Alternative metadata channel for a subset of KreaTV IP-STB units

It is possible to create subsets of boxes and use different metadata channels (as well as boot loader image, boot image channels etc.) for the different subsets. This is achieved by delivering different DHCP option option-128 values from the DHCP to the different subsets. This allows the subsets to be configured differently concerning for instance portal URLs or the channel table.

Precondition

N/A

Main flow

1. Add the alternative metadata channel to the Infocast server configuration file on the active server, for instance by making a copy of the already existing (original) metadata channel definition.
2. Change the multicast address of the newly created metadata channel definition.
3. Create alternative object definitions (e.g. proxylist.xml) for each object that shall have a different value for the new subset, by making a copy of the object definition file under a new name. Make sure to refer to the new object definition file from the newly created metadata channel definition.
4. For each KreaTV IP-STB in the subset create an entry in the DHCP configuration (e.g. /etc/dhcpd.conf) using one of the formats below. Use the multicast address from step 3 as the value for the DHCP option option-128.

   
   host <name> {
     hardware ethernet 00:02:9B:00:05:09;
     option option-128 "224.2.2.17:21327";
   }
   

   or

   
   subnet 222.222.5.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
     option option-128 "224.2.2.17:21327";
     option routers 222.222.5.1;
   }
   

   The example is only valid if a standard Linux DHCP-server is used

   The MAC address of the KreaTV IP-STB units in the subset can be obtained from the DHCP server log file when the KreaTV IP-STB requests an IP address. The MAC address is also printed on the label on the underside of the IP-STB.

5. Restart the DHCP server.
6. Restart the active Infocast server:

   service infocastserverd restart

   Keep the notes under Managing an environment with redundant KreaTV Infocast Servers in mind if you have several active KreaTV Infocast Servers in your network.

Post condition

The KreaTV IP-STB units in the new subsets use an alternative metadata channel, and optionally alternative object definitions after reboot.