MX2007016582A - A device and method for enabling communicationssignals using a medium voltage power line - Google Patents

A device and method for enabling communicationssignals using a medium voltage power line

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Publication number
MX2007016582A
MX2007016582A MX/A/2007/016582A MX2007016582A MX2007016582A MX 2007016582 A MX2007016582 A MX 2007016582A MX 2007016582 A MX2007016582 A MX 2007016582A MX 2007016582 A MX2007016582 A MX 2007016582A
Authority
MX
Mexico
Prior art keywords
modem
communication signals
voltage power
power cable
medium voltage
Prior art date
Application number
MX/A/2007/016582A
Other languages
Spanish (es)
Inventor
R Zitting Brent
Original Assignee
International Broadband Electric Communications Inc
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
Application filed by International Broadband Electric Communications Inc filed Critical International Broadband Electric Communications Inc
Publication of MX2007016582A publication Critical patent/MX2007016582A/en

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Abstract

In one embodiment, a device (fig. 6) for enabling communications signals over a medium voltage power line includes a first modem (102a), a second modem (102a), a third modem (102b), and one or more switches. The first modem (102a) is electrically coupled to a medium voltage power line (18) and is adapted to receive communications signals from the medium voltage power line. The second modem (102a) is electrically coupled to the medium voltage power line (18) and is adapted to transmit communications signals to the medium voltage power lhe. The third modem (102b) is electrically coupled to a low voltage power line and is adapted to transmit communications signals to the low voltage power line (24). The one or more switches (104) are coupled to the first modem (102a), the second modem (102a), and the thirdmodem (102b), and they are operable to transfer communications signals between two or more of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem.

Description

A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ALLOWING COMMUNICATION SIGNALS USING A MEDIUM VOLTAGE CURRENT CABLE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to communication networks and in particular to a system and method for enabling communication signals, using a cable of medium voltage current. Current systems use a variety of electrical devices and connectors to send electricity from a power station or generator to customers. Some current systems use a three-level method that uses high-voltage power cables with voltages in the range of approximately 60kV to 100kV, medium-voltage power cables with voltages in the range of approximately 4kV to 60kV, and power cables of low voltage with voltages in the range of approximately 90V to 600V. In these three-tier current systems, high-voltage current cables typically connect a station or current generator to a substation. The substation serves a particular area, such as a neighborhood or community, and includes a transformer to reduce the voltage from a high voltage to a medium voltage. Typically, multiple sets of medium voltage current cables connect the substation to local distribution transformers. Distribution transformers typically serve customers close to the distribution transformer and reduce the voltage from a medium voltage to a low voltage for use by customers. The power cables used to send electricity to customers have also been used to transmit and receive communication signals. For example, power cables have been used by utility companies to transmit and receive bandwidth communication signals to monitor equipment and read meters. The power cords have also been used to provide broadband communications to customers. For example, when using existing technology, low-voltage power cables have been used to transmit communication signals to a wireless access point, which is then used to transmit communication signals to a metropolitan area network (MAN) . As another example, using existing technology, low-voltage power cables have been used within a customer's premises to transmit communication signals to be used by devices within the customer's premises. As yet another example, when using existing technology, communication signals have been coupled to medium voltage power cables and sent to a wireless access point, which then wirelessly transmits the communication signals to one or more wireless devices. client that have a wireless receiver. In one embodiment, a device for enabling communication signals through a medium voltage power cable includes a first modem, a second modem, a third modem and one more switches. The first modem is electrically coupled to a medium voltage power cable and adapted to receive communication signals from the medium voltage power cable. The second modem is electrically coupled to the medium voltage power cable and adapted to transmit communication signals to the medium voltage power cable. The third modem is electrically coupled to a low voltage power cable and adapted to transmit communication signals to the low voltage power cable. One or more switches are coupled to the first modem, the second modem and the third modem, and can be operated to transfer communication signals between two or more of the first modem, the second modem and the third modem. Particular embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments of the present invention can provide an operable device for regenerating at least a portion of a communication signal in a medium voltage current cable and for communicating at least a portion of a communication signal with a Low voltage power cable. As another example, certain embodiments of the present invention can provide a device that can be used to support the transmission of communication signals through