Abstract: A method in accordance with the invention allocates bandwidth, fairly and dynamically, in a shared-media packet switched network to accommodate both elastic and inelastic applications. The method, executed by or in a head-end controller, allocates bandwidth transmission slots, converting requests for bandwidth into virtual scheduling times for granting access to the shared media. The method can use a weighted fair queuing algorithm or a virtual clock algorithm to generate a sequence of upstream slot/transmission assignment grants. The method supports multiple quality of service (QoS) classes via mechanisms which give highest priority to the service class with the most stringent QoS requirements.

Abstract: A two-way hybrid fiber-coax cable networks offering high-speed broadband communications delivered via a cable modem service. Bi-directional transmissions of packets between the head-end controller (Cable Modem Terminal System) and cable modems (subscriber terminal units) is accomplished using a cable television Media Access Control (MAC) protocol. In Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) networks, the invention provides a Reverse Path Multiplexing (RPM) function permitting the coupling of a large number of return path (plant) RF ports (return ports) to be coupled to a receiver card in the CMTS. One aspect of this invention is that one or more upstream traffic schedulers reside within the CMTS equipment with the responsibility of scheduling the upstream transmissions from cable modems. The cable modems are distributed across many return ports. The data from each cable modem must be successfully received by the head-end controller without being compromised by the effects of noise funneling.

Abstract: This invention permits the upstream transmission of short packets of information in a cable TV system, and blocking upstream noise at all other times, and does so without interfering with image quality of normal TV viewing. A remotely operable ingress noise blocking filter is placed at the terminating junction between a subscriber's coaxial drop cable and a corresponding feeder tap in a cable TV system. The ingress noise blocking filter contains a high pass filter to pass the normal TV band. This high pass filter is bypassed by a section containing low pass filters and a switch operated when receiving a control signal from a cable modem during those short durations the cable modem is authorized to transmit an upstream signal. Low pass filters isolate the switching elements so that switching transients cannot occur in the downstream TV band. The level of the amplitude of the downstream signal is unaffected whether the switching elements are open or closed.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the functionalities of a subscriber terminal unit (STU) or ADSL terminal unit (ATU) through the use of different types of application interface modules (AIMs). This is accomplished by incorporating a slot in the STU/ATU through which a detachable AIM can be inserted and electrically coupled to the STU/ATU. The STU/ATU has circuitry for determining which particular type of AIM has been inserted. Depending on the type of AIM that has been inserted in the STU/ATU (e.g., installation, telephony, diagnostics, network interface, television, etc.), management information specific to the particular AIM is sent by the STU/ATU upstream to the headend unit. In response, the headend unit provides applications service(s) to the STU/ATU, depending on the particular type of device inserted into the subscriber terminal unit.

Abstract: A two-way CATV network having a radio return path. A cable headend controller is used to control downstream as well as upstream communications over the two-way CATV network. Downstream signals are sent to subscribers' cable modems through conventional coaxial cables. On the upstream side, a signal generated at a first frequency by an interactive cable modem. This signal is then sent to a transmitter applique, which converts the signal to a second frequency. The signal is then transmitted through a wireless segment at this second frequency to a receiver applique. The receiver applique converts the transmitted signal into a third frequency. In some cases, the third frequency is the same as the third frequency. Eventually, the upstream signal is sent to the headend controller. Throughout the entire upstream transmission process, the same signal is maintained; only its frequency is changed.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligently-controlled frequency-domain filters or ingress noise blockers are disposed in serial connection to coaxial cable at feeder tap locations that connect each household node to the cable. Each filter is operative in the absence of upstream signals from the local node to block ingress energy in the upstream band and is responsive to energy produced by injected upstream signals in the upstream band only from the associated local node to unblock and thus pass information signals into the upstream band. The filter employs as its blocking/unblocking mechanism an active switch whose control signal, as well as power source, is the energy of the injected upstream signal, which may be largely the information-containing signal from the associated local node which is to be gated through to the head end. The switch is able to respond quickly to microvolt level signals. The active switch is preferably a depletion-mode-type field effect transistor (depletion mode FET).

Abstract: Bi-directional communications system in a CATV network utilizing cell-based Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) transmissions. Packet data existing in any one of several different formats are first converted into ATM cells by a headend controller. Individual cells are then assigned a virtual connection by the headend controller. Based on the virtual connection, the cells can be prioritized and routed to their intended destinations. The cells are transmitted in a shared radio frequency spectrum over a standard cable TV network. A subscriber terminal unit demodulates the received RF signal and processes the cells for use in a computer. Likewise, computers may transmit packet data to their respective subscriber terminal units which are sent to the headend controller over the same CATV network.

