Abstract: Provided is an outdoor optical node unit (ONU) and method for converting/combining frequencies, and an apparatus and method for converting/combining frequencies in a cable television headend system.

Abstract: Optical communication networks often incorporate fiber rings or fiber mesh topologies for interconnecting its nodes. Both of these topologies can contain closed optical loops at one or more wavelengths within the optical spectrum. In amplified optical systems, the inherent loss of these optical loops is counteracted by the amplifier gain. Thus, the optical loop may have a net loss that is too low to prevent excessive noise buildup resulting in a lasing fiber loop. The noise that builds up within such amplified systems is dominated by the Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) noise resulting in ASE loops. Such loops can have a serious impact on all wavelengths carried by the fiber and lead to a partial or complete loss of end to end communication due to a severe degradation in signal to noise ratio. This invention provides an effective method and system for avoiding ASE loops in optical communication networks.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pluggable module and mounting socket for use in an optical network terminal (ONT). In particular, the mounting socket accepts a pluggable module comprising either a dual-section triplexer card or a single-section diplexer card, thereby allowing a vendor to selectively change the type of PON transport by simply changing the diplexer/triplexer pluggable module to support either diplexer or triplexer applications. The ability to configure the ONT by swapping out the pluggable diplexer/triplexer module eliminates the need for a manufacturer to maintain two different versions of the ONT, i.e., with or without video.

Abstract: Disclosed is transponder (optical transmitter/receiver) that has a switch, which switches on and off the loopback of an optical path, to allow the same transponder to implement the transmission/reception end function on an optical path, and the regenerative repeating function at an intermediate point on an optical path. When a new optical path is built, the assignment of the wavelength and the allocation of the incoming and outgoing paths for transmission/reception are set remotely. (FIG.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical network terminal (ONT) for use in a passive optical network (PON) that provides reliable battery status reporting and, optionally, remote monitoring and configuration of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit. In particular, the UPS unit provides power to the ONT via a power line and transmits data to the ONT via the power line. Generally, the described invention supports one-way or two-way communication of status, alarm, and configuration signals using a single power line. Specifically, such signals may be transmitted over the power line by inserting a carrier frequency, such as a carrier frequency of approximately 1 MHz, onto the power line. In this manner, the invention may provide a simple battery status monitoring system while also reducing the cost of installation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of transmitting data of different bit rates in a simple manner and, if positive minimal multiples whose multiple operation values on the bit time lengths 1/Ai for a plurality of communication bit rates Ai become common are minimal multiples ai respectively, an optical line terminal constitutes a time division multiplex signal composed of a first data area having a bit rate Ai/ai and including frame synchronization information and a second data area in which packets addressed to each optical network unit of the bit rate Ai are time division multiplexed, and transmits the time division multiplex signal to a plurality of optical network units via a branching/multiplexing means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allocating a bandwidth for up-stream data transmission to a plurality of Optical Network Units (ONUs) in an Ethernet Passive Optical Access Network (EPON) in which the ONUs are connected to a single Optical Line Terminal (OLT) are disclosed.

Abstract: A communication apparatus configured to transmit moving image data to a receiving apparatus via a network. The communication apparatus includes a coding unit configured to code the moving image data, a control information generation unit configured to determine a degree of importance of each packet of the moving image data coded by the coding unit and transmission quality of the network, and generate, for each packet, control information to control communication service quality according to the determined degree of importance and transmission quality, a packet generation unit configured to generate a packet based on the moving image data coded by the coding unit and the control information generated by the control information generation unit, and a communication control unit configured to transmit the packet generated by the packet generation unit.

Abstract: A method and system for ensuring confidentiality of signal transmission in a point-to-multipoint data transmission network like Ethernet passive optical network, including at least one hub, at least one transmission medium and at least one station connected to the hub via the transmission medium. When an upstream signal is transmitted from a first station, the upstream signal is reflected by at least one disturbing reflector for producing a disturbing reflection. The disturbing reflection combines with a second reflection of the upstream signal and renders the second reflection undecodable by a second station.

