Abstract: There is provided a cable network device (10) comprising an output path (32), for example from a diplex filter, connected to at least one output (14) and a test port (24?) associated with the at least one output (14), wherein a microstrip directional coupler (30) is disposed in the output path (32) with a coupling port (44) of the microstrip directional coupler (30) connected to the test port (24?), and an amplifier element (36) and at least one equalizer (34) disposed between the coupling port (44) and the test port (24?). The device is configured for signals complying with a high frequency spectrum of 1.8 GHz and above.

Abstract: There is provided a cable tap (36) comprising an input (38) and an output (40), a first signal path (37) connected between the input (38) and the output (40), and a splitter element (26) providing a plurality of tap ports (24), wherein a second signal path (43) is connected between the splitter element (26) and the first signal path (37) and signal processing element (42) is disposed in the second signal path (43), the signal processing element (42) configured to measure and adjust characteristics of a signal passing between the splitter element (26) and the first signal path (37) so as to ensure each tap port remains at a required signal level. The signal processing element (42) comprises a gain control element (44) acting on at least one level attenuator (46) and at least one equalizer (50).

Abstract: There is provided fiber-coaxial amplifier device (10) comprising at least one output (14) and a test point (26) associated with the at least one output (14), wherein alternative first and second electrical paths (36, 38) are connectable to the at least one output (14), the first path (36) connectable to the at least one output (14) whilst bypassing the test point, the second path (38) connectable to both the at least one output (14) and the test point (26), and a relay (30) operable to connect one of the first path or the second path to the at least one output (14). The fiber-coaxial amplifier device (10) is configured for signals complying with Extended Spectrum DOCSIS.

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: There is provided an outdoor tap comprising an input and an output connectable to a signal path carrying electrical power and an RF signal, and a plurality of output ports connectable to users of a broadband network, wherein a power return path is provided between each output port and the input, the power return path selectively actuable to transmit electrical power from a user to power elements disposed in the signal path. A switch is disposed in the power return path, the switch selectively operable to activate the power return path. The switch is responsive to AC power from a user when a main electrical grid supply is interrupted.

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 outdoor tap comprising an input and an output connectable to a signal path carrying electrical power and an RF signal, and a plurality of output ports connectable to users of a broadband network, wherein a power return path is provided between each output port and the input, the power return path selectively actuable to transmit electrical power from a user to power elements disposed in the signal path. A switch is disposed in the power return path, the switch selectively operable to activate the power return path. The switch is responsive to AC power from a user when a main electrical grid supply is interrupted.

Abstract: There is provided a cable television (CATV) cable tap device comprising a cable tap unit having a front section with electrical circuitry connected to a plurality of tap ports and a rear section connectable to a broadband network, wherein an amplifier unit is disposed between the front section and the rear section and is in electrical communication with both the front section and the rear section. The amplifier unit is a separate module and comprises one or more amplification circuits for upstream and/or downstream amplification of signals.

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 an amplifier device for a CATV network comprising a first amplifier element for upstream signals and a second amplifier element for downstream signals, wherein the first and second amplifier elements are disposed between first and second directional couplers. The combined isolation of the first and second directional couplers is greater than the sum of the gain of the first and second amplifier elements. The first directional coupler has one port attached to an input of the downstream amplification element and one port attached to an output of an upstream amplification element (38) and the second directional coupler has one port attached to an output of the downstream amplifier and one port attached to an input of the upstream amplifier.

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.

Abstract: There is provided a cable television (CATV) cable tap device comprising a cable tap unit having a front section with electrical circuitry connected to a plurality of tap ports and a rear section connectable to a broadband network, wherein an amplifier unit is disposed between the front section and the rear section and is in electrical communication with both the front section and the rear section. The amplifier unit is a separate module and comprises one or more amplification circuits for upstream and/or downstream amplification of signals.

Abstract: There is provided interface apparatus (40) for use in a broadband and/or CATV network (10), the apparatus (40) comprising signal separation means (50, 50?) to create separate downstream and upstream signal paths (46, 48?) and an amplifier means (54) for amplifying upstream signals, wherein the amplifier means (54) is positioned in the upstream signal path and is in communication with a signal detection means (56) operable to power the amplifier means (54) dependent on a signal level of the upstream signal. The signal detection means (56) is positioned downstream of the amplifier means in the upstream path. The signal detection means (56) incorporates a switching element (58) responsive to a detected signal level to interrupt power (60) to the amplifier means (54) and so prevent passing along the upstream path.

Abstract: There is provided a cable connector (10) comprising a body (12) joined to a connector ring (14) for securing to a female connector (20), wherein a seal (26) is placed between the body (12) and the connector ring (14). The use of the seal or gasket (26) prevents electromagnetic leakage from and into the connector. The connector ring can be provided with an inner recess (28) housing a ring spring (30) so as to grip a female connector tightly and prevent electromagnetic leakage where the connector mounts to the female connector.

Abstract: There is provided a cable connector (10) comprising a body (12) joined to a connector ring (14) tor securing to a female connector (20), wherein a seal (26) is placed between the body (12) and the connector ring (14). The use of the seal or gasket (26) prevents electromagnetic leakage from and into the connector. The connector ring can be provided with an inner recess (28) housing a ring spring (30) so as to grip a female connector tightly and prevent electromagnetic leakage where the connector mounts to the female connector.