Enhanced fiber nodes with CMTS capability
US7149223B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/173
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Enhanced Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) functionality, including programmable digital domain modulators and demodulators for dynamic channel assignment, is incorporated into Fiber Nodes (FNs) or mini Fiber Nodes (mFNs), yielding enhanced Fiber Nodes (eFNs). These eFns distribute CMTS functionality deep into Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Networks (HFCN) rather than centralizing the CMTS functions within a single location. Moving the cable modem terminations closer to the subscribers shortens the analog RF paths required to support cable modems. Communication of both subscriber data and CMTS control data is performed over Ethernet-compatible packet networks between the field-based CMTSs and an upstream facility (e.g., the Head End), which includes an Internet gateway. Packet data for multiple subscriber cable modems is easily compressed and merged over common network paths, reducing cabling plant complexity and increasing bandwidth utilization. This approach dramatically reduces the infrastructure cost per cable modem. Distributing CMTS functionality among multiple eFNs also reduces demands on already stretched resources at the Head End for space, power, and HVAC. For HFCN channels contai…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.