Abstract: A hybrid network optical communication system is provided. The system may include a central office, at least one network group coupled to the central office. The network group may include a plurality of external rings, and each of the external rings may include a plurality of nodes having a ring connection. This system may have economical advantages of reducing the number of optical cores and easily switching directions for protecting the system when any problems occur on the optical cores and the devices at nodes.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a baseband processor, a first handler, a second handler, and a storage unit. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. Herein, the mobile service data may configure an RS frame, and the RS frame may include the mobile service data and first signaling information of a first data type on the mobile service data. The first handler parses the first signaling information received from the RS frame, converts parsed data elements of the first data type to a second data type, and merges multiple identification information of the parsed first data type, thereby generating identification information of the second data type.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting optical failures in a passive optical network (PON) wherein digital burst data transmitted by an optical transmitter is monitored by a photodiode, includes a power determination unit coupled to the photodiode for providing measurements of an output optical power of a high logic level and a low logic level of the digital burst data during ON times of the optical transmitter and for providing a measurement of an output optical power during OFF times of the optical transmitter. A logic unit coupled to the power determination unit is responsive to the measurements for generating control and calibration signals. Such a circuit may be used for detecting rogue optical network unit (ONU) failure or eye safety hazards in a passive optical network (PON) wherein digital burst data transmitted by an optical transmitter is monitored by a photodiode.

Abstract: Methods are described for an optical fan-out and broadcast interconnect. A method includes operating an optical fan-out and broadcast interconnect including: fanning-out an optical signal from an optical signal emitter, of one of a plurality of nodes, with a diverging element of one of a plurality of optics; and broadcasting the optical signal to one of a plurality of receivers of all of the plurality of nodes with a light collecting and focusing element of all of the plurality of optics, wherein the plurality of optics are positioned to define an optics array, the plurality of receivers are positioned to define a receiver array that corresponds to the optics array and the plurality of nodes are positioned to define a node array that substantially corresponds to the receiver array and the optics array.

Abstract: Channel switching system and method of an IPTV service in a passive optical network (PON) are disclosed. To reduce a channel switching time of an IPTV system in the passive optical network, the system and the method use a channel switching control module and a channel list module in the passive optical network. In a case where a passive optical network system receives an IPTV channel switching request transmitted from a terminal user, the channel switching control module checks a recording of a channel list module and a recording of an authentication list module, and then updates a filter recording of an optical network unit to thereby directly transmit an image flow of a new channel in the passive optical network. When such system and method are applied to the passive optical network, high-speed switching of the IPTV service channel by the terminal user can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention provides Ethernet extension and demarcation functionality through a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) pluggable transceiver in a customer or remote device. The pluggable transceiver is configured to frame an Ethernet client signal and to provide OAM&P functionality, such as with G.709 framing. The pluggable transceiver operates within existing multi-source agreement (MSA) specifications. Accordingly, the pluggable transceiver can operate in any customer device compliant to the MSA specifications. Additionally, the framing and OAM&P functionality are transparent to the customer device, but instead utilized by a service provider for demarcation functionality, eliminating the requirements for external demarcation equipment and for external transponders.

Abstract: Shared optical carrier sources for the OLT's are provided. An apparatus comprises a plurality of optical carrier generators, each optical carrier generator outputting an optical carrier at a different wavelength, an optical multiplexer operable to combine the plurality of optical carriers to form a wave division multiplexed optical carrier, and an optical power splitter having a plurality of outputs, each output connectable to an optical line termination unit, the optical power splitter operable to split the wave division multiplexed optical carrier to form a plurality of wave division multiplexed optical carriers.

