Patent ID: 11930249
Assignee: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC
Field: Audio-visual technology (Electrical engineering)
Classification: CPC H  G | IPC H

Claim 3:
4. A network communication node apparatus comprising:
a generic access platform (GAP) node housing;
a local processor that is enclosed in the node housing and configured by computer-executable instructions to be adapted to receive a first signal on a logical link control (LLC) layer and to convert the first signal to a second signal on a medium access control (MAC) layer;
a first remote physical device (RPD) that is enclosed in the node housing and implemented on a first chip, connected in communication with the local processor to receive the second signal on the MAC layer, and adapted to implement a first communication protocol that converts the second signal to a third signal on a physical (PHY) layer, wherein the third signal is compliant with DOCSIS 4.0 FDX specification;
a second RPD that is enclosed in the node housing and implemented on a second chip, separate from the first chip, connected in communication with the local processor to receive the second signal on the MAC layer, and adapted to implement a second communication protocol that is different than the first communication protocol and converts the second signal to a fourth signal on the PHY layer, wherein the fourth signal is compliant with one of DOCSIS 3.0, DOCSIS 3.1, and DOCSIS 4.0 FDD specifications; and
at least one backplane within the node housing, the first and second chips being mounted to the at least one backplane;
a network interface enclosed in the node housing, wherein the network interface provides the first signal to the local processor;
an input line connected between a head end and the network interface;
a first output line connected between the first RPD and first consumer premises equipment (CPE) without an amplifier;
a second output line connected between the second RPD and second CPE;
an amplifier in the second output line outside the node housing; and
clamps hanging the node housing from a cable strand that is suspended from telephone poles.