Abstract: A video distribution network having an architecture that distributes video services over a greater serving area. The broadcast consolidation section receives broadband data from a plurality of information providers, preferably as compressed, digital signals using asynchronous transfer mode ATM transport. The broadcast consolidation section combines the ATM streams from different information providers and outputs a consolidated signal onto a transport ring. The broadcast ring supplies the consolidated broadcast signal to a plurality of video network hubs, each of which downloads the consolidated broadcast data, converts the consolidated broadcast data to motion picture experts group MPEG data on an RF carrier, and combines the RF signal with other RF signals before transmission by optical fiber to a plurality of local video access nodes.

Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscribers terminals and broadband server equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers, either as a function of providers available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribes. The Level 1 Gateway may also provide a PIN number functionality, e.g. to permit parents to limit which providers their children can access.

Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscribers terminals and broadband server equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers, either as a function of providers available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribes. The Level 1 Gateway may also provide a PIN number functionality, e.g. to permit parents to limit which providers their children can access.

Abstract: A video distribution network having an architecture that distributes video services over a greater serving area. The broadcast consolidation section receives broadband data from a plurality of information providers, preferably as compressed, digital signals using asynchronous transfer mode ATM transport. The broadcast consolidation section combines the ATM streams from different information providers and outputs a consolidated signal onto a transport ring. The broadcast ring supplies the consolidated broadcast signal to a plurality of video network hubs, each of which downloads the consolidated broadcast data, converts the consolidated broadcast data to motion picture experts group MPEG data on an RF carrier, and combines the RF signal with other RF signals before transmission by optical fiber to a plurality of local video access nodes.

Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscribers terminals and broadband server equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers, either as a function of providers available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribes. The Level 1 Gateway may also provide a PIN number functionality, e.g. to permit parents to limit which providers their children can access.

Abstract: An access subnetwork provides broadcast access transport as well as selective allocation of resources for interactive communications sessions dedicated to individual end users. The access subnetwork has specified broadcast and interactive service interfaces, both for communications to and from an information provider and for communication to and from customer premises equipment. An Access Subnetwork Controller provides a single point of control contact within the access subnetwork. Any other subnetwork (typically an element of a higher level control subnetwork) needing a control function in the access subnetwork always sends the request for that function to the Access Subnetwork Controller. The primary responsibility of the Access Subnetwork Controller is to control resources, provide requested resources and monitor the use of resources within in the realm of the access subnetwork.

Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscribers terminals and broadband server equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. In an enhanced video dial tone network additionally providing an array of broadcast services from multiple providers, the Level 1 Gateway also provides high level control over at least some of the broadcast services. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers and broadcast services, either as a function of providers and services available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribers.

Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscriber's terminals and broadband server's equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. In an enhanced video dial tone network additionally providing an array of broadcast services from multiple providers, the Level 1 Gateway also provides high level control over at least some of the broadcast services. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers and broadcast services, either as a function of providers and services available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribers.