Abstract: A converter apparatus (Mini Fiber Node MFN) for use in a communication network (e.g., a coax network) includes a signal distribution unit (e.g., fiber node FN) for transmitting frequency-division multiplexed communication signals downstream over a coax cable to a node apparatus (amplifier) and via an access path to a plurality of end unit apparatuses connected thereto. The converter apparatus connects to the access path and receives downstream second FDM signals directly from the central office over an optical communication path and sends the second FDM signals to at least one end unit apparatus over the access path. The converter apparatus also receives upstream FDM signals from the at least one end unit apparatus over the access path and transmits the upstream FDM signals to the central office over the optical path. In another embodiment, the converter apparatus connects directly to the primary path to provide service to an end user apparatus connected in a "tapped-bus" arrangement.

Abstract: At a central facility, information for a user is converted to a carrierless AM/PM (CAP) signal, upconverted, combined with other upconverted signals destined for other users and transmitted via an analog optical fiber optic line to an optical network unit (ONU) which downconverts the CAP signals without changing their modulation format and places them on the appropriate unshielded twisted line pairs for respective users. If the user is able to receive the optical fiber directly, the ONU can be eliminated. Information may also be transmitted from the users to the central facility using the same transmission lines. Additionally, voiceband channels may be carried on the same transmission lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise in optical communication systems, wherein the frequency of light output from a signal laser is modulated or dithered to broaden the optical spectrum of the signal laser. The broadening allows error-free data transmission within signal bands, despite the presence of optical beat interference. Different dithering tones are emitted by each laser in the network. The dithering tone for each signal laser in an optical network is chosen so that distortion resulting from the dithering tone falls outside the signal bands.

Abstract: A temperature controlled mounting package for a fiber optic communication laser, mounted within an adapter, which is in thermal contact with a heat exchange element. The heat exchange element may be a thermoelectric cooling element or a resistance heater which maintains the laser within a temperature band. By keeping the temperature bandwidth to 40 degrees Centigrade, the signal variations are held to within 1 dB in fiber-optic applications.

Abstract: A data communication system includes a novel transceiver which uses different transmit and receive data symbol lengths enabling the transceiver to operate in a full-duplex mode. The transceiver transmits data of a first type over a communication link during a first time period, and receives data of a second type over the link during a second time period which is longer than the first time period and which overlaps a portion of the first time period. In one embodiment, the transceiver switches a transmitting means to the link during the first time period and connects a receiving means to the link during a portion of the second time period which does not overlap the first time period.

Abstract: A communication network (e.g., a coax network or an optical fiber network) comprises a signal distribution network (e.g., fiber node FN) for transmitting communication signals downstream over a first communication path to a plurality of end user apparatuses connected thereto. At least one end user apparatus is arranged for sending the return signals downstream over at least part of the first communication path to a converter apparatus which collects the return signals and converts them to an upstream signal for transmission over a second separate communication path to the distribution unit.

Abstract: An amplitude-modulated vestigial-sideband, television channel sub-carrier multiplexed optical fiber transmission system includes a laser diode operating linearly throughout the desired range of multiplex frequencies. Such linear laser diode operation is accomplished by limiting leakage current within the laser diode to a very low level. The composite second-order distortion in the optical output signal from the laser diode is down typically 50 db from the video carrier for each channel. For some laser diodes that exhibit slow turn-on in the L-I characteristic, there is a point of inflection in the L-I curve. Operation with the laser biased at or near this point results in extremely linear performance, even though the laser may have insufficient blocking of leakage current to otherwise produce acceptable linearity.