WO2014187538A1

WO2014187538A1 - Multicast video transmission in gigabit-capable passive optical networks

Info

Publication number: WO2014187538A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/001294
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aravindan Jagannathan; Gopal Surya
Original assignee: Alcatel Lucent
Priority date: 2013-05-20
Filing date: 2014-05-14
Publication date: 2014-11-27

Abstract

Devices and methods for transmission of multicast videos in gigabit-capable passive optical networks are described. An optical line terminal (102) includes multiple GEM ports (120), a forwarder (204) to receive multicast IP (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers and forward the mlP video packets to the GEM ports (120), and a GPON MAC unit (212) to encapsulate the mlP video packets into GEM frames. The optical line terminal (102) includes a control unit (202) that configures the forwarder (204) to allocate a separate GEM port (120) to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers, and configures the GPON MAC unit (212) to code a GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames. The GEM port identifier is unique for each of the GEM ports (120) associated with the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers.

Description

MULTICAST VIDEO TRANSMISSION IN GIGABIT-CAPABLE PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORKS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates to transmission of multicast videos in passive optical networks and, particularly but not exclusively, to transmission of multicast Internet Protocol videos packets in gigabit-capable passive optical networks.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Passive optical networks, such as gigabit-capable passive optical networks (GPONs), are employed for transmission of multicast videos from service providers to multiple users. Multicasting is understood as provisioning of videos by one or more service providers to multiple users that are registered with the service provider(s). Such users may be commonly referred to as subscribers. The videos may be provided to the GPONs in the form of Internet Protocol (IP) based video packets through one or more communication channels over the Internet. Such videos are referred to as IP videos or IP video packets.

SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to transmission of multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) videos over gigabit-capable passive optical networks (GPONs). This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, an optical line terminal (OLT) for transmission of videos in a gigabit-capable passive optical network is described. The OLT includes multiple GPON encapsulation method (GEM) ports, a forwarder to receive multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers and forward the mlP video packets to the multiple GEM ports, and a GPON media access control (MAC) unit to encapsulate the mlP video packets into GEM frames. The OLT includes a control unit to configure the forwarder to allocate a separate GEM port, from amongst the multiple GEM ports, to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers, and configure the GPON MAC unit to code a GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames before transmitting the GEM frames to at least one optical network terminal through an optical fiber link. The GEM port identifier is unique for each of the GEM ports associated with the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers.

[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, an optical network terminal (ONT) for transmission of videos in a gigabit-capable passive optical network is described. The optical network unit includes multiple GPON encapsulation method (GEM) ports to receive GEM frames comprising multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers and comprising GEM port identifiers unique for each of the plurality of service providers, and includes a GPON media access control (MAC) unit to decapsulate the GEM frames to extract the mlP video packets. The ONT includes a control unit to allocate a separate GEM port, from amongst the multiple GEM ports, to the GEM frames associated with each of the GEM port identifiers, and configure the GPON MAC unit to remove the GEM port identifier from each of the GEM frames and identify a service provider associated with the mlP video packet based on the GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a method for transmission of videos in a gigabit-capable passive optical network includes receiving, with an optical line terminal, multicast Internet protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers, and allocating a separate GPON encapsulation method (GEM) port, from amongst multiple GEM ports in the optical line terminal, to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers. The method also includes encapsulating the mlP video packets into GEM frames, and coding a GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames before transmitting the GEM frames from the optical line terminal to at least one optical network terminal through an optical fiber link. The GEM port identifier is unique for each of the GEM ports associated with the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers.

[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a method for transmission of videos in a gigabit-capable passive optical network includes receiving, with an optical network terminal, GPON encapsulation method (GEM) frames comprising multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers and comprising GEM port identifiers unique for each of the plurality of service providers, and includes allocating a separate GEM port, from amongst multiple GEM ports in the optical network terminal, to the GEM frames associated with each of the GEM port identifiers. The method also includes decapsulating the GEM frames to extract the mlP video packets and remove the GEM port identifier from each of the GEM frames, and identifying a service provider associated with the mlP video packet based on the GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames.

[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a computer readable medium having a set of computer readable instructions is disclosed. The computer readable instructions on the computer readable medium, when executed, perform acts including receiving, with an optical line terminal, multicast Internet protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers; allocating a separate GPON encapsulation method (GEM) port, from amongst multiple GEM ports in the optical line terminal, to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers; encapsulating the mlP video packets into GEM frames; and coding a GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames before transmitting the GEM frames from the optical line terminal to at least one optical network terminal through an optical fiber link. The GEM port identifier is unique for each of the GEM ports associated with the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers.

[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, a computer readable medium having a set of computer readable instructions is disclosed. The computer readable instructions on the computer readable medium, when executed, perform acts including receiving, with an optical network terminal, GPON encapsulation method (GEM) frames comprising multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers and comprising GEM port identifiers unique for each of the plurality of service providers; allocating a separate GEM port, from amongst multiple GEM ports in the optical network terminal, to the GEM frames associated with each of the GEM port identifiers; decapsulating the GEM frames to extract the mlP video packets and remove the GEM port identifier from each of the GEM frames; and identifying a service provider associated with the mlP video packet based on the GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some implementations of systems and/or methods of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON) environment, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 2(a) illustrates an optical line terminal of the GPON environment, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0013] Figure 2(b) illustrates an optical network terminal of the GPON environment, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. [0014] Figure 3 illustrates a method for transmission of multicast videos in a

GPON network, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a method for transmission of multicast videos in a

GPON network, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0016] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computing device or processor, whether or not such computing device or processor is explicitly shown.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present subject matter relates to devices and methods for transmission of multicast videos in gigabit-capable passive optical networks (GPONs).

[0018] A GPON environment typically has an optical line terminal (OLT) communicatively coupled to one or more optical network terminals (ONTs) through a single optical fiber link for transmission of videos over the GPON network. The OLT is a terminal device at one end of the optical fiber link and is either located in or away from a central office of the agency associated with the GPON network. The ONT is a terminal device at the other end of the optical fiber link and is located near or in the premises of subscribers that are served by that ONT. The OLT receives the multicast video in the form of multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets from multiple service providers and distributes the mlP video packets over the optical fiber link to the ONTs. The ONTs receive the mlP video packets from the optical fiber link, and provide the mlP video packets to the subscriber devices, such as televisions, set-top boxes, computers, and the like, for subscribers to view the videos. Each of the ONTs may serve the mlP video packets to one or more subscriber devices directly or via a residential gateway, depending on the configuration of the network environment.

[0019] For a downstream transmission over a GPON network, the OLT and the ONTs conventionally use a single multicast GPON encapsulation method (GEM) port to carry mlP video packets from multiple service providers. The multicast GEM port is a virtual port. The mlP video packets are carried by the multicast GEM port for transmitting the mlP video packets between the OLT and the ONTs. For this, in the OLT, the mlP video packets are encapsulated into GEM frames that carry the mlP video packets over the GPON network. Each GEM frame is coded with a GEM Port identifier (ID), which is indicative of the identity of the GEM Port that has carried the mlP video packets. Based on the GEM port ID, the flow of GEM frames is defined across the ONTs. In the ONTs, the GEM port IDs in the GEM frames are identified, and GEM frames are decapsulated to extract the mlP video packets from the GEM frames. The ONTs forward the mlP video contents of those GEM frames for which the GEM port ID is acceptable by the ONTs.

[0020] The mlP video packets that are carried across the OLT and the ONTs are traffic-shaped in the OLT and/or the ONTs. The traffic-shaping of data packets is understood as controlling the volume of packets transmitted over time in the network by delaying the transmission of excess packets. For traffic-shaping, the excess packets are stored in a queue, the packets are shaped for transmission at a predefined rate, and the excess packets are scheduled for later transmission. This traffic-shaping facilitates in keeping checks on the loss of data packets, on the delay or latency in data packet transmission, and on the bandwidth utilization. Such checks help in providing a quality-of-service (QoS) to the subscribers for the videos or the video channels served by the service providers.

[0021] Conventionally, with a single multicast GEM port in the OLT or in the

ONTs, the mlP video packets from multiple service providers are traffic-shaped in an aggregated manner. That is, conventionally, the traffic-shaping is the aggregated traffic-shaping for all the mlP video packets from multiple service providers. In the aggregated traffic-shaping, all the mlP video packets are shaped for transmission at the same maximum transmission rate. With the aggregated traffic-shaping, the mlP video packets from each service provider may use the entire bandwidth or may use the bandwidth for another service provider. Also, with the aggregated traffic-shaping, the latency may be substantially large when the number of service providers and the mlP video packets are large. The aggregated traffic-shaping leads to provisioning of an aggregated or a same QoS to the subscribers for the videos or the video channels provided by the multiple service providers. With this, service level agreements of the respective service providers with the subscribers cannot be enforced, and the QoS as per the service level agreement of each of the service providers cannot be provided.

[0022] The present subject matter describes devices and methods for transmission of multicast videos from a plurality of service providers in a GPON environment. In accordance with the present subject matter, in a GPON network, devices, such as an OLT and ONTs coupled to the OLT, are provided with multiple multicast GEM ports for carrying mlP video packets of the plurality of service providers. For the sake of simplicity of the description, the multicast GEM port may hereinafter be interchangeably referred to as the GEM port in the specification. In the OLT of the present subject matter, a separate GEM port is allocated to the mlP video packets of each of the service providers. With this, one GEM port carries the mlP video packets from one service provider. While performing encapsulation of the mlP video packets carried by each of the GEM ports in the OLT, a GEM port ID, unique for the each GEM port, is coded in the GEM frames. The unique GEM port ID is indicative of the identity of the respective GEM port.

[0023] In the ONTs of the present subject matter, a separate GEM port is allocated to the GEM frames associated with each of the GEM port IDs. The GEM frames with one GEM port ID has mlP video packets of one of the service providers. With this, in the ONTs, one GEM port carries the GEM frames having the mlP video packets of one service provider. While performing decapsulation of the GEM frames, the mlP video packets are extracted from the GEM frames, the GEM port IDs are removed from each the GEM frames, and a service provider associated with the mlP video packets is identified based on the GEM port ID.

[0024] With the mlP packets of each service provider and the corresponding

GEM frames being carried by a separate GEM port in the OLT and in the ONTs of the present subject matter, traffic-shaping of the mlP video packets can be performed individually for each of the service providers. For each service provider, the traffic shaping may be performed based on a QoS as per the service level agreement of the service provider with the subscribers. This facilitates in enforcing the service level agreements, at individual levels, for all the service providers sharing the same GPON network for providing their video services. Thus, with the devices and the methods of the present subject matter, the transmission of mlP video packets from multiple service providers over a GPON network is substantially efficient in comparison to that with the conventional devices and methods.

[0025] In an implementation, the traffic-shaping of the mlP video packets individually for each of the service providers is performed in the OLT of the present subject matter. In an implementation, the traffic-shaping of the mlP video packets individually for each of the service providers is performed in the ONT of the present subject matter. In an implementation, the traffic-shaping of the mlP video packets individually for each of the service providers is performed in both, the OLT and the ONT of the present subject matter.

