Abstract: A miniMAC implementation of a distributed CMTS in a hybrid fiber/coaxial (HFC) plant. The distributed CMTS comprises at least one network layer, at least one media access layer, and one or more physical layers. The at least one media access layer includes one or more miniMAC layers. The one or more miniMAC layers are remotely located from a remaining part of the at least one media access layer. The at least one network layer, the remaining part of the at least one media access layer, the one or more miniMAC layers, and the one or more physical layers each function as separate modules, enabling each layer to be in separate component locations of the HFC plant, yet having the at least one network layer connected to the remaining part of the at least one media access layer, the at least one media access layer connected to each of the one or more miniMAC layers, and each of the one or more physical layers connected to each of the one or more miniMAC layers.

Abstract: A distributed cable modem termination system (CMTS) in a hybrid fiber/coaxial (HFC) plant. The distributed CMTS comprises a network layer, at least one media access control layer, and at least one physical layer. The media access control layer implements a media access control chip. The media access control chip interfaces with the physical layer to provide timing to maintain components within the physical layer. The network layer, media access control layer, and physical layer each function as separate modules. The media access control chip provides the packet level media access control functions, and thus, does not require packet level media access control functions to be implemented in the same physical location. The media access control chip also provides a timing offset feature for handling time delays between the media access layer and the physical layer.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing multiple cable modem termination system (CMTS) devices is provided. In an embodiment, a calibration pulse issued from a calibration pulse generator is received by one or more CMTS devices. Upon receiving the calibration pulse, each CMTS device stores the present value of a counter. Next, each slave CMTS device generates and stores a future time stamp value. The future time stamp value represents a future time when each slave CMTS device will update the value of its counter. When the future time stamp value stored in a particular CMTS device is equal to the value of the CMTS devices counter, an internal signal will be issued by the CMTS device. Upon issuance of the internal signal, the counter of each of the one or more slave CMTS devices is synchronized with one another by resetting each counter to a previously stored new counter value.