Abstract: The detection of devices with duplicate media access controller (MAC) addresses in a cable network. A cable network device (CND) having a MAC address is connected by the cable network to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) having a gateway interface address. A centralized storage of historical cable modem MAC address/giaddr tuple data is used to identify CNDs that report duplicate MAC addresses. The cable network tracks the CND MAC address/giaddr tuple data of all CND requests that it receives and stores the MAC address/giaddr tuple data into a datastore (such as a database). When a CND seeks to access the network, the cable network looks into the datastore to determine whether the CND MAC address of the CND has previously been stored with a different associated giaddr, which would imply that there are multiple CNDs attached to different CMTSs where the CNDs share the same MAC address. If such duplication is detected, an appropriate remedial response is taken.

Abstract: A cable television diagnostic method for a cable television network consistent with certain embodiments involves sending a polling message to a plurality of modems forming a part of a plurality of television set top boxes from a cable television headend via a cable television cable connection to the set top boxes; wherein the polling message instructs the cable television set top boxes to obtain at least one operational parameter of each of the television set top boxes; receiving a plurality of response messages from the cable television set top boxes, each containing the at least one operational parameter of the television set top boxes; determining that one of the operational parameters from one of the television set top boxes is outside of a specified range of values; and aggregating the operational parameters of the plurality of set top boxes received in the response messages to determine if the same operational parameter is outside the range of specified values for more than the one of the television set

Abstract: A method and system includes a terminal having a function of receiving a DMB data broadcast, a service network information (SNI) application management server that transmits SNI to the mobile communication terminal in response to a request from the mobile communication terminal, a data broadcast server that provides information regarding the DMB data broadcast, a DMB transmitting station that transmits the information regarding the DMB data broadcast, and a Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) service provider that provides the SNI to the SNI management server, and data broadcast information including the SNI to the data broadcast server. The mobile communication terminal receives the SNI from the SNI management server via a cellular network to determine the time when a user's desired data broadcast starts, and receives a data broadcast from the DMB transmitting station only at that time.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for a secure network install. One aspect of the present invention provides a proxy server within the same subnet of the client for performing a lookup of the boot image file and downloading the boot image file from a boot file server in a secure manner. The client in turn downloads the file from the proxy TFTP server. Another aspect of the present invention modifies the client remote boot code to include a secure boot file download discovery (SBDD) mode. The client starts the SBDD mode by sending a request for a boot image file to a subnet broadcast address and port, which is listened by a proxy TFTP server. The proxy TFTP server receives the client request and downloads the boot image file. The client in turn downloads the boot image file from the proxy TFTP server.

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: Firmware is installed in a cable modem, enabling detection of the presence or absence of a cable trap in the feed of a customer location. Such a cable modem includes a trap-detection module and a trap-detection object. The trap-detection module is configured to determine whether a video signal is present at a cable-television frequency. The trap-detection object is configured to store data as to whether the video signal is present. For example, a first piece of data is stored if the video signal is present, indicating absence of a properly functioning cable trap between a cable head-end and the cable modem. A second piece of data is stored if the video signal is absent, indicating presence of a properly functioning cable trap between the cable head-end and the cable modem.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed according to the implementations of the present disclosure for determining whether a cable modem has been placed in an unauthorized location. One system, among others, comprises a first cable modem and a second cable modem. The first cable modem is configured to transfer data between a first subscriber device and a headend facility and is intended to be used in a first residence. The second cable modem is configured to transfer data between a second subscriber device and the headend facility and is also intended to be used in the first residence. The first cable modem sends first information, corresponding to at least one parameter of the first cable modem, to the second cable modem. The second cable modem compares the first information with second information corresponding to at least one parameter associated with the second cable modem.

Abstract: A first communication apparatus includes a data transmission unit that sequentially transmits each data forming a data stream to any of a plurality of transmission paths along with additional information indicating transmission sequence of the each data. A second communication apparatus includes a sequence specification unit that specifies the transmission sequence of the each data based on the additional information provided with the each data sequentially received from the first communication unit via the plurality of the transmission paths.

