Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC

Peter H Wolff

Paul D Brooks

Kevin A Noll

David J Musser

Howard Pfeffer

Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network. Current optical fiber-based access network technologies are multiplexed onto the same fiber for delivery via a common Optical Distribution Network (ODN). Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to combining (using optical multiplexing and power splitting) two or more optical user-technologies onto a single Passive Optical Network (PON) while maintaining an independent serving group size and operational independence for each of the combined user-technologies. The disclosed methods and apparatus allow the so-called 'outside plant' architecture (i.e., the fiber optic infrastructure from the headend to the customer premises) to be independent of the user-technologies and network architecture that are provided via the outside plant.

Methods and apparatus for asymmetric distribution of mixed content via a network

Methods and apparatus for detecting whether network nodes and CPE devices serviced by the network nodes are in the same region of a utility power grid are described. Methods and apparatus for using the result of the determination to control, e.g., automatically, backup power resource allocation are also described. Transforming the information collected from CPE devices and other devices into images which are displayed, e.g, as maps, is also described. An automatic determination of whether a network node is in the same power grid region as one or more groups of CPE devices to which the network node provides service. If a network node and a group of CPE devices serviced by the network node are in different utility power regions, backup power devices are automatically deployed to support service to CPE devices during an external power outage at the network node.

Methods and apparatus for determining and/or controlling backup power in a communications system

Methods and apparatus for removing beat interference from the splitting and/or combining of signals. In one embodiment, an active splitter/combiner receives multiple input optical signals from downstream communication resources via a number of individual point-to-point links. Each input optical signal is converted to an electric signal (which, unlike the input optical signals, do not share a characteristic wavelength). The resulting electrical signals can be combined without introducing beat interference. Once combined, the resulting aggregate signal is converted back to an optical format for transmission via the optical network. Various other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to active splitting of optical signals.

Methods and apparatus for removing beat interference from splitters/combiners

Embodiments include systems and methods for scaling power level of an upstream signal by a device processor of a head-end device in a communication network. In embodiments, the device processor may determine a power level of the signal received at the head-end device from a client device. The device processor may determine a difference between the power level of the received signal and a target power level of an analog-to-digital converter of the head-end device, and may adjust the power level of the received signal at the head-end device based on the determined difference. In embodiments, the device processor may determine a power level of an upstream signal to be received by the head-end device, may determine a difference between the power level of the received signal and the target power level, and may adjust the power level of a received signal at the head-end device based on the determined difference.

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Bradenton, FL, United States of America

Peter H Wolff