RF network isolation switch

摘要

An RF network has an RF isolation switch and an RF isolation switch control box coupled to each other by a single cable. The single cable coupling the isolation switch and the control box performs the dual functions of (1) applying power from the RF isolation switch to the control box and (2) applying control signals from the control box to the RF isolation switch. The control box may receive control information from a remote location and control the isolation switch in accordance with the received information. Additionally, a local manual switch is provided within the control box for local control of the isolation switch. Further in accordance with the invention, a method is provided for automatically determining at the headend of the network and at units distributed throughout the network that ingress is present and for systematically controlling RF isolation switches to locate the source of ingress.