[0026] For this, in an implementation, the OLT and/or the ONT are provided with multiple queues and multiple rate-shapers. A queue is a module that segregates and queues the mlP video packets. A rate-shaper is a module that rate-shapes the mlP video packets by limiting the transmission rate of the mlP video packets. In accordance with the present subject matter, a separate queue is assigned to the mlP video packets passing through each GEM port for queuing the mlP video packets of each service provider. Further, a separate rate-shaper is assigned to the mlP video packets passing through each queue for rate-shaping of the mlP video packets. The rate-shaping by each rate-shaper is done individually based on the service provider associated with the mlP video packets passing through that rate-shaper.

[0027] Further, in an implementation, the OLT and/or the ONT are provided with a scheduler. A scheduler is module that schedules the transmission of the mlP video packets over the GPON network. The scheduler in the OLT receives the mlP video packets from the multiple rate-shapers, and schedules their transmission to the one or more ONTs through an optical fiber link. The scheduler in the ONT receives the mlP video packets from the multiple rate-shapers, and schedules their transmission to one or more subscribers through a user network interface.

[0028] Further, as the mlP video packets from each service provider are carried over by separate GEM ports and not by the same GEM port, the mlP videos from each service provider can be provided substantially securely to the subscribers of the respective service provider. The subscribers registered with one of the service providers cannot access or view the videos or the video channels from the other service provider(s). This facilitates in enhancing the security of transmission of multicast videos from multiple service providers over the GPON network.

[0029] Further, in an implementation, the mlP video packets from the service providers are provided with one or more virtual local area network (VLAN) codes. Each VLAN code facilitates in multicasting the IP videos to a group of subscribers and their subscriber devices. The group of subscriber devices can be identified based on the VLAN code. For the transmission of mlP video packets to a group of subscriber devices based on a VLAN code, the VLAN code is translated to subscriber-based VLANs associated with that group of subscriber devices. Such VLAN translation may take place in the OLT or the ONTs.

[0030] With a single multicast GEM port, conventionally, the OLT or the

ONTs have to inspect each of the mlP video packets to perform VLAN translation for each service provider. Such VLAN translation is substantially complex, and the amount of processing done is substantially large. In accordance with the present subject matter, with one multicast GEM port per service provider, the OLT or the ONTs can perform VLAN translation on the mlP video packets, individually, for each service provider based on the GEM port that carries the mlP video packets or the corresponding GEM frames. Thus, the VLAN translation is substantially simple and the amount of processing done is substantially less.

[0031] Further, as the mlP video packets from each service provider are carried over by separate GEM ports, performance of transmission of multicast videos and the video channels for each of the service providers can be monitored in a substantially simple and efficient manner. The performance monitoring may include, but is not restricted to, checking for packet loss, packet success, latency in transmission, and such. The performance can be monitored both, in the OLT and in the ONTs. Conventionally, with a single GEM port used for carrying the mlP video packets across the OLT and the ONTs, the performance of transmission is monitored by inspecting the GEM frames or the mlP video packets through the VLAN codes for each of the service providers. This methodology of performance monitoring is complex and involves substantial processing. However, with the OLT and the ONTs of the present subject matter, as a separate GEM port is allocated for each of the service provider, the performance of transmission of multicast videos and video channels for the each service provider can be efficiently monitored through the GEM port ID in the GEM frames.

[0032] The described methodologies can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units can be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof.

[0033] For a firmware and/or software implementation, the methodologies can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. Any machine readable medium tangibly embodying instructions can be used in implementing the methodologies described herein. For example, software codes and programs can be stored in a memory and executed by a processing unit. Memory can be implemented within the processing unit or may be external to the processing unit. As used herein the term "memory" refers to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage devices and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.

[0034] In another firmware and/or software implementation, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non transitory computer- readable medium. Examples include computer-readable media encoded with a data structure and computer-readable media encoded with a computer program. Computer- readable media may take the form of an article of manufacturer. Computer-readable media includes physical computer storage media. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computing device. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computing device; disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. [0035] In addition to storage on computer readable medium, instructions and/or data may be provided as signals on transmission media included in a communication apparatus. For example, a communication apparatus may include a transceiver having signals indicative of instructions and data. The instructions and data are configured to cause one or more processors to implement the functions outlined in the claims. That is, the communication apparatus includes transmission media with signals indicative of information to perform disclosed functions. At a first time, the transmission media included in the communication apparatus may include a first portion of the information to perform the disclosed functions, while at a second time the transmission media included in the communication apparatus may include a second portion of the information to perform the disclosed functions.

[0036] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and implementations of the invention, as well as specific examples .thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0037] The manner in which the devices and methods for transmission of multicast videos from a plurality of service providers in a GPON environment shall be implemented has been explained in details with respect to the Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. While aspects of described devices and methods for transmission of multicast videos from service providers in a GPON network can be implemented in any number of different computing devices, transmission environments, and/or configurations, the implementations are described in the context of the following exemplary system(s).

[0038] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the words during, while, and when as used herein are not exact terms that mean an action takes place instantly upon an initiating action but that there may be some small but reasonable delay, such as a propagation delay, between the initial action and the reaction that is initiated by the initial action.

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a GPON environment 100, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. The GPON environment 100 has an OLT 102 and a plurality of ONTs 104-1, 104-2, ... , 104-M communicatively coupled to the OLT 102 through an optical fiber link 106. The plurality of ONTs 104- 1 , 104-2, ... , 104-M, hereinafter, are collectively referred to as ONTs 104, and individually referred to as the ONT 104. The OLT 102 and the ONTs 104 are configured to multicast video services offered by a plurality of service providers 108- 1, 108-2, ... 108-N (collectively referred to as service providers 108, and individually referred to as the service provider 108) to multiple subscribers.

