Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a resonance restricting material in communication with a bypass line of a cable television tap. The bypass line generates resonances at a defined frequency in response to RF parameters in the tap and the resonances increase insertion losses at the defined frequency and precludes bandwidth of the tap being increased above the defined frequency. The resonance restricting material may attenuate the resonances generated by the bypass line at the defined frequency (e.g., approximately 1.2 GHz) and reduce insertion losses at the defined frequency and enable the bandwidth of the tap to be increased (e.g., from 1.0 GHz to 1.8 GHz).

Abstract: A frequency band selection device that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on the premise of a user includes at least two signal path sets between a tap side and a premise side. Each signal path set includes two discrete signal paths, a high frequency signal path for a downstream bandwidth and a low frequency signal path for an upstream bandwidth. The high frequency signal path and the low frequency signal path are separated by a cut-off transition frequency that is different for each signal path set. The device further includes a switch controller having at least two discrete switch positions. The switch controller chooses one of the switch positions as a result of an information signal. Each of the switch positions corresponds to a respective one of the signal path sets.

Abstract: The present invention helps eliminate ingress noise addition (i.e., the “noise funneling effect” for an HFC coaxial plant). A system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a switch that includes: (i) a first state for allowing passage of a signal therethrough; and (ii) a second state for preventing passage of the signal therethrough. The system further includes a detection circuit in communication with the switch. The detection circuit is configured to: (i) detect whether the signal includes an amplitude of at least a predetermined level; (ii) operate the switch to the first state if the amplitude of the signal is at least the predetermined level; and (iii) operate the switch to the second state if the amplitude of the signal is less than the predetermined level, wherein operation of the switch to the second state is delayed by a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A CATV/MoCA signal distribution system includes a first 2-way hybrid splitter for receiving a CATV input signal and splitting it into first and second CATV output signals, a second 2-way hybrid splitter for receiving the second CATV output signal and splitting it into third and fourth CATV output signals, with the latter being connected to a CATV output port. A first diplex filter is receptive of the first CATV output signal, and MoCA signals for providing electrical isolation therebetween and connecting them to a modem port. A second diplex filter is receptive of the third CATV output signal and MoCA signals for providing electrical isolation therebetween and connecting them to a Gateway port. A resistive splitter is connected between the first and second diplex filters and a plurality of individual MoCA signal ports for providing bidirectional MoCA signal flow therebetween.

Abstract: A method of converting a modulated optical signal to an encoded electrical signal is provided. The method utilizes a device comprising an electrooptic sideband generator, an optical filter, and an optical/electrical converter. Initially, the modulated optical signal, which carries encoded optical data, is directed to an optical input of the electrooptic sideband generator. The electrooptic sideband generator is driven to generate frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of the input optical signal. The optical filter is utilized to discriminate between the frequency sidebands and the carrier frequency and combine sidebands-of-interest to yield at least one frequency-converted optical signal comprising a millimeter wave modulation frequency. The frequency converted optical signal carries the encoded optical data and the modulation frequency is a function of the spacing of the sidebands-of-interest.

Abstract: A splitter circuit means for use with a CATV network comprising: a first signal input for receiving a CATV signal; a first splitter for splitting the CATV signal into a first split signal and a second split signal; a second signal input for receiving a MoCA signal; a second splitter for splitting the MoCA signal into a third split signal and a fourth split signal; a first diplex filter arranged to lowpass filter the first split signal and highpass filter the third split signal and to combine said filtered signals into a first combined signal to be supplied in a first output; and a second diplex filter arranged to lowpass filter the second split signal and highpass filter the fourth split signal and to combine said filtered signals into a second combined signal to be supplied in a second output.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for selective filtering of transmissions based on information received from a tuner. An embedded diplexer in a consumer electronic device allows the device to be used in a variety of different signal environments. For example, a television with an embedded switching filter coupled to the television tuner is operable in environments where television signals are transmitted on frequencies up to 1 GHz and in environments where MoCA signals are transmitted on 1 GHz frequencies.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a resonance restricting material in communication with a bypass line of a cable television tap. The bypass line generates resonances at a defined frequency in response to RF parameters in the tap and the resonances increase insertion losses at the defined frequency and precludes bandwidth of the tap being increased above the defined frequency. The resonance restricting material may attenuate the resonances generated by the bypass line at the defined frequency (e.g., approximately 1.2 GHz) and reduce insertion losses at the defined frequency and enable the bandwidth of the tap to be increased (e.g., from 1.0 GHz to 1.5 GHz).

