INTERFACE APPARATUS

• US 20150007246A1
• Filed: 02/07/2013
• Published: 01/01/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Technetix B.V. (Technetix Group Limited)
• Original Assignee: Technetix B.V. (Technetix Group Limited)
• Inventors: Ariesen, Jan
• Application Number:
  US14/371,847
• Publication Number:
  US 20150007246A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/127
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/238 Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. adapting the transmission rate of a video stream to network bandwidth; Processing of multiplex streams hybrid fiber coaxial [HFC] networks for downstream channel allocation for video distribution H04L12/2801; flow control in packet networks H04L47/10; real-time communication protocols in data switching networks H04L65/00; scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/239 Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. prioritizing client content requests hybrid fiber coaxial [HFC] networks for upstream channel allocation for video distribution H04L12/2801; flow control in data networks H04L47/10; real-time communication protocols in data switching networks H04L65/00; scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests H04L67/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41265 having a remote control device for bidirectional communication between the remote control device and client device unidirectional remote control device H04N21/42204
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44245 Monitoring the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. its availability, bandwidth
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6168 involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/102 Circuits therefor, e.g. noise reducers, equalisers, amplifiers H04N7/108 takes precedence

Abstract

There is provided interface apparatus (40) for use in a broadband and/or CATV network (10), the apparatus (40) comprising signal separation means (50, 50′) to create separate downstream and upstream signal paths (46, 48′) and an amplifier means (54) for amplifying upstream signals, wherein the amplifier means (54) is positioned in the upstream signal path and is in communication with a signal detection means (56) operable to power the amplifier means (54) dependent on a signal level of the upstream signal. The signal detection means (56) is positioned downstream of the amplifier means in the upstream path. The signal detection means (56) incorporates a switching element (58) responsive to a detected signal level to interrupt power (60) to the amplifier means (54) and so prevent passing along the upstream path.

Claims

1. Interface apparatus for use in a broadband and/or CATV network, the apparatus comprising a signal separation apparatus to create separate downstream and upstream signal paths and an amplifier device for amplifying upstream signals, wherein the amplifier device is positioned in the upstream signal path and is in communication with a signal detector operable to power the amplifier device dependent on a signal level of the upstream signal.

2. Interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the entire upstream signal path is routed through the amplifier means.

3. Interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal separation apparatus comprises a filter.

4. Interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal detector is positioned downstream of the amplifier device in the upstream path.

5. Interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal detection apparatus incorporates a switching element responsive to a detected signal level.

6. Interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal detector is a log amplifier with level detector.

7. Interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amplifier device is responsive to become operative in less than 160 ns.

8. Interface apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal detection apparatus is operative within a time of 4 to 1 μ

s.

9. A distribution network having at least one interface apparatus according to claim 1.

10. A distribution network having a plurality of interface apparatus according to claim 1.