KR19980703307A - Universal demarcation point - Google Patents

Abstract

A universal demarcation point for managing the delivery of communications services to a subscriber that provides an interface between a utility distribution network and subscriber owned equipment. The universal demarcation point includes a utility accessible portion and a subscriber accessible portion. The utility accessible portion has an input port, an output port, a plurality of modular connectors, a power supply, and a plurality of service modules. The input port provides access to the universal demarcation point for delivery of communications service from the utility distribution network. The communications services are delivered through a hybrid cable. The hybrid cable has a plurality of fiber optic cables and a plurality of copper cables. The fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting light signals and the copper cables are capable of transmitting electric power. The output port provides access for delivering the communications services from the universal demarcation point into the subscriber's dwelling. The plurality of connectors are fixedly mounted to the universal demarcation point. The power supply is removably mounted to the universal demarcation point. The power supply converts the electric power into a voltage for powering the operation of the universal demarcation point. The service modules are capable of plugging into the modular connectors and convert the light signals that are transmitted on the fiber optic cables onto cables that are suitable for use in the subscriber's dwelling. The subscriber accessible portion is adjacent to the utility accessible portion and has ports that enable the subscriber to test the integrity of the communications services delivered from the utility distribution network.

Description

Universal demarcation point

When sending telecommunication services to a subscriber, it is common to attach a service box at the subscriber's residence for the utility. The service box provides the interface between the utility distributed network and the subscriber-owned facility. As used herein, a subscriber-owned facility means a facility that a subscriber attaches directly or indirectly to a utility distributed network to send and receive communication services through the utility distributed network. Examples of subscriber owned equipment include telephones, televisions and modems.

If the subscriber subscribes to multiple types of communication services, the utility installs a separate service box in the subscriber's residence for each type of communication service. Each separate service box is connected to an appropriate utility distributed network. For example, a telephone service box is connected to a telephone distributed network, and a cable television service box is connected to a cable television distributed network.

If the utility provides telecommunications services in rural areas where the distance between each subscriber can be several miles, the utility must install a separate coin at each service box in each subscriber's residence. In addition, when a communication service is transmitted over a long distance using any type of coin wire, the electrical signal is weakened and distorted. To overcome these drawbacks, the utility must install an amplifier or repeater at regular intervals within the utility distributed network, as a result of which the utility can provide subscribers with good quality communication services. As a result of the costs associated with subscribers in rural areas, utilities have been limited in their ability to provide subscribers with a range of communication services that utilities can generally provide to subscribers in urban areas.

There are many models of service boxes. One such model is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,673,771. The patent discloses an internal building internal terminal for telephone service. Such terminals are primarily designed for attachment to commercial buildings that need to gain access to terminal blocks that add, delete or change subscriber telephone lines. Such terminals have a modular structure that allows elements within those terminals to be accessed and changed.

Multiple service box models include the possibility of sending more than one type of utility service. For example, US Pat. No. 3,614,538 to Nickola discloses a pedestal mounted adjacent to a mobile home for delivering gas services to power, telephone services and mobile homes. Conventional telephone boxes as well as conventional electrical and gas meters can be mounted to the poles so that the utility can be easily connected and disconnected from the mobile home.

U. S. Patent No. 4,785, 376 to Dively discloses a utility pedestal designed primarily for use on the shore. Such pedestals allow for the delivery of electricity, telephone, television and water services to a single point. The pedestal also includes a connector that enables the utility service to be conveniently connected and disconnected to the boat or vehicle.

U. S. Patent No. 5,196, 988 to Horn and U. S. Patent No. 5,184, 279 to Horn disclose an adapter faceplate for use in metal power pedestals. Such adapters provide the ability to add telephone and television capable outputs to the power pedestal. Such adapters insulate telephone and television cables from the electrical elements of the pedestal.

U. S. Patent No. 5,134, 541 to Frouin discloses a distributed system of water, gas, fuel, electricity and other fluids. Such a system is surrounded by containers that resist vandalism and accept payment for the cost of utility services.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for facilitating transmission of a communication service to a subscriber. In particular, the present invention relates to a universal demarcation point that provides an interface between a subscriber-owned facility and a utility distribution network for use in the transmission of communication services to subscribers over fiber and copper cables. will be.