[0040] The service providers 108, respectively, provide video packets over communication channels 1 10-1 , 1 10-2, ... , 1 10-N (collectively referred to as communication channels 1 10 and individually referred to as a communication channel 1 10). Video packets from each of the service providers 108 comprise videos to be presented to the subscribers. Further, the video packets from each service provider 108 may have one or more VLAN codes for multicasting the videos therein to group(s) of subscribers. The OLT 102 receives the video packets over the communication channels 1 10 from the service providers 108, and the video packets are processed to downstream the multicast videos across the OLT 102, the optical fiber link 106, and the ONTs 104 to the subscribers.

[0041] The OLT 102, which may be located in a central office of the agency operating the GPON network, is configured to receive the video packets, and process and convert the received packets to optical signals for their transmission over the optical fiber link 106. The ONTs 104 are configured to receive the optical signals with video packets and other contents from the optical fiber link 106, and process and convert the received optical signals to packets for their transmission to the subscribers. In the configuration shown in Figure 1 , the ONTs 104 receive the same optical signals from the optical fiber link 106. The optical signals from the optical fiber link 106 may be split using an optical splitter (not shown in Figure 1) and distributed to the ONTs 104.

[0042] In an implementation, the ONTs 104, which may be located near the premises of the subscribers, may provide the video packets directly to multiple subscriber devices 1 12-1, ... , 1 12-P, 1 14-1, ... , 1 14-Q (collectively referred to as subscriber devices 1 12 and 1 14) associated with the subscribers. In such cases, the ONTs 104 are responsible for providing the video packets to appropriate subscriber devices 1 12 and 1 14. In an implementation, one or more of the ONTs 104 may provide the video packets to multiple subscriber devices 1 16-1, ... , 1 16-R (collectively referred to as subscriber devices 1 16) through a residential gateway 1 18. In such a case, the residential gateway 1 18 is responsible for providing the video packets to appropriate subscriber devices 1 16. The subscriber devices 112, 1 14, and 1 16 may include, but are not restricted to, televisions, set-top-boxes, computers, laptops, personal digital assistants, and such.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the OLT 102 includes multiple multicast GEM ports 120-1, 120-2, ... , 120-N for carrying the video packets received from the service providers 108. The multiple multicast GEM ports 120-1, 120-2, ... , 120-N in the OLT 102, hereinafter, are collectively referred to as GEM ports 120, and individually referred to as the GEM port 120. A separate GEM port 120 is allocated to receive and carry the video packets from each of the service providers 108. Similarly, each of the ONTs 104 includes multiple multicast GEM ports 122-1, ... , 122-N, 124-1, ... , 124-N, and 126-1 , ... , 126-N (collectively referred to as GEM ports 122, 124 and 126, and individually referred to as the GEM port 122, 124 and 126). A separate GEM port 122, 124 or 126 in each of the ONTs 104 is allocated to receive and carry GEM frames with the video packets from each of the service providers 108. Although, in Figure 1 , the number of GEM ports 120, 122, 124, and 126 is shown to be equal to that of the number of service providers 108, in an implementation, the number of GEM ports in the OLT 102 and in the ONTs 104 may be more.

[0044] The OLT 102 and the ONTs 104 in the GPON environment 100 are configured to operate based on GPON standards and protocols. Further, the video packets are in the form of IP-based data packets that carry multicast videos. Such video packets are referred to as mlP video packets. In an implementation, the mlP video packets may be provided to the OLT 102 through a communication network (not shown in Figure 1). For this, the OLT 102 may be communicatively coupled to the service providers 108 over a communication network. The communication network may be a wireless or a wired network, or a combination thereof. The communication network can be a collection of individual networks, interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network. The communication network includes an IP network. Depending on the terminology, the communication network includes various network entities, such as gateways and routers; however, such details have been omitted to maintain the brevity of the description. Further, it may be understood that the communication between the service providers 108 and the OLT 102 may take place based on the communication protocol compatible with the communication network.

[0045] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate an OLT 102 and an ONT 104 of the GPON environment 100, respectively, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. As shown in Figure 2(a), the OLT 102 includes an OLT-based control unit 202 for performing various functions associated with transmission of mlP videos packets across the OLT 102. For the sake of simplicity, the OLT-based control unit 202 may hereinafter be referred to as the control unit 202. The control unit 202 includes a memory and interface(s) coupled to a processor (not shown). The memory may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory (e.g., RAM), and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., EPROM, flash memory, etc.). The interface(s) may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces that allow the control unit 202 to interact with other modules and entities in the OLT 102.

[0046] The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory.

[0047] The functions of the control unit 202 may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing machine-readable instructions in association with appropriate machine-readable instructions. When provided by the control unit 202, the functions may be provided through a single dedicated processor, through a single shared processor, or through a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, the control unit 202 should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing machine-readable instructions, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2(a), the OLT 102 includes an OLT-based forwarder 204, simply referred to as the forwarder 204. The forwarder 204 is module that receives mlP video packets of the service providers 108 and forwards the mlP video packets to the GEM ports 120. The mlP video packets from each service provider 108 are received over the respective communication channel 1 10, as shown. In an example, the mlP video packets of each service provider are received in the form on ethernet frames, each having an ethernet header. The ethernet header in the ethernet frames is unique for the each service provider. This enables in identifying the service provider associated with the ethernet frames received by the forwarder 204.

