Abstract: A radio-over-fiber (RoF) hybrid wired/wireless transponder is disclosed that is configured to provide both wireless and wired communication between a hybrid head-end and one or more client devices. The hybrid transponder includes optical-to-electrical (O/E) and electrical-to-optical (E/O) conversion capability and is configured to frequency multiplex/demultiplex electrical “wired” signals and electrical “wireless” signals. The electrical wireless signals are wirelessly communicated to the client device(s) via a multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system within a cellular coverage area. The electrical wired signals are communicated to the client device(s) via a wireline cable that plugs into a wireline cable port on the transponder. The hybrid RoF system includes a hybrid head-end capable of transmitting and receiving wired and wireless optical signals, and an optical fiber cable that is optically coupled to the hybrid head-end and to at least one hybrid transponder.

Abstract: Detecting ingress of a transmitted signal into a cable communication system due to a radio frequency signal transmitted from a moving vehicle and interrogation of transmitter location over a separate wireless link provides monitoring of shielding integrity or flaws there in a cable communication system. The location of a shielding flaw may then be precisely located in a closed loop fashion without risking overload of the cable communication system or interference with upstream signaling therein by detecting ingress signal strength and controlling transmitted signal strength while providing a user-perceptible indication of ingress signal strength which is compensated for the control of transmitted signal strength and thus indicates proximity of a hand-held instrument or transmitter to said shielding flaw.

Abstract: There is provided a terminate or permit device that includes an internal circuitry, which discriminates between noise and non-noise transmissions. In one embodiment, the internal circuitry comprises a switch and termination unit (“STU”) with a signal path that is used to terminate and/or permit the upstream bandwidth based on the presence of non-noise transmissions. The internal circuitry also comprises a signal processing unit (“SPU”) with a processing circuit, which is configured to identify the non-noise transmissions from the upstream bandwidth, and to cause the STU to permit the upstream bandwidth based on the presence of the non-noise transmissions.

Abstract: A network system and method include a wireless base station integrated at a central office of a service provider. The wireless base station is configured to provide portable and fixed services to customers. A passive optical network is coupled to the wireless base station at the central office to provide a link to extend an antenna for wireless operations of the wireless base station to a remote site such that a wireless signal from the wireless base station is transmitted in parallel with a passive fiber network signal through the link.

Abstract: A general object of the present invention is to provide an optical communication system in which an optical transmission power of an optical communication apparatus is controlled to be a required minimum power that apparatuses of all subscribers in the optical communication system meet a prescribed error rate. An optical line terminating apparatus (OLT) transmits data to multiple optical network apparatuses (ONUs) at an optical intensity calculated based on information acquired from the multiple ONUs, which is related to optical intensities of signals that the multiple ONUs receive from the OLT, the optical intensity being calculated so that a minimum optical intensity of the optical intensities of the signals is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Presented are method and apparatus embodiments to terminate an interruptible signal path when the interruptible signal path is unterminated. The apparatus can comprise a signal path from a supplier-side port thru a user-side port, a signal source arranged to provide a signal to the conductor; and a signal circuit arranged in the interruptible signal path. The apparatus can determine when the signal path is unterminated and, in that case, interrupt and terminate the signal path by putting a signal switching device in the appropriate state and/or sending signals from the signal path to a prescribed signal level connection point. When a user device is not connected or connected improperly, or the signals through the signal path are otherwise unterminated, the interruptible signal path can be interrupted and terminated. The method and apparatus embodiments can be used in various combinations with multiple signal paths having multiple signal branches.

Abstract: Two or more set-top boxes are installed in a household. A communications link, preferably a physical link, is provided between or among the set-top boxes. One of the boxes is designated as a “master” box while the other box or boxes are “slaves.” The slave box will use the communications link to communicate in a secured and encrypted manner with the master box. If that communication is severed, e.g., if an attempt is made to move the slave box to another household to provide unauthorized service in that household, the slave box will stop working when it can no longer communicate with the master box.

