Patent ID: 7321291
Filing Date: 2008-01-22
Classification: H04B,H04J,H04L

Abstract:
1. A system for providing communications to user devices via an underground power line comprising a plurality of segments disposed in series with each other and carrying a power signal having a voltage greater than one thousand volts, comprising: an interface device communicatively coupled to the underground power line and having an interface configured to be communicative via a non-power line communications medium; a first and second power line communications device, each said power line communications device including a first port communicatively coupled to the underground power line for communications with said interface device and a second port in communication with one or more user devices; wherein said first power line communications device is communicatively coupled to the power line between the interface device and said second power line communications device; wherein said interface device is configured to transmit communications signals to said first and second power line communications devices in a first set of frequencies and said first and second communications devices are configured to receive communications in the first set of frequencies; wherein said first and second power line communications devices are configured to transmit communications signals toward said interface device in a second set of frequencies and said interface device is configured to receive communications in the second set of frequencies; wherein said first power line communications device further comprises a first amplifier circuit configured to amplify first signals received via the power line from said second power line communications device in the second set of frequencies; and a first coupler configured to couple the amplified first signals onto the power line and wherein said first power line communications device is configured to receive the first signals, amplify the first signals, and couple the amplified first signals onto the power line without demodulating the first signals.