Abstract: An extensible authentication framework is used in cable networks such as Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) cable networks. The authentication scheme allows for centralized authentication of cable modems, as well as authentication of the cable network by cable modems. Additionally, the authentication scheme allows a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) to authenticate devices downstream from cable modems, such as Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling virtual upstream channels within one physical upstream channel is disclosed. A different MAP message is received by a receiver for each virtual upstream channel from that sent downstream. Where multiple upstream receivers are used, separate MAP messages can be sent for each receiver and consequently, each virtual upstream channel. The use of multiple upstream receivers is not necessary if the upstream receiver can change the upstream channel descriptors it is using per burst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring use patterns or services available information in video distribution networks. A network termination unit receives the video content through a port, demodulates and decodes the signals to produce display signals. The display signals are displayed on a viewing device connected to the network termination unit and the network termination unit monitors the use patterns and/or services available information of the viewing device. The unit then formats the use patterns or services available information into use pattern network packets and transmits them. A content analyzer receives use pattern packet from a network termination unit and decode them to access the data. The content analyzer then analyzes the use patterns and/or services available information and characterizes the unit. The characterization of the unit is then used to target content to that unit.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for data transfer optimization. A computing platform may, for example, modify a first property of a communication network in relation to an analysis of a second property of said communication network and a property of a data item. For example, a processor or a modem may dynamically modify a payload header suppression module to suppress a static portion of a data packet or an acknowledgment packet.

Abstract: A user device connected to a CMTS over a network is configured such that upon power-up it can use a universal broadcast SID or a predetermined multicast SID to obtain an initial maintenance during a maintenance window. The predetermined multicast SID is assigned to the device at manufacture based on the type, or class, of device. The CMTS to which the devices connect is configured to schedule exclusive initial maintenance opportunity windows for each type of device in addition to an all-inclusive, or open, initial maintenance opportunity window, during which all types of devices may attempt to register. The order and number of initial maintenance windows within a periodically recurring sequence of windows can be configured by an operator based on the types of devices connected to the network.

Abstract: A cable modem system and method is provided for supporting data transfer protocols that extend beyond standard protocols used in conventional data over cable systems. A cable modem in accordance with the invention determines, during registration, whether a CMTS with which it communicates is capable of supporting an extended protocol, and if it is, transfers data to the CMTS in accordance with the extended protocol. Additionally, a CMTS in accordance with the invention is notified during registration whether or not a cable modem supports an extended protocol and stores this information. When a request for transmission opportunity is subsequently received from the cable modem, the CMTS accesses the stored information to determine if the cable modem supports the extended protocol. If the cable modem supports the extended protocol, the CMTS processes data received from the cable modem during the transmission opportunity in accordance with that protocol.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a service based on a subscriber level. The method includes the steps of: a) initializing a Data Back-off Start (DBS) value and a Data Back-off End (DBE) value; b) acquiring subscriber information from an external management system; c) acquiring service flow identifier (SFID) and service identifier (SID) information from an object model for quality of service (QoS) based on information on Service Class Name (SCN) of the subscriber acquired in the step b); d) creating manufacturing automation protocol (MAP) according to a priority by grasping the SID information based on the service level and controlling the DBS value and the DBE value of a cable modem (CM); and e) transmitting the created MAP to the cable modem.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing scalability for channel change requests in a Switched Digital Video system is presented. A request for a channel change is received. A determination is made regarding whether a channel requested by the request for a channel change is currently being provided to the settop box. When the channel requested by the request for a channel change is being provided to the settop box then the request for a channel change is buffered for transmission at a later time. When the channel requested by the request for a channel change is not being provided to the settop box then the request for a channel change is immediately sent to an SDV server in communication with the settop box.

Abstract: A viewer of television programming is alerted to the availability of content related to the programming (e.g. an associated Internet web page) by an icon momentarily displayed on the screen. Using a remote control, the viewer can select the icon. A control panel then appears, superimposed over the television image, and provides additional detail about the related content. By further operating the remote control, the viewer can select the associated content for viewing, or return to watching the television. Various other features and variations are disclosed.

Abstract: Highly asymmetrical nature of digital video allows a single Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) like device to support the transmission over a thousand individual high-quality IP packetized video data channels terminating into low cost cable modem units. A Video Modem Terminating System (VMTS) unit handles housekeeping information. As the amount of upstream housekeeping data are small, even for 1000 simultaneous TV channels, the data can be inserted into the digital video cell streams and packaged within IP packet envelopes. The VMTS unit is equally effective for MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Microsoft Media 9 and other digital encoding of video and audio signals.

