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A head-end dynamically allocates bandwidth of a communications channel as a function of the type of communications traffic. In particular, the head-end communicates to subscriber stations via a broadband cable network using an access protocol, which is modified to provide a variable number of mini-s

A head-end dynamically allocates bandwidth of a communications channel as a function of the type of communications traffic. In particular, the head-end communicates to subscriber stations via a broadband cable network using an access protocol, which is modified to provide a variable number of mini-slots and a variable number of data slots in each frame. Each mini-slot is used to request assignment of a data slot(s) to subscriber stations for the communication of information and, also, as a vehicle to resolve contention between subscriber stations. The head-end dynamically adjusts the number of mini-slots over a period time as a function of the type of communications traffic, e.g., bursty and isochronous traffic sources. Any variation in the number of mini-slots concomitantly effects the number of data slots available to communicate information. For example, less mini-slots provides more data slots. As a result, the dynamic adjustment of the number of mini-slots allows the head-end to more efficiently allocate bandwidth on the communications channel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An improved method for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information; the improvement comprising the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An improved method for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information; the improvement comprising the step of:using a number of the data time slots in each time frame for conveying transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number of data time slots; andvarying the number of data slots in future time frames that are used for conveying transmission requests as a function of a priori knowledge of multi-cell message size distribution.