Hybrid access system with remote device monitoring scheme

• US 6,005,850 A
• Filed: 08/21/1996
• Issued: 12/21/1999
• 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:
  US08/700,988
• Time in Patent Office: 1,217 Days
• Field of Search: 370/282, 370/433, 370/449, 370/250, 370/475, 370/257, 370/410, 370/431, 370/348, 370/463, 370/341, 370/329, 370/404, 340/505, 340/825.54, 340/825.06
• US Class Current: 370/282
• 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. The system effects changes in the upstream transmitted power based on sensed conditions.

Claims

1. In a two-way asymmetric network communication system for transferring information between a host server and a plurality of remote clients and wherein said remote clients include respective remote interfaces for receiving high speed downstream information from said host server over a downstream channel over a shared medium and for transmitting lower speed return information over a lower speed upstream channel, and wherein said network communication system includes a hybrid access system for managing the downstream and upstream channels in interactive network sessions, a method of dynamic channel allocation comprising the steps of:

monitoring an allocated first upstream channel for an operability indication of a client and determining an absence of activity when a number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications;

based on said determined absence of activity, directing said client to respond on another upstream channel; and

allocating said other upstream channel to said client to continue upstream communication based on operability indications received on said other upstream channel.

2. The method as in claim 1 further comprising the step of:

monitoring the other upstream channel for operability indications with respect to the particular client; and

wherein said step of allocating further comprises;

allocating the other upstream channel with respect to the particular client based on the number of said operability indications received.

3. The method as in claim 2 further comprising the steps of:

determining the responsiveness of the particular client based on the number of said operability indications received.

4. The method as in claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable channel from the available channels; and

switching to the other upstream channel.

5. The method as in claim 4, wherein said step of selecting a suitable channel is based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of a client and configuration restrictions.

6. The method as in claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

sending a message to a client associated with said communication channel, said message requesting said client to switch to said other channel; and

receiving a response from said client on the other channel.

7. In a two-way asymmetric network communication system for transferring information between a server and a plurality of remote clients and wherein said remote clients include respective remote interfaces for receiving high speed downstream information from said server over a downstream channel over a shared medium and for transmitting lower speed return information over a lower speed upstream channel, and wherein said network communication system includes a hybrid access system for managing the downstream and upstream channels in interactive network sessions, a device for channel allocation comprising:

a detector for monitoring an allocated first upstream channel for an operability indication of a client, and determining an absence of activity when a number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications; and

a controller for directing said client to respond on another upstream channel, based on the absence on activity determined by said detector, and for allocating said other upstream channel to said client to continue upstream communication based on operability indications received on said other upstream channel.

8. The device as in claim 7 wherein:

said detector monitors the other upstream channel for operability indications with respect to the particular client; and

wherein said controller further allocates the other upstream channel with respect to the particular client based on the number of said operability indications received.

9. The device as in claim 8 further comprising:

means for determining the responsiveness of the particular client based on the number of said operability indications received.

10. The device as in claim 8, further comprising:

means for determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

means for selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable channel from the available channels; and

means for switching to the other upstream channel.

11. The device as in claim 10, wherein said means for selecting a suitable channel operates based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of a client and configuration restrictions.

12. The method as in claim 10, further comprising:

means for sending a message to a client associated with said channel, said message requesting said client to switch to said other channel; and

means for receiving a response from said client on the other channel.

13. A method of transferring packets with a plurality of remote devices in an asymmetric network communication system that includes a server, and a plurality of remote devices, and wherein said server transmits data to said plurality of remote devices over a downstream channel in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and said plurality of remote devices transmit data to said server over a plurality of upstream channels in accordance with an upstream channel protocol that is independent of said downstream channel protocol, the method comprising the steps of, by a server in communication over a shared medium with one of said plurality of remote devices:

monitoring an allocated first upstream channel for an operability indication for one of said remote devices, and determining an absence of activity when a number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications;

based on said determined absence of activity, directing said one remote device to respond on another upstream channel; and

allocating said other channel to said one of said remote devices to continue communication based on operability indications received on said second channel.