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: An apparatus and method are presented to allow the extension of a data cable modem service, for example DOCSIS, over a wireless link. According to the invention a wireless hub transceiver is connected to a distribution coax cable of, for example, a DOCSIS based system. The downstream data is 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 is sent from the subscriber cable modem over the wireless link to the wireless hub transceiver where such data is inserted back to the distribution coax cable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first ranging timing description describing at least a duration of time during which a subject cable modem (CM) may burst and a duration of time during which the subject CM and other CMs in a multiple access network are not permitted to burst is translated into a second ranging timing description describing a duration during which a burst from the subject CM is expected to be received by a cable modem termination system (CMTS). The CMTS is conditioned to receive a burst from the subject CM during the duration of time described by the second ranging timing description. A timing offset is determined from at least an actual time a burst from the subject CM is received by the CMTS and the duration of time during which the subject CM and other CMs in the multiple access network are not permitted to burst to produce a determined timing offset. The determined timing offset is reported to compensate for delay in the multiple access network and the subject CM.

Abstract: In an Ethernet port control method and apparatus of a digital broadcasting system, a head-end is caused to physically block functions of an Ethernet port disposed in a set-top box in order to prevent an unauthenticated device from accessing a cable modem termination system (CMTS) from the head-end through the Ethernet port in the set-top box for a malicious purpose, such as hacking. The Ethernet port control apparatus includes a head-end for providing a control message, including port closing information, for preventing abuse of an Ethernet port, and a set-top box for resetting the Ethernet port according to the port closing information, thereby closing the Ethernet port when the control message is received from the head-end.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for and method of discrete spurious frequency leakage cancellation for use in a cable modem. The spurious leakage cancellation mechanism is particularly suitable for use in cable modem systems adapted to implement the DOCSIS 2.0 specification which specifies both downstream and upstream channels. In one embodiment, the spurious emission cancellation mechanism cancels the spurious emissions by first creating a replica of the aggressor clock signal having the same amplitude but 180 degree phase shift as the spurious signal. The phase shifted spurious replica is added to the original spurious signal thus cancelling the spurious signal. In another embodiment, an RF switch is used to couple the upstream path signal to the CATV cable only during transmission bursts. In between transmission bursts, the upstream signal is disconnected from the CATV cable. This embodiment takes advantage of the less stringent spurious requirements in the DOCSIS 2.0 specification for transmission bursts.

Abstract: A cable television plant may include fiber nodes, cable modems, a management information base (MIB), and a cable modem termination system (CMTS). The CMTS may include logic to apply information from the MIB to determine the suitability of resources assigned to the fiber nodes from particular MAC domains for providing data communications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing digital information and/or data services over hybrid network infrastructures including both IP and coax transmission media.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a modem and a conditioning device can be provided and coupled at a signal transmission line of a CATV system at a premise of a user according to embodiments of the application. The apparatus can provide selected information (e.g., Table 1) upstream for use that can improve operations or increase capabilities at one or more users.

Abstract: Identifiers are assigned to devices communicating via a number of virtual channels. If additional identifiers are needed, one or more new virtual channels are created and the identifiers are reused for the new virtual channel.

Abstract: Multiple devices in a user's premises may each be configured to separately communicate with an external network, but the signal strength available to each may vary significantly depending on the wiring of the premises. The disclosure provides methods wherein the various devices may coordinate with one another, and determine which among them has the best signal connection and the most available capacity, and a subset of the devices may be chosen to act as network proxies to relay communications to/from the other devices in the premises.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a processing device is coupled between at least one content source and at least one subscriber device within an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system in order to receive a plurality of service flows from the at least one content source and to process multicast service flow requests from the at least one subscriber device. The processing device includes a map module to map a service flow from a content source to a multicast service flow based on a multicast service flow request from a particular subscriber device and a unicast module to assign a unique identifier to the mapped multicast service flow to convert the mapped multicast service flow to a unicast delivery of the mapped multicast service flow to the particular subscriber device.

Abstract: A method and system of processing sampled voice packets from a voice packet sender for transmission over a bit-rate sampled data transmission system, such as by a cable modem over a cable modem termination system, to a voice packet recipient. Unsolicited grant arrivals in response to a request from the voice packet sender coupled to the cable modem are determined. The storing of sampled voice packets is synchronized with the unsolicited grant arrivals. Upon receipt of an unsolicited grant arrival, currently stored sampled voice packets are transmitted to the cable modem for further transmission to the voice packet recipient over the cable modem termination system.