current cables at a reduced cost. As yet another example, certain embodiments of the present invention can provide remote control through one or more devices used to support the transmission of communication signals through power cables. In addition, certain embodiments may provide one or more technical advantages, of which some, none or all may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions and claims included herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and of the features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 illustrates a diagram of blocks of a communication network by means of example current cables that use medium voltage power cables to allow communication signals; FIGURE 2 illustrates an exemplary current cable communication system including a regenerator unit and a customer access unit; FIGURE 3 illustrates an exemplary regenerator unit included in a system for enabling communication signals, using medium voltage current cables; FIGURE 4 illustrates an exemplary client access unit included in a system to allow communication signals, using medium voltage power cables; FIGURE 5 illustrates an exemplary current cable communication system that includes a regenerator / client access unit; FIGURE 6 illustrates an exemplary client access / regenerator unit included in a system for enabling communication signals, using medium voltage power cables; and FIGURE 7 'illustrates an exemplary method for enabling communication signals, using medium voltage power cables. FIGURE 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary current cable communication network, generally indicated at 10, that uses medium voltage current cables to allow communication signals. In certain embodiments, the power cord communication network 10 may function to provide one or more customers with access to a wide area network (WAN). For example, the power cord communication network 10 may function to provide one or more customers with access to data services, video services, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or old analog telephone service (POTS). As another example, the broadband communication signals may represent upstream and / or downstream traffic at transmission rates of at least 1.5 Mbps. In a particular example, the communication network 10 for power cables may function to provide one or more clients with access to the Internet. In certain embodiments, the power cord communication network 10 includes a head unit 12, regenerator units 14, customer access units 16, and medium voltage power cables 18. The header unit 12 couples the communication network 10 by power cables to one or more external networks or content sources. In certain embodiments, the header unit 12 includes hardware to be coupled to one or more external networks and hardware to be coupled to a medium voltage current cable 18. In a particular embodiment, the head unit includes hardware for transmitting and / or receiving communication signals, including a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal with digital information, on a medium voltage current wire 18. The medium voltage current cables 18 represent transmission current cables that are operated to connect a substation with one or more distribution transformers. In certain embodiments, the medium voltage current cables 18 may be overhead power transmission cables. In particular embodiments, the medium voltage current cables 18 can send an alternating current (AC) of electricity between about 4 and 60 kilovolts. In certain embodiments, the head unit 12 includes hardware and / or software for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from one or more external networks and communication network 10. For example, the head unit 12 can couple the communication network 10 to a main Internet network through the use of a wired and / or wireless line connection, such as a fiber optic connection. As another example, the head unit 12 can couple the communication network 10 via power cables to a cable distribution network, to a voice communication network or to a wireless metropolitan area network (MAN). In certain embodiments, the head unit may include a modem to be interconnected with a medium voltage current cable 18 and an optical transceiver for interleaving with an optical fiber communication medium. In this way, the header unit 12 represents any appropriate hardware and / or control logic for coupling the communication network 10 to one or more external networks or content sources. The regenerator units 14 can receive communication signals from the medium voltage current cable 18, regenerate the communication signals, and then transmit at least a portion of the communication signals back to the medium voltage current cable 18. In this way, a regenerator unit 14 represents any suitable hardware and / or control logic for regenerating communication signals in the medium voltage current cable 18. In certain embodiments, the regenerator unit 14 may include two or more modems and a switch. An exemplary embodiment of regenerator unit 14 is discussed below in connection with FIGURE 3. The client access units 16 operate to receive communication signals from the medium voltage current cable 18 and transmit at least a portion of the signal signals. communication on a low voltage power cable. In this way, a customer access unit 16 represents any suitable hardware and / or control logic for receiving communication signals from the medium voltage current cable 18 and transmitting communication signals to the low voltage current cable 24. In certain embodiments, the client access unit 16 may include two or more modems and a switch. An exemplary embodiment of client access unit 16 is discussed below in connection with FIGURE 4. The medium voltage current cable 18 represents a transmission current cable that is operated to