Abstract: In 1 to N communication based on code division multiplexing, ranging is performed by following the first to ninth steps. First step: all the optical network units are set to standby status. Second step: first and second optical network units are set to transmission enable status. Third step: the phase shift amount is set for the variable phase shifters of the first and second optical network units. Fourth step: reception of a fixed signal is attempted in the optical line terminal. Fifth step: if the fixed signal is not received, processing returns to the second step, and if received, the phase amount of the variable phase shifter is defined and fixed. In the sixth to ninth steps, an operation the same as the first to fifth steps is performed for the third to N-th optical network units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing enhanced optical networking service and performance which are particularly advantageous in terms of low cost and use of existing infrastructure, access control techniques, and components. In the exemplary embodiment, current widespread deployment and associated low cost of Ethernet-based systems are leveraged through use of an Ethernet CSMA/CD MAC in the optical domain on a passive optical network (PON) system. Additionally, local networking services are optionally provided to the network units on the PON since each local receiver can receive signals from all other users. An improved symmetric coupler arrangement provides the foregoing functionality at low cost. The improved system architecture also allows for fiber failure protection which is readily implemented at low cost and with minimal modification.

Abstract: The present invention is generally drawn to optical network architecture that can include a multi-subscriber optical interface that can service a plurality of subscribers that are located in close proximity relative to one another. For example, the multi-subscriber optical interface can service multiple dwelling units such as an apartment complex that has many different subscribers to the optical network system. Further, the invention can also service subscribers over the same optical waveguide who may have different bandwidth needs, such as businesses, personal/home users and the like.

Abstract: An approach to integrate a wireless data network blanket into the high-capacity fixed FttX (Fiber-to-the-Premises/Curb/Neighborhood) network at intersection points throughout the overlay rather than interconnecting them as two disparate networks in order to provide a plurality of data containing video, audio, voice communications, broadcast radio programming, and data both fixed and mobile. This approach is applicable to PON (Passive Optical Networks) and active networks alike, though the implementations vary slightly. Considerations must still be made for security.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for monitoring at least one section (50) of an optical fiber link (15,16), preferably a distribution section behind a passive distribution node (10-13), of a passive Optical Network, and a passive Optical Network being designed to perform the steps of the method.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for use in fixed bandwidth communications and variable bandwidth communications. The transmission apparatus has a memory unit, which stores information contained in a frame and indicating the amount of data to be transmitted from a terminal device, a computing unit, which calculates a bandwidth amount to be assigned to the terminal device based on the data amount, and a transmission unit, which sends the calculated assigned bandwidth amount to the terminal device. The transmission apparatus is characterized in that the computing unit calculates bandwidth amounts to be assigned to different types of flow of which different transmission qualities are requested according to a priority level that is set to each flow type. The transmission apparatus is also characterized in that bandwidth is controlled by designating, instead of a necessary bandwidth amount, transmission starting timing and transmission ending timing, particularly for fixed bandwidth communication data.

Abstract: A contents information delivery method for delivering a desired contents information by transmitting an optical signal from a central station to each of a plurality of user stations via a transmission line includes: a first step (S1) of outputting an optical signal containing the contents information as an optical signal having mutually different wavelengths each assigned for the each user station in advance, in the central station; a second step (S2) of transmitting an optical signal having a plurality of wavelengths outputted via the transmission line in the first step; and a third step (S3), in which each user station receives the optical signal having the wavelength assigned from among the transmitted optical signals, whereby, this simple configuration does not limit the transmission rate, the coding format, or the like in an optical access system, i.e., making it possible to cope with a super-large capacity.

Abstract: Optical networks as defined by the IEEE 802.3ah standard suffer from Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) that causes data transmission at a first optical wavelength to interfere with broadcast video transmission at a second optical wavelength in single mode optical fibers. The problem is exacerbated when data is not being transmitted across the network; and instead, an idle pattern transmission is being transmitted in order to keep the network synchronized. The repetitive nature of the idle pattern transmission leads to the SRS optical interference effect. This optical interference effect is mitigated when countermeasures are implemented to modify the idle pattern transmissions or to transmit random data in place of the idle pattern transmissions.

Abstract: A Passive Optical Network (PON) multicast management method includes: an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) performs multicast control according to multicast control information, and generates a corresponding multicast downstream command; the OLT sends the multicast downstream command to an Optical Network Unit (ONU); and the ONU resolves the multicast downstream command, and performs multicast control according to the multicast downstream command. Accordingly, a PON multicast communication system, an OLT, and an ONU are disclosed. Through the multicast control mechanism introduced into the PON system, the PON multicast functions are enhanced, and the same data destined for multiple ONUs is prevented from being sent repeatedly in the network, and thus the network bandwidth resources are saved.

Abstract: An optical system and method includes a source-free optical network unit coupled to an optical fiber for receiving a centralized lightwave carrier signal with downstream data over the optical fiber. The optical network unit includes a coupler configured to split the original carrier signal into a first path and a second path. The first path includes an optical filter configured to reduce fading effects of the carrier signal. The second path includes a modulator configured to remodulate the centralized lightwave carrier signal with upstream data to produce an upstream data signal for upstream transmission.

Abstract: A transmission system for a passive optical network comprises a shared optical transmission apparatus, a shared electrical interface apparatus and a plurality of transmission convergence termination units. The shared optical transmission apparatus is configured for being coupled to an optical line termination unit via an optical fiber. The shared electrical interface apparatus is coupled to the shared optical transmission apparatus. The plurality of transmission convergence termination units is coupled to the shared electrical interface apparatus. Each one of the transmission convergence termination units is configured for selectively controlling the shared electrical interface apparatus.

Abstract: Cell phones or other wireless devices are becoming increasingly more accessible to customers, but cell phone features are primarily focused on communications services. A system employing an example embodiment activates services for an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in the presence of wireless devices. In particular, the ONT responds to a ranging request from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) with an ONT Identifier (ID) and an ID of a wireless device. If the ID of the wireless device is known, the ONT may enable activate a service, such as a security service for a homeowner. If the ID of the wireless device is unknown, the system may employ security measures, such as notifying the homeowner that a person with a wireless device having an unknown ID is on the premises. Thus, the example embodiment enables or disables premises security or other security based on the ID of the wireless device.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically maintains bi-directional communication between an optical network unit (ONU) and a central office (CO) in a passive optical network (PON) when the CO changes from a first PON mode to a second PON mode. The apparatus senses a PON mode relating to downstream data flow from the CO to the ONU; and upon detecting a change in the PON mode from the first PON mode to the second PON mode, synchronizes the ONU to operate according to the downstream and upstream configurations of the second PON mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the introduction of an outstation into an optical network. The optical network has a central station, and a plurality of previously introduced outstations which are optically connected to the central station. The network is operable in: a normal operating state in which data traffic is received from previously introduced outstations at a normal data rate; and, a set-up state in which the transmission of data traffic from the previously introduced outstations is restricted relative to the normal state, the method including the step of: when the network is in the set-up state, performing a set-up operation for introducing the outstation into the optical network, the set-up operation involving the transmission of set-up data from the outstation being introduced, wherein the set-up data is transmitted at a reduced rate relative to the normal operating rate.

Abstract: An optical fiber network can include an outdoor bandwidth transforming node that can be positioned in close proximity to the subscribers of an optical fiber network. The outdoor bandwidth transforming node does not require active cooling and heating devices that control the temperature surrounding the bandwidth transforming node. The bandwidth transforming node can adjust a subscriber's bandwidth on a subscription basis or on an as-needed basis. The bandwidth transforming node can also offer data bandwidth to the subscriber in preassigned increments. Additionally, the bandwidth transforming node lends itself to efficient upgrading that can be performed entirely on the network side. The bandwidth transforming node can also provide high speed symmetrical data transmission. Further, the bandwidth transforming node can increase upstream and downstream bandwidth and transmission speed by propagating data signals at different wavelengths.

