CATV Packet Classifier Provisioning for Low-Latency DOCSIS

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Solution Overview

Problem

The DOCSIS 3.1 standard does not specify how to provision packet classifiers in Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS) and cable modems for bifurcating traffic into low-latency and non-low-latency flows, posing a challenge for implementing Low Latency DOCSIS (LLD) services.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for provisioning low latency services by partially mirroring packet flows, configuring packet classifiers, and using LLD agents to add classifiers to traffic, reducing latency by separating low-latency and high-latency packets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If packet classifiers are added to CMTS and cable modems for bifurcating traffic into low-latency and non-low-latency flows, then latency-sensitive application performance is improved, but device complexity and provisioning difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelatencyVSAvoidprovisioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-provisioning of packet classifiers through interaction between LLD agents on network and customer premises. The agents automatically detect latency-sensitive applications, configure appropriate packet classifiers, and establish service flows without manual intervention, allowing the network to serve itself while reducing provisioning complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

LLD agents act as intermediary components between the network infrastructure and latency-sensitive applications. These agents facilitate automated classification and routing by mediating between packet flows and packet classifiers, enabling intelligent traffic bifurcation without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If all packet flows are monitored and classified for low-latency services, then service quality is improved, but processing overhead and network resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice qualityVSAvoidprocessing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies quality differentiation by treating only latency-sensitive packet flows with special classification and prioritization, while allowing non-latency-sensitive traffic to flow through standard processing paths. This localized application of quality enhancement reduces overall processing overhead while maintaining service quality where it matters most

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than applying comprehensive classification to all packet flows, the system performs partial classification only on flows identified as latency-sensitive through LLD agent detection. This partial action approach reduces processing overhead while still achieving the desired service quality improvement for critical applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12574312B2Provisioning low latency services in cable television (CATV) networks compliant with low latency DOCSIS (LLD)

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes techniques for provisioning low latency services. In an aspect, a method comprises partially mirroring packet flows associated with a latency-sensitive application and passing through one or more network ports of a first network element, partially mirrored packets being mirrored in a second network element. The method further comprises configuring, by the second network element, a third network element to add one or more packet classifiers to traffic flowing through the third network element, the packet classifiers used to reduce latency of the classified traffic.