Abstract: A utilities communications module including an optical fiber interface, an optical modem and at least one utilities interface. The optical fiber interface enables remote communications via an optical network. The optical modem converts between optical and electrical communications. The utilities interface enables remote communications with at least one local utility device. The utilities communications module enables remote control and communications with one or more utility devices and other service devices, such as utility meters (e.g., electric, gas, water, etc.) including smart meters and the like, home monitoring controllers, home security controllers, smart home controllers, etc.

Abstract: An optical conversion device for a shared FTTH distribution network including first and second optical fibers and an optical processing circuit. The optical processing circuit has an input for receiving a first optical analog signal carried by the first optical fiber and an output for providing a first optical digital signal for transmission via the second optical fiber. The optical processing circuit is configured to digitize the first optical analog signal and incorporate into the first optical digital signal. The optical analog signal may be an optical signal which is modulated by an RF signal, which is the same or similar to that of existing HFC networks. High loss electrical signals are converted to low-loss optical signals propagated within the optical plant. The combined optical analog and digital protocol supports analogous communications of existing HFC networks and the optical plant minimizes cost of fiber optic upgrade.

Abstract: A low-loss shared FTTH distribution network that enables optical communications within a subscriber area, including optical fibers routed from a point of distribution to the subscriber area, a tap device including an optical tap which interfaces a downstream optical fiber with a first optical fiber, and a straight-through optical fiber which is routed straight through the tap device. The tap device may include a splitter which splits the downstream optical fiber into multiple downstream optical fibers, and the tap device may include tap ports for the downstream optical fibers. Any number of straight-through optical fibers may be included which are routed straight through the tap device. A method including routing optical fibers within the subscriber area, tapping at least one optical fiber with a tap device to interface a downstream optical fiber, and routing at least one optical fiber straight through the tap device.

Abstract: An optical conversion device for a shared FTTH distribution network including first and second optical fibers and an optical processing circuit. The optical processing circuit has an input for receiving a first optical analog signal carried by the first optical fiber and an output for providing a first optical digital signal for transmission via the second optical fiber. The optical processing circuit is configured to digitize the first optical analog signal and incorporate into the first optical digital signal. The optical analog signal may be an optical signal which is modulated by an RF signal, which is the same or similar to that of existing HFC networks. High loss electrical signals are converted to low-loss optical signals propagated within the optical plant. The combined optical analog and digital protocol supports analogous communications of existing HFC networks and the optical plant minimizes cost of fiber optic upgrade.

Abstract: A low-loss shared FTTH distribution network that enables optical communications within a subscriber area, including optical fibers routed from a point of distribution to the subscriber area, a tap device including an optical tap which interfaces a downstream optical fiber with a first optical fiber, and a straight-through optical fiber which is routed straight through the tap device. The tap device may include a splitter which splits the downstream optical fiber into multiple downstream optical fibers, and the tap device may include tap ports for the downstream optical fibers. Any number of straight-through optical fibers may be included which are routed straight through the tap device. A method including routing optical fibers within the subscriber area, tapping at least one optical fiber with a tap device to interface a downstream optical fiber, and routing at least one optical fiber straight through the tap device.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a body forming a fiber insertion path and an optical lens. The fiber insertion path receives an optical fiber and extends within the body to an internal end. The lens includes a first concave surface formed at the internal end of the fiber channel and a second concave surface formed on an external side of the body. The first and second concave surfaces of the lens are operative to direct light towards each other to enable optical communications between an inserted optical fiber and a connected second connector. Multiple connectors may be incorporated within the same body. A fiber tip cleaner and fiber bonding system may be included within the insertion path. An optical block incorporating the connectors may be configured as a splitter and/or combiner. The connectors and optical blocks may be used to implement a segmented FTTH optical network.