Abstract:
An electromagnetic signal transport and distribution system simultaneously transports over one single mode fiber various programming specifically requested by multiple users in multiple locations while simultaneously offering bidirectional communications with a public network.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/937,596 filed Nov. 10, 2015 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/077,370 filed Nov. 10, 2014 both of which are incorporated herein in their entireties and for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to the field of electromagnetic signal transport and distribution. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transporting and distributing signals in radio frequency and light portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. 
         [0004]    Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Electromagnetic signals are commonly transported in radio frequency and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Transport media includes metallic cables for transporting radio frequency signals and fiber optic cables for transporting optical signals such as infrared signals. 
         [0006]    Widespread use of fiber optic cables for long haul signal transport provides orders of magnitude more bandwidth over orders of magnitude longer distances as compared with copper cables such as a twisted pair of copper wires or coaxial cable. However, unlike long haul signal transport, signal distribution systems tend to be local to users and are more likely to use lower cost copper cabling given distribution bandwidth requirements typically do not require the capacity offered by fiber optic cables. 
         [0007]    Fiber optic transmission, receiving, and conditioning equipment also represent a significant cost hurdle as compared with required metallic cable counterparts. For example, fiber optics transmit, amplify, receive, and split equipment costs for either of dense wavelength division multiplexing (“DWDM”) equipment (e.g., 0.8 nm channel spacing) or coarse wavelength division multiplexing (“CWDM”) equipment (e.g., 20 nm channel spacing) far exceed the costs of counterpart equipment required for twisted pair and coaxial cable signals. 
         [0008]    Converting signals from mixed transport media into a common format usable at signal end points is a problem that is multiplied by an abundance of signal sources in multiple locations which may be near signal end point (e.g., “within sight”) or far from the signal end point (e.g., kilometers/miles away). 
         [0009]    Signal transport and distribution systems that readily accommodate geographically diverse signals carried on multiple transport media while delivering a usable signal(s) at a signal end point or multiple signal end points are rare, especially in commercial, dwelling unit, and multi-dwelling unit applications where the cost of sophisticated signal handling equipment is prohibitive. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    A signal transport-distribution system and method aggregates and delivers multiple signals to multiple signal end points. In an embodiment a signal transport and distribution system serving users with internet and satellite television services, comprises: in a multi-dwelling building, a roof mounted DBS end, a weather protected dispatch block, and a user end; the dispatch block interconnecting the DBS end and the user end; an internet service provider passive optical network interconnected with an OLT of the dispatch block; in the dispatch block, a switch for receiving DBS signals via plural coaxial cables interconnected with a DBS low noise block, the switch configured to simultaneously deliver multiple channels of multimedia content at a switch coaxial output port in response to requests received from a plurality of set top boxes, a splitter with “y” output ports coupling the switch coaxial output to each of “y” dispatch block transceivers; in each of “y” dwelling units, a dwelling unit transceiver having a coaxial output port and an optical input and output port, a coaxial cable interconnecting the dwelling unit transceiver and a single or multi-tuner set top box, an optical cable interconnecting the dwelling unit transceiver and an ONU; and, for each dispatch block transceiver, a single mode fiber optic cable interconnecting the transceiver with a respective dwelling unit transceiver; wherein dwelling units simultaneously receive content of their choice as requested via their respective set top boxes and simultaneously exchange data with a public network. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments each of the dispatch block and dwelling unit transceiver pairs utilizes diplexers to route bidirectional control signals exchanged between an associated set top box and the switch. 
         [0012]    And, in some embodiments each of the dispatch block and dwelling unit transceiver pairs utilizes bidirectional filters or telephone hybrid transformers to route control signals exchanged between an associated set top box and the switch. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  shows first block diagram of a system in accordance with the current invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  shows a second block diagram based on the system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0015]      FIGS. 1C-D  show wavelengths and frequencies used by various embodiments of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2A-C  show details of transceivers used in the system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A-B  show signal flows related to set top box requests in an embodiment of the system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4A-B  show signal flows related to downstream propagation of video and control signals used with an embodiment of the system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5A-B  show signal flows related to external network communications used with an embodiment of the system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows an application of an embodiment of the system of  FIG. 1A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The disclosure provided in the following pages describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures and description are non-limiting examples of the embodiments they disclose. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device and/or method may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed invention. 
