Congrats Mark...
..Francois
United States Patent
6,137,793
Gorman, et. al.
Oct. 24, 2000
Reverse path multiplexer for use in high speed data transmissions
Abstract
A two-way hybrid fiber-coax cable networks offering high-speed broadband communications delivered via a
cable modem service. Bi-directional transmissions of packets between the head-end controller (Cable Modem
Terminal System) and cable modems (subscriber terminal units) is accomplished using a cable television Media
Access Control (MAC) protocol. In Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) networks, the invention provides a Reverse
Path Multiplexing (RPM) function permitting the coupling of a large number of return path (plant) RF ports
(return ports) to be coupled to a receiver card in the CMTS. One aspect of this invention is that one or more
upstream traffic schedulers reside within the CMTS equipment with the responsibility of scheduling the
upstream transmissions from cable modems. The cable modems are distributed across many return ports. The
data from each cable modem must be successfully received by the head-end controller without being
compromised by the effects of noise funneling. The knowledge of when a cable modem will transmit is used to
open an RF switch in the RPM.
Inventors:
Gorman; Kenneth (Danville, CA); Laubach; Mark E. (Mountain View, CA); Raissinia; Ali
(Monte Sereno, CA).
Assignee:
COM21, Inc. (Milpitas, CA).
Appl. No.:
985,571
Filed:
Dec. 5, 1997 |
