Structure of an access point toward a data pack broadcasting network

Abstract

The structure of an access point to a data packet broadcasting network comprises a plurality of couplers (Cx), a buffer memory (MTP) and a central control unit (MPC) interconnected by a main bus (MB). Each coupler (Cx) is connected to a plurality of data sources. The buffer memory (MTP) is connected to a transmission equipment of the data packet broadcasting network. Each coupler (Cx) includes a dual access (MCx), a microprocessor (MUPx), a read only memory (ROMx), a plurality of access circuits (CAS1-CAS4 and CAP1-CAP4) each connected to a data source, a local bus (Bx). In each coupler there is stored, in addition to the coupler control software, a set of subroutines for exchanging information with the buffer memory (MTP). The memory of the central control unit (MPC) stores the connection table relating to the established time-division switched connections between the couplers (Cx) and the buffer memory (MTP) as well as the subroutines of the interconnections established between every coupler and the data sources connected thereto. Each coupler (Cx) still includes a local access circuit (CALx) between the dual access memory (MCx) and the local bus (Bx), and a general access circuit (CAGx) between the dual access memory (MCx) and the main bus (MB), the local access circuit (CALx) and the general access circuit (CAGx) being controlled by a control circuit (CGMx) connected to the main bus (MB).