Abstract: A duplicate system includes an active side (0 side) and a standby side (1 side). An OLT includes an autodiscovery function which, when the OLT is active, determines the next starting time of autodiscovery procedure of the standby side and notifies the standby side of the above starting time, a table of management information that holds the line information of a partner with which the OLT forms the duplicate system and the next starting time of autodiscovery procedure of the OLT, and a function of switching active side that calculates a timing of switching active side. A function of receiving data from ONT in the OLT includes a function of detecting data sequence number and a function of detecting queue length. Moreover, a function of sending data of ONT includes a function of assigning sequence number and a function of discarding data.

Abstract: A method and system for ensuring confidentiality of signal transmission in a point-to-multi point data transmission network like Ether net passive optical network, including at least one hub, at least one transmission medium and at least one station connected to the hub via the transmission medium. When an upstream signal is transmitted from a first station, the upstream signal is reflected by at least one disturbing reflector for producing a disturbing reflection. The disturbing reflection combines with a second reflection of the upstream signal and renders the second reflection undependable by a second station.

Abstract: An optical transmitter has a resonance wavelength characteristic that varies with the refractive index of the optical transmitter. The optical transmitter receives a narrow band injected wavelength signal from an incoherent light source. The controller substantially matches a resonant wavelength of the optical transmitter to the wavelength of the injected wavelength signal by changing the refractive index of the optical transmitter to substantially match the resonant wavelength of the optical transmitter and the wavelength of the injected wavelength signal. A detector measures a parameter of the optical transmitter to provide a feedback signal to a controller to determine when the resonant wavelength of the optical transmitter and the wavelength of the injected wavelength signal are substantially matched.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an optical power splitter, an optical delay line coupled to the optical power splitter, an optical amplifier (OA) coupled to the optical delay line, and an adaptive injection current (AIC) controller coupled to the optical power splitter and the OA. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising at least one component configured to implement a method comprising converting an optical signal into a voltage signal, calculating an amplitude correction value for the voltage signal, inverting an amplitude of the voltage signal, adjusting the amplitude of the inverted voltage signal according to the amplitude correction value, and converting the adjusted voltage signal into a current signal. Included is a network comprising an optical line terminal (OLT) comprising an optical receiver and an AIC controlled OA coupled to the optical receiver, wherein the AIC controlled OA provides optical power equalization for any upstream optical signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to allocating the use of optical light-trails. Optical light-trails enable a plurality of nodes included in a light-trail to share the use of an optical wavelength to transmit traffic between the nodes included in the light-trail. A method for allocating the use of an optical light-trail includes calculating a bid at each of one or more nodes included in the light-trail. Each of the nodes calculates a bid with consideration for the criticality of the node's need to transmit particular traffic on the light-trail. The method also includes transmitting the calculated bids from one or more of the nodes to an arbiter node. The arbiter node determines the maximum received bid, determines whether to allocate the use of the light-trail to the node associated with the maximum bid, and then communicates one or more control messages to the nodes that transmitted the bids indicating to which node use of the light-trail is allocated.

Abstract: An optical transmitter of an optical-wireless hybrid transmission system according to the invention outputs a first single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC1) to an optical receiver, generates a polarization-coupled optical signal by orthogonal-polarization-coupling a second single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC2) with a third single-mode optical signal (center frequency: fC3) so as to give the two waves orthogonal polarization directions and the same optical power, and transmits the generated polarization-coupled optical signal to a base station as an optical carrier signal. The optical receiver couples a modulated optical signal transmitted from the base station with the optical signal output from the optical transmitter, demodulates an electrical signal having intermediate frequencies fIF1 and fIF2 that is obtained by photodecting a resulting coupled optical signal, and generates transmit-data by filtering a resulting output signal.

