Patent ID: 6173326
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
A broadband communications network service access platform that receives, transmits and processes service information signals between the head-end and back-end of a transmission network, and functions as the primary interface between the end user at the back-end, and the network comprising:a. a means for storing information, such information including an operating system;b. a central processing unit, responsive to said operating system;c. a network interface means interfacing to both the network and the remainder of the network service access platform;d. a signal processing means, responsive to said central processing unit, for processing signals in both directions along the network, including a means for encoding and decoding signals, and a means for accepting commands from an end-user at the network back-end, such commands enabling signal processing for connection to network service;e. a communication means, responsive to said central processing unit, for transmitting and receiving information, the transmission including receipt of customer-specific information internal to the network service access platform and translation of such information into a network signal format, and the reception including receipt of addressed information and translation of such information from network signal format into the format used in the network service access platform; andf. a customer interface means interfacing to both the customer premises and the remainder of the network service access platform.