Patent ID: 7693072
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions to: identify a logical tree topology of network elements in a communication system for voice communications, wherein the logical tree topology comprises a root node and a plurality of leaf nodes; identify existing lateral and vertical communication paths between each of the plurality of leaf nodes; identify a desired number of alternative paths between each of the plurality of leaf nodes and the root node; identify cost attributes for adding at least one among lateral and vertical communication paths to each of the plurality of leaf nodes; and determine a configuration of additional lateral and vertical communication paths superimposed on a portion of the plurality of leaf nodes that achieves a desired cost objective according to the existing lateral and vertical communication paths, and the desired number of alternative paths and associated cost attributes, wherein the communication system supports data communications in the form of Internet Protocol Television communications, and wherein the root node comprises a central office, and wherein the plurality of leaf nodes comprises at least one among a corresponding plurality of gateways and distribution systems, wherein each gateway comprises a residential gateway, and wherein each distribution system comprises at least one among a service area interface (SAI), an optical network unit (ONU), and a routing terminal, and wherein the associated cost attributes are supplied by a service provider of the communication system and comprise two or more of a cost of configuring WiFi access points at a residence to establish lateral communication paths between residences, a cost of adding a wireless interface to the SAI, a cost of laying out additional cables between the central office and the SAI and the SAI and the residences, or a cost of utilizing bandwidth in a wireless station as a vertical communication path to the central office.