1 is a plan view of a general demarcation point of the present invention.

2 is a flow diagram illustrating a communication signal path through a general purpose demarcation point.

3 is a flow diagram illustrating another communication signal path through a general purpose demarcation point.

4 is a flow chart showing another communication signal path through a general purpose demarcation point.

5 is a flow chart showing another communication signal path through a general purpose demarcation point.

6 is a logic flow diagram for a control service module.

7 is a flow chart illustrating a video signal path through a filter module.

The present invention includes a general demarcation point for managing the delivery of communication services to subscribers. General-purpose demarcation points provide the interface between the utility distributed network and subscriber-owned facilities.

Universal demarcation points include utility accessible and subscriber accessible. The utility accessible portion includes an input port, an output port, a plurality of module connectors, a power source, and a plurality of service modules.

The input port allows the hybrid cable to pass from the utility distributed network to the general purpose demarcation point. The hybrid cable includes a plurality of optical fiber cables and a plurality of copper cables. Fiber optic cables enable optical signal transmission, while copper cables enable power transmission. The output port sends the communication service from the general purpose demarcation point to the subscriber's residence.

The plurality of modular connectors is fixedly mounted to the general purpose demarcation point. A power supply removably mounted to the general purpose demarcation point converts power into a voltage that facilitates operation of the general purpose demarcation point. The plurality of service modules are plugged into the module connector to convert the optical signal transmitted on the fiber optic cable into a cable suitable for use in the subscriber's residence.

The subscriber accessible portion has a port adjacent to the utility accessible portion that enables the subscriber to test all of the communication services sent out from the utility distributed network.

The present invention includes a general demarcation point, indicated by 10 in FIG. General purpose demarcation point 10 provides an interface between a subscriber-owned facility and a utility distributed network that manages the delivery of communication services to subscribers.

Universal demarcation point 10 is particularly suitable for managing the delivery of audio, video and computer data services to subscribers in rural areas via fiber optic and copper cables. General purpose demarcation point 10 provides a single interface for transmitting audio, video and computer data services to subscribers. As a result, the utility only needs to install one hybrid cable that can connect each subscriber to the utility distributed network. Mounting only a single hybrid cable to each subscriber in a rural area allows the utility to reduce the costs associated with maintaining multiple separate installed cables to each subscriber.

Due to the costs associated with transmitting remote electrical signals to small population areas, utilities provided to rural subscribers are limited in their ability to send a variety of communication services to them. However, by sending various communication services to the subscriber through a single interface, the general purpose demarcation point 10 allows audio, video and computer data services to be sent over a single fiber optic cable or transmitted in a single bundle of multiple fiber optic cables. do.

Fiber optic cables have greater bandwidth than conventional twisted pairs of cables. As a result, optical fiber cables can manipulate more information than a twisted pair of copper cables or coaxial cables. Because fiber optic cables can manipulate more information throughput, it is possible to transmit more than one type of signal simultaneously, such as audio and video signals, on a single fiber optic cable.

In addition, fiber optic cables do not often require the use of amplifiers or repeaters required when communication services are transmitted over twisted pairs of copper or coaxial cables. As a result, the transmission of audio, video, and computer data services over fiber optic cables reduces the cost of transmitting the communication service while improving the quality of the communication service.

Communication utilities serving urban areas with a high density of subscribers may find that subscribers can benefit from the transmission of communication services by installing fiber-optic cables in a cost-effective manner. Here, the communication service is provided to the subscriber by a twisted pair of copper cable or coaxial cable.

However, it is impractical to install fiber optic cables in the residential or central areas of subscribers in rural areas where the population is small. However, universal demarcation points have provided a cost-effective mechanism for providing telecommunication services to rural subscribers using fiber optic cables.

The general purpose demarcation point 10 has a modular configuration in which the general purpose demarcation point 10 is modified to manage any type of communication service provided by the communication utility. The modular configuration of general purpose demarcation point 10 may allow for installation of general purpose demarcation point 10 with a limited number of components. If the subscriber requires additional services or utilities that raise the capital to install means for providing additional services, the utility immediately changes the configuration of the general demarcation point 10 by adding or changing components. Can be modified.

The universal demarcation point is typically divided into a utility acceptable portion 12 and a subscriber acceptable portion 14. Utility receptacle 12 includes motherboard 16. Motherboard 16 has a number of connectors 20 that attach components to general purpose demarcation points 10.

The connector 20 is preferably a plurality of modular edgeboard connectors. Each of the modular edgeboard connectors 20 is adjusted to receive complementary shaped ends of the service module 22. The modular edgeboard connector 20 allows the service module 22 to be immediately removed from the general purpose demarcation point 10 while maintaining the service module 22 at the desired location of the general purpose demarcation point 10. The modular edge board connector 20 having the above characteristics can be obtained from EDAC System Inc. (Colmer, Pennsylvania), Texas Instrument, Inc. (Houston, Texas) and Sullins Electronics Corporation (San Marcos, Calif.). .

The end of the service module is complementary to the modular edgeboard connector 20 which preferably comprises a conductive trace. The motherboard 16 provides power from the power supply 24 to the modular edgeboard connector 20 so that the modular edgeboard connector 20 can transfer power to the service module plugged into the modular edgeboard connector 20. It is also desirable to include conductive traces or wires (not shown) to transmit.

The operation of general purpose demarcation point 10 is fully powered by power from a utility distributed network. Local power from the subscriber is not required to operate any component of general purpose demarcation point 10. Utility means for providing telephony services without the use of local power are one of the design requirements for rural utilities to obtain loans from the Rural Electrification Administration in accordance with 1993 Federal Regulation No. 66,259 State Telecommunications Modernization Plan 58.

General purpose demarcation point 10 includes a power supply 24 that is removably mounted to utility receptacle 12. The power supply 24 converts the power transmitted through the utility distributed network into the voltage used to operate the general purpose demarcation point 10. Power supplies that convert power of one voltage to power of another are known.

In one embodiment, power supply 24 converts power from a transmission voltage of about -48 DC volts to a use voltage of ± 12 DC volts. Power supply 24 is preferably selected to show a 10 sec peak-peak surge rating at 400 volts RF (radio frequency) output. The power class or capacity of the power supply 24 is selected based on the number of service modules 22 used for the general purpose demarcation point 10. When four service modules 22 are used for general purpose demarcation point 10, power supply 24 is selected with a power rating of 250 watts.

The power supply 24 is preferably plugged into a modular edgeboard connector 20 on the motherboard 16. The modular edgeboard connector 20 connects the power supply 24 to a conductive trace or wire (not shown) on the motherboard 16 while allowing the power supply 24 to be removed from the motherboard 16.

Utility receptacle 12 has a fixedly mounted power terminal strip 28. The power terminal strip 28 provides a connection for the copper cable that operates the general purpose demarcation point 10. The power terminal strip 28 also provides a connection for the twisted pair copper cable when the twisted pair copper cable is used to provide call service to the subscriber. For example, a utility that can transmit telephony services over a twisted pair of copper can reduce the initial cost of installing a general purpose demarcation point 10 over a fiber optic cable.

The utility acceptable portion 12 includes an output port 30 and an input port 32. The output port 30 enables the cable to carry the communication service from the general purpose demarcation point 10 to the subscriber's residence. Input port 32 enables the cable to carry communication services from utility receptacle portion 12 to universal demarcation point 10. The output port 30 and the input port 32 are preferably located on the low surface 34 or the back surface 36 of the general purpose demarcation point 10 to minimize problems with actual leakage to the general demarcation point 10. do.

Utility receptacle 12 also preferably includes fiber optic cable management area 40 located adjacent service module 22. The fiber optic cable management area 40 preferably has a tray 42 suitable for preserving excess or unused portions of the fiber optic cable. Fiber optic cable management area 40 thus protects the fiber optic cable from damage.

