Abstract: A distributed processing system including one or more modems connected to a server through a network, such as a cable network or other similar network for transporting data and/or voice. The processing applied to information to be transported to a public network, such as the Internet, is performed by the server rather than the modem. Voice services are provided to telephone equipment connected to a modem by digitizing the voice signals and forwarding the signals as packets to the server. The application of a network stack to the voice packets is performed by the server prior to sending the packets over the public network. Likewise, voice packets received from the public network include network stack formatting. The server removes this formatting prior to sending the voice packets to the modem. This significantly reduces the complexity and cost of the modems.

Abstract: A media converter for bridging or inter-connecting a power-line backhaul distribution (WAN) and coaxial (LAN) distribution within a Multi-Tenant Unit (“MTU”). The functions required to facilitate “converting” and transporting information between the power line distribution network and the coaxial distribution network would be contained within one or more (media converters).