         [0022]    As used herein, the term “coupled” includes direct and indirect connections. Moreover, where first and second devices are coupled, intervening devices including active devices may be located therebetween. 
         [0023]    This application incorporates by reference, in its entirety and for all purposes, ANSI/SCTE 174 2010 Radio Frequency over Glass Fiber-to-the-Home Specification (American National Standards Institute; Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers). This application incorporates by reference, in their entireties and for all purposes, IEEE standards including IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3 ah, IEEE 802.3 ah-2004, and IEEE 802.3av (Institute of Electrical &amp; Electronics Engineers). 
         [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a block diagram  100 A illustrating a signal transport and distribution system in accordance with the present invention. As discussed below, signals in this system are transported via metallic conductors such as copper, for example via coaxial cables, and via fiber. 
         [0025]    In the diagram, a supply block  102  including a first transceiver  118  is linked with a user block  104  including a second transceiver  122  via a single mode fiber optic cable  120 . The first transceiver  118  exchanges optical signals (e.g., single mode fiber optic media) with a first source such as an internet service provider (“ISP”)  115  via an optical line terminal (“OLT”)  117 . In some embodiments a splitter  181  is interposed between the transceiver  118  and the OLT  117 . OLT functions include bidirectional control of information across an optical distribution network (“ODN”). The OLT may, for example, be located in a main distribution frame (“MDF”), an intermediate distribution (“IDF”), or a central office. 
         [0026]    The first transceiver  118  also exchanges electrical signals (e.g., coaxial cable media) with a second source, for example with a video source such as a direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) source  112 . Notably, a DBS source may provide multiple channels where individual channels and/or groups of channels are received by a set top box that delivers a multimedia presentation (e.g., movies and television shows to a TV). In various embodiments, a set top box may request a particular channel or group of channels via communicating with a switch  114 . The switch may be interposed between the DBS and the first transceiver. 
         [0027]    Signals from the DBS source  112  may be processed by a switch  114  (e.g. single wire multiswitch, “SWM”) providing a plurality of frequency bands. Signals from the switch may be split or not via an electrical signal splitter  116 . For example, where a switch provides “n” frequency bands, the splitter may make these frequency bands available to multiple set top boxes as discussed below. For convenience, the first transceiver  118  may be referred to herein as a transmitter because it forwards video and internet signals. 
         [0028]    The second transceiver  122  exchanges electrical signals with appliances such as a television (“TV”)  126  via a set top box  124  (“STB”). The second transceiver also exchanges optical signals with a network such as a local area network and/or appliances such computer(s) and voice over internet protocol (“VOIP”) devices  119  via an optical network unit (“ONU”)  121 . ONU functions include conversion of optical signals transmitted via fiber to electrical signals. The ONU may send, aggregate and groom different types of data coming from an appliance and send it upstream to the OLT. For convenience, this second transceiver  122  may, as the receiver of transmitted video and internet signals, be referred to as a receiver. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1B  shows an embodiment  100 B of the block diagram of  FIG. 1 . As seen, a supply block  102  including a first transceiver  118  is linked with a user block  104  including a second transceiver  122  via a fiber link  120 . In some embodiments, the fiber link is a single mode fiber optic cable. 
         [0030]    In the supply block, the first transceiver  118  exchanges GPON/EPON optical signals with an internet service provider (“ISP”)  115  via an optical line terminal (“OLT”)  117  and in some embodiments via a splitter  181 . Signals between the first transceiver and the OLT are transported via a fiber optic cable  150 . The first transceiver  118  also exchanges electrical signals with a DBS source  112 . 
         [0031]    Between the DBS source and the transceiver is a switching device  114  followed by a signal splitter  116 . One or more coaxial cables  113  transport DBS signals (e.g., from a satellite dish low noise block “LNB”) to the switch. In response to signals received from the set top box  124 , the switch responds by transmitting requested DBS channel(s) over a coaxial cable  130  to the splitter  116 . One splitter port  140  of multiple splitter ports  140 - 142  forwards the requested channel(s) to the transmitter  118 . 
