WO2012094285A1

WO2012094285A1 - Apparatus and method for multi-device routing in a gateway

Info

Publication number: WO2012094285A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/020032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerald Adolph Colman; Pascal Maetz
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing
Priority date: 2011-01-04
Filing date: 2012-01-03
Publication date: 2012-07-12

Abstract

A method and apparatus for routing of digital content within a gateway includes an Ethernet switch. An RF input port receives the digital content. A first processor is connected between the RF input port and the switch for configuring the switch and processing received digital content to determine a data type of the digital content. A main processor for the gateway and a second processor are also connected to the switch. The first processor controls the switch to route the received digital content based on destination information within a header of the digital content to one of the main processor, second processor, or a second input. Different types of digital content are routed within the gateway without routing the received digital content through the main processor.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Multi-Device Routing in a Gateway

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 61/429,542 filed 04 January 2011, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[002] The present arrangement provides a system and method for routing digital content within a set top box or gateway.

BACKGROUND [003] Modern gateway devices and set top boxes include interfaces to multiple networks and are continuing to use higher performance processing capabilities to receive and deliver content in both wide and local area networks. Interfaces may include Data over Cable System Interface Standard (DOCSIS) 3.0, Multimedia over Cable Alliance (MoCA), and Ethernet. Each of these interfaces may further use an alternative delivery media. For instance, DOCSIS and MoCA typically use a physical coaxial cable while Ethernet uses a phone line type interface (e.g. RJ-45 jack and CAT5e cables).

[004] Still further, the main processing for a gateway may include interface to one or more specialized processing circuits. For instance, one system may include a universal serial bus (USB) 2.0 interface between a DOCSIS 3.0 processor and a main processor and a Peripheral Component Interface express (PCIe) interface between a MoCA processor and the main processor. With the many possible route configurations due to the added complexity of DOCSIS and MoCA along with the potential for multiple signal translations and transformations, there is a need for an improved signal routing mechanism to allow signals to transfer between the interfaces. A system according to invention principles addresses deficiencies of known systems. SUMMARY

[005] The present embodiments are directed at a topology, including an apparatus and a method that allows flexible and maximum-throughput routing of digital content in a set top box or gateway that utilizes DOCSIS, MoCA, and Ethernet Network interfaces.

[006] In one embodiment, an apparatus for routing digital content within a gateway includes receiving digital content data on a first port. The digital data content includes headers and data packets. A first processor is connected to the first port for processing data packets of a first type. The first type of packets corresponds to data over cable system interface standard (DOCSIS) packets. A second processor is used for processing data packets of a second type. The second type of data packets corresponds to multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) packets. An Ethernet switch is connected to the first processor, the second processor, the main processor and a second port. The first processor configures the switch to route the received data packets to the first port or the second port via the first processor or the second processor based on digital data packet type without routing the received digital content through the main processor.

[007] The above presents a simplified summary of the subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of subject matter embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of the subject matter. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the embodiments or to delineate the scope of the subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. Other advantages and novel features of the subject matter can become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a gateway or set top box in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment;

[009] FIG 2 is an exemplary set top box in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exemplary set top box showing all paths for transmission of packets in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment; [0011] FIG. 4 is an exemplary set top box showing a broadband data path between the set top box processor and an external network in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 5 is an exemplary set top box showing a data path between the set top box processor and an external device in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment; and

[0013] FIG. 6 is an exemplary flow diagram detailing the operation of the set top box or gateway in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. It can be evident, however, that subject matter embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices (such as power supplies, drivers, etc.) are omitted from the block diagrams in order to facilitate describing the embodiments.

[0015] As used in this application, when functions are provided by a processor, the functions can be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which can be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and can implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor ("DSP") hardware, read-only memory ("ROM") for storing software, random access memory ("RAM"), and non-volatile storage. Moreover, all statements herein reciting instances and embodiments of the invention are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0016] The present invention is designed for use in products such as Set-top boxes and Media Gateways. A set-top-box using the present arrangement is generally embedded with a high end cable modem providing DOCSIS 3.0 capabilities. Basically, the Set-top box acts as a Local Area Network server for external small Set- top boxes connected via MoCA or Ethernet format onto the server. The embedded modem may be used by the Set-top box to connect to the external world for services such as Video on Demand or for the client boxes. Unlike a Media Gateway, a Set-top box generally does not provide internet access within the home for devices like tablets, PCs, smart phones etc.