[0049] The control unit 202 of the OLT 102 configures the forwarder 204 to allocate a separate GEM port 120 to the mlP video packets from each of the service providers 108. With this, each one of the GEM ports 120 receives and carries mlP video packets associated with one service provider 108. For the allocation of the GEM port, the forwarder 204 is enabled to identify the service provider based on the ethernet header in the ethernet frames, allocate a separate GEM port 120 for each service provider based on the identified service provider, and forwards the mlP video packets in the ethernet frames to the allocated GEM port 120. The mlP video packets are forwarded by each of the GEM ports 120 for further processing, for example, for traffic-shaping in the OLT 102.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2(a), the OLT 102 includes multiple OLT-based queues 206-1, 206-2, ... , 206-N, hereinafter, are collectively referred to as queues 206, and individually referred to as the queue 206. Each queue 206 performs a part of functionality for traffic-shaping by segregating and queuing-up the mlP video packets for rate-shaping. In an implementation, the control unit 202 configures the forwarder 204 to assign a separate queue 206 to each GEM port 120 and to the mlP video packets passing through the each GEM port 120 for queuing-up the mlP video packets, individually, for each of the service provider 108.

[0051] Further, the OLT 102 includes multiple OLT-based rate-shapers 208- 1, 208-2, ... , 208-N, hereinafter, are collectively referred to as rate-shapers 208, and individually referred to as the rate-shaper 208. Each rate-shaper 208 performs a part of functionality for traffic-shaping by limiting the rate of transmission of the mlP video packets. In an implementation, the control unit 202 configures the forwarder to assign a separate rate-shaper 208 to each GEM port 120 and the mlP video packets passing through each queue 206. Each separate rate-shaper 208 receives the mlP video packets from the queue 206 assigned to the corresponding GEM port 120, and rate-shapes the mlP video packets at individual levels based on the service provider 108 associated with the mlP video packets passing through that rate-shaper 208.

[0052] Further, the OLT 102 includes an OLT-based scheduler 210, simple referred to as the scheduler 210. The scheduler 210 schedules the transmission of the mlP video packets from the OLT 102 to the optical fiber link 106. The mlP video packets are transmitted to the optical fiber link 106 in the form of GEM frames. The GEM frames carry the mlP video packets as payloads. For this, the OLT 102 includes an OLT-based GPON media access control (MAC) unit 212, simple referred to as GPON MAC unit 212, which encapsulates the mlP video packets into the GEM frames. The control unit 202 configures the GPON MAC unit 212 to code a GEM port ID in headers of each the GEM frames during the encapsulation process before transmitting the GEM frames to the optical fiber link 106. The GEM port ID coded in each of the GEM frames is unique for each of the GEM ports 120 associated with the mlP video packets of each service provider 108. In an implementation, the control unit 202 allows the scheduler 208 to receive the mlP video packets from all the rate- shapers 208, schedule the transmission of the mlP video packets from the OLT 102, and provide the mlP video packets to the GPON MAC unit in accordance with the schedule for encapsulation of the mlP video packets, coding of the GEM port IDs in the GEM frames, and transmission of the GEM frames to the optical fiber link 106 for further transmission to one or more ONTs 104.

[0053] In the OLT 102, the information and data in the form of GEM frames are converted to optical signals for being sent to the optical fiber link 106. In an implementation, the optical signals carrying the GEM frames may be provided to the optical fiber link 106 through a single link. [0054] Further, the GPON environment 100 includes an optical splitter 214.

The optical splitter 214 receives the optical signals carrying the GEM frames from the optical fiber link 106. The optical splitter 214 then splits the received optical signals into various optical signals for distributing to the ONTs 104.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2(b), the ONT 104 includes an ONT-based control unit 216 for performing various functions associated with transmission of mlP videos packets across the ONT 104. For the sake of simplicity, the ONT-based control unit 216 may hereinafter be referred to as the control unit 216. The control unit 216 includes a memory and interface(s) coupled to a processor (not shown). The memory, the interface(s) and the processor may be similar to those in the control unit 202 of the OLT 102.

[0056] The functions of the control unit 216 may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing machine-readable instructions in association with appropriate machine-readable instructions. When provided by the control unit 216, the functions may be provided through a single dedicated processor, through a single shared processor, or through a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, the control unit 216 should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing machine-readable instructions, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2(b), the ONT 104 includes a receiver 218 that receives the optical signals with the GEM frames. The GEM frames comprise the mlP video packets of the service providers 108 and the GEM port IDs uniquely coded for each of the service providers 108. The GEM frames are then received by the GEM ports 122 from the receiver 218. [0058] In an implementation, the control unit 216 of the ONT 104 allocates a separate GEM port 122 to the GEM frames associated with each GEM port ID. Thus, each one of the GEM ports 122 receives the GEM frames having the mlP video packets of one service provider 108. For this, the control unit 216 identifies the GEM port IDs associated with the Gem frames received in the ONT 104, and accordingly allocates a separate GEM port 122, based on the GEM port ID.

[0059] Further, the ONT 104 includes an ONT-based GPON MAC unit 220, simply referred to as the GPON MAC unit 220, which receives the GEM frames from the GEM ports 122 and decapsulates the GEM frames to extract the mlP video packets therein. The control unit 216 configures the GPON MAC unit 220 to remove the GEM port ID from each of the GEM frames during the decapsulation process, and identify a service provider associated with the mlP video packets based on the GEM port ID in each GEM frame. The extracted mlP video packets are then forwarded by the GPON MAC unit 220 for further processing, for example, for traffic-shaping in the ONT 104.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2(b), the ONT 104 includes an ONT-based forwarder 222, simply referred to as the forwarder 222. The forwarder 222 is module that receives mlP video packets of the service providers 108 and forwards the mlP video packets for further processing.

