Abstract: Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting whether network nodes and CPE devices serviced by the network nodes are in the same region of a utility power grid are described. Methods and apparatus for using the result of the determination to control, e.g., automatically, backup power resource allocation are also described. Transforming the information collected from CPE devices and other devices into images which are displayed, e.g, as maps, is also described. An automatic determination of whether a network node is in the same power grid region as one or more groups of CPE devices to which the network node provides service. If a network node and a group of CPE devices serviced by the network node are in different utility power regions, backup power devices are automatically deployed to support service to CPE devices during an external power outage at the network node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing beat interference from the splitting and/or combining of signals. In one embodiment, an active splitter/combiner receives multiple input optical signals from downstream communication resources via a number of individual point-to-point links. Each input optical signal is converted to an electric signal (which, unlike the input optical signals, do not share a characteristic wavelength). The resulting electrical signals can be combined without introducing beat interference. Once combined, the resulting aggregate signal is converted back to an optical format for transmission via the optical network. Various other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to active splitting of optical signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting whether network nodes and CPE devices serviced by the network nodes are in the same region of a utility power grid are described. Methods and apparatus for using the result of the determination to control, e.g., automatically, backup power resource allocation are also described. Transforming the information collected from CPE devices and other devices into images which are displayed, e.g, as maps, is also described. An automatic determination of whether a network node is in the same power grid region as one or more groups of CPE devices to which the network node provides service. If a network node and a group of CPE devices serviced by the network node are in different utility power regions, backup power devices are automatically deployed to support service to CPE devices during an external power outage at the network node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called “outside plant” architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing beat interference from the splitting and/or combining of signals. In one embodiment, an active splitter/combiner receives multiple input optical signals from downstream communication resources via a number of individual point-to-point links. Each input optical signal is converted to an electric signal (which, unlike the input optical signals, do not share a characteristic wavelength). The resulting electrical signals can be combined without introducing beat interference. Once combined, the resulting aggregate signal is converted back to an optical format for transmission via the optical network. Various other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to active splitting of optical signals.

Abstract: A system for transporting a plurality of analog and/or digital signals over an optical fiber can include one or more master modems for modulating digital signals and/or RF inserters modulating video signals. The RF signals from the modem(s)/RF inserters are up-converted resulting in frequency bands that are non-overlapping and are spaced apart within a single sub-octave. The sub-octave signal is then converted into an optical signal and directed onto an end of an optical fiber. At the downstream end of the optical fiber, the received optical signal is converted to an RF signal at an optical receiver. The RF signal is then filtered, down-converted and directed to a selected coaxial distribution unit. From the coaxial distribution unit, the RF signal is demodulated, e.g. at a slave modem, to recover the initial analog and/or digital signal.

Abstract: A system for regulating the signal strengths of a plurality of Radio Frequency (RF) signals to reduce signal degradation includes a plurality of controllers. Each controller is operably positioned upstream of an electrical-to-optical converter which generates an optical signal for transmission over a fiber optic transmission path. Each controller functions to detect and identify RF signals whose strength exceeds a maximum value and immediately attenuate the RF signal to prevent the transmission path from being jammed by the signal. Each controller also performs a signal leveling function by sampling signal strength, over time, and uses moving window averaging or some other moving window statistic to level the RF signal. Structurally, each controller includes a detector, a signal attenuator and a signal amplifier that are operationally positioned along a signal path extending from a controller input port to a controller output port and are operationally connected to a processor.

Abstract: A system for transporting a plurality of analog and/or digital signals over an optical fiber can include one or more master modems for modulating digital signals and/or RF inserters modulating video signals. The RF signals from the modem(s)/RF inserters are up-converted resulting in frequency bands that are non-overlapping and are spaced apart within a single sub-octave. The sub-octave signal is then converted into an optical signal and directed onto an end of an optical fiber. At the downstream end of the optical fiber, the received optical signal is converted to an RF signal at an optical receiver. The RF signal is then filtered, down-converted and directed to a selected coaxial distribution unit. From the coaxial distribution unit, the RF signal is demodulated, e.g. at a slave modem, to recover the initial analog and/or digital signal.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling multiple sub-octave band transmissions with reduced second order distortions is provided. For this method, first and second sub-octave bands are established. The second sub-octave band is spaced from the first sub-octave band by a non-transmission band. Digital signals are modulated onto RF carrier frequencies in the first and second band to produce first band RF signals and second band RF signals. The first and second band signals are converted into one or more light beams and transmitted over a fiber optic cable. After transmission, an optical receiver reconverts the light beam into an RF signal. Second order distortions outside a selected sub-octave band can be filtered from RF signal and a tuner used to tune in a selected carrier frequency. A receive modem can then be used to demodulate the tuned carrier frequency for receipt of its respective digital signal.