[0017] A Media Gateway using the present arrangement may be a Set-top box and a gateway/router within a same box. The Media Gateway provides additional internet access for any kind of device within a Local Area Network (PC/tablet/smart phone/ DVD player/TV/etc.), and provides functions like routing (WAN to LAN address translation), firewall etc. The Media Gateway could also provide Wi-Fi. Gateway functionalities are mainly software based features typically running on the DOCSIS format.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a block diagram of a Media Gateway or set top box device 10 using aspects of the present invention. Although shown is an embodiment of a Set Top Box (STB), one of skill in the art will recognize that the topology of Figure 1 applies equally well to a more integrated system where a STB is not involved. Such a system could be a gateway or integrated entertainment system which includes the elements of Figure 1 without being a separate Set-top box. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the Media Gateway or set top box device 10 may be used in a cable network, with video and data services provided by a service provider. The gateway or set top box 10 also includes features, such as MoCA signal format processing and Ethernet signal format processing for operating in and/or managing a local area network, such as a home network. The main cable interface of the set top box 10 includes a coaxial cable input/output port 12 and a DOCSIS processor 14 for managing a wide area network supported through a cable service provider. The coaxial cable input/output port 12 receives digital content data. The digital content data may include any combination of audio/video data, IP data or MoCA formatted data. The digital content data may be processed according to the type of data and output via one of the DOCSIS processor 14 or MoCA processor 18 and output as RP data or MoCA data back through the coaxial cable input/output port 12.

[0019] While the MoCA processor 18 is a processor, it generally functions differently from the DOCSIS processor 14 and the main processor 16. The MoCA processor 18 generally acts as an Ethernet to MoCA bridge or "transformer" which is working as a layer 2 switch (in the OSI model). The DOCSIS processor 14 or main processor 16 sends Ethernet packets to the MoCA processor 18 which adds the appropriate MoCA MAC and PHY layers to the packets in order to send packets to or receive packets from the MoCA RF input/output.

[0020] The set top box 10 in FIG. 1 includes a main processor 16 as well several other interface processors, including the DOCSIS processor 14, a MoCA processor 18, and IP data interface 20. The main processor 16 controls signal routing, video and audio processing, and signal outputting functions for non-internet protocol (IP) based digital content. The Main Processor 16 provides non-IP data input/output on USB and HDMI ports, and IP data on MoCA, Ethernet and DOCSIS ports. The main processor 16 and DOCSIS processor 14 each generally include their own internal RAM and Flash memory devices (not shown). The MoCA processor 18 generally includes an internal RAM (not shown) and no Flash memory. Functionality in the main processor 16 includes an interface 24 for Ethernet, a control interface 26 for the MoCA processor, a USB interface 28 for DOCSIS formatted data, an interface 30 for front panel and remote controls, and an interface 32 for video and audio tuner/demodulators 34. Conventional set top boxes, generally also include HDMI ports 52, USB ports 54, an infrared receiver 56, and additional input jacks 58 for connection of a power source 62 and cooling fans 64. A cable card 66 is connected to the main processor 16. The cable card 66 is connected to the main processor 16 and adds a layer of decryption from the cable provider's head end to the end user's display device. The cable card 66 decrypts encrypted video data and performs a local encryption.

[0021] Different types of digital data can be routed into and out of the Gateway or Set-Top Box 10 via respective ports:

1) DOCSIS formatted data thru the Cable interface 12;

2) MoCA formatted data thru the Cable interface 12, frequency multiplexed with standard Cable Channels; and

3) Ethernet formatted data through RJ45 port 20.

[0022] Using the standard interfaces between the main processor 16, DOCSIS processor 14, and MoCA processor 18, data thru-put bottlenecks will exist, particularly in the USB interface 28 that is present between the main processor 16 and DOCSIS processor 14. Additionally, because the main processor 16 is also used for audio and video signal processing as well as memory interface and management, it is also desirable to alleviate any unnecessary processing overhead in the main processor 16 when passing data from one of the above-mentioned ports to another port.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, in order to address these problems an additional Ethernet switch 38 is included in the topology to interface all ports in order to allow data to be routed in an optimum manner so as to not overload any of the processors.

