scope:

Recently, various kinds of IP Terminal devices, such as PCs, digital TVs, gaming devices, and portable music devices, are being connected to the IP home network. Moreover, their number is also increasing. Moreover, the kinds of transmission media (PLC, wireless, UTP, etc.) used to connect each IP Terminal are also becoming more varied. Under such circumstances, most users cannot troubleshoot the IP home network by themselves if network services are not provided properly. It is desired to introduce simple and easy IP home network management that can localize the fault in each device and network as well as to recover from troubles.

G.9971 "Requirements of transport functions in IP home network" describes three kinds of management requirements for the IP home network: configuration management, fault management, and performance management. Based on G.9971, this recommendation specifies the configuration management protocol, which is described in TTC JJ-300.00. This protocol is used to manage devices in IP Home Network for the purpose of showing the L2 home network topology to the users within the home network only (behind the AGW). On the other hand, BBF TR-069 called CPE WAN Management Protocol is the candidate for remote home network management protocol from outside of AGW. Although it may be necessary to study the interaction between this management protocol and CPE WAN Management Protocol in future, it is out of scope in this recommendation.

The current G.9973 does not identify devices on multiple links, but on a single link, as shown in Figure 8-1. Note that "a single link" means the one data link layer, which constitutes one IP domain between AGW and IP Terminal. As the deployment of new link-layer technologies such as IEEE 802.15.4 will enable and require the use of multiple links in the home network, G.9973 may be extended to cover multiple links composed of IP and non-IP devices in future.

Home network security is important. A device using G.9973 to collect information about the home network will have to take some steps to ensure that the information is not accessible through the WAN interface of the AGW.