Internet protocol based network architecture for cable television network access with switched fallback

US8127029B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Alcatel Lucent · FR

Inventors

• Donald E. Blahut · Holmdel, US
• James D. Bobeck · Leesport, US
• Robert William Dalton · North Andover, US
• Enrique Hernandez-Valencia · Highlands, US
• Roger Henry Levy · Berkeley Heights, US
• Ronald L. Sharp · Califon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2000
• Grant date: Feb 28, 2012
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L12/5692
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A user accesses the Internet through a hybrid data communications system architecture in which upstream service is provided via the local loop of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and downstream service is provided via a cable television (CATV) network. The Cable Modem Data Termination system (CMTS) includes a routing table. Upon detection of a CATV service interruption, the CMTS re-routes IP traffic destined for a destination IP address (IP1) associated with the user to a different IP address, or endpoint, as a function of the routing table. In this instance, the different IP address is associated with equipment that provides downstream IP service to the user via the local loop of the PSTN.