Abstract: An optical system with a first and second network tiers. The first network tier includes a plurality of major nodes optically interconnected by at least one transmission path. The second network tier includes a plurality of minor nodes disposed along the transmission path and the minor nodes are connected to at least one of the major nodes. The minor node is configured to transmit all traffic to an adjacent major node, and the major nodes are configured to transmit to and receive information from other major nodes and minor nodes on transmission paths connected to the major node.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for implementing an electro-optical cable distribution network in which a coaxial cable is replaced with an optical cable in order to provide a service integrating broadcast data and communication data by solving a frequency constraint problem in a cable television (CATV) network employing a conventional hybrid-fiber coaxial (HFC) network architecture. The apparatus includes an optical network unit (ONU) which converts a downstream signal received from a system operator (SO) into an optical signal and transmits the optical signal to an optical cable; and an optical cable modem which receives the optical downstream signal from the ONU and converts the received signal into an electrical signal. In addition, the ONU and the optical cable modem control signal quality of an optical path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for minimizing signal interference for a network device is provided. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to detect an interference signal. The apparatus also includes a signal analyzer that is configured to analyze the detected interference signal. The apparatus further includes an interface. The interface is configured to advertise detection of the interference signal as a service offered by the apparatus to the network device. The interface is configured to accept a request from the network device to subscribe to the service. The interface is also configured to alert the network device when the interference signal is detected.

Abstract: A radio over fiber link apparatus for transmitting/receiving radio frequency up/downlink signals in a TDD mobile communication system. The radio over fiber link apparatus includes a center site for receiving radio frequency signals from an access point of the mobile communication system. The center site has a first electro-optic converter for converting the radio frequency signals into optical signals, bias control of the first electro-optic converter being performed based on the switching of TDD signals; and a remote for transmitting the radio frequency signals to a mobile communication terminal through an antenna. The remote site has a first photoelectric converter for converting the optical signals transmitted through an optical fiber from the center site into radio frequency signals.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for transporting information from a central information distribution center (CIDC) to locations where such information is intended. Upon receiving a request for narrowcast information to be delivered to a node associated with a head end, the CIDC selects the requested information, generates an optical signal encoded with the requested information using information channels dedicated to narrowcast information transport for the node, and sends the optical signal to the head end via an optical fiber. When the head end receives the optical signal, the narrowcast information transport channels dedicated to the node are translated into subcarriers acceptable to the node before the requested narrowcast information is forwarded to the node.

Abstract: Systems and methods which facilitate broadband transmission of signals using a delivery point tuning technique to provide a extended frequency passive optical network (EF-PON) are shown. Embodiments provide an extended frequency optical transition node (EF-OTN) at each of a plurality of delivery points to provide a frequency translation interface between equipment disposed at the delivery point locations and a network utilizing transmission bandwidth which is incompatible with that equipment. The foregoing frequency conversion is preferably transparent to the equipment receiving the network transmissions. Embodiments utilize a single wideband tuner for providing frequency conversion with respect to a plurality of equipment disposed a delivery point.

Abstract: A motion image distribution system includes a server and a use terminal. The server generates a feature quantity table CHT1 representing a data structure of motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates the motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT1. Then, the server transmits the motion image encoded data VDE and the feature quantity table CHT1 to the user terminal. The user terminal generates a feature quantity table CHT2 representing a data structure of the received motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates received motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT2. Then, the user terminal plays back the motion image encoded data VDE and outputs motion image playback information.

Abstract: A traffic prioritization system and method performs a coarse classification of upstream bursts at the physical interface of a wireless communications device. The wireless device monitors and controls communications with a plurality of remote wireless communications devices throughout a widely distributed network, including the Internet. The traffic prioritization system includes a burst receiver that receives and sends the upstream bursts to a classifier. At an appropriate time, the classifier receives the upstream bursts and queries a priority lookup table (LUT) to determine a priority classification. The priority classification is used to separate the bursts into two or more priority levels. The higher priority level is used to designate services having a low tolerance for delay, such as telephony. Upon classification, the upstream bursts are forwarded to one of several priority queues. Each priority queue corresponds to at least one priority level.