connect a substation to one or more distribution transformers. In certain embodiments, the medium voltage current cable 18 may be an overhead power transmission cable. In particular embodiments, the medium voltage current cable 18 can send an alternating current (AC) of electricity between approximately 4 and 60 kilovolts. In operation, the communication signals are coupled to the communication network 10 by power cables through the head unit 12. These communication signals are transported along medium voltage current cables 18 to one or more customer access units 16. As the communication signals travel along the medium voltage current cables 18, the communication signals are attenuated. To minimize the effects of these attenuations, one or more regenerator units 14 can be used to regenerate the communication signals and, in certain embodiments, to bypass any transformer that can degrade or destroy the communication signals. For example, in a particular embodiment, the regenerator units 14 can be located approximately every zero point eight hundred five kilometers (one half mile) along the medium voltage cable 18 to regenerate the communication signals. Once the communication signals reach the customer access units 16, they are transmitted to the low voltage power distribution cables for delivery to one or more customers (they are also transmitted along the 16 units of access to the client, when it is convenient). In certain embodiments, the communication signals transmitted through the medium voltage current leads 18 may be bidirectional. For example, communication signals transmitted through the medium voltage current cables 18 can generally travel from the head unit 12 to the customer access units 16 and also from the customer access units 16 to the customer. header unit 12. In certain modalities, bidirectional functionality can be achieved through multiplexing the frequency domain, through a single-address transmission protocol, or through other appropriate techniques. In certain modalities, the communication network 10 can operate to allow multiple end users to transmit and / or receive broadband communication signals. For example, broadband communication signals may represent downstream and / or upstream traffic at transmission rates of at least 200 Kbps. Although certain aspects and functions of the present invention are described in terms of receiving and / or transmitting communication signals, in certain embodiments these functions can be reversed, when convenient, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. . FIGURE 2 illustrates an exemplary current cable communication system, generally shown at 20, including a regenerator unit 14 and a client access unit 16. In operation, the regenerator unit 14 regenerates communication signals coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18 by the head unit 12. Once these communication signals reach the customer access unit 16, the customer access unit 16 receives the communication signals and transmits the signals to the low voltage power cable 24 for delivery to a customer 28. In the mode shown, the customer access unit 16 is located near the distribution transformer 26. The distribution transformer 26 usually operates to reduce the voltage of a medium voltage current cable 18 to a low voltage current wire 28. The low voltage current wire 24 represents a current distribution wire that is operated to connect the distribution transformer 26 to one or more clients 28. In certain embodiments, the low voltage current wire 24 can send an alternating current ( CA) of electricity between approximately 90 and 600 volts. The customer 28 may represent one or more commercial or residential customers of a power installation. The client 28 can receive both energy and communication signals through the low voltage current cable 28. FIGURE 3 illustrates an exemplary regenerator unit, generally indicated at 14, included in network 10 and communication system 20. In the embodiment shown, the regenerator unit 14 includes a housing 100, two modems 102, a switch 104, and a wireless access point 106. In certain embodiments, the regenerator unit 14 can be electrically coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18 and can be electrically coupled to an electrical current source to provide current to the elements of the regenerator unit 14. In certain embodiments, the current source may be a source of low voltage current. For example, in a particular embodiment, the regenerator unit 14 is located near a distribution transformer 26 and electrically coupled to a low voltage distribution cable connected to the distribution transformer 26. In this embodiment, the distribution transformer 26 reduces the electric current carried by the medium voltage current cable 18 to a low voltage distribution cable. The housing 100 operates to create a surrounded area containing the elements of the regenerator unit 14. In certain embodiments, the housing 100 can operate to protect the elements of the regenerator unit 14 and to simplify the installation of the regenerator unit 14 by keeping the elements of the regenerator unit 14 together with the appropriate internal connections. In certain embodiments, the housing 100 may also provide structural support to the elements of the regenerator unit 14 and may provide electrical isolation between certain elements of the regenerator unit 14. In certain embodiments, the housing may represent a sealed, weatherproof container for enclosing elements of the moisture sensitive regenerator unit 14. For example, the housing 100 may include an articulated aluminum box, with one or more rubber seals and screw caps. In a particular embodiment, the housing 100 may have dimensions of less than 30.48 cm (12 inches) in height, width and depth. For example, the housing 100 may be a weather-proof Scientific-Atlanta CATV