Test results for the development of a novel region-based DOCSIS compliant cable plant system and protocol to optimally reduce contention mini-slot collisions and to support QoS on DOCSIS 1.1/1.2 networks

Current Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) standards require meeting QoS objectives to enhance the multiple and fast service environment. We present results and a technique that achieves record reduction in contention mini-slot (CMS) collisions by means of dividing the stations in the network efficiently. A primary goal of the design is to keep the entire protocol at the head-end (HE). The goal also includes leaving everything else in the current hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) systems unchanged. Our technique shows that with small changes in the medium access control (MAC) protocol at the HE, we can efficiently and dynamically divide the stations in the upstream based on load conditions to allot a specific amount of CMS for each region. The mechanism also proposes for the collection of channel statistics and channel monitoring to statistically configure the necessary division for optimum performance. We have also developed a simulation and visualization tool using MATLAB and a suitable and effective traffic generator model that could be extracted from network parameters. The results prove that the proposed approach amounts for a record 40%-45% reduction in mini-slot (ms) collisions.