CATV Entry Adapter MoCA Signal Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing CATV network infrastructure faces issues with signal strength degradation due to signal splitting, which affects the quality of multimedia content delivery, and the presence of MoCA signals can compromise privacy and security by interfering with nearby subscriber premises, while also potentially causing malfunctions in MoCA devices.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution is an entry adapter that includes a MoCA-blocking filter to prevent MoCA signals from entering the CATV network, and a signal combination device with splitters to attenuate signals and combine downstream CATV signals with MoCA signals, ensuring that MoCA signals are communicated effectively between MoCA devices without attenuating them, while blocking CATV signals from passing through to MoCA ports, thus maintaining signal strength and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If signal splitting is used to distribute CATV signals to multiple outlets, then the coverage area is improved, but the signal strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverage areaVSAvoidsignal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a signal combination device as an intermediary component that receives split signals from multiple outlets and combines them into a single consolidated signal path. This mediator device restores signal strength by aggregating the distributed signals before they reach the MoCA network, thereby maintaining both wide coverage and adequate signal intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If MoCA signals are transmitted through the CATV network, then the network versatility is improved, but the security and privacy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork versatilityVSAvoidsecurity and privacy risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal transmission paths by separating MoCA network traffic from the CATV network infrastructure. The signal combination device creates distinct pathways where MoCA signals are combined from multiple outlets but kept isolated from the CATV network, enabling versatile in-home networking while preventing security risks to the external CATV network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The signal combination device serves as an intermediary that processes MoCA signals locally at the outlet, combining them without allowing them to traverse the CATV network. This mediator approach enables MoCA network versatility while maintaining security boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If MoCA signals are combined from multiple outlets, then the network coverage is improved, but the signal attenuation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMoCA network coverageVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The signal combination device acts as a signal booster intermediary that receives attenuated signals from multiple outlets and combines them to restore overall signal strength. By aggregating signals from multiple sources, the device compensates for the attenuation that would otherwise occur with extended network coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of downstream CATV signals, reduces interference from MoCA signals, and maintains the security of in-home network communications, thereby improving the quality of multimedia content delivery and reducing the risk of device malfunctions.

Implementation Method 1

a MoCA-blocking filter electrically connected to the input port and configured to block MoCA signals from transmitting to the input port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal blocking: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

the first splitter is configured to attenuate signals passing between the first and second leg terminals by at least about 40 decibels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal attenuation: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

a MoCA-pas sing filter electrically connected to the second leg terminal of the first splitter. The MoCA-passing filter is configured to block CATV signals from proceeding therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 4

the first splitter is configured to combine downstream CATV signals received at the first leg terminal with MoCA signals received at the second leg terminal, and provide a broadband signal to the common terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal combination:

Data Source

PatentUS11792362B2Entry adapter for a cable television network

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 PPC BROADBAND INC

AI summary

An entry adapter configured to communicate cable television (CATV) signals from a CATV network to one or more network devices and to communicate Multi-Media over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) signals with a MoCA server, the entry adapter including one or more MoCA ports, and a signal combination device configured to direct the CATV signals toward one or more access ports without substantial attenuation, to substantially attenuate the CATV signals directed toward the one or more MoCA ports, to pass the MoCA signals from the one or more MoCA ports to the one or more access ports, and to pass the MoCA signals from the one or more access ports to the one or more MoCA ports.