Abstract: A method of initializing, provisioning, and managing a cable modem and a customer premise equipment device includes, prior to receiving the configuration file for the cable modem, providing an equipment identification message containing a description of the customer premise equipment device connected to the cable modem. In the case where the cable modem has yet to be provisioned, the configuration file received from the network server is a particular access-limiting configuration file that is selected from a group of access-limiting configuration files. The selection of the particular access-limiting configuration file is based on the description of the customer premise equipment device in the equipment identification message. This allows different devices to have different network restrictions or different walled gardens.

Abstract: A system and method for providing premium transport in a DOCSIS-compliant cable network. An edge server in a DOCSIS-compliant cable network maintains a list of preferred content providers (PCPs). For each PCP, the PCP list comprises matching criteria. The edge server monitors the header of incoming packets for the matching criteria. A packet that matches the matching criteria is modified by the edge server causing the packet to be associated with a “premium” downstream service flow. Packets sent in response to a “preferred” packet are parsed by a cable modem and routed upstream according to a “premium” upstream service flow.

Abstract: A cable modem in communication with a trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) server includes a default system and a backup system employing various packet cable protocols. The cable modem boots with the default system, obtains a vendor specific information (VSIF) from the TFTP server, and determines if the VSIF matches with the default system. The cable modem continuously boots with the default system if the VSIF matches with the default system. The cable modem configures the currently default system to be the backup system and configures the currently backup system to be the default system, and reboots with the newly configured default system if the VSIF mismatches with the default system.

Abstract: A cable modem locks one of downstream channels and receives a plurality of frequency plan descriptors from a cable modem terminal system (CMTS) over the locked downstream channel. Each frequency plan descriptor includes a fragment quantity field, a fragment sequence number field, and a frequency information field. The cable modem determines if the plurality of frequency plan descriptors transmitted by the CMTS are all received according to the fragment quantity field and the fragment sequence number field of one currently received frequency plan descriptor. The cable modem obtains frequency plan of the cable modem configured by the CMTS according to the frequency information fields if the plurality of frequency plan descriptors are all received, and then locks other downstream channels according to the obtained frequency plan.

Abstract: An M-CMTS compatible UEQAM device implements circuitry to identify and analyze MAP message in the data stream sent from the M-CMTS Core with respect to timing information embedded in those messages. The improved UEQAM will then create a specific message as an extension to DEPI to communicate that information to the M-CMTS Core. The M-CMTS Core will employ that analysis to automatically adjust MAP message advance time to reduce delay and thus improve system performance. This invention will provide a closed-loop between the M-CMTS Core and the UEQAM where valuable transmission information will periodically be fed back from UEQAM-to-M-CMTS Core in real-time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extending the capabilities of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using one or more on-demand applications. In one aspect, an improved media handling extension is provided within the device with which the various application(s) can interface to facilitate on-demand interaction between the CPE and the head end or other network entity. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box (DSTB) having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the OCAP/ACAP/MHP mandated Java Media Framework (JMF) APIs. A specially configured application is downloaded to the DSTB and run, the application configuring the paths within the device to provide, inter alia, media access to the on-demand application(s) according to one or more network specific protocols. Accordingly, the network MSO can also uniquely configure the CPE within its network for on-demand capability according to its own specific protocols from the head-end.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and method for providing end to end quality of service for cellular voice traffic over a data network. For example, in one embodiment, the method includes tagging outgoing cellular traffic at a network interface device with a prioritization marking to produce prioritized data and transmitting the prioritized data directly to an access carrier network associated with providing an access line to the cellular network interface device. The method maintains, at the access carrier network, the prioritization marking of the outgoing cellular traffic for routing the outgoing cellular traffic through the access carrier network. The method hands off the prioritized data directly to a cellular service provider network associated with the cellular device via a directly connected network to network interface.

