Method and system for providing a return path for signals generated by legacy terminals in an optical network
US7184664B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q11/0071
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A return path system includes inserting RF packets between regular upstream data packets, where the data packets are generated by communication devices such as a computer or internet telephone. The RF packets can be derived from analog RF signals that are produced by legacy video service terminals. In this way, the present invention can provide an RF return path for legacy terminals that shares a return path for regular data packets in an optical network architecture. The invention operates independently of a legacy upstream transmission timing scheme so that the legacy upstream transmission timing scheme can remain effective in preventing data collisions. In other embodiments, the present invention allows for less complex hardware for subscribers that are not taking data services. Further, an optical signal present line in combination with a driver may be employed in order to reduce the amount of hardware in a laser transceiver node.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.