Abstract: In a method for admitting a new data file into a channel, a request for admission of the new data file into the channel is received. It is determined as to whether at least a minimum number of bits of at least one current data file has been transferred to the receiver. The rate at which the at least one current data file is transferred is reduced below a minimum constant bit rate in response to a determination that at least a minimum number of bits of the at least one current data file has been transferred to the receiver and the new data file is admitted into the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for delivering Internet Protocol (IP) content within a system that includes a bypass architecture, using a Session Encapsulation Information Database (SEIDB). Within an existing PacketCable Multimedia (PCMM) framework used as a control plane for IP content bypass flow setup, the SEIDB system stores session bypass encapsulation information for IP content bypass flows within the system. Within the SEIDB, each entry of bypass encapsulation information has a flow classifier component that uniquely identifies a bypass flow in a manner that allows both a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and the IP content source to uniquely identify the bypass flow at the SEIDB. Initially, the CMTS gathers bypass encapsulation information and uploads it to the SEIDB. Before the bypass flow begins, the IP content source obtains the necessary bypass encapsulation information from the SEIDB, e.g., using a flow classifier as a search filter item.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for using long FEC codes in a content distribution system is described. One aspect of the invention relates to encoding frames of content. Each frame is partitioned into un-coded bits and bits to be encoded. For each frame, an FEC code is applied to the bits to be encoded to generate a codeword. Groups of bits from the codeword are divided among a plurality of channels. Symbols formed from the groups of bits and the un-coded bits are mapped to a constellation for each of the plurality of channels. The symbols are modulated across a respective plurality of bonded channels for transmission.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for delivering Internet content within a system that includes an encapsulation database and a last-hop router as part of a bypass architecture, such as a bypass architecture that transmits IP content from a source to a downstream modulator, such as an EQAM modulator, in a manner that bypasses the system's Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS). The encapsulation database, which typically is controlled by the MSO, but also is in operable communication with the last-hop router and CMTS, is configured to store encapsulation identification information, which is used to identify which portions of the IP content receive bypass encapsulation. The encapsulation database also can include the QoS settings for such identified portions of IP content. The encapsulation database allows the MSO to provide QoS settings for select portions of IP content, such as videos from internet video providers with whom the MSO has made special arrangements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encoding video is described. In one example, average of motion vectors for each of a plurality of blocks is maintained over a threshold number of inter-coded frames in the video. The running average of motion vectors for each of the plurality of blocks is compared to a threshold value. Each of the plurality of blocks the running average of which does not satisfy the threshold value is encoded using a first quantization parameter. Each of the plurality of blocks the running average of which satisfies the threshold value is encoded using a second quantization parameter. The second quantization parameter results in a coarser quantization of transformed coefficients than the first quantization parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for delivering Internet content within a system that includes a bypass architecture, such as a bypass architecture that transmits content from the Internet or an Internet content source to a downstream modulator, such as an Edge Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (EQAM) modulator, in a manner that bypasses the system's Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS). Content from the Internet or an Internet source is transmitted to a last-hop router, which is configured to identify content for bypass encapsulation. The last-hop router also can be configured to perform at least a portion of the necessary bypass encapsulation for proper bypass flows of the identified content. Alternatively, the EQAM is configured to perform the bypass encapsulation, and the last-hop router transmits the identified content to the EQAM, which performs at least a portion of the necessary bypass encapsulation on the identified content.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for delivering Internet Protocol (IP) content within a system that includes a bypass architecture, using a Session Encapsulation Information Database (SEIDB). Within an existing PacketCable Multimedia (PCMM) framework used as a control plane for IP content bypass flow setup, the SEIDB system stores session bypass encapsulation information for IP content bypass flows within the system. Within the SEIDB, each entry of bypass encapsulation information has a flow classifier component that uniquely identifies a bypass flow in a manner that allows both a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and the IP content source to uniquely identify the bypass flow at the SEIDB. Initially, the CMTS gathers bypass encapsulation information and uploads it to the SEIDB. Before the bypass flow begins, the IP content source obtains the necessary bypass encapsulation information from the SEIDB, e.g., using a flow classifier as a search filter item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying video flows to minimize switching time at a user terminal is described. One aspect of the invention relates to classifying video for distribution. A plurality of classes associated with a respective plurality of network jitter measures is established. A jitter profile for a plurality of video flows is defined by associating each video flow of the plurality of video flows with one of the plurality of classes based on an estimated jitter measure of the video flow. The jitter profile is distributed towards at least one user terminal from a distribution facility. The user terminal may use the jitter profile to set the fill level of its jitter buffer dynamically according to the particular video flow being decoded.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting digital content, such as Internet Protocol television (IPTV) content, to a downstream modulator, such as an Edge Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (EQAM) modulator, within a cable system that includes a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS), such as a modular CMTS (M-CMTS). Content is transmitted from a content source to the EQAM, via one or more networks, such as a regional area network and a converged interconnect network (CIN), in a manner that bypasses the M-CMTS. Conventionally, downstream IPTV content travels from the content source to the CIN, to the M-CMTS, back through the CIN and to the EQAM. By tunneling IPTV content directly to the downstream modulator, fewer M-CMTS components and less CIN switching bandwidth are involved than in conventional methods and systems. The cost savings associated with bypassing expensive CMTS components allows IPTV content delivery at costs comparable to conventional content transmission methods.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encoding video is described. In one example, average of motion vectors for each of a plurality of blocks is maintained over a threshold number of inter-coded frames in the video. The running average of motion vectors for each of the plurality of blocks is compared to a threshold value. Each of the plurality of blocks the running average of which does not satisfy the threshold value is encoded using a first quantization parameter. Each of the plurality of blocks the running average of which satisfies the threshold value is encoded using a second quantization parameter. The second quantization parameter results in a coarser quantization of transformed coefficients than the first quantization parameter.