Abstract: A power supply controlling system includes a receiving device, a power supply device, and a transmitting device connected to an information processing apparatus. The receiving device includes a transmitting portion that transmits a switch signal of a power supply switch used for on/off of the power supply device to the transmitting device via second signal lines used for the reception of a second video signal, which are different from first signal lines used for the reception of a first video signal. The transmitting device includes an acquiring portion that acquires the switch signal from the second signal lines on which the second video signal and the switch signal are mixed, and an outputting portion that outputs the switch signal to the power supply device. The receiving device and the transmitting device are connected with a single cable including the first and the second signal lines.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for synchronizing cable modems, the method includes the stages of: (i) generating, at a media access control entity, synchronization messages; and (ii) updating the synchronization messages to provide updated synchronization messages, whereas the updating is responsive to delays introduced at least during a stage of multiplexing the updated synchronization messages and additional content. The invention provides a system and a method of encrypting a data stream, the method includes the stages of: (i) receiving, at a multiplexing entity, at least one data stream destined to at least one cable modem; (ii) receiving, at the multiplexing entity, at least one encryption key generated by a cable modem termination system, whereas each encryption key is associated with at least one cable modem; and (iii) encrypting at least one data stream with at least one encryption key associated with the at least one cable modem.

Abstract: A presence enabled media host device is provided for accessing presence information associated with a number of communication endpoints and requesting the initiation of a communication session with at least one of the communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may access presence information, which includes information relating to the availability of a number of first communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may also receive a command requesting establishment of a communication session between at least one of the first communication endpoints and one or more second communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may then communicate a request for the communication session to a proxy server.

Abstract: A set-top-box (STB) provides capability for monitoring and control of power usage and the ability to establish communications. A smart residential service system (SRSS) is provided that uses power line communication (PLC) technology to provide secure in-home LAN communication and also to monitor and provide remote control of connected appliances in the home. An embodiment combines the STB with a master unit (MST) that is used with PLC to meet the requirements of the central device in the SRSS.

Abstract: A cable modem of a CATV system includes a proxy requesting unit. The proxy requesting unit requests a set top box to send relevant information about the set top box when the cable modem is requested to send the relevant information from at least one management device connected to the cable modem via a CATV network.

Abstract: A cable modem of a CATV system includes an address monitoring unit and a proxy requesting unit. The address monitoring unit monitors an address of at least one set top box connected to the cable modem based on a content of transmission sent to the cable modem from the set top box. The proxy requesting unit requests for sending relevant information about the set top box to an address indicated by monitoring result of the address monitoring unit, when the proxy requesting unit is requested for sending the relevant information by at least one management device connected to the cable modem via a CATV network.

Abstract: A device for obtaining, storing and displaying information from a remote server, the device has a modem for establishing communication sessions with the remote server. A memory coupled to the modem stores the obtained information, and a display is coupled to the memory for displaying the stored information. The device automatically and periodically communicates with the remote server for obtaining the information.

Abstract: A PLC cable modem is provided which includes an analog electromagnetic field transducer for generating an electromagnetic field based on an analog electrical signal and also for generating an analog electrical signal based on an electromagnetic field. The PLC cable modem also includes an analog signal processing unit operatively coupled to the analog electromagnetic field transducer and a digital signal processing unit for processing signals received from (or to be sent to) the analog signal processing unit. An interface port is provided for communicating digital signals to and from a data transmission or receiving device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multimedia signals is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an adjunct device coupled between a Set-Top Box (STB) and a media device. The adjunct device can have a controller element that receives a telephony signal from a communication system and an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) multimedia signal supplied by the STB, monitors call origination activities in the telephony signal, and presents at the media device in whole or in part the telephony and the IPTV multimedia signal according to the call origination activities monitored. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A wideband cable modem includes a plurality of tuners and a plurality of central frequencies each corresponding to one of a plurality of frequency ranges. Each frequency range is divided into a plurality of frequency segments. A scan controlling thread of the wideband cable modem retrieves one of the central frequencies corresponding to one of the frequency ranges, and controls a plurality of channel locking threads to synchronously scan the plurality of frequency segments of the corresponding frequency range to lock onto a downstream channel according to the retrieved central frequency. Each of the channel locking threads of the wideband cable modem controls one of the tuners to scan one of the frequency segments to lock onto a downstream channel.

