Patent ID: 6161011
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A communications system, comprising:a first communications link for providing signals within a first contiguous bandwidth to a user, including,a first fiber optic link including at least one fiber optic cable;a coaxial distribution plant including coaxial distribution lines and a plurality of amplifiers, anda first fiber optic node for converting optical signals within said first contiguous bandwidth to first electrical signals for coupling into said coaxial distribution plant; anda second communications link for providing signals within a second bandwidth to said user, said second contiguous bandwidth separate and distinct from said first contiguous bandwidth and not including any frequencies that are included within said first contiguous bandwidth, and said second communications link including,a second fiber optic link including at least one fiber optic cable, anda second fiber optic node for converting optical signals within said second contiguous bandwidth to second electrical signals;a directional coupler located downstream from one of said amplifiers within said coaxial distribution plant for coupling said second electrical signals into said coaxial distribution plant,wherein said first and second contiguous bandwidths are coupled to and transmitted over said coaxial distribution plant in a downstream direction, wherein said one of said amplifiers provides, at its output, the first electrical signals having signal levels defining a first forward tilt, and wherein said second electrical signals are coupled into said coaxial distribution plant at signal levels defining a second forward tilt that is aligned relative to said first forward tilt.