HP Labs Technical Reports

The MXL MAC Protocol for HFC Networks

Chiu, Ran-Fun; Cohen, Reuven; Chen, Michael; Hutchinson, Bob

HPL-97-44

Keyword(s):ALOHA; cable-modem; MAC; MXL; tree algorithm

Abstract: The paper describes the upstream MAC protocol employed by the HP cable-modem for hybrid-fiber-coax networks. The protocol, called MXL, divides the upstream channel into two logical channels: a contention channel and a reserved channel. Cable-modem stations that need to send data have to reserve sufficient bandwidth in the reserved channel. In order to send their reservation request, the stations have to compete for access on the contention channel. The paper discusses possible contention algorithms and compares their performance results.

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