Abstract: Communications signal transcoder. A solution is provided to transcode a signal from a first signal type to a second signal type to ensure proper interfacing between devices that may operate using different signal types. For example, within a communication system, a first signal type (having a first modulation type, e.g., 8 PSK) may be received. The transcoder then ensures that this signal, after it has undergone any initial processing (such as tuning, down-converting, decoding, and so on), is encoded into a second signal type (having a second modulation type, e.g., QPSK) such that it can interface properly with a device for which the received signal is intended. This transcoder functionality may be implemented within discrete components, or it may alternatively be integrated within a functional block of an integrated circuit. This functionality may be implemented in a variety of communication systems including satellite, cable television, Internet, and others.

Abstract: A system is described that consists of a variable modulation unicast system that utilizes multiple modulation schemes in a cable network for unicast applications and is capable of assigning users to different channels of differing modulation schemes in the network based on a feedback signal received in response to a transmitted probe signal. The system may also, in response to the feedback signal from a remote device in the network, assign a channel from a plurality of channels having differing carrier frequencies and modulation schemes to the remote device and may also modify the carrier frequencies of the channels.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described to increase customer awareness within a network device of a cable network. Based on this increased awareness, a layer 3 network device, such as a router, may apply services that augment services applied by a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS). The network device may be positioned between the CMTS and a backend network of the cable network. The network device may include a control unit to access the CMTS to determine network information and at least one network interface that receives network traffic. The control unit may apply at least one of a plurality of services provided by the network device to the network traffic based on the network information learned from the CMTS. Often, at least one of the differentiated services may comprise a service not provided by the CMTS and, consequently, a service that may augment those services currently provided by the CMTS.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the performance of a modem connection. The method includes connecting a line interface to a communication link carrying signals of a modem connection, between a pair of end modems, collecting signals passing on the communication link, between the end modems, through the line interface, determining quality or transmission characteristics regarding the modem connection, responsive to signals collected through the line interface, and displaying information on the determined characteristics.

Abstract: A multi wide area network (WAN) media content router, remotely controlled, and located from client reception stations, that enables video stream and multimedia content reception from terrestrial, satellite, internet protocol (IP) sources, 3G, and 4G. The router receives a plurality of direct transport streams from these different transmission media types without compression and routes these signals based upon predetermined protocol. The router receives multiple signals, discerns among the signals of different transmission media types, assesses the quality of the signals received, and delivers the highest quality signal to several multiplexed channels as an output in the form of a transport stream or packet data to a plurality of clients.

Abstract: A system allocates upstream resources to multiple cable modems subsequent to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) re-boot. The system groups the multiple cable modems into multiple groups. The system orders, subsequent to the CMTS re-boot, allocation of upstream resources to each of the multiple cable modems based on the group to which each of the cable modems belongs. The system allocates upstream resources to each of the cable modems based on the ordering.

Abstract: In one embodiment, upstream transmission throughput in a cable network is markedly increased by moving up the US/DS frequency split by approximately an order of magnitude to a few hundred MHz. Additional transceivers (carriers) may be implemented to take advantage of the broader spectrum. A block of multiple upstream carriers (FIG. 2A) are associated to form a single logical upstream providing a high-bandwidth, in-order packet stream. The carriers have a common start time (704), pursuant to a single MAP message, and operation synchronously to transmit an upstream transmission frame (250). They may use OFDM or discrete carriers. A convergence layer (350) assembles the data from all of the upstream channels (320,322,324) for presentation to the MAC layer logic (308,310) as a single, serial, high-speed transmission from the CM.

