Abstract: A system for serving an individual node in a shared communication network having a MAC layer and a PHY layer, the system being operative to interface between the MAC layer and the PHY layer. The system may include a first physical channel transferring at least one packet between the layers, a second physical channel transferring at least one burst parameter between the layers, and a third physical channel transferring at least one timing signal, for a burst characterized by the at least one burst parameter and comprising the at least one packet, between the layers.

Abstract: A home network, in one embodiment including a home wiring system; a demarcation point unit in electrical communication with the home wiring system; and a home network module in electrical communication with the home wiring system. The home network module is adapted for connection to a home electronic device. The demarcation point unit passes data to and receives data from the home electronic device through the home network module.

Abstract: A system for transmitting packets over a network of communication channels, the system comprising a set of nodes comprising at least first and second nodes and a network access coordinator operative to coordinate the access of the set of nodes to a synchronous network of channels, wherein, if at least one individual packet has been transmitted from the first node to the second node which did not receive at least one packet, the second node is operative to send a retransmission request to the network access coordinator requesting retransmission of at least one individual packet.

Abstract: A system for transmitting packets over a home network of communication channels, typically coax cable, including a set of nodes, at least one having a packet aggregation functionality in which the node forms an aggregation frame by aggregating one or more packets which have accumulated at the node and transmits the frame. A network coordinator coordinates access of the nodes to the channels. At least one node is operative to inform the coordinator when it has formed an aggregation frame comprising a plurality of packets and to provide the coordinator with comparison information comparing different transmission possibilities for the frame. The coordinator, preferably responsively, determines whether, when, and which of, the aggregated packets can be transmitted.

Abstract: A home network, in one embodiment including a home wiring system; a demarcation point unit in electrical communication with the home wiring system; and a home network module in electrical communication with the home wiring system. The home network module is adapted for connection to a home electronic device. The demarcation point unit passes data to and receives data from the home electronic device through the home network module.

Abstract: A home content distribution solution that provides distribution capabilities between a Home Media Server (HMS) and remote units, such as a thin Client stand-alone box or an existing legacy digital set-top box (STB). The invention permits combined video and data home networking while leveraging the numbers of already deployed digital set-top boxes. Embodiments of the system and methods are employed to distribute content to a set-top box connected to a home distribution network, which preferably includes a home media server connected to the home distribution network; a reflector, and; an entry point device having entry terminal for connection to an external cable network, a first output terminal for connection to the home distribution network and a second output terminal for connection to the reflector. Content is typically obtained from both the home media server and the cable network and distributed over the home distribution network.

Abstract: A demarcation point unit connected between a home network backbone and an external network. The demarcation point unit includes a blocking filter and splitter. The blocking filter receives a home network signal from the home network backbone and an external signal from the external network. The blocking filter separates the home network signal from the external signal, and returns the home network signal back to the home network backbone. The splitter has an input and at least two outputs. The input of the splitter receives the home network signal from the blocking filter.

Abstract: A home network, in one embodiment including a home wiring system; a demarcation point unit in electrical communication with the home wiring system; and a home network module in electrical communication with the home wiring system. The home network module is adapted for connection to a home electronic device. The demarcation point unit passes data to and receives data from the home electronic device through the home network module.

Abstract: A vector decoder for detecting symbols transmitted along a communication channel is disclosed, as is a method for decoding symbols. The decoder includes at least two pairs of decision feedback equalizers and noise predictors operating on a plurality M of vectors of symbols being detected, a path storage unit, a metric determiner a sorter and a path builder. The vectors are ordered in accordance with quality levels and each noise predictor estimates the noise associated with its associated vector. The path storage unit stores M of the ordered vectors, each vector being of length L. The metric determiner is connected to the output of all of the decision feedback equalizers and the noise predictors and produces a performance metric for each of Q branches extending from each vector. Each branch is associated with one of Q possible symbol values.

Abstract: A vector decoder for detecting symbols transmitted along a communication channel is disclosed, as is a method for decoding symbols. The decoder includes at least two pairs of decision feedback equalizers and noise predictors operating on a plurality M of vectors of symbols being detected, a path storage unit, a metric determiner a sorter and a path builder. The vectors are ordered in accordance with quality levels and each noise predictor estimates the noise associated with its associated vector. The path storage unit stores M of the ordered vectors, each vector being of length L. The metric determiner is connected to the output of all of the decision feedback equalizers and the noise predictors and produces a performance metric for each of Q branches extending from each vector. Each branch is associated with one of Q possible symbol values.

Abstract: A vector decoder for detecting symbols transmitted along a communication channel is disclosed, as is a method for decoding symbols. The decoder includes at least two pairs of decision feedback equalizers and noise predictors operating on a plurality M of vectors of symbols being detected, a path storage unit, a metric determiner a sorter and a path builder. The vectors are ordered in accordance with quality levels and each noise predictor estimates the noise associated with its associated vector. The path storage unit stores M of the ordered vectors, each vector being of length L. The metric determiner is connected to the output of all of the decision feedback equalizers and the noise predictors and produces a performance metric for each of Q branches extending from each vector. Each branch is associated with one of Q possible symbol values.