         [0032]    In the user block, the second transceiver  122  exchanges electrical signals with a set top box STB  124  via a coaxial cable  160 . The second transceiver also exchanges GPON/EPON signals with an ONU  121  via a fiber optic cable  170 . As mentioned above, appliances such as computer(s) and voice over internet protocol (“VOIP”) device(s)  119  are supported by the ONU. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1C  shows a wavelength allocation chart for optical media communications  100 C. Some embodiments of the invention transmit and/or receive GPON and/or EPON signals utilizing O band, S band and C band communication. Some embodiments utilize C and/or S band communications for upstream communication of control signals. Some embodiments utilize L band for downstream communication of video and/or control signals. In an embodiment, 1490/1550 and 1310 nm wavelengths are used for downstream and upstream communication of EPON/GPON signals. In an embodiment 1570/1590 nm wavelength is used for downstream communication of control and/or video signals. In an embodiment 1530 nm wavelength is used for upstream communication of control signals. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1D  shows a frequency allocation chart for electrical media communications  100 D. Some embodiments of the invention provide for exchanging signals such as FSK signals between the switch  114  and the set top box  124  using frequencies in the range of 2.1-2.5 MHz, for example 2.25 Mhz. Some embodiments of the invention provide for transporting switch channels using frequencies in the range of 950-2150 MHz. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2A  shows an embodiment  200 A of the signal transport and distribution system of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]    In the figure, a supply block  102  includes a first transceiver  118  and a user block  104  includes a second transceiver  122 . The first transceiver has an electrical section  206  and an optical section  207 . The second transceiver has an electrical section  208  and an optical section  209 . 
         [0037]    In the supply block  102 , an input signal amplifier  215  exchanges signals with a DBS source  212  via a switch  214 . The amplifier has an output to an electrical to optical converter (E/O converter)  220  and an input from an optical to electrical converter (O/E converter)  240 . 
         [0038]    A first transceiver optical multiplexer  230  has a bidirectional connection with a fiber optic cable such as a single mode fiber optic cable  120 . The multiplexor receives a signal from the E/O converter  220  and sends a signal to the O/E converter  240 . In addition, the multiplexor exchanges signals with an ISP  115  via an OLT  117 . Notably, the optical multiplexor  230  is actually a multiplexer/demultiplexer. For convenience, this device is referred to as a multiplexer which is consistent with its role in multiplexing downstream signals. 
         [0039]    In the user block  104 , an optical demultiplexer  250  has a bidirectional connection with the fiber optic cable  120 . In addition, the demultiplexer has an output to an O/E converter  260 , an input from an E/O converter  280 , and a bidirectional port that connects with an appliance  119  via an ONU  121 . Notably, the optical demultiplexer  250  is actually a multiplexer/demultiplexer. For convenience, this device is referred to as a demultiplexer which is consistent with its role in demultiplexing downstream signals. 
         [0040]    An input amplifier  270  has a bidirectional connection with a set top box. In addition the amplifier receives a signal from the O/E Converter  260  and outputs a signal to the optical demultiplexer  250  via a E/O converter  280 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 2B-C  show an embodiment  200 B-C of the signal transport and distribution system of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 2B , a supply block  102  interconnects with a bidirectional  251  fiber optic cable  120 . 
         [0043]    Within the supply block  102  a detailed implementation of the first transceiver  118  is shown. The transceiver may be described as having an electrical signal section  206  and an optical signal section  207 . 
         [0044]    The electrical signal section  206  includes an input signal amplifier  215  for exchanging signals with the switch  214  and driving a laser  226  (e.g. 1570 DFB laser operating at 1563-1577 nm). A laser driving circuit  220  may include a driver amplifier  222  in series with a dropping resistor  224 . 
         [0045]    The input signal amplifier  215  provides for receiving a multiband signal from the switch  214  and amplifying the signal. In an embodiment, a first diplexer  216  i) receives video and STB signals (e.g., control and/or FSK control signals) from the switch  214  over a single coaxial cable  140 , ii) outputs the video signal to a video signal amplifier  218 , and iii) outputs the control signal to an control signal amplifier  246  via a signal director  249  (e.g., a telephone hybrid transformer). In a second diplexer  219 , the amplified video and control signals are recombined for driving the laser  226  as by the laser driving circuit  220 . 
         [0046]    The input signal amplifier  215  also provides for receiving a control signal from the STB  124 . In particular, the signal director may provide an input port  243 , an output port  245 , and a bi-directional port  247 . The output port may be used for transporting control signals originating from the switch  214  as described above. The bi-directional port  247  may be used for transporting control signals from the STB  124  to the switch. 
