摘要:
A system and method that provides seamless mobility through cable and wireless (e.g. cellular) communication networks to allow users to use a single mobile phone everywhere. The system takes advantage of a variety of features of cellular or wireless systems residential systems, cellular or wireless distribution networks, mobile switching centers, and cable networks. Users access services according to the present invention through a combined wireless-wired infrastructure in the residence connected to wireless communication networks.
摘要:
A delivery time differential is computed between an intended transmission time of a cell and a time that the same cell is successfully transmitted on a multiple access network. The delivery time differential is communicated from the client terminal, where it is initially calculated, to the host terminal side, which utilizes the delivery time differential to compensate for the time distortions resulting from multiple end-user devices accessing shared bandwidth on the multiple access network.
摘要:
STM traffic, e.g. voice and video telephony (VT), as well as packet mode (e.g. ATM) traffic, e.g. broadcast digital video, interactive television, and data, are transmitted via a multiple access broadband fiber/coaxial cable network. Customer premises equipment (CPE) at stations, and a bandwidth controller, which may be at a head end or central office, with which all stations communicate, work together to adapt to the changing demands of the traffic mix, and efficiently allocate bandwidth to a variety of bursty and isochronous traffic sources. The bandwidth allocation defines two types of time slots, STM and ATM, and divides each frame into two corresponding STM and ATM regions. The boundary between the regions can be changed dynamically. A contention access signaling channel is provided in the STM region, for call control and set-up requests. Within the STM region, the time slots can be of variable length and be allocated on a per call basis; the length of the time slots is proportional to the bandwidth requirement of STM calls. Within the ATM region, the time slots are of fixed length, each capable of accommodating one ATM cell. Further, the fixed length ATM time slots may be reserved for a particular user for the duration of a call, or may be shared through a contention process. At least one contention ATM time slot is always made available for signaling messages related to ATM call control and set-up requests. The downstream time frame is structured in a similar manner, but includes an additional MAP field to transmit to the stations ATM time slot allocation and status information for time slots in the upstream channel.
摘要:
A system and method for improving the handling, management, and retention of particular accounts. An allowable calling number list is generated via a suitable mechanism such as a call center. The allowable calling number list is utilized by telephone number management server to manage inbound call access to suspended accounts. Account representatives are given access to the suspended numbers. Additionally, certain emergency inbound calls may be permitted from select numbers.
摘要:
A system and method allow an Internet user to act as a broadcast session conductor by assembling audiovisual information in a multimedia document, and broadcasting that information to a predetermined group for simultaneous viewing. During the network broadcast, members of the predetermined group can interact with the Internet conductor using a standard telephone or other audio connection. The broadcast information may be used for such sessions as on-line training/teaching seminars, telemarketing, teleshopping and other multimedia events.
摘要:
A protocol for handling multiple access on broadband communication networks, e.g., fiber/coax networks and wireless networks, supports both continuous bit rate (CBR) and variable bit rate (VBR) traffic representing voice, video telephony, interactive television, and data. The invention is carried out both in customer premise equipment (CPE) at stations, and in a common controller with which all stations communicate. A medium access control (MAC) processor provided in each of the stations and in the common controller divides the time domain for a given RF channel into a series of successive frames, each having a plurality of time slots. Because of the architecture of the communication network, individual stations do not communicate directly with each other, but can receive broadcast messages indicating the status of each time slot, which messages are generated in the common controller and transmitted in a downstream channel. When a station desires to transmit information in the upstream direction, it inserts the information into an available time slot, with availability being determined in accordance with time slot status. Depending upon the type of traffic being originated, a station can indicate to the common controller a need for continued use of the “same” time slot in successive frames. This permits a station, such as a station requiring a CBR connection, to avoid having to contend repeatedly for continued access to the transmission network. In the case of a wireless communication network, the invention is carried out both in mobile stations, and in a base station which acts as a common controller and with which all mobile stations communicate.
摘要:
A system and method allow an Internet user to act as a broadcast session conductor by assembling audiovisual information in a multimedia document, and broadcasting that information to a predetermined group for simultaneous viewing. During the network broadcast, members of the predetermined group can interact with the Internet conductor using a standard telephone or other audio connection. The broadcast information may be used for such sessions as on-line training/teaching seminars, telemarketing, teleshopping and other multimedia events.
摘要:
A head-end dynamically allocates bandwidth of a communications channel as a function of the type of communications traffic. In particular, the head-end communicates to subscriber stations via a broadband cable network using an access protocol, which is modified to provide a variable number of mini-slots and a variable number of data slots in each frame. Each mini-slot is used to request assignment of a data slot(s) to subscriber stations for the communication of information and, also, as a vehicle to resolve contention between subscriber stations. The head-end dynamically adjusts the number of mini-slots over a period time as a function of the type of communications traffic, e.g., bursty and isochronous traffic sources. Any variation in the number of mini-slots concomitantly effects the number of data slots available to communicate information. For example, less mini-slots provides more data slots. As a result, the dynamic adjustment of the number of mini-slots allows the head-end to more efficiently allocate bandwidth on the communications channel.