Abstract:
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a resonance restricting material in communication with a bypass line of a cable television tap. The bypass line generates resonances at a defined frequency in response to RF parameters in the tap and the resonances increase insertion losses at the defined frequency and precludes bandwidth of the tap being increased above the defined frequency. The resonance restricting material may attenuate the resonances generated by the bypass line at the defined frequency (e.g., approximately 1.2 GHz) and reduce insertion losses at the defined frequency and enable the bandwidth of the tap to be increased (e.g., from 1.0 GHz to 1.5 GHz).

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Cable television (CATV) operators provide cable television and other services such as Internet connectivity and digital telephone service. The CATV network may include fiber optic and coaxial cables that provide bidirectional transport of radio frequency (RF) signals. Customers may connect to the CATV network utilizing cables to connect to a main transmission line via taps in the main transmission line. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example block diagram of a CATV network  100  utilizing a tap  110  on a main transmission line  120  to provide connectivity to a customer via cables  130 . The tap  110  receives RF signals on the main transmission line  120  from a central office (upstream) and transmits the RF signals downstream over the main transmission line  120 . The tap  110  may also receive RF signals from downstream and transmit the RF signals upstream. The tap  110  may include RF circuitry  140  to process the RF signals destined for the customer so the RF signals can be provided to the customer via the cable  130 . Likewise, RF signals received from the customer via the cable  130  may be processed so they can be transmitted via the main transmission line  120 . 
     In addition to providing the processing of the RF signals necessary for communication with the customer, the RF circuitry  140  may provide a conduit (transmission line) for continued communications over the main transmission line  120 . The tap  110  may include a bypass line  150  that provides an alternative conduit (transmission line) for maintaining communications over the main transmission line  120  in the event that the RF circuitry  140  is removed from the path for any reason (e.g., failure, maintenance, repair, upgrade). 
     The taps may include a housing and a tap plate. The housing may include connectors to secure ends of the main transmission line  120  and to provide RF shielding. The tap plate may include the RF circuitry  140  to perform necessary processing of the RF signals for communications with the customer. The tap plate may also include on or more connectors for providing connectivity to the customer via cables connected thereto. The tap plate may also provide a transmission line to allow the RF signals and power to pass therethrough. The bypass line  150  may be located within the housing and be utilized when the tap plate is removed from the circuit (e.g., removed for maintenance). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example tap  200  with the tap plate (RF circuitry) removed. The tap includes a housing  210  that has an input connector  220  to connect to and receive the main transmission line  205  from upstream and a connector  230  to connect to and provide the main transmission line  205  to downstream. The tap  200  includes interfaces  225 ,  235  (conductors) in communication with the main transmission line  205  via the connectors  220 ,  230 . When the tap plate (RF circuitry) is installed the interfaces  225 ,  235  are also in communication with the tap plate. In the downstream direction, the interface  225  is used to provide the RF signals and power from the main transmission line  205  to the tap plate and the interface  235  is used to provide the RF signals and power from the tap plate to the main transmission line  205 . The tap plate provides a conduit (transmission line) for communications between ends of the main transmission line  205  connected to the tap  200 . 
     The tap  200  also includes a bypass line  240  to provide an alternative conduit (transmission line) to maintain communications between ends of the main transmission line  205  when the tap plate is removed. The bypass line  240  may be capable of being connected or disconnected from the connectors  220 ,  230  based on whether the tap plate is installed or not. For example, the bypass line  240  may be connected to conductive movable shafts that may be connected to the connectors  220 ,  230 . When the tap plate is installed, the conductive movable shafts may be pushed down so as not to be connected to the connectors  220 ,  230 . Since the conductive movable shafts are not connected to the connectors  220 ,  230  the bypass line  240  is not in communication with the connectors  220 ,  230 . When the tap plate is removed (off), the conductive movable shafts may shift up and contact the connectors  220 ,  230 . Since the conductive movable shafts are connected to the connectors  220 ,  230  the bypass line  240  is in communication with the connectors  220 ,  230  and acts as the conduit to maintain communications between ends of the main transmission line  205 . 
     Present CATV taps  200  may provide a bandwidth of 1 GHz. With additional services being provided over the CATV network and the increased desire for faster download and/or upload speeds, there is a desire for additional bandwidth. The bandwidth may currently be limited to 1 GHz due to electrical limitations of the current tap plate as well as mechanical design features of the tap  200 . 
