Network architecture for intelligent network elements
US7072360B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/5679
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Hybrid fiber/coax networks employ the existing cable plant used for cable TV and transmit data signals in a frequency bandwidth above that which is used for cable TV. The present system used point-to-point data links between intelligent network elements located in the feeder/distribution network to provide reliable, secure, bi-directional broadband access. Digital signals are terminated at the intelligent network elements, switched and regenerated for transmission across additional upstream or downstream data links as needed to connect a home to a headend or router. The intelligent network elements can be co-located with or replace the standard network elements. A tree-and-branch network architecture is therefore established in which each intelligent network element is assigned a routing ID employed in the point-to-point transmissions while leaving legacy analog signals unimpeded. In this manner, the data links are made over relatively short runs of coax cable, which can provide greater bandwidth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.