Patent ID: 6028916
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: H04L,H04M,Y02D

Abstract:
In a hybrid fiber-coax network including a plurality of telephones operatively connected thereto at one or more customer premises, said network comprising at least one centralized communication node in two-way communication with the customer premises via a fiber optic transmission system connected to a coaxial cable transmission system via an electric/optical converter, wherein each telephone is connected to the coaxial cable via a network interface unit, an apparatus for providing electrical power to a network telephone comprising:a local converter/charger connected to the network interface unit and a conventional AC power source for providing electrical power to the network interface unit during normal operation;a back-up battery connected to the network interface unit for providing electrical power during interruptions in delivery of the conventional AC power to the converter/charger; anda battery trickle charger connected to said back-up battery and the coaxial cable transmission system of the network, said trickle charger receiving electrical power from the network for maintaining the battery in a full float voltage charged state if the delivery of power from the local converter/charger is interrupted.