Abstract: An apparatus for implementing soft duplex operation of a communications network that transmits downstream signals from a service provider to a subscriber and upstream signals from the subscriber to the service provider. The apparatus may include a pair of opposed triplexers defining a first signal path through a first amplifier and a second signal path through a second amplifier. The apparatus may also include at least one switch that selectively alternates a mid0band signal between an upstream signal and a downstream signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods can provide for packet-rate policing and admission control with optional stress throttling. In some implementations, a broadband device can monitor bandwidth usage and respond after exceeding a maximum packet-rate threshold based on a per-channel basis. In other implementations, a broadband device can monitor bandwidth usage and respond after exceeding a maximum packet-rate threshold based on a per-service-flow basis. In additional implementations, a broadband device processor can feedback data to the packet-rate policer to throttle the packet rate based on processor utilization. Policing data traffic based on packet-rate instead of bandwidth can increase flexibility to service providers as an increasing number of services are deployed to users.

Abstract: A method performed by a central network device, such as a network edge device, or a CMTS, determines whether some of a plurality of user devices coupled to a communication device are transmitting at substantially their respective maximum power output level over a given channel. If the central device determines that some of the devices are operating at near their maximum output level (“power pegged,) the central device searches for another channel that can carry the traffic of the power pegged devices at reduced data rate. If another channel can accommodate transmission of signals of the power pegged device, the central device instructs the power pegged devices to tune to the new channel at a reduced data rate compared to the data rate of the current channel.

Abstract: A translation agent adapts DOCSIS information, primarily QoS information, for transmission over a PON. The agent places into an IP address field of a DHCP message the MAC address of an ONU associated with a CPE device attempting to register with a CMTS. The translation agent intercepts DHCP reply messages from the DHCP server using the MAC address of the ONU. The translation agent extracts information, including an IP address of the client CPE assigned by the DHCP server. The agent downloads a configuration file for the CPE device using the configuration filename and configuration file server contained in a DHCP reply message. Information contained in the configuration file is converted from content in a format used by DOCSIS, to content in a format used by PON devices. The translated content includes QoS parameters, functions related to which are controlled at the ONU by an OLT coupled to the CMTS.

Abstract: A method performed by a central network device, such as a network edge device, or a CMTS, determines whether some of a plurality of user devices coupled to a communication device are transmitting at substantially their respective maximum power output level over a given channel. If the central device determines that some of the devices are operating at near their maximum output level (“power pegged,) the central device searches for another channel that can carry the traffic of the power pegged devices at reduced data rate. If another channel can accommodate transmission of signals of the power pegged device, the central device instructs the power pegged devices to tune to the new channel at a reduced data rate compared to the data rate of the current channel.

Abstract: Methods for computing system data (e.g., the number of CMs per DS-SG or US-SG) and traffic data (e.g., the number of online CMs, the number of active CMs, the percentage of time a CM is online, the percentage of time a CM is active, and the concurrency of CMs) in a DOCSIS system are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus can be used to flexibly allocate RF channels to output ports on edge termination systems. Flexible edge termination systems can include multiplexing modules operable to combine signals together inside of the flexible edge termination system to provide a flexible mapping of RF channels to output ports.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be used to provide reduced latency in channel changing for interactive programming. In some implementations, such systems and methods can include identifying a rapid channel change mode and filtering older requests when a device detects the rapid channel change mode. In other implementations, such systems and methods can predict channel change requests and identify predicted channels associated with the predicted requests. The predicted channels can thereby be requested in advance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to use energy reduction techniques in an effort to extend the battery life of a mobile device when the mobile device is lost to increase the time an owner of a lost mobile device has to search for the lost device using any lost mobile device locating technique before the mobile device's battery fully discharges. A lost mobile device receives a power preservation command and operates in a power preservation mode while executing a locating technique to aid in the locating the lost mobile device.

Abstract: A translation agent adapts DOCSIS information, primarily QoS information, for transmission over a PON. The agent places into an IP address field of a DHCP message the MAC address of an ONU associated with a CPE device attempting to register with a CMTS. The translation agent intercepts DHCP reply messages from the DHCP server using the MAC address of the ONU. The translation agent extracts information, including an IP address of the client CPE assigned by the DHCP server. The agent downloads a configuration file for the CPE device using the configuration filename and configuration file server contained in a DHCP reply message. Information contained in the configuration file is converted from content in a format used by DOCSIS, to content in a format used by PON devices. The translated content includes QoS parameters, functions related to which are controlled at the ONU by an OLT coupled to the CMTS.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing connection interference within and across adjacent interfaces are provided. An interface includes ports arranged along at least a first axis and second axis. The ports on the first axis are offset from the ports on the second axis. When two interfaces are provided adjacent to each other, the ports on the last axis of the first circuit board are offset from the ports on the first axis of the second circuit board.

