Ingress noise inhibiting network interface device and method for cable television networks
First Claim
1. A noise-mitigation device for connecting subscriber equipment to a cable television (CATV) network, the device comprising:
- a noise mitigation circuit comprising;
at least one switch having an active state and a default state, wherein, in the active state, the at least one switch is configured to permit an upstream signal to pass, and in the default state, the at least one switch is configured to block the upstream signal from passing;
a detector configured to determine whether the upstream signal has a power level that is above a power threshold; and
a first timer configured to expire after a first duration that is at least equal to a maximum time for a single valid upstream data packet to pass through an upstream signal path,wherein the noise mitigation circuit is configured to move the at least one switch to the active state and substantially simultaneously initiate the first timer at least partially in response to the detector determining that the power level is above the power threshold, andwherein the noise mitigation circuit is further configured to set the at least one switch in the default state at least partially in response to the first timer expiring and the detector determining that the power level is below the power threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Ingress noise from subscriber equipment is mitigated or prevented from reaching a cable television (CATV) network. All upstream signals including ingress noise are initially transmitted to the CATV network whenever their instantaneous power exceeds a threshold which typically distinguishes ingress noise from a valid upstream signal. Whenever the instantaneous power is below the threshold, ingress noise is blocked from reaching the CATV network. A gas tube surge protection device is included to resist component destruction and malfunction arising from lightning strikes and other high voltage, high current surges.
231 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A noise-mitigation device for connecting subscriber equipment to a cable television (CATV) network, the device comprising:
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a noise mitigation circuit comprising; at least one switch having an active state and a default state, wherein, in the active state, the at least one switch is configured to permit an upstream signal to pass, and in the default state, the at least one switch is configured to block the upstream signal from passing; a detector configured to determine whether the upstream signal has a power level that is above a power threshold; and a first timer configured to expire after a first duration that is at least equal to a maximum time for a single valid upstream data packet to pass through an upstream signal path, wherein the noise mitigation circuit is configured to move the at least one switch to the active state and substantially simultaneously initiate the first timer at least partially in response to the detector determining that the power level is above the power threshold, and wherein the noise mitigation circuit is further configured to set the at least one switch in the default state at least partially in response to the first timer expiring and the detector determining that the power level is below the power threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A noise-mitigation device for connecting subscriber equipment to a cable television (CATV) network, comprising:
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a first timer configured to expire a first time duration after the first timer is initiated, wherein the first time duration is at least equal to a maximum time for a single valid upstream data packet to pass through an upstream signal path of the device; and at least one switch connected to the first timer, wherein the at least one switch is configured to have an active state that allows an upstream signal to pass through the upstream signal path, and a default state that checks the upstream signal from passing through the upstream signal path, wherein the at least one switch is configured to be in the default state after the first time duration expires. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A noise-mitigation device for connecting subscriber equipment to a cable television (CATV) network, the device comprising:
a circuit configured to; compare a power level of an upstream signal to a power threshold; communicate, for at least a transmission time duration, the upstream signal at least partially in response to the power level of the upstream signal being above the power threshold, the transmission time duration being at least equal to a time required for a data packet to be transmitted; after the transmission time duration expires, block communication of the upstream signal; and determine whether the upstream signal is below the power threshold after a first timer expires, wherein the first timer is configured to expire after a first time duration that is at least equal to a maximum time for a single valid upstream data packet to pass through an upstream signal path. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
Specification