Upstream channel bonding using legacy maps in a cable communications system

摘要

A method for increasing upstream bandwidth per cable modem user in a cable communications system that includes a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and a plurality of cable modems is provided. The method permits a cable modem to transmit data to the CMTS on multiple upstream channels simultaneously using a technique called "channel bonding." Bandwidth allocation is achieved by transmitting from a CMTS to a cable modem a unique bandwidth allocation message for each upstream channel in a bonded group of upstream channels, wherein the combination of unique bandwidth allocation messages collectively allocates requested bandwidth across the bonded group.