Abstract
This chapter focuses on the equipment in the home, providing broadband access to the users into the home, called residential gateway. The chapter shows how such a device evolves from a simple modem to an advanced gateway system that contributes to: • The access inside the home of any data on any compatible device • The ubiquity of access points for the broadband network • The ubiquity of media data in the home from remote devices • The communication of mobile handsets via the fixed network. The objective of this chapter is to give the reader a technical insight into the enabling mechanisms and technologies dealing with such functionalities. The text indicates particular technical solutions, but explanations are kept high-level in order to allow nontechnical readers to understand the basics and concepts of the solutions. A number of references show that the technical exposé is becoming a reality.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Broadband Network: IP-based network which gives access to the Internet and other IP based services.
Server: An addressable entity attached to the broadband network which provides some services; there are several types of servers, for example, for address translation, authentication, home access, and so forth.
Wi-Fi Network: Local home network based on Wi-Fi (standard IEEE 802.11) wireless communication
Remote Access: Access via the broadband network to the home network, by an authorized user; this user will have to authenticate before being able to enter the home network.
Residential Gateway: A device in the home offering broadband network access to the home user, supporting home LAN and WLAN networks and interfacing to legacy devices.
Guest Access: Access to the broadband network via the home network and residential gateway of family or friends.
Dual Phone: Phone able to access both the mobile network and IP-based services directly or via the residential gateway and the Broadband network.
Authentication: A method to verify and ensure that users are who they say they are – that the user who attempts to get access to networks or functions is in fact the user who is authorized to do so.
Hotspot: A location where a passenger-by may get access to the broadband network, based on credentials related to a hotspot account.