Abstract: There is provided a fiber distribution hub with a panel assembly that includes one or more selectively removable parking devices. The parking devices are adapted to selectively receive one or more connectors of fiber optic cables within the fiber distribution hub. The panel assembly includes a parking area that defines a plurality of slots into which the parking devices are inserted. Once a parking device has been removed from the slot, a splitter module can be inserted into the slot previously occupied by the parking device. Therefore, the size of the housing of the fiber distribution hub can be reduced because the parking area can also be used for splitter mounting.

Abstract: An STB analysis system comprises an STB checker client and an STB analysis server. The STB checker client comprises an STB query interface to communicate with the STB analysis server to acquire information indicative of the operational status of an STB and to display the information graphically. A user requests data relating to a particular STB by entering the MAC address of an STB into a query field. The STB checker client interacts with an STB analysis server to acquire information relating to the subscriber associated with the STB MAC address, the services authorized for the STB, and data indicative of the status and performance of the STB. In addition, the STB analysis server interacts with the STB operating system to retrieve diagnostic data from the STB logs. The STB checker client further is adapted to permit remotely resetting the STB regardless of its current status.

Abstract: A diagnostic and prescriptive system and method for management of a combined optical and RF cable plant system. In an exemplary embodiment the method and system uses optical receivers in a hub or headend to determine a variety of cable plant parameters such as the OMI of the received signal and automatically facilitated prescriptive service through prioritization and automatic recalibration. In another exemplary embodiment the method allows doing such signal OMI measurements in a closed loop system (that is a fully operational system). In addition, a further exemplary method and system allows storing of standard receiver calibration information such that from thereon signal OMI measurements that can be performed without signal interruption.

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: 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: 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: 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: A cable node and a cable hub that communicate on a CATV network are configured to switch communication modes without signal loss or degradation due to delays in switching communication modes. In particular, a cable node sends one or more mute commands in an outgoing data stream to the cable hub, causing the cable hub to disable the RF outputs. Afterward, or along with the one or more mute commands, the cable node can send a switch mode command, thereby causing the cable hub to switch to the appropriate next communication mode, such as a communication mode using a new compression rate. When the cable hub has switched to the appropriate next communication mode, the cable hub can then properly receive and decode a corresponding data stream using the next communication mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for de-interleaving interleaved data in a deinterleaver memory in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial (ISDB-T) receiver. In different embodiments, the apparatus comprises of a OFDM symbol counter along with a divider or a buffer pointer RAM with circular pointer logic, a first lookup table to obtain delay buffer size and interleaving lengths for a given OFDM transmission layer, and a second lookup table to obtain buffer base address and interleaving lengths for a given OFDM transmission layer.

Abstract: Generating oscillator signals with which selected signals may be mixed. Such oscillator signals may be generated by dividing a pilot tone, such as a 120 MHz pilot tone found on many cable TV systems. Oscillator signals for demodulating received selected signals may be similarly generated.

Abstract: A communication system between head-ends and end-users is provided which expands bandwidth and reliability. A concentrator receives communication signals from a head-end and forwards the received communication signals to one or more fiber nodes and/or one or more mini-fiber nodes. The concentrator demultiplexes/splits received signals for the mini-fiber nodes and the fiber nodes and forwards demultiplexed/split signals respectively. The mini-fiber nodes may combine signals received from the head-end with loop-back signals used for local medium access control prior to forwarding the signals to the end-users. Upstream data are received by the mini-fiber nodes and/or fiber node and transmitted to the concentrator. The concentrator multiplexes/couples the mini-fiber node and the fiber node upstream signals and forwards multiplexed/coupled signals to the head-end.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for transmitting traffic in a plurality of passive optical networks (PONs) is provided. In a particular embodiment, a method for transmitting traffic in a plurality of passive optical networks (PONs) includes transmitting traffic at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength from an optical line terminal (OLT). The method also includes combining the traffic in the first wavelength and the traffic in the second wavelength and splitting the combined traffic into a plurality of copies. The method further includes forwarding a first copy to a first wavelength router at a first distribution node and forwarding a second copy to a second wavelength router at a second distribution node, wherein the first wavelength router is coupled to a first set of optical network units (ONUs) and the second wavelength router is coupled to a second set of ONUs.

