Abstract: A system and method for a distribution network is provided wherein cascaded power amplifiers with bypass switching are disposed along the branches of the network. The amplifiers may have an RF modem and a programmable digital computer that enables communication with a headend or a controlling computer as well as a bypass switch control for disabling the amplification function of the amplifiers. The amplifier may have a wireless communication system for communicating with individual subscriber's homes and communicating with a neighboring amplifier system for use in emergency situations or during installation and configuration of the network. The network comprised of the amplifiers may have redundant signal paths, using the wireless communication devices of the amplifiers, which may be used as backup signal paths for certain communications requiring high uptime such as telephony.

Abstract: A method of upstream communication over a linear broadband network includes the steps of generating an upstream baseband signal and modulating it onto an upstream wireless radio frequency carrier to produce a first upstream modulated carrier signal. The modulated carrier signal is transmitted wirelessly, received, and demodulated to reproduce the information integrity of the upstream baseband signal. The signal is then modulated onto an upstream linear broadband radio frequency carrier for transmission on the linear broadband network. Advantageously, noise that accumulates at the subscriber premises is removed from the upstream signal prior to presentation of the signal to the upstream path of the linear broadband network. A system for communicating over a linear broadband network includes network access interface devices coupled to the linear broadband network.