Abstract: A method of segmenting an access network of a hybrid fiber coaxial network, the method comprising receiving optical signals at a main node converting the optical signals into digital signals associated with data and electrical signals associated with a broadcast spectrum, converting the digital signals into electrical signals in a frequency range differing from a frequency range of the broadcast spectrum electrical signals, producing a combined electrical signal with separate frequency bands for data and broadcast spectrum signals, and conveying the combined signal along a coaxial cable to a plurality of subsidiary nodes. Frequencies associated with a first Narrowcast band within the broadcast electrical spectrum signal are replaced with frequencies associated with a second Narrowcast band.

Abstract: A method of transporting digital data over coaxial cable comprising converting digital signals associated with data into data electrical signals, positioning at least one repeater station, along a coaxial cable, restoring digital signals from the data electrical signals at the repeater station, and converting the digital signals back into data electrical signals at the repeater station for onward transmission. Typically a plurality of repeater stations are disposed at spaced-apart intervals along the coaxial cable with each repeater station comprises a receiver and transmitter, the receiver receiving data electrical signals and restoring these into digital signals with the transmitter converting the digital signals back into data electrical signals for onward transmission. The data electrical signals have a frequency of at least 2 GHz.

Abstract: A method of transporting digital data over coaxial cable comprising converting digital signals associated with data into data electrical signals having a frequency extending up to at least 2 GHz and transmitting the electrical signals over coaxial cable. The data electrical signals can comprise upstream and downstream signals arranged in separate non-overlapping frequency bands, with the upstream band having a lower frequency than the downstream band. A replacement Abstract is attached hereto on a separate sheet in accordance with 37 CFR 1.72.

Abstract: There is provided an electrical device (10) comprising electrical elements communicating with an integral power supply (12), wherein a power connection means (22) associated with the electrical elements (13, 13? and 14) is adapted to receive a temporary external source of electrical power such as a battery (24) to allow removal and replacement of the integral power supply without interrupting power to the electrical elements. The integral power supply (12) is adapted to receive an enduring external power source, with a second switch (32) provided to disable connection of the integral power supply (12) to the enduring power source while the battery (24) is connected.

Abstract: There is provided a method of anticipating component failure in broadband network devices, the method comprising monitoring values of AC ripple voltage on a DC voltage from a power supply associated with a CATV amplifier or node, comparing values of AC ripple voltage with a set value to determine whether the value of AC ripple voltage are acceptable or not, generating an alarm when the set value is exceeded and sending the alarm to a remote computing device. The monitoring step further comprises amplifying the AC ripple voltage by a factor of 10 and passing the amplified signal to a processing means for comparison with the set value. A circuit for monitoring the ripple voltage is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method of anticipating component failure in broadband network devices, the method comprising monitoring values of AC ripple voltage on a DC voltage from a power supply associated with a CATV amplifier or node, comparing values of AC ripple voltage with a set value to determine whether the value of AC ripple voltage are acceptable or not, generating an alarm when the set value is exceeded and sending the alarm to a remote computing device. The monitoring step further comprises amplifying the AC ripple voltage by a factor of 10 and passing the amplified signal to a processing means for comparison with the set value. A circuit for monitoring the ripple voltage is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an electrical device (10) comprising electrical elements communicating with an integral power supply (12), wherein a power connection means (22) associated with the electrical elements (13, 13? and 14) is adapted to receive a temporary external source of electrical power such as a battery (24) to allow removal and replacement of the integral power supply without interrupting power to the electrical elements. The integral power supply (12) is adapted to receive an enduring external power source, with a second switch (32) provided to disable connection of the integral power supply (12) to the enduring power source whilst the battery (24) is connected.