Connected home technology could get a boost this week from the Broadband Forum USP Plugfest. The plugfest was designed to confirm the interoperability of devices based on User Services Platform (USP) technology.
According to the Broadband Forum, USP is designed to addresses the explosion of connected devices by building on an estimated 1 billion plus installations of the TR-069 protocol. The USP Plugfest follows the formation of Broadband Forum’s new Open Broadband USP Agent project, which will provide vendors with an open source code base that they can either integrate into their devices or use as a reference implementation. Referred to as OB-USP-Agent, the project aims to provide faster time-to-market for vendors.
The goal is to provide a unified, common approach to controlling and managing all types of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) and virtualized services environment. The Plugfest attracted major industry participants, including ARRIS, AVM GmbH, Axiros, Greenwave Systems, Nokia, and QA Cafe.
“As the momentum of the connected home, IoT, automation, and digital lifestyles gains pace, there is a growing need for industry-wide interoperability and collaboration – USP is at the heart of this,” said Jason Walls, co-director of the Broadband User Services (BUS) Work Area at Broadband Forum and Director of Technical Marketing at QA Café, in a prepared statement.”This is extremely evident as we embark on our latest Plugfest, with many vendors and component manufacturers looking to test their devices so they can support operators looking to monetize new and innovative services.”
USP has already grown and has hundreds of active developers. Greenwave Systems – a Broadband Forum member – announced it has already successfully deployed USP in its Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
“USP is an important step on the journey to maintaining an integrated, carrier-class connected home that will deliver an unprecedented quality of experience for users and level of control for providers,” said Geoff Burke, Broadband Forum chief marketing officer, in a prepared statement. “Furthermore, with the addition of this Open Broadband implementation, USP is building on the proven track record of its successor, TR-069, whilst evolving to meet new software demands. The result: faster time-to-market of USP solutions and ultimately, accelerating the journey to the truly connected home.”
