Coupling device for providing a communciations link for RF broadband data signals to a power line and method of installing same

摘要

A coupling device for providing a communications link for RF broadband data signals to a power line is disclosed. The coupling device comprises a high-pass filter element connected to the power line via a first port. The filter element allows RF broadband data signals to pass while low frequency signals are substantially attenuated. A second port connected to the high-pass filter element provides the RF broadband data signals to a RF broadband data signal line at a customer's premise. A drain coil connected to the high-pass filter element and connected to a ground provides grounding for low frequency signals but prevents the RF broadband data signals from being grounded. The second port and the drain coil are protected from power surges by a protective device connected in parallel to the drain coil. The coupling device is inexpensive to manufacture, essentially maintenance free, and easy to install. In a preferred embodiment such a coupling device is installable absent a step of disconnecting power to the power line which provides power to a customer's premise. Therefore, power supply to neighboring premises served by the same power line is not interrupted during installation.