High capacity reservation multiple access network with multiple shared unidirectional paths

Claim 2

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller and wherein each of said transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique carrier frequency and bandwidth, and a modulation scheme.

Claim 3

The network of claim 1 wherein said network is a two-way hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) cable-TV network, wherein said shared medium comprises fiber-optic and coaxial cables, wherein said centralized controller is a headend controller, and wherein said station is one of a subscriber station, settop box, cable modem, and customer premise equipment.

Claim 4

The network of claim 1 wherein said network is a fiber-optic network, and wherein said shared medium is an optical fiber.

Claim 5

The network of claim 1 wherein said network comprises three shared unidirectional paths.

Claim 6

The network of claim 1 wherein said first path on which payload and control data packets are transmitted is one of plural downstream channels.

Claim 7

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein transmissions over said second and third paths are carried out simultaneously during overlapping time periods in said station.

Claim 8

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein transmissions over said second and third paths are carried out simultaneously during overlapping time periods in said station.

Claim 9

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said network is a wireless network, wherein said shared medium is air, wherein said centralized controller is a base-station, and wherein said station is one of a mobile and stationary communication unit.

Claim 10

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said network is a wireless network, wherein said shared medium is air, wherein said centralized controller is a base-station, and wherein said station is one of a mobile and stationary communication unit.

Claim 11

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said network is a satellite network, wherein said shared medium is air and space, wherein said centralized controller is a transponder, and wherein said station is one of an earth station and a mobile communication unit.

Claim 12

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said network is a satellite network, wherein said shared medium is air and space, wherein said centralized controller is a transponder, and wherein said station is one of an earth station and a mobile communication unit.

Claim 13

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein each of said second and third transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique set of orthogonal codes and symbols in a S-CDMA modulation scheme.

Claim 14

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein each of said second and third transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique set of orthogonal codes and symbols in a S-CDMA modulation scheme.

Claim 15

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein each of said transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique set of orthogonal tones and symbols in an OFDM or Multi-Tone modulation scheme.

Claim 16

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein each of said transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique set of orthogonal tones and symbols in an OFDM or Multi-Tone modulation scheme.

Claim 17

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said first path is a broadcasting downstream channel carrying MPEG2 transport packets.

Claim 18

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said first path is a broadcasting downstream channel carrying MPEG2 transport packets.

Claim 19

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein first and second modulation techniques are used for said second path and third path, respectively, wherein said second path being an upstream control channel (UCC) and said third path being an upstream payload channel (UPC), and wherein said first modulation technique enhances robustness and efficiency of said reservation request packet transmission of said UCC without degrading the robustness, efficiency and utilization of said UPC.

Claim 20

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein first and second modulation techniques are used for said second path and third path, respectively, wherein said second path being an upstream control channel (UCC) and said third path being an upstream payload channel (UPC), and wherein said first modulation technique enhances robustness and efficiency of said reservation request packet transmission of said UCC without degrading the robustness, efficiency and utilization of said UPC.

Claim 21

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said second path on which reservation request packets are transmitted is one of a plurality of upstream control channels.

Claim 22

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said second path on which reservation request packets are transmitted is one of a plurality of upstream control channels.

Claim 23

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said third path on which reservation request packets are transmitted is one of a plurality of upstream payload channels.

Claim 24

A network comprising: a centralized controller, a station connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said centralized controller to said station, wherein the first path being a downstream channel, and at least a second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths being established between said centralized controller and said station for transmitting data from said station to said centralized controller, wherein the second and third paths each being an upstream channel, wherein said station transmitting reservation requests data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data on said third path from said station to said centralized controller on time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, wherein said centralized controller receiving said reservation request data on said second path from said station and transmitting on said first path a payload data transmission grant to said station for transmitting payload data on said third path on said time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and wherein said third path on which reservation request packets are transmitted is one of a plurality of upstream payload channels.

Claim 25

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein each of said transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique carrier frequency and bandwidth, and a modulation scheme.

Claim 26

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein each of said transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique carrier frequency and bandwidth, and a modulation scheme.

Claim 27

The method of claim 15 wherein said network is a two-way hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) cable-TV network, wherein said shared medium comprises fiber-optic and coaxial cables, wherein said centralized controller is a headend controller, and wherein said station is one of a subscriber station, settop box, cable modem, and customer premise equipment.

