초록 ▼

The specification relates to a broadband multiple access protocol for bi-directional hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks. The protocol supports downstream broadcast transmission from headend to cable modem, and also provides for allocation of bandwidth for cable modems to transmit back to the headend.

The specification relates to a broadband multiple access protocol for bi-directional hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks. The protocol supports downstream broadcast transmission from headend to cable modem, and also provides for allocation of bandwidth for cable modems to transmit back to the headend. Although the present invention is described in relation to an HFC network, it is also equally applicable to a cellular wireless communications environment. The protocol supports different access modes such as STM, ATM, and VL; within each subframe of a subframe/frame/masterframe structure. The protocol adapts to changing demands for a mix of circuit and packet mode applications and allocates upstream and downstream bandwidth in response to the a variety of bursty and isochronous traffic sources. In order to satisfy the quality of service requirements of varied applications, while maintaining high bandwidth efficiency, the protocol utilizes a subframe structure with subframe partitioning into regions; one region dedicated to

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for transmission of synchronous transfer mode (STM) payloads, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) payloads, and asynchronous variable length (VL) payloads over a bi-directional broadband communications network having a source and a destination, said method comprisin

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for transmission of synchronous transfer mode (STM) payloads, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) payloads, and asynchronous variable length (VL) payloads over a bi-directional broadband communications network having a source and a destination, said method comprising the steps of:dividing said transmission into a series of successive time subframes;partitioning each of said time subframes into at least a first region, a second region, and a third region;demarcating a first boundary between said first region and said second region;demarcating a second boundary between said second region and said third region;allocating at least one time slot within said first region for transmission of said[ payloads whenever said][ payloads are queued at said source for transmission to said destination;]designating said second region for transmission of said ATM payloads, wherein an individual ATM cell of said ATM payload is allowed to cross successive second region boundaries; and designating said third region for transmission of said asynchronous VL payloads;wherein an individual VL data unit of said VL payload is allowed to cross successive third region boundaries.[ payloads whenever at least one of said][ payloads are queued at said HE for downstream transmission to said cable modems;][ payloads, said ATM payloads, and said asynchronous VL payloads, said method further comprising the steps of:][ payloads, said ATM payloads, and said asynchronous VL payloads, said method further comprising the steps of:][ payloads from one of said cable modems, whenever at least one of said][ payloads are queued at one of said cable modems for upstream transmission to said HE; and][ payloads; and][ payloads; and][ payloads whenever at least one of said][ payloads are queued at said common controller for downstream transmission to each of said plurality of mobile stations;][ payloads, said ATM payloads, and said asynchronous VL payloads, said method further comprising the steps of:][ payloads, said ATM payloads, and said asynchronous VL payloads, said method further comprising the steps of:][ payloads from at least one of said plurality of mobile stations, whenever at least one of said][ payloads are queued with at least one of said plurality of mobile stations for upstream transmission to said common controller; and][ time slot within said downstream synchronous region when][ payloads are to be transmitted;]