Abstract: A method and system can propagate upstream cable modem signals and radio-frequency (RF) return video control signals over the same passive optical network (PON). The method and system can include various combinations of hardware and software to support this operation. Three exemplary embodiments of optical network terminals (ONT) of a DPON system improve performance of the system by ensuring that, in the event the upstream transmitters of two ONTs are turned on simultaneously, they will not interfere with each other. The system is designed such that in a situation of competing transmissions, the one which is received and processed by the head end out of two competing transmissions originating from a set top box and a cable modem, will be the one originating from the cable modem, which may use the DOCSIS cable modem protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for “Smart” RF over Glass (RFoG) CPE Unit with Seamless PON Upgrade Capability. A method includes operating a customer premises equipment device including transporting upstream cable return services with a laser; and switching a drive source for the upstream laser from an analog driver to a digital driver by using a managed electrical switch to reuse a wavelength of the laser. An apparatus includes a customer premises equipment device including a laser for transporting upstream cable return services; and a managed electrical switch coupled to the laser that is used to switch a drive source for the upstream laser to reuse a wavelength of the laser.

Abstract: Inserting protocol adaptation layers into access equipment to translate data over cable service interface specification services control messages to the corresponding messages in the other (multiple) heterogeneous access specification(s) includes AMTS DOCSIS-to-access protocol translation and AMTS access-to-DOCSIS protocol translation. A method of expanding DOCSIS into an alternative access network includes deploying a protocol adaptation layer in access equipment to translate DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages for use in the alternative access network. Translating DOCSIS control messages to corresponding messages for use in the alternative access network includes AMTS DOCSIS-to-access protocol translation and AMTS access-to-DOCSIS protocol translation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for DWDM transport of CATV and digital signals over optical fiber in low-dispersion spectral regions. A method includes transporting a plurality of optical carriers of different wavelengths over an optical link using wavelength division multiplexing, the optical link including a plurality of optical segments. The plurality of optical channel center wavelengths defined by the plurality of optical carriers are clustered proximate an average value of a zero-dispersion wavelength of the optical link, or near either a) a low wavelength edge or b) a high wavelength edge of a range of zero-dispersion wavelengths of the optical link and a plurality of optical channel center frequencies defined by the plurality of optical channel center wavelengths are non-uniformly spaced apart.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of video on demand (VOD). A wireless remote control device generates keystroke signals for controlling a TV display and has a single button for restarting a selected program at a beginning of the selected program. A head-end unit supports separate downstream virtual channels for each separate TV set connected on a common TV feeder-cable; The head-end unit locally records and stores many programs, and transmits each program using a compressed digital format. The Compressed digital format may use MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. The head-end unit has means for protecting against signal theft. A set top unit encapsulates the keystroke signals and transmits the keystroke signals via a two-way channel to the head-end unit.

