Wideband node in a cable TV network

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).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is generally related to co-pending PCT application No. PCT / IL00 / 00655 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXPANDING THE OPERATIONAL BANDWIDTH OF A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, filed Nov. 16, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to cable television (“CATV”) distribution networks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a node in a HFC infrastructure-based CATV network utilized as an advanced interfacing device between the fiber optic segment and the coaxial segment of the CATV infrastructure. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art [0005] In CATV distribution networks based on a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) plant infrastructure, the fiber optic trunk and the coaxial trunk of the network are connected via specific devices typically referred to as fiber nodes. In the downstream, the fiber node receives o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Currently operating CATV systems are inherently asymmetric, as constrains and limitations exist regarding the size and speed of the upstream traffic. The asymmetry arises as a result of a limited upstream frequency band of about 5 to 42 MHz. It is an objective of the present invention to alleviate the problem of asymmetry by providing additional upstream frequency bands and by delivering additional high-speed channels within the additional frequency band, as well as additional downstream channels.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention regards a hybrid fiber cable signal distribution network, a node apparatus for the division, frequency conversion and multiplexing of at least four signal sub-bands included in a high frequency band signal of a wideband signal of about 5 to 3000 MHz. The apparatus comprises the elements of: a triplexer device to separate in an upstream direction the wideband signal into the high frequency band signal and a CATV signal of about 5 to 860 MHz, an amplifier device to amplify the high frequency band signal in the upstream direction, a splitter device to split the amplified high frequency band signal into at least four reproduced signals in the upstream direction, a first frequency converter device to down-convert the first frequency sub-band of the first reproduced signal into a first down-converted signal of about 12 to 42 MHz in the upstream direction, a second frequency converter device to down-convert the second frequency sub-band of the second reproduced signal into a second down-converted signal in the upstream direction, a third frequency converter device to down-convert the third frequency sub-band of the third reproduced signal into a third down-converted signal in the upstream direction, a fourth frequency converter device to down-convert the fourth frequency sub-band of the fourth reproduced signal into a fourth down-converted signal in the upstream

Problems solved by technology

Currently operating CATV systems are inherently asymmetric, as constrains

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