     When the tap plate is installed, the bypass line  240  is disengaged but still presents a transfer impedance that is in parallel to the tap plate (RF input to output electronics). The bypass line  240  responds to the RF parameters within the tap  200  to produce resonances that occur above 1 GHz (at approximately 1.2 GHz). These resonances significantly influence the tap&#39;s input to output insertion loss and limit extending the tap bandwidth above 1 GHz (may be able to extend the bandwidth to 1.2 GHz with a new tap plate). The bandwidth may not be extended above 1 GHz (or possibly 1.2 GHz) unless the entire tap is replaced to modify the response of the bypass lines  240  to the RF. Replacing the entire tap requires physically removing the existing tap and replacing it with a new tap. This would require a significant time and cost investment by the CATV operator. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example graph of the input to output insertion loss of a conventional (present field-installed) tap. As illustrated, at approximately 1.2 GHz the loss increases by approximately 3 db and this increase in loss prevents extending the bandwidth above this point. 
     Being able to extend the bandwidth of the taps without having to physically replace the current taps with new taps would dramatically improve the cost and down time of future RF network upgrades beyond 1 GHz. 
     SUMMARY 
     A cable television tap comprising a housing, connectors, a tap plate, a bypass line and resonance restricting material. The connectors are to receive a main transmission line. The tap plate is in communication with the connectors to receive RF signals from the main transmission line, to provide a conduit for the RF signals to pass through the tap, and to process the RF signals for communication with a customer. The bypass line is to provide an alternative conduit through the tap when the tap plate is removed. The resonance restricting material is in communication with the bypass line, reduces resonances generated by the bypass line and insertion losses in RF range, and enables bandwidth for the cable television tap to be increased. 
     A cable television tap utilized in a cable television network to provide a connection point for a customer to access services provided by the cable television network. The tap includes a housing, connectors to secure to a main transmission line, a tap plate to process RF signals to provide for communication with the customer, and a bypass line to provide an alternative conduit through the tap when the tap plate is removed. The bypass line generates resonances at a defined frequency in response to RF parameters in the tap and the resonances increase insertion losses at the defined frequency and precludes bandwidth of the tap being increased above the defined frequency. A resonance restricting material is provided in communication with the bypass line. The resonance restricting material attenuates the resonances generated by the bypass line at the defined frequency, reduces the insertion losses at the defined frequency, and enables the bandwidth of the tap to be increased without requiring the housing to be replaced. 
     Bandwidth of a field-installed cable television tap may be increased by removing a tap plate from the tap, installing a resonance restricting material in communication with a bypass line for the tap, and installing the tap plate on the tap, wherein the tap plate supports increased bandwidth. The resonance restricting material attenuates resonances generated by the bypass line at a defined frequency, reduces the insertion losses at the defined frequency, and enables the bandwidth of the tap to be increased above the defined frequency. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the various embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example block diagram of a CATV network utilizing a tap on a main transmission line to provide connectivity to a customer; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example tap with the tap plate (RF circuitry) removed; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example graph of the input to output insertion loss of a conventional (present field-installed) tap; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an internal view of the example tap having a material that may block RF signals and exhibit lossy characteristics in the RF range in communication with the bypass line, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example graph of the input to output insertion loss of a conventional (present field-installed) tap utilizing the resonance restricting material in communication with the bypass line, according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 6A-B  illustrate example clips that may be used to secure the resonance restricting material to the bypass line, according to various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate example mechanisms to secure the clips on the bypass line after installation, according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates an example face of a clip having a recessed portion formed therein for the resonance restricting material to fit within, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates an example bottom of a lower face of a clip having contacts formed therein, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an internal view of the example tap providing safety precautions prior to installation of the resonance restricting material, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an example process flow to expand the bandwidth of a conventional (present field-installed) tap without replacing the housing, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example graph of the input to output insertion loss of a conventional (present field-installed) tap with the tap plate removed; and 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example graph of the input to output insertion loss of a conventional (present field-installed) tap with the tap plate removed utilizing the resonance restricting material in communication with the bypass line, according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As taps are an integral part of the CATV network, in order to increase the bandwidth of the CATV network the taps need to be able to support the additional bandwidth. The tap plates (RF circuitry) have to be modified to process the additional bandwidth. In addition, the resonances generated by the bypass line as a result of the RF parameters within the tap need to be restricted, attenuated and/or shifted up the frequency spectrum (collectively referred to as controlled) so as not to impact the increased bandwidth. The resonances generated may be controlled by modifying the RF parameters of the tap or the interaction of the bypass line to the RF parameters. This may be done by, for example, replacing or modifying the housing, or replacing or modifying the bypass line within the tap. However, these options are cost and labor intensive. In addition, these options may require the main transmission line feeding the taps being modified or replaced to be shut down during the modification or replacement and thus may affect network availability. 
