Home Area Networks and IPTV

Chapter 6

Software Structures in Use for Home Area Networks

6.1. Service gateways

6.1.1. The role of a service gateway

A service platform allows us to manage communication between different services with a centralized architecture. This gateway can be represented by:

– the gateway of the Internet access provider (fiber optics, cable, ADSL);

– the energy gateway;

– another gateway.

The functions of these platforms can be simple or complex according to requirements. The four main functions of a service platform are:

– service administration;

– collection and redistribution of information for mixed services;

– service control;

– opening for premium rate services.

In order to implement these dynamic service platforms, different standards exist: IMS, OSGi, OpenWings, JINI, etc.

Figure 6.1. Role of a service gateway

Figure 6.2. Example of a service gateway

6.1.2. Service administration: OSGi bundles

An interface (a web application accessible by http) allows administration of the platform via a web browser, and secured remote access either from the home network or from the Internet to control it.

Service providers can install functions on the gateway dynamically, without stopping other services, for example, carrying out breakdown diagnostics of household electronic devices, increasing ...