14. The method as in claim 13 further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the other upstream channel for operability indications with respect to said one remote device; and

wherein said step of allocating further comprises;

allocating the other upstream channel with respect to said one remote device based on the number of said operability indications received.

15. The method as in claim 14 further comprising the steps of:

determining the responsiveness of said one remote device based on the number of said operability indications received.

16. The method as in claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable channel from the determined available channels; and

switching to the other upstream channel.

17. The method as in claim 16, wherein said step of selecting a suitable channel is based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of said one remote device associated with said communication channel and configuration restrictions.

18. The method as in claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

sending a message to said one remote device associated with said communication channel, said message requesting said one remote device to switch to said other channel; and

receiving a response from said one remote device on the other channel.

19. A method of transferring packets with a plurality of remote devices in an asymmetric network communication system that includes a server, and a plurality of remote devices, and wherein said server transmits data to said plurality of remote devices over a downstream channel in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and said plurality of remote devices transmit data to said server over a plurality of upstream channels in accordance with an upstream channel protocol that is independent of said downstream channel protocol, the method comprising the steps of, by a server in communication over a shared medium with one of said plurality of remote devices:

monitoring an allocated first upstream channel for an operability indication for one of said remote devices, and determining an absence of activity when a number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications;

based on said determined absence of activity, directing said one remote device to respond on another upstream channel; and

allocating said other channel to said one of said remote devices to continue communication based on operability indications received on said second channel, wherein each of said downstream channel and said upstream channels lies in a selected one of;

a CATV network, over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, direct broadcast satellite transmission, telephone network, hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cellular broadcast system.

20. The method as in claim 19 further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the other upstream channel for operability indications with respect to said one remote device; and

wherein said step of allocating further comprises;

allocating the other upstream channel with respect to said one remote device based on the number of said operability indications received.

21. The method as in claim 20 further comprising the steps of:

determining the responsiveness of said one remote device based on the number of said operability indications received.

22. The method as in claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable channel from the determined available channels; and

switching to the other upstream channel.

23. The method as in claim 22, wherein said step of selecting a suitable channel is based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of said one remote device associated with said communication channel and configuration restrictions.

24. The method as in claim 22, further comprising the steps of:

sending a message to said one remote device associated with said communication channel, said message requesting said one remote device to switch to said other channel; and

receiving a response from said one remote device on the other channel.

25. In an asymmetric network communication system that includes a host, a plurality of remote devices and a shared medium for conveying data among the host and the plurality of remote devices, the system including a network manager for enabling the host to transmit data to the plurality of remote devices over a downstream channel that lies in the shared medium in accordance with a downstream channel protocol and for enabling the plurality of remote devices to transmit data destined for the host over a plurality of upstream channels in accordance with an upstream channel protocol that is independent of the downstream channel protocol, a method of transferring data with the plurality of remote devices comprising the steps of:

monitoring an operability indication with respect to one of the remote devices;

determining an absence of activity when a number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications;

based on said determining, allocating said another upstream channel to said one remote device to continue communication on said other channel and directing said one remote device to respond on said other upstream channel.

26. The method as in claim 25 further comprising the steps of:

monitoring the other upstream channel for operability indications with respect to said one remote device; and

wherein said step of allocating further comprises;

allocating the other upstream channel with respect to said one remote device based on the number of said operability indications received.

27. The method as in claim 26 further comprising the steps of:

determining the responsiveness of said one remote device based on the number of said operability indications received.

28. The method as in claim 27, further comprising the steps of:

determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable channel from the determined available channels; and

switching to the other upstream channel.

29. The method as in claim 28, wherein said step of selecting a suitable channel is based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of said one remote device associated with said communication channel and configuration restrictions.

30. The method as in claim 28, further comprising the steps of:

sending a message to said one remote device associated with said communication channel, said message requesting said one remote device to switch to said other channel; and

receiving a response from said one remote device on the other channel.

31. An asymmetric communication system for enabling communication between a host and a plurality of remote clients, said system comprising:

a plurality of upstream channels, and a downstream channel that operates at a different speed or under a different protocol than said plurality of upstream channels, wherein said downstream channel includes a shared medium;

said plurality of remote clients being in communication with the host over said shared medium, wherein said host transmits data to said plurality of remote clients over said downstream channel according to a downstream channel protocol and said plurality of remote clients transmit data to said host over said upstream channels according to an upstream channel protocol; and

a system manager for managing said plurality of upstream channels, and said downstream channel in interactive network sessions, being operable for effectuating monitoring of an allocated first upstream channel for an operability indication with respect to one of said remote clients, for effectuating direction of said one of said remote clients to respond on another upstream channel with respect to an operability indication in the absence of activity, wherein said absence of activity is determined when a number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications, and for effectuating allocation of said other channel to said one of said remote clients to continue communication based on operability indications received on said other channel.

32. The system as in claim 31, wherein:

said registering includes registering a number of monitored operability indications of said other upstream channel within a predetermined time interval; and

allocating said other upstream channel based on said number of monitored operability indications of said other upstream channel.

33. The system as in claim 32 further comprising the determining of the responsiveness of the particular client based on the number of said operability indications received from that client.

34. The system as in claim 32, further comprising:

means for determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

means for selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable upstream channel from the available channels; and

means for switching to the other upstream channel.

35. The system as in claim 34 wherein said means for selecting operates based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of:

channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of a client associated with said channel and configuration restrictions.

36. The system as in claim 34, further comprising:

means for sending a message to a client associated with said upstream channel, said message requesting said client to switch to said other channel; and

means for receiving a response from said client on the other channel.

37. An asymmetric communication system for enabling communication between a host and a plurality of remote clients, the system comprising:

a plurality of upstream channels, and a downstream channel that operates at a different speed or under a different protocol than the plurality of upstream channels, wherein the downstream channel includes a shared medium, the plurality of remote clients being in communication with the host over the shared medium, wherein the host transmits data to the plurality of remote clients over the downstream channel according to a downstream channel protocol and the plurality of remote clients transmit data to the host over the upstream channels according to an upstream channel protocol; and

a system manager for managing the plurality of upstream channels, and the downstream channel in interactive network sessions, being operable for effectuating monitoring of a first upstream channel for an operability indication with respect to one of the remote clients;

for effectuating direction of the one of the remote clients to respond on another upstream channel with respect to an operability indication in the absence of activity on the first channel, wherein each of the downstream channel and the upstream channels lies in a selected one of;

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cellular broadcast system, wherein said absence of activity is determined by registering the number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval and, based on the number of indications registered, effectuating direction of said client to respond on said other upstream channel when said number of monitored operability indications within said predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications.

38. The system as in claim 37, wherein:

said registering includes registering a number of monitored operability indications of said other upstream channel within a predetermined time interval; and

allocating said other upstream channel based on said number of monitored operability indications of said other upstream channel.

39. The system as in claim 38 further comprising the determining of the responsiveness of the particular client based on the number of said operability indications received from that client.

40. The system as in clam 38 further comprising:

means for determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

means for selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable upstream channel from the available channels; and

means for switching to the other upstream channel.

41. The system as in claim 40 wherein said means for selecting operates based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of:

channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of a client associated with said channel and configuration restrictions.

42. The system as in claim 40, further comprising:

means for sending a message to a client associated with said upstream channel, said message requesting said client to switch to said other channel; and

means for receiving a response from said client on the other channel.

43. A packet delivery system comprising:

at least one server;

a plurality of upstream channels, and a downstream channel, wherein the downstream channel includes a shared medium;

a plurality of remote devices in communication with the at least one server over the shared medium, wherein the at least one server transmits packets to the plurality of remote devices over the downstream channel according to a high-speed downstream channel protocol and the plurality of remote devices transmit packets to the at least one server over the upstream channels according to a lower-speed upstream channel protocol; and

a network manager for managing the plurality of upstream channels, and the downstream channel in interactive network sessions being operable to effectuate monitoring of a first upstream channel for an operability indication with respect to one of the remote devices;

to effectuate direction of the one of the remote devices to respond on another upstream channel with respect to an operability indication in the absence of activity on the first upstream channel, wherein said absence of activity is determined by registering the number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval and, based on the number of indications registered, effectuating direction of said one of said remote devices to respond on said other upstream channel channel when said number of monitored operability indications within said predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications.

44. The system as in claim 43, wherein:

said registering includes registering a number of monitored operability indications of said other upstream channel within a predetermined time interval; and

allocating said other upstream channel based on said number of monitored operability indications of said other upstream channel.

45. The system as in claim 44 further comprising the determining of the responsiveness of said one of said remote devices based on the number of said operability indications received from said one of said remote devices.

46. The system as in claim 44 further comprising:

means for determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

means for selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable upstream channel from the available channels; and

means for switching to the other upstream channel.

47. The system as in claim 46 wherein said means for selecting operates based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of:

channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of said one of said remote devices associated with said channel and configuration restrictions.

48. The system as in claim 46, further comprising:

means for sending a message to said one of said remote devices associated with said upstream channel, said message requesting said one of said remote devices to switch to said other channel; and

means for receiving a response from said one of said remote devices on the other channel.

49. A packet delivery system comprising:

at least one server;

a plurality of upstream channels, and a downstream channel, wherein the downstream channel includes a shared medium;

a plurality of remote devices in communication with the at least one server over the shared medium, wherein the at least one server transmits packets to the plurality of remote devices over the downstream channel according to a high-speed downstream channel protocol and the plurality of remote devices transmit packets to the at least one server over the upstream channels according to a lower-speed upstream channel protocol; and

a network manager for managing the plurality of upstream channels, and the downstream channel in interactive network sessions being operable to effectuate monitoring of a first upstream channel for an operability indication with respect to one of the remote devices;

to effectuate direction of the one of the remote devices to respond on another upstream channel with respect to an operability indication in the absence of activity on the first upstream channel, wherein the shared medium comprises one of;

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cellular broadcast system, wherein said absence of activity is determined by registering the number of monitored operability indications within a predetermined time interval and, based on the number of indications registered, effectuating direction of said client to respond on said other upstream channel when said number of monitored operability indications within said predetermined time interval is less than a predetermined acceptable number of indications.

50. The system as in claim 49, wherein:

said registering includes registering a number of monitored operability indications of said other upstream channel within a predetermined time interval; and

allocating said other upstream channel based on said number of monitored operability indications of said other upstream channel.

51. The system as in claim 50 further comprising the determining of the responsiveness of said one of said remote devices based on the number of said operability indications received from said one of said remote devices.

52. The system as in claim 50 further comprising:

means for determining the availability of at least one other upstream channel;

means for selecting as the other upstream channel a suitable upstream channel from the available channels; and

means for switching to the other upstream channel.

53. The system as in claim 52 wherein said means for selecting operates based on suitability factors of the available channels, the factors including at least some of:

channel quality, type of service required, operating characteristics of said one of said remote devices associated with said channel and configuration restrictions.

54. The system as in claim 52, further comprising:

means for sending a message to said one of said remote devices associated with said upstream channel, said message requesting said one of said remote devices to switch to said other channel; and

means for receiving a response from said one of said remote devices on the other channel.

55. In an asymmetric network communication system including a first node, a plurality of second nodes, specially removed from the first node, a plurality of first channels for sending packets from the second nodes to the first node, and a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes, a method comprising the step, performed in one of the second nodes, of:

sending a signal on one of the plurality of first channels, and the steps, performed at a location specially removed from the one of the second nodes, of;

monitoring the one of the plurality of first channels to generate a result; and

conditionally directing the one of the second nodes to send the signal on another channel of the plurality of first channels, depending on the result.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein the monitoring step includes the step of determining a number of indications occurring within a predetermined interval.

57. The method of claim 55 wherein the monitoring step includes the step of determining an absence of activity on the one of the plurality of first channels.

58. The method as in claim 55, wherein the directing step includes:

selecting the another channel, depending on at least one of channel quality, type of service required, and operating characteristics of the one of the second nodes.

59. The method as in claim 55, further comprising the step, performed at the location spacially removed from the one of the second nodes, of:

receiving the signal on the another channel.

60. The method of claim 55 wherein the plurality of first channels are in a telephone network, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the telephone network.