Cable Extension Housing. However, any suitable container for containing the regenerator elements 14 and / or the elements of the regenerator unit 14 can be contained individually or in other combinations. The modems 102 are electrically coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18. In certain embodiments, the modems 102 are electrically coupled to a coupler which in turn is coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18. The coupler can be coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18 using an inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, conductive coupling, a combination thereof, or any other suitable technique. In a particular embodiment, each modem 102 is coupled to a coupler by the use of a coaxial cable and the coupler, in turn, is coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18 by the use of an oxide varistor discharge protector. metallic (MOV) and its capacitive coupling properties. A MOV protector serves as a high pass filter that can withstand half voltages. In this way, the high frequency communication signals pass through the MOV protector, while the low frequency medium voltage current does not. The use of an MOV protector for coupling to a medium voltage current cable 18 is economical and convenient because many existing current systems contain MOV surge protectors attached to the medium voltage current cables 18. In certain embodiments, each modem 102 included in the regenerator unit 14 may be connected to a separate coupler. For example, the regenerator unit 14 can be coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18 by the use of two MOV protectors separated by several centimeters (feet) with small ferrite rings placed around the medium voltage current cable 18 between the two MOV protectors. In alternative embodiments, multiple modems 102 included in the regenerator unit 14 can be connected to the same coupler. For example, two modems 102 included in a regenerator unit 14 can be connected to a single MOV protector by a signal combiner. In operation, the modems 102 demodulate the communication signals received from the medium voltage current cable 18 and / or modulate the communication signals for transmission in the medium voltage current cable 18. In this way, the modems 102 represent any suitable hardware and / or control logic for modulating and / or demodulating communication signals. In certain embodiments, modems 102 receive and transmit RF signals. For example, modems 102 may represent a compatible modem of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance (HPA) or a compatible modem of the Universal Powerline Association (UPA). In certain embodiments, the modems 102 can transmit and receive communication signals through a coaxial connection using an F-connector. In a particular mode, the modems 102 can represent NetGear modems. Although in certain embodiments the multiple modems 102 may be the same, this is not necessary. The switch 104 can be coupled to the modems 102 and the wireless access point 106. In operation, the switch 104 operates to receive and transmit digital communication signals between the elements of the regenerator unit 14. In this way, the switch 104 can represent any appropriate hardware and / or control logic for carrying out the flow of digital communication signals between multiple elements of the regenerator unit 14. For example, in certain embodiments, the switch 104 may be a router, a node or an Ethernet switch. In certain embodiments, the switch 104 may have an IP address that is unique within the communication network 10 by power cables. In modes of the regenerator unit 14 that include a wireless access point 106, the wireless access point 106 operates to transmit and / or receive wireless communication signals. In this way, the wireless access point 106 represents any appropriate hardware and / or control logic for transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals. In certain embodiments, the wireless access point 106 may transmit and / or receive wireless communication signals using an IEEE 802.11 standard protocol. In a particular embodiment, the wireless access point may be a wireless Link-D access point, coupled to the switch 104 by the use of 10/100 T-base connectors. In operation, the regenerator unit 14 receives communication signals from the medium voltage current cable 18 via a coupler, demodulates the received communication signals, remodulates at least a portion of the received communication signals, and transmits the communication signals remodulated to medium voltage current cable 18. Thus, in certain embodiments, the regenerator unit 14 operates to allow the communication signals to travel greater distances along the medium voltage current cable 18 without being attenuated. Accordingly, the regenerator unit 14 can operate to receive communication signals from a medium voltage current cable 18, amplify communication signals and / or filter certain types of signal noise, and then retransmit communication signals from return in the cable 18 of medium voltage current. In certain embodiments, the wireless access point 106 may operate to provide wireless access to one or more wireless devices. For example, the wireless access point 106 may operate to create a wireless "hot spot" by providing wireless Internet access to one or more wireless devices. In particular embodiments, the wireless access point 106 may operate to allow monitoring and / or modification of the operation of the regenerator unit 14. FIGURE 4 illustrates an exemplary client access unit, generally indicated at 16, included in network 10 and communication system 20. In the embodiment shown, the client access unit 16 includes a housing 100, two modems 102, a switch 104, a wireless access point 106, a coupler 110 and a control module 112. The housing 100, switch 104 and