Abstract: A technique is provided for managing VPN packet flows over shared access data networks. Each node in the shared access network typically has an identifier or ID associated with it which is used at a Head End of the shared access network to uniquely identify that particular node from the other nodes in the network. According to the technique of the present invention, the node ID may be used at the Head End of the network to identify not only the corresponding node, but also to identify any virtual private networks (VPNs) of which the corresponding node is a member. Using the technique of the present invention, nodes which are members of the same VPN within a shared access network may exchange packets in a manner which does not require the packets to be routed outside the shared access network.

Abstract: An IP subnet sharing technique is described which allows multiple network devices of an access network to share an IP subnet without the need for each network device to run complex routing protocols, or bridging protocols. Further, the multiple network devices are able to share an IP subnet without the need to subdivide the IP subnet into smaller groups.

Abstract: A dynamic channel change technique is disclosed which may be implemented between nodes and a Head End of an access network. Initially a network device may communicate with the Head End via a first downstream channel and a first upstream channel. When the network device receives a dynamic channel change request which includes instructions for the network device to switch to a second downstream channel, the network device may respond by switching from the first downstream channel to the second downstream channel. Thereafter, the network device may communicate with the Head End via the second downstream channel and first upstream channel. Further, according to a specific embodiment, the dynamic channel change request may also include an upstream channel change request for causing the network device to switch from a first upstream channel to a second upstream channel.

Abstract: A dynamic channel change technique is disclosed which may be implemented between nodes and a Head End of an access network. Initially a network device may communicate with the Head End via a first downstream channel and a first upstream channel. When the network device receives a dynamic channel change request which includes instructions for the network device to switch to a second downstream channel, the network device may respond by switching from the first downstream channel to the second downstream channel. Thereafter, the network device may communicate with the Head End via the second downstream channel and first upstream channel. Further, according to a specific embodiment, the dynamic channel change request may also include an upstream channel change request for causing the network device to switch from a first upstream channel to a second upstream channel.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for selectively filtering data messages that are communicated between a head end complex and its associated cable modems. Filtering includes obtaining a copy of the message and sending the copied message to a memory device. The memory device is accessible, for example, via a user so that the filtered message may be analyzed. In a preferred embodiment, the memory device is a monitoring device in the form of a computer system (e.g., a router). Messages may be filtered to the memory or monitoring device based on any suitable filtering criteria that identifies specific message parameters. In a specific embodiment, filtering may be based on one or more message types. When filtering criteria specifies a particular message type, messages having such a specified type are filtered to the monitoring station. Additionally or alternatively, filtering may be based on one or more values of a particular field of the message.

Abstract: An IP subnet sharing technique is described which allows multiple network devices of an access network to share an IP subnet without the need for each network device to run complex routing protocols, or bridging protocols. Further, the multiple network devices are able to share an IP subnet without the need to subdivide the IP subnet into smaller groups.

Abstract: A dynamic channel change technique is disclosed which may be implemented between nodes and a Head End of an access network. Initially a network device may communicate with the Head End via a first downstream channel and a first upstream channel. When the network device receives a dynamic channel change request which includes instructions for the network device to switch to a second downstream channel, the network device may respond by switching from the first downstream channel to the second downstream channel. Thereafter, the network device may communicate with the Head End via the second downstream channel and first upstream channel. Further, according to a specific embodiment, the dynamic channel change request may also include an upstream channel change request for causing the network device to switch from a first upstream channel to a second upstream channel.

Abstract: A technique is provided for managing VPN packet flows over shared access data networks. Each node in the shared access network typically has an identifier or ID associated with it which is used at a Head End of the shared access network to uniquely identify that particular node from the other nodes in the network. According to the technique of the present invention, the node ID may be used at the Head End of the network to identify not only the corresponding node, but also to identify any virtual private networks (VPNs) of which the corresponding node is a member. Using the technique of the present invention, nodes which are members of the same VPN within a shared access network may exchange packets in a manner which does not require the packets to be routed outside the shared access network.