Abstract: A DSX system arranged to receive a plurality of high-density chassis is disclosed. The chassis include back planes having rear access IN/OUT fields and rear access cross-connect fields. The rear access IN/OUT fields are electrically connected to termination structures and panels located in respective IN/OUT regions and cross-connect regions. The termination structures of the IN/OUT region includes first and second fanning strips located along edges of termination panels. A double-hinged cover provides access to the termination panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing delay distortion of upstream transmissions in a cable television (CATV) distribution plant. Upstream transmission in a CATV distribution plant, i.e., from the customer premises toward the head-end, is made difficult by delay distortion caused by diplexing filters used in bi-directional amplifiers and other components in the CATV distribution plant. A database storing information relating to each cable modem (CM) in the CATV distribution plant is maintained, and the delay distortion for each upstream transmission is calculated using information queried from the database. Delay distortion in the upper portion of the upstream bandwidth in a CATV distribution plant is preferably minimized by assigning CMs having a transmission path that causes relatively minimal delay distortion to the upper portion of the upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: The upstream performance characteristics of a network are measured by looping a signal through both the downstream and upstream paths of the network. Test equipment may be located at a headend of the network and configured to transmit a signal downstream to a remotely located loopback device that redirects the signal in the upstream path to the test equipment. The upstream characteristics may be predominant in the analysis of the return signal because the downstream path may be relatively free from noise.

Abstract: A switchboard device and methods of operation of same are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention may provide a flexible means of interconnecting wideband and narrowband communications interfaces, where wideband communications interfaces may transfer low-band data and high-band data, and narrowband communication interfaces may transfer low-band data. Low-band data may be combined and sent to a narrowband communications interface or a wideband communications interface. High-band data may be combined and sent to a wideband communications interface. The low-band data may represent audio signals below a predetermined frequency, while the high-band data may represent audio signals above the predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency may be, for example, approximately 4 kHz. The spectral mask of the low-band data may meet the spectral mask of G.712. Methods of operating embodiments of the present invention are included.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which may comprise an upstream source of broadband communications and a downstream local area network, wherein the upstream source of broadband communications is coupled to the downstream local area network through a notch filter. In some embodiments, the upstream source of broadband communications may be a cable television service provider, and the local area computer network may use existing cable television wiring as communication cable.

Abstract: A broadband telecommunication network (such as a cable television distribution system) includes a plurality of switching units (such as taps) controlling subscriber access to the network. The switching units are controlled from a central location (such as a head end) using minimal network transmission medium power. A repeating sequence of switching unit control messages is sent from the central location across the network. Each of the messages is addressed to an individual one of the switching units. Each switching unit is periodically powered up from a low power sleep state to a higher power operational wake state in synchronization with a corresponding one of the control messages being sent from the central location. After a switching unit's corresponding control message is processed, the switching unit is returned to the lower power sleep state.

Abstract: Detecting tampering of an incoming cable to which a network interface unit (NIU) is connected by testing for the reflected signal that is present when the signal being transmitted to the head end is not connected to a properly terminated coaxial cable. In particular, by comparing the phase of the transmitted signal from the NIU with that of the reflected signal, a distinction can be made between a signal that travels many feet before being reflected back and a signal that reflects back right or near the connector of the NIU. Only the latter is used as a stimulus to indicate tampering since the first is likely caused by cable personnel disconnecting the cable further into the network. The key difference between the two types of reflected signals is the time delay of the reflect signal with respect to the transmitted signal from the NIU.

Abstract: A CATV tuner includes a tuner box including an input circuit, a first mixer circuit, a first oscillation circuit, a first IF circuit, a second mixer circuit, a second oscillation circuit, and a second IF circuit. The input circuit has an input terminal, an upstream-signal input terminal, and a bandpass filter provided therebetween. The input terminal is connected to a distributor via a high-pass filter. An output from one output end of the distributor is subjected to processing such as filtering, amplifying, and so forth, and transmitted to the first mixer circuit. The other output end of the distributor is connected to a downstream-signal output terminal via a low-pass filter and an amplifier.

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 FTTH optical receiver for receiving at least one of the video, voice, and data signals. A triplexer distinguishes and separates the video, voice, and data signals, wherein the video signals have a first wavelength and the voice and data signals have a second wavelength. The voice and data signals are provided to the home network unit for further processing. The triplexer provides an electrical signal to the amplifier stages. The amplifier stages include a preamplifier stage and a postamplifier stage. A gain control circuit automatically adjusts 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.

