Power adapter and broadband line extender system and method
First Claim
1. A power adapter for providing power to a broadband network termination device, the network termination device adapted to provide data services to a premises, the power adapter comprising:
- a power converter including a connector for connecting to a premises power source and converting the premises power to a power type usable by the network termination device;
a first data port, coupled to the power converter and adapted to provide power to a cable for use by the network termination device;
a further data port adapted for coupling to a premises data network, wherein the further data port is coupled to the first data port so data can be transferred between the first data port and the further data port.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power adapter, in a presently preferred embodiment, includes a power converter and multiple data ports, and is configured for ease of coupling the power converter into pre-existing premises power connectors. Thus, premises power can be supplied from the power converter and a first data port, via data cabling, to a network terminating device for an external network. Multi-protocol adapters, such as an HPNA (Home Phoneline Network Alliance protocol compliant)/Ethernet adapter, may also be included to provide extension of a protocol (such as Ethernet) over pre-existing premises wiring. A back-up battery is optionally provided, as well as appropriate switches and indicators. Specialized male-female connectors may also be used.
157 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A power adapter for providing power to a broadband network termination device, the network termination device adapted to provide data services to a premises, the power adapter comprising:
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a power converter including a connector for connecting to a premises power source and converting the premises power to a power type usable by the network termination device;
a first data port, coupled to the power converter and adapted to provide power to a cable for use by the network termination device;
a further data port adapted for coupling to a premises data network, wherein the further data port is coupled to the first data port so data can be transferred between the first data port and the further data port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for coupling broadband data networks, comprising:
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a. coupling a multi-protocol power adapter to a premises power source, the power adapter comprising a power converter operable for converting power from the premises power source to a power type usable by the network termination device, a first data port operably coupled to the power converter, and further data port operably coupled to the first data port to transfer data with a premises broadband data network;
b. coupling the network termination device to the first data port of the multi-protocol power adapter via a first cable, the cable providing power to, and data to and from, the first network termination device; and
c. coupling the further data ports to the premises broadband data network, whereby data is communicated between the network termination device and premises broadband data network via the power adapter, and the network termination device is powered via the power adapter using the premises power source. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A broadband network coupling system comprising:
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a network terminating device, operably coupled between an external data network and a premises data network; and
a power adapter operably coupled to the network terminating device, and adapted for providing power to the network termination device, comprising;
a power converter operable to convert premises power to a form usable by the network terminating device;
a first data port, coupled to the power converter and operable to provide power to the network terminating device via data cabling;
a line power switch coupled between the power converter and first data port, adapted for controlling the power to the network terminating device; and
a further data port operably coupled to the premises data network, wherein the further data port is operably coupled to the first data port to transfer data between the first data port and the further data port, whereby data is transferred between the external data network and the premises data network and the network terminating device is powered via the power adapter. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification