CATV Entry Adapter with Directional Couplers for IHE Signal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
CATV networks face challenges in maintaining privacy and security of In-Home Entertainment (IHE) signals, as they can leak into adjacent subscriber premises, causing interference and compromising network functionality, and existing solutions for IHE signal rejection are prone to unauthorized removal, tampering, or malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A CATV entry adapter with directional couplers and IHE frequency bandpass filters that block IHE signals from entering the CATV network, while allowing CATV signals to pass, and includes a signal attenuation device to manage signal strength and direction, ensuring IHE signals are confined within the subscriber's premises and do not interfere with adjacent networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IHE signals are allowed to propagate through the CATV network infrastructure, then in-home entertainment functionality is enabled, but signal leakage to adjacent premises occurs causing privacy compromise and network interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission paths by implementing separate frequency bands for CATV and IHE signals. Frequency selective filters divide the broadband signal into distinct segments, allowing CATV signals (5-1002 MHz) and IHE signals (1025-1675 MHz) to be transmitted independently through the same physical infrastructure without interfering with each other or leaking to adjacent premises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency selective filters as intermediary devices between the IHE network and the CATV network infrastructure. These filters act as mediators that selectively pass desired frequency bands while blocking others, preventing IHE signals from leaking into the CATV network and reaching adjacent premises, while still allowing IHE signals to propagate within the home.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequency selective filters are installed to block IHE signals, then privacy and security are maintained, but the filters are prone to unauthorized removal, tampering, or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frequency selective filtering functionality directly into the CATV entry adapter device. By combining the filter circuits with the existing entry adapter hardware that is already installed at the premises, the solution eliminates the need for separate, vulnerable filter installations. The integrated design makes the filtering function more reliable and harder to tamper with, as it becomes part of the established CATV infrastructure equipment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate frequency bands are used for CATV and IHE signals, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional filtering and signal management components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional frequency selective filters within the entry adapter that can handle both CATV downstream signals and IHE signals simultaneously. The same filter circuitry serves multiple purposes: filtering CATV frequencies, passing IHE frequencies, and preventing signal leakage, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function and managing the overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents IHE signals from leaking into adjacent premises, maintaining privacy and security, while ensuring robust communication within the IHE network and maintaining the integrity of CATV signals, thus enhancing network performance and user flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a signal attenuation and communication device including one or more directional couplers. The signal attenuation and communication device is configured to permit the external network signals to communicate between the entry port and the first network work, and between the entry port and the second network ports
Implementation Method 2
an in-home network signal blocking device that is upstream of the first splitter and downstream of the entry port. The in-home network rejection device is configured to permit the external network signals to pass therethrough depending on the external network signals being in a first frequency band, and to block the in-home network signals from passing therethrough depending on the in-home network signals being in a second frequency band
Implementation Method 3
The signal attenuation and communication device is configured to block and permit communication of the in-home network signals between the first network port, the second network ports, and the entry port at least partially depending on a direction in which the in-home network signals are travelling
Data Source
AI summary
An entry device for communicating external network signals between an in-home network and an external network, for communicating in-home network signals within the in-home network, and for preventing the in-home network signals from being communicated from the in-home network to the external network, the entry device includes a signal attenuation and communication device comprising one or more directional couplers, the signal attenuation and communication device being configured to permit upstream and downstream external network signals to communicate between an entry port and a first network work, and between the entry port and a second network port, and to block and permit communication of in-home network signals between the first network port, the second network port, and the entry port at least partially depending on a direction in which the in-home network signals are travelling.