Hybrid access system utilizing credit/done polling protocols

• US 5,946,322 A
• Filed: 08/27/1996
• Issued: 08/31/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hybrid Patents Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Hybrid Networks, Inc. (Iowave, Inc.)
• Inventors: Enns, Frederick, Moura, Eduardo J., Gronski, Jan Maksymilian, Packer, Robert L., Luxenberg, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Olms, Douglas W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOM, SHICK C
• Application Number:
  US08/703,767
• Time in Patent Office: 1,099 Days
• Field of Search: 370/449, 370/450, 370/468, 370/470, 370/477, 370/543, 370/236, 370/276, 370/310, 370/346, 370/465, 370/524, 370/260, 370/278, 370/282, 370/312, 370/404, 375/356
• US Class Current: 370/468
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18523 Satellite systems for providing broadcast service to terrestrial stations, i.e. broadcast satellite service arrangements specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving H04H40/90; picture transmission via satellite H04N1/00103; television transmission via satellite H04N7/20
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18584 Arrangements for data networking, i.e. for data packet routing, for congestion control data switching networks H04L12/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/38 Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/78 CATV [Community Antenna Television] systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/81 combined with telephone network over which the broadcast is continuously available
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/82 the transmission system being the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/1682 Allocation of channels according to the instantaneous demands of the users, e.g. concentrated multiplexers, statistical multiplexers
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/1694 Allocation of channels in TDM/TDMA networks, e.g. distributed multiplexers Passive Optical Networks H04Q11/0062
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2801 Broadband local area networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2856 Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access asynchronous transfer mode networks H04L12/5601; broadband local area networks H04L12/2801; optical access or distribution networks H04Q11/0067; access to open networks H04L12/5691; digital subscriber line end-user equipment and bit-level processing of data on a PSTN-based network H04M11/00; home network gateways H04L12/2834; wireless access networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2898 Subscriber equipments DSL modems H04M11/062; cable modems H04L12/2801
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/01 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/14 Multichannel or multilink protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/16 Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/161 Implementation details of TCP/IP or UDP/IP stack architecture; Specification of modified or new header fields
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/06 Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
• 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 21/2393 : involving handling client requests scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2408 : Monitoring of the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. client requests monitoring data switching networks utilization H04L43/0876; scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/266 : Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system, merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/437 : Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. for transmitting client requests to a VOD server flow control in data networks H04L47/10; streaming protocols, e.g. RTP or RTCP, H04L65/65; scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests in data packet switching networks H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/64322 : IP
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/10 : Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable H04N7/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17309 : Transmission or handling of upstream communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17345 : Control of the passage of the selected programme
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/50 : in wire-line communication networks, e.g. low power modes or reduced link rate
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 370/911 : Bridge, e.g. brouter, bus extender

Abstract

An asymmetric network communication system for use in a client-server environment having independent forward and return channels operating at different speeds and/or under different protocols on the same or different communication media to provide efficient utilization of shared resources. A network manager, such as a hybrid access system, effects transmission of packetized data on a forward (downstream) channel from the host server to multiple client devices coupled with a shared downstream media at 10 or more megabits per second while simultaneously providing selectable multiple lower speeds of operation on shared or dedicated return (upstream) channels from the client devices to the host server depending on bandwidth availability, bandwidth demand, service level authorization, etc. for the return channel. Forward and return channels may be located on the same or different communication medium including a CATV network, direct broadcast satellite network, television or radio RF broadcast network, wireless or mobile cellular facilities or the like. The return channel may reside on a PSTN either directly coupled with the host server or connected with the network manager for subsequent transmission to the host server. The network manager handles or controls the forward and return communication to establish interactive full-duplex real-time network sessions between the host and a selected client device. The network manager switches upstream channel assignment based on quality of signals transmitted to the host, effects changes in the upstream transmitted power based on sensed conditions, and automatically configures new client devices as they are added to the network. The system issues data transmission credits to client devices for enabling them to independently transmit data without supervision up to their allowed credit limit thereby reducing polling for channel allocation requests.

Claims

1. In an asymmetric network communication system including a host server, a plurality of remote clients and a headend facility for distributing information signals to said remote clients, a packet delivery system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by said plurality of remote clients for receiving high speed data packets from said host server over a shared medium,

an upstream channel shared by said remote clients that enables at least one of said remote clients to transmit lower speed return data packets to said host server,

a hybrid access system including a network manager for controlling transfers of data packets from said host server to said remote clients over said shared medium in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and for controlling transfers of lower return data packets from the at least one remote client to said host server over said shared upstream channel in accordance with an upstream channel protocol,

said hybrid access system including a backbone interface that enables connection with said host server, a downstream router for enabling transmission of high speed data packets to said remote clients over said shared medium and an upstream router for receiving return data packets from said at least one of said remote clients, and

said hybrid access system further including a credit manager for issuing credit control packets indicative of respective volumes of data said remote clients are respectively authorized to send, wherein said remote clients respectively return updated messages to said network manager indicative of respective remaining volumes of data to be sent to said host server.