Universal demarcation point 10 includes a cover (not shown) for utility receptacle portion 12. This cover protects components inside the utility receptive portion 12 from damage that may occur due to various causes such as vandalism or the environment. When the cover is in the closed position, the cover preferably forms a seal in the utility receptacle 12. The cover preferably includes a locking mechanism (not shown) to prevent unauthorized access to components inside utility receptacle 12.

The subscriber accessible unit 14 allows the subscriber to be sure that the problem of the communication service is a utility distribution network or a problem with the subscriber using the equipment. Such a device is commonly known as a network interface device. Preferably this network interface device has a test port for each communication line entering the subscriber's residence. For example, RJ-11 plugs and sockets 44 are provided for each telephone line, and coaxial plugs and sockets 46 are preferably provided for each video line.

Once the device type is used in subscriber accessible unit 14 it can be checked whether there is a problem with the subscriber using the utility distribution network or equipment. For example, the subscriber accessible portion 14 has a sensor and an LED (light emitting diode) 48, which is displayed if the communication signal falls below the threshold.

Subscriber accessible portion 14 is similar to utility accessible portion 12 and has a cover (not shown) that protects the test port from losses that may occur from multiple sources, i.e., the environment. When this cover is in the closed state, it is preferable that the subscriber part cover make a waterproof seal in the subscriber accessible part 14. The subscriber cover also has a lock (not shown) to protect against unauthorized access to the elements inherent in subscriber access 14.

The service module 22 is selected based on a predetermined communication service provided by the utility to the subscriber. The modular configuration of the general purpose decentralized point 10 allows the general purpose decentralized point 10 to receive analog signals or digital signals from the utility distribution network and transmit the analog signals or digital signals to the residence of the subscriber using the equipment. Let's do it.

The modular configuration of general purpose distributed point 10 may also be used to modify the general purpose distributed point 10 to perform communication services on different types of cables. For example, the video signal may be transmitted from the general purpose distributed point 10 to a device used in equipment using coaxial or fiber optic cables.

Preferably, the service module 22 includes a light receiving service module 22a. This optical reception service module 22a transforms the information transmitted in the optical signal on the optical fiber cable into the electrical signal transmitted on the copper cable.

In order to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal, the optical reception service module 22a has a previous PIN-FET (positive intrinsic negative-field effect transistor) photo detector (not shown). This PIN-FET photodetector produces an electrical signal that varies with intensity and light wavelength reaching the photodetector. This PIN-FET photo detector has the features described in Table 1. Preferred PIN-FET photodetectors can obtain the ETX700 from Epitaxx Inc. (Trenton, NJ).

Table 1 Optical input range -10 to -1 dBm Light wavelength 1300 to 1550 nm +/- 20 nm Optical recovery loss 40 dB impedance 75 Ohms Session loss -15 dB Bandwidth 50 to 550 Mhz (min) Frequency response +/- 1 dB Input voltage 12 Volt DC electric current 100 milliamps Operating temperature -40 to + 80 ℃

The light receiving service module 22a also has a microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the electrical signal to a radio frequency output of approximately +6 dBmV. Microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers are available on Hewlett Packard's MAV-11 models. Since some of the previous techniques are highly appreciated, the optical reception service module 22a can also amplify the electrical signal using the previous amplifier.

The optical reception service module 22a has a removable physical contact optical connector 72 to connect the PIN-FET optical detector to the fiber optic cable. This physical contact optical connector 72 lowers redo loss while disconnecting the optical receiving service module 22a from the fiber optic cable. Good physical contact optical connector 72 is obtained with FC-PC from Siecor Corporation, Orland, Florida.

Once the optical reception service module 22a converts the communication signal into an electrical signal, the electrical signal is distributed into individual communication signals. Preferably, the communication signal is transmitted in the short wavelength band and each communication signal can be filtered and distributed by the wavelength. Another technique previously known may be used when the communication signal is transmitted in digital form.

The optical reception service module 22a also includes a distributed module connector 64 that connects to the cable carrying each communication signal from the utility part 12 to the test port 44 in the lower part 14. . For example, when the optical reception service module 22a transmits a video signal, the optical reception service module 22a has an SMB connector connected up to a coaxial cable.