Abstract: Transmitting and receiving data includes a process of transferring data over a coaxial network between an optical node and a plurality of cable modems of a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network. A data transfer system which sends and receives data over a coaxial network located at an optical node of a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for an optiplex. A method includes: conveying a first narrowcast signal to a first optical combiner; conveying a second narrowcast signal to a second optical combiner; tapping into said first narrowcast signal; monitoring a first characteristic of said first narrowcast signal; tapping into said second narrowcast signal; monitoring a second characteristic of said second narrowcast signal; combining a broadcast signal with the first narrowcast signal using the first optical combiner; and combining said broadcast signal with the second narrowcast signal using the second optical combiner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for simultaneous transport of analog video signals and Ethernet data on an optical fiber. A method includes propagating a downstream signal on an optical signal conductor from an upstream combiner to a downstream combiner; and propagating an upstream signal on the optical signal conductor from the downstream combiner to the upstream combiner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for transmitting and receiving data. A method includes a process of transferring data over a coaxial network at a bandwidth above 1000 MHz, wherein the process of transferring data transfers the data between an optical node and a plurality of cable modems of a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network. An apparatus includes a data transfer system which sends and receives data over a coaxial network at a bandwidth above 1000 MHz, wherein the data transfer system is located at an optical node of a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for forward baseband digitalization. A method includes receiving a forward baseband digital optical signal from an optical fiber; transforming the forward baseband digital optical signal to a forward analog electrical signal; transmitting the forward analog electrical signal on an electrical conductor; receiving a reverse analog electrical signal on the electrical conductor; transforming the reverse analog electrical signal to a reverse digital baseband optical signal; and transmitting the reverse digital baseband optical signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for an optiplex. A method includes: demultiplexing a multiplexed narrowcast input signal into a first narrowcast signal and a second narrowcast signal; conveying the first narrowcast signal to a first optical combiner; conveying the second narrowcast signal to a second optical combiner; tapping into said first narrowcast signal; monitoring a first characteristic of said first narrowcast signal; tapping into said second narrowcast signal; monitoring a second characteristic of said second narrowcast signal; combining a broadcast signal with the first narrowcast signal using the first optical combiner to give a first combined optical port output; and combining said broadcast signal with the second narrowcast signal using the second optical combiner to give a second combined optical port output.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for optically powered optically controlled optical switches. A method includes powering an optical switch with a communications data signal; and controlling the optical switch with the communications data signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described relating to a chassis for front and back inserted modules. An apparatus includes a chassis including a first module bay and a second module bay, the first module bay and the second module bay together composing both a forward section and rearward section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for communications links with non-intrusive expansion capability. A first splitter combiner switches form a shut state to a bypass state when a second headend output is communicatively coupled to a first upstream input and a second headed output is communicatively coupled to a first downstream output. The first splitter combiner is then switchable back to the shut state from the bypass state when the either the second headend output is communicatively decoupled from the first upstream input or the second headend input is communicatively decoupled from the first downstream output. The systems and methods provide advantages because a communication network can be equipped for non-intrusive expansion of the network.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for a chassis with a repositionable optical feedthrough plate. An apparatus, includes a chassis having a first module bay with a first plate mounting bracket, a second module bay with a second plate mounting bracket and a modular repositionable plate with an optical feedthrough that is removably connectable to the first plate mounting bracket and removably connectable to the second plate mounting bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for communications networks. A method, includes deploying a communication link, at least a portion of which is protected against active equipment failure, that includes a splitter-combiner communicatively coupled between a data drop/add device and a headend. The systems and methods provide advantages because a communication network can be protected, at least in-part, against active equipment (e.g., data drop/add device) failure, passive equipment (e.g., optical fiber) failure, and/or equipped for non-intrusive expansion of the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for wireless communications. A method includes providing a wireless communications system having narrow cast bi-directional internet channel capability and defining a substantially nonconflicting regional overlay, then transmitting a downstream signal from a downstream transmitter to a bi-directional transceiver; and transmitting an upstream signal from the bi-directional transceiver to an upstream receiver through the substantially nonconflicting regional overlay. The narrow cast bi-directional internet channel capability and the non-conflicting regional overlay define an upstream area that overlies a plurality of smaller downstream areas. The systems and methods provide advantages because additional capacity can be provided within a saturated region without incurring interference and additional capacity can be provided only in the direction in which it is needed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for a chassis with repositionable plates. An apparatus, including a chassis having a first module bay with a first plate mounting bracket, a second module bay with a second plate mounting bracket and a repositionable plate that is removably connectable to the first plate mounting bracket and removably connectable to said second plate mounting bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for communications networks. A method, includes deploying a communication link, at least a portion of which is protected against active equipment failure, that includes a splitter-combiner communicatively coupled between a data drop/add device and a headend. The systems and methods provide advantages because a communication network can be protected, at least in-part, against active equipment (e.g., data drop/add device) failure, passive equipment (e.g., optical fiber) failure, and/or equipped for non-intrusive expansion of the network.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described relating to a chassis for front and back inserted modules. An apparatus includes a chassis including a first module bay and a second module bay, the first module bay and the second module bay together composing both a forward section and rearward section.