     What is needed is a way to modify the resonances generated without having to replace or modify the current tap housings or bypass lines. However, utilizing the same housing will result in the same basic RF parameters therewithin and utilizing the same bypass line will result in the same response to the RF. Accordingly, the interaction of the RF and the bypass line needs to be altered in some fashion within the existing tap housing. 
     According to one embodiment, a material capable of blocking RF may be placed on or around the bypass line to limit the RF that reaches the bypass line. The material may, for example, be a material utilized for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Limiting the RF that interacts with the bypass line may change the bypass lines response to the RF parameters of the tap. In addition, according to an embodiment, the material may exhibit lossy characteristics (signal loss) in the RF range at or about the point where the resonances are generated by the bypass line (e.g., above 1 GHz). The use of the material in communication with the bypass line may modify (reduce) the quality factor (Q) of the bypass line. Reducing the Q of the bypass line may minimize the resonances generated at the lossy frequencies (e.g., above 1 GHz). Minimizing the resonances generated reduces the input to output insertion loss of the tap at these frequencies and may enable expansion of the tap bandwidth without having to replace the tap housing. 
     In one embodiment, the material may be highly resistive or alternatively may have low resistivity but have a dielectric connected thereto to prevent inadvertent shorting of the alternating current (AC) power in the tap. The material may, for example, be a soft material that may be shaped to be in communication with the bypass line and fit within the housing. In one embodiment, the material may be a ferromagnetic material. The material may be, for example, a conductive elastomer that includes an elastomer binder (e.g., silicone) and a conductive filler (e.g., a combination of nickel (Ni) and carbon (C)). 
     The material may be contained within, for example, a clip or a sleeve that can be slide over the bypass line with relative ease and once in place secure the material to the bypass line. The clip/sleeve may, for example, be made of a non-conductive material to enable the installer to secure the material to the bypass line, while limiting the risk of accidently grounding themselves to the power being transmitted over the bypass line. According to an embodiment, the clip may be made of a flexible material that can tolerate the elements within the tap (e.g., plastic). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an internal view of the example tap  200  having a material  410  that may block RF signals and exhibit lossy characteristics in the RF range in communication with the bypass transmission line  240 , according to one embodiment. The material  410  exhibiting these characteristics will be referred to herein after as resonance restricting material  410 . For ease of illustration, the resonance restricting material  410  is simply illustrated as being located on top of a portion of the bypass line  240 , but is not limited thereto. Rather, the resonance restricting material  410  may be placed below, on the side, or some combination of the top, bottom and side without departing from the current scope. In fact, placing the resonance restricting material  410  below the bypass line so that the resonance restricting material  410  replaces or supplements air as the dielectric between the bypass line  240  and the bottom of the housing may provide results that are desirable and be utilized alone or in combination with the side and/or top. 
     Moreover, the portion of the bypass line  240  that is in communication with the resonance restricting material  410  is not limited to any specific percentage and may be selected, for example, based on providing the desired result or the ease of installation. The location and installation of the resonance restricting material  410  will be discussed in more detail later. 
     The use of the resonance restricting material  410  within conventional (present field-installed) taps  200  that are utilized to provide 1 GHz bandwidth may reduce or eliminate the resonances generated by the bypass line  240  at approximately 1.2 GHz that resulted in substantial signal loss at that point (see  FIG. 3 ) or may shift the resonances and the associated signal losses further out in the RF spectrum. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example graph of the input to output insertion loss of a conventional (present field-installed) tap utilizing the resonance restricting material  410  in communication with the bypass line  240 , according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the additional loss of approximately 3 db at approximately 1.2 GHz present in conventional taps has substantially been reduced. By utilizing the resonance restricting material  410  in communication with the bypass line  240  the bandwidth of the taps may be extended to approximately 1.5 GHz. 