To check the state of the optical signal entering the fiber optic cable, the optical reception service module 22a has an input signal LED 66 that emits light when the optical signal falls below a threshold. Preferably, this input signal LED 66 glows when the light signal falls below -10 dBm.

The light receiving service module 22a also has a receiver power LED 68 that indicates a power supply that provides power within a predetermined range, and powers the PIN-FET photo detector and the MMIC amplifier. The receiver power LED is displayed when the power is approximately -12 volts.

The optical receiver service module 22a is placed in a case made of iron plate outside. This iron plate 70 protects the elements in the light receiving service module 22a from any loss and the other elements in the general purpose distributed point 10 from interference by radio frequency radiation.

The signal module 22 has an optical transmitter 22b that transforms the electrical signal into an optical signal transmitted from the general purpose distributed point 10 to the optical fiber cable. The electrical signal is transformed into an optical signal using a Fabry-Perot laser (not shown). Changes in the electrical signal cause the laser to change the current through the light source. The laser is a light wave semiconductor of Fujitsu, which can be obtained with FLD130C2PL of Fujitsu America, Inc. (Lake Bluff, Ill.).

The optical transmitter service module 22b has a module connector 78 for connecting to a cable for transmitting a communication signal from a subscriber. For example, when the optical transmitter service module 22b transmits a video signal, the optical transmitter service module 22b has an SMB connector provided to be connected to a coaxial cable.

The optical transmission service module 22b has the capability to transmit a plurality of communication signals from the subscriber to the utility distributed network on a single fiber optic cable. To facilitate the transmission of one or more communication signals on the fiber optic cable, the communication signals are transmitted at a plurality of wavelengths.

The optical transmission service module 22b is similar to the optical receiver service module 22a and has a transmission power LED 74 indicating a power supply for supplying power within a predetermined range, and to the optical transmitter service module 22b. Power is delivered to the device to operate. This transmitter power LED 74 is displayed when the power is approximately -12 volts.

The laser is preferably connected to an optical fiber cable having a removable physical contact optical connector 76. The physical contact optical connector 76 is desirable because it reduces the return loss when the optical transmitter signal module 22b is quickly detached from the fiber optic cable. Preferred physical contact optical connector 76 may obtain an FC-PC from Siecor Corporation, Orlando, Florida.

The utility connects the utility distribution network to a universal distributed point 10 with a hybrid cable. This hybrid cable 60 has a plurality of optical fiber cables and copper cables. The number of fiber optic cables and copper cables is selected based on the type and number of service modules 22 at which the utility and subscribers are at the universal distributed point 10. When the general purpose distributed point 10 is used in a residential area, the hybrid cable 60 has four single-mode fiber optic cables and four 16 twisted copper cables.

Hybrid cable 60 is sheathed 86 to protect the fiber optic cable and copper cable from any loss. The sheath 86 is selected depending on where the hybrid cable 60 is to be installed. For example, a double layered polyethylene coating with single layer is suitable for protecting fiber optic cables and copper cables when embedding bibrid cable 60 underground. A hybrid cable 60 having the above characteristics can be obtained from ATT Fitel (Carroll, Georgia).

When the hybrid cable 60 has four optical fiber cables, the first optical fiber cable is preferably used to transmit audio, video and computer data signals to the subscriber, and the second optical fiber cable is used for audio, video, computer It is preferably used to transmit a data signal to a subscriber. The third and fourth fiber optic cables are left as spares used to replace a defective fiber optic cable. The third fiber optic cable can also be used for a high speed computer data link (1.5 Mbps or more) between the subscriber and the utility.

When the hybrid cable 60 includes four 16 gauge braided copper cables, the two braided copper cables provide power for operation of each component at a common demarcation point 10. The other two braided copper cables are preferably used to provide conventional telephone service to the subscriber.

The service module 22 also includes a control service module 22c. The control service module may be programmed using conventional techniques to perform various tasks at the general demarcation point 10. For example, the control service module 22c may monitor the operating status of the other service module 22 and notify the utility when a problem is raised. If the control service module 22c is used to change another service module 22, a data path 80 is provided between the service modules.

