US20040261119A1 - Addressable fiber node - Google Patents

Addressable fiber node Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20040261119A1
US20040261119A1 US10/463,088 US46308803A US2004261119A1 US 20040261119 A1 US20040261119 A1 US 20040261119A1 US 46308803 A US46308803 A US 46308803A US 2004261119 A1 US2004261119 A1 US 2004261119A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
parameter
addressing module
addressing
fiber node
hfn
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/463,088
Inventor
Christopher Williams
Kenneth Gould
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Spectrum Management Holding Co LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/463,088 priority Critical patent/US20040261119A1/en
Priority to CA2467448A priority patent/CA2467448C/en
Publication of US20040261119A1 publication Critical patent/US20040261119A1/en
Priority to US12/208,687 priority patent/US8130651B2/en
Assigned to TIME WARNER CABLE, INC. reassignment TIME WARNER CABLE, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GOULD, KENNETH, WILLIAMS, CHRISTOPHER PIERCE
Assigned to TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC reassignment TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC CHANGE OF APPLICANT'S ADDRESS Assignors: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/22Adaptations for optical transmission
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/426Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42684Client identification by a unique number or address, e.g. serial number, MAC address, socket ID
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6118Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6156Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6168Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/16Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309Transmission or handling of upstream communications

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) networks. More particularly, the present invention permits an HFC cable network to identify a fiber node by a unique address.
  • HFC hybrid fiber-coax
  • Wired broadband communication systems increasingly rely on fiber optical cables (fiber) for data transport.
  • the network uses both fiber and coax (referred to as a “Hybrid Fiber-Coax” or “HFC” network).
  • the signals run in fiber-optical cables from the cable head end to junctions near the subscriber (the “downstream” direction). At that point, the signal is converted from optical transmission over fiber to RF transmission over coaxial cables that run to a number of subscriber premises. These junctions are referred to as fiber nodes. Communications from the subscriber premises to the cable head end (the “upstream direction”) are sent over coax to the fiber node where the signal is converted from an RF signal to an optical signal. The optical signal is then sent over fiber to the cable head end.
  • CM cable modem
  • DOCSIS Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification
  • a DOCSIS-compliant cable network comprises a cable modem termination system (CMTS) that forms the interface to an Internet service provider (ISP) and exchanges digital signals with cable modems on a cable network.
  • CMTS cable modem termination system
  • ISP Internet service provider
  • FIG. 1 a block diagram of a DOCSIS-compliant HFC network is illustrated.
  • fiber node 105 is connected to CM FN 1 i 101 and CM FN 1 n 102 and fiber node 110 is connected to CM FN 2 i 103 and CM FN 2 n 104 .
  • Fiber nodes 105 and 110 communicate in the upstream direction with an upstream port 125 of a CMTS 120 .
  • a downstream port 150 on the CMTS 120 communicates in the downstream direction with the CM FN 1 i 101 , CM FN 1 n 102 , CM FN 2 i 103 , and CM FN 2 n 104 through fiber nodes 105 and 110 .
  • Communication between the CMTS 120 and fiber nodes 105 and 110 in both the upstream and downstream direction is over a fiber network.
  • Communication between the fiber nodes 105 and 110 and their respective CMs is over coaxial cable.
  • the CM registers with an upstream port on the CMTS.
  • the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the CM is communicated to the CMTS.
  • the CMTS associates each CM with an upstream port on the CMTS to which the CM is connected.
  • MAC Media Access Control
  • fiber nodes are not addressable today, and as a result, they are an invisible component on the HFC network. That is, while fiber nodes are connected to a CMTS, the CMTS cannot communicate directly with the fiber node. Since the fiber node represents a physical domain in the HFC plant, it is valuable to associate that domain with the logical domain in a network. Currently, information about the health and configuration of a fiber node is obtained from the HFC plant engineers responsible for configuring and maintaining the HFC.
  • Fiber nodes vary in configuration and are described in terms of the segmentation of the receivers in the forward (downstream) direction and transmitters in the reverse (upstream) directions.
  • the segmentation of the node is a design consideration that is determined in part by the volume and nature of the subscriber traffic anticipated by the cable service provider.
  • the fiber node addressable By making the fiber node addressable, diagnostic information from the fiber node about the HFC plant can be reported in real-time to the CMTS.
  • the number of subscribers connected to a fiber node is determinable in real-time by the CMTS. These data would be valuable in determining the demand on upstream ports of a CMTS and in managing available bandwidth and the most efficient segmentation of each fiber node.
  • new services e.g., voice over IP
  • the need to manage the downstream network is even more critical to efficient management of network resources. Determining the capacity per node—per port in real-time would be invaluable in provisioning new customers and scaling for the future.
  • a multi-system cable operator MSO
  • VoIP Internet protocol
  • MSO multi-system cable operator
  • the upstream channel combining ratio the number of fiber nodes that can be served by a single upstream CMTS port
  • the number of homes-passed per fiber node a measure of potential subscribers
  • an MSO is able to assess how many “homes passed” are connected to that CMTS port.
  • Knowledge of the volume of calls passing through a fiber node in “real time” would allow the MSO to determine when adjustments to the upstream combining ratio would be appropriate.
  • the information would also be helpful in better focusing marketing and sales initiatives within a particular neighborhood by providing the MSO with information about unused capacity.
  • Making the fiber node addressable would also improve the ability of the network operator to diagnose and remedy network problems.
  • being able to associate that port with a fiber node would allow the operator to track the symptoms back to a specific area, identify what fiber node(s) are affected by the problem, and enhance the ability to dispatch technicians to the appropriate location.
  • CMTS complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor
  • An embodiment of the present invention is an addressable fiber node in an HFC network.
  • the fiber node is made addressable by connecting a fiber node to an addressing module. This connection can be made on the subscriber side of the fiber node or by connecting the addressing module to a bi-directional test port associated with subscriber side of the fiber node.
  • the addressing module is integrated into the fiber node.
  • An embodiment of the present invention is an addressable fiber node in a HFC network.
  • the HFC network may, for example, be a DOCSIS-compliant network. However, this is not meant as a limitation.
  • the fiber node is made addressable by connecting the fiber node to an addressing module.
  • the fiber node is connected to an addressing module that has a unique addressing module identifier that associates the module with a particular fiber node.
  • the addressing module identifier is reported to the CMTS using a registration process that is analogous to the process used by CMs to register with the CMTS.
  • the addressing module identifier of the addressing module is the MAC address of the addressing module.
  • the present invention is not so limited. As would be apparent to those skilled in the art of the present invention, any system of addressing that performs the role of the unique addressing module identifier may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the fiber node/addressing module pair monitors the operating parameters of the fiber node.
  • these parameters include the bandwidth used by the cable modems associated with a particular fiber node/addressing module pair, peak bandwidth demand, and other signal-related data available from the test ports of the cable node to which the address module is connected.
  • optical power digitally modulated signals (QPSK, QAM, FSK) levels
  • analog video signal quality depth of modulation, average power of carrier, audio deviation
  • RF Carrier Power RF noise power, signal to noise, average noise power, carrier to noise, composite second order, composite triple beat, cross modulation (XMOD), hum
  • laser clipping modulation index for the optical signal, phase or group delay, composite intermodulation noise, return loss, coherent disturbances (color phase, white level, video hum, video pass band response) peak to valley, video to analog delta measurement, differential gain and phase, and color measurements related to analog (gain, slope, padding, equalization, AGC voltage, current, impedance, transmission loss, ripple, frequency response variation, adjacent channel measurements, ingress measurements, common path distortion in upstream, optical dispersion, optical absorption, optical reflection, optical refraction, power supply duty cycle, and quasi sin wave duty cycle).
  • the fiber node/addressing module pair may monitor other operating parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the operating parameters gathered by the fiber node/addressing module pair are reported to the CMTS for processing by network management tools.
  • the addressing module processes the operating parameters and reports the processed data to the CMTS.
  • a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone number comprises an identifier that is associated with a specific fiber node.
  • the fiber node/addressing module pair monitors downstream VoIP packets to determine if the packets are for delivery to a call recipient on connected to that fiber node. Packets that are not directed to call recipients downstream from the fiber node are discarded.
  • VoIP voice over Internet protocol
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a typical HFC network with a fiber node that is not addressable.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a typical fiber node with an addressing module connected to a test port of the fiber node and an addressing module connected to the subscriber side of the fiber node according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a block diagram of a fiber node incorporating an addressing module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an addressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention in which test ports on a fiber node are connected to an addressing module.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an addressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • An embodiment of the present invention is a fiber node that is addressable and thereby visible on an HFC network.
  • a legacy fiber node is made addressable using an addressing module that has a unique addressing module identifier that associates the module with a particular fiber node.
  • the addressing module is connected to the legacy fiber node via an RF-port on the subscriber side of the fiber node.
  • the addressing module is connected to a test port on the fiber node.
  • An addressing module 500 is connected to the downstream side of a fiber node.
  • the signal is received by a diplex filter 525 , which separates the downstream signal (typically 54 MHz and above) from the upstream signal (typically 42 MHz and below).