         [0047]    The method of directing signals can be achieved through the use of a telephone hybrid transformer, as discussed above, or by utilizing radio frequency designs that deliver appropriate signals to the appropriate ports based on the frequencies used in the application and the amount of signal needed to perform the function. 
         [0048]    A photodetector such as photodiode or PIN diode  241  excited by an STB signal may be coupled with the signal director input port  243  via an optical to electrical converter (“O/E converter”)  240 . For example, a PIN diode output may be coupled with the signal director input port  243  via a transimpedance amplifier  242  with attenuated feedback  244  driving an automatic gain control  248 . 
         [0049]    Signals from the electrical section  206  are passed to the optical section  207  via an optical multiplexer  230 . In particular, the optical multiplexer includes an input port  231 , an output port  237  and two bidirectional ports  233 ,  235 . In an embodiment, the multiplexer includes first and second optical add drop multiplexers (“OADM”)  232 ,  234  coupled via a bidirectional link  238 . The first multiplexer  232  includes the input port  231  and the bidirectional port  235 . The second multiplexer  234  includes the output port  237  and the bidirectional port  233 . 
         [0050]    Notably, optical multiplexing can be achieved by several technologies that have relative benefits depending upon production concerns, quality, cost, supply, and/or application. Examples of these technologies include CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) and DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing), OADM (optical add-drop multiplexors), and BOSA (Bidirectional Optical Sub-Assemblies). In addition, these technologies can be used in a series arrangement as described earlier. All of these technologies can be used to multiplex (i.e. combine) and de-multiplex (i.e. separate) wavelengths onto the same fiber cable in opposite directions (i.e. bidirectional). 
         [0051]    The laser diode  226  transmits video and control signals from the electrical section  206  to the input port  231  and the multiplexer passes these signals to the fiber link  120  which is attached to the first bidirectional port  233 . Optical connections such as unidirectional and bidirectional port connections may utilize an optical connector such as an sc/apc optical connector  236 . 
         [0052]    Optical network signals such as GPON/EPON signals  235  exchanged with an ISP  115  via an OLT  117  also pass through the optical multiplexer  230  via the second bidirectional port  235 . 
         [0053]    As mentioned above and as is further described below, the optical multiplexer  230  also receives signals from the second transceiver  122 . In particular, signals from the second transceiver enter the multiplexer  230  from the fiber link  120  at the first bidirectional port  233 . These signals may include control signals from the set top box  124  and optical network signals such as EPON/GPON signals passed to the second transceiver from various appliances  119  via an ONU  121 . The optical multiplexer  230  segregates these signals such that EPON/GPON signals are exchanged via the second bidirectional port  235  and control signals via the output port  237  excite the first transceiver PIN diode  241 . 
         [0054]    While the optical section including block  230  and in cases photodiode  226  and photodetector  241  has been implemented using OADM&#39;s, this is, as mentioned, but one of several methods. For example, a bidirectional optical sub-assembly (“BOSA”) might be used having a fiber optic connection, a receiver optical connection (“ROSA”) and a transmitter optical connection (“TOSA”) for the GPON/EPON signals, a transmitter optical connection for the for the video and control signals (“ROSA”) and a receiver optical connection for the control signals (“TOSA”). 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 2C , a user block  104  interconnects with the fiber link  120 . 
         [0056]    Within the user block  104  a detailed implementation of the second transceiver  122  is shown. The transceiver may be described as having an optical signal section  209  and an electrical signal section  208 . 
         [0057]    The optical signal section  209  includes a receiver demultiplexer  250  with an input port  257 , a first bidirectional  251  fiber optic link  120 , an electrical section output port  253 , and a second bidirectional port  255 . In an embodiment, the demultiplexer includes first and second optical add drop multiplexers (“OADM”)  252 ,  254  coupled via a bidirectional link  258 . The first multiplexer includes the first bidirectional output port  251  and the input port  257 . The second multiplexer includes the output port  253  and the second bidirectional port  255 . 
         [0058]    Optical network signals such as GPON/EPON signals  259  exchanged with user appliances  119  via an ONU  121  also pass through the receiver demultiplexer  250  via the bidirectional port  255 . 