Claim 28

The method of claim 15 wherein said network is a fiber-optic network, and wherein said shared medium is an optical fiber.

Claim 29

The method of claim 15 wherein said network comprises three shared unidirectional paths.

Claim 30

The method of claim 15 wherein said first path on which payload and control data packets are transmitted is one of plural downstream channels.

Claim 31

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein transmissions over said second and third paths are carried out simultaneously during overlapping time periods in said particular station.

Claim 32

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein transmissions over said second and third paths are carried out simultaneously during overlapping time periods in said particular station.

Claim 33

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said network is a wireless network, wherein said shared medium is air, wherein said centralized controller is a base-station, and wherein said station is one of a mobile and stationary communication unit.

Claim 34

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said network is a wireless network, wherein said shared medium is air, wherein said centralized controller is a base-station, and wherein said station is one of a mobile and stationary communication unit.

Claim 35

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said network is a satellite network, wherein said shared medium is air and space, wherein said centralized controller is a transponder, and wherein said station is one of an earth station and a mobile communication unit.

Claim 36

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said network is a satellite network, wherein said shared medium is air and space, wherein said centralized controller is a transponder, and wherein said station is one of an earth station and a mobile communication unit.

Claim 37

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein each of said second and third transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique set of orthogonal codes and symbols in a S-CDMA modulation scheme.

Claim 38

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein each of said second and third transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique set of orthogonal codes and symbols in a S-CDMA modulation scheme.

Claim 39

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein each of said transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique set of orthogonal tones and symbols in an OFDM or Multi-Tone modulation scheme.

Claim 40

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein each of said transmission paths comprises a channel having a unique set of orthogonal tones and symbols in an OFDM or Multi-Tone modulation scheme.

Claim 41

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said first path is a broadcasting downstream channel carrying MPEG2 transport packets.

Claim 42

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said first path is a broadcasting downstream channel carrying MPEG2 transport packets.

Claim 43

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein first and second modulation techniques are used for said second path and third path, respectively, wherein said second path being an upstream control channel (UCC) and said third path being an upstream payload channel (UPC), and wherein said first modulation technique enhances robustness and efficiency of said reservation request packet transmission of said UCC without degrading the robustness, efficiency and utilization of said UPC.

Claim 44

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein first and second modulation techniques are used for said second path and third path, respectively, wherein said second path being an upstream control channel (UCC) and said third path being an upstream payload channel (UPC), and wherein said first modulation technique enhances robustness and efficiency of said reservation request packet transmission of said UCC without degrading the robustness, efficiency and utilization of said UPC.

Claim 45

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said second path on which reservation request packets are transmitted is one of a plurality of upstream control channels.

Claim 46

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said second path on which reservation request packets are transmitted is one of a plurality of upstream control channels.

Claim 47

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said third path on which reservation request packets are transmitted is one of a plurality of upstream payload channels.

Claim 48

A multiple access method via a shared medium of a network, said network comprising a centralized controller and a plurality of stations connected to said centralized controller over a shared medium, wherein a first distinct shared unidirectional transmission path is established between said centralized controller and said stations for broadcasting data from said centralized controller to said stations, at least second and third distinct shared unidirectional transmission paths for transmitting data from said stations to said centralized controller, wherein the first path being a downstream channel and said second and third paths each being an upstream channel, said multiple access method comprising the steps of: transmitting from a particular station reservation request data on said second path and receiving a payload data transmission grant message from said centralized controller on said first path to transmit payload data packets on said third path from said particular station to said centralized controller on payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, transmitting from said particular station said reservation request data on said second path if said particular station fails to receive a grant message from said centralized controller within a predetermined time delay or if said particular station receives a collision status message from said centralized controller on said first path to retransmit said reservation request according to a collision resolution algorithm, receiving by said centralized controller said reservation request data on said second path from said particular station, and transmitting on said first path said payload data transmission grant data to said particular station for transmission on said third path of payload data on said payload time-slots allocated by said centralized controller, and optionally detecting by said centralized controller a collision due to simultaneous transmission of said reservation requests by two or more stations on the same reservation time-slot of said second path, and then transmitting said collision statuses of said reservation requests on said first path to said stations, which will retransmit their reservation requests according to said collision resolution algorithm, wherein said third path on which reservation request packets are transmitted is one of a plurality of upstream payload channels.