Abstract: System and method to extend the data carrying capacity of a hybrid fiber cable (HFC) network by adding wideband RF signal capability above 1 GHz, and replacing at least some CATV active devices such as amplifiers with a new type of Coax Domain Node (CDN) device that acts to segment the CATV cable portion of the HFC network into a series of smaller domains. The CDN generally filter RF signals from 5-865 MHz, while amplifying and passing RF signals over 1 GHz. Upstream capability is enhanced because the CDN intercept 5-42 MHz upstream signals from each domain and convert to 1 GHz+ signals. Downstream capability is also enhanced because the CDN can take efficiently encoded 1 GHz+ digital data, QAM modulate it, and locally inject into each domain without crosstalk between domains. The system pushes data management and downstream from the head end to the CDN, creating more throughput.

Abstract: A system for providing a power signal of a predetermined voltage to an input of a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) sink device is provided. The system includes an electronic device, generating HDMI signals transmitted on at least one differential signal line to another input of the HDMI sink device, and a startup circuit, providing the power signal of the predetermined voltage. The startup circuit includes a power harvesting circuit for obtaining an electrical power of a lower voltage, lower than the predetermined voltage, from at least one of the HDMI signals on the another input, and a voltage raiser circuit increasing the lower voltage to the predetermined voltage. A corresponding electronic cable containing the start-up circuit is also provided.

Abstract: A method to provide a signal using a communication link. The method disposes a passive transponder on the communication link, where that passive transponder includes a memory. The method reads information relating to the communication link from the memory, and then, based upon that information, adjusts certain characteristics of a signal provided using the communication link.

Abstract: Distribution and amplification systems for cable television networks include a tap unit having a first RF tap port and a second RF tap port, a voice-over IP (“VoIP”) RF signal amplifier and a non-VoIP RF signal amplifier. The VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the first RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path and a passive, non-interruptible signal path. The non-VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the second RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path. The VoIP and non-VoIP RF signal amplifiers are each configured to terminate their amplified signal paths to respective matched terminations in response to a power outage.

Abstract: A High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable carries high speed encoded data, which are transmitted differentially over data channels, along with a clock. A Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) cable carries high speed data which are multiplexed to achieve smaller connectors with fewer pins. A MHL-to-HDMI cable is proposed, which includes an embedded MHL to HDMI adapter device for demultiplexing the received MHL-formatted signal and outputting an HDMI-formatted signal. The embedded circuit is powered by a combination of power sources, the power being harvested from the high-speed HDMI signals themselves, including a startup circuit harvesting power from a low speed HDMI signal when power from the high-speed HDMI signals is not available.

Abstract: A method, device and network for compressing cable modem data signals and conserving bandwidth within the network. Cable modems transmit upstream data signals to a fiber node which compresses the data signals and transmits the compressed signals upstream to a headend which decompresses the data signals. The fiber node compression may be by a shaping filter or a fast Fourier transform (FFT) function. The headend decompression may be by an inverse shaping filter or an inverse FFT function.

Abstract: An in-wall video/audio signal adapter device including a first adapter and a second adapter. The first adapter includes a transmitter unit fixed on a mount. The mount can be locked in a first cavity previously formed on a wall. The second adapter includes a receiver unit fixed on a mount. The mount can be locked in a second cavity previously formed on the wall. CAT5/CAT6 Internet signal transmission cables are previously embedded in the wall. The Internet signal transmission cables are connected between the first adapter and the second adapter.

