초록 ▼

A digital switching network is described which accommodates a full range of broadband and narrowband digital technologies, including video, wideband data, narrowband data, video on demand and telephone channels in an integrated manner. Optical fiber connects information sources to the switching comp

A digital switching network is described which accommodates a full range of broadband and narrowband digital technologies, including video, wideband data, narrowband data, video on demand and telephone channels in an integrated manner. Optical fiber connects information sources to the switching component of the network utilizing a standardized transport stream such as SONET OC-N. A broadband ATM switch, a digital cross-connect switch or other distribution mechanisms may be utilized to interconnect information sources and subscribers. A level 1 gateway is utilized to control access to all information resources on the network.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A network for the distribution of information, including video information, to subscribers comprising:at least two sources of video information;a distribution component providing the information to a plurality of subscribers;source interfaces for connecting the sources of video inf

[ We claim:] [1.] A network for the distribution of information, including video information, to subscribers comprising:at least two sources of video information;a distribution component providing the information to a plurality of subscribers;source interfaces for connecting the sources of video information to said distribution component;a subscriber interface connecting subscribers to said distribution component;a first gateway responsive to a selection by one subscriber for authorizing establishment of a connection through the distribution component between a selected source of video information and the one subscriber; anda signalling network selectively connecting the one subscriber to said first gateway;wherein each source of video information is analog and each source interfaces includes a real time digital encoder and a multiplexer that multiplexes the output of said real time digital encoder into a standardized transport stream.