wireless access point 106 included in the customer access unit 16 may be the same or substantially similar to the housing 100, switch 104 and wireless access point 106 described above with respect to the unit 14 of regenerator. For example, the housing 100 can operate to protect the elements of the customer access unit 16 and can operate to simplify the installation of the customer access unit 16 by keeping the elements of the customer access unit 16 together with the appropriate internal connections. In certain embodiments, the housing 100 may also provide structural support to the elements of the customer access unit 16 and may provide electrical isolation between certain elements of the customer access unit 16. As another example, the switch 104 may represent any appropriate hardware and / or control logic to carry out the flow of digital signals between multiple elements of the customer access unit 16. In certain embodiments, the switch 104 may be a router, a node or an Ethernet switch. The modems 102 included in the customer access unit 116 may be the same or substantially similar to the modems 102 described above with respect to the regenerator unit 14., with the exception that the modem 102b can be electrically coupled to the low voltage current wire 24. In operation, the modem 102a demodulates the signals received from the medium voltage current cable 18 and / or modulates the communication signals for transmission in the medium voltage current cable 18.; and the modem 102b demodulates the signals received from the low voltage current cable 24 and / or modulates the communication signals for transmission in the low voltage current cable 24. In this way, the modems 102 represent any suitable hardware and / or control logic for modulating and / or demodulating communication signals. In certain embodiments, the modem 102a can be electrically coupled to a medium voltage current cable 18 through a coupler using an inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, conductive coupling, a combination thereof, or any other suitable technique. In a particular embodiment, the customer access unit 16 is coupled to a coupler by the use of a coaxial cable and the coupler, in turn, is coupled to a medium voltage current cable 18 through the use of a surge protector. Discharges of metal oxide varistor (MOV). The coupler 110 can electrically couple elements of the customer access unit 16 to a low voltage current wire 24. Although in certain embodiments the coupler 110 may be included within the housing 100, in other embodiments, the coupler 110 may be located outside the housing 100. The coupler 110 may couple the modem 102b to a low voltage current wire 24 using a coupling inductive, capacitive coupling, conductive coupling, a combination thereof, or any other suitable technique. For example, coupler 110 may include multiple inductors and multiple capacitors. The coupler 110 operates to electrically transfer modulated communication signals, transmitted by the modem 102b to the low voltage current wire 24 for transmission to the client 28. In this way, the coupler 110 represents any appropriate hardware and / or control logic for electrically coupling the modem 102b to the low voltage current wire 24 to transmit communication signals. The control module 112 operates to control the operation of certain aspects of the customer access unit 16. In certain embodiments, the control module 112 can serve as a firewall, a router and / or an agent. For example, the control module 112 may collect and store information related to the number and type of communication signals received and transmitted by the customer access unit 16. As another example, the control module 112 can prevent particular portions of communication signals received by the customer access unit 16 from being transmitted by the customer access unit 16. In certain embodiments, the control module 112 may operate to couple the elements of the client access unit 16 associated with portions of two logical networks. In certain embodiments, the control module 112 may couple elements of the client access unit 16 associated with a wide area network (WAN) and with a local area network (LAN). For example, the control module 112 can couple the modem 102a associated with a WAN, such as a WAN formed at least in part through the communication network 10, to the modem 102b associated with a LAN, such as a LAN associated with the client 28. In certain embodiments, the control module 112 serves to control and / or limit the flow of communication signals between the WAN and the LAN. In certain embodiments, the control unit 112 may operate to provide remote control and / or remote monitoring of certain aspects of the customer access unit 16. For example, the control module 112 may operate to provide remote control and / or remote monitoring by the use of a simple protocol for network management (SNMP) or by a terminal emulation program, such as Telnet. In certain embodiments, the control module 112 can operate as an SNMP agent to allow a remote administrator to monitor and / or control one or more parameters related to the modems 102 and / or the communication signal traffic within the unit. of access to the client. In certain modalities, the control module 112 may include encryption algorithms to restrict access to the control features and or to restrict access from the WAN to the LAN. In operation, the client access unit 16 can receive communication signals from a medium voltage current cable 18 via the coupler, demodulate the received communication signals, remodulate at least a portion of the received communication signals and transmit the remodulated communication signals to low voltage current wire 24. Although it has been described that the customer access unit 16 receives communication signals from the medium voltage current cable 18 and