Abstract: Sample rate reduction in data communication receivers. Digital sampling of analog data is performed using a reduced sample rate. The reduction factor may be any number of factors including a factor that divides the sample rate by a factor of two. The reduction of the sampling frequency is from a sampling frequency that is greater than twice the highest frequency component in an analog input signal. These analog input signals may be I and Q streams in certain embodiments. A digital interpolation filter may be employed to increase (up-convert) the sample rate of a digital signal before it is input to a VID filter that is used to recover the transmitted symbols from the over-sampled data stream. In this embodiment, this technique allows a front end of a communication receiver to be clocked at a lower sampling rate without affecting the performance of the VID filter.

Abstract: An electronic device for distributing broadcast signals in a cable broadcasting system includes a receiving circuit receiving broadcas signals including command signals and a microcomputer for controlling the electronic device according to the command signals. A watchdog timer counts an output s op period and compares with abnormality determining times. An output stop period is reset by a microcomputer pulse signal generated at constant intervals and representing normal operation of the microcomputer and an input stop period is reset by a periodic command pulse representing normal operation of the input from the receiving circuit to the microcomputer. The timer generates a microcomputer eset signal when a stop period exceeds an abnormality determining time.

Abstract: In a cable data system, frequency division multiplexed upstream data traffic is first split for subsequent signal processing. In the course of performing an analog RF signal splitting operation, signal splitter output amplitude is decreased as an artifact of an RF signal splitter. A signal splitter indicator type that is used per signal splitter, provides an indication to the CMTS channel interface cards to control the amount of compensating gain required to restore the original signal to its original amplitude.

Abstract: An audio/video distribution system that is cost-effective, highly flexible, and capable of being used over an extended area and without the need for a centralized switching and distribution mechanism. The audio/video distribution system includes a distribution cable, at least one audio/video transmitter, at least one receiver, and a control director. The transmitter is configured to receive signals from at least one audio/video source while the receiver is connected to the distribution cable and configured to receive signals from the distribution cable. The control director is connected to the distribution cable and configured to control the transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A digital interface apparatus and system for cable television systems and digital service are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing with an input and two outputs. The housing includes a surge protection circuit connected to the input and to a signal dividing circuit that is connected to an output and a filtering circuit that is connected to another output.

Abstract: A CATV tuner includes a metallic housing having first through fourth partitioned chambers. In the first through fourth partitioned chambers, a data circuit, an input filter circuit, a first mixer circuit, a first local oscillation circuit, a first intermediate frequency circuit, and other elements are housed. In the fifth partitioned chamber, a second intermediate circuit and an IC including a second local oscillation circuit are housed. With this configuration, the CATV tuner defines an up/down tuner. The third partitioned chamber in which the first local oscillation circuit is housed and the fifth partitioned chamber in which the second local oscillation circuit is housed are located adjacent to each other. Lines and terminals are used both for a first PLL circuit and a second PLL circuit.

Abstract: A system for permitting an interface between a centralized in-home computing apparatus and a plurality of remotely situated in-home communications stations is provided. The system includes a two-way signal path for facilitating communication between the centralized computing apparatus and the communications stations, and a connection to an external signal distribution system such as a cable television (CATV) system. A frequency sensitive splitter/reflector is employed for reflecting input signals generated from the communications stations, and output signals, generated from the computing apparatus, along the signal path. The splitter/reflector blocks signals from the communications stations and the computing apparatus from moving onto the CATV system while allowing signals from the CATV system to move through the splitter/reflector, onto the signal path to the communications stations and computing apparatus.

Abstract: In the digital CATV tuner, gain of a reception signal of a plurality of frequency bands is controlled by a PIN AGC circuit, a reception signal for each of the frequency bands selected from the reception signal is high-frequency amplified by a high-frequency amplifier circuits, a local oscillation signal corresponding to the frequency band to be received from the plurality of the local oscillation signal from local oscillation circuits and the high-frequency amplified reception signal for each of the frequency band are mixed by a mixer to output an intermediate frequency signal, and a digital signal component is obtained from the intermediate frequency signal. Therefore, various characteristics can be improved.

