Bridging
The simplest configuration puts the SU into the Bridged mode of operation, which is appropriate for residential and enterprise applications. This configuration is characterized by the following:
- All IP addresses on the subscriber's hosts are provisioned through a central DHCP server located at the Service Provider's NOC, or by static assignment.
- For security purposes in public networks, all SU to SU communication can be disabled at the BSU. This prevents subscribers from snooping into another subscribers host, even though they are in the same bridged network.
- The Service Provider may limit the number of hosts that can be attached to the SU to a configurable limit, thus enabling charging as a function of number of hosts allowed (the maximum number is 254 for a bridged SU). Typical Service Plans that Service Providers use in the USA, charge a base monthly fee for a single IP Address, and a higher fee for 5 IP Addresses.
- The Service Provider may configure the SU with IP or Ethernet level filters, in order to selectively enable or disable selected packet flows. For example this capability can be used to limit the subscribers access to only a selected set of web sites or block out undesirable websites. Also only selected incoming flows can be admitted into the subscriber network.
- The Service Provider may configure VLANs in the network, by using the VLAN tagging facility that the SU provides.