[0024] The novel topology including the Ethernet switch 38 allows data to be routed around main processor 16 if and when possible. The Ethernet switch 38 includes the ability to process multiple routes simultaneously and achieve data throughputs up to lOOOBaseT rates (1 gigabit per second). For instance, in the absence of the Ethernet switch 38, data from the DOCSIS processor 14 would have to flow across the USB link 36 to the USB interface 28 of the Main Processor 16. Then, flow from the Main Processor 16 to the MoCA processor 18 in order to service the RF port 12. This data flow places high demands on the Main Processor 16 to simply pass information. However, the novel addition of the Ethernet switch 38 in the topology of Figure 1 circumvents the USB link 36 connecting the main processor 16 and DOCSIS processor 14 and allows DOCSIS data to be routed from the DOCSIS processor 14 to either the MoCA processor 18 via data path 46a, Ethernet switch 38 and data path 46c. Another path is from the DOCSIS processor 14 to the Ethernet network via data path 46a, Ethernet switch 38 and the RJ 45 Ethernet port 20. Path 46c is the data path for MoCA data; both transmit and receive.

[0025] In a more general manner, data from any port can be routed to any other port using the novel topology of Figure 1 without having to route data through the main processor 16. A signaling system between the outboard interface processors (DOCSIS processor 14 and MoCA processor 18) and the Ethernet network, attached externally to I/O port 20, may be used to communicate with the main processor 16 in order to notify the main processor 16 that a particular route does not require routing therethrough. The communication may be in-band as part of the ordinary communication, or may be a separate signaling line between each processor and the main processor 16. Control of the Ethernet switch 38 may be managed by the main processor 16 through the Ethernet interface 24 on path 46B. As a part of the process, when a particular portion of data (e.g. a packet, or segment) is to be routed, the source interface processor (e.g. DOCSIS processor 14, MoCA processor 18) or Ethernet network identifies, for instance, the type of data, the processing that is needed, and the final destination for the portion of data. The source interface processor may then determine the most optimal routing, either through or around the main processor 16, and provide signaling to the main processor 16 informing the main processor 16 of the determination. Alternatively, the source interface processor may query the main processor 16 and routing may be determined by the main processor 16, including factors such as timing and available processor bandwidth.

[0026] The Ethernet switch 38 can be bypassed to allow Ethernet packets to pass directly between the DOCSIS processor 14 and the main processor 16 via the USB link 36 (e.g. for purely internal communication needs), or for passing IP data between the Set top Box and RF cable IP network (which may have DOCSIS 3.0 formatting). The Ethernet switch 38 also allows packets to pass between the external RJ45 interface 20 and the external IP cable network 12 via the DOCSIS processor 14. Ethernet packets are also able to pass via the switch 38 between the main processor 16 and an external MoCA device 84 connected to the Set top Box for sharing content provided by the Set top Box (ex: stored on an internal HDD). The switch 38 also allows Ethernet data to pass between the DOCSIS processor 14 and the external MoCA device 84 connected to the Set top box. An exemplary connection of the MoCA device 84 to the Set-top Box is via a LAN 82 connected to the RF Input/output 12 is shown in Figures 2-5.

[0027] The above mentioned traffic is allowed to pass or be denied passage by the switch 38 depending on the final application needs. In one embodiment, the DOCSIS processor 14 manages the control of the switch 38 accordingly through its control bus 48. It is more efficient to pass high throughput packets between the main processor 16 and the DOCSIS processor 14 through the Ethernet switch 38 than through the USB link path 36, because passing of the Ethernet data through the USB path requires the DOCSIS processor 14 to encapsulate the transmitted Ethernet packets into USB frames and the main processor 16 then decapsulates the Ethernet received packets. Advantageously, the topology of Figure 1 allows the routing of data between the DOCSIS processor 14 and main processor 16 via a hardware-type data transmission and thus avoids using the software protocol processing that is typically associated with communication via the USB bus.

