Subscribers to U.S. broadband access networks lack choice in services. EntryPoint and the University of Utah are currently collaborating on a research project to develop and demonstrate a network framework, called SmartEdge, which focuses on creating choice in services by enabling network operators, service providers, and subscribers to coexist on the same shared network infrastructure. The purpose of this proposal is to explore the technical feasibility of this approach to enable innovation and service creation in open broadband access networks. We have completed the overall architectural design of SmartEdge, as well as the development of key architectural components. Specifically we have developed the FlowOps network management and operations framework, which forms the basis for an open and dynamic broadband access network. We have also developed the SecureOps framework which enables authenticated and authorized access to both network and services in a dynamic open access network. The work to be performed under this proposal involves the development of remaining architectural components, realizing the end-to-end architecture and demonstrating its utility by using example services and applications in the framework. Building on the basis of our FlowOps and SecureOps frameworks, we propose the following four specific technical objectives to fully realize the SmartEdge vision for a dynamic open access networks: Objective 1: Develop a Virtual Broadband Gateway with software defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization capabilities. Objective 2: Develop a virtual-SIM realization that makes use of trusted platform module (TPM) technology. Objective 3: Extend SmartEdge to support service composition in combination with virtual network elements. Objective 4: Develop a functional end-to-end realization of the SmartEdge architecture. The attributes of SmartEdge provide a framework for service innovation for many systems that are critical to society including Smart Grid, Remote Monitoring and Caring for Vulnerable Citizens, Distance Education, Intelligent Transit Systems, Environmental Sustainability, and Improved Emergency Communications. Key Words: Open Access Networks, Optical Network Terminal (ONT), Network Security, Network Functions Virtualization, Software Defined Networking The significance of EntryPoints SmartEdge framework is that it provides a missing piece needed to stimulate innovation and provide consumers an ever expanding range of choices for broadband services via Open Access networks.