Abstract: A method for providing power to a boost device in a high-speed cable connected between a transmitting data source device and a receiving data sink device is described. The method comprises receiving differential data signals from the data source device in a differential input circuit of the boost device; boosting at least one of the received differential data signals into a boosted differential data signal; transmitting the boosted differential data signal from a differential output circuit of the boost device to the receiving data sink device; and obtaining power to operate at least some of the circuitry of the boost device from the data sink device through its connection with the differential output circuit, for example, providing at least some of the power to operate the processing block. A corresponding high-speed cable is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented to allow the extension of a DOCSIS cable modem service over a wireless link. According to the invention a wireless hub transceiver is connected to a distribution coax cable of a DOCSIS based system. The downstream data are transferred over a wireless link to a remote subscriber radio frequency (RF) unit connected to a cable modem that provides the downstream data to the subscriber. Similarly, upstream data are sent from the subscriber cable modem over the wireless link to the wireless hub transceiver where such data are inserted back to the distribution coax cable.

Abstract: A High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable carries high speed encoded data which are transmitted differentially over data channels, along with a clock. High-frequency loss and differential skew within a differential signal may be compensated by analog circuits embedded in the cable. These embedded circuits are tuned at production for best performance by observing the quality of the recovered analog signal. The embedded circuits are powered by a combination of power sources, both carried within the cable, and harvested from the high-speed signals themselves.

Abstract: A High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable carries high speed encoded data which are transmitted differentially over data channels, along with a clock. A Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) cable carries high speed data which are multiplexed to achieve smaller connectors with fewer pins. A MHL-to-HDMI cable is proposed which includes an embedded MHL to HDMI format conversion device for demultiplexing the received MHL-formatted signal and outputting an HDMI-formatted signal. The embedded device is powered by a combination of power sources, the power being harvested from the high-speed HDMI signals themselves.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decoding and processing back-to-back transactions for an addressable cable television tap. The addressable tap includes an input port for receiving an input signal and output ports for providing outgoing signals to receiving equipment and a controller for providing addressable per port (RF) switching. The controller is adapted to communicate with multiple addressable ports. The controller also includes storage for storing the remaining portions of partially processed commands. Further, the addressable tap includes a relay for enabling or disabling signals to the addressable output ports. Processing commands in the addressable tap includes receiving continuous commands having back-to-back transactions, from a headend and forwarding signals to receiving equipment.

Abstract: Provided is an outdoor optical node unit (ONU) and method for converting/combining frequencies, and an apparatus and method for converting/combining frequencies in a cable television headend system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented to allow the extension of a DOCSIS cable modem service over a wireless link. According to the invention a wireless hub transceiver is connected to a distribution coax cable of a DOCSIS based system. The downstream data are transferred over a wireless link to a remote subscriber radio frequency (RF) unit connected to a cable modem that provides the downstream data to the subscriber. Similarly, upstream data are sent from the subscriber cable modem over the wireless link to the wireless hub transceiver where such data are inserted back to the distribution coax cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing reverse signals from a plurality of DHCTs to a downstream modulator that is located in the headend facility. The present invention includes a single wire return device (SWRD) that receives RF modulated signals, dynamically determines the address of the associated modulator, and converts the signals into Ethernet signals. The Ethernet signals are subsequently provided to the headend facility via fiber cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for signal conversion with smart multitap are disclosed. Embodiments of the systems can be scalable to model different signal topologies, transmission frequencies, bandwidths, and distances. An exemplary embodiment of the systems and methods includes a fiber optic to RF converter and a smart multitap. Although a fiber optic to RF converter is used in exemplary embodiments throughout the disclosure, conversion between other signal topologies is within the scope of the disclosure. The smart multitap includes a multiple tap for distributing a signal to multiple terminals and a microprocessor to select a particular terminal for a signal. Exemplary embodiments include downstream implementations in which a stream is typically sent from a service provider server to a user. Alternative embodiments include downstream implementations as well as upstream implementations in which a user typically sends a stream to a service provider server.

