What is TR-069 CPE WAN Management Protocol?

TR-069 Protocol Guide | Comprehensive Overview of TR-069 for ISPs and Service Providers

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Introduction to TR-069 (CWMP)

TR-069, also known as the CPE WAN Management Protocol (CWMP), is a technical specification developed by the Broadband Forum (BBF). It is designed to facilitate the remote management and configuration of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by service providers. The protocol enables automatic configuration, software and firmware updates, and diagnostics of devices such as routers, modems, telephone adapters and set-top boxes. TR-069 operates over a network using HTTPS, ensuring secure communication between the CPE and an Auto Configuration Server (ACS). This automation reduces the need for manual intervention, thus enhancing service efficiency and reducing operational costs for service providers. By providing a standardized approach to device management, TR-069 helps in achieving a consistent service quality and quick deployment of services.

TR-069 Data Model

Data models are used to describe the various functions and capabilities of WAN-manageable devices. These data-driven descriptions can be accessed using TR-069 Amendment 6, provided by the Broadband Forum, which defines several model objects that include parameters for each type of device or service, allowing for more effective management via CWMP.

A TR-069 data model represents data in XML, using an XML schema to define the data elements and their relationships. TR-069 data models can serve multiple purposes, such as exchanging data between devices, storing data in a database, or providing a web interface for data. They are commonly used in network management systems to enable administrators to view and modify data on devices remotely.

The TR-069 specification includes several standard data models for commonly used device data, such as system configuration, WiFi settings, and device status. Additionally, vendors can create custom data models to represent other device data they wish to make available through the TR-069 protocol.

TR-069 Server

A TR-069 server, or the Auto Configuration Server (ACS), is a software application that enables service providers and equipment manufacturers to remotely manage, configure, and update their customers' network-connected devices.

TR-069 servers are crucial for both service providers and equipment manufacturers because they offer a simple and efficient way to manage many devices remotely. With a TR-069 server, service providers can quickly configure new devices, update firmware, and troubleshoot issues without sending a technician to the customer's premises. Similarly, equipment manufacturers use TR-069 clients to enable their devices for standardized remote management.

The CWMP defines how devices communicate over networks, allowing them to send data and receive commands from the Auto Configuration Server.

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How Does TR-069 Work?

TR-069 is a technical specification designed to manage Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) connected to an IP network, where the CPE acts as the client, and the Auto Configuration Server (ACS) acts as the server. The CPE connects to the ACS, allowing it to drive the sought after use cases like automatic provisioning, monitoring, and management of CPEs by executing a workflow of remote procedure calls. Typical workflows consist of individual tasks to send configuration changes, retrieve or verify data, collect performance metrics, or apply firmware updates. In order to do this, the protocol provides a set of so called Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) and the all data exchange is harmonized by the use of a so called data model which defines structure, types and restrictions accessible by the ACS. The BBF provides a set of constantly updated data models (TR-181, TR-104, TR-135, TR-140, etc.) for various common use cases, which provides interoperability between CPE and ACS from different vendors. The same data models are also used by the successor protocol USP (or TR-369).

  • To start a TR-069 session, the device connects to a pre-configured or discovered ACS over a public network via HTTPS. In order to authenticate the communication, various protocol mechanisms such as client certificates or username/password are available but often operators also use external options such as dedicated secure communication channels or network port based customer identification.

    A TR-069 session can be triggered by the ACS or occur on a scheduled basis but is always initiated by the CPE.

    Upon connection, the device sends an a Inform RPC to the ACS, indicating its current status and readiness for management. In return, the ACS will record the updated information in the database and check for pending workflows, such as configuration updates, information retrieval, firmware installation, or diagnostic requests to be executed and will attempt to drive them to completion within the established session.

  • TR-069 is a robust protocol designed to enable service providers to remotely manage customer equipment. It can be implemented securely but that requires careful attention to detail as well as careful planning and implementation by experts.

    It is of utmost importance that data privacy laws and regulations are upheld, meaning that access is authorized by informed customers and limited to the minimum amount of data needed by the operator to implement the defined use cases.

    Additional security measures, such as device certificates and individual credentials can help to provide some protection against data breaches, but potential risks such as unauthorized access, data interception, and implementation vulnerabilities still do exist if the protocol is not properly implemented or configured. To mitigate these threats, network interlocked robust authentication and encryption mechanisms should be implemented and regular security audits conducted. Firewall rules, VPNs, and frequent software updates also play a crucial role in maintaining security and safeguarding against evolving threats.

  • Since 2018, the BBF has been publishing the specification of a successor standard: TR-369 or USP.

    TR-069 and TR-369/USP are both protocols developed for managing customer devices, but TR-369 offers significant improvements over TR-069. While TR-069 started with a focus on basic device management and service provisioning, later enhanced with some limited monitoring capabilities, TR-369 was designed from the ground up to build on the ideas of TR-069 but using a modern foundation to meet the high demands of modern and complex networks.

    TR-369 improves scalability, security, and real-time communication, enabling better integration across heterogeneous platforms. Both protocols aim to streamline device management, but TR-369 offers greater flexibility and is better suited for future-proof network solutions, making it ideal for evolving network environments.

    For a more in-depth understanding of TR-369/USP and its benefits, explore our comprehensive
    TR-369/USP Knowledge Base.

TR-069 Use Cases

Provisioning Of Complex Services

  • Multi-play service delivery

  • IPTV deployments

  • Zero-touch provisioning

  • SIP and VoIP provisioning

Quality of Experience Management (QoE)

  • Better decision making with
    analytics and reporting

  • Proactive upfront problem resolution

  • Information on bandwidth utilization

Management Of All Kind Of Devices

  • Simple xDSL Remote Gateways (RG)

  • Set-top boxes (STBs) alongside the RG

  • Cable RGs and Fttx ONTs or

  • Even complex Business Routers (BR)

Southbound Interoperability

  • Vendor-independent management
    of TR-069 capable devices

  • Support of multi-vendor device strategies

  • Integration of the legacy base of non-TR-069 devices

Heterogeneous Access Environments

  • xDSL and Fttx

  • Cable and satellite

  • WiMAX or

  • Ethernet

Northbound Integration Of OSS/BSS

  • Billing

  • Support

  • Policy or

  • Order management systems to enable end-to-end service delivery

Our TR-069 Based Products
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All Axiros products can be deployed and operated “On-Premises” or “as a Service”.

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