     The resonance restricting material  410  may be highly resistive. Alternatively, the resonance restricting material  410  may have low resistivity but have a dielectric connected thereto to prevent inadvertent shorting of the alternating current (AC) power in the tap  200 . The dielectric may be coated onto an exterior surface of the material  410 . The thickness of the resonance restricting material  410  may be such that it provides the necessary properties (e.g., shielding, reduction of Q) when in communication with the bypass line  240  but does not interfere with or come in contact with other components of the tap  200  either during or after installation. The resonance restricting material  410  may be a soft material that may be shaped to be in communication with the bypass line  240  and fit within the housing  210 . 
     The resonance restricting material  410  may be a ferromagnetic material. According to one embodiment, the resonance restricting material  410  may be a conductive elastomer that includes an elastomer binder and a conductive filler. The elastomer binder may be silicone or silicone based and the conductive filler may a combination of nickel (Ni) and carbon (C). The conductive elastomer may be provided as sheet stock, may be die cut to the appropriate size or may come in a moldable form. 
     The resonance restricting material  410  needs to be capable of being installed on the bypass line  240  within the tap  200  in the field. As there is limited room within the tap  200 , and the tap  200  may still be powered when the installation occurs, the installation needs to be easy and safe. According to one embodiment, the resonance restricting material  410  may be contained within a clip that can be slid over the bypass line  240  with relative ease and once in place secure the resonance restricting material  410  to the bypass line  240 . The clip may be made of a non-conductive material to enable the installer to secure the resonance restricting material  410  to the bypass line  240 , while limiting the risk of accidently grounding themselves to the power being transmitted over the bypass line  240 . The clip may be made of a flexible material. The clip may be made of a material that can tolerate the elements within the tap  200 . The clip may be made of plastic. 
       FIGS. 6A-B  illustrate example clips that may be used to secure the resonance restricting material  410  to the bypass line  240 , according to various embodiments. For ease of illustration, neither the resonance restricting material  410  nor the bypass line  240  is illustrated with the clips. The resonance restricting material  410  may be secured to the clips through various means. The resonance restricting material  410  may be located within the clips to be connected to a lower surface of the bypass line  240 , an upper surface of the bypass line  240 , an upper edge of the bypass line  240  or some combination thereof. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a pinch clip  600  used to install and secure the resonance restricting material  410  to the bypass line  240 , according to one embodiment. The clip  600  includes a lower face  610 , an upper face  620 , a first connecting wall  630  and a second connecting wall  635 . The lower face  610  may be flexibly connected to the first connecting wall  630  so the angle between them can be modified when pressure is applied. The first connecting wall  630  and the second connecting wall  635  may be connected together at a defined angle. The upper face  620  may be connected to the second connecting wall  635  at a defined angle. In a steady state (no pressure applied to the connecting walls  630 ,  635 ) back edges of the lower and upper faces  610 ,  620  may be separated a greater distance then front edges. When the connecting walls  630 ,  635  are pushed away from the front edge (e.g., pinched together) the angle between the lower face  610  and the first connecting wall  630  may increase and the front edge of the upper face  620  may rotate up so that the distance between the front edges of the faces  610 ,  620  increases. 
     To install the clip  600 , a technician may apply pressure to the second connecting wall  635  (e.g., push backward, push down) which causes the front edge of the upper face  620  to lift from the front edge of the lower face  610 . With the increased spacing between the front edges, the technician can slide the clip  600  over the bypass line  240 . Once the clip  600  is over the bypass line  240 , the technician can release the pressure on the second wall  635  so that the front edge of the upper face  620  is lowered towards the front edge of the lower face  610  (returns to steady state). The front edges of the faces  610 ,  620  coming together may act to secure the clip  600  in place. The front edges of the faces  610 ,  620  may come together past a lower edge of the bypass line  240 . Alternatively, the front edges of the faces  610 ,  620  may come together on the bypass line  240  to squeeze the bypass line  240 . 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a hinged clip  650  used to install and secure the resonance restricting material  410  to the bypass line  240 , according to one embodiment. The clip  650  includes the lower face  610 , the upper face  620 , and a connecting wall  660 . The lower face  610  may be connected to the connecting wall  660  at a defined angle. The upper face  620  may be pivotally connected to the connecting wall  660  (e.g., hinge like connection). The pivoting of the upper face  620  with respect to the connecting wall  660  enables the front edge of the upper face  620  to be rotated to and away from the front edge of the lower face  610 . To install the clip  650 , a technician may swing the upper face  620  up to slide the clip  650  over the bypass line  240 . Once the clip  600  is over the bypass line  240 , the technician can swing the upper face  620  down so that the front edge of the upper face  620  is in close proximately of the front edge of the lower face  610 . 
