Bi-directional communications network

摘要

A bi-directional communications network is disclosed, and in particular a TDM/TDMA protocol for the shared coax medium downstream/upstream resource. This protocol provides a very efficient technique for resource sharing in the access network of HFC systems. A method of communicating information between a central station and a plurality of terminals in a distribution network, is also disclosed. This invention allows the ranging of the terminals of unknown distance from the central station within an upstream ATM cell slot dynamically allocated for the marshalling process by the central station.