Broadband communication system for high-speed internet access

An asymmetric network communication system including independently configurable remote devices (48), downstream controllers (12) and upstream controllers (14). Routing tables associated with the controllers (12, 14) and remote devices (48) are maintained in a network manager (16) which define dataflow groups in both the upstream and downstream paths. Configuration parameters in the routing tables configure the system for transfer of digital data through multiple broadband downstream channels and selected return channels over diverse media, including telephone, router (52), wireless and cable. The downstream media include CATV, satellite and wireless broadcasts. A PoP LAN switch (10) provides physical and link layer connections between the network manager (16) and respective upstream and downstream controllers (14, 12). Configuration may be dynamically altered depending on traffic conditions, bandwidth demand and availability, operability of channels and faults detected in the system.