ATM packet demultiplexer for use in full service network having distributed architecture

• US 5,544,161 A
• Filed: 03/28/1995
• Issued: 08/06/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Sistanizadeh, Kamran, Little, Dave, Bigham, John A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marcelo, Melvin
• Assistant Examiner(s): Carman, Melissa Kay
• Application Number:
  US08/413,207
• Time in Patent Office: 497 Days
• Field of Search: 370/60.1, 370/60, 370/94.1, 370/58.1, 455/4.2, 455/5.1, 380/20, 380/10, 348/10, 348/12, 348/8, 348/6
• US Class Current: 370/397
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/38 Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/42 Arrangements for resource management
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/46 specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53-H04H20/95
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/78 CATV [Community Antenna Television] systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/5612 Ring
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/5616 Terminal equipment, e.g. codecs, synch.
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/5642 Multicast/broadcast/point-multipoint, e.g. VOD
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/5672 Multiplexing, e.g. coding, scrambling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/3081 ATM peripheral units, e.g. policing, insertion or extraction
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2381 Adapting the multiplex stream to a specific network, e.g. an Internet Protocol [IP] network transmission of MPEG streams over ATM H04L12/5601
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2383 Channel coding or modulation of digital bit-stream, e.g. QPSK modulation arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by adapting the channel coding H04L1/0009; analogue front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4381 Recovering the multiplex stream from a specific network, e.g. recovering MPEG packets from ATM cells transmission of MPEG streams over ATM H04L12/5601
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4382 Demodulation or channel decoding, e.g. QPSK demodulation analog front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6118 involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/63345 by transmitting keys key distribution for secret or secure communication H04L9/08; network support of key management H04L63/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/64307 ATM
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/64707 for transferring content from a first network to a second network, e.g. between IP and wireless
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17309 Transmission or handling of upstream communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0478 Provisions for broadband connections

Abstract

A video distribution network having an architecture that distributes video services over a greater serving area. The broadcast consolidation section receives broadband data from a plurality of information providers, preferably as compressed, digital signals using asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) transport. The broadcast consolidation section combines the ATM streams from different information providers and outputs a consolidated signal onto a transport ring. The broadcast ring supplies the consolidated broadcast edit to a plurality of video network hubs, each of which downloads the consolidated broadcast data, converts the consolidated broadcast data to MPEG data on an RF carrier, and combines the RF signal with other RF signals before transmission by optical fiber to a plurality of local video access node. Each local video access node combines the RF broadcast data from the corresponding video access node with downstream IMTV traffic supplied by an ATM backbone subnetwork. The combined RF signals are output from the local video access nodes to the access of network servicing these subscribers. ATM demultiplexers in the video network hubs and the local video access nodes perform MPEG processing on received ATM cell streams, assign identification values, and output on broadband channels or narrowband signaling channels, on the basis of corresponding VPI/VCI values and downloaded routing information, resulting in efficient transport of signaling traffic and interactive data.

Claims

1. A network for transporting compressed, broadband data to a plurality of users, said compressed, broadband data being received from a plurality of information providers on corresponding digital signal paths as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell streams having corresponding VPI/VCI identifiers, the network comprising:

a control center for assigning data transmission paths for said plurality of users, said control center outputting routing information for each data transmission to be transported to said users;

a broadcast consolidation section receiving signals from a first group of said digital signal paths and outputting a consolidated broadcast stream, said broadcast consolidation section comprising;

an ATM edge multiplexer receiving said ATM cell streams from said respective information providers and outputting a consolidated ATM cell stream,

a digital encoder for converting received analog signals into digital signals, and

a transport multiplexer for multiplexing said consolidated ATM cell stream and said digital signals into said consolidated broadcast stream;

a transport ring for transporting said consolidated broadcast stream;

a plurality of video network hubs (VNHs) distributed along said transport ring, each of said video network hubs receiving said consolidated broadcast stream and outputting a consolidated RF signal, each of said video network hubs comprising;

(i) a transport demultiplexer outputting said consolidated ATM cell stream and said digital signals from said received consolidated broadcast stream,