  • a receiver 505 is connected to the high frequency side (“H”) of the diplex filter 525 .
  • the downstream signal is an analog signal that has had information encoded in it by varying both the amplitude and phase of the wave.
  • the receiver processes this signal through an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter.
  • the A/D converter takes the signal, which varies in voltage, and turns it into a digital stream.
  • the downstream signal from receiver 505 is supplied to the addressing module logic assembly 510 where the data content is processed through an error correction module and then converted to an appropriate protocol (such as 10baseT protocol) and sent to the fiber node interface 515 .
  • a transmitter 520 is connected to the low side (“L”) of the diplex filter 525 . The transmitter converts the digital signals from the fiber node interface to a modulated analog signal for transmission to the head end.
  • MAC media access controller
  • the MAC acts as the interface between the hardware and software portions of the various network protocols.
  • Fiber node interface 515 permits the addressing module 500 to connect to the various test ports of the fiber node, converts the network metrics captured from the fiber node to digital signals, and responds to queries sent to it.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a fiber node 200 with an addressing module 210 connected to a bi-directional test point 215 associated with the subscriber side of the fiber node 200 .
  • the test port is used as a tap into the downstream (coax) side of the fiber node.
  • an addressing module 220 connected to the cable exiting the subscriber side of the fiber node 200 .
  • the addressing module 220 is connected as close to the fiber node 200 as feasible.
  • Both addressing modules 210 and 220 are DOCSIS compatible and adapted to register with port 125 on CMTS 120 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with the initialization process illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the addressing module is initialized with the CMTS through a series of handshakes that comprise an exchange of data.
  • the first procedure of provisioning is the initialization of the cable modem through the transmission of synchronization data from the CMTS.
  • the addressing module is powered on 300 . It then scans the cable network for a downstream data channel 305 carrying a signal that the addressing module recognizes as coming from the CMTS.
  • the signal from the CMTS comprises an instruction set used by the addressing module to communicate with the CMTS.
  • the addressing module receives and implements the instruction set 308 . It then receives an upstream channel descriptor (UCD) message 310 from the CMTS. The CMTS periodically transmits this message to all addressing modules that it controls. The UCD provides the parameters concerning available upstream channels on which the addressing module may transmit. The addressing module stores the channel IDs it receives and examines each one until it finds a channel on which it can operate 315 . If successful 318 , the addressing module receives another timing SYNC message, extracts an upstream time stamp, and receives a bandwidth allocation message that identifies the upstream transmit frequency related to the selected channel 320 . If a channel is not found, the addressing module again receives a UCD message from the CMTS 310 and the process continues.
  • UCD upstream channel descriptor
  • the addressing module is able to transmit to the CMTS an insertion packet 325 called a “ranging request” (RNG-REQ) that provides a service identification (SID) setting of zero.
  • RNG-REQ ranging request
  • SID service identification
  • the addressing module transmits data at the lowest possible power and slowly increases it during each interval. If the RNG-REQ successfully reaches its destination 330 , the CMTS immediately transmits a ranging response (RNG-RSP) 335 and assigns the addressing module a new but temporary SID.
  • RNG-RSP ranging response
  • the CMTS also sends information to adjust the addressing module's timing, frequency and transmit power level. If the RNG-REQ is not successful, the again transmits an RNG-REQ to the CMTS 325 and the process continues.
  • the addressing module sends a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) request to the CMTS 340 for an Internet protocol (IP) address and other parameters.
  • the request includes the MAC address of the addressing module.
  • the IP address enables the addressing module to establish its identity for receiving the downstream data addressed to it and for transmitting data from a known Internet address.
  • the CMTS forwards the addressing module's request for the IP address to an available DHCP server at the headend. This server contains a database or pool of IP addresses allocated to the Internet devices on the network.
  • the DHCP server responds through the CMTS with an IP address and other necessary data 345 .
  • the addressing module extracts this data from the message and immediately configures its IP parameters 350 .
  • the MAC address of the addressing module comprises an identifier that is unique to addressing modules.
  • the first three bytes of the MAC address normally used to identify the manufacturer of an addressable device comprise a code unique to addressing modules.
  • the DHCP assigns the addressing module an IP address from a block of addresses reserved for addressing modules. Communications to and from the addressing modules are regulated by permissions based on the assigned IP address.
  • the last three bytes of the MAC address of the addressing module comprise a unique addressing module identifier.
  • the addressing module identifier is associated with a particular fiber node input via a database. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the addressing module identifier maps to a specific fiber node and a specific input on that fiber node.
  • the addressing module makes a request for the current time and date from one or more time-of-day (TOD) servers through the CMTS 355 . This ensures that the addressing module and the CMTS have accurate time stamps that are attached to requests and responses between the two devices. These “events” are routinely logged in the network management system at the headend.
  • TOD time-of-day
  • the addressing module obtains operational parameters (the “configuration file”) from the CMTS 360 by downloading the data using the trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) from a TFTP server designated for addressing modules.
  • TFTP trivial file transfer protocol
  • the addressing module identifies the upstream and downstream channels in the file. If one or both channels are not the same ones on which it is currently operating 365 , the addressing module reinitializes its relationship with the CMTS using the new upstream frequency found in the operational parameters file 370 . If the channels are not correct, the addressing module again obtains operational parameters from the CMTS 360 and the process continues.
  • the final step is for the addressing module to become authorized to use the network for transmitting data.
  • the addressing module sends a registration request (REG-REQ) to the CMTS.
  • This REG-REQ includes the current service identification (SID), IP address, operational parameters, upstream and downstream channel IDs, time stamps, and other configuration settings 375 .
  • SID current service identification
  • IP address IP address
  • operational parameters upstream and downstream channel IDs
  • time stamps time stamps
  • the SID assigned by the CMTS is unique to addressing modules.
  • the CMTS determines that the device sending the registration request is an addressing module from the IP address incorporated into the message. (As described previously, the IP address assigned to the addressing module by the DHCP is also unique to addressing modules.)
  • the addressing module monitors the traffic received at the fiber node input to which the addressing module is connected.
  • the traffic information is logged and the information sent in the form of a message to the CMTS.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an addressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention in which test points 415 and 420 on a fiber node 400 are connected to input ports on an addressing module 410 .
  • the data available from the test ports is monitored by the addressing module, logged, and sent to the CMTS.
  • the fiber node 400 comprises a Motorola Starline® Scalable Optical Node model SG2440.
  • Test points 415 and 420 permit monitoring a subscriber side RF signal (comprising both upstream and downstream signals), a downstream RF signal component, an upstream RF signal component, an upstream transmitter input level, and a downstream transmitter output level.
  • the addressing module 410 is adapted to receive these signals and to processes them. In this embodiment of the present invention for each of the monitored signals, the addressing module determines the average and peak signal levels over a sampling period. These levels are digitized sent to the CMTS for storage and evaluation.
  • the addressing module 410 is adapted to monitor and receive other parameters relating to the performance of the fiber node 400 and to the signals that pass through the fiber node 400 .
  • these parameters include the bandwidth used by the cable modems associated with a particular fiber node/addressing module pair, peak bandwidth demand, optical power, digitally modulated signals (QPSK, QAM, FSK) levels, analog video signal quality (depth of modulation, average power of carrier, audio deviation), RF Carrier Power, RF noise power, signal to noise, average noise power, carrier to noise, composite second order, composite triple beat, cross modulation (XMOD), hum, laser clipping, modulation index for the optical signal, phase or group delay, composite intermodulation noise, return loss, coherent disturbances (color phase, white level, video hum, video pass band response) peak to valley, video to analog delta measurement, differential gain and phase, and color measurements related to analog (gain, slope, padding, equalization, AGC voltage, current,
  • the addressing module takes advantage of the ability of a DOCSIS-compliant device to register IP addresses of devices connected to it.
  • each input port on the addressing module 410 is assigned an IP address, which is then associated with the test point connected to it.
  • the addressing module receives these IP addresses during the configuration process (see FIG. 3, 375). In this way, the CMTS may poll the individual test ports of the fiber node 400 .
  • a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone number comprises an identifier that is associated with a specific fiber node.
  • the fiber node/addressing module pair monitors downstream VoIP packets to determine if the packets are for delivery to a call recipient on connected to that fiber node. Packets that are not directed to call recipients downstream from the fiber node are discarded.
  • VoIP voice over Internet protocol
  • the configuration file comprises an “IQ” parameter that determines a level of monitoring and reporting the addressing module is capable of performing or, alternatively, a level of monitoring and reporting that address module is authorized to perform.
  • an IQ parameter value of “1” indicates that the addressing module is capable/authorized to answer a simple query (a ping).
  • An IQ parameter value of 2 indicates that the addressing module is capable/authorized to report network-related performance data.
  • an IQ parameter value of 3 indicates that the addressing module is capable/authorized to filter VoIP packets as previously described.
  • other levels of capability and authorization may be established for an addressing module without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the IQ parameter may be set by loading a new configuration file into the addressing module.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
  • Small-Scale Networks (AREA)

