Return data path in an HFC network

摘要

Described herein are devices and methods for facilitating the transmission of an upstream data signal from at least one subscriber in a communications network. The device is operable to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal from one or more subscribers. The RF signal includes at least one upstream data signal. The RF signal is demodulated into the upstream data signal by a RF demodulator in the device, which is then converted into an optical signal by an optical transducer in the device for transmission over a fiber optic link in the network.

主权项

1. A method for facilitating a transmission of at least one upstream data signal from at least one subscriber in a communications network comprising:
receiving upstream radio frequency (RF) signals simultaneously from multiple pieces of subscriber equipment for conversion into a single optical signal, wherein the RF signals share a single return to a receiver and wherein the multiple pieces of subscriber equipment transmit the RF signals at individual rates; demodulating at the receiver the multiple upstream RF signals into individual baseband digital signals using timing information inherent in the RF signals; combining the baseband digital signals for upstream transmission; converting, at a premises associated with the at least one subscriber, the combined baseband digital signals into a single optical signal for transmission at a second rate, wherein the second rate of the optical signal transmission is higher than the individual rates of the multiple pieces of subscriber equipment; and transmitting the single optical signal upstream via a fiber optic link in the communications network.