Introduction to Cable Architecture

Updated: August 19, 1999

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Customers are demanding easier access, "always on" connections, and single login to multiple online products for new emerging applications. The infrastructure deployed today must enable the services of tomorrow. The delivery of these services will require integrated solutions.

Network operators will also need integrated solutions from the backbone network down to the customer premises. They must have solutions that inherently interconnect each service being offered and allow for new standards as they evolve.

The Cable Architecture download white paper describes the work being done at Microsoft to define an end-to-end architecture for data services over cable networks. Using this architecture, Microsoft is providing the network platforms and applications needed to deliver data, voice, and video services over Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled cable networks.

Note: Microsoft is actively seeking feedback on the cable architecture presented in this document. For comments or questions, please e-mail: cablefb@microsoft.com.

The cable architecture that Microsoft presents is centered on several key objectives:

• End-to-end: The lack of integrated solutions built upon an end-to-end network architecture has hindered deployment of broadband services. Most solutions have been built using equipment and technologies from individual equipment providers, focused on separate portions of the service. So network operators currently must contend with different standards, administration interfaces, and topologies. The current piecemeal approach raises the costs for deployment, operation, and management of broadband access. The Microsoft cable architecture for data services is designed to address the end-to-end problem space and offer solutions across the board.

• Customer-focused: The architecture Microsoft presents meets the requirement for supporting cable providers with a platform for value-added services while offering end users a Plug-and-Play, user friendly, value-rich environment.

• Standards-based: The Microsoft architecture solutions are based on standards defined by the IP community (IETF, IEEE, ITU) and by the cable community (DOCSIS).

• Adaptable: Microsoft will update the end-to-end architecture as existing standards evolve and new standards are defined.

The download Cable Architecture white paper describes these elements:

• "Reference Model" - the reference model the architecture is based on.

• "Supporting DOCSIS Networks" - an overview of DOCSIS and how Microsoft supports this standard.

• "User Logon Architecture for Cable Networks" - the logon mechanism Microsoft supports for cable networks.

• "Self-Provisioning" - the provisioning process needed to get new customers on the network.

• "Telecommuting" - two architectural options for multiple system operators (MSOs) to enable telecommuting.

• "Quality of Service" - Microsoft QoS components and their use in cable networks.

• "Infrastructure Services in Windows 2000" - key networking components of the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system that apply to cable networks.

Other references:

• For the latest information on the Microsoft public network strategy, see http://www.microsoft.com/serviceproviders/default.mspx for ISPs, telecommunications companies, cable companies, or enhanced services providers offering Internet access, Web hosting, or network services.

• For information about cable technologies for hardware vendors and driver developers, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463244.aspx.

• For information about NDIS 5.0 and related networking technologies, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463244.aspx.