Abstract: Ensuring the high availability of a Passive Optical Network (PON). A broadband network architecture comprises (a) at least a portion of optical fiber in a communication path to individual subscriber premises, (b) one or more software-implemented Optical Line Terminal (OLT) Controllers, (c) one or more software-implemented Service Provisioning Applications (SPAs), and (d) one or more software-implemented Broadband Network Gateways (BNGs). Each of the one or more OLT Controllers, one or more SPAs, and one or more BNGs execute on Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) computer systems and entirely upon a plurality of protection groups. Each of the plurality of protection groups consists of a plurality of pods. The pods in a particular protection group which are active are dynamically adjusted to ensure the high availability of the broadband network architecture.

Abstract: Ensuring the high availability of a Passive Optical Network (PON). A broadband network architecture comprises (a) at least a portion of optical fiber in a communication path to individual subscriber premises, (b) one or more software-implemented Optical Line Terminal (OLT) Controllers, (c) one or more software-implemented Service Provisioning Applications (SPAs), and (d) one or more software-implemented Broadband Network Gateways (BNGs). Each of the one or more OLT Controllers, one or more SPAs, and one or more BNGs execute on Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) computer systems and entirely upon a plurality of protection groups. Each of the plurality of protection groups consists of a plurality of pods. The pods in a particular protection group which are active are dynamically adjusted to ensure the high availability of the broadband network architecture.

Abstract: A Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) providing high speed data services to one or more remote physical devices (RPDs). The CMTS executes entirely upon a plurality of protection groups. Each of the plurality of protection groups consists of a plurality of pods. A dynamic adjustment may be made as to which pods in a particular protection group are active. The dynamic adjustment is made response to determining that a particular protection group is experiencing a failure. This determination may be made by a high availability agent executing within a pod, of the particular protection group, that is experiencing the failure. Software associated with supporting a particular service group of the CMTS may be upgraded without upgrading the software associated with supporting the remainder of the plurality of service groups serviced by the CMTS.