| 摘要 |
<p>A system, method, and computer program product for management of bandwidth, cost control, quality of service, and operational efficiency in a fiber optic, ethernet-based, TDMA communications system. A network topology is described in which an aggregating optical node (310) is used between a central office (305) and end users (330). This allows a variety of topologies between the optical node and end users. Methods of spectral allocation are also described, allowing for improved service and efficient management of bandwidth. Bandwidth can also be managed in the time domain, through a system of bandwidth requests and grants, and through flexible handling of packets, e.g., fragmentation, prioritization, and the use of judiciously sized maximum data units. The invention also features mechanisms by which video service is enhanced for end users. These mechanisms include buffering of video frames, allowing channel switching at the optical node, flexible allocation of bandwidth between video and non-video requirements.</p> |
