Method and apparatus enabling synchronous transfer mode, variable length and packet mode access for multiple services over a broadband communication network
US6055242A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/6168
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The specification relates to a broadband multiple access protocol for bi-directional hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks. The protocol supports downstream broadcast transmission from headend to cable modem, and also provides for allocation of bandwidth for cable modems to transmit back to the headend. Although the present invention is described in relation to an HFC network, it is also equally applicable to a wireless communications environment. The protocol supports different access modes such as synchronous transfer mode, asynchronous transfer mode, and variable length data. The protocol adapts to changing demands for a mix of circuit and packet mode applications and allocates upstream and downstream bandwidth in response to the a variety of bursty and isochronous traffic sources. In order to satisfy the quality of service requirements of varied applications, while maintaining high bandwidth efficiency, the protocol utilizes a frame structure with frame partitioning into regions; one region dedicated to STM payload and asynchronous, second region dedicated to ATM and VL payloads, messaging and control.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.