transmits the communication signals to the low voltage current cable 24, the customer access unit 16 can also receive signals communication cable 24 low voltage current and transmit the communication signals to the medium voltage current cable 18. In certain embodiments, the wireless access point 106 may operate to create a wireless "hot spot" by providing wireless Internet access to one or more wireless devices. In particular embodiments, the wireless access point 106 may operate to allow monitoring and / or modification of the operation of the client access unit 16. FIGURE 5 illustrates an exemplary current cable communication system, generally shown at 30, to allow communication signals using medium voltage current cables 18. In certain embodiments, the functions within the system 20 performed by the regenerator unit 14 and the client access unit 16 are performed within the system 30 by the regenerator / client access unit 32. The regenerator / client access unit 32 can operate to perform the functions either of the regeneration unit 14 or of the customer access unit 16. In certain embodiments, the regenerator / client access unit 32 may operate to perform the functions of both the regenerator unit 14 and the client access unit 16. For example, the regenerator / client access unit 32 can receive communication signals from the medium voltage current cable 18, transmit at least a portion of the communication signals to the low voltage current cable 24, regenerate at least a portion of the communication signals and transmitting the regenerated communication signals to the medium voltage current cable 18. FIGURE 6 illustrates an exemplary client access / regenerator access unit, generally indicated at 32, included in the system 30. In the embodiment shown, the client access / regenerator unit includes a housing 100, two modems 102a, a modem 102b, two switches 104, a wireless access point 106, a coupler 110 and a control module 112. The housing 100, switch 104, wireless access point 106, coupler 110 and control module 112 included in the client access / regenerator unit 32 may be the same or substantially similar to the same elements described in the above with respect to the regenerator unit 14 and customer access unit 16. The Modem 102a can operate to electrically couple to a medium voltage current cable 18 and the modem 102b can operate to couple to a low voltage current wire 24. In certain embodiments, the modem 102a may be the same or substantially similar to the modem 102 described with respect to the regenerator unit 14. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the modem 102b may be the same or substantially similar to the modem 102b described with respect to the customer access unit 18. In this way, the modem 102, included in the regenerator / client access unit 32, represents any suitable hardware and / or control logic for modulating and / or demodulating communication signals. In certain modalities, each modem 102a included in the regenerator / client access unit 32 can be connected to a separate coupler. For example, the regenerator / customer access unit 32 can be coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18 by the use of two MOV protectors separated by several centimeters (feet) with small ferrite rings placed around the medium voltage cable 18 between the two MOV protectors. In alternative modes, multiple modems 102a included in the regenerator / client access unit 32 can be connected to the same coupler. For example, two modems 102a included in a regenerator / client access unit 32 can be connected to a single MOV protector by a signal combiner. In operation, the regenerator / client access unit 32 can operate to regenerate communication signals on a medium voltage current cable 18 and / or provide the client 28 with access to the communication network 10. In certain embodiments, the regenerator / client access unit 32 may function either as a regenerator unit 14 or as a client access unit 16. In a particular embodiment, the regenerator / client access unit can function as both a regenerator unit 14 and a client access unit 16. For example, the regenerator / client access unit 32 may receive communication signals from the medium voltage current cable 18, selectively communicate a portion of the received communication signals to the low voltage current cable 24, and selectively communicate a portion of the communication signals received to the medium voltage current cable 18. In certain embodiments, the regenerator / client access unit 32 may also receive wireless signals through the use of a wireless access point 16. For example, the wireless signals received by a wireless access point 106 may include instructions for monitoring and / or modifying the operation of the regenerator / client access unit 32. As another example, the wireless signals received by the wireless access point 106 can be transmitted to a medium voltage current cable 18 via a modem 102a or can be transmitted to a low voltage current wire 24 via the modem 102b. In certain embodiments, the wireless access point 106 may operate to create a wireless "hot spot" by providing wireless Internet access to one or more wireless devices. FIGURE 7 illustrates an exemplary method, generally indicated at 200, for enabling communication signals using medium voltage current cables 18. In step 202, the communication signals are received from the medium voltage current cable 18. In certain embodiments, communication signals may be received through a coupler coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18 using an inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, conductive coupling, a combination thereof, or any other suitable technique. For example, the communication signals transmitted to the medium voltage current cable 18 by the head unit 12 can be transmitted to the