Abstract: A down-converter comprises a frequency division circuit, PLL, and local oscillation circuit to convert a signal from a reference oscillation circuit to a converting reference signal with a constant frequency, and uses this signal to frequency-convert an in-building upward signal to an upward signal able to be transmitted in an external bi-directional CATV system. When the frequency of the converting reference signal deviates from the frequency of the converting reference signal on the side of an up-converter for converting the upward signal to the in-building upward signal on a terminal side, the upward signal cannot be accurately restored. Therefore, the down-converter uses the frequency division circuit to convert the converting reference signal to a transmitting reference signal with a low frequency, and outputs the transmitting reference signal to the terminal side.

Abstract: A hand-held cable communicator unit for technicians that enables voice and data communications across a cable network. The communicator includes a cable connector, a diplex filter, a transceiver circuit, an audio circuit and a control circuit. The transceiver circuit tunes to selected downstream and upstream channels signals. The audio circuit enables bidirectional voice communications using the selected channels signals via the cable network. The control circuit establishes a communication link and initiates and terminates communications. A communication system for field technicians of a cable network includes at least one communicator and a central communicator located at a point of distribution of the cable network. The central communicator includes transceivers, a switch matrix and a controller. Each central transceiver establishes a communication link with any linked communicator. The switch matrix forwards upstream and downstream communications between linked communicators.

Abstract: A device for and a method of decreasing the data rate of a digital return path link in a Cable Television Hybrid Fiber-Coax system (CATV system) is disclosed. At the node of the CATV system, the bandwidth of the a digital data stream representative of an analog return signal is limited to a desired frequency band. The bandwidth-limited data stream is then digitally re-sampled at a predetermined multiple of a center frequency of the frequency band. The re-sampled data stream is then separated into two data streams. Then, these separate data streams are digitally decimated to a lower data rate, interleaved and serialized for transmission to a head end of the CATV system. A reverse process reconstructs the original analog return signal's signal components within the desired frequency band at the head end.

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 hybrid amplifier and regenerator (HAR) device is designed for use in a communications network for carrying downstream traffic in a forward frequency band and for carrying upstream traffic in a reverse frequency band spaced from the forward frequency band and below the forward frequency band. The hybrid amplifier and regenerator (HAR) device comprises an analog amplifier for amplifying the downstream traffic and a digital regenerator. The digital regenerator comprises mapping circuitry for mapping digital upstream traffic carried in at least one ramp band which is part of the reverse frequency band to digital upstream traffic carried in at least one express band which is also part of the reverse frequency band but spaced from the at least one ramp band, and an express band transmitter for transmitting digital upstream traffic from the mapping circuitry in the at least one express band.

Abstract: A non-interruptible tap has a non-interruptible member that is received in a lower part of the main housing and includes a support element, a pair of slide blocks, and a resilient conductive strip. The support element has holes at two ends, mounting on a first, and a second terminals respectively. The slide blocks are movably received in a slot formed between the end holes of the support element. The conductive strip is connected to the slide blocks with two ends sticking out beyond the same. The main housing further has an upper part, to which a circuit board is fitted. When the upper part is not joined to the lower part, e.g. it is removed for maintenance, the conductive strip can stretch to a normal straight shape to contact the first and the second terminals at two ends as to allow signals to be transmitted therethrough to the downstream line.

Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for integrated telecommnunication via a Cable TeleVision (CaTV) network (3-14) in a first or downstream direction from a head-end section (2) to subscriber sections (20) and in a second or upstream direction from the subscriber sections (20) to the first or head-end section (2). First transmission equipment (18, 19, 23) serve downstream and upstream communication in accordance with the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard. The first transmission equipment (18, 19, 23) comprises a plurality of radio access units arranged at distribution and/or district centers (11) of said CaTV network (3-14) operating at a low-end frequency sub-band of the CaTV network (3-14). Network Termination Units (20, 30, 43) are provided comprising DECT conversion means (39) for radio communication at the standard DECT frequency band.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating data messages received from subscribers in a CATV system are disclosed. The system includes a spectrum parallel router which receives data messages in the return spectrum of a service line at a service site. A switch at the service site directs data messages to service lines coupled to the site which have destination addresses corresponding to one of the service lines. Data messages not having a destination address corresponding to one of the service lines are provided to a transmitter for transmission to the next higher level of the CATV network over a return cable. Each service site has its own return cable which may be coupled to a distribution hub or a headend.