Abstract: In a light reception element such as an APD (Avalanche Photo Diode) used for receiving a high-speed and weak optical signal, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon of distortion of a signal inputted after a large-level light is received. A PON (Passive Optical Network) system includes an OLT (Optical Line Terminal) which can impartially and effectively transmit light reception data to each ONU (Optical Network Unit). According to a light reception amplitude received by each ONU, an inter-frame gap of an appropriate length is assigned for each ONU. The OLT includes a unit for measuring and accumulating the reception light amplitude and data on the inter-frame gap of an appropriate length decided in advance according to the characteristic of the light reception device and generates a grant value for assuring an inter-frame gap of an appropriate length by using the both information.

Abstract: The present invention realizes an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) in an optical access network and a data signal sending method for the optical access network in which the reliability of the network can be assured without increasing the cost of facility investment.

Abstract: A system and method are described for integrating a fiber optic fixed access network and a fiber optic radio access network. At least one radio unit transmits and receives communications with at least one mobile unit. A first multiplexer transmits and receives the communications with the at least one radio unit and fixed access communications with at least one fixed access subscriber. The first multiplexer is connected to each of the at least one radio unit and to each of the at least one fixed access subscriber using fiber optic connections. Each of the at least one radio unit transmits and receives the communications with the first multiplexer using a wavelength that is different for each of the at least one radio unit and different from that used to transmit and receive the fixed access communications from the at least one fixed access subscriber.

Abstract: A ring connection system and method are providing for distributing signals in an optical-to-electrical interface. The method electrically connects a plurality of nodes in a series-connecting ring, and receives an optical signal at a first node from a service provider. The method converts the optical signal to an electrical signal, and distributes the electrical signal via the ring. At each node, the electrical signal is supplied from a customer interface. Typically, each node has a plurality of customer interfaces. In one aspect, ITU-T G.984.3 Giagbit-capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) optical signals are received converted to a customer interface electrical signal such as an Ethernet connecting transfer mode, or time division multiplexed signal. Electrically connecting the plurality of nodes in the series-connected ring includes: series connecting the nodes in a North ring; and, series connecting the nodes in a South ring, opposite in direction from the North ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of ultra-wide band wireless system, which changes the previous electronic structure for ultra-wide band pulse generator, and uses light to generate pulse signal, transformed by microwave differentiator to Gaussian monocycle pulse transmission signal, the derived pulse signal can provide several GHz bandwidth to transmit fast speed information, and further complete the new ultra-wide band wireless system. It reduces the complexity of electronic system and enhances output signal quality by means of light property, with considerable leading advantage. And the signal generated by this system has broader band and no infringe property, its 10 dB band falls within the range prescribed by the Federal Communication Committee of United States (FCC), successfully realizing the ultra wide band fiberoptic wireless collection network system, and further attaining the goal of seamless communication collection.

Abstract: It is necessary to completely remove overlapping of signals between plural PONs in order to make the PONs coexist. Accordingly, it is required to share or intensively manage bandwidth use conditions over an optical fiber that serves as a common band between plural systems. Therefore, transmission clocks should be synchronized with high accuracy between plural systems. A reference clock is provided from an external device or a representative OLT to the entire systems to perform clock synchronization between plural systems, so that the overall systems are synchronized by synchronizing each OLT with the reference clock. A hierarchical management method is selected that manages ONUs under the control of each OLT by managing band use information arranged for each OLT with respect to an external device or a representative OLT for sharing of bandwidth use conditions between plural systems.

Abstract: It is necessary to completely remove overlapping of signals between plural PONs in order to make the PONs coexist. Accordingly, it is required to share or intensively manage bandwidth use conditions over an optical fiber that serves as a common band between plural systems. Therefore, transmission clocks should be synchronized with high accuracy between plural systems. A reference clock is provided from an external device or a representative OLT to the entire systems to perform clock synchronization between plural systems, so that the overall systems are synchronized by synchronizing each OLT with the reference clock. A hierarchical management method is selected that manages ONUs under the control of each OLT by managing band use information arranged for each OLT with respect to an external device or a representative OLT for sharing of bandwidth use conditions between plural systems.