regenerator / customer access unit 32 by the use of a metal oxide varistor discharge protector (MOV). ) and its capacitive coupling properties. In step 204, the communication signals received from the medium voltage power cable are demodulated. In certain embodiments, the communication signals can be demodulated by the modem 102a, included within the regenerator / client access unit 32. In step 206, a destination is identified for a first portion of the communication signals received from the medium voltage current cable 18. In certain embodiments, the destination for the first portion can be identified by the switch 104 and / or the control module 112. For example, the destination for the first portion can be identified by a layer 2 or layer 3 TCP / IP address contained within the communication signals. In step 208, the first portion of communication signals is demodulated. In certain embodiments, the modem 102a can modulate the first portion of communication signals for transmission through a medium voltage current wire 18. In step 210, the first modulated portion of communication signals is transmitted back to the medium voltage current cable 18. In certain embodiments, the signals may be transmitted through a coupler that can be coupled to the medium voltage current cable 18, using an inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, conductive coupling, a combination thereof, or any other suitable technique. For example, the modulated signals can be transmitted to the medium voltage current cable through a metal oxide varistor (MOV). In step 212, a destination is identified for a second portion of communication signals received from the medium voltage current cable 18. Although the second portion may be different from the first portion, in certain embodiments, all or a fraction of the second portion may be included in the first portion. For example, all communication signals included within the first portion may also be included within the second portion. In addition, in certain embodiments, the first and second portions may include all communication signals received from the medium voltage current cable 18. In step 214, the second portion of communication signals is modulated. In certain embodiments, the modem 102b can modulate the second portion of communication signals for transmission through the low voltage current wire 24. In step 216, the second modulated portion of communication signals is transmitted to the low voltage current wire 24. In certain embodiments, the modulated signals may be transmitted to the low voltage current wire 24 through the use of the coupler 110, included within the generator / customer access unit 32. In this way, the method 200 represents a series of steps to allow communication signals, using medium voltage current cables 18. The method 200 represents a mode of operation, and the communication system 30 by power cables includes exemplary devices that use suitable techniques, elements and applications to perform this method of operation. Many of the stages in the flowchart can take place simultaneously, and in certain embodiments, some of the steps in the flowchart can take an order different from the one shown. For example, in certain embodiments, steps 212, 214 and 216 may occur earlier, or substantially simultaneously with, the occurrence of steps 206, 208 and 210. In addition, devices may use any appropriate method with fewer stages or steps additional to transmit communication signals using medium voltage current cables 18. In addition, other devices of the system 30 can perform similar techniques to support the transmission of communication signals through medium voltage current cables 18. Although the present invention has been described with various modalities, a fullness of changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications can be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the invention encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations. and modifications as they fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (22)

  1. CLAIMS 1. A device for enabling broadband communication signals through a medium voltage power cable, the device characterized in that it comprises: a first modem electrically coupled to a medium voltage power cable and adapted to receive communication signals broadband medium voltage power cable; a second modem electrically coupled to the medium voltage power cable and adapted to transmit broadband communication signals to the medium voltage power cable; a third modem electrically coupled to a low voltage power cable and adapted to transmit broadband communication signals to the low voltage power cable; one or more switches that couple the first modem, the second modem and the third modem, and which can be operated to transfer broadband communication signals between two or more of the first modem, the second modem and the third modem; a coupler electrically coupled to the third modem and the low voltage power cable and operable to transmit communication signals from the third modem to the low voltage power cable; a wireless access point that can be operated to communicate wireless communication signals to and from one or more of the first modem, the second modem and the third modem; and a housing physically surrounding the first modem, the second modem, the third modem, one or more switches, the coupler and the wireless access point; wherein the broadband communication signals comprise a transfer speed of at least 1.5 megabits per second in at least one direction.
  2. 2 . The device according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more of one or more switches comprises a simple network management protocol (SNMP) agent that can be operated to allow remote management of communication signals between two or more of the first modem, second modem and third modem.