Abstract

A system and method for providing a hybrid fiber network (HFN) means to identify a fiber node by a unique address. An addressing module is installed in proximity to, or collocated with, a fiber node. The addressing module comprises an addressing module identifier that associates the addressing module with a particular fiber node. Network parameter values are received from the fiber node by the addressing module and reported to a reporting station.

Description

    FIELD OF INVENTION
  • The present invention relates generally to the field of hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) networks. More particularly, the present invention permits an HFC cable network to identify a fiber node by a unique address. [0001]
  • BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
  • Wired broadband communication systems increasingly rely on fiber optical cables (fiber) for data transport. In the cable television environment, the network uses both fiber and coax (referred to as a “Hybrid Fiber-Coax” or “HFC” network). The signals run in fiber-optical cables from the cable head end to junctions near the subscriber (the “downstream” direction). At that point, the signal is converted from optical transmission over fiber to RF transmission over coaxial cables that run to a number of subscriber premises. These junctions are referred to as fiber nodes. Communications from the subscriber premises to the cable head end (the “upstream direction”) are sent over coax to the fiber node where the signal is converted from an RF signal to an optical signal. The optical signal is then sent over fiber to the cable head end. [0002]
  • Access to the cable network's data service is provided through a cable modem (CM). Increasingly, CMs are required to comply with an industry standard referred to as the “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification” or DOCSIS. DOCSIS provides a set of standards and a certifying authority by which cable companies can achieve cross-platform functionality in Internet delivery. A DOCSIS-compliant cable network comprises a cable modem termination system (CMTS) that forms the interface to an Internet service provider (ISP) and exchanges digital signals with cable modems on a cable network. [0003]
  • Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a DOCSIS-compliant HFC network is illustrated. In a DOCSIS HFC network, [0004] fiber node 105 is connected to CM FN1 i 101 and CM FN1 n 102 and fiber node 110 is connected to CM FN2 i 103 and CM FN2 n 104. Fiber nodes 105 and 110 communicate in the upstream direction with an upstream port 125 of a CMTS 120. A downstream port 150 on the CMTS 120 communicates in the downstream direction with the CM FN1 i 101, CM FN1 n 102, CM FN2 i 103, and CM FN2 n 104 through fiber nodes 105 and 110.
  • Communication between the [0005] CMTS 120 and fiber nodes 105 and 110 in both the upstream and downstream direction is over a fiber network. Communication between the fiber nodes 105 and 110 and their respective CMs is over coaxial cable.
  • Each time a CM is powered on (or booted), the CM registers with an upstream port on the CMTS. As an element of this registration process, the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the CM is communicated to the CMTS. Using the MAC address, the CMTS associates each CM with an upstream port on the CMTS to which the CM is connected. [0006]
  • In contrast to CMs, fiber nodes are not addressable today, and as a result, they are an invisible component on the HFC network. That is, while fiber nodes are connected to a CMTS, the CMTS cannot communicate directly with the fiber node. Since the fiber node represents a physical domain in the HFC plant, it is valuable to associate that domain with the logical domain in a network. Currently, information about the health and configuration of a fiber node is obtained from the HFC plant engineers responsible for configuring and maintaining the HFC. [0007]
  • Fiber nodes vary in configuration and are described in terms of the segmentation of the receivers in the forward (downstream) direction and transmitters in the reverse (upstream) directions. The segmentation of the node is a design consideration that is determined in part by the volume and nature of the subscriber traffic anticipated by the cable service provider. [0008]
  • By making the fiber node addressable, diagnostic information from the fiber node about the HFC plant can be reported in real-time to the CMTS. In addition, the number of subscribers connected to a fiber node is determinable in real-time by the CMTS. These data would be valuable in determining the demand on upstream ports of a CMTS and in managing available bandwidth and the most efficient segmentation of each fiber node. As new services are deployed (e.g., voice over IP), the need to manage the downstream network is even more critical to efficient management of network resources. Determining the capacity per node—per port in real-time would be invaluable in provisioning new customers and scaling for the future. [0009]
  • For example, when deploying voice over using the Internet protocol (VoIP) it is necessary for a multi-system cable operator (MSO) to accurately estimate the number of phone calls that a single upstream CMTS port may experience so as not to exceed the call capacity of the port. By determining the number of fiber nodes that can be served by a single upstream CMTS port (the “upstream channel combining ratio”), and the number of homes-passed per fiber node (a measure of potential subscribers), an MSO is able to assess how many “homes passed” are connected to that CMTS port. Knowledge of the volume of calls passing through a fiber node in “real time” would allow the MSO to determine when adjustments to the upstream combining ratio would be appropriate. The information would also be helpful in better focusing marketing and sales initiatives within a particular neighborhood by providing the MSO with information about unused capacity. [0010]
  • Making the fiber node addressable would also improve the ability of the network operator to diagnose and remedy network problems. In the case where there are problems on a DOCSIS CMTS upstream port, being able to associate that port with a fiber node would allow the operator to track the symptoms back to a specific area, identify what fiber node(s) are affected by the problem, and enhance the ability to dispatch technicians to the appropriate location. [0011]
  • U.S. Patent Application 2002/0136203 by Lira et al. (the “Lira Application”), teaches integrating the functionality of a CMTS into the fiber node. The integrated CMTS/fiber node includes a MAC layer that presumably allows the integrated CMTS/fiber node to be addressable. While the integrated CMTS/fiber node appears to offer some of the benefits of an addressable fiber node, the solution of the Lira Application introduces other problems. By distributing the CMTS functionality closer to the end devices (CMs), the number of CMTS rises to the number of fiber nodes on the network thus increasing the probability of CMTS failure and making maintenance more difficult. Additionally, incorporating the CMTS into the HFC plant exposes these sensitive electronics to the elements and provides more opportunity for tampering. (In a typical a typical HFC network, the CMTS is located at a hub site, which site is environmentally controlled and secure.) Finally, in order to provide an addressable fiber node using the approach described in the Lira Application, current networks would have to be redesigned. [0012]
  • What is needed is a means of addressing existing and new fiber nodes in an HFC network and obtaining from the fiber node information about signal levels and other characteristics of the cable plant without increasing maintenance risks or modifying the architecture of existing networks. It would also be useful to be able to determine the traffic volume being handled by a fiber node to determine the demand on an upstream CMTS port and to permit adjustment of the upstream combining ratio would need to be made. [0013]
  • SUMMARY OF INVENTION
  • An embodiment of the present invention is an addressable fiber node in an HFC network. The fiber node is made addressable by connecting a fiber node to an addressing module. This connection can be made on the subscriber side of the fiber node or by connecting the addressing module to a bi-directional test port associated with subscriber side of the fiber node. In another embodiment of the present invention the addressing module is integrated into the fiber node. [0014]
  • It is an aspect of the present invention to add addressing capability to the existing fiber node in a non-obtrusive manner. [0015]
  • It is another aspect of the present invention to connect an addressing module to the test port of an existing fiber node. [0016]
  • It is a further aspect of the present invention to connect an addressing module to the subscriber side of an existing fiber node. [0017]
  • It is still another aspect of the present invention to register fiber nodes with a CMTS. [0018]
  • It is another aspect of the present invention to integrate an addressing module into a fiber node. [0019]
  • It is yet another aspect of the present invention to obtain fiber node and network information from an addressable fiber node. [0020]
  • It is a further aspect of the present invention to determine the traffic volume passing through fiber nodes. [0021]
  • It is still an aspect of the present invention to isolate problems within fiber nodes and in the network downstream from fiber nodes. [0022]
  • It is another aspect of the present invention to determine the signal level at a fiber node. [0023]
  • It is yet another aspect of the present invention to assess characteristics of an HFC network. [0024]
