remotely troubleshoot customer issues, and activate new services, all of which improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.