Patent ID: 6240094
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
In a broadband data communication system, a statistical time division multiplexer (STDM) for concurrent transmission of broadband data signals individually to a plurality of users at respective remote locations, said STDM comprising:a commutator having a plurality of input data paths each connected to a source data buffer associated with each of said plurality of users, and an output data path;a channel buffer having an input connected to the output data path of said commutator for receiving therefrom a stream of multiplexed source data transferred from said source data buffers, and an output connected to a broadband distribution channel; anda controller having a plurality of output enable lines each respectively connected to a respective one of said source data buffers for individually enabling the respective source data buffer to output data to its connected commutator input data path, said controller being connected to said commutator for delivering thereto an address signal identifying an enabled source data buffer,wherein said controller is responsive to stored service rules identifying transmission requirements of said users to vary individually intervals of data transmission from said source data buffers to said stream of multiplexed data; andwherein said controller comprises:a plurality of resettable buffer clocks associated with respective ones of said source data buffers;a system clock to which said buffer clocks are referenced; anda processor for setting said intervals of data transmission in accordance with values read from said buffer clocks.