  • It is still another aspect of the present invention to assess the performance of devices comprising the physical plant of an HFC network. [0025]
  • These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the general and detailed descriptions that follow. [0026]
  • An embodiment of the present invention is an addressable fiber node in a HFC network. The HFC network may, for example, be a DOCSIS-compliant network. However, this is not meant as a limitation. The fiber node is made addressable by connecting the fiber node to an addressing module. In this embodiment of the present invention, the fiber node is connected to an addressing module that has a unique addressing module identifier that associates the module with a particular fiber node. The addressing module identifier is reported to the CMTS using a registration process that is analogous to the process used by CMs to register with the CMTS. In another embodiment of the present invention the addressing module identifier of the addressing module is the MAC address of the addressing module. However, the present invention is not so limited. As would be apparent to those skilled in the art of the present invention, any system of addressing that performs the role of the unique addressing module identifier may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0027]
  • In another embodiment of the present invention the fiber node/addressing module pair monitors the operating parameters of the fiber node. By way of illustration, these parameters include the bandwidth used by the cable modems associated with a particular fiber node/addressing module pair, peak bandwidth demand, and other signal-related data available from the test ports of the cable node to which the address module is connected. Other parameters that may be monitored in this way include the optical power, digitally modulated signals (QPSK, QAM, FSK) levels, analog video signal quality (depth of modulation, average power of carrier, audio deviation), RF Carrier Power, RF noise power, signal to noise, average noise power, carrier to noise, composite second order, composite triple beat, cross modulation (XMOD), hum, laser clipping, modulation index for the optical signal, phase or group delay, composite intermodulation noise, return loss, coherent disturbances (color phase, white level, video hum, video pass band response) peak to valley, video to analog delta measurement, differential gain and phase, and color measurements related to analog (gain, slope, padding, equalization, AGC voltage, current, impedance, transmission loss, ripple, frequency response variation, adjacent channel measurements, ingress measurements, common path distortion in upstream, optical dispersion, optical absorption, optical reflection, optical refraction, power supply duty cycle, and quasi sin wave duty cycle). [0028]
  • As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the fiber node/addressing module pair may monitor other operating parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention. The operating parameters gathered by the fiber node/addressing module pair are reported to the CMTS for processing by network management tools. In another embodiment of the present invention the addressing module processes the operating parameters and reports the processed data to the CMTS. [0029]
  • In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone number comprises an identifier that is associated with a specific fiber node. The fiber node/addressing module pair monitors downstream VoIP packets to determine if the packets are for delivery to a call recipient on connected to that fiber node. Packets that are not directed to call recipients downstream from the fiber node are discarded.[0030]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a typical HFC network with a fiber node that is not addressable. [0031]
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a typical fiber node with an addressing module connected to a test port of the fiber node and an addressing module connected to the subscriber side of the fiber node according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0032]
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a block diagram of a fiber node incorporating an addressing module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0033]
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an addressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention in which test ports on a fiber node are connected to an addressing module. [0034]
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an addressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.[0035]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
  • An embodiment of the present invention is a fiber node that is addressable and thereby visible on an HFC network. In one embodiment of the present invention a legacy fiber node is made addressable using an addressing module that has a unique addressing module identifier that associates the module with a particular fiber node. The addressing module is connected to the legacy fiber node via an RF-port on the subscriber side of the fiber node. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the addressing module is connected to a test port on the fiber node. [0036]
  • Referring to FIG. 5, an addressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. An addressing [0037] module 500 is connected to the downstream side of a fiber node. The signal is received by a diplex filter 525, which separates the downstream signal (typically 54 MHz and above) from the upstream signal (typically 42 MHz and below). A receiver 505 is connected to the high frequency side (“H”) of the diplex filter 525. The downstream signal is an analog signal that has had information encoded in it by varying both the amplitude and phase of the wave. The receiver processes this signal through an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The A/D converter takes the signal, which varies in voltage, and turns it into a digital stream. The downstream signal from receiver 505 is supplied to the addressing module logic assembly 510 where the data content is processed through an error correction module and then converted to an appropriate protocol (such as 10baseT protocol) and sent to the fiber node interface 515. A transmitter 520 is connected to the low side (“L”) of the diplex filter 525. The transmitter converts the digital signals from the fiber node interface to a modulated analog signal for transmission to the head end.
  • Within the addressing [0038] module logic assembly 510 is a media access controller (MAC). The MAC acts as the interface between the hardware and software portions of the various network protocols. Fiber node interface 515 permits the addressing module 500 to connect to the various test ports of the fiber node, converts the network metrics captured from the fiber node to digital signals, and responds to queries sent to it.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a [0039] fiber node 200 with an addressing module 210 connected to a bi-directional test point 215 associated with the subscriber side of the fiber node 200. In this embodiment of the present invention the test port is used as a tap into the downstream (coax) side of the fiber node. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is an addressing module 220 connected to the cable exiting the subscriber side of the fiber node 200. In this embodiment of the present invention the addressing module 220 is connected as close to the fiber node 200 as feasible. Both addressing modules 210 and 220 are DOCSIS compatible and adapted to register with port 125 on CMTS 120 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with the initialization process illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • Referring to FIGS. 3A and B, the initialization process of an addressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The addressing module is initialized with the CMTS through a series of handshakes that comprise an exchange of data. The first procedure of provisioning is the initialization of the cable modem through the transmission of synchronization data from the CMTS. [0040]
  • Referring to FIG. 3A, the addressing module is powered on [0041] 300. It then scans the cable network for a downstream data channel 305 carrying a signal that the addressing module recognizes as coming from the CMTS. The signal from the CMTS comprises an instruction set used by the addressing module to communicate with the CMTS.
  • The addressing module receives and implements the [0042] instruction set 308. It then receives an upstream channel descriptor (UCD) message 310 from the CMTS. The CMTS periodically transmits this message to all addressing modules that it controls. The UCD provides the parameters concerning available upstream channels on which the addressing module may transmit. The addressing module stores the channel IDs it receives and examines each one until it finds a channel on which it can operate 315. If successful 318, the addressing module receives another timing SYNC message, extracts an upstream time stamp, and receives a bandwidth allocation message that identifies the upstream transmit frequency related to the selected channel 320. If a channel is not found, the addressing module again receives a UCD message from the CMTS 310 and the process continues.
  • Following acquisition of the UCD, SYNC, and the upstream transmit frequency, the addressing module is able to transmit to the CMTS an [0043] insertion packet 325 called a “ranging request” (RNG-REQ) that provides a service identification (SID) setting of zero. The addressing module transmits data at the lowest possible power and slowly increases it during each interval. If the RNG-REQ successfully reaches its destination 330, the CMTS immediately transmits a ranging response (RNG-RSP) 335 and assigns the addressing module a new but temporary SID. The CMTS also sends information to adjust the addressing module's timing, frequency and transmit power level. If the RNG-REQ is not successful, the again transmits an RNG-REQ to the CMTS 325 and the process continues.
