Method and system which apply heuristics to identify signals accessible to subscribers in hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) interactive networks

摘要

A system and method for identifying which signals provided by a head-end are accessible to CPE of a subscriber in an HFC network. The method includes obtaining a partial list of signals accessible to the CPE, and then applying heuristic rules on the partial list to generate a complete accessible signal list. Obtaining the partial list includes discovering signal information regarding a subset of the signals which are accessible to the CPE; using the discovered signal information to obtain a signal identification of a signal accessible to the CPE; and generating the partial list based on the obtained signal identification. Applying a heuristic rule includes using a bit mask within the obtained signal identification or a naming convention of the obtained signal identification to identify other associated signals. The partial list is then generated based on the obtained signal identification and the signal identifications of the other associated signals.