(ii) a first ATM demultiplexer for recovering said compressed broadband data from said consolidated ATM cell stream output by said transport demultiplexer, said first ATM demultiplexer comprising a packet address processor for outputting the recovered compressed broadband data as a plurality of data packet streams, each of said data packet streams being arranged on the basis of data packets having an identifier address assigned by said packet address processor on the basis of the VPI/VCI of corresponding ATM cells and first routing information from said control center,

(iii) means for receiving local broadcast signals,

(iv) means for recovering said analog signals from said digital signals output by said transport demultiplexer,

(v) means for modulating each of said data packet streams, said received local broadcast signals and said recovered analog signals to RF channel frequencies, respectively, on the basis of said first routing information,

(vi) a first RF combiner for combining modulated signals output by said modulating means into a consolidated RF signal, and

(vii) means for outputting said consolidated RF signal onto at least one optical fiber;

a plurality of local video access nodes (LVANs) distributed throughout a service area, each of said local video access nodes receiving local ATM cell streams and said consolidated RF signal and comprising;

(1) means for converting said consolidated RF signal on said optical fiber to an electrical consolidated RF signal,

(2) a second ATM demultiplexer, responsive to at least a first portion of said local ATM cell stream, for recovering video user data from said first portion of said local ATM cell stream for at least one of said users in accordance with second routing information from said control center, said second ATM demultiplexer comprising a second packet address processor for outputting the recovered video user data as a plurality of video user data packet streams, each of said video user data packet streams being arranged on the basis of data packets having an identifier address assigned by said second packet address processor on the basis of the VPI/VCI of corresponding ATM cells and said second routing information from said control center, said video user data packet streams being arranged for output at an RF channel frequency selected from a range of RF channels, comprising high-bandwidth data channels and low-bandwidth signaling channels, in accordance with said second routing information,

(3) a second RF combiner for combining said electrical consolidated RF signal and said video user data packet streams into a local RF signal, and

(4) means for supplying said local RF signal from said local video access node to a plurality of said users including said at least one user.

2. A network as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said supplying means comprises an optical converter for outputting said local RF signal as a local optical signal, said network further comprising:

a plurality of coaxial cables;

at least one fiber node receiving said local optical signal on an optical fiber from said local video access node and outputting said local RF signal to said coaxial cables; and

a coaxial drop cable coupled to a tap of one of said coaxial cables for servicing a customer premises of said at least one user, said customer premises being assigned by said control center a default signaling channel from said low-bandwidth signaling channels and an identifier address to recognize corresponding video user data packet streams from said second ATM demultiplexer.

3. A network as recited in claim 2, wherein said second packet address processor of said second ATM demultiplexer comprises:

means for performing ATM cell adaptation layer processing to recover said video user data on the basis of said VPI/VCI of said first portion of said local ATM cell stream, said video user data comprising broadband data streams in MPEG format, in-band data streams, and out-of-band data streams;

an in-band signaling processor for processing said in-band data streams into a first MPEG stream of said data packet streams having PID values assigned on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and said second routing information;

an out-of-band processor for processing said out-of-band data streams into a second MPEG stream of said data packet streams having PID values assigned on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and said second routing information, said second MPEG stream being output for modulation to at least one of said low-bandwidth signaling channels;

a service processor for monitoring PID values of said broadband data streams in MPEG format, each of said broadband data streams in MPEG format output by said service processor having unique PID values; and

a transport multiplexer for outputting said broadband data streams from said service processor and said first MPEG stream for modulation to at least one of said high-bandwidth data channels.

4. A network as recited in claim 3, wherein said network further comprises a network interface module (NIM) located at said customer premises and adapted to communicate with a digital entertainment terminal (DET) responsive to inputs from said at least one user, said NIM comprising:

an in-band RF receiver adapted to process said electrical consolidated RF signal and said broadband data streams and first MPEG stream within said selected high-bandwidth channel frequencies, said in-band RF receiver outputting to said DET at least one of said received local broadcast signals, said recovered analog signals, said data packet streams from said corresponding information providers, and said broadband data streams from said service processor and said first MPEG stream in response to a first tuning instruction;

an out-of-band RF receiver adapted to process signals within said low-bandwidth signaling channels and selectively output said second MPEG stream in response to a second tuning instruction;

means for recovering said out-of-band data stream from said second MPEG stream of said data packet streams having PID values corresponding to said identifier address of said NIM; and

a NIM controller, responsive to said recovered out-of-band data stream, for outputting said first and second tuning instructions.