Abstract: A network interface apparatus comprises a bidirectional optical signal port, an optical diplexer connected to the bidirectional optical signal port, a first RF signal port (bidirectional), a second RF signal port, a first RF diplexer, and an RF splitter. The RF diplexer transmits a first received RF input signal from the first RF signal port to the optical diplexer to modulate an optical output signal transmitted by the optical diplexer to the optical signal port. The RF splitter receives from the optical diplexer an RF signal derived from an RF-modulated optical input signal received from the bidirectional optical signal port, transmits a first portion of the derived RF signal as a first RF output signal to the first RF signal port through the first RF diplexer, and transmits a second portion of the derived RF signal as a second RF output signal to the second RF signal port.

Abstract: A method for reducing output traffic bursts in a streaming media cache includes receiving a request from a first client system for a stream of media data, the stream of media data including a first streaming media data packet and a second streaming media data packet, receiving a request from a second client system for the stream of media data, receiving the first streaming media data packet from an upstream server, the first streaming media data packet including a delivery time, determining a first modified delivery time for the first streaming media data packet, determining a second modified delivery time for the first streaming media data packet, the first modified delivery time different from the second modified delivery time, modifying the first streaming media data packet with the first modified delivery time to form a first modified first streaming media data packet, modifying the first streaming media data packet with the second modified delivery time to form a second modified first streaming media dat

Abstract: A system and method for determining an operational status of a segment of a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network. Subscriber premises units (SPUs) connected to the HFC cable network are “pinged” and their responses recorded. The two most responsive SPUs in each node of the HFC cable network are identified. The most responsive SPU is added to a primary ping list and the next most responsive SPU is added to a secondary ping list. The SPUs on the primary list are “pinged” and their responses recorded. If an SPU on the primary list fails to respond, the secondary SPU associated with the node is pinged. If both the primary and secondary SPU associated with a node fail to respond to the “ping,” the node is identified as non-responsive. If all of the nodes associated with a modulator (or a demodulator) are identified as non-responsive, the modulator (or demodulator) is identified as “non-responsive.” Additionally, network devices are pinged and their responses noted.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a passive optical network (PON) system and a method for protecting the service of the system for service recovery and fault locating in case of a failure of the network, wherein the PON system comprises an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical distribution network (ODN) and an optical network terminal (ONT) equipment protection group comprising a plurality of ONT equipment groups, each of which is connected to at least one of other ONT equipment groups within the ONT equipment protection group for the mutual protection relationship. The PON system of the present disclosure does not require equipment and link redundancy for backup, contributes to reduced cost and improved utilization of resources, and provides a means for diagnosing any faults of the links and equipment in the network.

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: The present invention helps eliminate ingress noise addition (i.e., the “noise funneling effect” for an HFC coaxial plant). A system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a switch that includes: (i) a first state for allowing passage of a signal therethrough; and (ii) a second state for preventing passage of the signal therethrough. The system further includes a detection circuit in communication with the switch. The detection circuit is configured to: (i) detect whether the signal includes an amplitude of at least a predetermined level; (ii) operate the switch to the first state if the amplitude of the signal is at least the predetermined level; and (iii) operate the switch to the second state if the amplitude of the signal is less than the predetermined level, wherein operation of the switch to the second state is delayed by a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: This invention provides a new architecture for a communication system between head-ends and end-users which expands bandwidth and reliability of the communication system. A mux-node receives communication signals from a head-end and forwards the received communication signals to one or more mini-fiber nodes. The connection to the head-end is via a small number of optical fibers and the connections to each of the mini-fiber nodes may be via one or more optical fibers that may provide full duplex communication. The head-end may communicate with the mux-node using digital or digital and analog signals. The mini-fiber nodes may combine the signals received from the head-end with loop-back signals used for local media access control prior to forwarding the signals to the end-users. Upstream data are received by the mini-fiber nodes and transmitted to the mux-node.

Abstract: An optical system with a first and second network tiers. The first network tier includes a plurality of major nodes optically interconnected by at least one transmission path. The second network tier includes a plurality of minor nodes disposed along the transmission path and the minor nodes are connected to at least one of the major nodes. The minor node is configured to transmit all traffic to an adjacent major node, and the major nodes are configured to transmit to and receive information from other major nodes and minor nodes on transmission paths connected to the major node.

