Importance

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Abstract

A method and system are disclosed for enabling point-to-point and multicast communication in a network using three types of communication channels, namely, one or more upstream payload channels, one or more upstream control channels and one or more downstream channels. At least the upstream control and upstream payload channels can carry bitstreams simultaneously; a bitstream may be simultaneously carried on the upstream control and upstream payload channels of a shared medium during overlapping periods of time. Each channel illustratively is divided into slots or mini-slots. Each upstream payload channel is assigned for carrying upstream directed payload bitstreams from stations to a central controller. Each upstream control channel is assigned for carrying upstream directed control bitstreams, such as reservation request bitstreams requesting reservation of time slots of the upstream payload channel, from the stations to the central controller. At least one downstream channel is assigned for carrying at least downstream directed control bitstreams, such as bitstreams containing acknowledgments, collision, status of reservation request, and also containing indications of assigned slots in the upstream payload channel, from the central controller to the stations. The downstream channel may also illustratively carry payload bitstreams.

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First Claim