Abstract: A Cable Television optical fiber communication system is disclosed, comprises a provider end, plural optical signal transmission devices and plural user ends, each optical signal transmission device is provided between the provider end and the user ends and has an light splitting element, a RF receive module, and a RF return module. The light splitting element is connected to the provider end via an optical transmission wire and is served to bi-directionally transfer a laser beam having a signal between the provider end and the user ends. The RF receive module is served to transfer a first signal of the provider end to the user ends. The RF return module emits a laser beam having a second signal to the provider end only when an analog return signal is emitted from the user end.

Abstract: A method and system for multi-port aggregation in a digital return path CATV system digitizes each of a plurality of return path signals, splits each of the plurality of return path signals into a low band and an upper band (41), combines each of the plurality of low band signals to form a combined low band signal (43), downconverts each of the plurality of upper band signals from an original frequency range into a new downconverted frequency range (45) and time division multiplexes the plurality of downconverted upper band signals with the combined low band signal to form an aggregate data stream (46).

Abstract: A method for use in an RFoG cable network calls for allocating upstream bandwidth to CM devices, wherein allocating bandwidth includes selecting a start time and allocating respective time slots relative to the selected start time to at least one of the requesting CM devices; and further, allocating the same timeslots over multiple selected upstream channels, thereby aligning upstream transmissions from the requesting CMs across the selected upstream channels. Several embodiments are disclosed to enable DOCSIS 3.0 type scheduling over an RFoG network.

Abstract: In a cable return path system, a method for performing digital companding adds a predetermined offset to the digital value to be companded, and employs a modified ?-law or a-law companding technique to obtain a reduced bit length digital value. One embodiment of this modified approach adds a predetermined offset (e.g., 129 for a 12-bit implementation) to the digital value before companding and then employs a two-bit chord and a 5-bit step for the 12-bit implementation. The end result is that the performance metrics are not significantly compromised by this bit reduction when compared to current transmission methods without this technique.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method that delivers content from one or more content sources to a plurality of subscriber units via a flow transport subsystem that transports content flows originated from the one or more content sources over a wide area network in response to one or more requests for deadline-driven content flows. E.g., live or interactive flows. One or more gateways interface with the flow transport subsystem for receiving the deadline-driven content flows. Each of the one or more gateways is associated with one or more subscriber units and is selected based on one or more requests for deadline-driven content flows. A content processor converts the deadline-driven content flows to modulated content flows, and a flow delivery subsystem delivers the modulated content flows to one or more subscriber units associated with a selected gateway over an allocated frequency bandwidth of one or more transmission mediums.

Abstract: Enhanced Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) functionality, including programmable digital domain modulators and demodulators for dynamic channel assignment, is incorporated into Fiber Nodes (FNs) or mini Fiber Nodes (mFNs), yielding enhanced Fiber Nodes (eFNs). These eFns distribute CMTS functionality deep into Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Networks (HFCN) rather than centralizing the CMTS functions within a single location. Moving the cable modem terminations closer to the subscribers shortens the analog RF paths required to support cable modems. Communication of both subscriber data and CMTS control data is performed over Ethernet-compatible packet networks between the field-based CMTSs and an upstream facility (e.g., the Head End), which includes an Internet gateway. Packet data for multiple subscriber cable modems is easily compressed and merged over common network paths, reducing cabling plant complexity and increasing bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for receiving IP video and audio signals at a subscriber's premises. A QAM modulator then modulates the IP signals and provides the modulated signals to a conventional digital home communications terminal (DHCT). Accordingly, conventional DHCTs can be used in an IP-based network.

Abstract: A packet fiber node is described for use in an access network such as, for example, a cable network. The packet fiber node may differ from convention RF fiber nodes deployed in a cable network in that the packet fiber node is configured to communicate with the Head End of the network using baseband optical signals rather than frequency modulated optical signals. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, one or more packet fiber nodes may be deployed in a cable network to service a plurality of different subscriber groups which are serviced by a single, conventional RF fiber node.