In addition, the control service module 22c may be programmed to actively control the operation of other service modules or other utility meters. For example, the control service module 22c may assign an identification number similar to a unique caller id for each subscriber. The identification number permits the use of the utility to remotely monitor each subscriber's usage of utility services such as natural gas, water and electricity, and transmits the read information to the utility. By remotely monitoring each subscriber's usage of the utility service, the utility can reduce the costs associated with manually reading the utility meter at the subscriber's address. A remote monitor system having the above characteristics is described in Brennan, Jr. US Pat. No. 5,243,338 to US Pat. No. 5,243,338 and US Pat. No. 4,862,493 to Venkataraman et al. The identification number may also cause the utility to shut down the building in the event of a fire or if the subscriber is overdue for the communication service fee.

In addition, the control service module 22c preferably includes the capability to monitor the case where there is unauthorized access to the utility access unit 12. The control service module 22c notifies the utility access unit 12 of the utility in which unauthorized access exists, and also transmits all transmissions of the communication service provided to the subscriber until the utility resets the general demarcation point 10. Preferably stopped. By stopping transmission of all communication services, the control service module 22c blocks the subscribers from being tampered with the internal components of the utility access unit 12.

Since the general demarcation point 10 is provided with input sources of practically all utilities provided to the building, the input sources are provided at a central connection location from which all utilities can be provided. Thus, the possibility of improperly provided problems can be minimized.

The modular construction of the general demarcation point 10 makes it possible to operate in various forms. If the general demarcation point 10 is installed at the subscriber's address, it is possible for the general demarcation point 10 to provide the subscriber with additional communication services that cannot be executed without having access to the subscriber's address.

In the following flow chart, each component is identified as a whole, as is within the boundaries of the general demarcation point 10. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of components in a particular service module 22 may be selectively designed based on the size of the service module 22 and the desired characteristics of the service module 22.

A typical demarcation point 10 may be capable of transmitting audio, video and data signals from a utility distributed network on a fiber optic cable and a utility distributed network on another single fiber optic cable as shown in FIG.

The incoming optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by the optical receiver. After being converted to an electrical signal, the electrical signal is separated into audio, video and computer data signals based on differences in the transmitted signal wavelengths. The separate audio, video, and computer data signals are then sent to audio, video or computer data output processors, respectively. Audio, video and computer data output processors convert the input signals into signals in the form available to the subscriber. For example, the audio signal is preferably sent to the subscriber's address using a twisted pair copper cable with RJ-11 connectors, and the computer data signal is preferably sent to the subscriber's address using either the RS 232 or RS 485 protocol. do.

Preferred embodiments of general demarcation points include the ability to transmit audio, video and computer data signals from subscribers. Separately introduced audio, video and computer data electrical signals are first multiplexed on a single copper cable based on the different wavelengths over which the signals are transmitted. This electrical signal is then transmitted using a copper cable to an optical transmitter that converts the electrical signal into an optical signal that is transmitted over a utility distributed network on the fiber optic cable.

In this preferred embodiment, the operation of each component is preferably monitored by the control service module. If the control service module detects an error in one of the components, the control unit transmits an error message to the utility. Error messages are multiplexed into audio, video and computer data signals and transmitted over a utility distributed network over fiber optic cables.

In addition, audio, video and computer data signals are introduced into and out of the general demarcation point of the present invention and transmitted over a single optical fiber cable as illustrated in FIG. In this embodiment, the optical signal from the utility distributed network is preferably separated from the optical signal transmitted to the utility distributed network using a conventional multiplexer. Conventional multiplexers are available from JDS Fitel, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, designated WD-1315X. The incoming optical signal then proceeds in a similar manner to the sequence disclosed with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.

After the outgoing audio, video and computer data signals are converted to the optical signals as described above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the optical signals are converted into incoming and outgoing optical signals using a conventional multiplexer. By combining, they are sent to the utility distributed network. Also similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation of each component of the present embodiment is monitored by the control service module.