Abstract: In a method for admitting a new data file into a channel, a request for admission of the new data file into the channel is received. It is determined as to whether at least a minimum number of bits of at least one current data file has been transferred to the receiver. The rate at which the at least one current data file is transferred is reduced below a minimum constant bit rate in response to a determination that at least a minimum number of bits of the at least one current data file has been transferred to the receiver and the new data file is admitted into the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying video flows to minimize switching time at a user terminal is described. One aspect of the invention relates to classifying video for distribution. A plurality of classes associated with a respective plurality of network jitter measures is established. A jitter profile for a plurality of video flows is defined by associating each video flow of the plurality of video flows with one of the plurality of classes based on an estimated jitter measure of the video flow. The jitter profile is distributed towards at least one user terminal from a distribution facility. The user terminal may use the jitter profile to set the fill level of its jitter buffer dynamically according to the particular video flow being decoded.

Abstract: An access node that is deployable at a distance from a cable company head-end or a telephone company central office serves residential and business subscribers within a small geographical area. The access node provides interoperability between and across communications links and protocols, thereby providing a modular, configurable access point for both business and residential users that enables the service provider to tailor its services for each user in a cost-effective manner. The access node includes modular interfaces to multiple communications links and protocols on its network side and modular interfaces to multiple communications links and protocols on its user or access side. A switch/router connects the outputs of the two interfaces together and aggregates traffic to the network while simultaneously partitioning traffic to the users to the appropriate connections.

Abstract: A semiconductor optical amplifier includes an active region having facets at opposite ends thereof which define an optical cavity having maximum optical gain at a gain peak wavelength .lambda..sub.pk. An antireflection coating on each of the facets has a wavelength .lambda..sub.min of minimum reflectivity that is separated in wavelength from the gain peak wavelength, preferably by about 5 to 30 nanometers. The optical amplifier is operated at a bias current greater than a stimulated emission threshold bias current of the device. The input optical signal has a wavelength at or near the wavelength .lambda..sub.min of minimum reflectivity of the antireflection coatings. The optical amplifier has an electrical bandwidth on the order of 1 to 10 GHz.