HGI has approved and published updated guidelines for the home gateway for smart homes. Version 2.0 allows modular software applications to run in a dedicated virtual execution environment and avoid conflicts and interferences with natively installed software.
Within the cable industry, opinions on the utility of the home gateway range, as evidenced by the proliferation of options that involve TVs, smart TVs, and support (or non-support) for a variety of CPE that includes set-tops, over the top boxes, gateways, DTAs, HDMI sticks, and more.
That might be because most MSOs still tend to think of CPE only in terms of its role in delivering video – even those engaged in offering home automation services, but there are other groups interested in broadband-enabled smart homes.
Hence HGI’s new “HG Requirements for HGI Open Platform 2.0” guidelines, updated from the original published in 2011.
The new approach adds several requirements, including support for USB-based hardware extendibility for smart home services, details for usage for OSGi technology and system clock management, and a new Java Virtual Machine (JVM) profile.
Manufacturers wishing to build and test their devices to the new HGI requirements have already been able to take part in a remote test event. Thus far, Sumitomo, Lantiq, and Eflow Inc. have developed products that have met the HGI test criteria.
“The smart home concept is moving ever closer to becoming a reality and manufacturers meeting the new RD048 and associated test requirements will meet the service providers needs and reduce their time to market delivering an appropriate smart home solution,” said Duncan Bees, chief technology and business officer, at HGI. “Service providers are deploying next generation applications like home automation, energy management and diagnostics. HGI’s work in the smart home is truly enabling a worldwide approach to making this service vision achievable.”
