Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to cost effectively monitor and control distributed devices within a cable television network are disclosed. In particular, a gateway transponder and a device transponder are provided. A device transponder can be associated with a device other than a power supply located in a cable television network. The device transponder provides an efficient mechanism for exchanging control messages between a device where the transponder resides and a network operator management system. A gateway transponder can be associated with a network power supply. A gateway transponder serves as a gateway between a network operator management system and a set of device transponders. In a further feature of the present invention, a very simplified management protocol is provided that simplifies Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) messaging and reduces the size of management messages that are exchanged between a gateway transponder and a device transponder.

Abstract: A modular cable television tap unit includes a base module which receives a cable television signal having an operational power signal component from a cable distribution network. The base unit includes circuitry for separating radio frequency (RF) components and the operational power signal component from the cable television signal. The separated operational power signal is passed through the base module to another cable in the network. The base module includes a set of connectors for receiving a removable directional coupler module and a single connector for receiving a removable addressable signal splitter module. The signal splitter module includes connectors for providing the RF components of the cable television signal to subscribers. The connection for the directional coupler module provides only the RF component of the cable television signal.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a remote pilot unit is provided wherein both the pilot receiver and the pilot transmitter are calibrated. A test signal of a known magnitude is applied to the pilot unit and the magnitude actually received by the pilot receiver is determined. The two magnitudes are compared and a correction signal is determined. To calibrate the remote transmitter, a signal of a nominal magnitude from the transmitter is applied to a measurement device and the determination is made by the measurement device of the actual magnitude applied. The actual magnitude and the nominal magnitude are compared and a transmitter correction signal is determined. The receiver correction signal and the transmitter correction signal are stored in permanent memory within the pilot unit. This process is repeated at a plurality of frequencies to provide a signature for both the transmitter and the receiver.