HFC Cable Router Address Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing network services over cable systems, especially in residential contexts, are costly and inefficient, requiring excessive bandwidth and resource allocation, and often necessitate external network transmissions for end-user communication.
Innovation Solution
A router apparatus that interfaces between external networks and local networks using existing HFC cabling, providing address translation and high-speed data connectivity while hiding the local network from the external network, thus eliminating the need for additional wiring and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable systems assign separate IP addresses to each user device, then network connectivity is provided, but cost increases and resource allocation becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable router as an intermediary device between the CMTS and user devices. The cable router receives a single IP address from the CMTS and creates multiple virtual IP addresses through network address translation (NAT), allowing multiple devices to share one physical IP address while maintaining individual connectivity. This resolves the contradiction by reducing IP address consumption while preserving network connectivity for all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable router serves multiple functions: it acts as a gateway to the external network, provides NAT services for address translation, creates virtual IP addresses, and enables both external and local network communication. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle network address management for multiple users, reducing the need for separate IP address allocations while maintaining reliable connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If consumers purchase separate routers with NAT capabilities, then home LAN functionality is enabled, but additional wiring and devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable modem and router functions into a single integrated cable router device. This combination eliminates the need for separate cable modems and routers, reducing device complexity and wiring requirements. The integrated device provides both external network access and internal LAN functionality through a unified system, allowing consumers to enable home LAN capabilities without adding additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable router provides universal functionality by combining external network gateway capabilities with internal LAN routing, NAT, and virtual IP address creation. This multi-functional design allows the single device to replace multiple separate devices (cable modem, router, NAT gateway), simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining full home LAN functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless networks are installed for home LAN, then wiring is avoided, but service quality deteriorates due to signal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cable router acts as an intermediary that enables local network communication between devices. By providing a wired Ethernet backbone through the cable router, devices can communicate locally with high reliability while still allowing wireless connectivity for convenience. The cable router mediates between wireless and wired connections, ensuring that wireless installation simplicity does not compromise service quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved network router apparatus and associated network architecture is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the router apparatus is adapted to interface between an external network (such as an HFC/DOCSIS digital network) and a local network created using existing HFC cabling within a premises. The router device provides address translation between the single IP address assigned to the router by the external network and the addresses of the individual nodes or access points on the local network through creation of logical ports assigned to various portions of the available bandwidth of the cable system. The router further distinguishes network protocols from the media content streamed over the HFC network, allowing for the foregoing functionality and replacing any existing cable modem. Methods of initiating the router and assigning addresses are also disclosed, as well as business models for leasing the router equipment and access points.