Abstract: Data signals from a telecommunication network are routed to a gateway which generates analog signal distributed to receivers within a customer premises. A network interface device receives digital signals from the telecommunication network. A first diplexer has a digital signal port connected to the network interface device. The first diplexer combined signal port is connected with the combined signal port of a second diplexer. The gateway receives digital signals from the second diplexer digital signal port and provides analog signals to the second diplexer analog signal port. Analog signals are then available to receivers at both the first diplexer analog signal port and the second diplexer analog signal port.

Abstract: In order to correctly perform frequency conversion without using a pilot signal from an external system in a CATV system in which an upward signal is converted to a high frequency in-building upward signal using an up-converter and the in-building upward signal is converted to the original upward signal using a down-converter, there is proposed a down-converter provided with a reference oscillation circuit for generating a reference signal with a frequency lower than that of a downward signal or the in-building upward signal. The in-building upward signal is frequency-converted using the reference signal and the reference signal is transmitted to a transmission line of the terminal side. A bi-directional amplifier on the transmission line can not only amplify the downward signal and the in-building upward signal bi-directionally but also transmit the reference signal to an up-converter of the terminal side.

Abstract: In a cable television converter terminal, NICAM signal passthrough is achieved using an alignment-free passthrough circuit including a NICAM SAW filter. The alignment-free passthrough circuit directly taps the output of the converter terminal's tuner to obtain the NICAM signal. As a result, the NICAM signal is not distorted by the components involved in obtaining the other signal components of the cable television signal. Consequently, sound quality is improved and rendered less vulnerable to degradation due to component aging, temperature fluctuations, and human error. The passthrough circuit can be implemented as a removable circuit module.

Abstract: A signal distribution system to save on the cost of cable modems for cable TV headend operators who wish to deliver broadband digital data services, DSL, video-on-demand or POTS service over their HFC CATV delivery networks. All species within the genus have a shared cable modem and a filtration and combining circuit comprised of a plurality of diplexer filters or junction boxes or both which mix baseband packet data with analog CATV signals onto coax drop lines coupled to the various subscribers and connect POTS or DSL signals onto twisted pair portions of siamese cables. Various species have the cable modem feeding digital data or packets of DOCSIS or other data or digitized DSL signals sent over the HFC to the cable modem or digitized POTS signals send over the HFC to the cable modem to either a packet switch, a DSL concentrator, a voice-over-IP gateway or some combination of the above.

Abstract: An on-demand program access system for broadband, frequency division multiplexed cable television signals, one or more infrastructure element (IF) constituting a local video network signal server has a plurality of subscriber premise equipment elements (SPEE) served thereby. Each SPEE constitutes a video network client. Coaxial premise wiring connects each SPEE with the IE for conducting RF modulated programming signals and bi-directional data signals between the IE and each respective SPEE using out-of-band signaling so that there is no overlap between the programming signals and the bi-directional data signals.

Abstract: A CATV system has a multitude of customer interfaces which include an external unit and an internal unit. The units includes equipment for signal conditioning, cable to telephone interface, and/or cable to computer interface. The internal unit is provided with power by the customer, and the power is used to operate the equipment of the units. The customer supplied power is isolated from the power distributed in the cable television system. Preferably, the customer supplied power is conducted through the coaxial television cable between the internal unit and the external unit. The invention reduces power consumption and allows such customer interfaces to be easily added to existing and future cable systems without overwhelming the existing AC power distribution system of the cable television network.