Abstract: An architecture for providing high-speed access over frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) channels allows transmission of ethernet frames and/or other data across a cable transmission network or other form of FDM transport. The architecture involves downstream and upstream FDM multiplexing techniques to allow contemporaneous, parallel communications across a plurality of frequency channels. Furthermore, the architecture allows a central concentrator to support a plurality of remote devices that each have guaranteed bandwidth through connection-oriented allocations of bi-directional data flows. The upstream and downstream bandwidth allocation can support symmetrical bandwidth as well as asymmetrical bandwidth in either direction. The architecture generally can be used to support connection-oriented physical layer connectivity between a remote device and the central concentrator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a plurality of modulators for receiving at least one of first data signals from a termination and for receiving at least one of second data signals from other than the termination and for combining the at least one of first data signals and the at least one second data signals into an output signal having a plurality of data channels for delivery to a plurality of modems where the at least one of second data signals bypass the termination.

Abstract: Systems and method for minimum power leakage windowing for VDSL using least squares technique are provided. A coefficient vector is defined for the first N samples. The window is then defined in terms of this coefficient vector. The leakage power of the Kth tone is defined in terms of the window. A least squares minimization is performed on the leakage power to determine the optimal value of x. The window is implemented using this value of x, thereby reducing the power leakage in the out-of-band and RFI band regions in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A wideband cable network system includes multiple wideband cable modems and a Wideband Cable Modem Termination System (WCMTS). The WCMTS operates a Media Access Control (MAC) layer that communicates with the cable modems over multiple different downstream Radio Frequency (RF) channels and upstream RF channels. A wideband failure analytic manager tracks fault indicators associated with the MAC layer communications. Separate failure analytics are then generated, indexed, and correlated for different cable modems and different upstream or downstream channels.

Abstract: Provided is an IP data transmission apparatus using a legacy transmission system and a broadband downstream transmission system in a HFC network. The IP data transmission apparatus includes: an headend unit for receiving data from an application server system that is a service providing apparatus, splitting the received data into general user data and management message, determining whether the general user is transmitted using a broadband or an existing service band, and transmitting the general user data through the HFC network; and a user cable terminal unit for receiving the split data transmitted from the headend unit through the HFC network, transmitting the received data to an IP based user device, and transferring the management message to the IP based user device through the legacy transmission system.

Abstract: A file allocation system for a hard disk drive includes a memory with driver logic and a processor configured with the driver logic to receive a request to allocate hard disk space of a defined size for a buffer file. In some embodiments, the processor is configured with the driver logic to allocate clusters for the buffer file from a plurality of clusters on the hard disk, wherein the clusters for the buffer file store media content instances. In some embodiments, the processor is configured with the driver logic to designate a portion of the clusters of the buffer file for at least one non-buffer file such that the non-buffer file is permitted to share the portion of the clusters of the buffer file with the buffer file.

Abstract: A file allocation system for a hard disk drive includes a memory with driver logic and a processor configured with the driver logic to receive a request to allocate hard disk space of a defined size for a buffer file. In some embodiments, the processor is configured with the driver logic to allocate clusters for the buffer file from a plurality of clusters on the hard disk, wherein the clusters for the buffer file store media content instances. In some embodiments, the processor is configured with the driver logic to designate a portion of the clusters of the buffer file for at least one non-buffer file such that the non-buffer file is permitted to share the portion of the clusters of the buffer file with the buffer file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for de-interleaving interleaved data in a deinterleaver memory in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial (ISDB-T) receiver. In different embodiments, the apparatus comprises of a OFDM symbol counter along with a divider or a buffer pointer RAM with circular pointer logic, a first lookup table to obtain delay buffer size and interleaving lengths for a given OFDM transmission layer, and a second lookup table to obtain buffer base address and interleaving lengths for a given OFDM transmission layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling MACs between a cable modem termination system (CMTS) supporting variable length packet transmission and a cable modem (CM). The present invention switches a scheduling type a specific service session of an inactive state only, thereby enabling to minimize waste of bandwidth according to switching collectively a scheduling type of a plurality of service sessions sharing a single physical channel when the scheduling type is requested to switch.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for operation of a cable modem in response to Alternating Current (AC) power outage is described herein. When a loss of AC power is detected, the cable modem is switched to battery backup mode of operation using a single upstream and a single downstream channel. This switch occurs prior to receiving instructions from a cable modem termination system to use a single upstream and a single downstream channel. The cable modem notifies the cable modem termination system of the switch to battery backup mode of operation.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for providing a video service flow using a dual scheduler for a headend cable modem in a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) network. The apparatus may include: a service flow processing unit to determine whether a packet corresponds to a registered video service flow, when the packet is received; and at least one channel transmitter to schedule a packet corresponding to the registered video service flow and a packet not corresponding to the registered video service flow so that a transmission rate of the registered video service flow is guaranteed, and to thereby transmit the packets.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving notification of a cable modem operational issue for a cable modem and establishing layer-2 logging communications with the cable modem. The method comprises receiving a message from the cable modem, the message generated by the cable modem in response to the operational issue and indicating the operational issue associated with the cable modem.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for managing upstream channels on a per cable modem basis. In certain embodiments, one or more thresholds are defined for each of a plurality of upstream logical channels of a headend system for receiving data from a plurality of cable modems (or other types of access nodes). Each defined threshold corresponds to a measurable parameter of the corresponding upstream logical channel. One or more metrics are collected for each cable modem of each upstream logical channel. It is determined whether to downgrade a selected cable modem to a selected one of the logical channels that has a lower performance level than the selected cable modem's current logical channel.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus of transmitting packet filtering information. A DSG channel information management server included in a digital cable broadcasting transmission headend combines a packet address and information related to the packet address and generates the combined information to be a single file, the packet address being used for filtering packets received by a cable modem contained in a cable broadcasting receptor, for each data type. The generated file is transmitted from a CMTS to the cable modem through a packet having a designated address mutually agreed upon between the headend and the cable modem, the cable modem obtains information for selectively filtering the received packets, from the received file, and constructs a filter. Data selectively filtered through each constructed filter is transmitted to a corresponding process module included in the cable broadcasting receptor that processes broadcasting program information, conditional access information, and the like.

