Abstract: A transmission system using multicarrier modulation applies FECC (forward error correcting code) coding and codeword interleaving differently to input signals from a plurality of different data channels to produce encoded data signals having different reliabilities and different coding delays. Bits of encoded data signals having relatively less delay are allocated to carriers that are subject to relatively more attenuation and/or channel noise, and hence that are allocated fewer bits for transmission in each symbol period, to reduce the effects of impulse noise. The data channels can comprise video, data, and control channels transmitted on an ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) two-wire telephone line.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for informing the central unit of the transmission requirements of a remote unit in a bi-directional data transmission system that facilitates communications between a central unit and a plurality of remote units using a frame based discrete multi-tone (DMT) transmission scheme. The method includes the step of transmitting, using a fast access transmission mode, a communication access request from a selected first remote unit to the central unit during any symbol period. The communication access request includes a unique remote unit identifier associated with the selected first remote unit and is transmitted from the selected first remote unit on at least one unused sub-channel using a modulation scheme that does not require equalization to decode at the central unit.

Abstract: An improved discrete multi-tone transmission scheme is describe that contemplates encoding digital data and modulating the encoded data onto a discrete multi-tone signal having a total bandwidth of at least 1.6 MHz. The modulation system is capable of dynamically updating the subcarriers used and the amount of data transmitted on each subcarrier during transmission in order to accommodate real time changes in the line quality over particular subcarriers. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the multi-tone encoding and modulation is done in substantial compliance with the ATIS North American Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines standard although a total of 512 subchannels each having a bandwidth of approximately 4.3125 kHz are used. In this system, the subchannels that occur at frequencies above those set forth in the standard are treated similarly to those within the standard range in terms of subcarrier selection criteria.