         [0059]    The electrical signal section  208  includes an output signal amplifier  270  for exchanging signals between a PIN diode  264  and the set top box  124 . The amplifier is driven by an optical to electrical converter (“O/E converter”)  260  including the PIN diode and the PIN diode is driven by the demultiplexer electrical section output port  253 . The O/E converter circuit may include a serially arranged transimpedance amplifier  268  with attenuated feedback  266 . 
         [0060]    In the output signal amplifier  270 , a first diplexer  271  is driven by the O/E converter circuit  260 . Diplexer outputs drive respective automatic gain control (“AGC”) amplifiers. A first of the amplifiers  272  receives a video output from the first diplexer and forwards an amplified video signal to second diplexer  274 . A second of the amplifiers  273  receives a control output from the first diplexer and forwards the amplified control signal to the second diplexer  274  via a signal director  278  (e.g., a telephone hybrid transformer). The set top box  124  receives a diplexed video/control signal via the second diplexer. 
         [0061]    As mentioned earlier, STB control signals such as FSK signals may be passed over the fiber link  120 . In particular, a control signal entering the second diplexer  274  may be forwarded to an electrical to optical conversion block (“E/O block”)  280  via the signal director  278 . A laser diode  286  within the E/O block transfers the signal to the fiber link via the receiver demultiplexer  250  and its input port  257 . In an embodiment, the E/O block includes a driver  282  in series with the laser diode  286  and in some embodiments the driver output is attenuated  284 . 
         [0062]    While the optical section including block  230  and in cases photodiode  226  and photodetector  241  has been implemented using OADM&#39;s, this is, as mentioned, but one of several methods. For example, a bidirectional optical subassembly (“BOSA”) might be used that includes a fiber optic connection, a receiver optical connection (“ROSA”) and a transmitter optical connection (“TOSA”) for the GPON/EPON signals, a receiver optical connection for the for the video and control signals (“ROSA”) and a transmitter optical connection for the control signals (“TOSA”). 
         [0063]      FIGS. 3A-B  show transport of a signal originating at a set top box  300 A-B. Here, a signal such as a control signal originates at a set top box  124  and carries an instruction to a switch  214 . In the second transceiver, the second diplexer  274  segregates high and low frequency signals such that relatively low frequency control signal from the STB is routed to the signal director  278 . In turn, the signal director routs the control signal to the E/O converter  280 . Receiving the E/O optical output, the optical demultiplexer  250  passes the signal to the fiber link  120  that interconnects the first  118  and second  122  transceivers. 
         [0064]    In the first transceiver  118 , the multiplexor  230  receives the signal from the fiber link  120  and passes the signal to the O/E converter  240 . The signal director  249  receives the signal from the O/E converter and routs the signal to the first diplexer  216  which routs the signal to the switch  214  via a coaxial cable  140 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 4A-B  show transport of control and video signals  400 A-B. Here, i) a control signal originates at the switch and ii) a video signal originates at the switch. In the first transceiver, a first diplexer  216  receives a signal from the switch  214  via a coaxial cable  140 . 
         [0066]    The first diplexer segregates the signal into i) a relatively high frequency video signal and ii) a relatively low frequency control signal. The first diplexer routes the video signal to a second diplexer  219  via an amplifier  218  and routes the control signal to a signal director  249 . In turn, the signal director routes the control signal to the second diplexer via an amplifier  246 . 
         [0067]    A diplexed control and video signal is passed from the second diplexer  219  to a multiplexer  230  via an electrical to optical converter  220 . The diplexed signal reaches a fiber link  120  interconnecting the first  118  and second  122  transceivers via the multiplexer. 
         [0068]    In the second transceiver  122 , a demultiplexer  250  receives the diplexed signal from the fiber link  120  and passes it to first diplexer  271  via an O/E converter  260 . The first diplexer segregates the signal into i) a relatively high frequency video signal and ii) a relatively low frequency control signal. 
         [0069]    The first diplexer i) routes the video signal to a second diplexer  274  via a first automatic gain control  272  and ii) routes the control signal to a signal director  278  via a second automatic gain control  273 . The signal director routs the control signal to the second diplexer  274 . The diplexed signal reaches the set top box  124  via a coaxial cable  160 . 