In another embodiment of the general demarcation point of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4, incoming audio and video signals are transmitted from a utility distributed network on a first fiber optic cable. This embodiment includes a decoder that decodes the communication service from the digital signal. The outgoing audio and video signal is transmitted from the subscriber on the second fiber optic cable. This embodiment also includes an encoder that encodes the communication service into a digital signal.

This embodiment illustrates that outgoing and incoming computer data signals are transmitted and received over a third fiber optic cable. By using separate fiber optic cables to transmit and receive only computer data signals, the present embodiment can transmit computer data at a greater rate when computer data signals are combined on a single fiber optic cable with audio or video signals.

Another embodiment of a general demarcation point of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. This embodiment illustrates a typical demarcation point, such as receiving video and data signals over fiber optic cables. The optical receiver converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then separated into individual video and data signals that can be sent to the subscriber's address using conventional cables such as twisted pair copper conductors or coaxial cables.

In order to reduce the manufacturing cost of a common demarcation point with an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, the common demarcation point receives an audio signal on a twisted pair copper cable. However, the modular construction of common demarcation points includes audio signals entering and exiting over fiber optic cables and allows the utility to later upgrade the general demarcation points.

The operating state of the general purpose demarcation point is monitored by the control service module 22c shown in FIG. The logical arrangement in one embodiment of the control service module is disclosed in FIG. The control service module initiates each cycle by detecting whether the power source is supplied within a specific operating range. If there is no power within the operating range, the control service module sends an error message to the utility indicating the error. The control service module then monitors the operation of the optical receiver, decoder, video output unit, data output unit and audio transmission level. If any of these values is not satisfactory, the control service module sends a corresponding error message to the utility. The monitoring process is repeated continuously while the general demarcation point is connected to the utility distributed network.

The general demarcation point also includes a filter module as shown in FIG. 7. This filter module enables the utility by controlling the channel visible to the subscriber. The filter module enables the utility to transmit scrambled video signals over the utility distributed network. By transmitting the scrambled video signal over the utility distributed network, the utility can provide the subscriber with a better quality video signal. Since the video signal is transmitted from the utility distributed network over fiber optic cables, making it difficult to distinguish non-qualified users, the utility does not need to transmit scrambled video signals.

Before entering the filter module, the video signal is preferably divided into two lines (line 1, line 2). Line 1 passes through filter 1, where the video signal is filtered so that only off-air video signals remain on line 1. Or, the off-air video signal may be obtained from an individual source such as an antenna or satellite dish.

Line 2 enters the filter module to provide a video signal that the video signal is filtered and the utility restricts access to the service the subscriber is paying for. By restricting access to any service, the utility can charge a subscriber surcharge for receiving the service.

Line 2 is preferably divided into a plurality of lines. Each divided line is filtered so that only the desired portion of the video signal remains on the line. After each video signal is filtered, each video signal passes through a controller. The controller functions to send or block video signals depending on whether the subscriber has paid for the desired channel. For example, video signals may be separated into basic cable television services, premium channels, and charged for each viewing channel.

The operation of each controller is controlled by a control signal (line 4) from the control service module. This control signal passes through the master controller and the control signal is sent to the appropriate controller.

The master controller also sends a signal to the controller in the off-error video signal line (not shown), so that a portion of the off-air video signal is blocked when the subscriber receives a charge for the premium channel or viewing channel. By sending one or more video signals on each channel, the utility can increase the ability to provide the subscriber with various programming within a given bandwidth.

The filter module also preferably includes a system service video and audio signal (line 6). Line 6 indicates that system services were delivered on a single cable, while one skilled in the art will appreciate that individual cables can be used to transmit audio and video signals. If audio and video signals are transmitted on separate cables, conventional multiplexers are preferably included in the cable for enabling the temporary signal to be transmitted to the RF modulator. As shown in Figure 7, the RF modulator preferably provides a signal that the subscriber can watch on channel 3.

After the system service signal passes through the RF modulator, the system service signal passes through the controller. Similar things happen with other controllers. The controller is controlled by signals from the control service module sent to the controller via the master controller.

