Patent ID: 7002971

Claim:
A two-way asymmetric communication system having independently scalable upstream and downstream paths that enable remote data processor devices to communicate with a server, said system comprising: a common routing/switching backplane for providing intercommunication services among multiple communication devices including said server, an independent upstream controller in communication with said backplane operating in accordance with an upstream protocol for receiving information packets from said remote data processor devices, said upstream controller including network operating algorithms for analyzing response packets transmitted by said downstream controller to determine operational status of a first identified remote data processor device, an independent downstream controller in communication with said backplane for transmitting data packets to said remote data processor devices in accordance with a downstream protocol, said independent downstream controller being operative to transmit control packets directed to said first identified remote data processor device that instructs said device to respond with predetermined information in accordance with said control packet, a network manager in communication with said independent upstream and downstream controllers through said backplane for effecting management of two-way communications between said first remote data processor device and a second remote data processor device, and said server; and including multiple sub-channels in a downstream path and a bandwidth manager for dynamically balancing traffic loads in the downstream path in order to provide greater use of available downstream channels according to traffic conditions.