Abstract: A method of traffic regulation in a packet communication network involves a token bucket associated with a subscriber. Packets arriving at the regulator are handled in accordance with the token bucket configuration. The method further involves measuring a demand placed on the packet communication network by the subscriber. The token bucket configuration for the subscriber is dynamically adjusted based on the demand. Another method of traffic regulation handles packets that arrive at the regulator in accordance with first and second token bucket configurations. The first token bucket regulates packet rate while the second token bucket regulates data rate. Another method of traffic regulation involves handling packets in accordance with a token bucket configuration, where the amount of tokens to be removed is based on the amount of the flow and is further based on a classification of the flow. Packet-level devices for traffic regulation are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method for establishing class of service configuration in a network device of a broadband cable network using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is disclosed. A request to obtain a network address presented using DHCP is received from a network interface unit over the cable network, generally upon boot up of the network interface unit. A DHCP message is received from a registration center, and the message includes a network address and a quality of service code value associated with the network interface unit. Based on the quality of service code value, a quality of service configuration is established in the cable network for the network interface unit. As a result, quality of service information is obtained for each network interface unit in the network, specifically when the network interface unit is activated, and as part of its boot-up sequence.

Abstract: A method for managing MAC messages is provided which supports dynamic resource reservation for upstream data traffic in a broadband cable system. Three specialized MAC management messages of Dynamic Session Addition, Dynamic Session Deletion, and Dynamic Session Acknowledgment are used to control setting of a filter spec parameter in a cable modem. The present invention provides upstream bandwidth resource reservation which allows packet scheduling to occur at a CMTS, and packet classification to occur at a cable modem. Such an arrangement allows the RSVP protocol to be adapted for use at the OSI protocol layer of a typical cable modem, thereby improving efficiency of network bandwidth/resource allocation.

Abstract: A method for managing MAC messages is provided which supports dynamic resource reservation for upstream data traffic in a broadband cable system. Three specialized MAC management messages of Dynamic Session Addition, Dynamic Session Deletion, and Dynamic Session Acknowledgment are used to control setting of a filter spec parameter in a cable modem. The present invention provides upstream bandwidth resource reservation which allows packet scheduling to occur at a CMTS, and packet classification to occur at a cable modem. Such an arrangement allows the RSVP protocol to be adapted for use at the OSI protocol layer of a typical cable modem, thereby improving efficiency of network bandwidth/resource allocation.

Abstract: A system and method for provisioning a user terminal for accessing a wideband cable data distribution network, such as an Internet-over-cable system, utilizes an auto-provisioning web server to allow provisioning of a user cable modem without need for a field technician to separately input associated modem identification information via a telephone. A LDAP directory is used to store all provisioning information, and is accessible by a DHCP server to selectively allocate network IP addresses to only provisioned terminals.

Abstract: In a broadband cable data network, a method and system for automatically allocating network resources such as IP addresses to control access to the network utilizes at least one DHCP server, and a common network database formed from a LDAP directory for storing respective user configuration parameters, hardware address registration, and current binding information. A DHCP server can add new hardware address registrations to the LDAP using an "unregistered" service class. The DHCP server sends a DHCP reply tailored for unregistered devices, such as by allocating a privately-allocated IP address with no Internet access, or an IP address for a self-provisioning web server. A DHCP server views IP address allocation as indefinite, while a user will view an IP address allocation as having a short duration. Thus, if the IP network configuration does not change, the user terminal will continue to receive the same allocated IP address due to the DHCP server's perception of an indefinite lease.