Synchronizing separated upstream and downstream channels of cable modem termination systems
US7583704B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L7/0008
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for allowing upstream and downstream cable modem termination systems to be located in different physical locations. According to some embodiments of the invention, a downstream CMTS is located at a head end of a cable network and an upstream CMTS is located in each of a plurality of hubs in a cable network. Such a configuration provides more flexibility than prior art systems, especially when much of the traffic passing through the downstream CMTS is broadcast traffic, such as IP video, that will be passed to multiple hubs. Such configurations are more economical because they do not require every hub to have its own downstream CMTS. In preferred embodiments, the upstream and downstream functions are synchronized using a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) reference source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.