초록 ▼

A method and system are disclosed for enabling point-to-point and multicast communication in a multiple access network using three types of communication channels, namely, one or more upstream payload channels, one or more upstream control channels and one or more downstream channels. Each channel i

A method and system are disclosed for enabling point-to-point and multicast communication in a multiple access network using three types of communication channels, namely, one or more upstream payload channels, one or more upstream control channels and one or more downstream channels. Each channel illustratively is divided into slots or mini-slots. Each upstream payload channel is assigned for carrying upstream directed payload bitstreams from stations to a central controller. The central controller has an independent receiver for each upstream channel for simultaneous reception of control and payload bitstreams. Each station has at least one frequency agile programmable transmitter for sequential transmission of control and payload bitstreams or separate upstream control and payload channel transmitters, respectively, for simultaneous transmission of control and payload bitstreams. Each upstream control channel is assigned for carrying upstream directed control bitstreams, such as reservation request bitstreams requesting reservation of time slots of the upstream payload channel, from the stations to the central controller. At least one downstream channel is assigned for carrying at least downstream directed control bitstreams, such as bitstreams containing network configuration acknowledgments, collision, status of reservation request, and also containing indications of assigned slots in the upstream payload channel, from the central controller to the stations. The downstream channel may also illustratively carry payload bitstreams.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for enabling a station to communicate via a shared medium of a multiple access network comprising the steps of:(a) transmitting a reservation request bitstream containing a request to reserve one or more slots of an upstream payload channel on an upstream control channel, (b) receiving a

1. A method for enabling a station to communicate via a shared medium of a multiple access network comprising the steps of:(a) transmitting a reservation request bitstream containing a request to reserve one or more slots of an upstream payload channel on an upstream control channel, (b) receiving a plurality of bitstreams from a downstream channel, including at least one bitstream containing an indication of one or more slots of said upstream payload channel assigned to said station for transmitting bitstreams, (c) transmitting payload bitstreams on said upstream payload channel, only at said assigned slots of said upstream payload channel, and (d) switching between transmitting said reservation request bitstreams and the payload bistreams, such that said reservation request and payload bitstreams are sequentially transmitted, wherein said upstream control channel, said upstream payload channel and said downstream channel each have a mutually different frequency band.