Proofs of Concept

Proofs of Concept (POC)

Overview of Fiber Connect 2024 PoC – Accelerating Our Fiber Future within the Connected Home

As more homes are connected to fiber broadband, it is important to ensure that the equipment and devices used to connect the home can interoperate with the services and applications that will drive the need for the type of capacity only fiber broadband can deliver. This year’s Proof of Concept (PoC) will focus on the Connected Home and the experience of the broadband subscriber.

For the 2024 PoC program, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) has partnered with The Broadband Forum (BBF) to center this year’s demonstrations on one of two BBF Connected Home specifications: BBF.247 GPON ONU and BBF.369 User Services Platform (USP) Certifications.

BBF.247 certification program provides multi-vendor interoperability so that network operators have the ability to choose from differing network equipment (OLTs) and the fiber termination device inside the users building (ONUs) as each expands the range and reach of its network.
The USP builds a network of controllers and agents to allow applications to manipulate service elements. This allows service providers, consumer electronics manufacturers and end-users to securely manage connected devices, carry out upgrades, for example, for critical security updates, and onboard new devices. Customer support is also improved by remote monitoring and troubleshooting of connected devices, services and home network links.

PoC Demonstrations must leverage the interoperability certification as designed by the BBF and should showcase how innovative Connected Home services leverage the capacity, scale, latency and/or security fiber broadband provides. PoCs can demonstrate one or more services and applications that support the conference theme of “Accelerating our Fiber Future” and could include innovative IoT, AI, security and other Smart Home options.

PoC Demonstrations must adhere to BBF certified test plans which can be found here:

BBF.247 GPON ONU Test Plan
- https://www.broadband-forum.org/pdfs/tp-247-4-0-0.pdf
BBF369. USP Test Plan
- https://www.broadband-forum.org/pdfs/tp-469-1-2-0.pdf

At least one PoC participant must be a member company of either FBA or BBF. PoC projects can involve up to three companies and should be showcase how the demonstration helps “accelerate our fiber future.”
PoC submissions will be reviewed by the FBA’s Technical and Conference Committees and the BBF prior to approval for inclusion in the Fiber Connect 2024 PoC Showcase. FBA reserves the right to ask clarifying questions or ask for adjustments to a PoC submission as needed prior to acceptance.

Costs:
There is a $12,500.00 fee per PoC for participation. These fees will cover the PoC demo pods (includes 6'w x 8' structure, up to (2) monitors, shelf, storage cabinet, and optional mini-rack with power), floor space, power, onsite interview packaged into a 3-5 minute demo video that will be shared with presenting organization, inclusion in event schedule (both website, program book, and mobile app), and signage during the event. Connectivity can be made available for an additional fee.

Selected projects will be showcased at the 2024 Fiber Connect event in a dedicated area of the Expo Hall. Fiber Connect 2024 will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center, July 28 – 31, 2024. The Expo Hall will be open July 29 and 30 from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm.

If the submitted PoC is not showcased, there will be no fee. The PoCs can be as short or as long as required by the participant FBA and/or BBF members. Participating companies are required to staff the PoCs during all Expo Hall Hours.

PoCs will be evaluated during Fiber Connect 2024 by leading industry analysts. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Most Innovative PoC, Best Community Impact and Game Changer.

Starting a PoC Project
To start a PoC project, please do the following:

First, identify the PoC specification you will demonstrate and disclose the participating companies;
Communicate with fba@connect2comm.com to get resources allocated to the project; and
Use the submission template to capture in a first draft the key aspects of your PoC project.

Documenting and Promoting Your PoC

Each PoC is allocated a unique identifier by staff when the PoC is approved. This identifier will be used in the pre-conference programming information and as an identifier for the physical PoC demonstration during Fiber Connect 2024.

Promoting the PoCs
PoCs will be listed on the Fiber Connect 2024 website and promoted through FBA’s email and social media programs. FBA will provide images suitable for promotion via social media for the participant companies.
Please do not promote the PoC until accepted; once accepted, we will share graphics and information to aid you in the promotion of the PoC.

Timeline

April 15, 2024	Submissions Due
May 5, 2024	Signed Participation Agreements Due
June 15, 2024	Finalized PoC Description Due
July 10, 2024	Proof of Concept Demos Announced
July 15, 2024	Final Promotional Materials Due
July 28, 2024	PoC Onsite Set up
July 29 – 30, 2024	PoC Interviews