2. In combination with a television broadcast facility including a shared medium downstream channel shared by a plurality of network devices that receive high speed data packets from a host server, an improvement comprising:

respective interfaces associated with said network devices connected with said shared medium and tuned to receive high speed transfers of data packets for conveyance to said network devices,

an upstream channel shared by said network devices to enable conveyance of lower speed return data packets to said host server,

a network manager for controlling transfers of information data packets from said host server to said network devices over said shared medium in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and transfers of return data packets from said network devices to said host server over said upstream channel in accordance with an upstream channel protocol,

wherein said network manager issues credit control packets indicative of a volume of data which at least one of said network devices is authorized to send wherein said at least one of said network devices effects updates said credit control packets to indicate an authorized volume of data less a volume of data sent by said at least one of said network devices.

3. In an asymmetric wide area network that includes a network manager, a host server and a plurality of remote clients, a method of communicating with remote clients including the steps of:

providing an upstream channel that shared by said remote clients and that enables at least one of said remote clients to transmit return data packets to said host server,

transmitting a credit signal to a remote client to authorize a volume of data said at least one of said remote clients is authorized to send,

effecting updating of said credit signal so that the credit signal corresponds to said volume of data less data sent by said at least one of said remote clients, and

returning said credit signal to said network manager.

4. A wireless packet delivery system for use in a communication network that establishes a communications link between a host server and at least one remote device, said system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by said at least one remote device for receiving data packets from said host server over a shared medium,

an upstream channel that enables said at least one remote device to transmit return data to said host server,

a network manager for handling transfers of data packets between said host server and said at least one remote device over said shared medium in accordance with upstream and downstream channel protocols, and for issuing a credit signal for said at least one remote device corresponding to a volume of data said at least one remote device is authorized to send.

5. In a two way network communication system, a method of administering transfers of information between a plurality of first communication nodes, and a second communication node, based on credit administration, comprising:

issuing a credit for a one of the first nodes, to enable a transfer of a set amount of information from the one of the first nodes;

receiving at the second node an amount of information corresponding in value up to the credit issued for the one of the first nodes;

sending a message to the second node indicative of the amount of information remaining to be sent;

polling multiple ones of the plurality of first nodes from the second node to determine which of the first nodes requests an information transfer; and

bypassing polling of respective ones of the first nodes that have unused information transfer credits.

6. In a network communication system including a server that transfers information with a plurality of remote devices via respective upstream and downstream channels, the improvement comprising:

a network controller that issues respective credit control packets associated with the remote devices, the packets including credit signals corresponding to a volume of data the remote devices are respectively authorized to send, the credit signals being updated upon transfers of information to indicate respective authorized volumes of data less respective transferred volumes of data, wherein the network controller couples the physical layer of each of the upstream and downstream channels,

wherein the downstream channel comprises a shared medium shared by the remote devices, and the upstream and downstream channels form an asymmetric network connection between the host and the remote devices, wherein the downstream channel is selected from one of a CATV network, a direct broadcast satellite network, and an over-the-air radio frequency transmission, and the upstream channel is selected from one of the CATV network and the over-the-air radio frequency transmission.

7. In a system including a server, a plurality of remote clients and an information distribution facility for distributing data packets to the remote clients, a two-way network communication system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by the plurality of remote clients to receive high speed data packets from the server;

an upstream channel for enabling at least one of the remote clients to convey lower speed return data packets to the server; and

a network manager for managing transfers of data packets from the server to the remote clients in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and transfers of return data packets from the remote clients to the server in accordance with an upstream channel protocol, and for issuing credit control packets indicative of respective volumes of data the remote clients are respectively authorized to send, the remote clients respectively returning updated messages to the network manager indicative of respective remaining volumes of data to be sent to the server, wherein the upstream channel and the downstream channel reside in different communication media.

