The paper discribes the MLAP MAC protocol for sharing the bandwidth of an HFC network. MLAP is a flexible ATM friendly MAC protocol, capable of supporting various types of traffic with diverse quality-of-service requirements. MLAP MAC functions such as: message formats, bandwidth requests/grants mechanisms, collision resolution, synchronization, support for various PHY layer options (modulation rates, types, preamples) are presented. Finally, new station power-on procedures are also discussed.
By: C. Bisdikian, B. McNeil, R. Norman, and R. Zeisz
Published in: RC20284 in 1996
LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOTICE:
This Research Report is available. This report has been submitted for publication outside of IBM and will probably be copyrighted if accepted for publication. It has been issued as a Research Report for early dissemination of its contents. In view of the transfer of copyright to the outside publisher, its distribution outside of IBM prior to publication should be limited to peer communications and specific requests. After outside publication, requests should be filled only by reprints or legally obtained copies of the article (e.g., payment of royalties). I have read and understand this notice and am a member of the scientific community outside or inside of IBM seeking a single copy only.
Questions about this service can be mailed to reports@us.ibm.com .