5. A system for expanding DOCSIS into an alternative access network, comprising: a protocol adaptation layer in access equipment to translate DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages for use in the alternative access network, wherein the protocol adaptation layer translates DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages for use in the alternative access network, the protocol adaptation layer being a DOCSIS-AMTS (Access Modem Termination System) adaptation layer including an AMTS DOCSIS-to-access protocol translator and an AMTS access-to-DOCSIS protocol translator, the DOCSIS-AMTS adaptation layer being located in an access-modem termination system stack above at least an access MAC layer.
5. A system for expanding DOCSIS into an alternative access network, comprising: a protocol adaptation layer in access equipment to translate DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages for use in the alternative access network, wherein the protocol adaptation layer translates DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages for use in the alternative access network, the protocol adaptation layer being a DOCSIS-AMTS (Access Modem Termination System) adaptation layer including an AMTS DOCSIS-to-access protocol translator and an AMTS access-to-DOCSIS protocol translator, the DOCSIS-AMTS adaptation layer being located in an access-modem termination system stack above at least an access MAC layer. 8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the alternative access network is heterogeneous.