Patent ID: 7190901
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: H04J,H04L,H04M,H04N,H04Q

Abstract:
1. A return path of an optical network system comprising: a data service hub for generating downstream optical signals, the data service hub comprising a video service control terminal for transmitting downstream video service control signals, and for receiving upstream video service control signals that are propagated through the optical network system according to one of a contention network protocol and a query-response protocol, the contention network protocol and query-response protocol supporting the video service control signals independently of time; at least one subscriber optical interface coupled to the data service hub for receiving the downstream optical signals, and for receiving RF-modulated signals comprising upstream video service control information that is propagated according to one of the contention network protocol and the query-response protocol, the subscriber optical interface comprising an A/D converter for converting the RF-modulated signals to digital signals, the subscriber optical interface converting the digital signals to first digital packets and combining the first packets with second packets in a time domain and according to a timing dependent protocol for upstream transmission of the combined first and second packets towards the data service hub and the video service control terminal; and one or more optical waveguides connected to the subscriber optical interface, for carrying the upstream optical signals and downstream optical signals.