Abstract: A bi-directional communications system for bypassing a local exchange carrier telephone system for conveying data between at least one terminal unit and a switching unit that has the functionality of a Class 5 central telephone office switch that is connected to a public switched telephone network. The system includes a relay transceiver where the signals from the terminal units are converted bi-directionally between the signal format of the terminal units and fixed length compliant ATM cells when the signal format of the terminal units is other than a fixed length compliant ATM cell format.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the invention allocates bandwidth, fairly and dynamically, in a shared-media packet switched network to accommodate both elastic and inelastic applications. The method, executed by or in a head-end controller, allocates bandwidth transmission slots, converting requests for bandwidth into virtual scheduling times for granting access to the shared media. The method can use a weighted fair queuing algorithm or a virtual clock algorithm to generate a sequence of upstream slot/transmission assignment grants. The method supports multiple quality of service (QoS) classes via mechanisms which give highest priority to the service class with the most stringent QoS requirements.

Abstract: A two-way CATV network having a radio return path. A cable headend controller is used to control downstream as well as upstream communications over the two-way CATV network. Downstream signals are sent to subscribers' cable modems through conventional coaxial cables. On the upstream side, a signal generated at a first frequency by an interactive cable modem. This signal is then sent to a transmitter applique, which converts the signal to a second frequency. The signal is then transmitted through a wireless segment at this second frequency to a receiver applique. The receiver applique converts the transmitted signal into a third frequency. In some cases, the first frequency is the same as the third frequency. Eventually, the upstream signal is sent to the headend controller. Throughout the entire upstream transmission process, the same signal is maintained; only its frequency is changed.

Abstract: 53 byte ATM compliant cells transmitted over a digital optical fiber path interconnected with a coaxial feeder cable TV system supporting two-way digital services at sites connected to the TV cable system. At the point of interconnection between the fiber optic path and the cable TV feeder subsystem, digital signals are converted to a UHF rf carrier frequency above the cutoff pass-band of the analog signal feeder amplifier carrying TV broadcast signals. RF carrier conveys a high data rate digitally modulated signal limited to sections of feeder cable between the cable TV broadcast channel amplifiers. In-house access to UHF carrier signal is via the normal TV cable tap and drop cable to a SIU, located near the subscriber's TV set. Feeder cable and the passive taps used in cable TV practice have a higher cutoff frequency than the feeder amplifiers themselves. This allows passage of an UHF signal over the feeder cable.

Abstract: A bi-directional communications system for bypassing a telco local exchange carrier telephone system for conveying data between at least one terminal unit and a switching unit that has the functionality of a Class 5 central telephone office switch that is connected to a public switched telephone network. The system includes a relay transceiver where the signals from the terminal units are converted bi-directionally between the signal format of the terminal units and fixed length compliant ATM cells when the signal format of the terminal units is other than a fixed length compliant ATM cell format.

Abstract: The present invention is a Wide Area Network (WAN) Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) compliant cell based communications system that is capable of delivering high data rate cells from a plurality of terminal devices to support a multiplicity of simultaneous terminal device applications for homes and businesses. This system provides the capability of providing voice and data communications on cable TV systems and to tie multiple cable TV systems and telcos together for transmission of voice and data communication between any combination of them.

Abstract: 53 byte length ATM compliant cells are transmitted over a digital optical fiber path to interconnect with a coaxial feeder cable TV system to support two-way digital services at a plurality of sites connected to the TV cable system. At the point of interconnection between the fiber optic path and the cable TV feeder subsystem, digital signals are converted to a UHF rf carrier frequency above the cutoff pass-band of the analog signal feeder amplifier carrying TV broadcast signals. This rf carrier conveys a high data rate digitally modulated signal limited to sections of feeder cable between the cable TV broadcast channel amplifiers. In-house access to this UHF carrier signal is via the normal TV cable tap and drop cable to a SIU, located near the subscriber's TV set. The feeder cable and the passive taps used in cable TV practice have a higher cutoff frequency than the feeder amplifiers themselves. This allows passage of an UHF signal over the feeder cable.

Abstract: Cordless telephones generate cell relay packets. Packets from each cordless telephone are polled by an upstream polling unit avoiding multi-unit interference. Cell packets are transmitted via a cable TV system. Radiated frequencies of the cordless telephones are shifted in frequency as they enter or leave the TV feeder cable to allow frequency reuse. The upstream polling unit appends header information on the cell packets and converts them into standard SONET ATM protocol packets. The cell relay packets are switched by a cell relay type switch to create a cost-effective, alternative telephone system.