Abstract: In one example, a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) sends first bandwidth allocation messages to a first upstream transmit interface on a cable modem and send second bandwidth allocation messages to a second upstream transmit interface on the cable modem. The bandwidth allocation messages indicate transmit windows for the cable modem to range over the interfaces. The transmit windows included in the first bandwidth allocation messages are spaced based on receipt of ranging requests from the second upstream transmit interface, and the transmit windows included in the second bandwidth allocation messages are spaced based on receipt of ranging requests from the first upstream transmit interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for enhancing security and features during cable modem configuration. According to various embodiments, a cable network head end is configured to ensure that a cable modem subscriber registers with its assigned configuration profile. Techniques for verifying parameters in a received configuration profile, enhancing authentication, preventing access to provisioning servers, securing communications, and enhancing feature sets are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for guaranteeing restoration of traffic between one or more cable modems and a backup cable modem termination system upon failure of an active cable modem termination system are disclosed. Subscriber information associated with one or more cable modems are received from an active cable modem termination system. The subscriber information includes one or more subscriber identifiers. For instance, the subscriber information may include a primary subscriber identifier that identifies a particular cable modem as well as a secondary subscriber identifier that is assigned to high priority traffic such as that being transmitted in real-time. In addition, the subscriber information may also include a scheduling type that is further used to categorize the real-time traffic, such as into voice or video traffic.

Abstract: Provided is a method for securing cable modem (CM) following a Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) against physical security attacks. The method includes the steps of: a) classifying information to be stored in the DOCSIS CM based on a requirement degree of confidentiality and anti-alteration; b) storing the information in a non-volatile memory of the DOCSIS CM when the information is absolute confidential information, but processing a mechanism for deleting the information stored in the non-volatile memory in case that attacks by a hacker is sensed; c) storing the information in the non-volatile memory of the DOCSIS CM when the information is middle-level security information; and d) storing the information in a write-once (WO) memory of the DOCSIS CM when the information is absolute anti-alteration information.

Abstract: In one example, an Edge Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (EQAM) communicates EQAM information to a Modular Cable Modem Termination System (M-CMTS) core using a routing protocol that is configured on a packet switched network coupling the EQAM to the M-CMTS core. The EQAM generates a routing message according to the routing protocol and inserts EQAM information, such as a description of a modulated channel extending from the EQAM, the service-group information, etc, into the routing message. The EQAM then floods the EQAM information over at least portions of a routing domain by transmitting the routing message to an adjacent intermediary device.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for and method of upstream power control for multiple transmit channels. The invention is particularly useful in environments that include two level amplification, wherein the first level corresponds to each channel separately and the second level corresponds to the joint sum of all the channels. When working with two-level amplification, changing the joint sum amplification is permitted during specific time periods known as “CMTS re-configuration time” in the DOCSIS specification. The mechanism functions to maintain an optimal transmit power operating point of the PGA using self-configuration without any need to receive permission from an exterior control entity such as the cable head-end thus bypassing the prior art requirement of waiting for a global reconfiguration time from the CMTS (i.e. when the specification assures that there is sufficient time to change the PGA gain).