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: A system and method for determining a fault in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network segment. A two-way client uses a two-way query interface to acquire information indicative of the two-way operational status of subscriber CPE units associated with a subscriber number from a two-way validation server. Using the operational status of the subscriber CPE units, a fault may be associated with either the CPE units or with network facilities other than the two or more CPE units.

Abstract: A digital headend architecture and full service network are provided to selectively demodulate and decode a variety of digital and analog feeds into baseband signals or pass digital programming through the headend. In accordance with one embodiment, the head end is provided with digital-turn-around capability to allow precompressed signals to passed through the head end with out any decompress or decoding into baseband signals. The head end includes at least one receiver for receiving signals sent by satellite, at least one antenna for receiving over-the-air signals as baseband composite video and audio signals, and a decoder connected to the at least one receiver for converting received satellite signals into baseband video and audio signals. At least one MPEG encoder is provided for encoding the baseband video and audio composite signals into multiplexed Single Program Transport Streams (SPTS).

Abstract: A transmitter (305) for transmitting reverse optical signals in a broadband communications system (300) that includes a converter (320) for digitizing the analog RF signals and a carrier-detect circuit (330) coupled to the converter (320) for detecting when digital RF signals are present at the output of the converter (320). When the carrier-detect circuit (330) detects digital RF signals, the carrier-detect circuit (330) allows the digital RF signals to be transmitted upstream through the broadband communications system (300). A digital network (310) then combines the received digital RF signals with other digital RF signals from additional transmitters (305). The combined digital signals are then provided to a receiver (315) that includes a converter (335) for returning the digital RF signals to analog RF signals and then providing the analog signals to a headend for further processing.

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: Provided is a digital broadcast system that receives digital broadcast services on a passive optical network (PON). The data separator separates a signal input thereinto from the outside into an Ethernet frame for data service and an Ethernet frame for digital broadcast service. The Ethernet switch transmits the Ethernet frame for data service to an optical network terminal (ONT) provided in the user's home according to header information of the Ethernet frame for data service. The channel request processor receives the user's channel selection request information and user identification (ID) information from the ONT. The digital broadcast processor transmits the Ethernet frame for digital broadcast service, corresponding to the digital broadcast channel selected by the user, to the user's ONT, by using a part of bandwidth assigned for an existing line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment may include, in response, at least in part, to receipt at a first node of a request issued from a second node to change from one mode of operation to another mode of operation, selecting an amplitude of a signal to be propagated between the first node and the second node during the another mode of operation. The amplitude of the signal may be different from another amplitude of the signal during the one mode of operation. The method of this embodiment also may include, in response, at least in part, to the receipt of the request, selecting a frequency of a clock signal to be supplied in the first node during the another mode of operation. The frequency may be different from another frequency of the clock signal during the one mode of operation.

Abstract: A CATV station apparatus subjects received optical signals to processes such as optical-electrical conversion, signal separation, coupling, and demodulation for obtaining an uplink signal. A received photocurrent monitoring section compares a received photocurrent at a optical receiving section with a predetermined reference current. If the received photocurrent is equal to or higher than the reference current, an amplifying section amplifies a signal output from a signal separating section at a predetermined level. If the received photocurrent is lower than the reference current, on the other hand, it is determined that a non-linear phenomenon, such as stimulated Brillouin scattering, has occurred in an optical fiber. The amplifying section then outputs a signal at a level which does not affect, even after being coupled with other signals, communications performed by other optical transmission systems.

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: A plurality of network devices may be reset. In order to reset the plurality of network devices, a first file may be received including a plurality of host names corresponding to a plurality of network devices. Next, a second file may be received comprising a plurality of security keys respectively indexed with a plurality of network device IDs. Then, data may be created based on the first file and the second file. The data may include a plurality of qualified names each respectively corresponding to each of the plurality of network devices. The data may also include a plurality of security keys each respectively corresponding to each of the plurality of network devices. Next, the data may be sent to a programming module configured to send reset signals to each of the plurality of network devices.