[0028] However, the USB encapsulation/decapsulation processing is software based and requires a higher processing cost which may lead to overload of one or both of the DOCSIS processor 14 and main processor 16. The USB path 36 is also limited to about 250Mbps, while the Ethernet switch 38 is able to process up to 1 Gigabit (lOOOmbit/sec) on a hardware level. The USB path 36 can still be used for low bit rate traffic, e.g. as a specific communication path between both processors 14 and 16. The USB path 36 can also be used simultaneously with the Ethernet switch 38.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the interaction between the Ethernet switch 38 and the main processor 16, DOCSIS processor 14, MoCA processor 18 and Ethernet interface 20. As can be seen in this figure, digital data is received through the RF input/output 12 and provided to the DOCSIS processor 14 via a triplexer 40 and wideband tuner 42. The triplexer 40 is also connected to communicate with the MoCA processor 18 via RF path 54. The triplexer 40 is used to separate several kinds of RF "traffic" within the Set-top box or Media gateway. These types of RF traffic include:

1. DOCSIS and video downstream data is either video or IP data coming into the Set-top box. The associated RF spectrum is between 54MHz and 1GHz in the United States. This data is used for broadcast and broadband;

DOCSIS Upstream data going out of the Set-top box to the operator, which may further be sent out to the internet, depending on the application. The associated RF spectrum is between 5MHz and 42MHz in the United States (optionally between 5 and 85MHz). This data is used for broadband "return path" only; and

The MoCA transmit or receive path (MoCA is half duplex). The associated RF spectrum is between 1 125MHz and 1500MHz in the cable world. MoCA formats may exists also in satellite transmissions (e.g. DirecTV) but not in the same spectrum as Cable. This data is used for IP inside the home only.

[0030] The broadcast/broadband tuner 34 provides a demodulated transport stream to the DOCSIS processor 14 and the main processor 16. The Ethernet switch 38 is connected via an Ethernet connection 46a, 46b, 46c to each of the DOCSIS processor 14, main processor 16 and MoCA processor 18. The Ethernet switch 38 is controlled by the DOCSIS processor 14 through a control connection 48 to direct Ethernet packets to the selected processor. Control of the Ethernet switch 38 by the DOCSIS processor 14 in Figure 2 is for purposes of convenience and example only. In practice, any processor may be configured to control the Ethernet switch 38. In response to configuration of the Ethernet switch 38 by the DOCSIS processor 14 via the control connection 48, the Ethernet switch 38 allows packets to pass between:

1) The DOCSIS processor 14 and the main processor 16 are connected via paths 46A and 46B and may communicate for purely internal communication needs, or communicate for passing IP data between the main processor 16 and the RF cable IP network 12. In this link, the packets may be DOCSIS 3.0 formatted;

2) The external RJ45 inputs 20 and the external IP cable network 12 via the

DOCSIS processor 14;

3) The main processor 16 and an external MoCA device 84 connected to the set top box 10 for sharing content provided by the set top box 10 (example: stored on an internal HDD); and

4) The DOCSIS processor 14 and an external MoCA device 84 connected to the set top box 10.

[0031] Figure 3 shows each possible path along which received Ethernet packets are able to pass through the Ethernet switch 38. Path 1 identified by the reference numeral 50 shows the flow of Ethernet packets between the DOCSIS processor 14 and the main processor 16 through the switch 38 to by-pass the slower USB interface 36. To flow along the 46A and 46B path, the data received by the DOCSIS processor 14 indicates the type of data, the processing that is needed (e.g. the particular processor within the Set Top Box (STB) that is charged with processing the particular type of data), and the final destination address for the portion of data. Based on this information the Ethernet switch 38 provides a path between the DOCSIS processor 14 and the main processor 16 for passage of the data. This path may be used for purely internal communication needs or for passing IP data between the set top box and the RF cable IP network.

