Network interface devices

摘要

Network interface devices and methods are provided. A particular network interface device includes a first network interface adapted to terminate one or more communication lines and a second network interface to terminate at least one coaxial line. The network interface device also includes at least one interface connector adapted to receive a removable plug-in module. The removable plug-in module includes a video unit that is operable to receive video data from a network device via at least one of the one or more communication lines and to process the video data for communication via the at least one coaxial line or a twisted wire pair when the plug-in module is connected to the at least one interface connector. The removable plug-in module also includes a power coupling device to receive power via at least one of the one or more communication lines.

主权项

1. A network interface device comprising:
a first network interface to terminate a communication line of a remote communication network; a second network interface to terminate a coaxial line; and a first interface connector to receive a first removable plug-in module, wherein the first removable plug-in module includes a video unit and wherein, when the first removable plug-in module is connected to the first interface connector, the video unit performs video operations comprising: receiving video data from a network device via the remote communication network; and processing the video data for communication via the coaxial line or a twisted wire pair; and a second interface connector to receive a second removable plug-in module that includes a power coupling device, wherein, when the second removable plug-in module is connected to the second interface connector, the power coupling device performs operations comprising: receiving power via the communication line; and providing power to the first removable plug-in module when the first removable plug-in module is connected to the first interface connector, wherein the video unit is operable to perform the video operations using a portion of the power received by the first removable plug-in module; wherein, when the second removable plug-in module is not connected to the second interface connector, the video unit of the first removable plug-in module connected to the first interface connector is inoperable to perform the video operations.