KR100483632B1 - High-speed data extension interface for a modem - Google Patents

Abstract

The modem 24 provides Internet access via a telephone line 12 within an ISP network connection 18 within an internet service provider (ISP) network 22 and a public switched telephone network 16. ISP network physical (PHY) layer 30 and ISP network medium access control (MAC) layer 32 may be coupled to ISP network connection 18. The extended PHY layer 34 and the extended MAC layer 36 may be combined with the telephone line 12. A single internet protocol (IP) layer 38 couples the ISP network PHY and MAC layers 30, 32 to the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36. The single IP layer 38 is between the ISP network connection 18 via the ISP network PHY and MAC layers 30, 32 and the telephone line 12 via the extended PHY and MAC layers 30, 32. Send IP datagrams without manipulation of IP datagrams for any additional PHY and MAC layers between them.

Description

High-speed data extension interface for modem {HIGH-SPEED DATA EXTENSION INTERFACE FOR A MODEM}

The present invention generally relates to a high speed data extension interface for a modem.

Typically, as shown in FIG. 1, the equipment of today's cable modems includes a cable modem that is directly connected to the cable system coaxial cable using a splitter or directional coupler. This same coaxial feed is also used to provide CATV channels and programming to a TV or settop box as shown. In order to route upstream and downstream data between the computer and the cable modem and ultimately provide Internet access, a 10BaseT Ethernet connection is used between the Internet access device, typically a personal computer (PC) and the cable modem.

Adding a second Internet access device to the system to take advantage of the Internet connection via a cable modem, use an Ethernet Hub to create a star network topology, as shown in FIG. Can be. In this case, twisted pair wiring is routed to one or more "extension" computers. In a typical subscriber environment, routing twisted pair wiring for the purpose of Ethernet expansion is expensive and in some cases impractical.

Another method of sharing an Internet connection through a subscriber premises is shown in FIG. 3. This method uses an installed local network that operates over existing telephone lines in the subscriber premises. Even in the presence of high speed data, the use of the telephone is not affected by the addition of high speed data signaling. This is made possible by frequency multiplexing the high speed data signal to allow it to coexist with the baseband phone signal. As with the cable modem shown in FIG. 3, a high speed internet access device provides internet access to the system. The disadvantage of this method is that the host PC must manage the data traffic between the cable modem and the telephone line interface device. In such a configuration, even if only the remote access point (Internet access device # 2 in FIG. 3) wants to access the Internet, the host computer is present, turned on, and appropriate bridging or proxy server software. Should continue to operate. If there is a problem, such as the host computer freezing, the connection to the remote device is lost.

Another disadvantage of this method is the continuous manipulation of Internet Protocol (IP) datagrams through the host PC interface. In order to transmit a datagram between the telephone line interface and the Internet access device, all data must pass through the host PC as shown in FIG. Each time data is processed through the physical medium, additional data processing is required, which potentially introduces data errors and increases the risk of data loss while adding transmission latency. In addition, expensive hardware and wiring are required to perform this physical layer and host computer processing.

Thus, there is a need to provide a reliable high speed data network connection for a cable modem without the disadvantages such as high cost, limited data speed, additional wiring in the premises or the need for a dedicated host computer.

1 (Prior Art) shows a diagram of a cable modem facility.

2 (Prior Art) shows a diagram of a cable modem using an Ethernet hub to connect one or more Internet access devices to the Internet at a subscriber premises.

3 (Prior Art) shows a diagram of a cable modem using a host personal computer to connect one or more Internet access devices to the Internet.

4 shows an example of a system using a cable modem extension in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a protocol level diagram of the internal structure of a cable modem in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a spectrum allocation chart that plots the frequency versus amplitude relationship for cable modem Ethernet extension in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Figure 7 shows an optional spectrum allocation chart that plots the frequency-to-amplitude relationship for cable modem Ethernet extension in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

8 shows a hardware block diagram of the internal structure of a cable modem in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a high speed data extension interface for a modem with low cost and high data rate in a single device. The present invention allows one or more remote Internet access devices in a subscriber premises (eg, home, office, etc.) to access the Internet through a single modem. An internet access device is a personal computer, personal digital assistant, set top box, internet application, or any other device capable of accessing the Internet or the World Wide Web.