Abstract: A system for validating two-way continuity of a customer premises equipment (CPE) unit in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network. A two-way client uses a two-way query interface to acquire information indicative of the two-way operational status of a subscriber CPE units from a two-way validation server and to display the information graphically.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing reverse signals from a plurality of DHCTs to a downstream modulator that is located in the headend facility. The present invention includes a single wire return device (SWRD) that receives RF modulated signals, dynamically determines the address of the associated modulator, and converts the signals into Ethernet signals. The Ethernet signals are subsequently provided to the headend facility via fiber cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented to allow the extension of a DOCSIS cable modem service over a wireless link. According to the invention a wireless hub transceiver is connected to a distribution coax cable of a DOCSIS based system. The downstream data are transferred over a wireless link to a remote subscriber radio frequency (RF) unit connected to a cable modem that provides the downstream data to the subscriber. Similarly, upstream data are sent from the subscriber cable modem over the wireless link to the wireless hub transceiver where such data are inserted back to the distribution coax cable.

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: A method of determining when cable modems in a distributed digital data delivery service over cable TV hybrid fiber coaxial cable network have a headroom problem and resolving said problem. The method involves measuring the burst power from each cable modem, and if the burst power is too low, requesting the cable modem whose burst power is too low to increase its transmit power, and keeping track of which modems have been requested to increase their power. If a predetermined number of requests to increase power have not resulted in the cable modem transmitting with sufficient power for reliable reception, the cable modem is listed as having a headroom problem. Subsequent requests for upstream bandwidth from all modems with headroom problems are analyzed to determine if the requested burst size is too large and will result in a headroom problem. If so, a calculation as to the maximum number of spreading codes that each modem with a headroom problem can simultaneously transmit on without a headroom problem.

Abstract: A system is provided for combining conventional HFC plants with fiber-optic access systems (e.g., fiber-to-the-home or fiber-to-the-curb) that share a head-end and other equipment. A robust modulation format, such as QPSK, having a sufficient SNR to transmit information (e.g., data, digital audio and digital video) downstream to users' premises via a fiber-optic access system is used. Also, a method and apparatus is provided for converting a first modulation format for information received via a fiber-optic access system to a modulation format compatible with customer premises equipment.

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

Abstract: 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 novel node device enables transmission of a wideband signal, in compliance with various acceptable transmission standards and protocols. The signal consists of the legacy spectrum of about 5-860 MHz as well as a new downstream spectrum of about 1000-2000 MHz and a new upstream spectrum of about 2000-3000 MHz or about 930-1100 MHz. The novel device enables transfer of additional data in the upstream direction employing multiple upstream bands without making substantial investment in upstream physical node splitting thus providing networking services to residential subscribers, as well as to small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), which may operate under existing DOCSIS protocols and controlled by standard DOCSIS routers (CMTSs).

Abstract: Canceling and removing distortion and noise components of a signal generated in a hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) network. The system transmits an optical signal from an input side of an optical network unit of an existing HFC network to a coaxial distribution hub through a separate optical fiber jumper; converts the optical signal into a reference RF signal; extracts only the distortion and noise component by combining the reference RF signal with the degraded main RF signal, in opposite phase, containing distortions and noises generated, while the main RF signal passes through coaxial cables and cascaded coaxial amplifiers in coaxial paths of an HFC network; canceling out the distortion and noise component by combining the extracted distortion and noise component with the degraded main RF signal, in opposite phase.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing video-on-demand (VOD) transaction errors in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network. Raw XOD transaction error data is acquired from an XOD server. XOD-related subscriber information is acquired from a subscriber datastore. VOD transaction data is acquired from a VOD server. A correlator acquires the raw XOD transaction error, determines from the XOD-related subscriber information that a subscriber is not entitled to receive XOD service, creates filtered XOD transaction error data by removing from the raw XOD transaction error data XOD transaction errors associated with the subscriber, and correlates a filtered XOD transaction error with VOD transaction data to identify a network path of the filtered XOD transaction error. A result processor reviews the correlated transaction error data to determine whether correlated transaction error data entries are related by a common cause.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transferring a plurality of satellite signals through an optical communication network. The method includes the steps of selecting a frequency of a local oscillator signal within a guardband between a left polarization signal and a right polarization signal of a first satellite signal of the plurality of satellite signals, frequency shifting the first satellite signal upwards in frequency by the selected frequency. The method further includes the steps of combining the frequency shifted satellite signal with a second satellite signal of the plurality of satellite signals and modulating a optical carrier with the combined signals, transferring the modulated optical carrier to a receiver through an optical fiber and decoding the first and second satellite signals within the receiver.