Claim 49

A circuit located at a station for interfacing said station to a centralized controller in a network comprising: a data receiver, and first and second data transmitters, wherein said receiver being connected to a first shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for receiving data transmitted unidirectionally from said centralized controller to said station, wherein said first transmitter being connected to a second shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for transmitting reservation request data unidirectionally from said station to said centralized controller, wherein said second transmitter being connected to a third shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for transmitting payload data unidirectionally from said station to said centralized controller, and wherein transmissions over said second and third paths are carried out simultaneously during overlapping time periods in said station.

Claim 50

A circuit located at a station for interfacing said station to a centralized controller in a network comprising: a data receiver, and first and second data transmitters, wherein said receiver being connected to a first shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for receiving data transmitted unidirectionally from said centralized controller to said station, wherein said first transmitter being connected to a second shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for transmitting reservation request data unidirectionally from said station to said centralized controller, wherein said second transmitter being connected to a third shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for transmitting payload data unidirectionally from said station to said centralized controller, and wherein transmissions over said second and third paths are carried out simultaneously during overlapping time periods in said station.

Claim 51

The circuit of claim 29 further comprising a reservation request data transmission circuit corresponding to each said station for transmitting said reservation request data on said second path, and for transmitting payload data on said third path upon receipt of a subsequent payload transmission grant from said centralized controller on said first path.

Claim 52

A circuit located at a station for interfacing said station to a centralized controller in a network comprising a data receiver, first and second data transmitters, and wherein said receiver being connected to a first shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for receiving data transmitted unidirectionally from said centralized controller to said station, wherein said first transmitter being connected to a second shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for transmitting reservation request data unidirectionally from said station to said centralized controller, wherein said second transmitter being connected to a third shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for transmitting payload data unidirectionally from said station to said centralized controller, a retransmission decision circuit which includes a collision resolution algorithm for responding to said receiver receiving from said centralized controller on said first path a bitstream containing an indication that a collision has occurred in said second path by causing said first transmitter to re-transmit said reservation request on said second path.

Claim 53

A circuit located at a station for interfacing said station to a centralized controller in a network comprising a data receiver, first and second data transmitters, and wherein said receiver being connected to a first shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for receiving data transmitted unidirectionally from said centralized controller to said station, wherein said first transmitter being connected to a second shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for transmitting reservation request data unidirectionally from said station to said centralized controller, wherein said second transmitter being connected to a third shared unidirectional transmission path between said station and said centralized controller for transmitting payload data unidirectionally from said station to said centralized controller, a retransmission decision circuit which includes a collision resolution algorithm for responding to said receiver receiving from said centralized controller on said first path a bitstream containing an indication that a collision has occurred in said second path by causing said first transmitter to re-transmit said reservation request on said second path.

Claim 54

A circuit located at a centralized controller for interfacing said centralized controller to a plurality of stations in a network comprising: a data transmitter, first and second data receivers, and wherein said transmitter being connected to a first shared unidirectional transmission path between said centralized controller and said stations for transmitting unidirectionally from said centralized controller to said stations, wherein said first receiver being connected to a second shared unidirectional transmission path between said centralized controller and said stations for receiving data transmitted unidirectionally only from said stations to said centralized controller, and wherein said second receiver being connected to a third shared unidirectional transmission path between said centralized controller and said stations for receiving data transmitted unidirectionally only from said stations to said centralized controller, a second circuit for detecting whether a collision has occurred in a particular time-slot on said second path due to simultaneous transmissions on said time-slot from two or more stations, and for causing, in response to detecting said collision, said transmitter to transmit on said first path a notification to at least said stations where said collision has occurred.

Claim 55

A circuit located at a centralized controller for interfacing said centralized controller to a plurality of stations in a network comprising: a data transmitter, first and second data receivers, and wherein said transmitter being connected to a first shared unidirectional transmission path between said centralized controller and said stations for transmitting unidirectionally from said centralized controller to said stations, wherein said first receiver being connected to a second shared unidirectional transmission path between said centralized controller and said stations for receiving data transmitted unidirectionally only from said stations to said centralized controller, and wherein said second receiver being connected to a third shared unidirectional transmission path between said centralized controller and said stations for receiving data transmitted unidirectionally only from said stations to said centralized controller, a second circuit for detecting whether a collision has occurred in a particular time-slot on said second path due to simultaneous transmissions on said time-slot from two or more stations, and for causing, in response to detecting said collision, said transmitter to transmit on said first path a notification to at least said stations where said collision has occurred.