Network router apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A premises network device adapted to interface between an HFC cable network and a premises network comprising coaxial cabling within a user premises and having a plurality of computerized devices coupled thereto via said coaxial cabling, said premises network device comprising:
- an apparatus adapted to utilize realm specific internet protocol (RSIP) to translate an IP address associated with said premises network device on said HFC network to a single IP address associated with said premises network;
a first interface having a first protocol stack and adapted to;
receive signals from said HFC network; and
evaluate received signals and extract a first portion of said signals encoded according to an internet protocol; and
a second interface having a second protocol stack and adapted to;
transfer said first portion of said signals to a first set of said plurality of computerized devices via said coaxial cabling within said user premises using said single IP address associated with said premises network, said first set adapted to communicate via said internet protocol; and
transfer a second portion of said signals to a second set of said plurality of computerized devices, said second signals not encoded according to said internet protocol;
wherein said transfer of said first and said second portions of said signals to said first and second sets of said plurality of computerized devices comprises utilizing unused bandwidth of said coaxial cabling within said user premises.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved network router apparatus and associated network architecture is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the router apparatus is adapted to interface between an external network (such as an HFC/DOCSIS digital network) and a local network created using existing HFC cabling within a premises. The router device provides address translation between the single IP address assigned to the router by the external network and the addresses of the individual nodes or access points on the local network through creation of logical ports assigned to various portions of the available bandwidth of the cable system. The router further distinguishes network protocols from the media content streamed over the HFC network, allowing for the foregoing functionality and replacing any existing cable modem. Methods of initiating the router and assigning addresses are also disclosed, as well as business models for leasing the router equipment and access points.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A premises network device adapted to interface between an HFC cable network and a premises network comprising coaxial cabling within a user premises and having a plurality of computerized devices coupled thereto via said coaxial cabling, said premises network device comprising:
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an apparatus adapted to utilize realm specific internet protocol (RSIP) to translate an IP address associated with said premises network device on said HFC network to a single IP address associated with said premises network; a first interface having a first protocol stack and adapted to; receive signals from said HFC network; and evaluate received signals and extract a first portion of said signals encoded according to an internet protocol; and a second interface having a second protocol stack and adapted to; transfer said first portion of said signals to a first set of said plurality of computerized devices via said coaxial cabling within said user premises using said single IP address associated with said premises network, said first set adapted to communicate via said internet protocol; and transfer a second portion of said signals to a second set of said plurality of computerized devices, said second signals not encoded according to said internet protocol; wherein said transfer of said first and said second portions of said signals to said first and second sets of said plurality of computerized devices comprises utilizing unused bandwidth of said coaxial cabling within said user premises. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification