Abstract: The present invention enables the self-diagnosis functionality by embedding a cable modem with the CMTS system with mechanisms to redirect the signals from external connections to the embedded cable modem, thereby enabling the end user to fully test the CMTS using a suite of diagnostic tests. The embedded cable modem integrates the external CM, computer and diagnostic software in the chassis, or alternatively onto the CMTS card in the chassis. The invention enables the end user to fully test the functionality as a stand-alone unit, without relying on any external test equipment or methods. It also enables the end user to diagnose the CMTS from a remote location. Another major advantage of the present invention is that it enables the CMTS/CM function to be verified over the entire physical layer parameter set (frequency, symbol rate, FEC, signal levels, etc.) while not interrupting any of the services that are on the ‘live’ HFC plant.

Abstract: A system and process for directly and flexibly switching connections of data packet flows between nodes of a broadband data processing system network. The system acts as a single IP switch.

Abstract: A method for ranging a plurality of remote modules at the physical layer is provided. The method includes transmitting a signal under control of the physical layer from a head end to a plurality of remote modules indicating the beginning of a ranging period and receiving ranging signals from each remote module during a specified time slot for the remote module generated under control of the physical layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hybrid fiber-coax network having a head end and at least one fiber node in two-way communication therewith. A cable modem is located within the fiber node that provides a communication channel. The communication channel is adapted to transmit at least one informational signal that is indicative of a condition of the fiber node to the head end and is adapted to receive at least one control signal from the head end.

Abstract: A circuit for a cable modem termination system is provided. The circuit includes a backplane interface and a packet processing engine coupled to the backplane interface. The circuit further includes a plurality of media access control (MAC) circuits, each media access control circuit coupled to the packet processing engine, each MAC circuit supporting one of N contiguous downstream channels with a single upconverter and each MAC circuit also supporting a plurality of upstream channels.

Abstract: An interface port expansion device (302) allows for more than one terminal equipment (304, 306, 308 and 310) having embedded U-interface termination's to interface to the ISDN via the U interface. The port expansion device (302) can take the form of a separate stand-alone device or a circuit which is integrated into a terminal apparatus. The port expansion device (302) includes a plurality of local (secondary) U interface ports (314, 316, 318 and 324) for interconnecting the terminal equipment (304, 306, 308 and 310) and a network side U interface (312) for interconnection to the ISDN. In other aspects of the invention, methods for allowing a plurality of terminal equipment having embedded U-interface terminations to receive messages from and transmit messages to the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) via a single network side U-interface are described.