Abstract: Network device discovery method and system performs network device discovery in a more efficient manner by retrieving information from a registration network device about other network devices and then using the retrieved information to select discovery tests to discover the configuration of the other network devices in a more efficient manner. For instance, video network device discovery process identifies a gatekeeper and retrieves the registration list of video devices from the gatekeeper. The video devices on the gatekeeper registration list are then queried with selected discovery tests to determine network configuration for the devices, such as device type, without having to use unnecessary discovery tests associated with the discovery of other types of network devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to filter a plurality of multimedia streams of a presentation is described. According to one embodiment, a filtering apparatus receive user profile information describing user preferences and a plurality of multimedia streams including metadata streams. The metadata streams describe each of the plurality of multimedia streams. The filtering apparatus filters the plurality of multimedia streams to select a multimedia stream based on the metadata and the user profile information.

Abstract: A standard, high performance CATV signal splitter that operates at high signal levels with greatly reduced intermodulation distortion. The circuit retains the presently accepted performance standards for RF signal splitters while reducing the unacceptable distortion resulting from the higher signal levels currently encountered in applications such as Internet communication. The improved signal splitter circuitry reduces or eliminates signal distortion due to magnetization of the ferrite core material. Such core magnetization occurs in prior art signal splitters when the high permeability ferrite core of the transformer is exposed to random electrical spikes, power surges, and static charge build-up. In the present invention, a tuned circuit is added in the output balance section of a prior art signal splitter to confine the transformer performance to the narrower range of CATV frequencies.

Abstract: A customer interface device for coupling a customer site to a VDSL-based video, voice and data distribution network includes a signal splitter for separating incoming narrowband and broadband from a single twisted-pair copper wire, a narrowband port for connection to existing telephone wiring at the customer site, and a broadband port for connection to a customer set-top box via a CAT 5 wire. The interface device further includes a high pass filter connected between the splitter and the narrowband port, and a low pass filter connected between the splitter and the broadband port. The filters improve broadband signal quality while preventing feedback of EMI noise from the existing building wiring to the network.

Abstract: A data transmission system is proposed, for example for video-on-demand, internet or multimedia applications, in which a number of subscribers in a building are connected to a central server through at least in part twisted pair cables within the building. Compensation for the channel distortion caused by the use of twisted pair cables is provided by the use of pre-emphasis filters in the outgoing data lines from the server. The required coefficients for the pre-emphasis filters are established by first characterizing the distortion properties of a channel by the use of a test signal.

Abstract: In a proposed cable broadcasting system in which a command signal transmitted from a center equipment to a transmission line for setting an operation mode of a tap device on the transmission line, the command signal can be transmitted without fail even when an instantaneous power failure occurs because of thunderbolt and the like. The center equipment transmits a command signal with a retransmission number indicating the number of transmission plural times at intervals of a time longer than the duration time of the instantaneous power failure. The tap device determines whether the new received data of the command signal is a command to the tap device itself by using the address of the received data. When the command is for itself, it is determined whether the command (received command) coincides with the command previously used for setting the operation mode. When they do not coincide with each other, the operation mode is set in response to the received command.

Abstract: In transmitting the analog video signal via a coaxial cable, a transmission apparatus side is not provided with an emphasis characteristic which is the inverse to the frequency attenuation characteristic of the coaxial cable. In stead, an emphasis is applied by a preemphasis circuit on the transmission side, on the basis of an emphasis curve of a frequency band characteristic curve having an inverse characteristic to a frequency band characteristic curve of a detected signal which is obtained when transmitting a modulated signal without a preemphasis to the coaxial cable and conducting synchronous detection on a receiving apparatus side by using an oscillation frequency having the same frequency as that of a carrier used at the time of modulation.

Abstract: A cable television system (400) includes a transmitter (200) for generating a digital optical signal (204) and a receiver (300) for receiving said digital optical signal and converting it to an analog signal. The transmitter (200) includes a processor (238) for processing inputs and generating a gain/loss parameter which is applied via a gain/loss amplifier (250) to an incoming analog signal (232). The modified digital signal received by the digital optical receiver (300) decodes the applied gain/loss parameter at a converter (325) and applies the information to the output analog signal via a gain/loss amplifier (330).

Abstract: A directional coupler system includes an input diplex filter for splitting an input signal into a high band signal and a low band signal, a high band directional coupler for which the high band signal is coupled to an input of the high band directional coupler, a low band directional coupler for which the low band signal is coupled to an input of the low band directional coupler, a tap diplex filter coupled to a tap of each of the high band directional coupler and low band directional coupler and an output diplex filter for receiving and combining a high band signal output from the high band directional coupler and a low band signal output from the low band directional coupler.

Abstract: An HPF for blocking an upstream signal and passing a downstream signal, an LPF for blocking the downstream signal and passing only an upstream data signal, a directional coupler for branching, and a high frequency relay for forming a through line are built in a shielded package integrally as a high frequency module, so as to restrain noise produced by a digital circuit from interfering. This enables the analogue circuit of the high frequency module and the other digital circuits to be built integrally in a network interface module mounted in a cable television set-top box. In addition, a single tuner is used for both analogue and digital signals. In doing so, the switching of an AGC voltage is problematic, which is done by an AGC switching circuit. With a network interface module mounted in a cable television set-top box, the circuit arrangement can be hence simplified, and improvements can be made on cost, size and power consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the configuration of a cable television line amplifier. The line amplifier contains a controller that senses a preset voltage on a status indication line. When the amplifier is reconfigured, such as by adding new circuits containing new functions or features, these new circuits contain resisters that are shunted to modify the preset voltage level on the appropriate status indication line. The controller senses the modified voltages and provides an indication of the new function of the new circuit to a headend through a cable television distribution system.

Abstract: A cable television system (100) includes forward and reverse paths. Reverse path circuitry within an optical node (400) of the system (100) receives reverse analog electrical signals from subscriber equipment (140) and generates therefrom a multiplexed reverse digital optical signal. The reverse digital optical signal is transmitted over a fiber optic cable 420 to a cable television hub (430), the reverse path portion of which includes no active circuitry. The hub (430) multiplexes the reverse digital optical signal with other reverse digital optical signals from other nodes to generate one or more forwarded digital optical signals at a hub output, wherein generation of the one or more forwarded digital optical signals requires only passive devices in the reverse path of the hub (430).

Abstract: A cable system having a splitter for coupling a drop interface to a cable modem and pass-through to a home interface. The pass-through is provided with an RF module having separate forward and return paths to selectively provide unimpeded, partially impeded and fully impeded cable service in the forward and return paths. Amplifiers in the forward and return paths are controlled to avoid excessive insertion loss and to provide power equalization in the return path to limit ingress noise to the home.

Abstract: An access node that is deployable at a distance from a cable company head-end or a telephone company central office serves residential and business subscribers within a small geographical area. The access node provides interoperability between and across communications links and protocols, thereby providing a modular, configurable access point for both business and residential users that enables the service provider to tailor its services for each user in a cost-effective manner. The access node includes modular interfaces to multiple communications links and protocols on its network side and modular interfaces to multiple communications links and protocols on its user or access side. A switch/router connects the outputs of the two interfaces together and aggregates traffic to the network while simultaneously partitioning traffic to the users to the appropriate connections.

Abstract: A remote content crawler continually crawls a digital communication network looking for content to provide to a content aggregator. The content provided to the aggregator may be stored in a form of an entire content file. The content may include an entire movie, television program or electronic book. Alternatively, the content provided to the aggregator may be a reference to a content file that is stored at, or that will be available at one of the remote locations. The content may be a reference to a future, scheduled live sports event that will be made available to system users. The sports event may be provided for a one time fee, as part of a sports package, for which a fee is collected, or as a free event.

Abstract: A communications system includes forward and reverse paths. Reverse path circuitry within an optical node of the system receives reverse analog electrical signals from subscriber equipment and generates therefrom a multiplexed reverse digital optical signal. A coupling node combines digital optical signals and/or RF signals from an optical node or from coaxial cable, respectively. The combined digital optical signal is transmitted over a fiber optic cable to a cable television hub, the reverse path portion of which includes no active circuitry. The hub multiplexes the digital optical signal with other digital optical signals from other nodes to generate one or more forwarded digital optical signals at a hub output, wherein generation of the one or more forwarded digital optical signals requires only passive devices in the reverse path of the hub.

