Modulation-based docsis scheduler

A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions which when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform a method comprising the steps of:

• at a scheduler component of a cable network, obtaining first data designated for a first downstream component of the cable network;
• at the scheduler component, determining whether the first downstream component is capable of receiving the first data via a first channel of at least first and second available channels for the first downstream component, wherein the first channel for the first downstream component has a modulation scheme capable of higher spectral efficiency than that for the second channel for the first downstream component;
• at the scheduler component, responsive to determining that the first downstream component is capable of receiving the first data via the first channel for the first downstream component, populating a first table to assign the first channel for the first downstream component to the first downstream component at a first specified time;
• and
• facilitating operation of the cable network in accordance with the populated first table.

A system comprising:

• electronic circuitry configured to implement a scheduler component of a cable network, the electronic circuitry being configured to:
• obtain first data designated for a first downstream component of the cable network;
• determine whether the first downstream component is capable of receiving the first data via a first channel of at least first and second available channels for the first downstream component, wherein the first channel for the first downstream component has a modulation scheme capable of higher spectral efficiency than that for the second channel for the first downstream component;
• responsive to determining that the first downstream component is capable of receiving the first data via the first channel for the first downstream component, populate a first table to assign the first channel for the first downstream component to the first downstream component at a first specified time;
• and
• facilitate operating the cable network in accordance with the populated first table.