5. A network as recited in claim 4, wherein each of said LVANs further comprise a data network for receiving control information including said second routing information from said control center via a second portion of said local ATM cell stream, and an ATM router to recover said control information from said second portion of said local ATM stream.

6. A network as recited in claim 5, wherein said control center selectively outputs network control information to said local video access node on virtual paths transporting said first and second portions of said local ATM cell stream on the basis of high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth transport requirements, respectively.

7. A network as recited in claim 6, wherein said control information from said control center is supplied to said second ATM demultiplexer and comprises encryption information.

8. A network as recited in claim 7, wherein said encryption information is supplied by said data network to said out-of-band signaling processor for output to said NIM using said corresponding default signaling channel and said corresponding identifier address.

9. A network as recited in claim 8, wherein said NIM further comprises a decryption processor for decrypting outputs of said in-band RF receiver in accordance with a decryption key, said out-of-band RF receiver receiving said encryption information on said default signaling channel and outputting said second MPEG stream having said corresponding identifier address and carrying said encryption information, said out-of-band data stream recovering means supplying said encryption information to said NIM, said NIM outputting said decryption key in response to said supplied encryption information.

10. A network as recited in claim 6, further comprising a level 1 gateway adapted to communicate with said at least one user via at least one of said virtual paths, said local video access node further comprising means for transmitting upstream information from said at least one user to said level 1 gateway.

11. A network as recited in claim 10, wherein said level 1 gateway supplies network information to said local video access node for said at least one user via one of said virtual paths corresponding to said high-bandwidth transport requirement, said second ATM demultiplexer outputting user network data for said at least one user on one of said RF channels in accordance with said second routing information.

12. A network as recited in claim 1, wherein said second packet address processor of said second ATM demultiplexer comprises:

means for performing ATM cell adaptation layer processing to recover said video user data on the basis of said VPI/VCI of said first portion of said local ATM cell stream, said video user data comprising broadband data streams in MPEG format, in-band data streams, and out-of-band data streams;

an in-band signaling processor for processing said in-band data streams into a first MPEG stream of said data packet streams having PID values assigned on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and said second routing information;

an out-of-band processor for processing said out-of-band data streams into a second MPEG stream of said data packet streams having PID values assigned on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and said second routing information, said second MPEG stream being output for modulation to at least one of said low-bandwidth signaling channels;

a service processor for monitoring PID values of said broadband data streams in MPEG format, each of said broadband data streams in MPEG format output by said service processor having unique PID values; and

a transport multiplexer for outputting said broadband data streams from said service processor and said first MPEG stream for modulation to at least one of said high-bandwidth data channels.

13. A network as recited in claim 12, wherein each of said LVANs further comprise a data network for receiving control information including said second routing information from said control center via a second portion of said local ATM cell stream, and an ATM router to recover said control information from said second portion of said local ATM stream.

14. A network as recited in claim 13, wherein said out-of-band processor receives said control information from said data network and outputs at least a part of said control information via said second MPEG stream for said at least one user.

15. A network as recited in claim 14, wherein said control center selectively outputs network control information to said local video access node on virtual paths transporting said first and second portions of said local ATM cell stream on the basis of high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth transport requirements, respectively.

16. A network as recited in claim 15, wherein said control information from said control center is supplied to said second ATM demultiplexer and comprises encryption information.

17. A network as recited in claim 1, further comprising an ATM subnetwork adapted to transport said first routing information to said corresponding video network hubs, and said local ATM streams and said second routing information to said corresponding local video access nodes, said control center further comprising a permanent virtual circuit (PVC) controller for maintaining high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth virtual circuits throughout said ATM subnetwork.

18. A network as recited in claim 17, wherein said second packet address processor of said second ATM demultiplexer comprises:

means for performing ATM cell adaptation layer processing to recover said video user data on the basis of said VPI/VCI of said first portion of said local ATM cell stream, said video user data comprising broadband data streams in MPEG format, in-band data streams, and out-of-band data streams;

an in-band signaling processor for processing said in-band data streams into a first MPEG stream of said data packet streams having PID values assigned on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and said second routing information;

an out-of-band processor for processing said out-of-band data streams into a second MPEG stream of said data packet streams having PID values assigned on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and said second routing information, said second MPEG stream being output for modulation to at least one of said low-bandwidth signaling channels;

a service processor for monitoring PID values of said broadband data streams in MPEG format, each of said broadband data streams in MPEG format output by said service processor having unique PID values; and

a transport multiplexer for outputting said broadband data streams from said service processor and said first MPEG stream for modulation to at least one of said high-bandwidth data channels.