The present invention allows each Internet access device present in the subscriber premises to be connected directly to the telephone line using an adapter. The present invention provides a host Internet access device to be connected directly to a modem, or a dedicated twisted pair wire or dedicated Internet Service Provider (ISP) network connection (e.g., CATV COAXial cable) to be connected to each Internet access device. I don't need it.

4 shows a preferred implementation of a modem in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Generally, subscriber premises 10 include a subscriber premises telephone line 12 connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 16 and an ISP network connection 18 connected to an ISP network 22. The ISP network may be a CATV network, an integrated service digital network, an asynchronous transmission mode network, or the like, but is not limited thereto. ISP network connections may be wired, wireless or a combination thereof. For ease of explanation and understanding, the following description assumes that the ISP network is a CATV network.

Telephone line 12 connects a typical older telephone service (POTS) equipment 14 (e.g., telephone, fax, etc.) to PSTN 16, and CATV coaxial cable 18 connects television 20 (if possible, Connect to CATV network 22 via a set top box (not shown). In addition, the preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the cable modem 24 to provide Internet access to at least one Internet access device 26 via existing telephone line 12 and CATV coaxial cable 18. The cable modem 24 uses telephone wires 12 to route data packets to or from the Internet access device 26.

Cable modem 24 is connected to CATV coaxial cable 18 extending from CATV coaxial cable drop position 28. The internal structure of the cable modem 24 is shown in FIG. The cable modem 24 may include an optical fiber coaxial (HFC) physical (PHY) layer 30, an HFC media access control (MAC) layer 32, an extended PHY layer 34, and an extended MAC layer ( 36) and the single Internet Protocol (IP) layer 38 are very important in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The HFC PHY and MAC layers 30, 32 are connectable with CATV coaxial cable. The extended PHY and MAC layers 34 and 36 are connectable with the telephone line 12. The single IP layer 38 connects the HFC PHY and MAC layers 30, 32 to the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36. Accordingly, the HFC PHY and MAC layers 30 and 32 and the extended PHY and MAC layers 34 and 36 are connected to the CATV network 22 and the telephone line 12 through a single IP layer 38 of the cable modem 24. ) Interface between The single IP layer 38 is between them between the CATV coaxial cable 18 via the HFC PHY and MAC layers 30 and 32 and the telephone line 12 via the extended PHY and MAC layers 34 and 36. Send IP datagrams without manipulating the IP datagrams (eg, packing and unpacking the IP datagrams, etc.) for any additional PHY and MAC layers.

In particular, extended PHY layer 34 performs both modulation and demodulation functions. Downstream data (data originating from the CATV network 22 and ending at the Internet access device 26) includes frequency shift keying (FSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), and CDMA (code) Modulated by the extended PHY layer 34 in a predetermined format. The downstream data is thus transmitted within the modem extension channel 40 of FIGS. 6 and 7 on telephone line 12 by employing communication system transmission circuitry known to those skilled in the art of digital communication system design. Downstream data is transmitted in non-interfacing means that excludes the POTS channel 42 and / or other channels (e.g., xDSL channel 44) that appear in spectral allocation by using frequency multiplexing.

Upstream data (data originating from the Internet access device and ending at the CATV network 22) is extracted from the frequency multiplexed composite signal residing on the telephone line 12. By employing the communication system receiver circuit, the upstream data in the modem extension channel 40 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is recovered as is well known to those skilled in the art of digital communication system receiver design by the extension PHY layer 34. Again, one of a number of modulation / demodulation formats, such as FSK, QAM, QPSK, CDMA, etc. may be used to encode upstream data. The important point is that the modulation / demodulation format of the upstream data does not have to be the same as the format of the downstream data. In addition, the modulation / demodulation format of the upstream and downstream data in the modem extension channel 40 need not be the same as that used in the CATV network 22. In addition, the upstream and downstream data in the modem extension channel 40 avoids interfaces with each other by frequency multiplexing.

