Patent ID: 6393105
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: H04L,H04M,Y02D

Abstract:
A network interface unit for coupling a telephone located at a customer premises with a hybrid fiber-coax network, the network comprising a central communication node in two-way communication with the customer premises, the network interface unit comprising:a cable telephony service platform element for coupling with the telephone; a converter/charger for providing electrical power to the cable telephony service platform element when AC power is available, and for charging a backup battery when AC power is available, wherein the cable telephony service platform element includes circuitry for providing an output indicating when the converter/charger fails to generate said electrical power, said output being monitored by a central office of the network; and a trickle charging circuit for providing a trickle charge from the hybrid fiber-coax network to the backup battery when the AC power is not available, and wherein said circuitry of the cable telephony service platform element further indicates when the trickle charger is generating said trickle charge and when said trickle charge fails to generate a trickle current when the converter/charger fails to generate said electrical power.