A bridging solution for delivering multimedia services in CATV networks

This article studies the use of the CATV network as an access platform for delivering interactive services. The conventional CATV network is a one-way solution utilizing HFC technology. Interactivity requires two-way communication, and different approaches have been taken to implement the needed return path along with other means to offer multimedia capabilities. A network platform to deliver interactive services is introduced. ATM is foreseen as the relevant transport technology in the trunk network, but the access network is considered to employ proprietary solutions. Therefore, a bridge to convert ATM protocols to those used in the HFC network is needed. The paper gives an example bridging solution which is based on the FSR concept developed for high-speed applications and demonstrated to perform well in ATM switching. Finally, a high-speed Internet application, based on the proposed bridge, is introduced.