Abstract: Methods for computing system data (e.g., the number of CMs per DS-SG or US-SG) and traffic data (e.g., the number of online CMs, the number of active CMs, the percentage of time a CM is online, the percentage of time a CM is active, and the concurrency of CMs) in a DOCSIS system are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus can be used to flexibly allocate RF channels to output ports on edge termination systems. Flexible edge termination systems can include multiplexing modules operable to combine signals together inside of the flexible edge termination system to provide a flexible mapping of RF channels to output ports.

Abstract: A translation agent adapts DOCSIS information, primarily QoS information, for transmission over a PON. The agent places into an IP address field of a DHCP message the MAC address of an ONU associated with a CPE device attempting to register with a CMTS. The translation agent intercepts DHCP reply messages from the DHCP server using the MAC address of the ONU. The translation agent extracts information, including an IP address of the client CPE assigned by the DHCP server. The agent downloads a configuration file for the CPE device using the configuration filename and configuration file server contained in a DHCP reply message. Information contained in the configuration file is converted from content in a format used by DOCSIS, to content in a format used by PON devices. The translated content includes QoS parameters, functions related to which are controlled at the ONU by an OLT coupled to the CMTS.

Abstract: In a data system, such as a cable modem termination system, different-priority flows are scheduled to be routed to their logical destinations by factoring both the priority level and the time spent in queue. The time that each packet of each flow spends waiting for transmission is normalized such that the waiting times of all flows are equalized with respect to each other. A latency scaling parameter is calculated.

Abstract: A flow bonder at a CMTS and another at a cable modem distribute packets of a service flow over multiple channels and collect them in the downstream direction respectively; vice versa in the upstream direction. The collector uses a service flow identifier and a sequence number identifier inserted by the distributor into each packet of the flow to reassemble the packets into the order they left the distributor. Packets received at the collector are stored to a buffer. If a stored packet is the next to be transmitted, it is transmitted. If not, the collector waits a predetermined period until the next packet to be sent is received. If it is not received during the wait period, the previously stored packet is sent. The wait period is based on the maximum transmission time difference between any two of the multiple channels.

Abstract: A flow bonder at a CMTS and another at a cable modem distribute packets of a service flow over multiple channels and collect them in the downstream direction respectively; vice versa in the upstream direction. The collector uses a service flow identifier and a sequence number identifier inserted by the distributor into each packet of the flow to reassemble the packets into the order they left the distributor. Packets received at the collector are stored to a buffer. If a stored packet is the next to be transmitted, it is transmitted. If not, the collector waits a predetermined period until the next packet to be sent is received. If it is not received during the wait period, the previously stored packet is sent. The wait period is based on the maximum transmission time difference between any two of the multiple channels.

Abstract: Leaky bucket state machines police packets and throttle packets of a stream or streams that are flowing from hosts towards the processor of a switch or router of a network. The throttling is performed by measuring and analyzing the actual flow rate(s) of the streams' packets. The actual flow rate(s) is compared to a predetermined threshold, which may be based on historical or estimated normal traffic patterns. If the actual flow rate exceeds the threshold associated with characteristics that relate packets to certain streams, packets are discarded from the streams having excessive flow rates. By discarding excessive packets having characteristics that correspond to packet information that typically causes a switch/router's processor to execute operations, the effects of a DoS attack are minimized while also minimizing the discarding of legitimate traffic packets.

Abstract: A long-term usage profile and a congestion state metric are used to determine QoS treatment to apply to packets corresponding to a given network user. A user's historical long-term use, measured over one or more periods of time, is used to generate a profile that is compared to one or more predetermined usage threshold level(s). If the usage profile, either singular or composite corresponding to whether one or more than one measurement is used respectively, exceeds the threshold(s), QoS treatment is applied to service flow bytes according to the comparison results during times of network channel congestion. Congestion metrics are determined based on a count of the number of bytes dropped during a congestion measurement window. Either the count itself or the count rate of change combined with the count are compared to a congestion threshold. If the measured/derived values exceed a congestion threshold, the channel is deemed congested.

Abstract: A subscriber login server is used for managing a subscriber login session. The login server is associated with a DHCP server for configuring a premise equipment device and operator-managed device. A subscriber login client at the premise equipment device securely communicates login username and password identifiers to the subscriber login server without using PPP technology. The login server retrieves matching identifiers from a RADIUS server and authorizes service with messages to the DHCP server and the CMTS. The login client can emulate a PPP login client so that a user's interface is similar to a PPPoE client. However, a layer-3 CMTS can be used instead of a layer-2 CMTS. In addition, subscriber authentication and accounting using RADIUS are preserved, positive network access control at the CMTS is maintained, and native IP traffic is routed or switched for maximum performance and QoS treatment.