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US5953344A
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Method and apparatus enabling enhanced throughput efficiency by use of dynamically adjustable mini-slots in access protocols for shared transmission media
Assignee: Nokia of America Corp
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Filing: 1996-12-10
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Granted: 1999-09-14
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Expires: 2016-12-10
Abstract
Abstract A head-end dynamically allocates bandwidth of a communications channel as a function of the type of communications traffic. In particular, the head-end communicates to subscriber stations via a broadband cable network using an access protocol, which is modified to provide a variable number of mini-slots and a variable number of data slots in each frame. Each mini-slot is used to request assignment of a data slot(s) to subscriber stations for the communication of information and, also, as a vehicle to resolve contention between subscriber stations. The head-end dynamically adjusts the number of mini-slots over a period time as a function of the type of communications traffic, e.g., bursty and isochronous traffic sources. Any variation in the number of mini-slots concomitantly effects the number of data slots available to communicate information. For example, less mini-slots provides more data slots. As a result, the dynamic adjustment of the number of mini-slots allows the head-end to more efficiently allocate bandwidth on the communications channel.
Inventors
- 👤 James E. Dail
- 👤 Chia-Chang Li
- 👤 Peter D. Magill
- 👤 Kotikalapudi Sriram
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:22
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/20; H04N21/23; H04N21/238; H04N21/2381; H04J; H04J3/00; H04J3/16; H04J3/1694; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/64; H04L12/6418; H04N21/21; H04N21/222; H04N21/2221; H04N21/2385; H04N21/239; H04N21/60; H04N21/61; H04N21/6106; H04N21/6118; H04N21/63; H04N21/643; H04N21/64307; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/04; H04Q11/0428; H04Q11/0478; H04J2203/00; H04J2203/0001; H04J2203/0064; H04J2203/0067; H04J2203/0069; H04L12/54; H04L12/56; H04L12/5601; H04L2012/5603; H04L2012/5604; H04L2012/5605; H04L2012/5606; H04L2012/5609; H04L2012/561; H04L2012/5629; H04L2012/5631; H04L2012/5632; H04L2012/6424; H04L2012/6427; H04L2012/6445; H04L2012/6456
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 46
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
An improved method for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information; the improvement comprising the step of: using a number of the data time slots in each time frame for conveying transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number of data time slots; and varying the number of data slots in future time frames that are used for conveying transmission requests as a function of a priori knowledge of multi-cell message size distribution.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
An improved method for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information; the improvement comprising the step of: using a number of the data time slots in each time frame for conveying transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number of data time slots; and varying the number of data slots in future time frames that are used for conveying transmission requests as a function of a priori knowledge of multi-cell message size distribution.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
106 words
An improved method for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information; the improvement comprising the step of: using a number of the data time slots in each time frame for conveying transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number of data time slots; and varying the number of data slots in future time frames that are used for conveying transmission requests as a function of the different types of information conveyed in at least one previous time-frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
An improved method for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information; the improvement comprising the step of: using a number of the data time slots in each time frame for conveying transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number of data time slots; and varying the number of data slots in future time frames that are used for conveying transmission requests as a function of the different types of information conveyed in at least one previous time-frame.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a short message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of short message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a short message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of short message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a long message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of message of long message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a long message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of message of long message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a contention message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of contention message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a contention message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of contention message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a reservation message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of reservation message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a reservation message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of reservation message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a delay tolerant message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of delay tolerant message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a delay tolerant message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of delay tolerant message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a delay sensitive message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of delay sensitive message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into at least one region comprising more than one data time slot; and allocating, in each of said time frames, a number, n, of said data time slots to carry mini-slots wherein each such allocated data time slot is further divided into a number of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being a mini-slot, and where n is greater than 0; wherein the allocating step includes the steps of characterizing said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a delay sensitive message type; and adjusting said number n in a time frame as a function of a number of messages of delay sensitive message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations handling ATM calls, said stations being interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into a plurality of time slots, N; and allocating a portion, n, of the N time slots to convey transmission requests, the remaining portion N-n of the time slots available for transporting a traffic mix of different types of information; wherein the allocating step allocates the portion, n, as a function of the traffic mix in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of allocating transmission bandwidth among multiple stations handling ATM calls, said stations being interconnected with a common controller via a transmission medium having a multiple access upstream channel, said method comprising the steps of: dividing time in said upstream channel on said transmission medium into a series of successive time frames; dividing each of said time frames into a plurality of time slots, N; and allocating a portion, n, of the N time slots to convey transmission requests, the remaining portion N-n of the time slots available for transporting a traffic mix of different types of information; wherein the allocating step allocates the portion, n, as a function of the traffic mix in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