61. The method of claim 55 wherein the second channel is in a cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the cable network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the cable network.

62. The method of claim 55 wherein the second channel is in a wireless broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the wireless broadcast network.

63. The method of claim 55 wherein the second channel is in a satellite broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in a telephone network, each of the plurality of first channels having a respective time slot in the wireless broadcast network, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the telephone network.

64. The method of claim 55 wherein the second channel is in a selected one of:

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cellular broadcast system, and the plurality of first channels are in a selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system, and the sending step includes;

sending the signal over the selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system.

69. The system as in claim 62, wherein the monitor includes means for receiving the signal on the another channel.

65. An asymmetric network communication system comprising:

a first node;

a plurality of second nodes, spacially removed from the first node;

a plurality of first channels for sending packets from the second nodes to the first node; and

a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes, wherein each second node includes

circuitry that sends a signal on one of the plurality of first channels, and the system further includes,

a monitor, spacially removed from the second nodes, that monitors the plurality of first channels, to conditionally direct one of the second nodes to send the signal on another channel of the plurality of first channels.

66. The system of claim 65 wherein the monitor includes means for determining a number of indications occurring within a predetermined interval.

67. The system of claim 65 wherein the monitor includes means for determining an absence of activity on one of the plurality of first channels.

68. The system as in claim 65, wherein the monitor includes:

means for selecting the another channel, depending on at least one of channel quality, type of service required, and operating characteristics of the one of the second nodes.

70. The system of claim 65 further including:

a telephone network, wherein the plurality of first channels are in the telephone network.

71. The system of claim 65 further including:

a cable network, wherein the second channel is in the cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the cable network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel.

72. The system of claim 65 further including:

a wireless broadcast network, wherein the second channel is in the wireless broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel.

73. The system of claim 65 further including:

a satellite broadcast network; and

a telephone network, wherein the second channel is in the satellite broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the telephone network, each of the plurality of first channels having a respective time slot in the wireless broadcast network.

74. The system of claim 65 wherein the second channel is in a selected one of:

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cellular broadcast system, and the plurality of first channels are in a selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system.

75. In an asymmetric network communication system including a first node, a plurality of second nodes, spacially removed from the first node, a plurality of first channels for sending packets from the second nodes to the first node, and a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes, a method comprising the step, performed in one of the second nodes, of:

sending a signal on one of the plurality of first channels, the step, performed at a network layer or lower, of;

monitoring the one of the plurality of first channels to generate a result; and

the step of;

conditionally directing the one of the second nodes to send the signal on another channel, depending on the result.

76. The method of claim 75 wherein the monitoring step includes the step of determining a number of indications occurring within a predetermined interval.

77. The method of claim 75 wherein the monitoring step includes the step of determining an absence of activity on the one of the plurality of first channels.

78. The method as in claim 75, wherein the directing step includes:

selecting the another channel, depending on at least one of channel quality, type of service required, and operating characteristics of the one of the second nodes.

79. The method as in claim 75, further comprising the step, performed at the location spacially removed from the one of the second nodes, of:

receiving the signal on the another channel.

80. The method of claim 75 wherein the plurality of first chanels are in a telephone network, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the telephone network.

81. The method of claim 75 wherein the second channel is in a cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the cable network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the cable network.

82. The method of claim 75 wherein the second channel is in a wireless broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the wireless broadcast network.

83. The method of claim 75 wherein the second channel is in a satellite broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in a telephone network, each of the plurality of first channels having a respective time slot in the wireless broadcast network, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the telephone network.

84. The method of claim 75 wherein the second channel is in a selected one of:

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cellular broadcast system, and the plurality of first channels are in a selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system, and the sending step includes;

sending the signal over the selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system.

85. An asymmetric network communication system comprising:

a first node;

a plurality of second nodes, spacially removed from the first node;

a plurality of first channels for sending packets from the second nodes to the first node; and

a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes, wherein each second node includes

circuitry that sends a signal on one of the plurality of first channels, and the system further includes,

a monitor operating at a network layer or lower to monitor the plurality of first channels, to conditionally direct one of the second nodes to send the signal on another channel.

