Patent ID: 6385207
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: H04J,H04L,H04N

Abstract:
A method for dynamically allocating upstream network resources in a packet-based broadband cable data distribution network using RSVP protocol and having a CMTS (cable modem termination system) connected to each of a plurality of user terminals via a cable modem, said method comprising:generating an RSVP protocol path message at a source node for establishing communication with a destination node; passing the RSVP path message to the destination node; performing packet classification at a destination node cable modem by transmitting a resource reservation signal based on the received RSVP path message to request an amount of network resources needed to be reserved for upstream communication with the source node; performing packet scheduling at a CMTS by determining whether network resources are available based on the reservation signal, and if so, generating at the CMTS a SID (service identification) message comprising at least one filter spec parameter responsive to the reserved network resources; receiving the SID message at the destination node cable modem; and setting a filter spec parameter in the destination node cable modem equal to the at least one filter spec parameter in the received SID message for sending an upstream communication matching the set filter spec parameter.