19. A network as recited in claim 18, further comprising a level 1 gateway adapted to communicate with said at least one user via at least one of said virtual circuits, said local video access node further comprising means for transmitting upstream information from said at least one user to said level 1 gateway.

20. A network as recited in claim 19, wherein said level 1 gateway supplies network information to said local video access node for said at least one user via one of said high-bandwidth virtual circuits, said second ATM demultiplexer outputting user network data for said at least one user on one of said RF channels in accordance with said second routing information.

21. A network as recited in claim 17, wherein said control center comprises:

an ATM router for passing signals between said control center and said ATM subnetwork;

a video manager generating said second routing information for each of said local video access nodes, said video manager assigning a communication channel from a specified local video access node to a specified user in response to a session request; and

encryption storage means, responsive to encryption requests from said video manager, for downloading encryption keys to said second ATM demultiplexer serving a network interface module (NIM) of said specified user, said encryption keys being sent to said NIM via one of said low-bandwidth signaling channels.

22. A network as recited in claim 21, further comprising a level 1 gateway adapted to communicate with said at least one user via at least one of said virtual circuits, said local video access node further comprising means for transmitting upstream information from said at least one user to said level 1 gateway.

23. A network as recited in claim 22, wherein said level 1 gateway outputs an activation request for a new subscriber to said video manager via said ATM subnetwork, said video manager in response thereto downloading to said second ATM demultiplexer a default RF downstream signaling channel for signaling to a DET address corresponding to said new subscriber, and assigning a default RF upstream signaling channel for signaling from said DET address to said corresponding local video access node, said video manager outputting an activation signal to said encryption storage means, said encryption storage means in response thereto assigning a NIM network address corresponding to said new subscriber and downloading a predetermined set of encryption keys to said second ATM demultiplexer via said ATM subnetwork for transmission to said new subscriber.

24. A network as recited in claim 23, wherein said default RF upstream signaling channel transports a level 1 session request from said new subscriber to said corresponding local video access node, said local video access node outputting a level 1 gateway session request to said level 1 gateway via said ATM subnetwork, said level 1 gateway in response thereto outputting an ATM cell stream to said corresponding local video access node via said ATM subnetwork, said ATM cell stream from said level 1 gateway having a predetermined VPI/VCI value corresponding to a default virtual path, said second ATM demultiplexer of said corresponding local video access node converting said ATM cell stream from said level 1 gateway to an MPEG packet stream having a PID value and an assigned RF channel in accordance with said default RF downstream signaling channel, respectively.

25. A network as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one user has a terminal adapted to access one of said packet streams on the basis of said corresponding identifier value.

26. A network for transporting video signals from a plurality of video sources to a plurality of video information users having digital entertainment terminals adapted to decode compressed data streams in accordance with stored connection block descriptors, the network comprising:

(I) a first collection node for receiving first video signals and ATM cell streams carrying compressed video packets from a first group of said video sources, said first video collection node comprising at least one ATM edge device for grooming said ATM cell streams from said first group of video sources into condensed ATM cell streams, encoders for outputting first digital video signals in response to said first video signals, and an optical multiplexer receiving said condensed ATM cell streams and said first digital video signals and outputting an optical transport signal;

(II) a plurality of optical fibers for carrying said optical transport signal;

(III) a plurality of video node hubs, each comprising a drop-and-continue optical multiplexer that receives said optical transport signal on a corresponding incoming optical fiber and outputs said optical transport signal on a corresponding outgoing optical fiber, said video node hubs and said optical fibers coupled to said video node hubs being arranged to form a unidirectional broadcast ring, each of said video node hubs further comprising;

(A) a plurality of ATM packet demultiplexers for reassembling said compressed packets from said corresponding plurality of condensed ATM cell streams carried by said optical transport signal and outputting said reassembled compressed packets on digital data streams, said reassembled compressed packets each having reassigned identifier values in accordance with a predetermined provisioning,