  • The addressing module sends a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) request to the [0044] CMTS 340 for an Internet protocol (IP) address and other parameters. The request includes the MAC address of the addressing module. The IP address enables the addressing module to establish its identity for receiving the downstream data addressed to it and for transmitting data from a known Internet address. The CMTS forwards the addressing module's request for the IP address to an available DHCP server at the headend. This server contains a database or pool of IP addresses allocated to the Internet devices on the network. The DHCP server responds through the CMTS with an IP address and other necessary data 345. The addressing module extracts this data from the message and immediately configures its IP parameters 350.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the MAC address of the addressing module comprises an identifier that is unique to addressing modules. By way of example and not as a limitation, the first three bytes of the MAC address normally used to identify the manufacturer of an addressable device comprise a code unique to addressing modules. In this embodiment of the present invention the DHCP assigns the addressing module an IP address from a block of addresses reserved for addressing modules. Communications to and from the addressing modules are regulated by permissions based on the assigned IP address. The last three bytes of the MAC address of the addressing module comprise a unique addressing module identifier. The addressing module identifier is associated with a particular fiber node input via a database. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the addressing module identifier maps to a specific fiber node and a specific input on that fiber node. [0045]
  • The addressing module makes a request for the current time and date from one or more time-of-day (TOD) servers through the [0046] CMTS 355. This ensures that the addressing module and the CMTS have accurate time stamps that are attached to requests and responses between the two devices. These “events” are routinely logged in the network management system at the headend.
  • Referring to FIG. 3B, after the addressing module receives its IP address and accurate time, the addressing module obtains operational parameters (the “configuration file”) from the [0047] CMTS 360 by downloading the data using the trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) from a TFTP server designated for addressing modules. After downloading the file, the addressing module identifies the upstream and downstream channels in the file. If one or both channels are not the same ones on which it is currently operating 365, the addressing module reinitializes its relationship with the CMTS using the new upstream frequency found in the operational parameters file 370. If the channels are not correct, the addressing module again obtains operational parameters from the CMTS 360 and the process continues.
  • The final step is for the addressing module to become authorized to use the network for transmitting data. The addressing module sends a registration request (REG-REQ) to the CMTS. This REG-REQ includes the current service identification (SID), IP address, operational parameters, upstream and downstream channel IDs, time stamps, and [0048] other configuration settings 375. If the information is accepted 380, the CMTS responds with a new SID and completes the registration process 390. If the information is not accepted, the addressing module sends a REG-REQ to the CMTS 375 and the process continues.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the SID assigned by the CMTS is unique to addressing modules. The CMTS determines that the device sending the registration request is an addressing module from the IP address incorporated into the message. (As described previously, the IP address assigned to the addressing module by the DHCP is also unique to addressing modules.) [0049]
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the addressing module monitors the traffic received at the fiber node input to which the addressing module is connected. The traffic information is logged and the information sent in the form of a message to the CMTS. [0050]
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an addressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention in which test points [0051] 415 and 420 on a fiber node 400 are connected to input ports on an addressing module 410. The data available from the test ports is monitored by the addressing module, logged, and sent to the CMTS. By way of example and not as a limitation, the fiber node 400 comprises a Motorola Starline® Scalable Optical Node model SG2440. Test points 415 and 420 permit monitoring a subscriber side RF signal (comprising both upstream and downstream signals), a downstream RF signal component, an upstream RF signal component, an upstream transmitter input level, and a downstream transmitter output level. In an embodiment of the present invention, the addressing module 410 is adapted to receive these signals and to processes them. In this embodiment of the present invention for each of the monitored signals, the addressing module determines the average and peak signal levels over a sampling period. These levels are digitized sent to the CMTS for storage and evaluation.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the addressing [0052] module 410 is adapted to monitor and receive other parameters relating to the performance of the fiber node 400 and to the signals that pass through the fiber node 400. By way of example and not as a limitation, these parameters include the bandwidth used by the cable modems associated with a particular fiber node/addressing module pair, peak bandwidth demand, optical power, digitally modulated signals (QPSK, QAM, FSK) levels, analog video signal quality (depth of modulation, average power of carrier, audio deviation), RF Carrier Power, RF noise power, signal to noise, average noise power, carrier to noise, composite second order, composite triple beat, cross modulation (XMOD), hum, laser clipping, modulation index for the optical signal, phase or group delay, composite intermodulation noise, return loss, coherent disturbances (color phase, white level, video hum, video pass band response) peak to valley, video to analog delta measurement, differential gain and phase, and color measurements related to analog (gain, slope, padding, equalization, AGC voltage, current, impedance, transmission loss, ripple, frequency response variation, adjacent channel measurements, ingress measurements, common path distortion in upstream, optical dispersion, optical absorption, optical reflection, optical refraction, power supply duty cycle, and quasi sin wave duty cycle.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the addressing module takes advantage of the ability of a DOCSIS-compliant device to register IP addresses of devices connected to it. In an embodiment of the present invention each input port on the addressing [0053] module 410 is assigned an IP address, which is then associated with the test point connected to it. The addressing module receives these IP addresses during the configuration process (see FIG. 3, 375). In this way, the CMTS may poll the individual test ports of the fiber node 400.
  • In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone number comprises an identifier that is associated with a specific fiber node. The fiber node/addressing module pair monitors downstream VoIP packets to determine if the packets are for delivery to a call recipient on connected to that fiber node. Packets that are not directed to call recipients downstream from the fiber node are discarded. [0054]
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the configuration file comprises an “IQ” parameter that determines a level of monitoring and reporting the addressing module is capable of performing or, alternatively, a level of monitoring and reporting that address module is authorized to perform. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, an IQ parameter value of “1” indicates that the addressing module is capable/authorized to answer a simple query (a ping). An IQ parameter value of 2 indicates that the addressing module is capable/authorized to report network-related performance data. And an IQ parameter value of 3 indicates that the addressing module is capable/authorized to filter VoIP packets as previously described. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other levels of capability and authorization may be established for an addressing module without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0055]
  • Where the addressing module is capable of performing a higher level monitoring and reporting, the IQ parameter may be set by loading a new configuration file into the addressing module. [0056]
  • A system and method for addressing a fiber node in an HFC network has been disclosed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, such as, but without limitation, a DOCSIS compliant network, without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed and that the examples and embodiments described herein are in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will recognize that other embodiments using the concepts described herein are also possible. [0057]

