This paper presents the comprehensive design and implementation of an RPD (Remote PHY Device) module, which serves as a pivotal component within the Remote PHY Node architecture for hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks based on the DOCSIS 4.0 standard. The development of this module addresses the critical need for enhanced data transmission rates and network efficiency in modern broadband communication systems. The research thoroughly investigates the integration of GCP/R-DEPI/R-UEPI protocols into the RPD module, utilizing advanced packet processing technologies to optimize data transfer between the CCAP (Converged Cable Access Platform) Core and the cable modem.
The proposed model is developed using open-source software, providing extensive flexibility for customization, adaptation, and enhancement in various HFC network applications. This approach also ensures that the model can be readily improved or expanded to meet the evolving demands of next-generation broadband networks. A key focus of the study is the architectural analysis of the Remote PHY Node, with particular emphasis on the interaction between the RPD module and the RF Module (RFM), and the critical interfaces that ensure seamless data transmission and network stability.
Through detailed experimentation and modeling, the study reveals that the incorporation of DPDK (Data Plane Development Kit) into the RPD module results in significant performance improvements. By bypassing the traditional kernel-based packet processing, DPDK reduces latency, increases throughput, and enhances the overall efficiency of network packet handling. The multi-level model developed in this research comprises context, container, component, and code levels, providing a structured and scalable framework for the RPD module's implementation.
Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the RPD module, when implemented according to the DOCSIS 4.0 standard, offers substantial improvements in network security, supports a distributed access architecture, and significantly boosts the processing efficiency of data packets. These advancements position the developed RPD module as a critical enabler of next-generation HFC networks. The paper concludes by outlining the potential for future research, particularly in exploring the scalability, robustness, and adaptability of this model in large-scale network deployments, as well as its integration with emerging technologies in the field of telecommunications.
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