CA2536106C - Method and system for out-of-band messaging between customer premises equipment and a cable modem termination station - Google Patents

Method and system for out-of-band messaging between customer premises equipment and a cable modem termination station Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2536106C
CA2536106C CA2536106A CA2536106A CA2536106C CA 2536106 C CA2536106 C CA 2536106C CA 2536106 A CA2536106 A CA 2536106A CA 2536106 A CA2536106 A CA 2536106A CA 2536106 C CA2536106 C CA 2536106C
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Prior art keywords
identifier
tunnel
channel information
messages
data tunnels
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CA2536106A
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French (fr)
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CA2536106A1 (en
Inventor
Kevin N. Taylor
Doug Jones
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Comcast Cable Communications LLC
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Comcast Cable Holdings LLC
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2801—Broadband local area networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
    • H04L12/2856—Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
    • H04L12/2856—Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access
    • H04L12/2869—Operational details of access network equipments
    • H04L12/287—Remote access server, e.g. BRAS
    • H04L12/2872—Termination of subscriber connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L47/00—Traffic control in data switching networks
    • H04L47/70—Admission control; Resource allocation
    • H04L47/82—Miscellaneous aspects
    • H04L47/825—Involving tunnels, e.g. MPLS
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L49/00—Packet switching elements
    • H04L49/30—Peripheral units, e.g. input or output ports
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/09—Mapping addresses
    • H04L61/25—Mapping addresses of the same type
    • H04L61/2503—Translation of Internet protocol [IP] addresses
    • H04L61/2592—Translation of Internet protocol [IP] addresses using tunnelling or encapsulation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/50—Address allocation
    • H04L61/5007—Internet protocol [IP] addresses
    • H04L61/5014—Internet protocol [IP] addresses using dynamic host configuration protocol [DHCP] or bootstrap protocol [BOOTP]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H04L67/125—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/2866—Architectures; Arrangements
    • H04L67/30—Profiles
    • H04L67/303—Terminal profiles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/4227—Providing Remote input by a user located remotely from the client device, e.g. at work
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6118—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6156—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6168—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/643—Communication protocols
    • H04N21/64322—IP
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2838—Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/2849—Audio/video appliances

Abstract

Method and system for out-of-band (OOB) messaging with customer premises equipment (CPE) (22) configured to receive OOB messaging signals from a cable modem termination system (CMTS) (42). The method and system include determining whether a downstream channel descriptor (DCD) message identifying data tunnels include a DCD message identifier matching with a CPE identifier such that the data tunnels identified in the matching DCD message are tuned to by the CPE (22).

