Abstract: A distributed intelligence network using time and frequency domain multiplexing. On power-up, each node determines its skew and requests downloading of program code and configuration data. A node claims timeslots by transmitting a packet into an apparently empty timeslot and verifying receipt of its own packet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending the range of a digital data network by enhancing skew control. The apparatus is a circuit for use in a network interface unit. The apparatus measures the distance of the network interface unit from the head-end retransmission unit of the network by transmitting a series of signal packets on the network and counting the time it takes for the packets to be received back at the interface unit. All transmissions on the network take place with reference to a timing mark transmitted by the head-end unit at a regular interval. The apparatus sends the first in the series of signal packets at a pre-determined pre-skew interval before the timing mark. The apparatus counts the number of clock cycles after the timing mark before the signal packet is received back at the network interface unit.

Abstract: In a digital communications system with a time-division multiplexed medium having a transmit r.f. channel and a receive r.f. channel on an internal network having a head end multiplexer and interface for external connection of calls, timeslots are allocated to maximize time slot usage between internal calls and external calls by dynamically differentiating between internal call types and external call types, or calls between nodes within the internal network between an internal node on the internal network and an external node connected through a trunk, and, based on differentiation for the external call types, claiming a free timeslot for the internal node on the transmit r.f. channel and using the corresponding timeslot on the receive r.f. channel to establish communication between the internal node and the external node.

Abstract: A baseband signal is spectrally efficiently transmitted on a broadband transmission medium by inserting gaps in packets of digital data transmitted in a modulated first radio frequency carrier. The transmitted packets of data are received by demodulating the modulated first radio frequency carrier, and the gap is monitored for the presence of digital data thus indicating a collision of simultaneously transmitted packets of digital data. A seed of arbitrary digital bits are used in scrambling each packet of digital data and is transmitted with the packet of data for use in descrambling the data. In retransmitting the packet of data the seed is included. The originally transmitting node receives the retransmitted packet and compares the retransmitted seed with the originally transmitted seed for detecting an error in retransmission.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining broadband RF signals and baseband signals in a baseband distribution cable includes a bridge for coupling the distribution cable to an RF broadband trunk and to a baseband repeater. The trunk is connected through bidirectional amplifier, an impedance transformer, and a signal splitter for applying the amplified and impedance transformed broadband signal to a plurality of baseband segments. The RF signal from the splitter is passed through a 35 MHz high pass filter to the baseband segment. Baseband signals from a repeater are passed through a 25 MHz low pass filter to the baseband segment. The two filters prevent interference between the baseband and broadband signals.