Abstract: Distributed CMTS device for a HFC CATV network serving multiple neighborhoods by multiple individual cables, in which the QAM modulators that provide data for the individual cables are divided between QAM modulators located at the cable plant, and remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A basic set of CATV QAM data waveforms may be transmitted to the nodes using a first fiber, and a second set of IP/on-demand data may be transmitted to the nodes using an alternate fiber or alternate fiber frequency, and optionally other protocols such as Ethernet protocols. The nodes will extract the data specific to each neighborhood and inject this data into unused QAM channels, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for this system is also disclosed. The system has high backward compatibility, and can be configured to mimic a conventional cable plant CMTS.

Abstract: Method of bidirectional Time Division Duplex (TDD) data transmission over the same RF frequency ranges of a CATV cable system. The system's slave modem clocks are time synchronized to the master clock of a master modem. The master-to-slave signal propagation times are determined and used to precisely schedule transmissions with de-minimis guard times. The frequency range may be chosen to be in the high frequency CATV range around 1 GHz to maximize backward compatibility with legacy systems, and this frequency may in turn be subdivided into multiple frequencies. In some embodiments, the CATV cable tree may be further partitioned into multiple TDD domains, and multiple local master modems, connected by a special-use optical fiber, may communicate with multiple local slave modems. The system may use MAP allocation schemes that may frequently reallocate TDD time slots and frequencies according to current or projected slave modem data needs.

Abstract: A method of effectively setting and changing a Receive Channel Set (RCS) of a cable modem (CM) is provided. The method includes: receiving, by a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS), a Receive Channel Profile (RCP) with respect to a downstream physical layer of a CM; composing, by the CMTS, a plurality of channel configuration information required for setting the RCS of the CM with reference to the RCP; encoding, by the CMTS, the plurality of channel configuration information, and transmitting the encoded plurality of channel configuration information to the CM; transmitting, by the CM, an RCP with respect to a downstream physical layer to a CMTS; receiving, by the CM, a plurality of channel configuration information being composed with reference to the RCP and being required for setting the RCS; and setting, by the CM, the RCS using the plurality of channel configuration information.

Abstract: A method for providing network access to a shared access communications medium for a plurality of users includes the steps of conducting predictive admission control by arbitrating user requests for access to the shared medium based on predicted aggregate demands, conducting lookahead scheduling for use in making user channel assignments by forecasting schedule transmission opportunities one or more channels of the shared medium, and balancing load by making channel assignments such that a plurality users are each assigned a respective channel of the shared medium based upon a predicted need. Congestion parameters can predicted for each channel of the shared medium and mapped to a congestion measure using a mathematical function that takes into account packet loss rate, packet delay, packet delay jitter, and available capacity.

Abstract: A method for providing a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) service to a terminal communicable with different communication networks. The DMB service method includes receiving a broadcasting program over a DMB network; receiving the broadcasting program over a Wireless Broadband (WiBro) network upon failure to receive the broadcasting program signal from the DMB network; and upon receipt of the broadcasting program signal back from the DMB network, interrupting the broadcasting program received from the WiBro network and receiving the broadcasting program over the DMB network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing an operating system to automatically configure and operate multiple types of the same component. According to various embodiments, characteristic information associated with a particular component, such as a tuner, can be written to a nonvolatile memory. An operating system can be configured to read characteristic information from the nonvolatile memory associated with the component. In one example, the characteristic information includes power characteristics associated with the component. By providing characteristic information in a nonvolatile memory, a single version of an operating system can configure and operate many different versions and types of the same component.

Abstract: A system facilitates initialization of devices in a cable modem network. The system may provide downstream channels for transmitting data to the devices and upstream channels for receiving data from the devices. At least one of the upstream channels may be dedicated to providing initialization opportunities. This dedicated upstream channel(s) includes less than all of the upstream channels. The system may transmit upstream channel identifiers on the downstream channels, where each of the upstream channel identifiers identifies one of the upstream channels. The system receives initialization data on the dedicated upstream channel(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for initializing a dual mode device can use a network type flag to determine whether a network type is set. The dual mode device can initialize using a network type corresponding to the network type flag. In some implementations, if the network type is incorrect, the dual mode device can update the network type flag and restart the dual mode device.