The enhanced MAC layer 36 provides an interface for managing upstream and downstream data transmissions between the extended PHY layer 34 and the IP layer 38. The enhanced MAC layer 36 independently provides upstream and downstream functions as well as other multilateral controls such as memory management. Data received by the extended MAC layer 36 from the extended PHY layer 34 may include frame and header extraction, frame and header processing, message filtering, data decryption, synchronous management, and cyclic redundancy check (CRC). Processing is performed by performing functions such as processing, but is not limited thereto. Data received by the extended MAC layer 36 from the IP layer 38 for transmission by the extended PHY layer 34 also includes data encryption, message and data packet forwarding, time slot management, and data waiting. It is processed in the extended MAC layer 36 by performing a function such as, but is not limited thereto.

Cable modem 24 further includes a bridging mechanism within bridging layer 46. The single IP layer 38 connects the bridging layer 46 to the HFC PHY and MAC layers 30 and 32 and the extended PHY and MAC layers 34 and 36. Bridging layer 46 participates in carrying IP datagrams between HFC MAC layer 32 and enhanced MAC layer 36.

Cable modem 24 also includes high speed interface PHY layer 48 and high speed interface MAC layer 50 (eg, Ethernet PHY and MAC layer). If there is a high speed interface PHY and MAC layers 48, 50, the high speed interface PHY and MAC layers 48, 50 are connectable to a high speed interface twisted pair wire 52. The single IP layer 38 connects the high speed interface PHY and MAC layers 48, 50 to the HFC PHY and MAC layers 30, 32 and the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a means for distributing Internet access to an Internet access device residing in a location where POTS connection (access point) 54 is available but CATV coaxial cable connection 56 is not available. Every Internet access device 26 in subscriber premises 10, even if only one, connects the Internet access device 26 to the POTS connection 54 to enable access to the Internet via the cable modem 24. The present invention does not require an additional hosting device (such as a dedicated PC connected to the cable modem via a high speed interface (eg Ethernet)) external to the cable modem 24 to provide an internet connection.

Referring to FIG. 8, the hardware components of the internal architecture of cable modem 24 are shown. As shown in FIG. 8, the HFC PHY layer 30 includes an HFC PHY layer circuit 58 (eg, an HFC modem) having an HFC modulator 60 and a demodulator 62. Expansion PHY layer 34 includes expansion PHY layer circuitry 64 (such as an expansion modem) with an expansion modulator 66 and a demodulator 68. The high speed interface (eg, Ethernet) PHY layer 48 includes a high speed interface PHY layer circuit 70 (such as an Ethernet modem) having a high speed interface modulator 72 and a demodulator 74. The functionality and control of the higher protocol layer, single IP layer 38, and MAC layers 32, 36, and 50 of the cable modem stack 39 may include processing elements 76 (e.g., microprocessors, ASICs). application specific integrated circuits or other logic circuits). The processing element 76 is coupled to the HFC PHY layer circuitry 58 to control the circuitry 58 by an HFC MAC layer function 78 and to the expansion PHY layer circuitry 64 coupled to the extended MAC layer. The circuit 64 is controlled by the function 80 and coupled to the high speed interface PHY layer circuit 70 to control the circuit 70 by the high speed interface MAC layer circuit 82. Processing element 76 is an IP buffering function 84 common to MAC layer functions 78 and 80 to buffer IP datagrams between PHY layer circuits 58, 64, 70 in common buffer 84. (Ie, IP buffer).

First, assume that cable modem 24 transmits downstream data from CATV network 22 to Internet access device 26. In the HFC PHY layer circuit 58, the first signal is retrieved from the CATV coaxial cable 18. The HFC PHY layer circuit 58 demodulates the first signal in the HFC demodulator 62 to generate a first data packet. The HFC demodulator 62 demodulates the first signal using any one of various known techniques, such as FSK, QAM, QPSK, CDMA, and the like. HFC demodulator 62 then forwards the first data packet to processing element 76.

Processing element 76 performs HFC MAC layer function 78 to receive a first data packet from HFC demodulator 62 and to decode the first data packet into an IP datagram. This IP datagram is then stored in IP buffer 84.

Performing function 80 of the extended MAC layer, processing element 76 retrieves the IP datagram from IP buffer 84 and encodes the retrieved IP datagram into a second data packet. The second data packet is then delivered to the extended PHY layer circuitry 64.

