EP1413147A4 - Cableran networking over coaxial cables - Google Patents

Cableran networking over coaxial cables

Info

Publication number
EP1413147A4
EP1413147A4 EP02711192A EP02711192A EP1413147A4 EP 1413147 A4 EP1413147 A4 EP 1413147A4 EP 02711192 A EP02711192 A EP 02711192A EP 02711192 A EP02711192 A EP 02711192A EP 1413147 A4 EP1413147 A4 EP 1413147A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coaxial cable
networking system
home networking
transceiver coupled
outlet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP02711192A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1413147A2 (en
Inventor
David Cohen
Idan Kessel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tmt Third Millenium Technologies Ltd
T M T THIRD MILLENIUM TECHNOLO
Original Assignee
Tmt Third Millenium Technologies Ltd
T M T THIRD MILLENIUM TECHNOLO
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/860,238 external-priority patent/US20020194605A1/en
Priority claimed from US09/860,239 external-priority patent/US20050204066A9/en
Application filed by Tmt Third Millenium Technologies Ltd, T M T THIRD MILLENIUM TECHNOLO filed Critical Tmt Third Millenium Technologies Ltd
Publication of EP1413147A2 publication Critical patent/EP1413147A2/en
Publication of EP1413147A4 publication Critical patent/EP1413147A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/10—Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
    • H04N7/106—Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable for domestic distribution
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2838—Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/21—Server components or server architectures
    • H04N21/214—Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital
    • H04N21/2143—Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital located in a single building, e.g. hotel, hospital or museum
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/10—Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
    • H04N7/102—Circuits therefor, e.g. noise reducers, equalisers, amplifiers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/284—Home automation networks characterised by the type of medium used
    • H04L2012/2841—Wireless

Definitions

  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components thereof
  • a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from a remote location to a location adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions along respective frequency spectra, which are separated by a separation frequency band, at least one bidirectional coaxial cable extending from the location adjacent subscriber premises to at least one outlet at the subscriber premises and carrying traffic along the separation frequency band
  • a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one communication link extending from a remote location to a location adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions, at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from the location adjacent subscriber premises to at least one outlet at the subscriber premises and carrying DBS television traffic along a first frequency band and other traffic along a second frequency band outside of the first frequency band
  • the outlet includes a non-powered universal serial bus (USB) outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the coaxial cable
  • the outlet includes a non-powered IEEE 1394 Firewire outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 Firewire adapter circuit to the coaxial cable
  • the other traffic includes broadband data traffic
  • a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including a coaxial cable and an infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
  • the network also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable,
  • bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including a cable, a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adaptei circuit to the cable
  • bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including a cable, a non-powered IEEE 1394 Firewire outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 Firewire adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
  • the cable carries RF signals.
  • the network also includes an infrared transceiver coupled to the cable.
  • the network also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the cable.
  • the network also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the cable.
  • a multifunctional outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
  • a multifunctional outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and a non-powered IEEE 1394 Firewire outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 Firewire adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
  • an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable and a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
  • an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable and a non-powered IEEE 1394 Firewire outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 Firewire adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
  • an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and an infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable.
  • an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable.
  • an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable.
  • the coaxial cable carries RF signals.
  • a home networking system including a coaxial cabling carrying RF traffic and a plurality of outlets, coupled to the coaxial cabling.
  • At least one of the outlets includes a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable.
  • At least one of the outlets includes a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the coaxial cabling.
  • At least one of the outlets includes a wall outlet.
  • the home networking system also includes an infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cabling.
  • the home networking system also includes a non-powered IEEE 1394 coupled to the coaxial cabling.
  • the home networking system also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cabling.
  • the home networking system also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cabling.
  • a home networking system including at least one coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and at least one Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable.
  • a home networking system including at least one coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and at least one wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
  • the home networking system also includes an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
  • a home networking system including at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable and at least one non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the cable connector.
  • a home networking system including at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable and at least one Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the cable connector
  • a home networking system including at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable and at least one IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to the cable connector
  • the cable connector carries RF signals.
  • the home networking system also includes an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to the cable connector
  • wireless RF as used throughout this application, preferably refers to the IEEE 802 1 1 standards and typically includes the IEEE 802.11A and IEEE 802 M B standards
  • Figs 1 A, IB, 1C and ID are pictorial illustrations of various embodiments of a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 2 is a simplified functional block diagram of a media access switch useful in the network of Fig 1 and which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 3 is a simplified functional block diagram illustration of a portion of the media access switch of Fig 2,
  • Figs 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are simplified flowcharts illustrating operation of the circuitry of Fig 3,
  • Fig 5 is a pictorial illustration of a multifunctional outlet constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 6 is a simplified functional block diagram of circuitry forming part of a preferred embodiment of the multifunctional outlet of Fig. 2, and
  • Fig. 7 is a simplified diagram showing a typical frequency spectrum including typical conventional bi-directional coaxial communication bands as well as typical additional bands utilized in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 1A is a pictorial illustration of a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional coaxial cable 10 extending from a remote location such as a headend (not shown) to a location, designated by reference numeral 12, adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions along respective frequency spectra which are separated by a separation frequency band.
