All these components need to be verified for interoperability, and CableLabs is the entity that reviews DPoE components and alignment to the specifications. The DPoE network operates similar to a DOCSIS centralized scheduler via logical link identifiers (LLID), comparable to DOCSIS service identifiers (SIDs).
DPoE with EPON technology leverages the DOCSIS infrastructure and service platform our industry has deployed, similar to how DOCSIS provisioning of GPON (DPoG) also leverages the DOCSIS back office. Even support for multi-point-to-multi-point architectures or Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) Ethernet local area network (E-LAN) architectures were included. Additional requirements for features found DPoEv2 such as Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6), multicast, and Ethernet operation, administration, and maintenance (eOAM) were added into this specification. DPoEv2, built upon v1, is focused on more complex services, including quality of service (QoS) capabilities. In addition, DPoEv1 called for a layer known as the DOCSIS mediation layer (DML), communicating with the existing DOCSIS OSSI. DPoEv1 specified a virtual cable modem (vCM) structure (see figure 1.0), along with how this virtualized component is used to communicate with an ONU at the subscriber premises.
For an access network with Ethernet, provisioning of Layer 2 (L2) optical network units (ONUs) via an optical network terminal (OLT) is deployed. For many of our technology deployments, provisioning is a necessary requirement for device enablement, whether that is Ethernet or DOCSIS.
Ethernet is widely used in cell backhaul controllers, multiple dwelling units (MDU), and business services (e.g., point to point or hosted PBX). Operators are now able to deploy Ethernet over the access network or optical distribution network (ODN) to reach the customer premises with triple play services and beyond. A protocol that is well known in the cable network is Ethernet, supporting a coexistence approach for operators with the very familiar DOCSIS. Our networks are evolving to meet the ever-increasing thirst for bandwidth, whether that is with DOCSIS, fiber deep (FD), or passive optical network (PON) technology.