Abstract: A technique for controlling outliers in offered load estimation in a shared medium communication network is achieved by partitioning the set of all possible sample value combinations, according to some predetermined partitioning scheme, based on a measure of proximity to a locus of expected sample values into a set of “trusted” sample value combinations and “untrusted” sample value combinations.

Abstract: An adaptive and dynamic forward error correction scheme for a communication channel is disclosed. The method and apparatus calculates the actual bit error rate for comparison with a target bit error rate. When a channel is performing better than required by the performance specifications, the forward error correction power can be reduced to provide greater throughput. If the calculated actual bit error rate is greater than the target bit error rate, then the forward error correction power is increased in an attempt to lower the calculated bit error rate. A feedback loop is employed to continually calculate revised bit error rates as the forward error correction power is increased or decreased.

Abstract: In a cable modem system a method is provided for continuously monitoring the upstream channel to assess what unused upstream channels will better support data communication in the event that an active upstream channel degrades, with monitoring of the upstream path by using passive or unused channels not impacting active data transfer. In one embodiment, a single spectrum assessment receiver polls cable modems at various taps and has the selected modem retune itself to an unused channel and transmit a reference signal back to the spectrum assessment receiver. An analysis is made and an impaired active channel is identified to ascertain if it has degraded to an unacceptable level. If so, it is switched or hopped to this unused channel if by switching an improvement can be realized. Polling is accomplished by selecting the modem at the worst performing tap and ascertaining after one or more retunes which unused channel is best.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) access network manager is formed to include a mediated access system to control each service provider's ability to monitor, view and re-configure selected elements within the HFC access network. A database included within the manager contains a mapping between the information service providers and the various network elements for which each service provider is permitted access and/or control. With mediated access, an information service provider has the ability to monitor quality, perform diagnostic tests and configure that equipment which directly supports the provided services.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) access network manager is formed to support a variety of functions related to the operation and management of an HCF access plant. The HFC access network manager allows for monitoring of the downstream and upstream transmission paths, and supports the sectionalization of faults. The monitoring can be achieved through a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, monitoring bit error rate (BER), frame error rate (FER), carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N), or any other suitable quality-related signal parameter.

Abstract: A modular electronic chassis system with nested electronic plug-in modules including at least one circuit board providing a first-module-receiving-location and a second-module-receiving-location such that the system is capable of supporting modules in a nested configuration having increased packaging density. A first plug-in module detachably engaged with the first-module-receiving-location. A second plug-in module detachably engaged with the second-module-receiving-location so that the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are nested.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) access network manager is formed to support a variety of functions related to the operation and management of an HCF access plant. The network manager includes a topology discovery module that can function either automatically, or under control of a command from the access network manager, to poll individual network elements to identify their type and location, thus creating a topological map of the network. The polling can be accomplished in either the analog or digital domain.

Abstract: A communication system includes a network control facility (205), two downstream channels (212, 213), at least one remote interface unit (209, 210), and at least one communication device (201, 202) associated with each remote interface unit (RIU). Each RIU operates in one of two operating modes: a low power, standby mode and a high power, active mode. One downstream channel (212) is the primary downstream channel and is used by the network control facility to communicate user information and normal maintenance or control information to the RIU when the RIU is in the active mode. The other downstream channel (213) is the secondary downstream channel and is used by the network control facility to communicate special control information, such as a wake-up command, to the RIU when the RIU is in standby mode. The wake-up command instructs the RIU to transition from standby mode to active mode in order to receive user or control information over the primary downstream channel.