Implementing cable modem functions on a host computer

摘要

The present invention processes cable modem functions on a host computer. The cable modem receives hardware specific modem functions and transfers these functions to the host computer. An abstraction layer in the host computer receives the functions and converts the functions to/from hardware specific functions. The abstraction layer may be a DOCSIS abstraction layer. A firmware emulator (firmulator) then receives and processes the modem functions. The firmware emulator includes a plurality of state machines and networking protocol agents.