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OUT-OF-BAND MESSAGING BETWEEN
CUSTOMER PREMISES EQUIPMENT AND A CABLE MODEM
TERMINATION STATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) for operation with a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) of a cable system.
2. Background Art Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) generally refer to items at a subscriber station that are configured to receiving cable signals, including video and control signals, from a cable service provider. The control signals, which are typically transmitted as Out-Of-Band (00B) signals, are transferred from a management network to the subscriber station through a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) of a cable network. The CPE converts the 00B signals to control, application, and configuration signals for providing cable services to a subscriber station.
A need exists for a method and system for 00B messaging between CPE and a CMTS.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention relates to Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) for operation with a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) configured to output out-of-band (00B) messages and downstream channel descriptor (DCD) messages over a cable network. The 00B messages are preferably outputted over one or more one-way data tunnels, each data tunnel being identified with a network address. The DCD messages are preferably outputted over downstream channels and identify at least a portion of the network addresses associated with the tunnels provided by the CMTS.
The CPE preferably includes an embedded settop box (eSTB), an embedded cable modem (eCM), and optionally, a conditional access (CA) unit, which can be integrated with the eSTB and/or a separate feature, such as a CableCard or SmartCard. The eCM preferably scans the downstream channels for the CMTS to locate a channel having a DCD message. It interrogates the DCD
message channel to determine the DCD message identifier included therewith.
The DCD message identifier is then compared to a CPE identifier to determine if they match. If the DCD message identifier matches the CPE identifier it is a matching DCD message and the tunnels identified by the network address therewith are tuned to by the eCM and the data streams associated therewith are transferred to the eSTB.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the determination of whether the DCD message includes a matching identifier is performed by the eCM based on the CPE identifier being outputted thereto by the eSTB or the CA unit. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the determination as to whether the DCD message includes a matching identifier is performed by the eSTB based on the CPE identifier being embedded therein or outputted thereto by the CA unit, in which case the eCM outputs the DCD
message identifier to the eSTB for the comparison. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the determination of whether the DCD message includes a matching identifier is performed by the CA unit based on the CPE identifier being embedded therein or outputted thereto by the eSTB, in which case the eCM
outputs the DCD message identifier directly to the CA unit or to the CA unit by way of the eSTB for the comparison.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the eCM
remains tuned to the tunnels identified in the matched DCD message if an interrupt occurs in the data tunnels. Preferably, the eCM remains tuned to the tunnels as long as the matched DCD message is being received by the eCM. If the matched DCD
message is lost and/or if the DCD message is changed such that it no longer includes a matching DCD identifier, the eCM begins re-scanning the downstream channels to locate another matching DCD message.
The above features and advantages, along with other features and advantages of the present invention, are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 illustrates a cable system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 illustrates Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for Out-Of-Band (00B) messaging in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; and FIGURE 4 illustrates a diagram of a Downstream Channel Descriptor (DCD) message in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) FIGURE 1 illustrates a cable system 10 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The system 10 includes a management network 12 and a High Speed Data (HSD) network 14 that respectively provide management and HSD
services over a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) 18, or other communication medium, to a subscriber station 20, which includes Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) 22 and a cable modem (CM) 24.
-3-
4 The management network 12 generally comprises two portions, a control portion 30 and an application portion 32. The control portion 30 includes a settop box (STB) controller to control, provision, manage, and secure the through out-of-band (00B) messaging. The application portion 32 provides applications to the CPE 22, such as video on demand (VOD), interactive television (iTV), and other services.
The HSD network 14 provides data services for the system 10, including services for the CM 24 to access the Internet 36. It includes a network provisioning unit (NPU) 38 having capabilities for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), and the like, in addition to a Domain Name System (DNS) server.
The system 10 includes a cable modem termination system (CMTS) 42 to send and receive signals to and from the CPE 22 and the CM 24 over the HFC
18. In general, the CMTS 42 transfers IP packets from the HSD network 14 and the management network 12 to the CPE 22 and CM 24 for processing. Preferably, the signals are outputted from the CMTS 42 on downstream output channels, which preferably include one-way output data tunnels, such as for 00B messaging. In addition, the CMTS 42 is configured to receive signals from the CPE 22 and the CM 24 to support two-way communication therewith, such as for transfer of IP
packets from the CPE 22 and/or the CM 24 to the Internet 36 and/or the VOD or STB controller portions 32 and 30.
The system 10 includes a conditional access router (CAR) 46 to connect the management network 12 to the CMTS 42. The CAR 46 transports signals therebetween using IP protocols and provides firewall separation for the VOD or STB controller portions 32 and 30 from the HSD network 14, enhancing security from any devices attempting to associate with devices and signaling on the management network 12. In operation, signaling traffic transported between the management network 12 and the CMTS 42 may be wrapped into addressable packets, such as Ethernet, IP, or other packets.