(B) a plurality of modulators corresponding to said ATM packet demultiplexers for converting said digital data streams to corresponding first RF signals having specified channel bandwidths,

(C) a second collection node for receiving second video signals from a second group of video sources, said second collection node comprising RF modulators for modulating said received second video signals to second RF signals, and

(D) an RF combiner for combining said first and second RF signals into a hub RF signal;

(IV) a plurality of video end offices corresponding to each of said video node hubs, said video end offices corresponding to said each video node hub receiving said hub RF signal from the corresponding video node hub, each of said video end offices comprising;

(A) a third collection node for receiving third signals from a third group of sources and subscriber signaling information, said third collection node comprising;

(1) an MPEG packet router for outputting said third signals and subscriber signaling information including connection block descriptors as MPEG packet streams arranged on the basis of PID values controlled by said MPEG packet router in accordance with network routing information, and

(2) RF modulators for modulating said MPEG packet streams to respective third RF signals, each of said RF modulators having a channel frequency selected from a range of RF channels including high-bandwidth data channels and low-bandwidth signaling channels, said MPEG router supplying said MPEG packet streams to said modulators in accordance with said network routing information, and

(3) an RF combiner for combining said corresponding hub RF signal and said third RF signals into an end office RF signal; and

(B) means for supplying said end office RF signals from said video end offices to corresponding video information users, a selected group of said video information users being able to selectively decode said MPEG packet streams in accordance with said subscriber connection block descriptors supplied to said selected group.

27. A network as recited in claim 26, further comprising an ATM subnetwork adapted to transport said third signals, said subscriber signaling information and data signals from an information provider to said third collection node, said MPEG router controlling said PID values in accordance with ATM identifier values associated with the signals transported to the third collection node.

28. A network as recited in claim 27, further comprising:

a permanent virtual circuit (PVC) controller coupled to said ATM subnetwork, said PVC controller establishing high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth virtual paths for an ATM stream to be transported through said ATM subnetwork; and

a level 1 gateway in communication with said ATM subnetwork, said level 1 gateway adapted to establish communication between said third collection node and an interactive information provider supplying an interactive portion of said third signals via said ATM subnetwork.

29. A network as recited in claim 28, further comprising:

a video manager storing provisioning data for each of said video end offices, said supplying means, and said users serviced thereby, said video manager providing said network routing information to said MPEG router via one of said low-bandwidth virtual paths to establish a communication channel from a specified video end office to a specified user in response to a session request from said level 1 gateway; and

encryption storage means, responsive to an encryption request from said video manager, for downloading encryption keys to a network interface module (NIM) of said specified user on one of said low-bandwidth signaling channels specified by said MPEG router.

30. A network as recited in claim 29, wherein said level 1 gateway outputs an activation request for a new subscriber to said video manager via said ATM subnetwork, said video manager in response thereto assigning in said MPEG router a default RF downstream signaling channel from one of said low-bandwidth signaling channels for signaling to a DET address corresponding to said new subscriber, and a default RF upstream signaling channel for signaling from said DET address to said corresponding video end office, said video manager outputting an activation signal to said encryption storage means, said encryption storage means in response thereto assigning a NIM network address corresponding to said new subscriber and downloading a predetermined set of encryption keys to said MPEG router via said ATM subnetwork for transmission to said new subscriber.

31. A network as recited in claim 30, wherein said default RF downstream signaling channel comprises a 16 kbits/sec signaling capacity, said corresponding video end office receiving downstream signaling data for said new subscriber via said ATM subnetwork.

32. A network as recited in claim 31, wherein said default RF upstream signaling channel transports a level 1 session request from said new subscriber to said corresponding video end office, said video end office outputting a level 1 gateway session request to said level 1 gateway via said ATM subnetwork, said level 1 gateway in response thereto outputting an ATM cell stream to said corresponding video end office via said ATM subnetwork, said ATM cell stream from said level 1 gateway having a predetermined VPI/VCI value corresponding to a default virtual path, said MPEG router of said corresponding video end office converting said ATM cell stream from said level 1 gateway to an MPEG packet stream having a PID value and an assigned RF channel corresponding to said default RF downstream signaling channel.

33. A network as recited in claim 29, wherein said video manager supplies to said ATM packet demultiplexers of said video node hubs said predetermined provisioning for said reassigned identifier values of said reassembled compression packets.

34. A network for transporting signals to a plurality of information users, comprising:

(I) a broadcast provider interface for receiving a plurality of broadcast signals from a plurality of broadcast information providers, said broadcast provider interface comprising;

(A) means for combining a first group of said broadcast signals into consolidated broadcast signals output as ATM cell streams, each cell having a specified VPI/VCI value,

(B) a digital encoder for encoding a second group of said broadcast signals into digital broadcast signals, and

(C) a multiplexer receiving said ATM cell streams and said digital broadcast signals and outputting multiplexed optical signals onto a unidirectional optical fiber;

(II) a plurality of broadcast headend nodes, each of said broadcast headend nodes receiving said multiplexed optical signals on a input fiber and outputting said multiplexed optical signals on an output fiber and being arranged to form a broadcast ring with said broadcast provider interface, each of said broadcast headend nodes comprising;

(A) an ATM converter for recovering said first group of broadcast signals from said ATM cell streams in accordance with said specified VPI/VCI values,

(B) a decoder for recovering said second group of broadcast signals from said multiplexed optical signals,

(C) receiver means for receiving a third group of broadcast signals, and

(D) a plurality of modulators for modulating said first, second and third group of broadcast signals into a combined RF signal having respective channel frequencies;

(III) a plurality of video central offices arranged in groups, each group being served by a corresponding one of said broadcast headend nodes, each of said video central offices receiving said combined RF signal from said corresponding broadcast headend node and an ATM cell stream and comprising;

(A) means for receiving local broadcast signals and outputting said local broadcast signals at central office RF channel frequencies,

(B) an ATM demultiplexer for recovering video user data from said ATM cell stream for at least one of said users in accordance with routing information, said ATM demultiplexer comprising an ATM-to-MPEG processor for outputting the recovered video user data as a plurality of packet data streams, each of said packet data streams being arranged on the basis of data packets having an identifier address controlled by said ATM-to-MPEG processor on the basis of the VPI/VCI of corresponding ATM cells and said routing information, said packet data streams being arranged for output at an RF channel frequency selected from a range of RF channels, comprising high-bandwidth data channels and low-bandwidth signaling channels, in accordance with said second routing information,

(C) a combiner for combining said output local broadcast signals with the combined RF signal from the corresponding headend node and the RF channels carrying said video user data packet streams to output a central office RF signal; and

(IV) a local distribution network for supplying said central office RF signal for each of said video central offices to corresponding subscribers.

35. A network as recited in claim 34, further comprising an ATM subnetwork adapted to transport said ATM cell stream including interactive data in MPEG format in an ATM stream from an interactive information provider to said ATM demultiplexer of said video central office corresponding to said at least one user, said ATM-to-MPEG processor monitoring PID values of said interactive data in MPEG format.

36. A network as recited in claim 35, further comprising:

a permanent virtual circuit (PVC) controller coupled to said ATM subnetwork, said PVC controller establishing high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth virtual paths for ATM streams to be transported through said ATM subnetwork to said video central offices; and

a level 1 gateway in communication with said ATM subnetwork, said level 1 gateway adapted to communicate with a selected one of said video central offices and said interactive information provider via said ATM subnetwork.

37. A network as recited in claim 36, further comprising a video data center comprising:

an ATM router for passing signals between said video data center and said ATM subnetwork;

a video manager storing provisioning data for each of said video central offices, said local distribution network, and said users serviced thereby, said video manager outputting said routing information to assign a communication channel from a video central office to a specified user in response to a session request from said level 1 gateway; and

an encryption storage device, responsive to encryption requests from said video manager, that downloads encryption keys to said ATM demultiplexer for transmission via one of said low-bandwidth signaling channels to a network interface module (NIM) of said specified user.

