Upstream bandwidth allocation map (MAP)-initiated channel change method for data-over-cable systems

• US 6,742,187 B1
• Filed: 09/15/2000
• Issued: 05/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Valtrus Innovations Limited (f/k/a Dolya Holdco 9 Limited) (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: 3Com Corporation (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Vogel, Mark O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Srivastava, Vivek
• Assistant Examiner(s): VU, NGOC K
• Application Number:
  US09/663,756
• Time in Patent Office: 1,348 Days
• Field of Search: 725/126, 725/95, 725/111, 725/118, 725/121, 725/131, 725/105, 370/341, 370/468, 370/485, 370/486, 370/487, 370/480, 370/484, 370/431, 370/443, 370/225, 370/228
• US Class Current: 725/126
• 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: H04N 21/6118 involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6168 involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17309 Transmission or handling of upstream communications

Abstract

An upstream channel change for a cable modem in a data-over-cable system is achieved via an upstream bandwith allocation map message sent from a cable modem termination system to cable modems, instead of requiring an exchange of upstream channel change request and reply messages. The result is that the upstream channel change can be made essentially immediately, in a deterministic fashion. As such, the upstream channel change method is particularly useful for time-sensitive applications, such as Internet telephony, VoIP, and Internet video on demand services. Load balancing can also be achieved more efficiently.

Claims

1. In a data-over-cable system having a cable modem termination system, a method of changing an upstream channel for a modem in said data over cable system, comprising the steps of:

monitoring upstream bandwidth allocation map (MAP) messages associated with an alternate channel in said data-over-cable system for an indication that said modem may change the channel it is currently transmitting on in the upstream direction to said alternate channel, and

in response to said monitoring, said modem moving from the current channel to said alternate channel,

whereby the change in upstream channel may be achieved in an efficient manner without substantial delay and wherein said change in said upstream channel is obtained without exchange of upstream channel change request and upstream channel change reply messages between said cable modem termination system and said cable modem, respectively.

8. A cable modem performing the method of any one of claims 1-7.

2. In a data-over-cable system having a cable modem termination system, a method of changing an upstream channel for a modem in said data over cable system, comprising the steps of:

monitoring upstream bandwidth allocation map (MAP) messages associated with an alternate channel in said data-over-cable system for an indication that said modem may change the channel it is currently transmitting on in the upstream direction to said alternate channel, and

in response to said monitoring, said modem moving from the current channel to said alternate channel,

whereby the change in upstream channel may be achieved in an efficient manner without substantial delay and wherein said modem monitors MAP messages associated with its current channel and MAP messages associated with other channels in said data-over-cable system that are viable alternate channels to said current channel.

3. In a data-over-cable system having a cable modem termination system, a method of changing an upstream channel for a modem in said data over cable system, comprising the steps of:

monitoring upstream bandwidth allocation map (MAP) messages associated with an alternate channel in said data-over-cable system for an indication that said modem may change the channel it is currently transmitting on in the upstream direction to said alternate channel, and

in response to said monitoring, said modem moving from the current channel to said alternate channel, whereby the change in upstream channel may be achieved in an efficient manner without substantial delay and, wherein said indication is found in a MAP message in said alternate channel, and wherein said indication comprises an unicast upstream transmission opportunity for said modem.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said modem moves from said current channel to said new channel upon receipt of a MAP message in said alternate channel containing said upstream transmission opportunity.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein said unicast upstream transmission opportunity comprises a station maintenance interval.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein said unicast upstream transmission opportunity comprises a portion of an in-progress service flow.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein said unicast upstream transmission opportunity comprises an establishment of a service flow on said new channel based on a request made in said current channel.

9. In a data over cable system including a cable modem termination system, the improvement comprising:

said cable modem termination system transmitting upstream bandwidth allocation map (MAP) messages, said MAP messages for monitoring by cable modem s in a data over cable system, said MAP messages containing fields with data instructing said cable modems to change the upstream channel said cable modems use for transmitting data to said cable modem termination system,

wherein said upstream channel change is effected by said cable modems monitoring said MAP messages and without requiring an Upstream Channel Change Request message to be sent from said cable modem termination system to said cable modems.