Abstract: A part of transmission signal is branched by a directional coupler, and split by a splitting circuit, so that the transmission signal can be outputted to the subscribers' terminal devices via branched output terminals. Latching relays disposed in signal paths to the branched output terminals from the splitting circuit can set the output/stop of the transmission signal to the terminal devices. A control circuit switches the connected/disconnected state of the relays in response to the command signal from the center apparatus. When an operation switch is turned on, all the relays are placed into the connected state. As a result, after the installation of the tap device, by operating the operation switch, the broadcasting signal can be distributed to the terminal devices before the command signal is received.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical isolation between two ports prevents a potentially interfering signal input from one port from reaching the other port. A first circuit path passes a first signal in a first direction from a first port of the two ports to a second port of the two ports. A second path inverts the potentially interfering signal attempting to pass in a second direction opposite the first direction from the second port to the first port and adds the inverted signal to the potentially interfering signal at the first port to thereby cancel any affect the potentially interfering signal might have at the first port. According to one exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, the first circuit path includes two directional couplers—a first directional coupler coupled to the first port and a second directional coupler coupled to the second port. A delay line is coupled between the first and second directional couplers to match a time needed for a signal to pass through the second path.

Abstract: A feed signal equalizer for a feed amplifier for two-way coaxial cable systems, of the type having a distribution centre distributing feed signals, and having reception facilities for receiving return signals from said cable system, the system having feed amplifiers for receiving feed signals, and having return amplifiers, and the feed signal equalizers are settable to provide varying amplifier specifications, and having receptacles for receiving plug-in equalizer components for varying the specifications of the feed amplifier, the equalizer components having a range of varying performance characteristics so that a component can be selected and plugged in to the feed signal equalizer to produce the performance specifications desired at a predetermined location in the cable system.

Abstract: A method for processing an input signal is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input signal. The method also includes applying a first transfer function to the input signal to produce a first signal, wherein the first transfer function exhibits a high pass characteristic. The method further includes applying a second transfer function to the input signal to produce a second signal, the second transfer function exhibiting a low pass characteristic.

Abstract: A communication system (100) processes forward signals generated by headend equipment (105) and reverse signals generated by subscriber equipment (135). A communication medium (110, 120), such as fiber optic cable or coaxial cable, connects the headend equipment (105) and the subscriber equipment (135), and amplifiers (400) are positioned at various locations along the medium (110, 120) to amplify the forward and reverse signals. The amplifiers (400) include a dual forward/reverse test circuit (FIG. 6) having a forward test point (406) coupled to the forward signal, a reverse test point (408) coupled to the reverse signal, and a single directional coupler (404) connected to the forward test point (406), for providing the forward signal thereto, and to the reverse test point (408), for providing the reverse signal thereto.

Abstract: Received digital CATV signals are branched by a directional coupler into signals flowing in a through direction and signals flowing in a branch direction. The signals output from the directional coupler in the through direction are then fed through an extraction circuit, a variable attenuator, and a wide-band amplifier so as to have a desired frequency range and a desired level, and are then fed to a distributor so as to be distributed, for output, into downstream signals to be fed to a downstream tuner and CATV signals to be fed to an analog/digital tuner. The signals output from the directional coupler in the branch direction are fed through a band-pass filter and a wide-band amplifier to a distributor so as to be distributed, for output, into VHF signals and FM signals. Upstream signals are fed through an extraction circuit to a terminal at which the CATV signals are received.

