Multiplex communications – Channel assignment techniques
Reexamination Certificate
1997-06-12
2001-05-29
Nguyen, Chau (Department: 2663)
Multiplex communications
Channel assignment techniques
C370S486000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240097
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of computer networks, and more particularly relates to methods and apparatuses for operating and controlling computer networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is widely recognized that individual information users and information systems managers are faced with a condition of what might be termed “data overload.” Data overload may be generally described as that state of affairs in which information content in readily available data is overwhelmed by the volume of, or confusion inherent in, that data. That is, data overload is a condition in which data loses value as a result of an inability to recognize its relevance to a given issue as a result of the shear mass or structure of data to be assimilated, sorted and cognized. In extreme cases, uncontrolled data expansion can lead to a form of incoherence or data chaos in which significant declines in information processing, misallocation of computing resources and enhanced data security risks occur.
In today's computing environments, the acceleration of data expansion is being continuously fed by a variety of market dynamics and network realities. Such forces include, but are not limited to: (1) the constant expansion of computing power, memory and storage available at all levels of network structure; (2) the explosion in content and use of intranets and the Internet; (3) the proliferation of software and hardware tools which expand the scope, breadth and purposes to which computerized network processing may be applied; (4) the enhancement of processing tools which allow the investigation, extraction and manipulation of increasing amounts of raw data; and (5) the convergence of multiple technologies (e.g., cable, television, telephone and fiber) with computerized network structures.
Data overload or chaos results not only from the expansion of readily available data, but also from the failure of current state-of-the-art network processes and apparatus to provide order, control, alignment and communication of data so that its information content is more clearly obvious, meaningful and secure.
Commonly, network structures use broadband transmission of gross data content. Though physical hub and router backbones may distribute data to targeted networks, groups and users, their broadband transmission does not allow for a meaningful granularity of data. Instead, the data stream is one broad flow into which content and responses are poured with only gross regard for context. As a result, these hardware/software structures are inefficient. In addition, they create environments in which it is difficult to differentiate and control data content so that it remains appropriate or secure to a particular user or user group.
In response to the weaknesses inherent in current network structures, a variety of hardware/software vendors have proposed solutions to address distribution of network traffic. It is believed that all such solutions are software-switch based technologies which direct or redirect gross data streams or specific network data packets. Despite the efforts invested in software-switch based technologies, resulting increases in data coherence and control have been moderate. With respect to data security issues, current network solutions generally mix the management of network architecture with the allocation and distribution of access rights. As a result, this inherent lack of segregation of duties thwarts independent control of information resources.
In addition, current networks fail to provide a common platform upon which to base a meaningful intersection for converging technologies. For instance, information formats used in cable television or telephone systems cannot be readily interfaced with current network structures without increasing the chaos. Further, no such interface delivers discrete measures of usage capable of providing a billing superstructure from which to generate economic return to content providers.
In general then, current networks fail to provide an effective and efficient means by which to differentiate coherent data streams, deal with data overload, control the use of network information assets, monitor access to network information assets, and provide a common platform on which to interface converging technologies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed in one aspect to a process of modulating data streams to create discrete channels of information in network environments. By facilitating the construction and control of multiple information channels within a computerized network, information managers may organize data content and application access in accordance with logically related criteria. A number of channels can be constructed and used concurrently by any network, group or end-user device. By channelizing content, meaningful streams of information can be segmented from the universe of data. Via the same process, data redundancy can be significantly curtailed and bandwidth conserved. The process of finding information will be enhanced by the classification of data within channel context and end-user data chaos can be controlled by building logical parameters around the readily available data accessible to discrete network segments.
After data channelization, another feature of the invention allows for the provision or denial of access to specific data streams or channels to other networks, workgroups, workstations or other end-user devices. Using channel provision or denial, information managers can control and monitor the use of network information or software application assets, enhance operating efficiencies by focusing groups or individuals on appropriate subject matter and enjoy greater economies and protection with respect to software application licenses.
Another feature of the invention allows the network status controller to retain and store status changes related to network access in general, and specifically to discrete channel access per network, group or end-user. This construct within the invention allows for the segregation of classic network management (current information technology (“IT”) or information systems (“IS”) management function) from the allocation, monitoring and reporting of access and use of channelized network information and software application assets. Within this structure, absolute firewalls and status monitoring can be verified and controlled independent of the conventional software management infrastructure. This global enhancement is believed to offer distinct advantages over all current forms of software firewalls.
The modulation and transmission of channelized data in networks provides a common platform on which to converge multiple broadcast technologies. The use of modulated data streams in computerized networks allows for the construction of network gateways for channelized content provision directly from converged technologies to computing networks. Further, the interface of channelized Internet content with a channelized network can bring order, coherence and economic return to currently chaotic Internet content providers' commerce.
The foregoing and other features of the current invention are achieved by the modulation/demodulation of data streams arising from the output of any and all individual sources of data (e.g., servers, networks and the like) into discrete frequencies or bandwidths, referred to herein as Modulated Datastream Channels (MDCs). Each MDC may contain one or a series of individually modulated datapaths to carry, return or control network data. This process, referred to herein as channelization, is performed through a method and apparatus referred to herein as a Network Headend System (NHS) executing a Network Headend Process (NHP). As a result of the NHP, all MDCs are combined to form a Composite Channelized Modulated Network Signal Stream (CCMNSS). Another component of the NHS, outputs an addressed control signal inserted into the CCMNSS as part of the NHP, thereby determining the function and state of certain network apparatus and all End-user
Fotorny Kevin F.
Wesolek Robert C.
Boakye Alexander
Coherence Technology Corporation
Kress Hugh R.
Nguyen Chau
Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C.
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