[0061] Further, the ONT 104 includes multiple ONT-based queues 224-1,

224-2, ... , 224-N, hereinafter, are collectively referred to as queues 224, and individually referred to as the queue 224. Similar to that in the OLT 102, each queue 224 performs a part of functionality for traffic-shaping by segregating and queuing- up the mlP video packets for rate-shaping in the ONT 104. In an implementation, the control unit 216 configures the forwarder 222 to assign a separate queue 224 to the mlP video packets of each of the service providers 108 for queuing-up the mlP video packets, individually, for each of the service provider 108. [0062] Further, the ONT 104 includes multiple ONT-based rate-shapers 226-

1, 226-2, ... , 226-N, hereinafter, are collectively referred to as rate-shapers 226, and individually referred to as the rate-shaper 226. Similar to that in the OLT 102, each rate-shaper 226 performs a part of functionality for traffic-shaping by limiting the rate of transmission of the mlP video packets in the ONT 104. In an implementation, the control unit 216 configures the forwarder 222 to assign a separate rate-shaper 226 to the mlP video packets passing through each queue 224. Each separate rate-shaper 226 receives the mlP video packets from the queue 224 assigned to the corresponding GEM port 122, and rate-shapes the mlP video packets at individual levels based on the service provider 108 associated with the mlP video packets passing through that rate-shaper 226.

[0063] Further, the ONT 104 also includes an ONT-based scheduler 228, simple referred to as the scheduler 228. The scheduler 228 schedules the transmission of mlP video packets from the ONT 104 over to subscriber devices. In an implementation, the control unit 216 allows the scheduler 218 to receive the mlP video packets from all the rate-shapers 226, schedule the transmission of mlP video packets from the ONT 104, and provide the mlP video packets to a user network interface 230 in the ONT 104 in accordance with the schedule for further provisioning of the mlP video packets to one or more subscriber devices. The user network interface 230 is an interface between the ONT 104 and the subscriber devices to provide mlP video packets to the subscriber devices, either direct or via a residential gateway. In an implementation, the user network interface 230 may reside outside the ONT 104.

[0064] In the ONT 104, the information and data received in the form of optical signals are converted to data (GEM frames) in the form of electrical signals for transmission across the ONT 104 to the user network interface 230. In an implementation, the electrical signals carrying such data packets may be provided to the user network interface 230 through a single link. [0065] With a separate GEM port 120, 122, a separate queue 206, 224, and a separate rate-shaper 208, 226 allocated and assigned to the mlP video packets from each of the service providers 108, traffic shaping of the mlP video packets can be performed at individual levels for each of the service providers 108. Each rate-shaper 208, 226 can perform the traffic shaping to provide QoS distinctly for each of the service providers 108. The QoS may be based on the service level agreements for each of the service providers 108. Thus, the service level agreements for each service provider 108 can be enforced.

[0066] In an implementation, the traffic-shaping as per the service level agreements of the service providers 108 is performed in the OLT 102. In an implementation, the traffic-shaping as per the service level agreements of the service providers 108 is performed in the ONTs 104. In an implementation, the traffic- shaping as per the service level agreements of the service providers 108 is performed in both, the OLT 102 and the ONTs 104.

[0067] Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate methods 300 and 400 for transmission of multicast videos in a GPON network, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. The order in which the methods 300 and 400 are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the methods 300 and 400, or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods 300 and 400 without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the methods 300 and 400 can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[0068] A person skilled in the art will readily recognize that steps of the methods 300 and 400 can be performed by programmed computing devices. Herein, some implementations are also intended to cover program storage devices, for example, digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machine-executable or computer-executable programs of instructions, wherein said instructions perform some or all of the steps of the described method. The program storage devices may be, for example, digital memories, magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. The implementations are also intended to cover both network and devices configured to perform said steps of the exemplary method.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, although the method 300 for transmission of multicast videos in a GPON network may be implemented in a variety of network devices working in different GPON-based network environments; in an implementation described in Figure 3, the method 300 is explained in context of the aforementioned OLT 102 for the ease of explanation.

[0070] In an implementation, at block 302, mlP video packets of a plurality of service providers 108 are received by the OLT 102. The mlP video packets of each of the service providers 108 are tagged with one or more VLAN codes for multicasting videos to multiple subscribers. The mlP video packets are received in ethernet frames having ethernet headers, each unique for a service provider 108.

[0071] At block 304, a separate GEM port 120 is allocated to the mlP video packets of each of the service providers 108. The separate GEM port 120 is allocated from multiple OLT-based GEM ports 120 by the forwarder 204 as configured by the control unit 202 in the OLT 102.

[0072] At block 306, a separate queue 206 is assigned to the mlP video packets passing through each of the GEM ports 120. The separate queue 206 is assigned from multiple OLT-based queues, 206 by the forwarder 204 as configured by the control unit 202 in the OLT 102. The queue 206 is assigned for queuing the mlP video packets.

[0073] Further, at block 308, a separate rate-shaper 208 is assigned to the mlP video packets passing through each of the queues 206. The rate-shaper 208 is assigned from multiple OLT-based rate-shapers 208 by the forwarder 204 as configured by the control unit 202 in the OLT 102. The rate-shaper 208 is assigned for rate-shaping the mlP video packets. The mlP video packets are received by the rate-shaper 208 from the queue 206 assigned to the corresponding GEM port 120, and the mlP video packets are rate-shaped individually for the service provider 108 associated with the mlP video packets passing through the rate-shaper 208. In an implementation, each rate-shaper 208 rate-shapes the mlP video packets based on the QoS as per the service level agreement of the service provider 108 associated with the mlP video packets passing through that rate-shaper 208.