Abstract: A bandstop filter for use in CATV applications is formed by a pair of diplexers, a lowpass filter and a highpass filter. Signals having a frequency range of, e.g., 0-3 GHz enter at a first node connected to the inputs of both the lowpass and highpass filters. Signals having frequencies below a first, predetermined value pass through the lowpass filter, and signals having frequencies above a second, predetermined value pass through the highpass filter with signals having frequencies between the first and second values being blocked, i.e., “stopped.” The outputs of both the lowpass and highpass filters are connected to the second diplexer at a second node which is connected to the single output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing delay distortion of upstream transmissions in a cable television (CATV) distribution plant. Upstream transmission in a CATV distribution plant, i.e., from the customer premises toward the head-end, is made difficult by delay distortion caused by diplexing filters used in bi-directional amplifiers and other components in the CATV distribution plant. A database storing information relating to each cable modem (CM) in the CATV distribution plant is maintained, and the delay distortion for each upstream transmission is calculated using information queried from the database. Delay distortion in the upper portion of the upstream bandwidth in a CATV distribution plant is preferably minimized by assigning CMs having a transmission path that causes relatively minimal delay distortion to the upper portion of the upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: Systems and end-to-end methods for delivering digital aggregated broadcast television programming from a centralized aggregation headend to subscribers in multiple markets using an interconnected terrestrial fiber optic network. A centralized aggregation headend receives multiple multi-market broadcast television signals from multiple content providers. The multiple broadcast television signals are aggregated into a digital aggregated content bundle. The digital aggregated content bundle is prepared for transport over an interconnected long-haul fiber optic network, comprising multiple fiber optic networks interconnected by a plurality of interconnection points of presence. The digital aggregated content bundle is transported over the interconnected long-haul fiber optic network to local/metro PoPs in multiple markets. The local/metro PoPs are interconnected with central offices and/or other local facilities for last-mile delivery of the digital aggregated content bundle to subscriber premises.

Abstract: A multi-channel video and data unit comprises a splitter to split a combined data and video service signal into a data service signal and at least one video service signal. A modem and data networking module generates a data networking signal based on the data service signal. A user-initiated video selection is received by each of a plurality of remote control devices. Each of a plurality of video processing modules is responsive to a corresponding one of the remote controls to process the video service signal based on the user-initiated video selection and to generate a corresponding television signal based thereon. Each of a plurality of combiners combines the television signal from a corresponding one of the video processing modules with the data networking signal to form a corresponding combined television and data networking signal.

Abstract: A hand-held cable communicator unit for technicians that enables voice and data communications across a cable network. The communicator includes a cable connector, a diplex filter, a transceiver circuit, an audio circuit and a control circuit. The transceiver circuit tunes to selected downstream and upstream channels signals. The audio circuit enables bidirectional voice communications using the selected channels signals via the cable network. The control circuit establishes a communication link and initiates and terminates communications. A communication system for field technicians of a cable network includes at least one communicator and a central communicator located at a point of distribution of the cable network. The central communicator includes transceivers, a switch matrix and a controller. Each central transceiver establishes a communication link with any linked communicator. The switch matrix forwards upstream and downstream communications between linked communicators.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for bi-directional communication services between a service provider and a plurality of subscribers wherein return signals associated with the bi-directional communication services utilize a first frequency band.

Abstract: An in-building CATV system having a down-converter for converting the in-building upward signal to the signal for a bi-directional CATV system provided with a high-pass filter disposed between an internal terminal and a converter for eliminating input of the downward signal passed through the downward signal path and selectively passing the in-building upward signal, a low-pass filter disposed between the converter and an external terminal for eliminating the downward signal inputted from the external terminal and selectively passing the upward signal outputted from the converter, a high-pass filter disposed between the external terminal and the downward signal path for eliminating input of the upward signal outputted from the converter and selectively passing the downward signal inputted from the external terminal and a low-pass filter disposed between the downward signal path and the internal-terminal for eliminating the in-building upward signal inputted from the internal terminal and selectively passing t

Abstract: A directional coupler system includes an input diplex filter for splitting an input signal into a high band signal and a low band signal, a high band directional coupler for which the high band signal is coupled to an input of the high band directional coupler, a low band directional coupler for which the low band signal is coupled to an input of the low band directional coupler, a tap diplex filter coupled to a tap of each of the high band directional coupler and low band directional coupler and an output diplex filter for receiving and combining a high band signal output from the high band directional coupler and a low band signal output from the low band directional coupler.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tap device for branching a part of transmission signals running through a transmission line to selectively transmit branched signals to subscriber terminal devices via tap output terminals, in which signal paths for leading the transmission signals to the tap output terminals can easily and securely be shielded. Substrates provided with various circuits and the like are successively fixed to a housing member provided with tap output terminals. The housing member is provided with partition walls for surrounding the signal paths to the tap output terminals from the first substrate and separating relays disposed on the substrate. A shield cover, which can separate wiring patterns for signal input to the relays and wiring patterns for signal output via the relays, is disposed between the first and the second substrates. The second substrate is fixed to the housing member via the shield cover.

