System and method for communicating in a multi-unit structure

Abstract

A system and method of providing communications over twisted pair conductors connected to a plurality of communication devices located in a plurality of units of a multi-unit structure is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises an upstream device having a first modem and a first non-conductive coupler communicatively coupled to the first modem and configured to couple data signals to and from the plurality of twisted pair conductors. The system also includes a plurality of communication devices disposed in a plurality of the units, with each having a second modem having first port and a second port, a second non-conductive coupler communicatively coupled to the first port of the second modem and configured to couple data signals to and from a twisted pair conductor. The second port of the second modem is configured to be coupled to one or more of the plurality of user devices. The upstream device is configured to communicate with the plurality of communications devices via the twisted pair conductors. In some embodiments, the non-conductive couplers comprise a magnetically permeable toroid configured to extend around substantially the entire circumference of the twisted pair conductor(s), and a winding wound around the toroid.