Abstract: A protection CMTS is available to immediately service a cable modem should that modem's service from a working CMTS fail for any reason. To speed the service transfer (cutover) from the working CMTS to the protection CMTS, the cable modem may preregister with the protection CMTS well before the cutover becomes necessary. The cable modem's registration with both the working CMTS and the protection CMTS preferably employs a single IP address, so that the cable modem need not obtain a new IP address during cutover. While the cable modem may register with both the working CMTS and the protection CMTS, the devices are designed or configured so that only the working CMTS injects a host route for the cable modem into the appropriate routing protocol. Only after cutover to the protection CMTS does the protection CMTS inject its host route.

Abstract: A cable modem termination system that connects to cable modems includes a scheduler and a system manager. The scheduler schedules transmission opportunities for the cable modems and operates in multiple fragmentation modes. The scheduling of transmission opportunities by the scheduler differs among the fragmentation modes. The system manager compares one or more processing parameters associated with the cable modem termination system to one or more thresholds and causes the scheduler to transition among the fragmentation modes based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A cable modem termination system measures signal qualities of upstream transmissions associated with one or more cable modems. The system monitors the measured upstream signal qualities, and selectively commands at least one of the one or more cable modems to switch between upstream channels based on the signal quality monitoring.

Abstract: A method for configuration conversion includes: switching a working mode to a virtual Cable Modem (CM) mode according to a virtual mode switching notification message sent by an Optical Line Terminal (OLT); obtaining first configuration information from an Operations Support System (OSS), the first configuration information being DOCSIS-based configuration information; converting the first configuration information into second configuration information, the second configuration information being PON-based configuration information; implementing local parameter configuration according to the PON-based second configuration information; and sending a configuration complete message to the OLT after the configuration is complete. With the present disclosure, a performance bottleneck problem that might otherwise exist within the OLT art can be solved, and a service provisioning efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cable modem determines network backpressure per service-flow, and transmits the network backpressure per service-flow to a router (e.g., co-located on a same network device). Also, the cable modem may transmit service-flow classifications to the router, such that the router may then control traffic per service-flow based on the network backpressure per service-flow, accordingly.

Abstract: A modem (10) includes a signal tuner module (101), a signal processing module (103), and a mode switching module (105). The signal tuner module receives a radio frequency (RF) signal in a first operation mode, and converts the RF signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal according to the first operation mode. The signal processing module processes the IF signal to generate an error rate according to the first operation mode. The mode switching module determines whether the first operation mode is right according to the error rate, and switches from the first operation mode to a second operation mode when the first operation mode is not right. A method for switching operation modes thereof is also provided.

Abstract: A typical cable television (CATV) network can be used as a communication link between a remote antenna system and a cellular base station (BTS). To do so, capacity of the typical CATV network is expanded to add use of an additional frequency spectrum, the added frequency is then divided into frequency channels (bands) of which each channel is digitized (e.g., using QAM) to produce a certain amount data bandwidth per channel, and a certain number of those channels are concatenated together to provide an aggregate data channel for carrying traffic between the cellular BTS and the remote antenna system (e.g., a distributed antenna system (DAS)).

