Dynamically adjustable hybrid two-way data networks
US6223225A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/10
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Dynamically adjustable hybrid two-way data networks are described which provide a high degree of connectivity. In one embodiment, a two-way CaTV system uses the CaTV plant most of the time, but also uses the public switched telephone network (PSTN) as a back-up whenever upstream or downstream connectivity between a cable modem and the CaTV head end (H/E) is severed. Management elements are provided for a fully operational two-way CaTV network which uses PSTN connections as an "on-the-fly" back-up mechanism for rare occasions when the CaTV plant looses its upstream and/or downstream connectivity. On the end-user side, a hybrid two-way CaTV/PSTN network provides added intelligence in either the cable-modem box, which may be enhanced with a regular voice-grade modem, or in the PC attached to the cable modem, to automatically handle both communications media. Similarly, on the H/E side, added capabilities are provided for processing and managing both CaTV and PSTN connections as well as managing the transitions from one medium to the other and vice versa.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.