         [0070]      FIGS. 5A-B  show transport of bidirectional GPON/EPON signals  500 A-B. Here, bidirectional signals are transported between an OLT  117  and an ONU  121 . For example, signals originating at the OLT  117  are transported to a bidirectional port of the multiplexer  230  in the first transceiver  118 . Via the fiber link  120  interconnecting the first  118  and second  122  transceivers, the signal is passed to a demultiplexer  250  in the second transceiver. An ONU  121  coupled to a demultiplexer bidirectional port provides for interconnection of appliances seeking to communicate with the network  239 . For example, signals originating at the ONU  121  pass through a bidirectional port of the demultiplexer  250 , then via the fiber link  120  interconnecting the first  118  and second  122  transceivers, and to the OLT  117  via a bidirectional port on the multiplexor  230 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  shows an electromagnetic signal transport and distribution system that employs an embodiment of the invention  600 . The system includes a DBS end  610  and a user end  680 . Interconnecting the DBS end and the user end is a dispatch block  640  and interconnecting with the dispatch block is a network  630  such as a network operated by an ISP. 
         [0072]    In the DBS end  610 , a direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) receiving subsystem includes a satellite dish  602 , a low noise block converter (“LNB”)  604  with one or more coaxial cable interconnections  606 . 
         [0073]    Connecting with the DBS end  610  is the dispatch block  640 . The dispatch block includes one or more switches (e.g., “n” switches) and each switch includes a plurality of frequency blocks (e.g., “x” frequency blocks per switch). Each switch receives signal(s) from the dish. As shown, the LNB signals are carried by coaxial cables  606  and enter a tap or splitter  645  which feeds each to two switches S 1  and S 2  with respective signals  646 ,  648 . 
         [0074]    Switch S 1  has a single coaxial output coupled with a splitter P 1  and switch S 2  has a single coaxial output coupled with a splitter P 2 . These splitters P 1 , P 2  provide each of multiple end users or dwelling units with access to the frequency blocks within the interconnected switch. Various embodiments provide set top boxes  124  configured to access particular ones of the frequency blocks such that a frequency block or groups of frequency blocks available from each switch is/are allocated to particular set top boxes. For example, if a switch S 1  has x=15 frequency blocks and a connected splitter P 1  has y=3 ports, then the three way splitter shown P 1  provides each port, user, or dwelling unit with access to the frequency blocks. 
         [0075]    In an embodiment, the LNB  604  and a switch S 1  are packaged together. In this case, a single coaxial output can be coupled to a splitter P 1  to provide multiple end users or dwelling units with access to the frequency blocks within the interconnected switch. 
         [0076]    In various embodiments a switch S 1  allocates particular frequency blocks to each set top box. For example, where groups of frequency blocks are allocated to each of three set top boxes interconnected with the splitter ports, the first STB may have access to frequency blocks  1 - 5 , the second STB may have access to frequency blocks  6 - 10 , and the third STB may have access to frequency blocks  11 - 15 . In this example of equally allocated frequency blocks, each STB is allocated (x/y) frequency blocks from an interconnected switch. 
         [0077]    As shown, each of the splitter output ports is interconnected via coaxial cable with a respective transceiver. As shown splitter P 1  is connected with transceivers T 1 , T 2 , T 3  and splitter P 2  is connected with transceivers T 4 , T 5 , T 6 . And, as shown, each of the transceivers is connected with an ISP  630  via an optical splitter  655 , and an OLT  650 . The connections between the optical splitter and the transmitter  690  are fiber connections as are the connections from the splitter to the OLT and from the OLT to the ISP. 
         [0078]    Transport is via single mode fiber links. In particular, fiber optic cables  670  interconnect each of the transceivers with respective second transceivers R 1 , R 2 , R 3  and R 4 , R 5 , R 6  located in respective units U 1 , U 2 , U 3  and U 4 , U 5 , U 6  in user end  680 . 
         [0079]    Coaxial cable ports on the second transceivers R 1 , R 2 , R 3  and R 4 , R 5 , R 6  interconnect with respective set top boxes located in each of the units U 1 -U 6 . Fiber optic ports on the second transceivers interconnect with respective optical devices such as with respective ONU&#39;s. 
         [0080]    In an embodiment the transceivers R 1 -R 6  are included in the ONU. In an embodiment the transceivers are included in the set top box. In an embodiment the transceivers, the set top box, and the ONU are included in a common package. 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, the DBS end  610  is roof mounted on a multi-dwelling building roof, the dispatch block  640  is located in a weather protected zone within the building, and the user end  680  is distributed within the dwelling units. 
         [0082]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.