Abstract: In a method of reducing and diagnosing upstream ingress noise in cable data system utilize a MAC/MAP management messages via a downstream path based on Cable Systems Interface Specification (DOCSIS) to provide precise control of gates deployed near the user side provide a powerful algorithm for CATV operators to mitigate ingress noise problem.

Abstract: Ingress noise from subscriber equipment is mitigated or prevented from reaching a cable television (CATV) network. All upstream signals including ingress noise are initially transmitted to the CATV network whenever their instantaneous power exceeds a threshold which typically distinguishes ingress noise from a valid upstream signal. Whenever the instantaneous power is below the threshold, ingress noise is blocked from reaching the CATV network. A gas tube surge protection device is included to resist component destruction and malfunction arising from lightning strikes and other high voltage, high current surges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptively transmitting an uplink signal comprising information from a ground station to a satellite is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving a transmitted downlink signal at a ground station from the satellite; measuring the quality of the transmitted signal; computing a prediction of a degradation of the uplink signal using the quality of the received signal, and transmitting the uplink signal according to the predicted degradation of the uplink signal.

Abstract: A method of identifying a source of ingress into a network includes storing frequency spectra of known sources of ingress, comparing the frequency spectrum of ingress to the frequency spectra of known sources of ingress, and determining from the comparison which of the frequency spectra of known sources of ingress is closest to the frequency spectrum of the ingress. Apparatus for identifying a source of ingress into a network includes memory for storing frequency spectra of known sources of ingress and a device for comparing the frequency spectrum of the ingress to frequency spectra of known sources of ingress and determining from the comparison which frequency spectrum of a known source of ingress is closest to the frequency spectrum of the ingress.

Abstract: In a traditional HFC plant, the return path signals originating from cable modems, eMTAs, and settop boxes are transmitted in the 5-42 MHz range (other countries use frequencies such as 5-30 MHz, 5-55 MHz, and 5-65 MHz). These signals with entry points at any RF connection point in the home are combined by RF combiners at the side of the house. Furthermore, RF return path signals from multiple homes are combined by RF taps into a coaxial cable TV plant, and transmitted back to a hub or headend either in RF or thru a fiber optic network. In addition to combining all RF signals, the return path system combines all the ingress noise from all the RF connection points, which has an adverse impact on signal quality. This invention takes advantage of the burst nature of RF return path signals to insert an automatic gating function into the return signal path of a house amplifier so that the return signal path is shut off or attenuated when no RF return signal is present.

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: The device provides for a detector and switch which allows a signal to be transmitted from the subscriber to the head-end provider, but, in all other circumstances, the device does not allow other signals or ingress to enter the CATV system from the subscriber's house.

Abstract: A channel switching function is added to a wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network (WDM-PON) system, which is an access optical network system, and the potential transmission rate is increased by combining wide wavelength tunable lasers and a time division multiplexing (TDM) data structure and properly using the necessary optical components. In addition, when the wavelength of a light source or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) changes, the wavelength is traced and the magnitude of a transmitted signal is maximized without an additional detour line using a loop-back network structure. Furthermore, fewer thermo-electric controllers (TECs) are required for stabilizing the temperature of an optical line terminal (OLT) using wavelength tunable lasers, each laser electrically changing its wavelength.

Abstract: Video presentation timing can match sounding timing with high accuracy. A digital broadcast receiver calculates the presentation delay time dt from the presentation time when video based on the compressed video data is to be presented to the time when the video is presented on the presentation unit, and outputs audio based on the compressed audio data when the calculated presentation delay time dt passes from the sounding time when the audio based on the compressed audio data is to be outputted.

Abstract: A local area network uses coaxial cable wiring for interconnection of terminal devices. A frequency selective network interface device is placed at the building point of entry or another point in the wiring to reflect network signals transmitted by terminal devices back into the building distribution to be received by other terminal devices. By reflecting network upstream signals back into the building as downstream signals, the network interface provides a path for terminal devices to transmit to and receive from other terminal devices.

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: Set top boxes (STBs) connected to the HFC cable network are “pinged” and their responses recorded. The two most responsive STBs in each node of the HFC cable network are identified. The most responsive STB is added to a primary ping list and the next most responsive STB is added to a secondary ping list. The STBs on the primary list are “pinged” and their responses recorded. If an STB on the primary list fails to respond, the secondary STB associated with the node is pinged. If both the primary and secondary STB associated with a node fail to respond to the “ping,” the node is identified as non-responsive. If all of the nodes associated with a modulator (or a demodulator) are identified as non-responsive, the modulator (or demodulator) is identified as “non-responsive.” Additionally, network devices are pinged and their responses noted. Using the responsiveness of nodes and network devices, faults in segments in an HFC cable network can be identified and located.

Abstract: A system for reducing noise in a signal line, through which upward signals and downward signals are transmitted between a center and terminals, includes a noise-reduction device provided between the center and the terminals. The noise-reduction device attenuates the upward signals by an increased amount when a noise increase regarding the upward signals is detected on the signal line. The system further includes a noise-control device, provided at terminals, which boosts a transmission level of the upward signals by an amount compensating for the attenuation of the upward signals by the noise-reduction device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for perform a method for reducing interference from Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MOCA) signals in a cable television double conversion tuner are provided. The method may include receiving an indication of the channel in which MoCA signals are operating. When the channel in which the MoCA signals are operating is in the same frequency band as an intermediate frequency of the tuner, the method may require shifting an intermediate frequency of the tuner out of the frequency band occupied by the channel in which the MoCA signals are operating.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are described which allows multimedia signals received from one or more content providers (e.g., cable television providers, Internet content providers, . . . etc) to be received, processed and retransmitted by an originating node to one or more receiving nodes over a local cable network (e.g., the coaxial cable network within a user's home). One impediment to communication between nodes within the local cable network is the fact that most cable splitters are designed to attenuate signals between the split legs of the splitter. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a reflector device coupled upstream of the root splitter in a local cable network (or in place of the root splitter) is configured to reflect signals transmitted from the originating node back up into the network to the receiving nodes. Signal attenuation is minimized because the signals propagate from the splitter inputs to the splitter legs (rather than between the splitter legs).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for platform noise estimation and mitigation are provided. An embodiment of a method for mitigating noise may include receiving a data signal in a system platform, where the data signal includes a received pseudo noise sequence. Noise on the system platform may be estimated based on the received pseudo noise sequence. In some embodiments the noise on the system platform may be mitigated based on the noise estimate for the system platform.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and computer program products for utilizing a frequency channel determined to be unacceptably noisy by finding a cleaner, narrower bandwidth within the frequency channel. Initially data is received on a frequency channel at a CMTS, specifically an upstream receiver, and by a narrow bandwidth detector, connected to a processor also used by components in the CMTS. The narrow bandwidth detector performs a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the frequency channel thereby creating multiple FFT points within the frequency channel. A clean bandwidth for transmitting data within the frequency channel is identified where the clean bandwidth is derived from a subset of FFT points from the full set of FFT points. The subset of FFT points are contiguous points that have a noise level below a predetermined noise threshold.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus and computer program product for providing location based functions and mobile e-commerce comprising a central processing unit including a processor, a storage device, and programming stored in the storage device, a display device, an audio input device, an audio output device, a communications module, a commerce module, an image module, and a location module.

Abstract: Gate switches can switch an amount of attenuation, and are set in a distributed manner on distribution lines and a trunk on subscribers' house side in a CATV transmission path having a tree structure with an optical node that follows a headend being taken as a starting point. An upstream-transmission-quality monitoring unit monitors an S/N ratio of an upstream signal obtained from an upstream port having the headend connected thereto to detect a decrease in upstream transmission quality based on a degree of decrease and a continuation state of an S/N ratio. When the upstream-transmission-quality monitoring unit detects a decrease in upstream transmission quality, a noise-generation-source searching unit performs a sequential switching control over the amount of attenuation at the gate switches provided on the CATV transmission path from upstream to downstream to search for a source of generation of upstream ingress noise.

Abstract: An optical access network system having a function of correcting upstream signal waveform distortions occurring in the PON section, wherein a central office side apparatus comprises a main controller to notify each subscriber connection apparatus of a transmission grant period, an equalizer of a tap gain adaptive control type to correct waveform distortions of signals received from the subscriber connection apparatuses, an equalizer controller, and a parameter table for storing, for each subscriber connection apparatus, the initial values of tap gains to be set for the equalizer. The main controller issues a switchover request for switching the equalization characteristic to the equalizer controller each time notifying a subscriber connection apparatus of a transmission grant period, and the equalizer controller retrieves the initial values of the tap gains for the subscriber connection apparatus from the parameter table in response to the switchover request, and sets these values to the equalizer.

Abstract: This invention provides a new architecture for a communication system between head-ends and end-users which expands bandwidth and reliability of the communication system. A mux-node receives communication signals from a head-end and forwards the received communication signals to one or more mini-fiber nodes. The connection to the head-end is via a small number of optical fibers and the connections to each of the mini-fiber nodes may be via one or more optical fibers that may provide full duplex communication. The head-end may communicate with the mux-node using digital or digital and analog signals. The mini-fiber nodes may combine the signals received from the head-end with loop-back signals used for local media access control prior to forwarding the signals to the end-users. Upstream data are received by the mini-fiber nodes and transmitted to the mux-node.

Abstract: In a method of reducing upstream ingress noise in cable data system, downstream management messages containing information about user group data uploading time and channel frequency are broadcasted by a headend of the cable data system. The broadcasted downstream management messages are monitored, so as to determine an upstream channel connection time schedule for the user groups. Each user group is connected to an upstream channel of the headend only at a data uploading time scheduled for that user group. As a result, ingress noise existed in the user group will be uploaded to the headend only when the user group is connected to the headend. Therefore, accumulation of upstream ingress noise at the headend is effectively reduced, and the headend network can maintain good signal quality to ensure best network connection.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for combating ingress influences on network communications. The method, system, and apparatus may be suitable for use in any number of network environments and for identifying, minimizing, or otherwise ameliorating the influence of ingress on network communications.

Abstract: A multiple input data receiver for bi-directional cable television (CATV) systems simultaneously monitors and selectively receives a return path signal on a plurality of return paths. When an appropriate data or signal transmission is detected on a return path, the corresponding return path is selected and then demodulated. The demodulated signal is appropriately decoded to yield signal data. Various tests and analyzing may be performed on the signal data. Simultaneous monitoring/receiving of all or a plurality of return paths minimizes system response time.

Abstract: A system for monitoring reverse paths of a bi-directional cable communication network such as a CATV network, to detect and analyze ingress signals entering a reverse path and ending at a network sub-headend or headend through a corresponding one of communication lines, comprises a plurality of radio frequency signal detectors connected thereto. The radio frequency signal detectors are provided with bandpass filter for receiving a radio frequency signal within the frequency band used, to generate corresponding output signals indicative of the strength of the received radio frequency signal. The output signal generated by the frequency signal detector which is coupled to the communication line corresponding to the ingress signal carrying path is indicative of the strength of the received ingress signal with received reverse signals.

Abstract: A switch router and one or more gateways incorporating a diagnostic and calibration system that performs RF characterization of an underlying cable plant. The switch router is connected at a point of insertion or point of distribution and each gateway is located downstream, such as at corresponding subscriber locations. The switch router and each gateway sends a test signal with known characteristics and power level, and the receiving device determines noise level and power loss for the corresponding downstream and upstream channel pair. The power loss information is used to calibrate the power level of the transmitters. The noise levels are used to determine if the selected modulation schemes employed for normal communications is realizable. A frequency analysis, such as FFT or the like, is performed on the upstream test signal spectrum to derive valuable frequency information for the upstream channel or the entire upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A dynamic arrangement for reducing the presence of ingress noise in the upstream signal path of a two-way cable system utilizes a variable attenuation element and amplifier disposed along the upstream signal path. The amplifier includes a bypass switch so that the amplifier may be switched in to or out of the upstream path. A signal processor associated with the communications gateway functions to calculate the upstream loss present at the gateway and control the operation of the attenuation element, amplifier and bypass switch accordingly. Upstream attenuation is selected to be as large as possible, yet still allow in-building cable devices to communicate with their associated head end (HE) receiver equipment, after accounting for maximum transmit limitations.