Abstract: The VOIP drop amplifier connects end user equipment to a broadband system, such as that provided by a cable provider. The amplifier includes a splitter for connecting the cable signal to multiple output connectors, and RF amplifiers compensating for losses in the splitter and other passive components in the amplifier. The drop amplifier includes an input connection for accepting a broadband cable signal from a cable system and returning broadband signals to the cable system. The drop amplifier includes an amplification path connecting the input connection to the plurality of output connections through RF amplifiers and a splitter, and a bypass path that bypass the splitter and forward and reverse amplifiers in the amplification path to connect the input connection directly to the output connection for the essential circuits. A sensing circuit monitors the amplifiers and the supply voltages, and selects the bypass path when a failure is detected.

Abstract: The VOIP drop amplifier connects end user equipment to a broadband system, such as that provided by a cable provider. The amplifier includes a splitter for connecting the cable signal to multiple output connectors, and RF amplifiers compensating for losses in the splitter and other passive components in the amplifier. The drop amplifier includes an input connection for accepting a broadband cable signal from a cable system and returning broadband signals to the cable system. The drop amplifier includes an amplification path connecting the input connection to the plurality of output connections through RF amplifiers and a splitter, and a bypass path that bypass the splitter and forward and reverse amplifiers in the amplification path to connect the input connection directly to the output connection for the essential circuits. A sensing circuit monitors the amplifiers and the supply voltages, and selects the bypass path when a failure is detected.

Abstract: A spectrum manager and a spectrum management method for a communication network. The preferred embodiment is a method of controlling the transmission of multiple information streams in a communication network comprising the steps of providing a communication network and a plurality of information streams corresponding to a plurality of analog and digital services provided by the network; assigning to each information stream one or more spectrum slices within a predetermined frequency spectrum so that each information stream has a different spectrum slice(s) assigned to it; transmitting the information streams over the communication network within the information streams' assigned spectrum slices; assigning to at least one information stream a new spectrum slice within the predetermined frequency spectrum; and transmitting the information streams over the communication network within the information streams' assigned spectrum slices.