     The clips used to secure the resonance restricting material  410  to the bypass line  240  are in no way intended to be limited to the pinch clip  600  and the hinged clip  650  illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-B  respectively. Rather, any type of clip, sleeve, wrapping, or the like that enables the resonance restricting material  410  to be coupled to the bypass line  240 , preferably in an easy and safe manner, is within the current scope. 
     For example, the faces  610 ,  620  are illustrated as being substantially the same size and being rectangular in shape but are in no way intended to be limited thereto. The connecting walls  630 ,  635 ,  660  are illustrated as extending substantially the length of the faces  610 ,  620  but are in no way intended to be limited thereto. Rather, the size and shape of the faces  610 ,  620  and the connecting walls  630 ,  635 ,  660  can be selected based on any number of parameters including the size and shape of the resonance restricting material  410 , the size and shape of the bypass line  240 , the location of the resonance restricting material  410  with respect to the bypass line  240  (e.g., top, bottom, top/bottom) and the size and accessibility of the tap  200 . For example, if the resonance restricting material  410  is only being placed below the bypass line  240 , the upper face  620  may simply be one or more arms used to secure the clip to the bypass line  240 . 
     According to one embodiment, the faces  610 ,  620  may be secured together in some fashion for additional support once the clip (e.g.,  600 ,  650 ) is installed on the bypass line  240 .  FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate example mechanisms to secure the clips on the bypass line  240  after installation, according to various embodiments. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a tab and groove system to secure the faces  610 ,  620  of a clip (e.g.,  600 ,  650 ) together after it has been installed on the bypass line  240 , according to one embodiment. The lower face  610  includes a tab  712  formed in a front edge. The upper face  620  includes a pivoting flap  722  formed in a front edge thereof. The flap  722  has a groove  724  formed therein in alignment with the tab  712 . Once the clip is installed on the bypass line  240  the flap  722  can be rotated down so that the groove  724  engages the tab  712 . 
     The number and location of tabs  712  on the lower face  610  and flaps/grooves  722 / 724  on the upper face  620  may vary without departing from the current scope. In fact, according to one embodiment, the tabs  712  could be formed on the upper face  620  and flaps/grooves  722 / 724  could be formed on the lower face  610 , and the flap  722  can be rotated up so that the groove  724  engages the tab  712  once the clip is installed on the bypass line  240 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a pin and snap system to secure the faces  610 ,  620  of a clip (e.g.,  600 ,  650 ) together after it has been installed on the bypass line  240 , according to one embodiment. The lower face  610  includes female connectors  716  (e.g., snaps) in a front edge and the upper face  620  includes male connectors  726  (e.g., pins) formed in a front edge thereof in alignment with the snaps  716 . Once the clip is installed on the bypass line  240 , the technician may apply pressure on the upper face  620  so that the pins  726  enter and engage the snaps  716 . 
     The number and location of snaps  716  on the lower face  610  and pins  726  on the upper face  620  may vary without departing from the current scope. In fact, according to one embodiment, the snaps  716  could be formed on the upper face  620  and pins  726  could be formed on the lower face  610 . 
     The mechanisms to secure the clips after installation are in no way intended to be limited to the tab and groove  712 / 724  or pin and snap  716 / 726  illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-B  respectively. Rather, any type of mechanisms to secure the clips after installation is within the current scope. 
     If the resonance restricting material  410  is secured to a top surface of a face (e.g.,  610 ,  620 ), when the clip is secured to the bypass line  240  the resonance restricting material  410  may be compressed therebetween. If the clip is too tight the resonance restricting material  410  may be overly compressed and damaged or the property of the material may be affected. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a face (e.g.,  610 ,  620 ) of a clip (e.g.,  600 ,  650 ) having a recessed portion formed therein for the resonance restricting material  410  to fit within, according to one embodiment. The recess may be substantially the same depth as the depth of the resonance restricting material  410  so that an exterior of the recessed portion (e.g., sidewalls)  810  may be at approximately the same level as the resonance restricting material  410 . When the clip is secured to the bypass line  240 , the sidewalls  810  may control the amount of compression and prevent the resonance restricting material  410  from being adversely impacted. 
     Providing electrical contact between the resonance restricting material  410  and the housing may provide additional resonance reduction. However, for safety reasons and for the integrity of the resonance restricting material  410  a direct connection may not be desirable. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates an example bottom of a lower face (e.g.,  610 ) of a clip (e.g.,  600 ,  650 ) having contacts  820  (e.g., copper). The lower face may have openings formed therein and the contacts  820  may connect to the resonance restricting material  410  through the openings. The contacts  820  may extend below the lower face and contact the housing when the clip is connected to the bypass line  240 . The contacts  820  may help secure the clip in place. 
     In order to limit the down time of the CATV network, the installation of the material  410  onto the bypass line  240  in the taps  200  will likely occur while the tap  200  is still powered by the CATV network. Installing the resonance restricting material  410  while the tap  200  is powered, requires the installer to be careful to ensure that they do not accidently ground themselves to the power being transmitted therethrough (e.g., connectors  220 ,  230 , interfaces  225 ,  235 ). Precautions may be taken prior to installation of the resonance restricting material  410  to prevent inadvertent contact with the connectors  220 ,  230  and the interfaces  225 ,  235 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an internal view of the example tap  200  providing safety precautions prior to installation of the resonance restricting material  410 , according to one embodiment. The tap  200  includes a safety shield  910  (non-conductive material) in communication with an upper surface of the housing  210  to cover the connectors  220 ,  230  and the interfaces  225 ,  235 . The safety shield  910  may be placed over the housing  210  prior to installation of the clip  920  and resonance restricting material  410  on the bypass line  240 . The safety shield  910  either may rest on the housing  210  or may be secured to the housing  210  (e.g., snapped on, screwed in). As illustrated, the clip  920  includes a lower face  930  that the resonance restricting material  410  is connected to and an upper face  940  that consists of two arms. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example process flow to expand the bandwidth of conventional (field-installed) taps without replacing the housing, according to one embodiment. Initially, the tap plate (RF electronics) is removed from the tap  1000 . The safety shield may then be connected to the tap to cover the areas of the tap having power  1010 . It should be noted that in operation, the installer may preclude installing the safety shield. The resonance restricting material may be secured to the bypass line using, for example, the clip  1020 . If the safety shield was utilized, the safety shield is removed  1030 . A tap plate is then installed on the tap  1040 . The tap plate installed may be a new tap plate with a higher bandwidth. Alternatively, the tap plate installed may be the same tap plate that was removed or a replacement tap plate if the resonance restricting material was installed to reduce losses occurring within the current bandwidth spectrum. For example, if the CATV network currently supported 1.2 GHz bandwidth and the present field-installed tap supported a bandwidth of 1.2 GHz but experienced losses at the upper edge of this bandwidth, the resonance restricting material may be installed to ensure the tap can support the entire bandwidth. 
     The use of the resonance restricting material  410  may cause additional tap input to output insertion loss when the tap plate is removed and the signals and power are being transmitted down stream via the bypass line  240 . However, the operation of a tap without the tap plate is not a typical operational mode. Rather, this scenario occurs when the tap plate has been removed for repair, replacement or upgrade and is a temporary situation. Accordingly, it will have minimal service impact. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example graph of the input to output insertion loss of a conventional (present field-installed) tap with the tap plate removed. As illustrated, there is negligible losses through approximately 1.2 GHz. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example graph of the input to output insertion loss of a conventional (present field-installed) tap with the tap plate removed utilizing the resonance restricting material  410  in communication with the bypass line  240 , according to one embodiment. As illustrated, approximately 1 or 2 dB of loss occur between 600 MHz and 1.2 GHz. 
     Although the disclosure has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that the disclosure is not limited thereto as various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope. Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described therein is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     The various embodiments are intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.