Patent ID: 6031841
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: H04J,H04L,H04N

Abstract:
A method for dynamically allocating upstream network resources in a packet-based broadband cable data distribution network having a CMTS (cable modem termination system) connected to each of a plurality of user terminals via a cable modem, said method comprising:performing packet classification at a cable modem by transmitting a resource reservation signal from a user terminal via an associated cable modem indicative of an amount of network resources needed for upstream communication;performing packet scheduling at a CMTS by determining whether upstream 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 resources;receiving the SID message at the cable modem requesting the resource reservation;setting a filter spec parameter in the 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;determining that the SID was not used for an upstream communication; andsending a session deletion message from the CMTS to the cable modem if the SID was not used.