Method and apparatus for messaging, signaling, and establishing a data link utilizing multiple modes over a multiple access broadband communications network

A method for exchange of control and signaling messages over a broadband communications network having a headend (HE) and a plurality of cable modems (CMs), said HE operable to transmit and receive both asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) messages and asynchronous variable length (VL) messages, said method comprising the steps of:

• synchronizing a cable modem (CM) attempting to establish a data link with said HE;
• transmitting a signon request from said HE to said CM;
• transmitting a signon response from said CM to said HE, said signon response indicating an attempt by said CM to establish a data link with said HE, said signon response including said CM identifying information;
• performing a comparison of said CM identifying information to a database at said HE;
• selecting an ATM transmission mode for said control and signaling messages between said HE and said CM if said comparison determines said CM to be ATM manageable only;
• and
• selecting a VL transmission mode for said control and signaling messages between said HE and said CM if said comparison determines said CM to be VL manageable only.

A control and signaling messaging system utilizing a broadband bi-directional transport medium operable for multiple access and multiple services and transport of a plurality of transmission modes, said control and signaling messaging system comprising:

• a headend (HE) coupled with said broadband bi-directional transport medium, said HE operable to transmit and receive control and signaling messages;
• and
• at least one cable modem (CM) coupled with said broadband bi-directional transport medium, said at least one CM operable to transmit and receive control and signaling messages,
• said HE further operable to transmit a fixed bit pattern at regular intervals, said at least one CM further operable to synchronize with said HE by recognizing said fixed bit pattern at regular intervals,
• said HE further operable to transmit a signon request to said at least one CM,
• said at least one CM further operable to transmit a signon response to said HE in order to establish a data link with said HE,
• said signon response including CM model and type information,
• said HE analyzing said CM model and type information to determine CM transmission mode capability,
• said HE transmitting and receiving control and signaling messages as ATM transmissions when said HE determines said at least one CM to be ATM manageable,
• said HE transmitting and receiving control and signaling messages as VL transmissions when said HE determines said at least one CM to be VL manageable.