Abstract: Video gateway apparatus, according to the present invention, for interworking between an internet protocol video data network and an integrated services digital network comprises a outer operatively associated with the internet protocol video data network for outputting video and control data associated with a video call originating in the internet network, at least one gateway switch coupled to the router and operatively associated with the integrated services digital network for outputting video and control data associated with a video call originating in the integrated services digital network, and at least one gatekeeper operatively associated with the router and the at least one gateway switch for translating between video telephone numbers assigned within said integrated services digital network and internet protocol addresses associated with said internet protocol video data network.

Abstract: An improved bi-directional access point includes an impedance boosting section in conjunction with an interface section to a bi-directional communication path. The impedance boosting section incorporates a transformer tap output that couples to an access connection point where signals on the bi-directional communication path may be monitored. The impedance boosting section may be a tapped transformer winding that includes N1 turns above the winding tap and N2 turns below the winding tap, where N1>N2. The interface section may be implemented as a resistive interface section. Additionally, the bi-directional access point may further include a tuning section for the access connection point. Implemented as a resistive network, for example, the tuning section may help establish a tap value and return loss through the access connection point below a prescribed level (e.g., −20 dB).

Abstract: A communication network uses intermediate nodes to resolve local traffic contention. Intermediate nodes receive upstream signals from end users, derive traffic information signals from the upstream signals, and transmit the traffic information signals to end users. By listening to the traffic information signals from the intermediate node, the end users know whether the upstream transmission channels are idle or busy, or whether a collision has occurred. The intermediate nodes derive and transmit the traffic information signals with or without the assistance of the central office or head end.

Abstract: In hybrid fiber coaxial cable networks such as used in cable television where two-way digital communications are desired, a distributed termination system is provided. In such a system the home terminals are digital terminals, such as digital set-top boxes or cable modems using bi-directional transmission standards. The functionality of the head end controller in a conventional system is in this system distributed between the head end and the fiber nodes which link the coaxial cable and optical fiber portions of the system. Thereby the upstream detection takes place in the fiber nodes rather than in the head end by placing upstream burst receivers in the fiber nodes. Further there is a distributed method to enable this by providing synchronization and calibration control between the head end and the fiber nodes. Also, the return path is a digital return path supported by having the burst receivers located in the fiber nodes.

Abstract: The present invention is a data formatting method for data in a digital communication network. The first step in the method is to identify a predetermined number of blocks in the data stream, each block including several data values. The blocks are shuffled by skipping a number of blocks of the input data between consecutive blocks of transmitted data and periodically resetting the skip pointer to transmit the skipped blocks as a part of a later skip operation. The shuffled blocks are then transmitted through the network and reordered again at the other side to recreate the original data stream. Others blocks are similarly reordered and transmitted. The shuffling of the blocks of data reduces long-term dependency in the data while maintaining local order.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network management method and system for use in a broadband network having a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network provided with network elements operable for communicating telephony, data, and video signals with customer-premises equipment (CPE). The network elements include a host digital terminal (HDT) for communicating the telephony signals, a cable modem termination system (CMTS) for communicating the data signals, and video equipment for communicating the video signals; a fiber optics network connecting the HDT, CMTS, and video equipment to a fiber optics node; and a coax cable network connecting the fiber optics node to the CPE.

Abstract: A communication system (100) includes a tap (120) that has an input port (202) for receiving a signal and output ports (225) coupled to the input port (202) for providing the signal to subscriber equipment (125). Each of the output ports (225) has a programmed status comprising either an enabled status or a disabled status. After the statuses have been programmed and the output ports (225) have been set, a controller (210) coupled to the output ports (225) periodically restores the programmed status of the output ports (225) after programmed period of time, thereby automatically resetting inadvertent status changes.

Abstract: When a noise level of upward signal received by a center equipment exceeds a predetermined maximum noise level, line equipment located the closest upstream from a noise source is specified and attenuation of the upward signal on the specified line equipment is increased in levels until the noise level of the upward signal received by the center equipment is equal to or under the maximum noise level. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent abnormal noise to affect the whole system without interrupting the upward signal from a cable modem located downstream of the noise source to the center equipment.

Abstract: A cable television system (100) includes ahead end section (105) for processing information provided from subscriber equipment via a reverse path within the system (100). The reverse signal is provided from subscriber equipment in the form of a broadband RF signal, which can include voice, data, and/or video information. The broadband RF signal is provided from a plurality of subscribers to a node (200) that pulse width modulates the RF signal to generate a reverse optical signal. The pulse width modulated optical signal is then provided to the head end section (105) for processing to recover the information contained therein.