Abstract: In an ATM communication network ATM cells to be transmitted from a terminal device (46) to a network control node (12) are transmitted according to certain transmission properties also called Quality of Service. In order to determine the Quality of Service with which a given packet has to be transmitted, the Quality of Service is determined from address information in the VPI/VCI identifier in the header of the ATM cell.

Abstract: In an ATM communication network ATM cells to be transmitted from a terminal device (46) to a network control node (12) are transmitted according to certain transmission properties also called Quality of Service. In order to determine the Quality of Service with which a given packet has to be transmitted, the Quality of Service is determined from address information in the VPI/VCI identifier in the header of the ATM cell. In an embodiment of the invention a network termination (32) comprises address translation means (76) for translating the address present in ATM cells received from the terminal device (46) into addresses indicating the Quality of Service.

Abstract: In a communication system a network switch (4) is coupled to an access network (1) in order to enable communication between a network (2) and terminals (13) connected to the access network (1). In the prior art communication system, the network switch needs to know the details of the access network, in order to be able to deliver information to the correct terminal. This requires that a dedicated network switch (4) is used which is substantially more complex than a standard network switch. To solve this problem, an access node switch (8) is used which deals with the access network specific details. Consequently a network switch (4) can be used which operates according to standard switching protocols.

Abstract: In a transmission system, a transmitter has a frame assembler which frames with a header and a payload portion. The header (22-1) comprises a validity indicator (SSSSS) to indicate the validity of a sequence of ATM cells in the frame. By using values of the validity indicator (SSSSS) different from the value of the validity indicator for valid ATM cells, it becomes possible to transport data in a format different from a sequence of ATM cells.

Abstract: A telecommunication network including a plurality of secondary stations and a primary station wherein the secondary stations a least partially share a common transmission channel to the primary station, thus obtaining high data transmission efficiency under high load conditions. To prevent interference, an access protocol is employed according to which all secondary stations which have data to transmit send transmission request signals to the primary station. The primary station then transmits to those secondary stations an allocation signal assigning respective time slots to them. The secondary stations then transmit in their assigned time slots. Directly upon completion of transmission in its assigned time slot a secondary station transmits a further transmission request signal to the primary station it such secondary station still has further data to transmit.

Abstract: In a transmission system a transmitter (2) comprises a frame assembler (8) for assembling frames with a header and a payload portion. The header (22-1) comprises a validity indicator (SSSSS) to indicate the validity of a sequence of ATM cells in the frame. By using values of the validity indicator (SSSSS) different from the value of the validity indicator for valid ATM cells, it becomes possible to transport data in a format different from a sequence of ATM cells.

Abstract: In a transmission system for transmitting synchronous data portions and asynchronous data portions, a transmission frame includes regularly spaced synchronous data portions interleaved with asynchronous data portions. To insure that the packing density of asynchronous data portions is optimal, the position of the synchronous data portions is allowed to deviate from its nominal value to increase the packing rate of the asynchronous data portions.

Abstract: A multiple access telecommunication network wherein a primary station is coupled to a plurality of secondary stations by a shared transmission medium. Depending on traffic volume it is advantageous to be able to change the type of access protocol employed by the secondary stations in order to prevent deterioration of transmission efficiency. Accordingly, the access protocol is set by the primary station by transmitting to the secondary stations a channel indicator indicating where in an uplink frame a secondary station can submit its access request. The primary station may also specify the message key which a secondary station must use when transmitting an access request. Applicable to multimedia networks using CATV systems.

Abstract: In a multiple access network, signals transmitted by a plurality of secondary stations to a primary station are to be distinguished by the primary station. One method for realizing this is by the use of Sub-Carrier Multiple Access (SCMA). According to the method of SCMA, a transmit signal is modulated on a subcarrier having its own frequency and then amplitude modulated on a main carrier in each secondary station. To reduce a mutual disturbance by the secondary stations in SCMA, according to the present invention, a transmit signal is converted into high-speed bursts of a transmit signal. As a result, fewer secondary stations on average are active, so that the mutual disturbance by the secondary stations will diminish.