Chapter 5 Cable Networking Protocols

5.1 Introduction to Protocols

This chapter introduces you to the concept of data protocols, with an emphasis on those used in DOCSIS modems. A number of other protocols are covered because they find frequent use in cable TV work, but they were not developed specifically for that. You will not become a protocol expert by reading this chapter, but you should be able to understand the basic concepts.

The word protocol is generally not used in analog communications, but it could be applied. When two pieces of equipment communicate with each other, there must be an established set of rules for that communication. In digital communications, the set of rules is called a protocol. For example, if we were to apply ...

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