[0074] At block 310, after rate-shaping, transmission of the mlP video packets from the OLT 102 over the optical fiber link 106 is scheduled. The scheduling is done by the OLT-based scheduler 210 in the OLT 102. The mlP video packets are transmitted from the OLT 102 to the optical fiber link 106 in the form of GEM frames. For this, the mlP video packets are encapsulated into GEM frames at block 312. The encapsulation is done by the OLT-based GPON MAC unit 212 in the OLT 102. Further, before transmitting the GEM frames from the OLT 102 to the optical fiber link 106, a GEM port ID is coded in each GEM frame at block 314. The GEM port ID is coded in headers of each the GEM frames by the OLT-based GPON MAC unit 212 as configured by the control unit 202. A unique GEM port ID is coded in the GEM frames for each of the GEM port associated with the mlP video packets of each service provider 108. The GEM frames are then transmitted to the optical fiber link 106 for their further transmission to one or more ONTs 104 in accordance with the scheduling.

[0075] In an implementation, the GEM frames are transmitted over the optical fiber link 106 in the form of optical signals. The optical signals are split before being sent to the ONTs 104. The splitting is performed by the optical splitter 214.

[0076] Referring to Figure 4, although the method 400 for transmission of multicast videos in a GPON network may be implemented in a variety of network devices working in different GPON-based network environments; in an implementation described in Figure 4, the method 400 is explained in context of the aforementioned ONT 104 for the ease of explanation.

[0077] In an implementation, at block 402, GEM frames comprising mlP video packets of a plurality of service providers 108 and comprising GEM port IDs are received by the ONT 104. The GEM port IDs are unique for each of the service providers 108. At block 404, a separate GEM port 122 is allocated to the GEM frames associated with each of the GEM port IDs. The separate GEM port 122 is allocated from multiple ONT-based GEM ports 122 by the control unit 216 in the ONT 104.

[0078] At block 406, the GEM frames are decapsulated to extract mlP video packets of the service providers 108. During decapsulation, the GEM port IDs in the GEM frames are removed. At block 408, based on the GEM port ID in each of the GEM frames, a service provider 108 associated with the extracted mlP video packets is identified. The decapsulation of the GEM frames and the identification of the service providers 108 associated with the extracted mlP video packets is done by the ONT-based GPON MAC unit 220. After this, the mlP video packets are provided to the ONT-based forwarder 222 for further processing of the mlP video packets.

[0079] At block 410, a separate queue 224 is assigned to mlP video packets of each of the service providers 108. The separate queue 224 is assigned from multiple ONT-based queues 224 by the forwarder 222 configured by the control unit 216 in the ONT 104. The queue 224 is assigned for queuing the mlP video packets from the each service provider 108.

[0080] Further, at block 412, a separate rate-shaper 226 is assigned to mlP video packets passing through each queue 224. The rate-shaper 226 is assigned from multiple ONT-based rate-shapers 226 by the forwarder 222 configured by the control unit 216 in the ONT 104. The rate-shaper 226 is assigned for rate-shaping the mlP video packets. The mlP video packets are received by the rate-shaper 226 from the queue 224 assigned to the corresponding GEM port 122, and the mlP video packets are rate-shaped individually for the service provider 108 associated with the mlP video packets passing through that rate-shaper 226. In an implementation, each rate- shaper 226 rate-shapes the mlP video packets based on the QoS as per the service level agreement of the service provider 108.

[0081] At block 414, transmission of the mlP video packets from the ONT

104 to one or more subscriber devices is scheduled. The scheduling is done by the ONT-based scheduler 228 over the user network interface 230 in the ONT 104. For this, the mlP video packets are forwarded to the user network interface 230 for their transmission to the subscriber devices in accordance with the scheduling.

[0082] Although implementations for transmission of multicast videos in a

GPON network have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary implementations for transmission of multicast videos in GPON network.

Claims

1/We claim:

1. An optical line terminal (102) for transmission of videos in a gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON), the optical line terminal (102) comprising:

multiple GPON encapsulation method (GEM) ports (120);

a forwarder (204) to receive multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers (108) and forward the mlP video packets to the multiple GEM ports (120);

a GPON media access control (MAC) unit (212) to encapsulate the mlP video packets into GEM frames; and

a control unit (202) to:

configure the forwarder (204) to allocate a separate GEM port (120), from amongst the multiple GEM ports (120), to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers (108); and

configure the GPON MAC unit (212) to code a GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames before transmitting the GEM frames to at least one optical network terminal (104) through an optical fiber link (106), wherein the GEM port identifier is unique for each of the GEM ports (120) associated with the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers (108).

2. The optical line terminal (102) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising multiple queues (206) for queuing of the mlP video packets, wherein the control unit (202) configures the forwarder (204) to assign a separate queue (206), from amongst the multiple queues (206), to the mlP video packets passing through each of the GEM ports (120).

3. The optical line terminal (102) as claimed in claim 2 further comprising multiple rate-shapers (208) for rate-shaping of the mlP video packets, wherein the control unit (202) configures the forwarder (204) to assign a separate rate-shaper (208), from amongst the multiple rate-shapers (208), to the mlP video packets passing through each of the multiple queues (206).

4. The optical line terminal (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rate-shaping by each of the multiple rate-shapers (208) is based on a quality-of-service in accordance with a service level agreement of a service provider (108) associated with the mlP video packets passing through the each rate-shaper (208).