[0032] Path 2 identified by the reference numeral 60 shows the flow of Ethernet packets between the RJ45 input 20 and the IP cable network 12. The flow of IP data along this path passes between the RF cable IP network 20 and RJ45 jack 12 via the trip lexer 40, wideband tuner 42, DOCSIS processor 14 and Ethernet switch 38. For IP data to flow along this path, the data received by the DOCSIS processor 14 indicates the type of data, the processing that is needed, and the final destination for the portion of data. This information controls the Ethernet switch 38 to connect the DOCSIS processor 14 to the RJ45 jack 20.

[0033] Path 3 identified by reference numeral 70 shows a flow of data between the main processor 16 of the set top box and an external MoCA device 84 connected to the set top box. This path is used to share content from the set top box, e.g. stored on an internal memory device such as an internal hard disk drive (shown only on Figure 1), with an externally connected MoCA device. The hard disk drive is connected on the Main processor 16. However, it is possible to have the hard disk drive on the DOCSIS processor 14.

[0034] The Ethernet switch 38 is configured in this instance to cause the main processor 16 to be connected to the MoCA processor 18. In response to a request for sharing of content from the set top box, content provided by the set top box is caused to flow from the main processor 16, through the Ethernet switch 38 and to the MoCA processor 18. From the MoCA processor 18, data flows to the RF input/output 12 via a MoCA RF connection line 54.

[0035] Path 4 identified by reference numeral 80 shows a flow of data between the DOCSIS processor 14 and an external MoCA device 84 connected to the set top box. For IP data to flow along this path, the data received by the DOCSIS processor 14 indicates the type of data, the processing that is needed, and the final destination for the portion of data. This data causes the Ethernet switch 38 to connect the DOCSIS processor 14 to the MoCA processor 18 via the Ethernet switch 38. Content received through the RF input 12 is caused to flow through the triplexer 40, the wideband tuner 42, the DOCSIS processor 14, and the Ethernet switch 38 and to the MoCA processor 18 via link 46c. From the MoCA processor, IP data flows to the RF input/output 12 via the MoCA RF connection line 54.

[0036] Paths 1 and 2 (reference numerals 50, 60), are further illustrated in Figure 4. Paths 1 and 2 illustrate the broadband pathways between an external network such as the internet and the set top box. These pathways are able to provide Over-The-Top content web access or Video-On-Demand type service through access to a wide area network connected to RF port 12. Path 1 shows connection of the Set-top Box to the external world via port 12.

[0037] Figure 5 shows path 3 (reference numeral 70) illustrating the sharing of content within the set top box through the MoCA processor 18 to an external MoCA device 84 connected on a MoCA Local Area network 82. The external MoCA device 84 may be an IP MoCA client type of Set-top Box that is connected to the RF coax cable 12 within the Local Area Network. Several MoCA devices may be connected to access the server at any time. This path is provided for sharing video data stored in local memory devices, such as the HDD, on the set top box with an external MoCA device 84 such as in a digital home network. Also shown in Figure 5 is path 4 (reference numeral 80) illustrating accessing of the DOCSIS IP network by an external MoCA device 84. This path is used for Video on Demand type services or to access the internet.

[0038] By routing IP data through the Ethernet switch 38 as opposed to through the main processor 16, the burden on the main processor 16 is diminished. The Ethernet switch 38 is also able to simultaneously pass packets between two ports while also passing packets between two other ports. For example main processor 16 can pass packets to the MoCA processor 18 while the DOCSIS processor 14 passes packets to the IP data interface 20 simultaneously. The switch can also be setup to prioritize each port, and/or setup to limit the throughput of its ingress and egress ports. The Ethernet switch 38 removes additional load from the main processor and is able to handle the traffic because the switch is able to handle bit rates of up to 1 Mbit/sec or more. The Ethernet switch 38 is programmable and thus provides additional flexibility for routing IP data. IP data is received by the RF input/output 12 and provides the IP data to the DOCSIS processor 14. The DOCSIS processor 14 acts as a router for controlling the Ethernet switch 38. A header in the received data packet on port 12 includes IP address destination information. The IP address destination address is described as being in the header for purposes of example only and the IP address destination information may be in any portion of any type of IP transport packet being transferred. The DOCSIS processor 14 detects the header and routes the data through the Ethernet switch 38 to the proper processor. The Ethernet switch is generally configured upon boot up of the device for routing data therethrough based on the IP address destination information in the data packet header. However, the Ethernet switch 38 may be dynamically programmable to route data as it is received and the IP address destination information is detected.