Abstract: A network gateway is configured to facilitate on line and off line bi-directional communication between a number of near end data and telephony devices with far end data termination devices via a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cable modem termination system. The described network gateway combines a QAM receiver, a transmitter, a DOCSIS MAC, a CPU, a voice and audio processor, a voice synchronizer, an Ethernet MAC, and a USB controller to provide high performance and robust operation.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising a plurality of activities, comprising: via a CPE telephony device simultaneously connectable to a POTS connection and to a connection to a data network: facilitating, via the POTS connection, a PSTN call, and facilitating, via the data network connection, a display of data to a call participant of the PSTN call, the data provided the data network.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM), an optical network unit (ONU) coupled to the WDM, a passive optical network (PON) data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) upstream proxy (PDUP) coupled to the ONU and configured to couple to a coaxial cable, and a downstream (DS) optical/electrical (O/E) converter coupled to the WDM and configured to couple to the coaxial cable. An apparatus comprising a WDM, an optical line terminal (OLT) coupled to the WDM, a cable model termination system (CMTS) coupled to the OLT via an upstream external physical (PHY) interface (UEPI), and a DOCSIS and a Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) unit coupled to the WDM and the CMTS.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an “upstream resource pool” may be defined, such that certain upstream resources may be utilized, or not, depending on current traffic demands. Such a pool may include a specified number of available upstream channels. A universe of “eligible” RF domains may be associated with the pool. To provide additional capacity when traffic demands warrant it, an eligible RF domain may be enabled to request one or more upstream channels from the pool. A channel may be requested for a specified duration, or for an unspecified period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented to allow the extension of a DOCSIS cable modem service over a wireless link. According to the invention a wireless hub transceiver is connected to a distribution coax cable of a DOCSIS based system. The downstream data are transferred over a wireless link to a remote subscriber radio frequency (RF) unit connected to a cable modem that provides the downstream data to the subscriber. Similarly, upstream data are sent from the subscriber cable modem over the wireless link to the wireless hub transceiver where such data are inserted back to the distribution coax cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for resolving signal-to-noise ratio margin difference n dual latency discrete multi-tone (DMT)-based xDSL systems under colored noise conditions. Rather than assuming a constant power spectral density (PSD) for noise over fast and interleaved data paths of a dual latency system, band edges vulnerable to colored noise are determined and data on the fast data path is allocated away from these band edges. Also, receive windowing may be used to further enhance performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to properly protecting broadcast contents stored on a receiver side from copying without permission and illegal use in server type broadcasting. According to the invention, contents are sent from a broadcast sending side in a state in which copyright information for the contents is added to the contents. On the other hand, on a receiving client side applicable to server type digital broadcasting, it is possible to perform appropriate control for reproduction of contents and recording reservation on the basis of copyright information for contents such as the number of times of reproduction of contents, restriction of display resolution at the time of reproduction of contents, and an expiration date of content reproduction. According to this copyright information, it is possible to perform detailed control for a display device incorporated in or connected to a receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing WiMAX coverage via a wired network are provided. For example, systems and methods are discussed in which a Cable TV (“CATV”) network, Direct Broadcasting Satellite (“DBS”) and/or Passive Optical Network (PON) are used in order to deliver the native WiMAX signals into the buildings or an area in which WiMAX coverage is desired, where a small Consumer Premise Device is used to transmit and receive the signals to and from the WiMAX devices.

Abstract: In a DOCSIS-based communications system, different upstream channel descriptors (UCDs) all identify a single logical upsteam channel identifier (UCID) regardless of the type of cable modem (CM) to which the UCDs are sent. Different CMs having different capabilities (e.g., CMs configured according to the different DOCSIS standards 1.x, 2.0, and 3.0) receive their respective UCDs from an upstream headend. All the UCDs, however, refer to the same logical upstream channel. The different CMs therefore share this single logical upstream channel.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for presenting advertisements. In one aspect, audiovisual content is presented to a user. An indicator is presented together with the audiovisual content to the user. The indicator is associated with one or more tags. Input selecting the indicator is received from the user. An advertisement, associated with the indicator and dynamically selected based at least in part on one or more of the tags, is presented to the user.

Abstract: A method of performing communication between an Internet protocol (IP) address allocation server and an apparatus including a cable card and a host device is disclosed. In the communication method, the host acquires identification information of the cable card and transmits a message including the identification information of the cable card to the IP address allocation server. The host receives an IP address for the cable card from the IP address allocation server and sends the received IP address for the cable card to the cable card. Accordingly, it is possible to acquire the IP addresses for the host and the cable card via one physical interface. In addition, it is possible to stabilize an overall system by efficiently operating the IP process according to an operation mode of the cable card.