In expansion modulator 66, a second data packet is received from processing element 76 and modulated into a second signal using known techniques such as FSK, QAM, QPSK, CDMA, and the like. Expansion modulator 66 then transmits the first signal to modem extension channel 40 of telephone line 12.

Now, let's discuss when the cable modem 24 transmits upstream data from the Internet access device 26 to the CATV network 22. In the extended PHY layer circuit 64, the first signal is retrieved from the telephone line 12. The extended PHY layer circuit 64 demodulates the first signal in the expansion demodulator 68 to generate a first data packet. Extended demodulator 68 demodulates the first signal using any of a variety of known techniques, such as FSK, QAM, QPSK, CDMA, and the like. Extended demodulator 68 then transmits the first data packet to processing element 76.

Processing element 76 performs extended MAC layer function 80 to receive a first data packet from extended demodulator 68 and to decode the first data packet to generate an IP datagram. The IP datagram is then stored in IP buffer 84.

Performing the function of the HFC MAC layer 78, the processing element 76 retrieves the IP datagram from the IP buffer 84 and encodes the retrieved IP datagram into a second data packet. The second data packet is then sent to the HFC PHY layer circuit 58.

In HFC modulator 60, a second data packet is received from processing element 76 and modulated into a second signal using known techniques such as FSK, QAM, QPSK, CDMA, and the like. Once modulated, the HFC modulator 60 sends this signal to the CATV coaxial cable of the CATV network 22.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the Internet access device 26 ′ may optionally be connected directly to the cable modem 24 via a high speed interface and protocol 90 (Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc.). However, if the CATV coaxial cable drop location 28 is in an undesired location (eg, located in the middle of the living room near the television 20), then the Internet access device 26 ′ may be connected to the high speed interface 90. It is not best to connect directly to the cable modem 24 via. If the internet access device 26 'is directly connected to the cable modem 24, an additional internet access device 26 is also connected to the cable modem 24 via the high speed interface 90. The Internet can be accessed by being connected to the telephone line 12 without being connected via a telephone line. Accordingly, the present invention provides the telephone line of the subscriber premises 10 by connecting the Internet access device 26 to the cable modem 24 via the POTS connection 54 using only the adapter 86 (to be described later). 12) provides the flexibility to route all data packets. Being able to connect all Internet access devices 26 to cable modem 24 via POTS connection 54 using only adapters 86 between them is a disadvantage of high costs and the provision and / or twist of host Internet access devices. Discomfort associated with dedicated high-speed wiring installations, such as a pair Ethernet or additional CATV coaxial cable in subscriber premises 10 can be avoided.

The adapter 86 described above is connected to or embedded in each Internet access device 26 connected to the Internet via a POTS connection 54. The adapter 86 receives undesirable signaling, such as POTS voice signaling 42 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), present on the telephone line 12 when reaching the internet access device 26. Filter out to remove. Adapter 86 performs both modulation and demodulation functions. Downstream data in modem extension channel 40 is extracted from the frequency multiplexed composite signal present on telephone line 12. The extracted data is converted into high speed interface packets (e.g., Ethernet packets). Adapter 86 selectively removes signals that are not related to Internet access device 26 on telephone line 12, such as POTS 42, xDSL 44, and upstream data, by analog or digital filtering operations. The remaining spectrum, including the downstream data, is also processed by the adapter 86 to extract baseband downstream data. For example, with respect to FIG. 6, adapter 86 filters out all signaling sent below F1 and above F2. In connection with FIG. 7, the adapter 86 filters out all signaling sent below F2 and above F3.

The upstream data originating from the Internet access device 26 is modulated and transmitted in the modem extension channel 40 on the telephone line 12 in a modulation format and frequency spectrum assignment selected and predicted by the extended PHY layer 34. . Using techniques known to those skilled in the art of digital communication system design, these transmitter and receiver functions (not shown) are performed in adapter 86. Given conventional transmission upstream and downstream frequencies are allocated within the modem extension channel 40 of FIGS. 6 and 7, and known modulation formats and known communication protocols, extension PHYs of adapter 86 and cable modem 24, and A bidirectional communication link between the MAC layers 34 and 36 is established.