Prior to transmission from the filter module, each video signal is preferably combined into a single cable. After being combined into a single cable, the video signal is preferably amplified using a conventional amplifier. Conventional amplifiers return the video signal to a level that can be used by the subscriber.

After the video signal exits the filter module, the video signal is combined into an off-air video signal on a single cable (line 8). By combining all the video signals into a single cable, the subscriber can connect a single cable to the subscriber's own facility and obtain all video services.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to only certain embodiments, it may be practiced in other aspects with appropriate modifications. In other words, the concept and scope of the appended claims are not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims (21)

A general purpose demarcation point for managing communication services to subscribers by providing an interface between a utility distributed network and subscriber-owned facilities, An input port in a universal demarcation point for delivering a communication service from the utility network, wherein the communication service is made through a hybrid cable having a plurality of optical fiber cables and a plurality of copper cables, wherein the optical fiber cable carries an optical signal. The copper cable transmits power; An output port in a general purpose demarcation point for delivering communication services in a subscriber's residence; A plurality of modular connectors fixedly mounted to the universal separation point; A power source detachably mounted to the general purpose demarcation point, the power supply converting power into a voltage to facilitate operation of the general purpose demarcation point; A plurality of service modules that can be plugged into a modular connector, said service module converts an optical signal transmitted to an optical fiber cable on a cable suitable for use in a subscriber's residence; And a subscriber access portion adjacent to the utility access portion and having a portion for allowing the subscriber to test the integrity of the communication service delivered from the utility distributed network. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a motherboard detachably mounted to a universal demarcation point in a utility access section, wherein a plurality of modular connectors are mounted to the motherboard, the motherboard being formed on the motherboard. And a plurality of conductive traces, wherein the conductive traces transmit power from the power source to the service module. 10. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 1, wherein the plurality of service modules comprises a video service module. 4. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 3, wherein the video service module includes a receiver for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal to a coaxial cable. 5. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 4, wherein the video service module includes a transmitter for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal to an optical fiber cable. 6. The general purpose delimiter of claim 5, wherein the video service module further comprises a multiplexer, wherein the multiplexer enables the optical signal transmitted by the transmitter and received by the receiver to be transmitted on a single optical fiber cable. point. 10. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 1, wherein the plurality of service modules comprises an audio service module. 8. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 7, wherein the audio service module includes a receiver for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal on a twisted copper cable. 9. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 8, wherein the audio service module includes a transmitter for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal on an optical fiber cable. 10. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 9, wherein the audio service module further comprises a multiplexer, wherein the multiplexer transmits an optical signal transmitted by the transmitter and received by the receiver to a single optical fiber cable. 10. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 1, wherein the plurality of service modules comprises a computer data service module. 12. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 11, wherein the computer data service module comprises a receiver for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal to a cable of a computer. 13. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 12, wherein the computer data service module includes a transmitter for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal to an optical fiber cable. 14. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 13, wherein the computer data service module further comprises a multiplexer, wherein the multiplexer allows the optical signal transmitted by the transmitter and received by the receiver to be delivered on a single optical fiber cable. 2. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 1, wherein the plurality of service modules comprises a control service module. 16. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 15, wherein the control service module includes a receiver to receive a signal from the utility meter to monitor the use of the utility service flowing through the utility meter. 17. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 16, wherein the control service module further comprises a transmitter for transmitting a signal to the utility meter to control the flow of the utility service through the utility meter. 16. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 15, wherein each service module includes one monitoring port, each monitoring port transmitting a signal to a control service module. 19. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 18, wherein the control service module comprises a receiver for receiving a signal from a monitoring port and a transmitter for transmitting a signal over a fiber optic cable. 16. The general purpose demarcation point of claim 15, further comprising a ground terminal providing a central ground for all utility services delivered through the general demarcation point. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of service modules comprises a filter module, wherein the filter module A plurality of filters for separating electrical signals from the video service module; And a plurality of controllers associated with each filter, said controller communicating with a control service module to block electrical signal portions from the transmitter to the subscriber-owned facility.