Dispersed high level devices in a network environment
A system and method for locating Open System Interconnection (OSI) Layer 3 or higher devices at strategic locations throughout the network. The Layer 3 devices may have additional capabilities, such as wireless connections or other functionality that may benefit both the consumer and network provider. Layer 2 traffic is confined to smaller areas, allowing the main backbone of the network to handle more useful data traffic and less overhead traffic.
1. A network comprising:
a network connection point device having a connection to the Internet, said network connection point having a first table comprising the address of at least one subscriber connection point;
a bi-directional distribution backbone connected to said network connection point;
a subscriber connection point configured to maintain a second table comprising the address of at least one downstream device located distally from said network connection point and comprising a second subscriber connection point, said second table being located in said subscriber connection point, said subscriber connection point being located off any subscriber's premises and in a location physically accessible to a network operator but not a subscriber, said first table and said second table being used at least in part for Network Address Translation.
2. The network of claim 1 wherein said distribution backbone is a linear broadband network.
3. The network of claim 1 wherein said distribution backbone comprises a plurality of twisted pair conductors.
4. The network of claim 1 wherein said network connection point device is a cable modem termination system.
5. The network of claim 1 wherein said network connection point device is a digital subscriber line access manager.
6. The network of claim 1 wherein said network connection point is configured to maintain a third table comprising said address of at least one downstream device, said third table being located in said network connection point.
7. The network of claim 6 wherein said third table further comprises an address of at least one device on the Internet.
8. The network of claim 1 wherein said network connection point comprises a router operating at OSI Layer 3 or higher.
9. The network of claim 1 wherein said subscriber connection point comprises a router operating at OSI Layer 3 or higher.
10. The network of claim 1 wherein said at least one downstream device is connected to said subscriber connection point using a wireless connection.
11. The subscriber connection point of claim 1 wherein said at least one connection to a subscriber receiver is a wireless connection.
12. The network of claim 1 , said location being a utility pole.
13. The network of claim 1 , said location being a utility pedestal.
14. The network of claim 1 , said location being located within a easement.
15. The network of claim 1 , said location being a network interface device.
16. The network of claim 1 , said subscriber connection point being mounted on an exterior of a subscriber's house and physically accessible only by said network operator.
17. The network of claim 1 , said subscriber connection point being configured to provide IP masquerading using said first table.