In addition, the PHY and MAC layers (collectively referred to as interface 87) are included in adapter 86. The adapter MAC layer (not shown separately) manages data transmission to and from the Internet access device 26 and the adapter PHY layer (not shown separately). The type of high speed data interface 88 between the adapter 86 and the Internet access device 26 is not limited to a particular implementation, but may be an Ethernet, USB, RS-232, parallel port, internal data bus, or Internet access device ( 26) may be one of the same as any other connection providing Internet access. For example, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus network interface card (NIC) may be used to provide a high speed data interface to the desired Internet access device 26. The NIC includes a telephone line, an adapter component, and a data port jack (eg, RJ11). In the case of Internet application devices, fully integrated adapters and computing devices are preferred and possible in the present invention.

The present invention also allows other configurations than those shown in FIG. Additional remote internet access devices may be added to the system. In this example, the “base” configuration as shown in FIG. 4 does not change, and additional remote Internet access devices may simply be added anywhere in the subscriber premises 10 including the appropriate POTS connection 54.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, cable modem 24 (i.e., high-speed Internet access) is, of course, but not limited to, a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client and an IP address for obtaining an IP address at the subscriber premises (10). Doubles stand-alone base unit support characteristics, such as a DHCP server with network address translation (NAT) for assigning to Internet access device 26 in. In addition, the cable modem 24 may support firewall capabilities to provide secure access from the CATV network 22 to the telephone line 12.

Cable modem 24 may include another function of an integrated messaging server (UMS). UMS includes the ability to store, retrieve, and generate voice and email messages. The primary function of the UMS is to provide a central point with the ability to browse, respond and forward, including some intelligent filtering and automatic manipulation, for all sets of subscriber premises 10 messages. Email messages are gathered from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) account by UMS. The UMS provides a visual indication of receipt of the email (eg flashing LED). E-mail may be shown on the display included on the cable modem, if desired. Voice mail playback functionality may also be included within the cable modem 24. That is, a computer or similar device does not necessarily need to respond to or receive an email or voice mail message. Alternatively, email and voice mail messages can be retrieved through remote access to the UMS. The message can be browsed and a response can be generated. The user may be connected locally or remotely on telephone line 12. However, remote users must be authenticated through the firewall.

All of the features described above are implemented without the use of existing dedicated host Internet access devices, and operate continuously with appropriate software that is turned on and installed.

Low pass filters (LPF) 92 are installed at each POTS equipment connection 54 as well as the POTS entry point of subscriber premises 10. LPF 92 receives high-speed Internet data signals from interference from POTS signaling 42, telephone line 12, or any POTS device 14 connected to telephone line 12, both inside and / or outside subscriber premises 10. Protect and block. For example, referring back to the frequency spectrum allocation shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the LPF 92 corner frequency is selected based on known spectral characteristics of the POTS signaling 42 and is not within the POTS bandwidth. Attenuate all unwanted signaling to an acceptable level (e.g., all signals are above F1).

Thus, LPF 92 and adapters 86 allow POTS device 14 and Internet access devices 26 to co-exist with POTS signals 42 and high speed data signals 40 on public telephone line 12. By allowing it, it can be used without any obstacles or limitations. By using a frequency-multiplexing technique over the telephone line 12, it allows without simultaneous interference the use of the POTS device 14 and the Internet access devices 26.

In a first alternative embodiment of the invention, the cable modem 24 of FIG. 4 is replaced with another high speed modem device. This high-speed modem device replaces the replacement MAC / PHY interface with an HFC MAC / PHY, such as that used in Integrated Service Ddigital Network (ISDN) or Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) interface modems. Except for, the basic structure of the cable modem of FIG. Since the public IP layer is still shared in its structure, the same benefits and characteristics obtained by the cable modem-based implementation are obtained.

