Abstract: A retro-reflective marker comprising a bare retro-reflective layer; a protective layer with a near-infrared (NIR) wavelength specific anti-reflective coating; and a border with an NIR absorbent coating.

Abstract: A method of controlling sampling frequency and sampling phase of a sampling device from a value generated by an equalizer coupled to the sampling device includes the steps of generating a complex representation of the value developed by the equalizer and generating a representation of a decision from an output of the equalizer. The complex representation and the decision representation are correlated to obtain a sampling error estimate. The sampling error estimate is used to adjust the sampling frequency and sampling phase of the sampling device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a feedforward filter of an equalizer includes the steps of generating a complex representation of an output of the feedforward filter and generating a representation of a decision from an output of the equalizer. The complex representation and the decision representation are correlated to obtain a phase error estimate. A phase correction value is generated based on the phase error estimate and used to adjust the phase of the output of the feedforward filter.

Abstract: A system and methods for automatic digital certificate installation on network devices in a data-over-cable network are developed. One of the methods includes sending a digital certificate request from a cable modem to a predetermined network server upon determining on the cable modem that there is no digital certificate already installed on the cable modem. The method further includes generating at least one digital certificate on the network server and providing the at least one digital certificate to the cable modem.

Abstract: Methods for reducing interference from initializing network devices in a data-over-cable system. The method includes aligning Initial Maintenance intervals for multiple upstream channels of the data-over-cable system. A cable modem termination system determines if usage intervals for the upstream channels may accommodate Initial Maintenance intervals that start at a common time. If so, the cable modem termination system constructs Bandwidth Allocation MAP messages for the usage intervals that contain Initial Maintenance intervals timed to start at the common time. In response to the MAP messages, initializing network devices range when there are no scheduled data transmissions on any upstream channel. The method may shorten a cable modem's time for ranging and may decrease collisions with data transmissions on the upstream paths when cable modems try to initialize.

Abstract: Methods for reducing interference from initializing network devices in a data-over-cable system. The method includes aligning Initial Maintenance intervals for multiple upstream channels of the data-over-cable system. A cable modem termination system determines if usage intervals for the upstream channels may accommodate Initial Maintenance intervals that start at a common time. If so, the cable modem termination system constructs Bandwidth Allocation MAP messages for the usage intervals that contain Initial Maintenance intervals timed to start at the common time. In response to the MAP messages, initializing network devices range when there are no scheduled data transmissions on any upstream channel. The method may shorten a cable modem's time for ranging and may decrease collisions with data transmissions on the upstream paths when cable modems try to initialize.