86. The system of claim 85 wherein the monitor includes means for determining a number of indications occurring within a predetermined interval.

87. The system of claim 85 wherein the monitor includes means for determining an absence of activity on one of the plurality of first channels.

88. The system as in claim 85, wherein the monitor includes:

means for selecting the another channel, depending on at least one of channel quality, type of service required, and operating characteristics of the one of the second nodes.

89. The system as in claim 85, wherein the monitor includes means for receiving the signal on the another channel.

90. The system of claim 85 further including:

a telephone network, wherein the plurality of first channels are in the telephone network.

91. The system of claim 85 further including:

a cable network, wherein the second channel is in the cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the cable network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel.

92. The system of claim 85 further including:

a cable network, wherein the second channel is in the cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having a respective time slot within the cable network.

93. The system of claim 85 further including:

a wireless broadcast network, wherein the second channel is in the wireless broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel.

94. The system of claim 85 wherein the second channel is in a selected one of:

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cellular broadcast system, and the plurality of first channels are in a selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system.

95. In an asymmetric network communication system including a first node, a plurality of second nodes, spacially removed from the first node, a plurality of first channels for sending packets from the second nodes to the first node, a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes, and a third node, a method comprising the step, performed in one of the second nodes, of:

sending a signal on one of the plurality of first channels, and the steps, performed in the third node, of;

monitoring the one of the plurality of first channels to generate a result; and

conditionally directing the one of the second nodes to send the signal on another channel, depending on the result.

96. The method of claim 95 wherein the monitoring step includes the step of determining a number of indications occurring within a predetermined interval.

97. The method of claim 95 wherein the monitoring step includes the step of determining an absence of activity on the one of the plurality of first channels.

98. The method as in claim 95, wherein the directing step includes:

selecting the another channel, depending on at least one of channel quality, type of service required, and operating characteristics of the one of the second nodes.

99. The method as in claim 95, further comprising the step, performed at the location spacially removed from the one of the second nodes, of:

receiving the signal on the another channel.

100. The method of claim 95 wherein the plurality of first channels are in a telephone network, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the telephone network.

101. The method of claim 95 wherein the second channel is in a cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the cable network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the cable network.

102. The method of claim 95 wherein the second channel is in a cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having a respective time slot within the cable network, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the cable network.

103. The method of claim 95 wherein the second channel is in a wireless broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel, and the sending step includes:

sending the signal over the wireless broadcast network.

104. The method of claim 95 wherein the second channel is in a selected one of:

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and a cellular broadcast system, and the plurality of first channels are in a selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system, and the sending step includes;

sending the signal over the selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system.

105. An asymmetric network communication system comprising:

a first node;

a plurality of second nodes, spacially removed from the first node;

a plurality of first channels for sending packets from the second nodes to the first node; and

a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes, wherein each second node includes

circuitry that sends a signal on one of the plurality of first channels, and the system further includes,

a third node that monitors the plurality of first channels, to conditionally direct one of the second nodes to send the signal on another channel.

106. The system of claim 105 wherein the monitor includes means for determining a number of indications occurring within a predetermined interval.

107. The system of claim 105 wherein the monitor includes means for determining an absence of activity on one of the plurality of first channels.

108. The system as in claim 105, wherein the monitor includes:

means for selecting the another channel, depending on at least one of channel quality, type of service required, and operating characteristics of the one of the second nodes.

109. The system as in claim 105, wherein the monitor includes means for receiving the signal on the another channel.

110. The system of claim 105 further including:

a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes; and

a telephone network, wherein the plurality of first channels are in the telephone network.

111. The system of claim 105 further including:

a cable network, wherein the second channel is in the cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the cable network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel.

112. The system of claim 105 further including:

a cable network, wherein the second channel is in the cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having a respective time slot within the cable network.

113. The system of claim 105 further including:

a wireless broadcast network, wherein the second channel is in the wireless broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel.

114. The system of claim 105 wherein the second channel is in a selected one of:

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system, and the plurality of first channels are in a selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system.