The system 10 includes a video unit 50 for delivering video signals to the subscriber station 20 over the HFC 18. The video unit 50 can deliver any number of video signals, including network television, cable television, pay-per-view, video on demand, and the like.
FIGURE 2 illustrates the CPE 22 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The CPE 22 is preferably configured to communicate with the CMTS 42 through digital cable signals, such as through signaling defined by the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) and/or through other protocols authorized through DHCP registration.
The CPE 22 includes a radio frequency (RF) splitter 60, an embedded cable modem (eCM) 62, an embedded set-top box (eSTB) 64, an audio visual (A/V) port 66, and an optional conditional access (CA) unit 68. The RF splitter 60 splits the RF signal into two portions - one for 00B control functions and two-way application traffic and one for video delivery. The 00B and two-way application traffic is relayed to the eCM 62 and the video is relayed to the eSTB 64.
The eSTB 64 outputs video and other media signals to a media output device (not shown) or other device connected to the A/V port 66, such as to a television (TV), digital video recorder (DVR), personal video recorder (PVR), or the like.
The eCM 62 processes control and other non-media signals, such as DOCSIS and other IP packets, and bridges or relays the signals to the eSTB 64 through an internal communication's link 70. In particular, the communications link 70 is used to transfer data on tunnels tuned to by the eCM 62 to the eSTB 64 so that 00B messaging signals can be delivered to the eSTB 64 for processing.
The CA unit 68 provides conditional access control for the subscriber station 20. It can be a CableCard, SmartCard, or other item for controlling security and access to the data, video, and control signals transmitted over the HFC
18. It
-5-is illustrated as a standalone item, however, it can be included with or embedded on the eSTB 64 or the eCM 62 to perform similar functions.
The eCM 62, eSTB 64, and CA unit 68 are logically separate entities, however, they may physically share hardware and software. Other items, such as control logic and applications may be included on the CPE 22 for controlling operation of the eSTB 64 and/or the eCM 62.
FIGURE 3 illustrates a flowchart 80 of a method for 00B messaging in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Block 84 relates to outputting 00B messages from the CMTS 42 to one or more CPEs 22 connected to the HFC 18. In particular, the 00B messages are output over one-way data tunnels (not shown) of the CMTS 42. Each tunnel is associated with a network address 92 (see Fig. 4), such as a media access control (MAC) address so that the CPE 22, and in particular, the eCM 62 can tune to desired tunnels based on the MAC addresses.
Block 86 relates to outputting DCD messages 88 (see Fig. 4) from the CMTS 42 to one or more CPEs 20 connected to the HFC 18. In particular, the DCD messages 88 are outputted over downstream channels of the CMTS 42. Each DCD message 88 is outputted on separate channels and identifies at least a portion of the network address 92 associated with the data tunnels.
FIGURE 4 illustrates a diagram of the DCD message 88 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The illustrated DCD
message 88 is in a table format, however, the message may have any form. It includes a tunnel type column 90, a network address column 92, and a tunnel identifier column 94. The tunnel type column 90 identifies the tunnel types of the tunnels identified in the DCD message 88. The network address 92 associated with the tunnel types 90 are shown in the network address column 92. Tunnel identifiers 94 associated with the network address are shown in the tunnel identifier column 94. The tunnel identifiers 94 are unique identifiers associated with each tunnel type 90. The tunnel
-6-types are common identifiers, i.e. broadcast, conditional access, application, etc., such that the same DCD message 88 or different DCD message 88 may include the same tunnel type. In contrast, the tunnel identifier 94 is a unique identifier for each tunnel, regardless of the tunnel type 90 assigned to the tunnel, such that the tunnel identifier 94 may be used to differentiate between different tunnels identified with the same tunnel type 90. For example, the CMTS 42 may be required to support CPEs 22 of different vendors such that each vendor requires a particular set of conditional access signals. In this case, the conditional access signals are provided through different conditional access tunnels, whereby each conditional access tunnel is identifiable by the tunnel identlifier '94 associated therewith. In this manner, multiple conditional access tunnels can be used within the system 10 and assigned to different CA units 68 based on the unique tunnel identifier 94, which is preferably referred to as its conditional access identification.
Returning to Figure 2, block 98 relates to scanning downstream channels of the CMTS 42 for DCD messages 88. Multiple channels are analyzed to determine whether they include a DCD message 88. In some case, the scanning of the channels may include scanning video channels, DOCSIS channels, and non-DOCSIS channels. Preferably, the DCD message 88 is included on a DOCSIS
management layer channel such that all non-DOCSIS channels are discarded so scanning may continue.
Block 100 relates to interrogating the DCD messages 88 to determine if a DCD message identifier included therewith matches a CPE identifier. This can be done with the eCM 62, the eSTB 64, and/or the CA unit 68. The DCD message identifier is preferably any identifier that can be used to reference the DCD
message 88, including one of the values included in the DCD message 88, such as the tunnel identifiers. The CPE 22 identifier is an identifier embedded or programmed into the eSTB 64, the eCM 62, and/or the CA unit 68. The system, 10 may include CPEs 22 manufactured by any number of vendors, and the CPE identifier is preferably associated with the vendor. Preferably, the CPE identifier is the tunnel identifier 94 of the conditional access tunnel supported by the vendor. This is advantageous
-7-because the eSTB 64 can only operate if it receives instructions through the conditional access tunnel that corresponds with its vendor configuration.
Block 102 relates to tuning to the tunnels identified in the DCD
message 88. In particular, the tuning is performed by the eCM 62 accepting data streams based on the network address 92 in the DCD message 88 and delivering the data stream to the eSTB 64. The eCM 62 can automatically tune to tunnels based on the matching DCD message 88 and/or it can be instructed by the eSTB 64 or the CA unit 68, depending on the item interrogating the DCD message 88 in block 100.
Block 104 relates to remaining tuned to the tunnels of block 102 during tunnel interrupts. Tunnel interrupts cover any interrupt in the supply of data through the tunnels, such as temporary power losses or shorts, maintenance interrupts, and the like. Preferably, the eCM 62 stays tuned to the tunnels as long as the DCD message identifying the tunnels is being received. If the DCD
message 88 is lost, then the eCM 64 begins searching for another DCD message 88, which is common if it is desirable to change the tunnels tuned to by the eCM 62, wherein the DCD message 88 is simply retracted and a new DCD message 88 with new network addresses 92 for the tunnels is outputted.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
-8-