[0039] A flow chart describing the operation of the apparatus for routing of digital data is shown in Figure 6. Upon boot up or initialization of the set top box or gateway, registers within the Ethernet switch are configured for directing data packets therethrough to one or more of the interconnecting devices in step 100. Data is received at the RF connector 12 and provided to the DOCSIS processor 14 in step 102. The DOCSIS processor 14 processes the received data packets to retrieve a header including IP address destination information in step 104. The DOCSIS processor 14 filters out IP data packets and retrieves Ethernet data from the header and sends IP data packets to the Ethernet switch for routing the data packets to the proper destination in step 106. The IP address destination information may be provided to the Ethernet switch 38 by the DOCSIS processor 14 to route the IP data packets to one of the main processor 16, the MoCA processor 18, or Ethernet input/output ports 20. Data packets directed to the main processor 16 may be for purely internal communications or to pass data between the main processor 16 and an RF cable IP network 12. Data packets passed from the DOCSIS processor 14 and the MoCA processor 18 may be for passage to an external MoCA device 84 connected to the set top box. Data packets may alternatively be passed from the RF IP cable network 12 to the Ethernet input/output ports 20. Additionally, the main processor 16 may be connected to an external MoCA device 84 via the Ethernet switch 38 and the MoCA processor 18 for Over-The-Top web content access or to provide Video-On- Demand type service to the external MoCA device 84 of content stored on an internal hard drive in the set top box.

[0040] The above embodiments describe a set top box or gateway device including mechanism for controlling and adjusting internal signal and data routing between at least three different interfaces. The interfaces include both wide area and local area networks. The routing is controlled in order to better manage and optimize data flow and utilization of the main processor. An Ethernet switch is included that can be used to bypass signal routing around the main processor based on condition identified with the signals.

[0041] The implementations described herein may be implemented in, for example, a method or process, an apparatus, or a combination of hardware and software. Even if only discussed in the context of a single form of implementation (for example, discussed only as a method), the implementation of features discussed may also be implemented in other forms (for example, a hardware apparatus, hardware and software apparatus, or a computer-readable media). An apparatus may be implemented in, for example, appropriate hardware, software, and firmware. The methods may be implemented in, for example, an apparatus such as, for example, a processor, which refers to any processing device, including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. Processing devices also include communication devices, such as, for example, computers, cell phones, portable/personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), and other devices that facilitate communication of information between end-users.

[0042] What has been described above includes examples of the embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for routing digital content within a gateway, said apparatus comprising:

a first port for receiving the digital content that includes headers and data packets;

a first processor connected to the first port for processing data packets of a first type;

a main processor for the gateway;

a second processor for processing data packets of a second type;

a switch connected to the first processor, second processor, main processor and a second port;

wherein the first processor configures the switch to route the received data packets to the first port or the second port via the first processor or the second processor based on digital packet type without routing the received digital content through the main processor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first type of data packets correspond to data over cable system interface standard (DOCSIS) packets and the second type of data packets correspond to multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) packets.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the switch is an Ethernet switch.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an Ethernet port connected to the Ethernet switch.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first processor is a DOCSIS processor and the second processor is a MoCA processor.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the digital content includes data packets and a header having IP address data including at least one of a type of data, a processing type needed for the data, and a final destination for the data packets.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second processor is a MoCA processor and the switch routes data packets to an external MoCA device via the MoCA processor and the first port.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first processor also routes data to the main processor via a universal serial bus (USB) connection.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first type of data packets includes IP data packets.

10. A method of routing IP data packets within an apparatus having multiple processors, the method comprising the activities of:

configuring registers of an Ethernet switch within the apparatus;

providing data packets to a processor other than a main processor of the apparatus;

detecting, in the processor other than the main processor, a header within the IP data packets including at least one of a type of data, a processing type needed for the data and a final destination for the IP data packets; and

routing the data packets through the Ethernet switch to a processor indicated by the header.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the activities are performed by a gateway or set-top-box.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the activity of routing routes data packets to an external MoCA device via a MoCA processor.