Abstract: A fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) system transmits forward and reverse optical signals, such as video, voice, and data signals, via optical fiber, and includes a plurality of home network units. The home network units include an optical receiver for receiving at least one of the video, voice, and data signals. Included is a plurality of gain stages that are distributed throughout the optical receiver. The gain stages include a preamplifier stage, two interstage amplifiers, and a postamplifier stage. Two gain control circuits automatically adjust the gain of the video signal based upon the input power level to the FTTH optical receiver. Additionally, a tilt network performs level compensation for externally located coaxial cable. A signal is then provided to a device located within a home via the coaxial cable at the proper RF level having low noise signals.

Abstract: A communications system connects one or more BTS hotels with several remote access nodes on a transmission ring. Each operator has one or more separate optical wavelengths. Signal flow around the ring can either be uni-directional or bi-directional. Each optical wavelength (or wavelength pair) contains the wireless signal traffic for all remote nodes in the ring for the operator using that particular wavelength in digital form. At each node, the incoming signals are electrically demultiplexed and appropriate signals for that node are extracted for conversion to RF. These signals are copied rather than cut so that they are also available at following remote antenna nodes, thereby enabling simulcast operation.

Abstract: A cable modem termination system is disclosed with flexible mapping of upstreams to downstreams and flexible mapping of downstreams to optical nodes and optical nodes to upstream receivers and the ability to add singe upstreams or downstreams as needed for load balancing. Multiple downstreams can share the same upstream. Multiple receivers can be coupled to the same upstream. Monitoring of upstream performance for overperforming or underperforming modems can be carried out, and new upstreams with higher and/or lower throughtput can be created to service the overperformers and/or underperformers. Modems can be grouped into logical groups with different performance levels and serviced by different upstreams or different upstream logical channels on the same upstream physical channel. An upstream linecard with a digital crosspoint switch is disclosed with the switch operated during contention intervals to allow reception with or without aggregation of noise where multiple upstream share the same receiver.

Abstract: There are provided fiber optic local convergence points (“LCPs”) adapted for use with multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) that facilitate relatively easy installation and/or optical connectivity to a relatively large number of subscribers. The LCP includes a housing mounted to a surface, such as a wall, and a cable assembly with a connector end to be optically connected to a distribution cable and a splitter end to be located within the housing. The splitter end includes at least one splitter and a plurality of subscriber receptacles to which subscriber cables may be optically connected. The splitter end of the cable assembly of the LCP may also include a splice tray assembly and/or a fiber optic routing guide. Furthermore, a fiber distribution terminal (“FDT”) may be provided along the subscriber cable to facilitate installation of the fiber optic network within the MDU.

Abstract: A network TAP that provides access to data communicated in a network. The TAP includes a first port for connecting to a pluggable optoelectronic module such as an optical transceiver, a link port for connecting to an optical link configured to receive and send data to the optical transceiver, and a TAP port for relaying diverted optical data to a storage and/or analyzing device. Couplers are used to split the optical signals entering the TAP from the first port and/or the link port such that a useable portion of the optical signal(s) can be stored and/or analyzed. The TAP also includes optical devices for relaying optical signals between components in the TAP.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning a broadcast receiver such as a television set with a subscriber optical interface (SOI) that can be located outside a subscriber's premises and can be adjacent to the subscriber's premises. For example, a subscriber optical interface can be mounted on a side of a home which converts optical data and optical video signals received from an optical waveguide to electrical signals. Because of the hardware contained in the subscriber optical interface, any video processing hardware that is present within the subscriber's premises for tuning video programs can be reduced or substantially eliminated without sacrificing a range of services available to a subscriber from a fiber-to-the-home optical network.