98 words
An improved head-end for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information, the improved head-end comprising: a controller that allocates a number, n, of the data time slots in each time frame for conveying transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number of data time slots, n; wherein the controller allocates the number n as a function of the different types of information conveyed in at least one previous time-frame.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
98 words
An improved head-end for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information, the improved head-end comprising: a controller that allocates a number, n, of the data time slots in each time frame for conveying transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number of data time slots, n; wherein the controller allocates the number n as a function of the different types of information conveyed in at least one previous time-frame.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
109 words
An improved head-end for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information; the improved head-end comprising: a controller that a) uses a number, n, of the data time slots in a received time frame for receiving transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number, n, of data time slots, and b) dynamically changes the number of data slots, n, used in a next time frame as a function of the different types of information conveyed in at least one previous time-frame.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
109 words
An improved head-end for use in the transport of different types of information via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a time frame that includes a plurality of data time slots for transporting the different types of information; the improved head-end comprising: a controller that a) uses a number, n, of the data time slots in a received time frame for receiving transmission requests via mini-slots in each of the number, n, of data time slots, and b) dynamically changes the number of data slots, n, used in a next time frame as a function of the different types of information conveyed in at least one previous time-frame.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
170 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a short message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of short message types occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
170 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a short message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of short message types occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
170 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a long message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of long message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
170 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a long message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of long message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
170 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a contention message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of contention message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
170 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a contention message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of contention message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
170 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a reservation message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of reservation message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
170 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a reservation message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of reservation message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
171 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a delay tolerant message type, b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of delay tolerant message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
171 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a delay tolerant message type, b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of messages of delay tolerant message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
172 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a delay sensitive message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of message of delay sensitive message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
172 words
A broadband network comprising: a plurality of multiple stations coupled to the broadband network for communicating via an access protocol, the access protocol defining a plurality of time frames, each time frame divided into a plurality, N, of data time slots such that n of the N data time slots are used by the multiple stations for requesting transmission where each such n data time slot is divided into a plurality of smaller time slots, each smaller time slot being capable of conveying one such transmission request; and a head-end that controls the allocation of the n data time slots in a time frame as a function of upstream traffic over a period of time wherein the head-end a) characterizes said upstream traffic into a plurality of different types, said different types including at least a delay sensitive message type, and b) adjusts said number n in a next time frame as a function of a number of message of delay sensitive message type occurring in at least one previous time frame.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
136 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of short message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
136 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of short message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
136 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of long message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
136 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of long message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
136 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of contention message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
136 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of contention message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
136 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of reservation message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
136 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of reservation message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
137 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of delay tolerant message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
137 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of messages of delay tolerant message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
137 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of message of delay sensitive message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
137 words
A head end apparatus for use in a broadband network, the head end comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a signal representing a sequence of time frames, each time frame comprising a plurality, N, of data time slots, where n of the data time slots are further divided into smaller time slots, each such smaller time slot capable of conveying a transmission request from any one of a number of downstream stations; and controller circuitry for adjusting the number n as a function of upstream traffic communicated from the downstream stations over a period of time wherein the controller circuitry adjusts the number n as a function of upstream traffic by determining a number of message of delay sensitive message type occurring in at least one previous time frame and adjusting the number n as a function thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-09-13 | 2003-03-15 | 2003-09-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-09-13 | 2007-03-15 | 2007-09-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-09-13 | 2011-03-15 | 2011-09-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |