Abstract: A system and method for a distribution network is provided wherein cascaded power amplifiers with bypass switching are disposed along the branches of the network. The amplifiers may have an RF modem and a programmable digital computer that enables communication with a headend or a controlling computer as well as a bypass switch control for disabling the amplification function of the amplifiers. The amplifier may have a wireless communication system for communicating with individual subscriber's homes and communicating with a neighboring amplifier system for use in emergency situations or during installation and configuration of the network. The network comprised of the amplifiers may have redundant signal paths, using the wireless communication devices of the amplifiers, which may be used as backup signal paths for certain communications requiring high uptime such as telephony.

Abstract: A wireless communications system comprises a first splitter separating at least two signals, a wireless circuit for processing a first signal as a wireless signal and a combiner connected to the wireless circuit and the splitter, combining the two signals and transmitting the signals into a service area. The wireless communications system further comprises a second splitter separating the wireless signal from a second signal, and a transmitter for broadcasting the wireless signal.

Abstract: In a CATV trunk amplifier, a downward signal input to an input terminal from the center equipment side is input to a downward amplifying circuit via a first filter and a second filter. The amplified downward signal is output to the terminal device side via the second filter, the first filter, and an output terminal. An upward L signal is input from the terminal device side via the output terminal to an upward L amplifying circuit via the first filter and a third filter. The amplified upward L signal is output to the center equipment side via the third filter, the first filter, and the input terminal. An upward H signal is input to an upward H amplifying circuit via a fourth filter. The amplified upward H signal is output to the center equipment side via the fourth filter and the input terminal.

Abstract: A receiver comprises a first Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA) that amplifies an input signal in accordance with a first gain to produce a first amplified signal. The first gain is controlled based on the first amplified signal. The receiver includes a second VGA that produces a second amplified signal responsive to the first amplified signal. The second VGA has a second gain controlled based on the second amplified signal.

Abstract: Methods for improved cable modem ranging in a data-over-cable system. One method includes receiving a value that characterizes how equipment in the network is configured. Using this characteristic value, a cable modem may estimate loss in its upstream path from a measurement of a downstream signal and thereby estimate its initial transmit level during ranging. Launching at a proper initial transmit level may ensure that range request messages arrive at the cable modem termination system with sufficient strength to be detected and hence ameliorate ranging. Another method collects difference between these estimated initial transmit levels and the final transmit levels that succeeded in evoking a response from the cable modem termination system. The collected differences are analyzed and the result of the analysis is passed to cable modems to adjust their estimated initial transmit levels.

Abstract: The present invention describes a directional CATV component, preferably a signal tap, having a housing frame where coaxial signal cable connections are made allowing for tap circuitry to be placed on either side of the housing frame. The invention allows for the rapid exchange of tap circuitry between front and rear positions providing for the reversal of signal frequency direction. The signal tap comprises a housing frame, a back cover with a support clamp and a signal tap cover containing a plurality of female F-connectors. Loss circuitry is mounted on a PC board that is attached to the tap cover.

Abstract: In order to correctly perform frequency conversion without using a pilot signal from an external system in a CATV system in which an upward signal is converted to a high frequency in-building upward signal using an up-converter and the in-building upward signal is converted to the original upward signal using a down-converter, there is proposed a down-converter provided with a reference oscillation circuit for generating a reference signal with a frequency lower than that of a downward signal or the in-building upward signal. The in-building upward signal is frequency-converted using the reference signal and the reference signal is transmitted to a transmission line of the terminal side. A bi-directional amplifier on the transmission line can not only amplify the downward signal and the in-building upward signal bi-directionally but also transmit the reference signal to an up-converter of the terminal side.

Abstract: A reconfigurable node for a hybrid fiber cable network includes fiber slots housing a transmitter or receiver interfacing to a head end, coax slots housing an RF brick interfacing with subscribers and RF plug-in modules providing connectivity between the fiber and coax slots. The plug-in modules include connection points, for connection to a fiber or coax slot. A fiber impedance element, associated with the transmitter or receiver in that fiber slot, is connected to each fiber slot. Each fiber impedance element has a different impedance value. A coax impedance element, associated with the RF brick in that coax slot, is connected to each coax slot. Each coax impedance element has a different impedance value. An impedance sensing circuit detects a DC level associated with each connection point which corresponds with the impedance element in a respective fiber or coax slot to determine the location of transmitters, receivers or RF bricks.

Abstract: In a cable television converter terminal, NICAM signal passthrough is achieved using an alignment-free passthrough circuit including a NICAM SAW filter. The alignment-free passthrough circuit directly taps the output of the converter terminal's tuner to obtain the NICAM signal. As a result, the NICAM signal is not distorted by the components involved in obtaining the other signal components of the cable television signal. Consequently, sound quality is improved and rendered less vulnerable to degradation due to component aging, temperature fluctuations, and human error. The passthrough circuit can be implemented as a removable circuit module.

Abstract: A forward signal equalizer for a forward amplifier for two-way coaxial cable systems, of the type having a distribution center distributing forward signals, and having reception facilities for receiving return signals from said cable system, the system having forward amplifiers for receiving forward signals, and having return amplifiers, and the forward signal equalizers are settable to provide varying amplifier specifications, and having receptacles for receiving plug-in equalizer components for varying the specifications of the forward amplifier, the equalizer components having a range of varying performance characteristics so that a component can be selected and plugged in to the forward signal equalizer to produce the performance specifications desired at a predetermined location in the cable system.

Abstract: A set of system configurations adapted to provide data communications to and from a set of client modems connected to one or more central modems through a tree and branch network such as exists in buildings, hotels, multiple dwelling units and the like to distribute cable television signals to individual rooms. The set of one or more central modems is connected directly or indirectly to one or more networks such as the Internet. Optionally, some components of this system can be placed at the cable television head-end for ease of access for maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and bi-directional communication device, such as a cable modem, for iteratively performing the following steps for each of a plurality of communications channels until a downstream data signal is detected. Selecting a communications channel and checking for a downstream signal having a first bandwidth complying with a first system interface standard, and if the downstream signal having said first bandwidth is not detected, then checking the communications channel for a downstream signal having a second bandwidth complying with a second system interface standard.

Abstract: A communications system that receives information (e.g., TCP/IP-compatible audio, video, and data applications) from a high-speed wide-area network (e.g., an existing cable, DSL, or satellite network) and communicates at least a portion of the information to a wireless device. The information includes information having a first characteristic and information having a second characteristic. The system has at least one switch in communication with the network, where the switch is configured to receive the information and control the flow of the information based in part on the first and second characteristics. The system further includes an access point in communication with the at least one switch. The access point has a controller and an antenna, and is configured to receive at least a portion of the information from the network and to wirelessly transmit at least a portion of the received information to the wireless device.

Abstract: A hybrid coaxial cable network employing interdiction to ensure privacy in telephony communications. The video and telephony signals are secured such that telephony and interactive video signals to and from a subscriber do not appear on the network at any other undesired subscriber location.

Abstract: A signal distribution system to save on the cost of cable modems for cable TV headend operators who wish to deliver broadband digital data services, DSL, video-on-demand or POTS service over their HFC CATV delivery networks. All species within the genus have a shared cable modem and a filtration and combining circuit comprised of a plurality of diplexer filters or junction boxes or both which mix baseband packet data with analog CATV signals onto coax drop lines coupled to the various subscribers and connect POTS or DSL signals onto twisted pair portions of siamese cables. Various species have the cable modem feeding digital data or packets of DOCSIS or other data or digitized DSL signals sent over the HFC to the cable modem or digitized POTS signals send over the HFC to the cable modem to either a packet switch, a DSL concentrator, a voice-over-IP gateway or some combination of the above.

Abstract: A two-way CATV system is easy of maintenance, stable of a transmission quality and capable of restraining inter-modulation distortion noises of downstream RF signal carriers which are caused by non-linearity of electric contact members of coaxial connectors among upstream ingress noises becoming a problem when performing communications services by utilizing a CATV transmission path. The two-way CATV system comprises at least one bidirectional amplifier provided on a CATV transmission path for connecting a CATV center station to a subscriber home, a bias voltage superposing element for superposing, with a bias voltage, a downstream signal transmitted along a coaxial transmission path subordinate to an amplifier at the terminal among the bidirectional amplifiers, and a bias current adjusting load element, provided at the end of the coaxial transmission path, for setting the bias current corresponding to an application of the bias voltage superposed by the bias voltage superposing element.

Abstract: A Residential Gateway (RG) for distributing video, data and telephone services to multiple devices within a residence is disclosed. The RG receives signals from a telecommunications network, converts the signals to formats compatible with the multiple devices, and transmits the appropriate signals to the appropriate devices. Wireless remote control devices (RCs) associated with remotely located televisions (TVs) transmit channel select commands to the RG as wireless signals. The wireless signals are received by Remote Antennae Packages (RAPs) coupled to the remotely located TVs. The RAPs transmit the wireless signals over coaxial cable to a Media Interface Device (MID) coupled to the RG. The MID extracts the channel select commands and forwards them to the RG. The MID is also capable of combining and splitting TV signals, and adjusting the impedance of network signals so that they can be transmitted over the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for embedding control information in a data signal to be transmitted over a data link by a network node includes the generation of control information to be transmitted over a data link by a network node. Additionally, a transmission signal is generated by combining the control information with data to be transmitted. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data is transmitted within a prescribed frequency bandwidth such that a frequency gap is defined within the frequency bandwidth. Control information is, as such, transmitted within the defined frequency gap.

Abstract: In an in-building CATV system in which an upward signal is frequency-converted to an in-building upward signal using an up-converter at a terminal side and the frequency-converted in-building upward signal is outputted to an external system after frequency-converting the in-building upward signal to an upward signal for outputting using a down-converter, a high frequency signal for frequency conversion leaking out from the up-converter is occasionally transmitted to the down-converter. Then, a trap circuit for removing the high frequency signal is provided on an in-building upward signal path in each converter. And an equalizer is provided on an upward signal path in each converter to compensate a transmission loss in the frequency band of the in-building upward signal occurring when the in-building upward signal is passed through the trap circuit.

Abstract: In a cable broadcasting system of the invention capable of setting output or stop of broadcasting-signals from tap output terminals of a tap device in response to a command signal transmitted by a center equipment, when demand for output setting for many tap devices occurs, output setting of the corresponding tap devices can be surely carried out without increasing the load on each power supply device for supplying the tap devices in each district with electricity. When demand for setting tap output of plural tap device occurs, a head-end controller reads output setting data for all the tap devices which are the objects of tap output setting and transmits command signals in order to tap devices at a rate of one tap device per each district covered by a power supply device.

Abstract: A method and system for performing chaincast communication to multiple communication systems (e.g., computer systems) within a system of coupled electronic devices (e.g., the Internet). The present invention provides a system wherein a broadcast source communicates primary broadcast information (e.g., encoded audio radio content, encoded audio/video television content, etc.) to a first group of electronic devices. The first group of electronic devices can be instructed by a chaincast manager to then communicate (e.g., forward or retransmit) the broadcast information to other electronic devices which devices can also be instructed to communicate to more devices, etc., thereby reducing the bandwidth requirements of the communication channel between the broadcast source and the first group of electronic devices. The chaincast manager, coupled to the Internet, is used to track and manage which devices are forwarding broadcast information to which other devices.

Abstract: A cable interface system for a high availability, high frequency cable network. An example embodiment includes a Radio Frequency Matrix Switch which connects N cable head ends with N+1 Cable Modem Termination Systems by a set of coaxial cables having 75 ohm BNC connectors in the forward path and 75 ohm connectors in the return path. Push-on type connectors along with reduced size connectors and cables provide increased access to connection points on interface panels. Angled interface panels on the Radio Frequency Matrix Switch provide increased connector space. Grouping of connection points on a the Radio Frequency Matrix Switch simplifies installation and replacement of cables. The Radio Frequency Matrix Switch can immediately switch a spare Cable Modem Termination System into service as necessary to avoid down time.

Abstract: A plurality of metallic telephone lines carrying both baseband POTS (plain old telephone service) and DSL (digital subscriber line) or ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) signals originate at customer premises and pass through a common field cabinet enroute to a telephone central office. Baseband POTS signals flow in an undisturbed manner through the field cabinet and maintain the normal, highly reliable, communication between the subscriber premises and the central office telephone switch. At the field cabinet, DSL/ADSL signals are removed from the metallic telephone line and are then communicated between the field cabinet and the central office using fiber optic broadband transmission. Fiber optic transmission increases the allowed distance between the ADSL transceiver located at the customer location and the respective ADSL transceiver located in the telephone central office.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method and apparatus for ingress detection and attenuation. When a determination is made that the level of ingress in a return frequency band has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the return path is attenuated or disconnected at a communications gateway device located at or substantially near the subscriber location. By disconnecting the return path or attenuating the return path signal at or near the subscriber location, ingress is reduced and locations which are the cause of severe ingress are effectively isolated. This allows for a high degree of reliability to be maintained on the return path, and insures that critical services like cable telephony can be provided.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for selectively adjusting the power and/or frequency of cable modems without relying solely on the most recent measurement of these values to determine whether a change is necessary. Rather, it considers multiple recent measurements and from these makes its assessment. In one approach, the technique employs an average of the recent measurements to determine whether a change in power or frequency is necessary. There are actually at least three determinations that can make use of multiple recent measurements. These include (1) determining whether the signals are fluctuating to an extent that requires a special adjustment technique, (2) determining whether an adjustment is necessary (using the special technique), and (3) determining how large of an adjustment is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an ingress noise control system and an ingress noise blocking device which are used in a cable system to suppress ingress noise. In the cable system providing two-way communication using different frequency bands for transmission of upstream and downstream signals, the ingress noise control system includes, within a distribution unit, a two-way amplification unit, etc. provided in an upstream signal transmission path, a synchronous detection controller 6 for synchronously detecting the upstream signal transmitted from terminal equipment and separated by a low-pass filter 4 in a second separation filter 2, a gate switch circuit 5 which is turned on by the synchronous detection controller 6 to pass the upstream signal only when the upstream signal is synchronously detected, and an indicator 7 for indicating the on/off state of the gate switch circuit 5.

Abstract: A CATV system has a multitude of customer interfaces which include an external unit and an internal unit. The units includes equipment for signal conditioning, cable to telephone interface, and/or cable to computer interface. The internal unit is provided with power by the customer, and the power is used to operate the equipment of the units. The customer supplied power is isolated from the power distributed in the cable television system. Preferably, the customer supplied power is conducted through the coaxial television cable between the internal unit and the external unit. The invention reduces power consumption and allows such customer interfaces to be easily added to existing and future cable systems without overwhelming the existing AC power distribution system of the cable television network.

Abstract: A passive component bypasses CATV active components (FIG. 3) in order to enable to extend the frequency capabilities of the transmission network by creating a new path allowed through the CATV network, without replacing the existing amplifiers. The input RP and AC (RF+AC) is filtered and outputted as signals above 750/860 MHz (RP above 750/860 MHz), and the AC is coupled and outputted (Low Power AC).

Abstract: A shared hybrid circuit for use in provisioning a communication system. In the method and apparatus of the present invention, a single shared hybrid separates transmitted and received signals for multiple transmission pathways between the distribution equipment and the customer premises equipment. In addition, the shared hybrid circuit of the present invention provides a method and apparatus to cancel a component of a downstream broadcast signal from a composite upstream/downstream signal detected at a node, thereby providing a significant reduction in echo and for the upstream transmission from a customer premises equipment transmitter. The present invention results in a significant cost savings over conventional hybrid circuits since a single shared hybrid can be used in provisioning service for many subscribers.

Abstract: An addressable tap with channel tier function consisting of housing and a power supply module, a filter and demodulation module, a control module and RF switches inside said housing, which are electrically connected to said control module. Besides, it also includes secondary RF switches and high/low-pass filters. Each of said RF switches is electrically connected to at least to two secondary RF switches, which are electrically connected to said control module separately and at the same time connected to at least two low-pass filters to form a terminal together with said low-pass filters of said RF switch in parallel; Compared with the existing technology, the current invention has the following effects: Filter has high precision; Bandwidth/Channel isolation is higher than 50 dB; it is only necessary to directly replace the existing non-addressable taps in CATV network with the current invention addressable taps without extra wiring. It is easy in installation at low costs.

Abstract: An addressable tap capable of detecting number of TV sets online to watch CATV programs consisting of a main block and a cable connecting from the terminal of said main block and the user. Said main block consists of a main central processing unit (CPU) and RF switches that are electrically connected is featured by: Said cable is equipped with a locking device at its user end and this locking device consists of a detection device and a sub-CPU that communicates with said main CPU; said detection device is electrically connected to the sub-CPU; In case said locking device is plugged out, the detection device will detect the information and transmit it to said microprocessor, which will send the information to said main CPU. Said main CPU will instruct the RF switches to shut off CATV signals at the terminal. the present invention has the following effects: CATV operators can collect different fees in accordance with number of TV sets online to watch TV programs and avoid income losses of CATV operators.

Abstract: An ADTap status collect, verification device that can be used in CATV addressable taps is featured by: a fed-back signal monitor located at the front of addressable tap and a fed-back signal detector; Said monitor consists of a receiving circuit, a CPU and radio frequency (RF) transmitting circuit. Said receiving circuit and radio frequency (RF) transmitting circuit are electrically connected with the CPU separately; Said detector consists of radio frequency (RF) receiving circuit, CPU and displaying circuit; said radio frequency (RF) receiving circuit and displaying circuit are electrically connected to CPU; Said monitor and detector are linked for communications. Compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following effects: by way of supervising the cutting-off status of RF switches of the addressable taps capable of payment collection management, full management on payment collection can be realized. It is easy in management at low management costs.

Abstract: An addressable tap with illegal channel detection and cutting-off function consisting of a housing and a power supply module, a filter, a control module and RF switches inside said housing, which are electrically connected to said control module, is featured by: It also includes a tuning device, which can isolate random checking signals input at the front end of CATV channels. Said tuning device is electrically connected to said control module. Compared with the existing technology, the current invention has the following effects: high reliability and promptness in cutting off illegal signals; easy replacement of circuit board of the existing traditional non-addressable taps installed for enhancement to realize channel detection and cutting-off function. As this invention addressable tap can substitute the non-addressable taps in CATV network directly without separate wire laying, it is very easy in installation with very low enhancement costs.

Abstract: A part of transmission signal is branched by a directional coupler, and split by a splitting circuit, so that the transmission signal can be outputted to the subscribers' terminal devices via branched output terminals. Latching relays disposed in signal paths to the branched output terminals from the splitting circuit can set the output/stop of the transmission signal to the terminal devices. A control circuit switches the connected/disconnected state of the relays in response to the command signal from the center apparatus. When an operation switch is turned on, all the relays are placed into the connected state. As a result, after the installation of the tap device, by operating the operation switch, the broadcasting signal can be distributed to the terminal devices before the command signal is received.

Abstract: An addressable Tap used in cable TV networks consisting of a power supply module, a filter demodulation module, a control module and 8 switches. Said power supply module, filter demodulation module and switches are electrically connected to the control module. Said modules and switches are all installed on a PCB and contained in a housing, which is compatible and about plus minus 30% of the existing traditional installed Tap in size; said control module uses high performance microprocessor, switches are micro RF switches in order to be of the smallest total size. Compared with the existing technology, this invention is convenient in installation with low costs and will not interrupt the transmitted CATV signal. This invention has excellent control effects by high isolation and with interference signal on this RF switch for its direct cutting-off signals to users who owe payments, its continuous rapid switching between on and off or its ability to add interference into the signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for converting a legacy cable television subscriber passive tap into an enhanced addressable tap. The apparatus includes an addressable control module, one or more RF switch modules and a probe assembly. Additionally, a set of methods is provided for using the present invention to adapt an existing passive tap to an enhanced addressable tap.

Abstract: A feed signal equalizer for a feed amplifier for two-way coaxial cable systems, of the type having a distribution centre distributing feed signals, and having reception facilities for receiving return signals from said cable system, the system having feed amplifiers for receiving feed signals, and having return amplifiers, and the feed signal equalizers are settable to provide varying amplifier specifications, and having receptacles for receiving plug-in equalizer components for varying the specifications of the feed amplifier, the equalizer components having a range of varying performance characteristics so that a component can be selected and plugged in to the feed signal equalizer to produce the performance specifications desired at a predetermined location in the cable system.

Abstract: A digital television translator includes a digital television receiver for receiving a first digital television signal at a first frequency and generating a digital transport stream from the first digital television signal. The digital transport stream can include original Program and System Information (PSIP) data having RX channel data that is indicative of the first frequency, the first major channel number, and/or the first minor channel number. The digital television translator also includes a PSIP update module for updating the original PSIP data in the digital transport stream by replacing the RX channel data with TX channel data. The TX data is indicative of a second frequency, a second major channel number, and/or a second minor channel number.

Abstract: A power supply circuit in the tap device includes a first power supply circuit for generating a first power voltage of DC 24V to drive output switching relays, and a second power supply circuit for generating a second power voltage of DC 5V to be supplied to a receiving circuit and a microcomputer. The second power supply circuit lowers the voltage of the alternating-current power signal from the transmission line with a transformer, rectifies and smoothes the power signal with the lowered voltage, then generates the power voltage using a three-terminal regulator. The tap device can be used in CATV systems with different voltages of the alternating-current power signal employed, a power loss generated in the system with a high voltage is reduced, and the power consumption of the tap device can be suppressed.

Abstract: A method for processing an input signal is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input signal. The method also includes applying a first transfer function to the input signal to produce a first signal, wherein the first transfer function exhibits a high pass characteristic. The method further includes applying a second transfer function to the input signal to produce a second signal, the second transfer function exhibiting a low pass characteristic.

Abstract: An isolation device is adapted to isolate a transport medium internal to a customer premises from a transport medium external to the customer premises such that operational changes to one of the internal and external transport media do not affect the other of the internal and external transport media. A first interface is coupled with the isolation device and adapted to communicate with the external transport medium, which is in communication with a distribution point. A second interface is coupled with the isolation device and adapted to communicate with the internal transport medium. An addressable set-top box is disposed external to the customer premises and coupled with the first and second interfaces. The set-top box is adapted to receive encoded telecommunication information from the external transport medium and to generate television signals from the encoded telecommunication information for transmission over the internal transport medium.

Abstract: A reverse path signaling circuit is described which provides less noise and interruption when injecting signals upstream to a head end. The reverse path signaling circuit includes a low pass filter, a status monitor, and a common emitter amplifier. The common emitter amplifier has a emitter region which couples to the status monitor. The status monitor couples to the common emitter amplifier as a single-ended input to the to the emitter region. The status monitor injects status monitor signals into the emitter region for passing the status monitor signals upstream to a head end. The low pass filter is coupled to another input on the common emitter amplifier. An output from the common emitter amplifier is taken at a collector region. The reverse path signaling circuit of the present invention does not require the use of a directional coupler as part of the circuit. Systems and methods are further included within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: A cable television system (100) having forward and reverse paths includes, in the reverse path, a digital optical transmitter (200) for receiving an RF signal, converting it to a digital signal, and adding a digital pilot tone thereto. A laser is driven in accordance with the summed digital signal to generate a digital optical signal representative of the pilot tone and the RF signal. The cable television system (100) also includes an optical receiver (305) for receiving the digital optical signal and recovering therefrom the RF signal and the pilot tone. The optical transmitter (200) and receiver (305) are coupled by fiber optic communication media (110).

Abstract: A method and system for extending the reach of cable television (CATV) broadcast networks via 60 GHz (nominally) wireless radio frequency (RF) repeaters. An original CATV AML broadcast signal, having a bandwidth of 55-860 MHz, is up-converted to a millimeter wavelength RF signal having a nominal base frequency of 60 GHz (57-64 GHz) such that the up-converted signal has a bandwidth of the base frequency plus the bandwidth of the CATV broadcast signal (e.g., 60.055-60.860 GHz). This up-converted signal is then transmitted from a transmitter antenna to a receiver antenna, which collectively define the end points of a point-to-point wireless link between network nodes. The up-converted signal is then down converted at the receiver end to produce a repeated CATV AML broadcast signal having substantially the same characteristics as the original signal. The radio transmission operations may be performed in accordance with FCC part 15.255 transmissions, enabling unlicensed operation.

Abstract: An adaptive high pass filter is used to reduce signal noise such as that occurring on a CATV upstream carrier. A signal detector senses a lowest active frequency on a CATV transmission. A high pass filter is then adjusted to cut off transmissions at frequencies below the lowest active frequency. This reduces ingress noise present in the upstream channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining at least multimedia signaling (e.g., CATV signals) and wireless network signaling for transmission over the same communication medium includes a first port for receiving a multimedia signal, a second port for receiving a wireless networking signal, and a third port being couplable to the communication medium. The apparatus is configured for generating a combined signal at the third port, the combined signal including at least a portion of the multimedia signal and at least a portion of the wireless networking signal. In this manner, wireless networking signals may be conveyed over the same communication medium as is used for multimedia signals.

Abstract: Received digital CATV signals are branched by a directional coupler into signals flowing in a through direction and signals flowing in a branch direction. The signals output from the directional coupler in the through direction are then fed through an extraction circuit, a variable attenuator, and a wide-band amplifier so as to have a desired frequency range and a desired level, and are then fed to a distributor so as to be distributed, for output, into downstream signals to be fed to a downstream tuner and CATV signals to be fed to an analog/digital tuner. The signals output from the directional coupler in the branch direction are fed through a band-pass filter and a wide-band amplifier to a distributor so as to be distributed, for output, into VHF signals and FM signals. Upstream signals are fed through an extraction circuit to a terminal at which the CATV signals are received.

Abstract: A system that permits use of existing cable TV wiring for home networking is disclosed. Because of the presence of splitters, notch filters, and other components in the cable distribution system, certain of the premises installations in the system can locally communicate over the same frequency as one another, without interference. In a disclosed embodiment, the cable operator determines the attenuation and isolation among different premises in the system, and then assigns home network frequencies to the particular premises, with those premises installations that are sufficiently isolated from one another being assigned the same home network frequency.

Abstract: This invention provides a network relay apparatus has an information collecting portion for collecting information about the function and identification of devices V1-V4 in other network n1 through a communication channel N, a virtual unit generating portion for generating virtual unit information corresponding to a first protocol based on the collected device information, and a relay portion which receives a predetermined command from the first network and which transmits the predetermined command to the device in the second network based on the virtual unit information. Consequently, control of apparatuses among networks is facilitated.

Abstract: A multimedia data stream is partitioned into two or more parts based on importance, e.g., a first part might represent more significant bits in groups of bits representing pixel colors in a video frame, while a second part might represent the less significant bits in the groups. The more important part of the stream is amplified more than the less important part of the stream.