| 摘要 |
<p>A user interface (26) for resolving contention for a data channel (on 20) is coupled to a broadband network having a plurality of user interfaces (26) and a distribution hub (22). The user interface (26) comprises a contention circuit (32) for generating a contention signal in substantial absence of a common frequency with other user interfaces. The contention signal is a contention request for allocation of a data channel on the broadband network. A sensor for sensing other contention signals on the broadband network determines a status of the contention request. In a further enhancement, the contention signal is related to the unique id number. This relationship in a further enhancement is based on a multiple of a step frequency relative to a base frequency, wherein the multiple is related to the unique id number. In a yet further enhancement, a contending user having a highest unique id number is given access to the data channel. In yet another further enhancement, the user interface contending for the data channel employs a unique binary address to bid for said data channel by expressing a signal corresponding to a value of a bit of said unique binary address. Each of the user interfaces having a "0" bit value drops out of the bidding while each of the user interfaces having a "1" bit value continues bidding with a next bit, continuing until only one user interfaces remains. <IMAGE></p> |