Abstract: In a DOCSIS based satellite gateway data is transmitted over a single downstream channel, at different throughput rates. Data destined for each subscriber/receiver is assigned a throughput rate depending upon the downstream signal quality of that subscriber/receiver. To accomplish this, the downstream DOCSIS MAC data is parsed to extract DOCSIS packets. The DOCSIS packets are then loaded into packet queues based on an identifier within such packets such as the MAC destination address or SID. Each of the queues represents a bandwidth efficiency or throughput rate that can be currently tolerated by specific subscribers based on the current signal quality being experienced at the subscriber location. A PHY-MAP describing the downstream data structure to be transmitted and inserted into the downstream data. Data is extracted from the packet queues in queue blocks as defined by the PHY-MAP.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing video-on-demand (VOD) transaction errors in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network. Raw XOD transaction error data is acquired from an XOD server. XOD-related subscriber information is acquired from a subscriber datastore. VOD transaction data is acquired from a VOD server. A correlator acquires the raw XOD transaction error, determines from the XOD-related subscriber information that a subscriber is not entitled to receive XOD service, creates filtered XOD transaction error data by removing from the raw XOD transaction error data XOD transaction errors associated with the subscriber, and correlates a filtered XOD transaction error with VOD transaction data to identify a network path of the filtered XOD transaction error. A result processor reviews the correlated transaction error data to determine whether correlated transaction error data entries are related by a common cause.

Abstract: One or more upstream line cards each include a digital or analog multiplexer front end circuit for a Cable Modem Termination System. Each upstream line card has only upstream receivers and allows a CMTS to share one or more receiver chips to receive and recover data from a larger number of input cables coupled to the front end multiplexer. A control circuit for the multiplexer uses MAP data and burst assignment data and upstream mini-slot counts for each of the input cables to determine when a burst is about to arrive on a cable and cause appropriate switching by the multiplexer or crossbar switch. In some embodiments, there is only one RF channel circuit coupled to the output of the multiplexer, so the multiplexer is controlled to couple the input cable upon which the burst is expected to the single RF channel.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical fiber system and method for carrying both CATV and Ethernet signals. The digital signals are translated into higher band by a direct up/down conversion so that analog signals and digital signals are treated as different frequency bands of electrical signals. Then, all the signals are mixed/divided by a power combiner/divider. And then, by using optoelectronic devices, the signals are processed with optoelectronic conversion. The converted optical signals are transmitted in a fiber or a related optical channel having low channel loss yet high capacity. To sum up, the present invention can transmit digital signals together with analog signals in a single wavelength to save the cost of an optical signal system and to provide a convenience on rearranging the system.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a gateway providing an open software interface to control in-home communications and to enable in-home devices of various divergent technologies to selectively access external communication features. An in-home communication network utilizes any one or more of several available in-home digital networking media to connect the gateway to device interfaces. The gateway comprises interfaces to a plurality of external communication networks, and one or more in-home communication media, a router coupled to the various interfaces and a controller. Each device specific accessing the in-home network connects to media through a device interface. There will be different interfaces for enabling access by different types of customer premises devices. Each device interface provides physical access to the media as well as functional interfacing, to enable operation with the particular type of customer premises device.

Abstract: A system for locating an impairment in a coaxial cable network comprises an encoder, an impairment detector, and a decoder. The encoder couples to the network at a predetermined encoding point, upstream of the impairment. The encoder automatically encodes an identification code on a signal originating downstream of the encoding point and associated with the impairment. The impairment detector couples to the network at an access point, upstream from the encoding point, and receives signals from the network. The detector is adapted to detect from the received signals the signal associated with the impairment and generate a detected version of the signal. The decoder is adapted to decode the identification code from the detected version of the impairment signal. Once the identification code is determined, the encoder and encoding point are identified, and the location of the impairment is determine to be downstream of the encoding point.