In a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36 of the cable modem 24 shown in FIG. 5 are connected to signals present in the modem extension channel 40 (e.g., Configured to be capable of wireless transmission (via industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band transceivers, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) transceivers, etc.), and the like. And MAC layers 34 and 36 are obtained. The modified extended PHY layer 34 provides not only wireless circuits for receiving and demodulating upstream high speed data, but also appropriate wireless circuits in a modem extension channel for modulating and transmitting downstream high speed data. Modem extension channel 40 is properly allocated in the radio frequency spectrum in a manner that minimizes interference from other communication signals, by use of frequency multiplexing. Modified extended PHY and MAC layers 34 and 36 support a wireless transport link between cable modem 24 and modified adapters 86. In a second alternative embodiment, the modified adapters 86 include a wireless transceiver PHY / MAC interface 87 'instead of the telephone line interface 87. A modified adapter PHY layer (not shown) integrates corresponding wireless circuits that receive and demodulate high speed downstream data and modulate and transmit high speed upstream data. This modified adapter 86 'is combined with an internet access device 26 to provide the desired internet connection. In a second embodiment, a wireless Internet connection is established without the use or need of telephone line 12 and / or any other wiring.

In a third alternative embodiment of the present invention, the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36 of the cable modem 24 shown in FIG. 5 are configured such that the modem extension channel 40 is configured to provide subscriber premises alternating current (AC) voltage mains. Configured to be capable of being transmitted over (modified extended PHY and MAC layers 34 ', 36' are obtained). The modified extended PHY layer 34 'provides not only communication circuits for receiving and demodulating upstream high speed data, but also suitable communication circuits in the modem extension channel 40 for modulating and transmitting downstream high speed data. Modem extension channel 40 is properly allocated within the frequency spectrum of AC voltage mains in a manner that minimizes interference of other existing communications or AC voltage signals. Modified extended PHY and MAC layers 34 and 36 support an AC voltage line transmission link between cable modem 24 and modified adapters 86. In a third alternative embodiment, the modified adapters 86 include a voltage line transceiver PHY / MAC interface 87 ′ instead of the telephone line interface 87. This modified adapter PHY layer (not shown) integrates corresponding communication circuits for receiving and demodulating high speed downstream data and for modulating and transmitting high speed upstream data. This modified adapter 86 is combined with an internet access device 26 to provide the desired internet connection. In a third alternative embodiment, access to the Internet is established through existing AC voltage mains, without the use or need of telephone line 12.

In a fourth alternative embodiment of the invention, the cable modem 24, together with the added PHY layer 94 and the MAC layer 96, includes the elements as shown in the structural diagram of FIG. PHY / MAC ". This additional PHY / MAC interface allows replacement transmission medium 98 and telephone line 12 to transmit modem extension channel 40. Additional PHY / MAC interfaces include a transmission link between cable modem 24 and Internet access device 26, and a telephone line 12, such as, but not limited to, a radio frequency link, a wireless infrared link, and an AC voltage main link. Support alternate transmission media 98 other than < RTI ID = 0.0 > Internet access devices 26 may be connected via telephone line 12 or replacement transmission medium 98.

Claims (11)