Abstract: An HPF for blocking an upstream signal and passing a downstream signal, an LPF for blocking the downstream signal and passing only an upstream data signal, a directional coupler for branching, and a high frequency relay for forming a through line are built in a shielded package integrally as a high frequency module, so as to restrain noise produced by a digital circuit from interfering. This enables the analogue circuit of the high frequency module and the other digital circuits to be built integrally in a network interface module mounted in a cable television set-top box. In addition, a single tuner is used for both analogue and digital signals. In doing so, the switching of an AGC voltage is problematic, which is done by an AGC switching circuit. With a network interface module mounted in a cable television set-top box, the circuit arrangement can be hence simplified, and improvements can be made on cost, size and power consumption.

Abstract: A node (200) for receiving analog signals transmitted within a broadband communication system (100) includes a summer (205) for summing the analog signals to generate a summed analog signal and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (210) coupled to the summer (205) for converting the summed analog signal into a digital electrical signal. The node (200) also includes a digital signal processor (DSP) (220) coupled to the A/D converter (210) for filtering the digital electrical signal in accordance with a filter algorithm to generate a filtered digital signal. The DSP (220) including a control port for receiving a control signal (215) indicative of the filter algorithm that is to be used. The filtered signal is then transmitted upstream within the system (100) by a transmitter (240) coupled to the DSP (220).

Abstract: A video and telephony signal distribution network is provided. The network includes a head end for transmitting to a plurality of remote units. The network further includes at least one optical/electrical converter unit that transmits to the remote units over at least two coaxial cables coupled to a common optical/electrical converter unit. Each remote unit transmits upstream electrical data signals over its associated coaxial cable to the optical/electrical converter unit using a common bandwidth. The optical/electrical converter unit converts and frequency shifts the upstream electrical data signals from at least one remote unit to form an optical upstream data signal for transmittal to the head end such that the frequency spectrum used for the upstream communications is simultaneously used on each of the coaxial cables of to optical/electrical converter unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using existing wiring or cabling in a residence or other customer premises both (a) to transmit network telecommunications to a gateway or similar device for processing, and (b) to distribute processed signals from the device to video, telephony and data receivers. The invention enables and facilitates the receipt by telephone company subscribers of high-speed digital telecommunications over twisted-wire pair cabling historically installed and used for voice telephone service. In an embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a bidirectional transmission facility, a first diplexer, and a second diplexer; the first diplexer receives network signals and transmits them or passes them on, using the bidirectioal transmission facility, to the second diplexer; and the second diplexer receives distribution signals and transmits them or passes them on, using the bidirectional transmission medium, to the first diplexer.

Abstract: A cable television tap (500) for receiving a forward signal including an information signal and a power signal. The tap (500) includes a diplex filter (520) for receiving the forward signal and for separating the information signal from the power signal at outputs of the diplex filter (520) and a plurality of subscriber ports (535) coupled to an output of the diplex filter (520) for receiving the information signal such that the information signal can be accessed at each of the plurality of subscriber ports (535). The tap (500) also includes a removable port device (555) coupled to the other output of the diplex filter (520) for receiving the power signal, and the port device (555) has a connector (550) so that the power signal can be accessed. According to the present invention, when the port device (555) is coupled to the tap (500), the information signal can only be accessed at the subscriber ports (535), and the power signal can only be accessed at the connector (550) of the port device (555).