created by The Broadband Forum, TR-069 is a management protocol used to facilitate communication between devices, such as a Wi-Fi router and a server, for example. Thanks to it, it is possible to send a series of remote commands in order to generate and receive reports from the network or even make firmware updates.

The full name of TR-069 is CPE WAN Management Protocol (CWMP). Namely, the term CPE means “customer premises equipment” (“customer installed equipment”, in free translation), and refers to devices that are not physically accessible to the provider.

Since the provider often needs data regarding the customer's network, the protocol was created as a way to allow them to communicate over a distance.

Since its inception in 2004, the TR-069 has received six fixes, the most recent of which is in 2020, as well as several additions and extensions such as the TR-106 and TR-157.

Some of the functions allowed by the protocol are, for example:

  1. Automatic configuration and dynamic provisioning of services;
  2. Software/firmware management;
  3. Status and performance monitoring;
  4. Diagnostics;
  5. speed tests.

TR-069 requirements

An ecosystem needs some minimum requirements to be able to operate with the TR-069:

  • One Auto Configuration Server (ACS, “automatic settings server”, in free translation), that is, the server responsible for executing the functions of the TR-069. It is worth remembering that the same ACS may be responsible for one or more CPEs;
  • One or more CPEs, which are the network devices that will be managed by ACS;
  • One DHCP server (or similar) to designate the IP address of each device;
  • A DNS server to decode the devices URL and allow ACS and CPE to interact (optional).

Use of TR-069

Dand according to information of The Broadband Forum, there are more than 1 billion devices with TR-069 around the world. Since its creation, the protocol was mostly used in modems, routers and gateways. But over time, new devices that support CWMP emerged, such as IPTV and VoIP phones.

Various other technical formats that involve remote device management, such as Home Gateway Initiative (HGI) and the WiMAX Forum, for example, endorse the use of TR-069 as a communication protocol.

Many manufacturers, however, choose not to follow the standard described by the The Broadband Forum to the letter, including some information from the customer's network and management in proprietary fields.

TR-069 management solutions, such as Flashbox by Anlix, you should therefore pay attention to the presence of these fields that are outside the standard, so that the management of a device is not “incomplete” on your platform.

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Benefits of the TR-069

One of the reasons TR-069 was chosen as an industry standard is the wide range of advantages the protocol offers. Some of the benefits are:

  1. Remote control of CPE's;
  2. Better management of broadband networks with greater visibility and control of CPE's;
  3. Collect network usage and activity analysis data and service usage;
  4. Allow the use of data controls service such as Wi-Fi, content filters, parental controls, backup and remote surveillance;
  5. Remote management, which allows remote firmware installation and reduces the need for in-person visits to customers;
  6. Automated updates.

All these benefits are part ofthe Flashbox solution with remote management via TR-069. know more how can you enjoy them all here!

Why does TR-069 use ACS?

ACS is a server used to configure CPEs remotely. It acts as a link between the provider and the customer's router, allowing easy and remote access to important information.. These can be used to identify device problems or, if necessary, execute commands.

Thanks to the TR-069, a remote service professional has up-to-date information about the customer's device and can help you resolve issues faster.

Thanks to this feature, many difficulties that previously required a visit from a technician can be resolved quickly and remotely. In fact, this is one of the main benefits of our Flashbox solution via TR-069 for routers and ONU's.

TR-069 Security 

TR-069 is considered a secure protocol, but only when used in conjunction with SSL/TLS encryption and authentication options. With this protection, it is very difficult for someone to interfere with the communications between the ACS and the CPE and make one of them receive information or commands from unauthorized equipment.

Another TR-069 danger, however, occurs when the ACS server itself is accessed. Once it centralizes the settings, the hacker could use the compromised device to send malicious instructions to CPEs, making them more vulnerable to outside intrusions.

Developers already know these TR-069 features. Therefore, new products such as Flashbox by Anlix, use security solutions that eliminate these risks, making the protocol even more secure.

By the way, take the opportunity to learn more about the TR-069 protocol by watching our Anlix Connection video on our YouTube channel:

TR-069 and IoT

Thanks to evolutions added by another protocol, TR-369, tools have emerged that can help IoT devices. Among them, the automatic discovery of devices, the scalability to handle a large number of different connections, remote configurations and, finally, the possibility of executing simultaneous commands, stand out.

Conclusion

TR-069 is a useful tool for providers to maintain devices located on customer premises. The large amount of information that can be acquired through the protocol can reduce the need for face-to-face visits to solve simple problems, which also helps to reduce costs.

In addition, the customer service itself can benefit from the TR-069, having instant access to reports and diagnostics.

All these features are available in Flashbox, which also facilitates error identification and reduces total handling time, maximizing service efficiency.

So why not start a test right now? Enough fill in a quick form below!

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