  3. 3. A device for enabling communication signals through a medium voltage power cable, the device characterized in that it comprises: a first modem electrically coupled to a medium voltage power cable and adapted to receive communication signals from the power cable of medium voltage; a second modem electrically coupled to the medium voltage power cable and adapted to transmit communication signals to the medium voltage power cable; a third modem electrically coupled to a low voltage power cable and adapted to transmit communication signals to the low voltage power cable; and one or more switches that couple the first modem, the second modem and the third modem, and which can be operated to transfer communication signals between two or more of the first modem, the second modem and the third modem.
  4. The device according to claim 3, further characterized by comprising a housing physically surrounding the first modem, the second modem, the third modem and one or more switches.
  5. The device according to claim 4, further characterized by comprising a coupler electrically coupled to the third modem and the low voltage power cable, the coupler disposed within the housing and operable to transmit third modem communication signals. to the low voltage power cable.
  6. The device according to claim 3, further characterized in that it comprises a wireless access point that can be operated to communicate wireless communication signals to and from one or more of the first modem, the second modem and the third modem.
  7. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the communication signals comprise broadband signals.
  8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the broadband signals comprise a transfer rate of at least 1.5 megabits per second in at least one direction.
  9. 9. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the first, second and third modems comprises a modem compatible with a HomePlug Powerline Alliance standard.
  10. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the communication signals comprise radiofrequency signals.
  11. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that one or more of one or more switches comprises a simple network management protocol (SNMP) agent that can be operated to allow remote management of communication signals between two or more than the first modem, the second modem and the third modem.
  12. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that: the first modem is further adapted to transmit communication signals to the medium voltage power cable; the second modem is further adapted to receive communication signals from the medium voltage power cable; and the third modem is further adapted to receive communication signals from the low voltage power cable.
  13. 13. A method for enabling communication signals through a medium voltage power cable, the method characterized in that it comprises: using a first modem, receiving communication signals from a medium voltage power cable and demodulating the communication signals received of the medium voltage power cable; identifying a destination for a first portion of the communication signals received from the medium voltage power cable; using a second modem, modulating the first portion of the communication signals and transmitting the first modulated portion of the communication signals to the medium voltage current cable; identifying a destination for a second portion of the communication signals received from the medium voltage power cable; and using a third modem, modulating the second portion of the communication signals and transmitting the second modulated portion of the communication signals to a low voltage power cable.
  14. 14. The method according to the claim 13, further characterized in that it comprises: using a wireless access point, receiving communication signals from a wireless communication device, identifying a destination for the communication signals received from the wireless communication device; and transmitting at least a portion of the signals received from the wireless communication device to one or more of the low voltage power cable and the medium voltage power cable.
  15. The method according to claim 13, further characterized by comprising: using a wireless access point, receiving control commands from a wireless communication device, control commands directed to modify one or more parameters of one or more of : the first modem; the second modem; the third modem; and communication signal traffic between two or more of the first modem, the second modem and the third modem; and executing the control commands received from the wireless communication device.
  16. 16. The method of compliance with the claim 13, characterized in that the first modem, the second modem and the third modem are physically surrounded by a housing.
  17. 17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the communication signals comprise broadband signals.
  18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the broadband signals comprise a transfer rate of at least 1.5 megabits per second in at least one direction.
  19. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the first, second and third modems comprises a modem compatible with a HomePlug Powerline Alliance standard.
  20. 20. The method of compliance with the claim 13, characterized in that the communication signals comprise radiofrequency signals. The method according to claim 13, further characterized in that it comprises: using a simple protocol agent for network management (SNMP): receiving an SNMP command requesting information related to one or more of: the first modem; the second modem; the third modem; and communication signal traffic between two or more of the first modem, the second modem and the third modem; and process the SNMP command; and execute the SNMP command by transmitting the requested information. The method according to claim 13, further characterized in that it comprises: using the third modem, receiving communication signals from the low-voltage power cable and demodulating the communication signals received from the low-voltage power cable; using one or more of the first modem and the second modem, modulating at least a portion of the communication signals received from the low voltage power cable and transmitting the modulated portion of the communication signals to the medium voltage power cable.
MX/A/2007/016582A 2005-06-28 2007-12-19 A device and method for enabling communicationssignals using a medium voltage power line MX2007016582A (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11170413 2005-06-28

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MX2007016582A true MX2007016582A (en) 2008-09-02

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