DISTRIBUTED ETHERNET HUB

摘要

A technique for multiplexing high speed computer data with digitized voice signals onto a fiber optic cable (58) for transfer to a local central office (20). The data packets of a number of computers (10) are networked by way of a distributed hub (50, 56) that extend to residences, offices, apartments, etc. The data packets are switched outside the switching fabric (24) of a local central office (20) and routed to the internet or elsewhere. Command signals that are for accessing the internet are transmitted and received as 10 MHz Ethernet data packets on the distributed hub (50, 56).