MaxLinear, Inc.
Methods and systems for utilizing ideal taps in coaxial networks

Abstract:

Systems and methods are provided for utilizing ideal taps in coaxial networks. An ideal tap may have a plurality of ports that include at least an input port configured for receiving downstream (DS) signals from and transmitting upstream (US) signals to nodes upstream from the tap within the coaxial network; an output port configured for transmitting downstream (DS) signals to and receiving upstream (US) signals from nodes downstream from the tap within the coaxial network; and one or more drop ports for receiving signal from and transmitting signals to customer premise equipment (CPE) in the coaxial network. The ideal tap may further include processing circuits for handling signals received and transmitted via the tap, with the one or more processing circuits being configured to meet particular predefined tap performance criteria, where the particular predefined tap performance criteria comprise one or more of high return loss, high port-to-port isolation, and high port-to-port gain.