  • Coaxial cable 10 preferably terminates at location 12 in a directional coupler 14 which receives an input from a media access switch (MAS) 16, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 2.
  • Media access switch 16 preferably is connected with the directional coupler 14 via a coaxial bidirectional link 18 connected to a suitable tap in the directional coupler and is connected by any suitable bi-directional data link 20 to a source and/or receiver of data
  • a preferred directional coupler 14 is a model ZCW or ZDC directional coupler, commercially available from Blonder-Tongue of the U S A
  • At least one bi-directional coaxial cable 22 extends from the directional coupler 14 at location 12 to at least one outlet 24 at the subscriber premises and carries traffic along the separation frequency band
  • a preferred outlet 24 is a multifunctional outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 5 and 6
  • Fig 7 illustrates the frequency spectrum of typical bi-directional coaxial cable communication It is seen that bands typically of 5 - 42 MHz and of 55 - 860 MHz are utilized for conventional coaxial cable communication in respective upstream and downstream directions
  • an additional upstream band 26 and an additional downstream band 28 are provided to carry communications respectively from modulator 206 and amplifier 210 (Fig 2) and to amplifier 212 and de-modulator 208 (Fig 2) respectively
  • further upstream and downstream bands may be provided in the regions of 0 - 5 MHz and above 860 MHz
  • the network system also operates in the conventionally used frequencies of 5 - 150 MHz
  • the network within the subsc ⁇ ber premises the network provides a home networking system wherein the at least one coaxial cable 22 carries RF traffic to a plurality of outlets, such as outlets 24, which are coupled to the coaxial cable 22
  • Fig IB is a pictorial illustration of a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one coaxial cable 30 extending from a satellite broadcast receiving dish 3 1 , preferably forming part of a DBS satellite broadcasting system to a location, designated by reference numeral 32, adjacent subscriber premises
  • Cable 30 preferably terminates at location 32 in a directional coupler 34 which receives an input from a media access switch (MAS) 36, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 2
  • Media access switch 36 preferably is connected with the directional coupler via a coaxial bi-directional link 38 connected to a suitable tap in the directional coupler and is connected by any suitable bi-directional data link 40 to a source and or receiver of data
  • a preferred data coupler 34 is a model ZCW or ZDC directional coupler, commercially available from Blonder-Tongue of the U S A
  • At least one bi-directional coaxial cable 42 extends from the directional coupler 34 at location 32 to at least one outlet 44 at the subsc ⁇ ber premises and carries traffic along the separation frequency band
  • a preferred outlet 44 is a multifunctional outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 5 and 6
  • the network within the subscriber premises the network provides a home networking system wherein the at least one coaxial cable 42 carries RF traffic to a plurality of outlets, such as outlets 44, which are coupled to the coaxial cable 42
  • a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional data cable 50 extending from a wireless data link terminal 51 such as a VSAT dish, an LMDS CPE or any other suitable terminal, to a location, designated by reference numeral 52, adjacent subscriber premises
  • Cable 50 preferably terminates at location 52 in a media access switch (MAS) 56, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 2
  • Media access switch 56 preferably is connected by at least one bi-directional coaxial cable 62 which extends to at least one outlet 64 at the subscriber premises
  • a preferred outlet 64 is a multifunctional outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 5 and 6
  • the network within the subscriber premises the network provides a home networking system wherein the at least one coaxial cable 62 carries RF traffic to a plurality of outlets, such as outlets 64, which are coupled to the coaxial cable 62
  • a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional data cable 70 extending from a data link tei minal 71 , such as a fiber to the curb (FTTC) terminal, a digital subscriber loop (DSL) CPE, an E l/T l modem or a cable modem to a location, designated by reference numeral 72, adjacent subscriber premises
  • a data link tei minal 71 such as a fiber to the curb (FTTC) terminal, a digital subscriber loop (DSL) CPE, an E l/T l modem or a cable modem to a location, designated by reference numeral 72, adjacent subscriber premises
  • Cable 70 preferably terminates at location 72 in a media access switch (MAS) 76, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 2
  • Media access switch 76 preferably is connected by at least one bi-directional coaxial cable 82 which extends to at least one outlet 84 at the subscriber premises
  • a preferred outlet 84 is a multifunctional outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 5 and 6
  • the network within the subscriber premises the network provides a home networking system wherein the at least one coaxial cable 82 carries RF traffic to a plurality of outlets, such as outlets 84, which are coupled to the coaxial cable 82
  • a data link 200 such as an Ethernet or ATM data link, extends from a remote location such as a headend or a ISP switch to a switch or hub or router 202, such as a SUPERSTACK 3 R hub or switch, commercially available from 3COM Corporation of Santa Clara, California, U S
  • a Data received via the data link is supplied via switch or hub or router 202 to MAS logic 204, which extracts data from an incoming data flow
  • MAS logic 204 is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 3
  • MAS logic 204 interfaces with a modulator 206 and a demodulator 208 which are each coupled via a suitable amplifier, respectively designated 210 and 212 to the tap port of a directional coupler, such as directional couplers 14 or 34 respectively, in the embodiments of Figs 1A & IB, or directly to a coaxial cable, such as cables 62 or 82 respectively, in the embodiments of Figs 1C & ID
  • the MAS logic 204 comprises bridge logic circuitry 300 which is coupled to network management logic c ⁇ cuitry 302 and to RF management logic circuitry 304 Data received from switch 202 (Fig 2) is typically analyzed by bridge logic circuitry 300 Portions of the data which i elate to network management are provided to network management logic circuitry 302 and portions of the data which relate to RF management are provided to RF management logic circuitry 304 Data is outputted from the bridge logic 300 via an RF driver 306 to modulator 206 (Fig 2)
  • data received from demodulator 208 is typically analyzed by bridge logic circuitry 300 Portions of the data which relate to network management are provided to network management logic circuitry 302 and portions of the data which relate to RF management are provided to RF management logic circuitry 304 Data is outputted from the bridge logic 300 to switch 202 (Fig 2)
  • Network management logic circuitry 302 preferably handles control and status reporting in the system and typically operates using a standard SNMP protocol Circuitry 302 is operative to decode packets such as those received from switch 202 as described hereinabove and to take actions based on information contained therein The network management logic circuitry 302 is also operative to collect information and configure various outlets
  • Figs 4A - 4D As seen in Fig 4A, when a packet is received by the bridge logic circuitry 300 from switch 202 (Fig 2), the destination address (DA) of the packet is analyzed If the destination address is a broadcast address, the packet is supplied to network management logic 302 (Fig 3) and to the RF driver 306 (Fig 3)
  • the packet is supplied only to the network management logic circuitry 302 (Fig 3) If the destination address is other than a bridge address and a broadcast address, the packet is supplied only to the RF driver 306.
  • the packet is supplied only to the RF driver 306
  • the packet is supplied only to switch 202
  • a packet is extracted from the received data and the destination address (DA) of the packet is analyzed. If the destination address is a broadcast address, the packet is supplied to network management logic circuitry 302 (Fig 3), switch 202 (Fig. 2) and to the RF driver 306
  • the packet is supplied only to the network management logic circuitry 302
  • the packet is supplied only to the RF driver 306
  • the packet is supplied only to switch 202
  • FIG 5 is a pictorial illustration of a multifunctional outlet 520 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and useful in the network of Figs. 1A - ID.
  • outlet 520 is connected to a coaxial cable 522 which may be enclosed within a wall or extend along a baseboard thereof.
  • Circuitry 523 in the outlet connects the coaxial cable 522 to one or more of a plurality of connectors or interfaces, typically including a TV coaxial cable socket 524, a Bluetooth interface 525, a wireless RF interface 526, a USB (universal serial bus) or USB/2 connector 527, a IEEE 1394 Firewire 529 and an IR interface 528, such as a diffuse IR interface.
  • FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of a preferred embodiment of outlet circuitry 523 (Fig. 5).
  • a directional coupler 600 is preferably connected to have its OUT port coupled to coaxial cable 522 (Fig. 5) and to have its IN port connected to TV coaxial cable socket 524.
  • a preferred directional coupler 600 is a model ZCW or ZDC directional coupler, commercially available from Blonder-Tongue of the U S A.
  • the TAP port of directional coupler 600 is bifurcated and coupled in parallel to a pair of band pass filters 602 and 604.
  • the pass bands of filters 602 and 604 are typically 5 - 150 MHz in both directions.
  • the output of filter 602 is supplied via an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit 606 and an A - D converter 608 to a demodulator 610 and thence to a data translator 612, which is operative to encapsulate the output in packets suitable for USB, IR, Bluetooth, a IEEE 1394 Firewire and Wireless RF each with in a suitable format.
  • the appropriate packets are then transmitted via Bluetooth interface 525, wireless RF interface 526, USB or USB/2 connector 527, a IEEE 1394 Firewire 529 and IR interface 528.
  • Inputs received by data translator 612 via Bluetooth interface 525, wireless RF interface 526, USB or USB/2 connector 527, a IEEE 1394 Firewire 529 and IR interface 528 are decapsulated thereat and supplied to a modulator 614 and thence via a D - A converter 616, an amplifier 618 and band pass filter 604 to the TAP port of directional coupler 600.