Claims (21)

What is claimed is:
1. An addressing module for a fiber node deployed in a hybrid fiber network (HFN), the addressing module comprising:
a first interface for connecting the addressing module to the fiber node on its subscriber side;
a second interface for connecting the addressing module to one or more test points of the fiber node; and
a logic module internal to the addressing module adapted to:
receive an addressing module identifier from the HFN, wherein the addressing module identifier associates the addressing module with the fiber node;
receive from the one or more test points one or more network parameter values related to the performance of the HFN; and
send the one or more network parameter values to a reporting station in association with the addressing module identifier.
2. The addressing module for a fiber node deployed in a HFN as in claim 1, wherein the one or more a network parameters comprise at least one of a cable modem bandwidth parameter, a peak bandwidth demand parameter, an optical power parameter, a digitally modulated signal level parameter, analog video signal quality parameter, and RF Carrier Power parameter, an RF noise power parameter, a signal to noise parameter, an average noise power parameter, a carrier to noise parameter, a composite second order parameter, a composite triple beat parameter, a cross modulation parameter, a hum parameter, a laser clipping parameter, an optical signal modulation index parameter, a phase parameter, a group delay parameter, a composite intermodulation noise parameter, a return loss parameter, a coherent disturbances peak to valley parameter, a video to analog delta measurement parameter, a differential gain and phase parameter, an analog color parameter, and a fiber node operational status parameter.
3. The addressing module as in claim 1, wherein the one or more network parameter values related to the performance of the are in analog form and wherein the logic module is further adapted to convert each of the one or more analog network parameter values to a digital network parameter value.
4. The addressing module of claim 1, wherein the logic module is further adapted to:
receive a configuration file from the HFN; and
configure the addressing module according to the configuration file.
5. The addressing module as in claim 1, wherein the logic module is further adapted to:
receive an instruction from a reporting station; and
select one or more network value parameters based on the instruction.
6. The addressing module as in claim 1, wherein the logic module further comprises a media access controller (MAC) having a MAC address and wherein the addressing module identifier is the MAC address.
7. The addressing module as in claim 1, wherein the reporting station is a cable modem termination system (CMTS).
8. The addressing module as in claim 1, wherein the reporting station is a network device.
9. The addressing module as in claim 1, wherein the HFN is DOCSIS-compliant.
10. A method for addressing a fiber node in a hybrid fiber network (HFN), the method comprising:
associating a fiber node with an addressing module having an addressing module identifier;
registering the addressing module identifier with the HFN in association with the fiber node;
receiving at the addressing module a status indicator of the fiber node; and
reporting the status indicator to a reporting station.
11. The method for addressing a fiber node in a HFN as in claim 10, wherein the addressing module further comprises a media access controller (MAC) having a MAC address and wherein the addressing module identifier is the MAC address.
12. The method for addressing a fiber node in a HFN as in claim 10, wherein the reporting station is a cable modem termination system (CMTS).
13. The method for addressing a fiber node in a HFN as in claim 10, wherein the reporting station is a network device.
14. The method for addressing a fiber node in a HFN as in claim 10, wherein the status indicator is selected from the group consisting of operating normally, operating abnormally, and inoperable.
15. The method for addressing a fiber node in a HFN as in claim 10, wherein the HFN is DOCSIS-compliant.
16. A method for collecting parameter values in a communication path between a cable head end and a subscriber on a DOCSIS-compliant hybrid fiber network (HFN), wherein the HFN comprises an addressing module associated with a fiber node via an addressing module identifier and wherein the method comprises:
measuring one or more parameter values at the fiber node associated with the addressing module;
receiving the one or more parameter values at the addressing module; and
reporting the one or more parameter values to a reporting station in association with the addressing module id.
17. The method for collecting parameter values in a communication path between a cable head end and a subscriber on a HFN as in claim 16, wherein the one or more parameter values is at least one of a cable modem bandwidth parameter, a peak bandwidth demand parameter, an optical power parameter, a digitally modulated signal level parameter, analog video signal quality parameter, and RF Carrier Power parameter, an RF noise power parameter, a signal to noise parameter, an average noise power parameter, a carrier to noise parameter, a composite second order parameter, a composite triple beat parameter, a cross modulation parameter, a hum parameter, a laser clipping parameter, an optical signal modulation index parameter, a phase parameter, a group delay parameter, a composite intermodulation noise parameter, a return loss parameter, a coherent disturbances peak to valley parameter, a video to analog delta measurement parameter, a differential gain and phase parameter, an analog color parameter, and a fiber node operational status parameter.
18. The method for collecting parameter values in a communication path between a cable head end and a subscriber on a HFN as in claim 16, wherein the addressing module further comprises a media access controller (MAC) having a MAC address and the addressing module identifier comprises the MAC address.
19. The method for collecting parameter values in a communication path between a cable head end and a subscriber on a HFN as in claim 16, wherein the reporting station is a cable modem termination system (CMTS).
20. The method for collecting parameter values in a communication path between a cable head end and a subscriber on a HFN as in claim 16, wherein the reporting station is a network device.
21. The method for collecting parameter values in a communication path between a cable head end and a subscriber on a HFN as in claim 16, wherein the HFN is DOCSIS-compliant.
US10/463,088 2003-06-17 2003-06-17 Addressable fiber node Abandoned US20040261119A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/463,088 US20040261119A1 (en) 2003-06-17 2003-06-17 Addressable fiber node
CA2467448A CA2467448C (en) 2003-06-17 2004-05-18 Addressable fiber node
US12/208,687 US8130651B2 (en) 2003-06-17 2008-09-11 Addressable fiber node

