Abstract: A method for multiplexing DOCSIS data into an MPEG data stream includes synchronizing an MPEG system clock and a DOCSIS system clock, multiplexing a DOCSIS data stream into an MPEG Transport Stream while preserving the accuracy of a number of MPEG program clock reference (PCR) values, transmitting the multiplexed Transport Stream, receiving the multiplexed Transport Stream in a receiving device, recovering the MPEG PCR values, and generating a DOCSIS clock based on the MPEG PCR values.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a HFC network includes a plurality of “test points” disposed at various locations throughout the network. Each test point is used to allow for the isolation of communication problems within the network (for example, ingress) and mitigation of the effects of the network problems. By distributing a plurality of test points throughout the topology of the network, only limited sections of the network need to be isolated at any point in time to address the particular communication problem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for receiving a packet stream having fixed length packets. Data carried in the packet stream is selectively processed for output to a computer. A packet identifier filter selects particular packets from the recovered packet stream. A computer disk controller receives the packets selected by the filter and manages the transfer of packet data from the packets to and from a buffer. A data bus is coupled to the disk controller for communicating the packet data from the buffer to the computer. A data compression stage prior to the disk controller compresses packets from the recovered packet stream in order to provide a gap between data carried by successive packets to be provided by the disk controller. In this manner, a low cost disk controller chip can be used to control the buffering of data in a cable or satellite television modem that provides, e.g., Internet access.