The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 26, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 21, 1997
George E Bodeep, Lawrenceville, GA (US);
Thomas Edward Darcie, Middletown, NJ (US);
Alan H Gnauck, Middletown, NJ (US);
Xiaolin Lu, Matawan, NJ (US);
Sheryl Leigh Woodward, Holmdel, NJ (US);
AT&T Corp., Middletown, NJ (US);
Abstract
A converter apparatus (Mini Fiber Node MFN) for use in a communication network (e.g., a coax network) includes a signal distribution unit (e.g., fiber node FN) for transmitting frequency-division multiplexed communication signals downstream over a coax cable to a node apparatus (amplifier) and via an access path to a plurality of end unit apparatuses connected thereto. The converter apparatus connects to the access path and receives downstream second FDM signals directly from the central office over an optical communication path and sends the second FDM signals to at least one end unit apparatus over the access path. The converter apparatus also receives upstream FDM signals from the at least one end unit apparatus over the access path and transmits the upstream FDM signals to the central office over the optical path. In another embodiment, the converter apparatus connects directly to the primary path to provide service to an end user apparatus connected in a 'tapped-bus' arrangement.