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/463,088 US20040261119A1 (en) 2003-06-17 2003-06-17 Addressable fiber node

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/208,687 Continuation US8130651B2 (en) 2003-06-17 2008-09-11 Addressable fiber node

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20040261119A1 true US20040261119A1 (en) 2004-12-23

Family

ID=33517038

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/463,088 Abandoned US20040261119A1 (en) 2003-06-17 2003-06-17 Addressable fiber node
US12/208,687 Active 2025-02-22 US8130651B2 (en) 2003-06-17 2008-09-11 Addressable fiber node

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/208,687 Active 2025-02-22 US8130651B2 (en) 2003-06-17 2008-09-11 Addressable fiber node

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US20040261119A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2467448C (en)

Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070076789A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2007-04-05 Thibeault Brian K Method and apparatus for preventing loss of service from hardware failure in a network
US20100254283A1 (en) * 2008-11-11 2010-10-07 Arris Cmts plant topology fault management
US8516532B2 (en) 2009-07-28 2013-08-20 Motorola Mobility Llc IP video delivery using flexible channel bonding
US8526485B2 (en) 2009-09-23 2013-09-03 General Instrument Corporation Using equalization coefficients of end devices in a cable television network to determine and diagnose impairments in upstream channels
US8537972B2 (en) 2006-12-07 2013-09-17 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for determining micro-reflections in a network
US8576705B2 (en) 2011-11-18 2013-11-05 General Instrument Corporation Upstream channel bonding partial service using spectrum management
US8594118B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2013-11-26 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for configuring logical channels in a network
US8654640B2 (en) 2010-12-08 2014-02-18 General Instrument Corporation System and method for IP video delivery using distributed flexible channel bonding
US8837302B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2014-09-16 Motorola Mobility Llc Mapping a network fault
US8867371B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2014-10-21 Motorola Mobility Llc Estimating physical locations of network faults
US8868736B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2014-10-21 Motorola Mobility Llc Estimating a severity level of a network fault
US8937992B2 (en) 2011-08-30 2015-01-20 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for updating equalization coefficients of adaptive pre-equalizers
US9003460B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2015-04-07 Google Technology Holdings LLC Network monitoring with estimation of network path to network element location
US9025469B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-05-05 Arris Technology, Inc. Method for estimating cable plant topology
US9042236B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-05-26 Arris Technology, Inc. Method using equalization data to determine defects in a cable plant
US9065731B2 (en) 2012-05-01 2015-06-23 Arris Technology, Inc. Ensure upstream channel quality measurement stability in an upstream channel bonding system using T4 timeout multiplier
US9088355B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2015-07-21 Arris Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining the dynamic range of an optical link in an HFC network
US9113181B2 (en) 2011-12-13 2015-08-18 Arris Technology, Inc. Dynamic channel bonding partial service triggering
US9137164B2 (en) 2012-11-15 2015-09-15 Arris Technology, Inc. Upstream receiver integrity assessment for modem registration
US9136943B2 (en) 2012-07-30 2015-09-15 Arris Technology, Inc. Method of characterizing impairments detected by equalization on a channel of a network
US9197886B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2015-11-24 Arris Enterprises, Inc. Detecting plant degradation using peer-comparison
US9203639B2 (en) 2012-12-27 2015-12-01 Arris Technology, Inc. Dynamic load balancing under partial service conditions
US20160269724A1 (en) * 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Technetix B.V. Method of anticipating component failure in broadband network devices
US10477199B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-11-12 Arris Enterprises Llc Method for identifying and prioritizing fault location in a cable plant
CN115334380A (en) * 2022-10-14 2022-11-11 南京邮电大学 Intelligent analyzer, system and intelligent analysis method for on-line large-scale fiber-searching route

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090052901A1 (en) * 2007-08-20 2009-02-26 Knology, Inc. Hybrid fiber coax (hfc) circuit
US20150003828A1 (en) * 2013-06-28 2015-01-01 Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. Digital Fiber Link Transporting Multiple Analog Bands for Agile Conversion

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6195689B1 (en) * 1999-05-05 2001-02-27 Mediaone Group, Inc. Headend provisioning agent
US20020100056A1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2002-07-25 Bortolini Edward J. Distributed broadband cable modem termination system
US20020101630A1 (en) * 2001-02-01 2002-08-01 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Monitor, control and configuration of fiber node via cable modem
US20020136203A1 (en) * 2000-03-06 2002-09-26 Valentino Liva Enhanced fiber nodes with CMTS capability
US20030081626A1 (en) * 2001-08-21 2003-05-01 Joseph Naor Method of providing QoS and bandwidth allocation in a point to multi-point network
US20040090970A1 (en) * 2002-11-11 2004-05-13 Sanchez Cheryl A. Distribution of data flows to local loop subscribers by an access multiplexer

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6588016B1 (en) * 1998-06-30 2003-07-01 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for locating a faulty component in a cable television system having cable modems
EP1125398B1 (en) * 1998-10-30 2008-10-22 Broadcom Corporation Cable modem system
US7006446B1 (en) * 1999-01-22 2006-02-28 General Instrument Corporation Detection of duplicate participants in a two-way modem environment
US6643780B1 (en) * 1999-05-07 2003-11-04 Ericsson Inc. Modems that block data transfers during safe mode of operation and related methods
US6715075B1 (en) * 1999-07-08 2004-03-30 Intel Corporation Providing a configuration file to a communication device
US6725462B1 (en) * 2000-04-19 2004-04-20 At&T Corp. Optimizing upstream transmission in a cable television distribution plant
US6920119B2 (en) * 2001-01-09 2005-07-19 Motorola, Inc. Method for scheduling and allocating data transmissions in a broad-band communications system
US7162247B2 (en) * 2001-04-17 2007-01-09 Toshiba America Research, Inc. Autonomous base station set up and soft handoff
US7085287B1 (en) * 2001-06-27 2006-08-01 Cisco Technology, Inc. Map routing technique implemented in access networks
WO2003091854A2 (en) * 2002-04-25 2003-11-06 Arris International, Inc. Method and system for adjusting bandwidth in a hybrid-fiber coaxial network
US7551610B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2009-06-23 Broadcom Corporation MiniMAC implementation of a distributed cable modem termination system (CMTS) architecture
US7187669B1 (en) * 2002-10-03 2007-03-06 Juniper Networks, Inc. Contention management techniques for reservation-based TDMA systems
EP1611746A4 (en) * 2003-03-31 2006-04-05 Arris Int Inc Broadband multi-interface media module
US20040215578A1 (en) * 2003-04-09 2004-10-28 Nokia, Inc. Controlling usage of system resources by a network manager

