Patent ID: 7688841
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: H01R,H04B,H04L,H04N,H04Q

Abstract:
1. An outlet constituting part of a local area network in a building for coupling a digital data signal to a detachable plug-in module and for coupling an analog CATV signal to an analog CATV set, the network including at least part of a CATV coaxial cable that is at least in part in walls of the building and is terminated at an outlet opening, the CATV coaxial cable being connected for carrying an analog CATV signal in an analog CATV frequency band frequency multiplexed with a bi-directional serial digital data signal in a digital data frequency band that is distinct from the analog CATV frequency band, said outlet comprising: a coaxial connector for connecting said outlet to the CATV coaxial cable; a CATV connector connectable to an analog CATV set for coupling the analog CATV signal to the analog CATV set; a first filter coupled between said coaxial connector and said CATV connector for substantially passing only signals in the analog CATV frequency band; a coaxial cable modem for bi-directional digital data signal communication with one or more additional modems of the same type as said coaxial cable modem over the CATV coaxial cable; a second filter coupled between said coaxial cable modem and said CATV connector for substantially passing only signals in the digital data frequency band; a power port connectable to receive a power signal from a power signal source; a power supply, including an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter, coupled between said power port and said coaxial cable modem for DC powering said coaxial cable modem by the power signal; a first connector for connecting to the plug-in module, the first connector being coupled to said power supply for DC powering the plug-in module, said first connector being coupled to said coaxial cable modem for communicatively coupling the plug-in module to the bi-directional digital data signal; attachment means to which the plug-in module is mechanically securable; and a single enclosure housing said first and second filters, said coaxial cable modem, said coaxial connector, said CATV connector, said first connector and said attachment means, wherein: said single enclosure is mountable into a wall opening or an outlet cavity; said first connector and said attachment means cooperatively form an industry standard interface; and said outlet is addressable in the local area network.