Cable network redundancy architecture
US7068712B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L61/00
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A CMTS redundancy technique requires at least two CMTS interfaces (e.g., line cards) on one or more CMTS chassis at the head end of a cable network. One of the CMTSs serves as a backup or “protecting” CMTS. When another CMTS (a “working” CMTS) becomes unavailable to service its group of cable modems, the protecting CMTS takes over service to those cable modems. The SWITCHOVER takes place transparently (or nearly transparently) to the cable modems. The protecting CMTS provides service on the same downstream channel as used by the working CMTS. The cable modems need not modify any settings pursuant to their cable modem communication protocol (e.g., DOCSIS ranging). This transparency to the cable modems is realized by keeping the working and protecting CMTSs in synchronization regarding service parameters for the cable modems. In other words, the protecting CMTS maintains a list of current parameters for allowing service to the cable modems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.