The Crossover Net LAN system using an intelligent head-end

The development of a multimedia broadband local area network (LAN) system named CrossoverNet using a intelligent head-end is presented. This head-end provides two-way digital/analog communication with dynamic channel exchange and network configuration control. Based on these functions, the head-end exchanges analog information in a manner similar to digital circuit exchange. Digital and analog information are transmitted separately over the same broadband cable and integrated in audiovisual protocol layers. To provide these facilities, a LAN architecture conforming to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) basic reference model is designed using broadband and CATV network technologies. The result, CrossoverNet, can control, operate, and manage a variety of audiovisual devices that are attached to it in a consistent manner. A prototype experiment illustrates the versatility of the system