Smart STB Management Platform

Drawing upon years of experience in device and business management system development and utilization, ZTE has launched a high-performance and open set-top box (STB) management platform tailored for smart Android STBs. The platform primarily utilizes the TR069 protocol family to interact with STBs, enabling remote parameter configuration, data collection and fault diagnosis. Additionally, it incorporates protocols like HTTP to support the upload and download of STB version files and log files. It also provides interfaces for integration with customers or third-party systems to enable corresponding service functionalities.

The software architecture of the STB management system consists of three layers: the equipment management layer (including FS and ACS), the business management layer (APP), and the service management layer (NIM), as shown in Fig. 1.

The application server (APP) is a system portal that provides users with operation interface and entrance. The auto configuration server (ACS) is responsible for interacting with STBs and accessing database resources. The file server (FS) stores, upgrades and downloads version files. The database (DB) centrally stores all system data. The northbound interface management (NIM) module receives instructions from external systems and delivers its processing results back to them. The interface can be customized.

The STB management platform brings value primarily in the areas of equipment management, operation, and maintenance. Once authenticated by the platform, STBs can be remotely configured, modified and queried for parameters, supporting both individual and batch operations. Individual and batch restarts as well as factory settings restoration can be performed on STBs as required. The platform enables firmware upgrades for STBs either triggered by the platform itself or initiated by STBs. Additionally, various operations such as app installation, update, uninstallation, and cache clearing are supported for APK files.  

When system, service or network faults occur in the STB, the STB management platform can remotely diagnose and troubleshoot the faults. The supported diagnostic processes include ping diagnosis, traceroute diagnosis, speed testing and log reporting. The platform can initiate automatic diagnosis on the STB and report the results. It also supports intelligent analysis of logs. With user authorization, it can provide remote desktop and remote console for deep diagnosis. Remote desktop allows users to view the STB interface and operate it using a virtual remote control, similar to on-site operation. Remote console enables logging into the STB for ADB debugging.

The STB management platform can also generate a variety of statistical reports, providing valuable support for customer operations. By collecting STB parameters, obtaining running information, as well as analyzing user behavior, the platform can generate reports across multiple dimensions. These reports include geographical distribution of STBs, trends in new user acquisition, online user rates, popular programs and applications, as well as information about the brands and models of TV sets and remote controllers connected to STBs. In the future, with the integration of a business intelligence (BI) analysis engine, there will be an increase in data mining capabilities and improved data presentation.  

The STB management platform supports the integration of third-party STBs. There are two main integration methods available. The first method involves third-party STBs in two ways. The third-party STB vendors develop their own integration using interfaces and protocols. The second method encompasses direct integration with ZTE's STB management agent, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The second method is recommended as it can significantly reduces the integration period and accelerate the deployment of functionalities.

The STB management platform can be deployed on the local physical server or in the cloud, giving customers the flexibility to choose. Figure 2 depicts a schematic diagram where load balancer (LB) ensures load balancing by distributing STBs to various ACS/FS instances. To ensure security and reliability, LB and DB/APP are configured with backups in active/standby mode. Additionally, if needed, geographic disaster recovery solutions can also be provided.  

ZTE supports customers in building their own STB management system. For customers with specific needs, it can also provide software-as-a service (SaaS) solutions in a tenant model, reducing their investment costs.  

The STB management platform can enhance user viewing experience, increase user satisfaction, reduce after-sales costs and improve the efficiency for customers. Looking ahead, the platform will keep evolving to be more user-centric and intelligent, aiming to deliver even greater value to customers.