8. In a system including a server, a hybrid fiber coaxial cable network, a plurality of remote clients physically connected in parallel to the hybrid fiber coaxial cable network, and an information distribution facility for distributing data packets to the remote clients, a two-way network communication system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by the plurality of remote clients to receive high speed data packets from the server, the downstream channel lying in the hybrid fiber coaxial cable network such that the remote clients may receive simultaneously broadcast data packets, whereby to facilitate efficient sharing of resources at the distribution facility by the remote clients;

an upstream channel for enabling at least one of the remote clients to convey lower speed return data packets to the server; and

a network manager for managing transfers of data packets from the server to the remote clients in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and transfers of return data packets from the remote clients to the server in accordance with an upstream channel protocol, and for issuing credit control packets indicative of respective volumes of data the remote clients are respectively authorized to send, the remote clients respectively returning updated messages to the network manager indicative of respective remaining volumes of data to be sent to the server.

9. The network communication system as recited in claim 8 wherein the upstream channel comprises a lower speed channel carried by the hybrid fiber coaxial cable network.

10. In a system including a server, a plurality of remote clients including a radio frequency receivers, and an information distribution facility for distributing data packets to the remote clients, the distribution facility including a cellular broadcast facility, a two-way network communication system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by the plurality of remote clients to receive high speed data packets from the server, the downstream channel including radio frequency broadcasts from the cellular broadcast facility, to allow the radio receivers to receive data packets;

an upstream channel for enabling at least one of the remote clients to convey lower speed return data packets to the server; and

a network manager for managing transfers of data packets from the server to the remote clients in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and transfers of return data packets from the remote clients to the server in accordance with an upstream channel protocol, and for issuing credit control packets indicative of respective volumes of data the remote clients are respectively authorized to send, the remote clients respectively returning updated messages to the network manager indicative of respective remaining volumes of data to be sent to the server.

11. In a system including a server, a plurality of remote clients and an information distribution facility for distributing data packets to the remote clients, a two-way network communication system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by the plurality of remote clients to receive high speed data packets from the server;

an upstream channel for enabling at least one of the remote clients to convey lower speed return data packets to the server, the upstream channel including a lower speed cellular return channel routed through the distribution facility; and

a network manager for managing transfers of data packets from the server to the remote clients in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and transfers of return data packets from the remote clients to the server in accordance with an upstream channel protocol, and for issuing credit control packets indicative of respective volumes of data the remote clients are respectively authorized to send, the remote clients respectively returning updated messages to the network manager indicative of respective remaining volumes of data to be sent to the server.

12. In a system including a server, a plurality of remote clients each including a receiver, and an information distribution facility for distributing data packets to the remote clients, the distribution facility including a direct broadcast satellite, a two-way network communication system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by the plurality of remote clients to receive high speed data packets from the server, the downstream channel including electromagnetic transmissions from the direct broadcast satellite to allow the receiver in each remote client to receive information signals;

an upstream channel for enabling at least one of the remote clients to convey lower speed return data packets to the server; and

a network manager for managing transfers of data packets from the server to the remote clients in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and transfers of return data packets from the remote clients to the server in accordance with an upstream channel protocol, and for issuing credit control packets indicative of respective volumes of data the remote clients are respectively authorized to send, the remote clients respectively returning updated messages to the network manager indicative of respective remaining volumes of data to be sent to the server.

13. In a system including a server, a plurality of remote clients and an information distribution facility for distributing data packets to the remote clients, a two-way network communication system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by the plurality of remote clients to receive high speed data packets from the server;

an upstream channel for enabling at least one of the remote clients to convey lower speed return data packets to the server; and

a network manager for managing transfers of data packets from the server to the remote clients in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and transfers of return data packets from the remote clients to the server in accordance with an upstream channel protocol, and for issuing credit control packets indicative of respective volumes of data the remote clients are respectively authorized to send, the remote clients respectively returning updated messages to the network manager indicative of respective remaining volumes of data to be sent to the server, wherein each of the upstream and downstream channels lies in a communication medium selected from one of a CATV distribution network, a cell site, an electromagnetic transmission, a hybrid fiber coaxial cable network, an over-the-air wireless network, and a direct broadcast satellite communication network.

14. In a system including a server, a plurality of remote clients and an information distribution facility for distributing data packets to the remote clients, a two-way network communication system comprising:

a downstream channel shared by the plurality of remote clients to receive high speed data packets from the server;

a plurality of upstream channels for enabling at least one of the remote clients to convey lower speed return data packets to the server; and

a network manager for managing transfers of data packets from the server to the remote clients in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and transfers of return data packets from the remote clients to the server in accordance with an upstream channel protocol, the upstream channel protocol enabling operation of the upstream channels at multiple speeds, wherein the network manager selectably assigns an upstream channel having a speed according to an information transfer requirement of one of the remote clients to provide more effective utilization of channel bandwidth according to demand by respective remote clients and for issuing credit control packets indicative of respective volumes of data the remote clients are respectively authorized to send, the remote clients respectively returning updated messages to the network manager indicative of respective remaining volumes of data to be sent to the server.