In a modem 24 for providing Internet access via an subscriber line telephone line 12 in an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network and a public switched telephone network 16, Within a single device, An ISP network physical (PHY) layer 30 and an ISP network medium access control (MAC) layer 32 coupleable to the ISP network connection 18; An extended PHY layer 34 and an extended MAC layer 36 coupleable to the subscriber premises telephone line 12; And Combining the ISP network PHY and MAC layers 30, 32 to the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36, and connecting the ISP network via the ISP network PHY and MAC layers 30, 32; IP data between 18 and the subscriber premises telephone line 12 via the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36, without manipulation of the IP datagram for any additional PHY and MAC layers between them. Single Internet Protocol (IP) layer to which grams are sent Modem comprising a. Further comprising a high speed interface PHY and MAC layers 48, 50, wherein the single IP layer 38 replaces the high speed interface PHY and MAC layers 48, 50 with the ISP network PHY; Modem coupled to MAC layers (30, 32) and the extended PHY and MAC layers (34, 36). 2. The single IP layer 38 of claim 1 further comprises bridging layer 46 to the ISP network PHY and MAC layers 30, 32 and the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36. And the bridging layer 46 participates in the transmission of the IP datagram between the ISP network MAC layer 32 and the extended MAC layer 36 via the single IP layer 38. modem. 2. The modem according to claim 1, wherein said subscriber premises telephone line (12) has at least one access point (54) to which at least one Internet access device (26) is connected via an adapter (86). The ISP network connection 18 and the subscriber premises telephone line 12 of claim 1, wherein the ISP network PHY and MAC layers (30, 32) and the extended PHY and MAC layers (34, 36) are connected. And communication system transmission circuits for respectively transmitting IP datagrams. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising additional extended PHY and MAC layers 94, 96 coupleable to an alternate transmission medium 98, wherein the single IP layer 38 further comprises the additional extended PHY and MAC. And a layer (94, 96) coupled to the ISP network PHY and MAC layers (30, 32) and the extended PHY and MAC layers (34, 36). The method of claim 1, In the ISP network PHY layer 30, Retrieve a first signal from the ISP network connection 18, Demodulating the first signal to generate a first data packet, Send the first data packet to the ISP network MAC layer (32); In the ISP network MAC layer 32, Receive the first data packet from the ISP network PHY layer 30, Decode the first data packet to generate the IP datagram, Send the IP datagram to an IP buffer (84) included in the single IP layer (38); In the enhanced MAC layer 36, Retrieve the IP datagram from the IP buffer 84, Encode the IP datagram into a second data packet, Send the second data packet to the enhanced PHY layer (34); In the extended PHY layer 34, Receive the second data packet from the enhanced MAC layer 36, Modulating the second data packet into a second signal, Transmitting the second signal to the subscriber premises telephone line 12 Modem characterized in that. The method of claim 1, In the extended PHY layer 34, Retrieve a first signal from the subscriber premises telephone line 12, Demodulating the first signal to generate a first data packet, Send the first data packet to the enhanced MAC layer (36); In the enhanced MAC layer 36, Receive the first data packet from the enhanced PHY layer 34, Decode the first data packet to generate the IP datagram, Send the IP datagram to an IP buffer (84) included in the single IP layer (38); In the ISP network MAC layer 32, Retrieve the IP datagram from the IP buffer 84, Encode the IP datagram into a second data packet, Send the second data packet to the ISP network PHY layer (30); In the ISP network PHY layer 30, Receive the second data packet from the ISP network MAC layer 32, Modulating the second data packet into a second signal, To send the second signal to the ISP network connection 18 Modem characterized in that. In the modem 24 for providing Internet access, Within a single device, An ISP network physical (PHY) layer 30 and an ISP network media access control (MAC) layer 32 capable of coupling to an ISP network via an Internet service provider (ISP) network connection 18; Extended PHY layer 34 and extended MAC layer 36 coupleable to adapter 86 via a wireless transport link; And Combining the ISP network PHY and MAC layers 30, 32 to the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36, and connecting the ISP network via the ISP network PHY and MAC layers 30, 32; Between 18 and the wireless transport link via the extended PHY and MAC layers 34, 36, the IP datagrams are stored without manipulation of IP datagrams for any additional PHY and MAC layers between them. Single Internet Protocol (IP) layer transmitted 38 Modem comprising a. In the modem 24 for providing Internet access through an ISP network connection 18 in an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network and a subscriber premises telephone line 12 in a public switched telephone network 16, Within a single device, A first physical (PHY) layer 30 circuitry coupleable to the subscriber premises telephone line 12; A second PHY layer 34 circuitry coupleable to the ISP network connection 18; And Processing element 76 having first media access control (MAC) layer functions and second MAC layer functions Including, The processing element 76 is coupled to the first PHY layer circuit 58 to control the circuit by the first MAC layer functions and to the second PHY layer circuit 64 to connect the circuit to the second PHY layer circuit 58. Controlled by two MAC layer functions, common to the first and second MAC layer functions to buffer IP datagrams between the first PHY layer circuit 58 and the second PHY layer circuit 64. A modem having Internet Protocol layer buffering functions. A method for providing Internet access through an ISP network connection in an Internet service provider (ISP) network and a subscriber premises telephone line in a public switched telephone network. In a single device, Coupling an ISP network physical (PHY) layer and an ISP network media access control (MAC) layer to the ISP network connection; Coupling an extended PHY layer and an extended MAC layer to the subscriber premises telephone line; And Combining the ISP network PHY and MAC layers with the extended PHY and MAC layers via a single Internet Protocol (IP) layer, Between the ISP network connection via the ISP network PHY and MAC layers and the subscriber premises telephone line via the extended PHY and MAC layers, without manipulation of IP datagrams for any additional PHY and MAC layers between them. Characterized in that the IP datagram is transmitted.