BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM (BCP)

 

C-cation has developed its Broadband Communications Platform (BCP) which incorporates the architectural and protocol solutions disclosed above.  The BCP system configuration implements a community server, called the Community Multiple Service Unit (CMSU), at the head of each MSH, and equipment at each subscriber premises, called the Subscriber Multiple Services Unit (SMSU).  The CMSU, inserted between the customer premises and the last active device in the CATV distribution plant, connects to the wide area network (WAN) through any available standard telecom transport facility.  The CMSU and SMSU are interconnected within a MSH in a network configuration using a coaxial CATV line.  The SMSU provides interactive broadband access to a subscriber.  The following diagram illustrates a typical system configuration.  We will introduce different types of product packaging at the subscriber premises (not shown) as required by the marketplace.

 

The CMSU is constructed using off-the-shelf compo­nents that are integrated into an environmentally tested, industrial-strength PC.  The primary proprietary hardware component developed in-house is a communication module, called the communication controller (CC), for control and communication functions through the CATV network.  Unlike other communication hubs, which act as pass-through signal-converting devices, the CMSU possesses processing and storage capabilities.  The system software is based on Microsoft Window NT with standard system management framework using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).  The CMSU has been constructed as a rack-mount platform to ensure ease of integration with any third party product offerings.  The bandwidth-on-demand protocol incorporated into the communication controller can flexibly and remotely adjust bandwidth to account for the added offering and to ensure QoS and guaranteed response time.

 The SMSU can be incorporated in various product packaging, e.g. “set-top” box and/or NIU connecting to the coaxial network and using commercial power with battery backup.  We have explored and continue to explore subscriber premise equipment packaging.   The diagrams below show the equipment used in our BETA test.  

            

CMSU                                SMSU

 BCP can be deployed on existing networks without costly upgrades and because of its modularity it can be rolled-out incrementally based on market demand and the provider’s ability to respond to that demand.  It can also be deployed in environments where there are different stages of infrastructure development.

BCP has been BETA tested in Beijing, China with the China Academy of Telecommunication Technology/Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group (http://www.catt.ac.cn/).   Over thirty buildings within the campus, including office buildings, hotel, club, and residential buildings, with over 3000 access ports were utilized in this trial.   In China, this system architecture successfully supported analog and digital video, true VOD, telephony, and high-speed data in conjunction with cable modems.   This test was performed in conjunction with a host of alliances partners, including Broadband Technology and Application Association of Taiwan, TurboComm, Toptrend, Kinghope.