Abstract

A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional coaxial cable (10) extending from a remote location to a location adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite direction (22) along respective frequency spectra which are separated by a separation frequency band and at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from the location adjacent subscriber premises to at least one outlet (24) at the subscriber premises and carrying traffic along the separation frequency band.

Description

CABLERAN NETWORKING OVERCOAXIAL CABLES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to coaxial cable communication and more particularly to coaxial cable communication networks and wall outlets
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
Applicants hereby claim priority of U S Provisional Patent Application Serial No 60/268,610, filed February 13, 2001, entitled "CableRAN", U S Patent Application Serial No 09/860,238 filed May 18, 2001, entitled "CableRAN Networking Over Coaxial Cables", and of U S Patent Application Serial No 09/860,239, filed May 18, 2001 , entitled "CableRAN Home Networking Over Coaxial Cables"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The following U S Patents are believed to represent the current state of the art
3,836,888, 4,413,229, 5,343,240, 5,440,335, 5,796,739, 5,805,806,
5,822,677, 5,822,678, 5,845, 190, 5,896,556, 5,917,624, 5,963,844,
6,08 1 ,5 19
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components thereof
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from a remote location to a location adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions along respective frequency spectra, which are separated by a separation frequency band, at least one bidirectional coaxial cable extending from the location adjacent subscriber premises to at least one outlet at the subscriber premises and carrying traffic along the separation frequency band There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one communication link extending from a remote location to a location adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions, at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from the location adjacent subscriber premises to at least one outlet at the subscriber premises and carrying DBS television traffic along a first frequency band and other traffic along a second frequency band outside of the first frequency band
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the outlet includes a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable
Additionally or alternatively the outlet includes a non-powered universal serial bus (USB) outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the coaxial cable
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the outlet includes a non-powered IEEE 1394 Firewire outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 Firewire adapter circuit to the coaxial cable
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the coaxial cable carries RF signals
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the outlet includes a wall outlet
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes an infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the traffic carried along the separation frequency band includes VSAT traffic
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the other traffic includes broadband data traffic There is provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including a coaxial cable and an infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the coaxial cable carries RF signals
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable,
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
There is also provided in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including a coaxial cable and a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the coaxial cable carries RF signals
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including a coaxial cable and a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the coaxial cable carries RF signals
There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including a cable, a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adaptei circuit to the cable
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including a cable, a non-powered IEEE 1394 Firewire outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 Firewire adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the cable carries RF signals.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes an infrared transceiver coupled to the cable.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the cable.
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the cable.
There is provided in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention a multifunctional outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
There is provided in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention a multifunctional outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and a non-powered IEEE 1394 Firewire outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 Firewire adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
There is provided in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable and a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
There is provided in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable and a non-powered IEEE 1394 Firewire outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 Firewire adapter circuit to the coaxial cable.
There is provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and an infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable. There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention an outlet including a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the coaxial cable carries RF signals.
There is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a home networking system including a coaxial cabling carrying RF traffic and a plurality of outlets, coupled to the coaxial cabling.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one of the outlets includes a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable.
Alternatively at least one of the outlets includes a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the coaxial cabling.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one of the outlets includes a wall outlet.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes an infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cabling.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes a non-powered IEEE 1394 coupled to the coaxial cabling.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cabling.
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cabling.
There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a home networking system including at least one coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and at least one Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable. There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a home networking system including at least one coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and at least one wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a home networking system including at least one coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable and at least one infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the coaxial cable carries RF signals
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes an infrared transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to the coaxial cable
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a home networking system including at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable and at least one non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to the cable connector.
There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a home networking system including at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable and at least one infrared transceiver coupled to the cable connector
There is provided in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention a home networking system including at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable and at least one Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the cable connector
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a home networking system including at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable and at least one IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to the cable connector
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system the cable connector carries RF signals.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes an infrared transceiver coupled to the cable connector
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to the cable connector
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes a wireless RF transceiver coupled to the cable connector
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the home networking system also includes an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to the cable connector
The term "wireless RF" as used throughout this application, preferably refers to the IEEE 802 1 1 standards and typically includes the IEEE 802.11A and IEEE 802 M B standards
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which
Figs 1 A, IB, 1C and ID are pictorial illustrations of various embodiments of a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig 2 is a simplified functional block diagram of a media access switch useful in the network of Fig 1 and which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig 3 is a simplified functional block diagram illustration of a portion of the media access switch of Fig 2,
Figs 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are simplified flowcharts illustrating operation of the circuitry of Fig 3,
Fig 5 is a pictorial illustration of a multifunctional outlet constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
Fig 6 is a simplified functional block diagram of circuitry forming part of a preferred embodiment of the multifunctional outlet of Fig. 2, and
Fig. 7 is a simplified diagram showing a typical frequency spectrum including typical conventional bi-directional coaxial communication bands as well as typical additional bands utilized in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is now made to Fig 1A, which is a pictorial illustration of a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention As seen in Fig I A, there is provided a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional coaxial cable 10 extending from a remote location such as a headend (not shown) to a location, designated by reference numeral 12, adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions along respective frequency spectra which are separated by a separation frequency band.
