Dynamic channel assignment for TCP/IP data transmitted via cable television channels by managing the channels as a single sub network

摘要

A system which avoids the bandwidth inefficiencies of simply providing multiple separate and independent channels for distributing data services over television compatible networks by considering the multiple channels as one unit and managing them as one unit with an upstream bandwidth management unit. This bandwidth management unit dynamically assigns active users to unused bandwidth among multiple channels. To accomplish this, the bandwidth management unit records each request for channel bandwidth that is made, each request that is being actively fulfilled, and each request that has been completed. Thus, data service providers, such as multimedia services, can efficiently use multiple 6 megahertz television network compatible channels to distribute their data to many requesters/users at high rates of speed over a relatively inexpensive existing network.