5. The optical line terminal (102) as claimed in claim 3 further comprising a scheduler (210) to,

receive mlP video packets from the multiple rate-shapers (208);

schedule transmission of the mlP video packets from the optical line terminal

(102); and

provide the mlP video packets to the GPON MAC unit (212) in accordance with the schedule for encapsulation of the mlP video packets into the GEM frames, coding the GEM port identifiers in the GEM frames, and transmission of the GEM frames to the at least one optical network terminals (104) through the optical fiber link (106).

6. An optical network terminal (104) for transmission of videos in a gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON), wherein the optical network terminal (104) comprises:

multiple GPON encapsulation method (GEM) ports (122) to receive GEM frames comprising multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers (108) and comprising GEM port identifiers unique for each of the plurality of service providers (108);

a GPON media access control (MAC) unit (220) to decapsulate the GEM frames to extract the mlP video packets; and

a control unit (216) to: allocate a separate GEM port (122), from amongst the multiple GEM ports (122), to the GEM frames associated with each of the GEM port identifiers; and

configure the GPON MAC unit (220) to remove the GEM port identifier from each of the GEM frames and identify a service provider

(108) associated with the mlP video packet based on the GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames.

7. The optical network terminal (104) as claimed in claim 6 further comprising: multiple queues (224) for queuing of the mlP video packets; and

a forwarder (222) to receive the mlP video packets of the plurality of service providers (108) and forward the mlP video packets to the multiple queues (224), wherein the control unit (216) configures the forwarder (222) to assign a separate queue (224), from amongst the multiple queues (224), to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers (108).

8. The optical network terminal (104) as claimed in claim 7 further comprising multiple rate-shapers (226) for rate-shaping of the mlP video packets, wherein the control unit (216) configures the forwarder (222) to assign a separate rate-shaper (226), from amongst the multiple rate-shapers (226), to the mlP video packets passing through each of the multiple queues (224).

9. The optical network terminal (104) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rate- shaping by each of the multiple rate-shapers (226) is based on a quality-of-service in a service level agreement of a service provider (108) associated with the mlP video packets passing through the each rate-shaper (226).

10. The optical network terminal (104) as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a scheduler (228) to:

receive mlP video packets from the multiple rate-shapers (226); schedule transmission of the mlP video packets from the optical network terminal (104); and

provide the mlP video packets to a user network interface (230) in accordance with the schedule for provisioning of the mlP video packets to at least one subscriber device.

11. A method for transmission of videos in a gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON), the method comprising:

receiving, with an optical line terminal (102), multicast Internet protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers (108);

allocating a separate GPON encapsulation method (GEM) port (120), from amongst multiple GEM ports (120) in the optical line terminal (102), to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers (108);

encapsulating the mlP video packets into GEM frames; and

coding a GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames before transmitting the GEM frames from the optical line terminal (102) to at least one optical network terminal (104) through an optical fiber link (106), wherein the GEM port identifier is unique for each of the GEM ports associated with the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers (108).

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 further comprising assigning a separate queue (206), from amongst multiple queues (206) in the optical line terminal (102), to the mlP video packets passing through each of the GEM ports (120) for queuing of the mlP video packets.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12 further comprising assigning a separate rate- shaper (208), from amongst multiple rate-shapers (208) in the optical line terminal (102), to the mlP video packets passing through each of the multiple queues (206) for rate-shaping of the mlP video packets, wherein the rate-shaping by each of the multiple rate-shapers (208) is based on a quality-of-service for a service provider (108) associated with the mlP video packets passing through the each rate-shaper (208).

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:

scheduling transmission of the mlP video packets from the optical line terminal (102); and

provide the mlP video packets from the multiple rate-shapers (208) to a GPON media access control (MAC) unit (210) in accordance with the schedule for encapsulation of the mlP video packets into the GEM frames, coding the GEM port identifiers in the GEM frames, and transmission of the GEM frames to the at least one optical network terminals (104) through the optical fiber link (106).

15. A method for transmission of videos in a gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON), the method comprising:

receiving, with an optical network terminal (104), GPON encapsulation method (GEM) frames comprising multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers (108) and comprising GEM port identifiers unique for each of the plurality of service providers (108);

allocating a separate GEM port (122), from amongst multiple GEM ports (122) in the optical network terminal (104), to the GEM frames associated with each of the GEM port identifiers;

decapsulating the GEM frames to extract the mlP video packets and remove the GEM port identifier from each of the GEM frames; and

identifying a service provider (108) associated with the mlP video packet based on the GEM port identifier in each of the GEM frames.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising assigning a separate queue (224), from amongst multiple queues (224) in the optical network terminal (104), to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers (108) for queuing of the mlP video packets.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising assigning a separate rate- shaper (226), from amongst multiple rate-shapers (226) in the optical network terminal (104), to the mlP video packets passing through each of the multiple queues (224) for rate-shaping of the mlP video packets, and wherein the rate-shaping by each of multiple rate-shapers (226) is based on a quality-of-service for a service provider (108) associated with the mlP video packets passing through the each rate-shaper (226).

18. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions that when executed perform acts comprising:

allocating a separate GPON encapsulation method (GEM) port (120), from amongst multiple GE ports (120) in the optical line terminal (102), to the mlP video packets of each of the plurality of service providers (108);

encapsulating the mlP video packets into GEM frames; and

19. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions that when executed perform acts comprising:

receiving, with an optical network terminal (104), GPON encapsulation method (GEM) frames comprising multicast Internet Protocol (mlP) video packets of a plurality of service providers (108) and comprising GEM port identifiers unique for each of the plurality of service providers (108); allocating a separate GEM port (122), from amongst multiple GEM ports (122) in the optical network terminal (104), to the GEM frames associated with each of the GEM port identifiers;