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6195689B1 (en) * 1999-05-05 2001-02-27 Mediaone Group, Inc. Headend provisioning agent
US20020136203A1 (en) * 2000-03-06 2002-09-26 Valentino Liva Enhanced fiber nodes with CMTS capability
US20020100056A1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2002-07-25 Bortolini Edward J. Distributed broadband cable modem termination system
US20020101630A1 (en) * 2001-02-01 2002-08-01 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Monitor, control and configuration of fiber node via cable modem
US20030081626A1 (en) * 2001-08-21 2003-05-01 Joseph Naor Method of providing QoS and bandwidth allocation in a point to multi-point network
US20040090970A1 (en) * 2002-11-11 2004-05-13 Sanchez Cheryl A. Distribution of data flows to local loop subscribers by an access multiplexer

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1935104A2 (en) * 2005-09-30 2008-06-25 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for preventing loss of service from hardware failure in a network
EP1935104A4 (en) * 2005-09-30 2010-08-04 Gen Instrument Corp Method and apparatus for preventing loss of service from hardware failure in a network
US8116360B2 (en) 2005-09-30 2012-02-14 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for preventing loss of service from hardware failure in a network
US20070076789A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2007-04-05 Thibeault Brian K Method and apparatus for preventing loss of service from hardware failure in a network
US9088355B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2015-07-21 Arris Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining the dynamic range of an optical link in an HFC network
US8594118B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2013-11-26 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for configuring logical channels in a network
US8537972B2 (en) 2006-12-07 2013-09-17 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for determining micro-reflections in a network
US20100254283A1 (en) * 2008-11-11 2010-10-07 Arris Cmts plant topology fault management
US9203638B2 (en) * 2008-11-11 2015-12-01 Arris Enterprises, Inc. CMTS plant topology fault management
US8516532B2 (en) 2009-07-28 2013-08-20 Motorola Mobility Llc IP video delivery using flexible channel bonding
US8526485B2 (en) 2009-09-23 2013-09-03 General Instrument Corporation Using equalization coefficients of end devices in a cable television network to determine and diagnose impairments in upstream channels
US8654640B2 (en) 2010-12-08 2014-02-18 General Instrument Corporation System and method for IP video delivery using distributed flexible channel bonding
US8937992B2 (en) 2011-08-30 2015-01-20 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for updating equalization coefficients of adaptive pre-equalizers
US8576705B2 (en) 2011-11-18 2013-11-05 General Instrument Corporation Upstream channel bonding partial service using spectrum management
US9113181B2 (en) 2011-12-13 2015-08-18 Arris Technology, Inc. Dynamic channel bonding partial service triggering
US9003460B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2015-04-07 Google Technology Holdings LLC Network monitoring with estimation of network path to network element location
US8837302B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2014-09-16 Motorola Mobility Llc Mapping a network fault
US8868736B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2014-10-21 Motorola Mobility Llc Estimating a severity level of a network fault
US8867371B2 (en) 2012-04-27 2014-10-21 Motorola Mobility Llc Estimating physical locations of network faults
US9065731B2 (en) 2012-05-01 2015-06-23 Arris Technology, Inc. Ensure upstream channel quality measurement stability in an upstream channel bonding system using T4 timeout multiplier
US9136943B2 (en) 2012-07-30 2015-09-15 Arris Technology, Inc. Method of characterizing impairments detected by equalization on a channel of a network
US9137164B2 (en) 2012-11-15 2015-09-15 Arris Technology, Inc. Upstream receiver integrity assessment for modem registration
US9203639B2 (en) 2012-12-27 2015-12-01 Arris Technology, Inc. Dynamic load balancing under partial service conditions
US10027588B2 (en) 2012-12-27 2018-07-17 Arris Enterprises Llc Dynamic load balancing under partial service conditions
US9197886B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2015-11-24 Arris Enterprises, Inc. Detecting plant degradation using peer-comparison
US9042236B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-05-26 Arris Technology, Inc. Method using equalization data to determine defects in a cable plant
US9025469B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-05-05 Arris Technology, Inc. Method for estimating cable plant topology
US9350618B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-05-24 Arris Enterprises, Inc. Estimation of network path and elements using geodata
US10477199B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-11-12 Arris Enterprises Llc Method for identifying and prioritizing fault location in a cable plant
US20160269724A1 (en) * 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Technetix B.V. Method of anticipating component failure in broadband network devices
US9712815B2 (en) * 2015-03-09 2017-07-18 Technetix B.V. Method of anticipating component failure in broadband network devices
CN115334380A (en) * 2022-10-14 2022-11-11 南京邮电大学 Intelligent analyzer, system and intelligent analysis method for on-line large-scale fiber-searching route

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20090047015A1 (en) 2009-02-19
CA2467448C (en) 2013-07-09
US8130651B2 (en) 2012-03-06
CA2467448A1 (en) 2004-12-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8130651B2 (en) Addressable fiber node
US8649421B2 (en) Cable modem for network measurements
US8036530B2 (en) Method and system for transporting DOCSIS communication signals over a passive optical network
US8493987B2 (en) Device-to-device communication among customer premise equipment devices
US7126920B2 (en) Performance of lifetest using CMTS as a proxy
US7292582B2 (en) Method and apparatus for associating a media terminal adapter with a cable modem in an HFC network
US6704288B1 (en) Arrangement for discovering the topology of an HFC access network
US7116685B2 (en) Communication parameter adjustment system in an internet compatible bi-directional communication system
US6785292B1 (en) Method for detecting radio frequency impairments in a data-over-cable system
US8365255B1 (en) Configuration file download enforcement
US20030149991A1 (en) Radio frequency characterization of cable plant and corresponding calibration of communication equipment communicating via the cable plant
US20050027851A1 (en) Broadband communications
US20050018697A1 (en) High-speed internet access system
US6728887B1 (en) Arrangement for providing mediated access in an HFC access network
WO2002077808A2 (en) Broadband communications
WO2005101810A1 (en) Single wire return device for downstream ip signals
US6892229B1 (en) System and method for assigning dynamic host configuration protocol parameters in devices using resident network interfaces
US20060117361A1 (en) Data communications system using CATV network with wireless return path
Cisco Cable Technologies
EP3211889A1 (en) An arrangement for distributed catv network
Dutta-Roy Cable: it's not just for TV
US12063078B2 (en) Docsis radio frequency (RF) leakage management
KR100960141B1 (en) Cable modem and distribution center for providing internet service and broadcasting service, and method for providing service thereof
Fulton et al. DOCSIS as a foundation for residential and commercial community networking over hybrid fiber coax
TW202301835A (en) System and method for identifying network equipment from a remote location

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TIME WARNER CABLE, INC., CONNECTICUT

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WILLIAMS, CHRISTOPHER PIERCE;GOULD, KENNETH;REEL/FRAME:021516/0277

Effective date: 20080821

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC, MISSOURI

Free format text: CHANGE OF APPLICANT'S ADDRESS;ASSIGNOR:TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC;REEL/FRAME:043360/0992

Effective date: 20160601