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CMU can function as a standalone module or in conjunction with other Promptlink tools by sharing software and database components. CMU can also work with external applications through the use of the Web Services Gateway (a component of the Data Distribution Server), which allows CMU to provide data to, and retrieve data from, external databases and external applications. For example, device information can be obtained from an Oracle Database instead of polling devices directly or providing modem information to external applications.
CMU is architected to match the scale of typical MSO networks. It is designed to support millions of Cable Modems in a multi-server distributed environment, with features that apply upgrades to individual CMs, or to large groups of CMs extended throughout various regions supported by the MSO. This client/server software allows multiple administrators or Users to run the CMU tool, creating a management view that may be centralized (for example, at a national operations center) or distributed to remote locations (such as regional hubs or local service areas).
The CMU upgrade tool provides advanced features to group, filter and select Cable Modems based on different selection criteria. Massive scalability is supported through an intelligent design that can simultaneously upgrade cable modems or groups of cable modems from different manufacturers.
CMU stores and manages information in an embedded object database for optimum performance. CMU runs on Solaris and other platforms.
CMU is a crucial operational tool when an MSO is faced with firmware version issues throughout a cable plant. For example, for an MSO to support VoIP features associated with DOCSIS 1.1, there will be a large number of firmware upgrades needed to bring the entire cable plant up to the required level. While some organizations plan for this type of effort to take several months, Promptlink’s automation and grouping features in CMU allows the job to be completed in a matter of days.
Migration from DOCSIS 1.0 to 1.1 has become an important topic for many MSOs. CMU has the features to make this topic into a trivial operations task, instead of the problem that some consider it to be. The CMU multi-step upgrade feature addresses many migration issues, and the built-in communication with provisioning servers helps address other potential issues related to new 1.1 code verification certificates.
  CMU can also be implemented in a distributed mode where the functions of multiple distributed CMU Servers may be integrated together for common operations throughout the entire MSO network. To enable this mode, Promptlink supplies a Data Distribution Server that synchronizes data among all CMU Servers in the network. CMU Administrators may access this mode from any CMU Server, merely by logging in with proper authority. |
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The Promptlink Cable Modem Upgrade (CMU) is a DOCSIS network management tool that specifically supports dynamic, real-time upgrades to CM firmware. This software allows MSO’s to easily manage hundreds of thousands, even millions, of CMs by automating and streamlining the process of maintaining the operational firmware (sometimes referred to as software) in the CMs in the field. Since every cable plant has a variety of different vendors’ CMs, as well as different versions of any specific vendor’s CM’s, the process of managing your cable plant’s firmware can be a massive burden! Promptlink’s software organizes the process and removes the burden.