Coaxial cable 10 preferably terminates at location 12 in a directional coupler 14 which receives an input from a media access switch (MAS) 16, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 2. Media access switch 16 preferably is connected with the directional coupler 14 via a coaxial bidirectional link 18 connected to a suitable tap in the directional coupler and is connected by any suitable bi-directional data link 20 to a source and/or receiver of data A preferred directional coupler 14 is a model ZCW or ZDC directional coupler, commercially available from Blonder-Tongue of the U S A
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one bi-directional coaxial cable 22 extends from the directional coupler 14 at location 12 to at least one outlet 24 at the subscriber premises and carries traffic along the separation frequency band A preferred outlet 24 is a multifunctional outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 5 and 6
Fig 7 illustrates the frequency spectrum of typical bi-directional coaxial cable communication It is seen that bands typically of 5 - 42 MHz and of 55 - 860 MHz are utilized for conventional coaxial cable communication in respective upstream and downstream directions In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an additional upstream band 26 and an additional downstream band 28 are provided to carry communications respectively from modulator 206 and amplifier 210 (Fig 2) and to amplifier 212 and de-modulator 208 (Fig 2) respectively Additionally or alternatively further upstream and downstream bands may be provided in the regions of 0 - 5 MHz and above 860 MHz It is appreciated that the network system also operates in the conventionally used frequencies of 5 - 150 MHz
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, within the subscπber premises the network provides a home networking system wherein the at least one coaxial cable 22 carries RF traffic to a plurality of outlets, such as outlets 24, which are coupled to the coaxial cable 22
Reference is now made to Fig IB, which is a pictorial illustration of a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention As seen in Fig IB, there is provided a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one coaxial cable 30 extending from a satellite broadcast receiving dish 3 1 , preferably forming part of a DBS satellite broadcasting system to a location, designated by reference numeral 32, adjacent subscriber premises
Cable 30 preferably terminates at location 32 in a directional coupler 34 which receives an input from a media access switch (MAS) 36, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 2 Media access switch 36 preferably is connected with the directional coupler via a coaxial bi-directional link 38 connected to a suitable tap in the directional coupler and is connected by any suitable bi-directional data link 40 to a source and or receiver of data
A preferred data coupler 34 is a model ZCW or ZDC directional coupler, commercially available from Blonder-Tongue of the U S A
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one bi-directional coaxial cable 42 extends from the directional coupler 34 at location 32 to at least one outlet 44 at the subscπber premises and carries traffic along the separation frequency band A preferred outlet 44 is a multifunctional outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 5 and 6
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, within the subscriber premises the network provides a home networking system wherein the at least one coaxial cable 42 carries RF traffic to a plurality of outlets, such as outlets 44, which are coupled to the coaxial cable 42
Reference is now made to Fig 1 C, which is a pictorial illustration of a bi-dπectional coaxial cable communication network and components constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention As seen in Fig 1C, there is provided a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional data cable 50 extending from a wireless data link terminal 51 such as a VSAT dish, an LMDS CPE or any other suitable terminal, to a location, designated by reference numeral 52, adjacent subscriber premises
Cable 50 preferably terminates at location 52 in a media access switch (MAS) 56, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 2 Media access switch 56 preferably is connected by at least one bi-directional coaxial cable 62 which extends to at least one outlet 64 at the subscriber premises A preferred outlet 64 is a multifunctional outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 5 and 6
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, within the subscriber premises the network provides a home networking system wherein the at least one coaxial cable 62 carries RF traffic to a plurality of outlets, such as outlets 64, which are coupled to the coaxial cable 62
Reference is now made to Fig ID, which is a pictorial illustration of a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network and components constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention As seen in Fig I D, there is provided a bi-directional coaxial cable communication network including at least one bi-directional data cable 70 extending from a data link tei minal 71 , such as a fiber to the curb (FTTC) terminal, a digital subscriber loop (DSL) CPE, an E l/T l modem or a cable modem to a location, designated by reference numeral 72, adjacent subscriber premises
Cable 70 preferably terminates at location 72 in a media access switch (MAS) 76, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 2 Media access switch 76 preferably is connected by at least one bi-directional coaxial cable 82 which extends to at least one outlet 84 at the subscriber premises A preferred outlet 84 is a multifunctional outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 5 and 6
