Patent ID: 6208665
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
A method of providing Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) synchronization for a headend that transmits a plurality of data streams that are multiplexed by a multiplexer into a combined data stream, wherein the plurality of data streams include a first timing packet generated by a network data source, said method comprising the steps of:(a) extracting the first timing packet from the combined data stream;(b) generating a second timing packet that compensates for a time delay of the multiplexer; and(c) inserting the second timing packet into the combined data stream in place of the first timing packet at the output of the multiplexer and before the combined data stream is transmitted by the headend;wherein steps (a)-(c) are executed by a data synchronization unit that is coupled to the network data source having a clock, and wherein said data synchronization unit uses said clock.