Claims (20)

CLAIMS:
1. A method comprising:
receiving a plurality of out-of-band messages over a plurality of data tunnels, each of the plurality of data tunnels associated with one of a plurality of network addresses;
receiving a plurality of channel information messages over a plurality of downstream channels that include at least a portion of one of the plurality of network addresses, a listing of tunnel types, and a listing of tunnel identifiers;
determining that one of the plurality of downstream channels includes a channel.
information message identifier that matches a customer premises equipment identifier; and tuning to at least one of the plurality of data tunnels specified in one of the plurality of channel information messages associated with the channel information message identifier that matches the customer premises equipment identifier to deliver the plurality of out-of-band messages.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
associating the plurality of network addresses with a plurality of media access control (MAC) addresses.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving the plurality of channel information messages as a plurality of downstream channel descriptor (DCD) messages.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
remaining tuned to the at least one of the plurality of data tunnels specified in the one of the plurality of channel information messages as long as the one of the plurality of channel information messages is being received by the apparatus.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

remaining tuned to the at least one of the plurality of data tunnels specified in the one of the plurality of channel information messages if an interrupt occurs to the at least one of the plurality of data tunnels.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving the plurality of out-of-band messages includes receiving the plurality of out-of-band messages at a modem.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the tuning to the at least one of the plurality of data tunnels includes tuning to the at least one of the plurality of data tunnels with a set top box.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
outputting the customer premises equipment identifier.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
including a conditional access tunnel identifier in the listing of tunnel identifiers.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
including a broadcast tunnel identifier in the listing of tunnel identifiers.
11. An apparatus comprising:
a first device configured to receive a plurality of out-of-band messages over a plurality of data tunnels, each of the plurality of data tunnels associated with one of a plurality of network addresses;
the first device also configured to receive a plurality of channel information messages over a plurality of downstream channels that include at least a portion of one of the plurality of network addresses, a listing of tunnel types, and a listing of tunnel identifiers;
a second device configured to determine that one of the plurality of downstream channels includes a channel information message identifier that matches a customer premises equipment identifier; and the second device further configured to tune to at least one of the plurality of data tunnels specified in one of the plurality of channel information messages associated with the channel information message identifier that matches the customer premises equipment identifier to deliver the plurality of out-of-band messages.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of network addresses are associated with a plurality of media access control (MAC) addresses.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first device comprises a modem.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second device comprises a set top box.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of channel information messages comprise a plurality of downstream channel descriptor (DCD) messages and the channel information message identifier comprises a downstream channel descriptor (DCD) message identifier.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second device remains tuned to the at least one of the plurality of data tunnels specified in the one of the plurality of channel information messages if an interrupt occurs to the at least one of the plurality of data tunnels.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the listing of tunnel identifiers includes a conditional access tunnel identifier.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the listing of tunnel identifiers includes a broadcast tunnel identifier.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the listing of tunnel identifiers includes an application tunnel identifier.
20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is a part of an information distribution system.
CA2536106A 2003-09-05 2004-09-07 Method and system for out-of-band messaging between customer premises equipment and a cable modem termination station Active CA2536106C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US50123103P 2003-09-05 2003-09-05
US60/501,231 2003-09-05
PCT/US2004/028908 WO2005025114A2 (en) 2003-09-05 2004-09-07 Method and system for out-of-band messaging between customer premises equipment and a cable modem termination station

Publications (2)

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US11271867B2 (en) 2022-03-08
US11184187B2 (en) 2021-11-23
WO2005024588A3 (en) 2006-05-18
WO2005025114A3 (en) 2005-11-24
CA2536106A1 (en) 2005-03-17
US20100274882A1 (en) 2010-10-28
WO2005025114A2 (en) 2005-03-17
CA2536103A1 (en) 2005-03-17
CA2536177C (en) 2013-12-10
WO2005024588A2 (en) 2005-03-17
US20160308784A1 (en) 2016-10-20
CA2536103C (en) 2017-05-23
WO2005024589A3 (en) 2005-06-09
CA2536177A1 (en) 2005-03-17
US7774436B2 (en) 2010-08-10
US20070198717A1 (en) 2007-08-23
US20070274345A1 (en) 2007-11-29
US8320376B2 (en) 2012-11-27

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