38. In a network providing video services to a plurality of information users distributed throughout a serving area and comprising a broadcast network interface for receiving broadband data from a plurality of information providers, a plurality of video network hubs coupled to each other and said broadcast network interface via optical fibers, a plurality of video end offices arranged in groups served by a corresponding one of said video network hubs, said information users being arranged in groups served by a corresponding one of said video end offices, a method for transporting data to said information users, comprising the steps of:

grooming a first group of received broadband data carried as ATM cell streams from said information providers to obtain groomed ATM data streams;

combining said groomed ATM data streams with a second group of said received broadband data to obtain a consolidated broadband data stream;

outputting said consolidated broadband data stream from said broadcast network interface to each of said video network hubs;

in each of said video network hubs;

recovering said broadband data from said groomed ATM data streams carried by said consolidated broadband data stream,

outputting said recovered broadband data at a first channel frequency range and said second group of said received broadband data carried by said consolidated broadband data stream at a second channel frequency range,

combining the broadband data at said first and second channel frequency ranges with a third group of received broadcast data at a third channel frequency range to obtain a combined spectrum signal, and

supplying said combined spectrum signal to said video end offices corresponding to said each video network hub;

in each of said video end offices;

(1) receiving second ATM streams carrying local user data,

(2) performing ATM cell adaptation layer processing on said second ATM streams on the basis of the corresponding ATM cell identifier values to obtain compiled ATM cell payload data,

(3) performing MPEG processing of said compiled ATM cell payload data in an MPEG router to obtain MPEG streams having PID values assigned on the basis of the ATM cell identifier value of the corresponding compiled ATM cell payload data and network routing information,

(4) selectively outputting said MPEG streams from said MPEG router to RF modulators having a fourth channel frequency range comprising low-bandwidth channels and high-bandwidth channels, on the basis of said assigned PID values and said network routing information,

(5) combining the supplied spectrum signal from the corresponding video network hub with the output of said modulators operating within said fourth channel frequency range to obtain a combined video end office signal, and

(6) supplying said combined video end office signal to said corresponding group of information users.

39. A method as recited in claim 38, further comprising the step of establishing with a permanent virtual circuit (PVC) controller a virtual path for an ATM stream to be transported through an ATM subnetwork.

40. A network comprising:

a broadcast provider interface receiving digital signals from a plurality of broadcast information providers, said broadcast provider interface comprising;

(1) means for combining ATM cell streams having specified VPI/VCI values and each containing one of the digital signals into a consolidated broadcast signal, and

(2) means for optically transmitting the consolidated broadcast signal;

a plurality of broadcast headend nodes receiving the optically transmitted consolidated broadcast signal, each broadcast headend node comprising;

(i) at least one ATM converter receiving two or more ATM cell streams having specified VPI/VCI values and recovering two or more of the digital signals from the received ATM cell streams,

(ii) at least two modulators, each modulator modulating a recovered digital signal onto an assigned channel,

(iii) a combiner combining modulated channel signals from the modulators into a first combined spectrum signal, and

(iv) means for optically transmitting the first combined spectrum signal;

groups of central offices, each group of central offices receiving an ATM stream of data and the first combined spectrum signal from a broadcast headend node servicing the group, each central office comprising;

(a) means for selectively outputting said data carried by said ATM stream as a MPEG packet stream within a specified spectrum channel, said MPEG packet stream having a PID value, said PID value and said specified spectrum channel being selected on the basis of an identifier of said ATM stream and network routing information, said specified spectrum channel being selected from one of a plurality of narrowband signaling channels and broadband data channels;

(b) a combiner combining the MPEG packet stream with the received first combined spectrum signal to form a second combined spectrum signal, and

(c) means for transmitting the second combined spectrum signal; and

for each central office, a local distribution network transporting the second combined spectrum signal from that central office to a group of user terminals.

41. A network as recited in claim 40, further comprising an ATM subnetwork adapted to transport interactive data in said ATM cell stream from an interactive information provider to said selectively outputting means (a) of one of said central offices corresponding to said at least one user.

