Patent ID: 7966409
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: H04L,H04M,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method implemented on a working CMTS for providing redundancy to a cable network in which the working CMTS provides normal service to a cable modem via a first channel and a protection CMTS provides protection service, by taking over service to the cable modem should normal service from the working CMTS become unavailable, via a second channel, the method comprising: receiving, by the working CMTS, a registration request from the cable modem; obtaining an IP address by the working CMTS for the cable modem, the IP address being obtained from an address space outside a first subnet of IP addresses; wherein the first subnet of IP addresses is dedicated to the working CMTS for assignment to its cable modems; informing the cable modem of the obtained IP address; informing the cable modem of at least one registration parameter specific to the first channel; wherein the cable modem is informed of the second channel; wherein the cable modem pre-registers, in response to being informed of the second channel, with the protection CMTS via the second channel; wherein the cable modem is informed of at least one registration parameter specific to the second channel; wherein the cable modem stores the at least one registration parameter specific to the second channel in preparation for a failover event; wherein the cable modem loads, in response to the determining of the failure, the at least one registration parameter specific to the second channel; wherein the cable modem connects with the protection CMTS via the second channel using the loaded at least one registration parameter specific to the second channel; wherein the obtained IP address is used in communications with both the working CMTS and the protection CMTS; wherein the protection CMTS takes over service to the cable modem without obtaining a new IP address for the cable modem.