Patent ID: 6295298
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
An address assignment method employed in a head end operating in a network which routes a plurality of packets to an RF (radio frequency) modem which is connected to said head end via a bidirectional link and an RF cable connection, the method having the steps of:responding to an assignment request from said RF modem via said bidirectional link by obtaining a link address for said RF modem, wherein said RF cable connection has a plurality of channels multiplexed onto said RF cable connection so that a channel of said plurality of channels is separated from other said channels by frequency, wherein said channel of said plurality of channels has a plurality of frames multiplexed onto said channel so that a frame of said plurality of frames only uses said channel for a portion of time that said channel can be used, wherein said frame of said plurality of frames has a fixed number of packets, N, multiplexed into said frame so that an i.sup.th packet of said fixed number of packets is always at a static, computably fixed bit position relative to a frame header at the start of said frame, and given that i is an integer between 0 and N+1 (0<i<N+1); andreturning an assigned link address to said RF modem via said bidirectional link.