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Modular outlet

  • US 20070041339A1
  • Filed: 10/27/2006
  • Published: 02/22/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An outlet that is part of a local area network in a building, the network including at least part of an existing CATV coaxial cable that is at least in part in walls of the building and is terminated at a CATV outlet opening, the CATV coaxial cable being connected for carrying a CATV signal in a CATV signal frequency band, frequency multiplexed with a digital data signal in a digital data frequency band that is distinct from the CATV signal frequency band, said outlet comprising:

  • a first coaxial connector for connecting said outlet to the CATV coaxial cable;

    a coaxial cable modem for bidirectional digital data communication with one or more additional modems of the same type as said coaxial cable modem over the CATV coaxial cable;

    a first filter coupled between said coaxial cable modem and said first coaxial connector for substantially passing only signals in the digital data frequency band;

    a power port connectable to receive a power signal from a power signal source;

    a power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter, coupled between said power port and said coaxial cable modem for DC powering said coaxial cable modem by the power signal;

    a data port for coupling the digital data signal to a first unit;

    a multi-port unit including one of;

    a hub;

    a switch;

    a router; and

    a gateway, coupled to pass data between said data port and said coaxial cable modem; and

    first and second enclosures each containing power-consuming circuits connected to be powered from said power supply, wherein;

    said first coaxial connector, said coaxial cable modem, said first filter, said power port, said power supply, said data port and said multi-port unit are each housed in a respective one of said enclosures;

    said outlet is mountable into a wall opening or outlet cavity;

    said first and second enclosures are removably mechanically attached to each other and electrically connected to each other to enable power to be passed between them; and

    said outlet is addressable in the local area network.

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