A cable modem system and method is provided for supporting data transfer
protocols that extend beyond standard protocols used in conventional data
over cable systems. A cable modem in accordance with the invention
determines, during registration, whether a CMTS with which it
communicates is capable of supporting an extended protocol, and if it is,
transfers data to the CMTS in accordance with the extended protocol.
Additionally, a CMTS in accordance with the invention is notified during
registration whether or not a cable modem supports an extended protocol
and stores this information. When a request for transmission opportunity
is subsequently received from the cable modem, the CMTS accesses the
stored information to determine if the cable modem supports the extended
protocol. If the cable modem supports the extended protocol, the CMTS
processes data received from the cable modem during the transmission
opportunity in accordance with that protocol.