115. In an asymmetric network communication system including a first node, a plurality of second nodes, spacially removed from the first node, a plurality of first channels for sending packets from the second nodes to the first node, a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes, an upstream receiver that receives packets from the first channels, a downstream transmitter that sends packets to the second channel, and a manager, a method comprising the steps, performed in the manager, of:

sending a first signal to the downstream transmitter; and

sending a second signal to the upstream receiver, and the step, performed in one of the second nodes, of;

sending a third signal on one of the plurality of first channels, and the steps of;

monitoring the one of the plurality of first channels to generate a result; and

conditionally directing the one of the second nodes to send the third signal on another channel, depending on the result.

116. The method of claim 115 wherein the monitoring step includes the step of determining a number of indications occurring within a predetermined interval.

117. The method of claim 115 wherein the monitoring step includes the step of determining an absence of activity on the one of the plurality of first channels.

118. The method as in claim 115, wherein the directing step includes:

selecting the another channel, depending on at least one of channel quality, type of service required, and operating characteristics of the one of the second nodes.

119. The method as in claim 115, further comprising the step, performed at the location spacially removed from the one of the second nodes, of:

receiving the signal on the another channel.

120. The method of claim 115 wherein the plurality of first channels are in a telephone network, and the sending step includes:

sending the third signal over the telephone network.

121. The method of claim 115 wherein the second channel is in a cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the cable network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel, and the sending step includes:

sending the third signal over the cable network.

122. The method of claim 115 wherein the second channel is in a cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having a respective time slot within the cable network, and the sending step includes:

sending the third signal over the cable network.

123. The method of claim 115 wherein the second channel is in a wireless broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel, and the sending step includes:

sending the third signal over the wireless broadcast network.

124. The method of claim 115 wherein the second channel is in a selected one of:

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system, and the plurality of first channels are in a selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system, and the sending step includes;

sending the third signal over the selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system.

125. An asymmetric network communication system comprising:

a first node;

a plurality of second nodes, spacially removed from the first node;

a plurality of first channels for sending packets from the second nodes to the first node;

a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes;

an upstream receiver that receives packets from the first channels;

a downstream transmitter that sends packets to the second channel;

a manager that sends a first signal to the downstream transmitter, and a second signal to the upstream receiver, and wherein each second node includes

circuitry that sends a third signal on one of the plurality of first channels, and the system further includes,

a monitor that monitors the plurality of first channels, to conditionally direct one of the second nodes to send the third signal on another channel.

126. The system of claim 125 wherein the monitor includes means for determining a number of indications occurring within a predetermined interval.

127. The system of claim 125 wherein the monitor includes means for determining an absence of activity on one of the plurality of first channels.

128. The system as in claim 125, wherein the monitor includes:

means for selecting the another channel, depending on at least one of channel quality, type of service required, and operating characteristics of the one of the second nodes.

129. The system as in claim 125, wherein the monitor includes means for receiving the signal on the another channel.

130. The system of claim 125 further including:

a second channel for sending packets from the first node to the plurality of second nodes; and

a telephone network, wherein the plurality of first channels are in the telephone network.

131. The system of claim 125 further including:

a cable network, wherein the second channel is in the cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the cable network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel.

132. The system of claim 125 further including:

a cable network, wherein the second channel is in the cable network, and the plurality of first channels are in the cable network, each of the plurality of first channels having a respective time slot within the cable network.

133. The system of claim 125 further including:

a wireless broadcast network, wherein the second channel is in the wireless broadcast network, and the plurality of first channels are in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality of first channels having respective frequencies in the wireless broadcast network, each of the plurality having first channels operating at a lower speed than a speed of the second channel.

134. The system of claim 125 wherein the second channel is in a selected one of:

a CATV network, an over-the-air wireless broadcast, an RF broadcast, an electromagnetic transmission, a coaxial cable network, a direct broadcast satellite transmission, a telephone network, a hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system, and the plurality of first channels are in a selected one of;

the CATV network, the over-the-air wireless broadcast, the RF broadcast, the electromagnetic transmission, the coaxial cable network, the direct broadcast satellite transmission, the telephone network, the hybrid fiber coaxial network and the cellular broadcast system.