42. An ATM demultiplexer for supplying broadband data and narrowband data, received as corresponding ATM cell streams having respective VPI/VCI values, to a user, comprising:

an ATM processor receiving said ATM cell streams carrying said broadband data and said narrowband data, said ATM processor assembling payload data units (PDU'"'"'S) from said ATM cell streams on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI, said ATM processor outputting PDU'"'"'s carrying said broadband data on a first signal path and PDU'"'"'s carrying said narrowband data on a second signal path;

an in-band MPEG processor for processing said PDU'"'"'s carrying said broadband data from said first signal path into a first MPEG stream of said broadband data, said first MPEG stream having PID values assigned on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and routing information;

an out-of-band MPEG processor for processing said PDU'"'"'s carrying said narrowband data from said second signal path into a second MPEG stream of said narrowband data, said second MPEG stream being output on a downstream signaling channel corresponding to said user, and having PID values assigned, on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and said routing information; and

a transport multiplexer for outputting, in accordance with said corresponding VPI/VCI and said routing information, said first MPEG stream for modulation on a high-bandwidth channel selectable by said user.

43. An ATM demultiplexer as recited in claim 42, wherein said ATM processor outputs on a third signal path PDU'"'"'s carrying a group of said broadband data transported by said ATM stream in MPEG format, said ATM processor recognizing said group of said broadband data on the basis of said corresponding VPI/VCI and said routing information, the ATM demultiplexer further comprising:

a service processor for monitoring PID values of said broadband data in MPEG format on said third signal path, each of said broadband data streams in MPEG format output by said service processor having unique PID values; and

means for correcting program reference clock timing in said broadband data streams in MPEG format on said third signal path; and

means for encrypting said broadband data streams in MPEG format on said third signal path before multiplexing by said transport multiplexer.

44. An ATM demultiplexer as recited in claim 42, further comprising means for supplying low-bandwidth user data received on a low-bandwidth channel to said out-of-band MPEG processor, said out-of-band MPEG processor performing MPEG processing on said low-bandwidth user data and assigning a PID value on the basis of a user address corresponding to said low-bandwidth user data and said routing information.

45. A network for distributing programs and signaling information, comprising:

an ATM processor, wherein;

(1) the ATM processor receives first, second and third ATM cell streams identified by first, second and third VPI/VCI values, respectively, the first and second ATM cell streams containing program information, the third ATM cell stream containing signaling information;

(2) the ATM processor converts data from ATM cells from the first, second and third ATM cell streams, into first, second and third streams of packets of data and applies at least a first packet identifier to the first stream of packets, a second packet identifier to the second stream of packets and a third packet identifier to the third stream of packets, the first, second and third packet identifiers corresponding respectively to the first, second and third VPI/VCI value; and

(3) the ATM processor outputs the first and second streams of packets through a program output port and outputs the third stream of packets through a signaling output port;

a first modulator for modulating the first and second streams of packets output through the program output port into a first channel signal;

a second modulator for modulating the third stream of packets into a second channel signal;

means for broadcasting the first and second channel signals to a plurality of digital entertainment terminals capable of processing both program information and signaling information.

46. A network as in claim 45, wherein the ATM processor comprises a first input port receiving a multiplexed ATM cell stream containing both the first ATM cell stream and the second ATM cell stream.

47. A network as in claim 46, wherein the ATM processor further comprises a second input port receiving the third ATM cell stream.

48. A network as in claim 45, wherein the ATM processor comprises an input port receiving a multiplexed ATM cell stream containing the first, second and third ATM cell streams.

49. A network as in claim 45, wherein the means for broadcasting comprises:

a combiner combining the first channel signal and the second channel signal into a combined spectrum signal; and

a distribution network transporting the combined spectrum signal to a group of the digital entertainment terminals.

50. A network as in claim 45, further comprising:

an ATM network;

first and second information providers transmitting the first and second ATM cell streams to the ATM processor through the ATM network; and

at least one control element transmitting the third cell stream to the ATM processor through the ATM network.

51. A network as in claim 45, wherein the ATM processor comprises:

ATM processing means, receiving the ATM cell streams, for assembling payload data units (PDU'"'"'S) from said ATM cell streams on the basis of VPI/VCI values in each cell, and for outputting PDU'"'"'s carrying program information on a first signal path and PDU'"'"'s carrying signaling information data on a second signal path;

an in-band MPEG processor connected to the first signal path for processing the PDU'"'"'s carrying the program information into a combined MPEG stream for transmission through the first output port, said combined MPEG stream having packets containing the first and second packet identifiers; and

an out-of-band MPEG processor connected to the second signal path for processing said PDU'"'"'s carrying the signaling information into an MPEG stream having packets containing the third packet identifier, for transmission through the second output port.