Abstract: A supervisory communications device, such as a headend device within a communications network, monitors and controls communications with a plurality of remote communications devices throughout a widely distributed network. The supervisory device allocates bandwidth on the upstream channels by sending MAP messages over its downstream channel. A highly integrated media access controller integrated circuit (MAC IC) operates within the headend to provide lower level processing on signals exchanged with the remote devices. The enhanced functionality of the MAC IC relieves the processing burden on the headend CPU and increases packet throughput.

Abstract: A number of features for enhancing the performance of a communication system, in which data is transmitted between a base station and a plurality of subscriber stations located different distances from the base station, are presented. The power transmission level, slot timing, and equalization of the subscriber stations are set by a ranging process. Data is transmitted by the subscriber stations in fragmented form. Various measures are taken to make transmission from the subscriber stations robust. The uplink data transmission is controlled to permit multiple access from the subscriber stations.

Abstract: A number of features for enhancing the performance of a wireless communication system, in which data is transmitted between a central node and a plurality of subscriber nodes located remotely with respect to the central node, are presented. The power transmission level, slot timing, and equalization of the subscriber nodes are set by a ranging process. Data is transmitted by the subscriber nodes in fragmented form. Various measures are taken to make transmission from the subscriber nodes robust. The uplink data transmission is controlled to permit multiple access from the subscriber nodes.

Abstract: A number of features for enhancing the performance of a communication system, in which data is transmitted between a base station and a plurality of subscriber stations located different distances from the base station, are presented. The power transmission level, slot timing, and equalization of the subscriber stations are set by a ranging process. Data is transmitted by the subscriber stations in fragmented form. Various measures are taken to make transmission from the subscriber stations robust. The uplink data transmission is controlled to permit multiple access from the subscriber stations.

Abstract: A number of features for enhancing the performance of a cable transmission system, in which data is transmitted between a cable modem termination system at a headend and a plurality of cable modems located different distances from the headend, are presented. The power transmission level, slot timing, and equalization of the cable modems are set by a ranging process. Data is transmitted by the modems in fragmented form. Various measures are taken to make transmission from the cable modems robust. The upstream data transmission is controlled to permit multiple access from the cable modems.