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Answering your Frequently Asked Questions on TR-069 and ACS

TR-069 plays a crucial role in enabling Internet Service Providers to efficiently manage and maintain their network infrastructure by providing remote configuration, firmware management, monitoring, and security capabilities for CPE or Customer Premises Equipment devices.  In this blog, we will cover some of the more pertinent questions on TR-069 and how it can help your business.

What is TR-069?

TR-069, also known as CPE WAN Management Protocol (CWMP), is a widely used standard protocol in the telecommunications industry for remote management of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) such as routers, modems, and gateways. Developed by the Broadband Forum, TR-069 enables ISPs to remotely configure, monitor, and manage CPE devices deployed in their networks.  

Some of the key components and functionalities of TR-069 are:

  • Remote Configuration: It allows you to remotely configure CPE devices with specific settings and parameters required for network connectivity and service provisioning. This includes configuring network interfaces, Quality of Service (QoS) settings, Wireless LAN parameters and other device-specific configurations.
  • Firmware management and updates: With TR-069, you can remotely manage the firmware of your CPE devices. You can deploy firmware updates to address security vulnerabilities, improve performance, or add new features without requiring manual intervention or physical access to the device.
  • Monitoring and diagnostics:  You can monitor the status, performance, and health of CPE devices in near real-time. They can retrieve diagnostic information, such as uptime, signal strength, error logs, and performance metrics, to proactively identify and troubleshoot issues before they impact service quality.
  • Security features: TR-069 incorporates security mechanisms to ensure secure communication between ACS and CPE devices.  It supports authentication, encryption, and secure transport protocols such as HTTPS to protect sensitive information exchange during remote management sessions. Additionally, TR-069 specifies access control mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access to device management functionalities.
  • Interoperability and extensibility: TR-069 defines a standardised data model and protocol for device management, promoting interoperability among different CPE vendors and ACS implementations.  Furthermore, the protocol is extensible, allowing for the definition of custom data models and management parameters to accommodate specific requirements. 

How does TR-069 work?

  • Auto Configuration Server (ACS): The central component of TR-069 is the Auto Configuration Server (ACS). It serves as the management platform where you can remotely manage and configure CPE devices.  The ACS typically resides within the ISP network infrastructure and communicates with CPE devices using the TR-069 protocol.
  • CPE Devices: The CPE device runs a TR-069 client, which is responsible for communicating with the ACS and executing management commands received from the ACS.
  • TR-069 Protocol: The protocol defines a set of procedures and messages for communication between the ACS and the CPE devices. The protocol is based on HTTP and SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), which are widely used web service standards. TR-069 messages are typically transmitted over secure channels using HTTS to ensure confidentiality and integrity of data exchange between the ACS and CPE devices.
  • Management sessions: The TR-069 management process begins with the establishment of a management session between the ACS and the CPE device.  The CPE device initiates the session by sending a connection request to the ACS, typically using a periodic polling mechanism, or triggered by specific events such as device bootup or network registration.  Once the ACE receives the connection request, it authenticates the CPE device and establishes a secure communication channel for subsequent management operations.
  • Remote management operations: Once the management session is established, the ACS can initiate various management operations on the CPE device.  These operations may include:
    - Configuration – Setting or updating parameters and settings on the CPE device, such as network interfaces, wi-fi settings etc.
    - Monitoring – Retrieving status information, performance metrics, and diagnostic data from the CPE devices for troubleshooting and analysis.
    - Firmware management – Uploading and deploying firmware updates to the CPE devices to ensure it is running the latest software version.
  • Response and acknowledgement: After receiving management commands from the ACS, the CPE device executes the requested operations and sends back responses and status reports to the ACs. The ACS processes the responses from the CPE device, acknowledges successful operations, and handles error conditions or exceptions encountered during the management process.
  • Security and Authentication: TR-069 supports various security features such as authentication, encryption, and access control to ensure secure communication between the ACS and CPE devices.  Authentication mechanisms, such as username/password or digital certificates, are used to verify the identity of both the ACS and CPE devices before establishing a management session. 

Why should you consider using TR-069-enabled routers in your ISP business?

  • Remote management and configuration: The protocol enables ISPs to remotely manage and configure routers deployed in the field.  This means you can troubleshoot issues, update firmware, and adjust settings without needing physical access to the router or requiring a technician to visit the customer’s premises.  It saves time and resources while improving customer service by resolving issues quickly.
  • Reduced support costs: With TR-069, ISPs can troubleshoot and diagnose problems remotely, reducing the need for costly call centre support or dispatching technicians for every issue.  By remotely accessing and diagnosing router problems, ISPs can streamline support processes and minimize operational costs associated with customer support.
  • Firmware management and updates: TR-069 facilitates firmware management and updates for routers.  You can push firmware updates remotely to ensure that routers are running the latest software versions, which enhances security, performance, and compatibility with evolving network technologies.  This helps ISPs maintain a secure and reliable network infrastructure.
  • Proactive monitoring and alerts: The protocol enables ISPs to proactively monitor the health and performance of routers in near real-time.  It allows you to set up alerts for specific events such as connectivity issues, bandwidth usage thresholds, or security breaches.  By monitoring routers remotely, ISPs can identify and address potential issues before they escalate, improving network reliability and customer satisfaction. 

What free/freemium ACS options are currently available:

  • Aginet: TP-Link Agient ACS helps ISPs reduce on-site support by performing operations, diagnosis, and maintenance remotely, and facilitates extensive automation to reduce operation costs. This is exclusive to TP-Link routers and Mercyses routers.
  • GenieACS: GenieACS is an open-source TR-069 ACS server that offers a range of features for device management, including remote configuration, firmware updates, monitoring, and diagnostics.  It’s widely used and actively maintained by community members.
  • FreeACS: FreeACS is another open-source TR-069 ACS that provides basic auto-configuration capabilities for CPE devices.  It offers a lightweight solution for managing small to medium-sized deployments.
  • OpenACS: This is also an open-source TR-069 ACS server developed by the OpenACS community. It supports various features for remote device management, including provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting. 

What paid-for ACS options does MiRO offer?

  • Splynx: Splynx is a licensed software that makes it easy for Internet Service Providers to sell, connect, bill, and support customers. With functions such as CRM tools, billing and collections, support, network infrastructure and inventory, you can easily manage your entire ISP business off the Splynx software. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact us at technical@miro.co.za or give us a call at 012 657 0960. 

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