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, within the subscriber premises the network provides a home networking system wherein the at least one coaxial cable 82 carries RF traffic to a plurality of outlets, such as outlets 84, which are coupled to the coaxial cable 82
Reference is now made to Fig 2, which is a simplified functional block diagram of a media access switch useful in the network of Figs 1A, IB, 1C and ID and which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention As seen in Fig 2, a data link 200, such as an Ethernet or ATM data link, extends from a remote location such as a headend or a ISP switch to a switch or hub or router 202, such as a SUPERSTACK 3 R hub or switch, commercially available from 3COM Corporation of Santa Clara, California, U S A Data received via the data link, is supplied via switch or hub or router 202 to MAS logic 204, which extracts data from an incoming data flow A preferred embodiment of MAS logic 204 is described hereinbelow with reference to Fig 3
MAS logic 204 interfaces with a modulator 206 and a demodulator 208 which are each coupled via a suitable amplifier, respectively designated 210 and 212 to the tap port of a directional coupler, such as directional couplers 14 or 34 respectively, in the embodiments of Figs 1A & IB, or directly to a coaxial cable, such as cables 62 or 82 respectively, in the embodiments of Figs 1C & ID
Reference is now made to Fig 3, which is a simplified functional block diagram illustration of the MAS logic 204 As seen in Fig 3, the MAS logic 204 comprises bridge logic circuitry 300 which is coupled to network management logic cπ cuitry 302 and to RF management logic circuitry 304 Data received from switch 202 (Fig 2) is typically analyzed by bridge logic circuitry 300 Portions of the data which i elate to network management are provided to network management logic circuitry 302 and portions of the data which relate to RF management are provided to RF management logic circuitry 304 Data is outputted from the bridge logic 300 via an RF driver 306 to modulator 206 (Fig 2)
Similarly, data received from demodulator 208 (Fig 2) is typically analyzed by bridge logic circuitry 300 Portions of the data which relate to network management are provided to network management logic circuitry 302 and portions of the data which relate to RF management are provided to RF management logic circuitry 304 Data is outputted from the bridge logic 300 to switch 202 (Fig 2)
Network management logic circuitry 302 preferably handles control and status reporting in the system and typically operates using a standard SNMP protocol Circuitry 302 is operative to decode packets such as those received from switch 202 as described hereinabove and to take actions based on information contained therein The network management logic circuitry 302 is also operative to collect information and configure various outlets
A more detailed explanation of the operation of MAS logic circuitry 204 is set forth hereinbelow with reference to the flowcharts appearing in Figs 4A - 4D As seen in Fig 4A, when a packet is received by the bridge logic circuitry 300 from switch 202 (Fig 2), the destination address (DA) of the packet is analyzed If the destination address is a broadcast address, the packet is supplied to network management logic 302 (Fig 3) and to the RF driver 306 (Fig 3)
If the destination address is a bridge address, the packet is supplied only to the network management logic circuitry 302 (Fig 3) If the destination address is other than a bridge address and a broadcast address, the packet is supplied only to the RF driver 306.
As seen in Fig. 4B, when a packet is received by the bridge logic 300 from network management logic 302 (Fig. 3), the destination address (DA) of the packet is analyzed If the destination address is a broadcast address, the packet is supplied to switch 202 (Fig 2) and to the RF driver 306
If the destination address is an outlet address, the packet is supplied only to the RF driver 306
If the destination address is neither a broadcast address nor an outlet address, the packet is supplied only to switch 202
As seen in Fig 4C, when a packet is received by the bridge logic 300 from RF management logic 304 (Fig 3), the packet is supplied only to the RF driver 306
As seen in Fig 4D, when data is received by the bridge logic 300 from RF driver 306, and the data has an RF control header, that data is forward to the RF management logic 304 (Fig. 3). Otherwise, a packet is extracted from the received data and the destination address (DA) of the packet is analyzed. If the destination address is a broadcast address, the packet is supplied to network management logic circuitry 302 (Fig 3), switch 202 (Fig. 2) and to the RF driver 306
If the destination address is an bridge address, the packet is supplied only to the network management logic circuitry 302
If the destination address is an outlet address, the packet is supplied only to the RF driver 306
If the destination address is neither a broadcast address nor an outlet address, the packet is supplied only to switch 202
Reference is now made to Fig 5, which is a pictorial illustration of a multifunctional outlet 520 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and useful in the network of Figs. 1A - ID.
Preferably, outlet 520 is connected to a coaxial cable 522 which may be enclosed within a wall or extend along a baseboard thereof. Circuitry 523 in the outlet, a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in Fig 6, connects the coaxial cable 522 to one or more of a plurality of connectors or interfaces, typically including a TV coaxial cable socket 524, a Bluetooth interface 525, a wireless RF interface 526, a USB (universal serial bus) or USB/2 connector 527, a IEEE 1394 Firewire 529 and an IR interface 528, such as a diffuse IR interface.
Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a simplified illustration of a preferred embodiment of outlet circuitry 523 (Fig. 5). A directional coupler 600 is preferably connected to have its OUT port coupled to coaxial cable 522 (Fig. 5) and to have its IN port connected to TV coaxial cable socket 524. A preferred directional coupler 600 is a model ZCW or ZDC directional coupler, commercially available from Blonder-Tongue of the U S A.
The TAP port of directional coupler 600 is bifurcated and coupled in parallel to a pair of band pass filters 602 and 604. The pass bands of filters 602 and 604 are typically 5 - 150 MHz in both directions. The output of filter 602 is supplied via an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit 606 and an A - D converter 608 to a demodulator 610 and thence to a data translator 612, which is operative to encapsulate the output in packets suitable for USB, IR, Bluetooth, a IEEE 1394 Firewire and Wireless RF each with in a suitable format. The appropriate packets are then transmitted via Bluetooth interface 525, wireless RF interface 526, USB or USB/2 connector 527, a IEEE 1394 Firewire 529 and IR interface 528.
Inputs received by data translator 612 via Bluetooth interface 525, wireless RF interface 526, USB or USB/2 connector 527, a IEEE 1394 Firewire 529 and IR interface 528 are decapsulated thereat and supplied to a modulator 614 and thence via a D - A converter 616, an amplifier 618 and band pass filter 604 to the TAP port of directional coupler 600.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.

Claims

C L A I M S
1 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network comprising at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from a remote location to a location adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions along respective frequency spectra which are separated by a separation frequency band, and at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from said location adjacent subsci iber premises to at least one outlet at said subscriber premises and carrying traffic along said separation frequency band
2 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 1 and wherein said outlet comprises a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable
3 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein said outlet comprises a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to said coaxial cable
4 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said outlet comprises a non-powered IEEE 1394 outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 adapter circuit to said coaxial cable
5 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
6 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said outlet comprises a wall outlet 7 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising: an infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable.
8 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
9 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of the preceding claims and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
10 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of the preceding claims and wherein said traffic carried along said separation frequency band includes VSAT traffic
1 1 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network comprising: at least one communication link extending from a remote location to a location adjacent subscriber premises and carrying traffic in opposite directions; and at least one bi-directional coaxial cable extending from said location adjacent subscriber premises to at least one outlet at said subscriber premises and carrying DBS television traffic along a first frequency band and other traffic along a second frequency band outside of said first frequency band
12 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 1 1 and wherein said other traffic comprises broadband data traffic
13 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 1 1 or claim 12 and wherein said outlet comprises: a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable. 14 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 1 1 to 13 and wherein said outlet comprises a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to said coaxial cable
15 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 1 1 to 14 and wherein said outlet comprises a non-powered IEEE 1394 outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 adapter ciicuit to said coaxial cable
16 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 1 I to 15 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
17 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 1 1 to 16 and wherein said outlet comprises a wall outlet
18 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 1 1 to 17 and also comprising an infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
19 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 1 1 to 18 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
20 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 1 1 to 19 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
21 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network comprising a coaxial cable, and an infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable 22 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 21 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
23 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 21 or claim 22 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
24 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 21 to 23 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
25 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network comprising a coaxial cable, and a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
26 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 25 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
27 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 25 or claim 26 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
28 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network comprising a coaxial cable, and a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
29 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 28 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
30 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network comprising a cable, and a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to said cable
3 1 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 30 and wherein said cable carries RF signals.
32 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to claim 30 or claim 31 and also comprising. an infrared transceiver coupled to said cable
33 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 30 to 32 and also comprising. a non-powered IEEE 1394 outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 adapter circuit to said coaxial cable
34 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 30 to 33 and also comprising: a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said cable.
35 A bi-directional coaxial cable communication network according to any of claims 30 to 34 and also comprising: a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said cable.
36 A multifunctional outlet comprising a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable, and a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to said coaxial cable
37 A multifunctional outlet according to claim 36 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
38 An outlet comprising. a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable, and a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to said coaxial cable
An outlet according to claim 38 and wherein said coaxial cable carries
RF signals
40 An outlet comprising a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable, and a non-powered IEEE 1394 outlet, coupled via a IEEE 1394 adapter circuit to said coaxial cable
41 An outlet according to claim 38 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
42 An outlet comprising a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable, and an infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
43 An outlet according to claim 42 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
44 An outlet comprising a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable, and a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
45 An outlet according to claim 44 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
46 An outlet comprising a coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable, and a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable 47 An outlet according to claim 46 and wherein said coaxial cable carries
RF signals
48 A home networking system comprising coaxial cabling carrying RF traffic, and a plurality of outlets, coupled to said coaxial cabling
49 A home networking system according to claim 48 and wherein at least one of said outlets comprises a coaxial cable socket for connecting with at least one coaxial cable
50 A home networking system according to claim 48 and wherein at least one of said outlets comprises a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to said coaxial cabling
5 1 A home networking system according to claim 49 and wherein at least one of said outlets comprises a non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to said coaxial cable
52 A home networking system according to any of claims 48 to 51 and wherein at least one of said outlets comprises a wall outlet
53 A home networking system according to any of claims 48 to 52 and also comprising an infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cabling
54 A home networking system according to claims 48 to 52 and also comprising an infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable 55 A home networking system according to any of claims 48 to 54 and also comprising a non-powered IEEE 1394 coupled to said coaxial cabling.
56 A home networking system according to any of claims 48 to 55 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cabling.
57 A home networking system according to any of claims 48 to 55 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable.
58 A home networking system according to any of claims 48 to 57 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cabling
59 A home networking system according to any of claims 48 to 57 and also comprising a RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable.
60 A home networking system according to any of claims 48 to 59 and also comprising an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable.
61 A home networking system comprising' at least one coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable, and at least one infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
62 A home networking system according to claim 61 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals 63 A home networking system according to claim 61 or claim 62 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
64 A home networking system according to any of claims 61 to 63 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable.
65 A home networking system according to any of claims 61 to 64 and also comprising an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable.
66 A home networking system comprising- at least one coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable, and at least one Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
67 A home networking system according to claim 66 and wherein said coaxial cable carries RF signals
68 A home networking system according to claim 66 or claim 67 and also comprising an infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable.
69 A home networking system according to any of claims 66 to 68 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
70 A home networking system according to any of claims 66 to 69 and also comprising an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
71 A home networking system comprising at least one coaxial cable socket for connecting with a coaxial cable, and at least one wireless RF transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
72 A home networking system according to claim 71 and wherein said coaxial cable carnes RF signals
73 A home networking system according to claim 71 or claim 72 and also compi ismg an infrared transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
74 A home networking system according to any of claims 71 to 73 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
75 A home networking system according to any of claims 71 to 74 and also comprising an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to said coaxial cable
76 A home networking system comprising at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable, and at least one non-powered universal serial bus outlet, coupled via a universal serial bus adapter circuit to said cable connector
77 A home networking system according to claim 76 and wherein said cable connector carries RF signals
78 A home networking system according to claim 76 or claim 77 and also comprising an infrared transceiver coupled to said cable connector
79 A home networking system according to any of claims 76 to 78 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said cable connector
80 A home networking system according to any of claims 76 to 79 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said cable connector
81 A home networking system according to any of claims 76 to 80 and also comprising an IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to said cable connector.
82 A home networking system comprising: at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable, and at least one infrared transceiver coupled to said cable connector.
83 A home networking system according to claim 82 and wherein said cable connector carries RF signals
84 A home networking system according to claim 82 or claim 83 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said cable connector
85 A home networking system according to any of claims 82 to 84 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said cable connector.
86 A home networking system comprising: at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable; and at least one Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said cable connector
87 A home networking system according to claim 86 and wherein said cable connector carries RF signals 88 A home networking system according to claim 86 or claim 87 and also comprising an infrared transceiver coupled to said cable connector
89 A home networking system according to any of claims 86 to 88 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said cable connector
90 A home networking system comprising1 at least one cable connector for connecting with a cable; and at least one IEEE 1394 transceiver coupled to said cable connector.
91 A home networking system according to claim 90 and wherein said cable connector carries RF signals
92 A home networking system according to claim 90 or claim 91 and also comprising an infrared transceiver coupled to said cable connector
93 A home networking system according to any of claims 90 to 92 and also comprising a wireless RF transceiver coupled to said cable connector.
94 A home networking system according to any of claims 90 to 93 and also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver coupled to said cable connector
EP02711192A 2001-02-13 2002-02-06 Cableran networking over coaxial cables Withdrawn EP1413147A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US860239 1986-05-06
US26861001P 2001-02-13 2001-02-13
US268610P 2001-02-13
US09/860,238 US20020194605A1 (en) 2001-05-18 2001-05-18 Cableran networking over coaxial cables
US860238 2001-05-18
US09/860,239 US20050204066A9 (en) 2001-02-13 2001-05-18 Cableran home networking over coaxial cables
PCT/IL2002/000102 WO2002065229A2 (en) 2001-02-13 2002-02-06 Cableran networking over coaxial cables

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EP1413147A2 EP1413147A2 (en) 2004-04-28
EP1413147A4 true EP1413147A4 (en) 2007-03-14

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JP (1) JP2004525557A (en)
KR (1) KR20030097802A (en)
CN (1) CN1656822A (en)
AU (1) AU2002230072A1 (en)
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EP1413147A2 (en) 2004-04-28
WO2002065229A3 (en) 2003-02-20
IL157265A0 (en) 2004-02-19
JP2004525557A (en) 2004-08-19
CN1656822A (en) 2005-08-17
WO2002065229A2 (en) 2002-08-22
KR20030097802A (en) 2003-12-31
AU2002230072A1 (en) 2002-08-28

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