High-speed internet access system

A two-way asymmetric communication system having independently scalable upstream and downstream paths that enable remote data processor devices to communicate with a server, said system comprising:

• a common routing/switching backplane for providing intercommunication services among multiple communication devices including said server,
• an independent upstream controller in communication with said backplane operating in accordance with an upstream protocol for receiving information packets from said remote data processor devices, said upstream controller including network operating algorithms for analyzing response packets transmitted by said downstream controller to determine operational status of a first identified remote data processor device,
• an independent downstream controller in communication with said backplane for transmitting data packets to said remote data processor devices in accordance with a downstream protocol, said independent downstream controller being operative to transmit control packets directed to a first identified remote data processor device that instructs said device to respond with predetermined information in accordance with said control packet,
• a network manager in communication with said independent upstream and downstream controllers through said backplane for effecting management of two-way communications between said first remote data processor device and a second remote data processor device, and said server;
• and
• wherein said downstream controller applies forward error correction to control packets transmitted on said downstream paths.

A two-way asymmetric communication system having independently scalable upstream and downstream paths that enable remote data processor devices to communicate with a server, said system comprising:

• a common routing/switching backplane for providing intercommunication services among multiple communication devices including said server,
• an independent upstream controller in communication with said backplane operating in accordance with an upstream protocol for receiving information packets from said remote data processor devices, said upstream controller including network operating algorithms for analyzing response packets transmitted by said downstream controller to determine operational status of a first identified remote data processor device,
• an independent downstream controller in communication with said backplane for transmitting data packets to said remote data processor devices in accordance with a downstream protocol, said independent downstream controller being operative to transmit control packets directed to a first identified remote data processor device that instructs said device to respond with predetermined information in accordance with said control packet;
• a network manager in communication with said independent upstream and downstream controllers through said backplane for effecting management of two-way communications between said first remote data processor device and a second remote data processor device, and said server;
• and
• wherein said network manager effects configuration management of said remote devices by effecting issuance of control packets that perform at least one of:
• assigning an upstream response frequency;
• adjusting an upstream transmitter;
• assigning an IP address;
• assigning a local MAC address;
• assigning an upstream transmit data rate;
• effecting reporting of status;
• effecting a transmission of data by said remote processor devices;
• assigning a shared channel for use by said remote processor devices;
• and assigning a dedicated channel for use by said remote data processor device.

In an asymmetric network having respective upstream and downstream communication paths for enabling a plurality of remote devices to receive information from a host over a shared medium, the improvement comprising:

• plural downstream channels operating over said shared medium, and
• a network manager for providing bandwidth management of downstream bandwidth allocated to respective remote devices over said plural downstream channels;
• wherein said network manager further includes operative routines for detecting service requests for requested bandwidth, for assessing bandwidth utilization of respective downstream channels on said shared medium, and for assigning additional downstream bandwidth to remote devices in accordance with said utilization and service requests;
• wherein said remote devices include operative routines for determining and gathering statistical data relating to operating characteristics thereof and for reporting said statistical data to said network manager, and wherein said network manager utilizes said reported statistical data for allocating upstream channels to said remote devices.

A remote device for use in an asymmetric network communication system which includes at least one high-speed downstream channel operating over a shared medium, said remote device comprising:

• an RF interface for receiving high-speed data transmission over at least one of said downstream channels,
• a microprocessor controller for receiving control packets from a network management system, said control packets including control information for effecting control of at least one of upstream channel assignment, transmitter level, remote address assignment, and transmission credit value allocated to said remote device, and
• said microprocessor controller being responsive to said control packets to effect operation at said RF interface of at least one of said upstream channel assignment, transmit power level, remote address assignment and transmission credit value
• wherein said microprocessor controller applies error correction to information packets which are transmitted upstream to said network management system.