A tap has an input, an output, and first and second tap outputs. A first transmission line extends between the input and the output and includes a low-pass filter. A second transmission line extends between the input and a switch, and includes a directional coupler and a first high-pass filter. An AC/DC converter is coupled to the first transmission line to operate the switch between open and closed conditions, in response to existence and absence of power in the first transmission line, respectively. In the open condition of the switch, the second transmission line is coupled to a resistor and a ground. In the closed condition of the switch, the second transmission line is coupled to a second high-pass filter and the output. A splitter is coupled between the directional coupler and the first and second tap outputs.

A tap has an input, an output, and first and second tap outputs. A first transmission line extends between the input and the output and includes a low-pass filter. A second transmission line extends between the input and a switch, and includes a directional coupler and a first high-pass filter. An AC/DC converter is coupled to the first transmission line to operate the switch between open and closed conditions, in response to existence and absence of power in the first transmission line, respectively. In the open condition of the switch, the second transmission line is coupled to a resistor and a ground. In the closed condition of the switch, the second transmission line is coupled to a second high-pass filter and the output. A splitter is coupled between the directional coupler and the first and second tap outputs.

A system that includes a downstream device that receives an analog out-of-band signal received in a downstream frequency spectrum of the downstream device including control channel data for a consumer premise equipment. At the downstream device converting the analog out-of-band signal to a digital signal including the control channel data. At the downstream device converting the digital control channel data out-of-band signal to an analog signal including the control channel data at an out-of-band signal for the consumer premise equipment, where the converted analog out-of-band signal for the consumer premise equipment is at a frequency included in an upstream frequency spectrum of the downstream device.

A system that includes a downstream device that receives an analog out-of-band signal received in a downstream frequency spectrum of the downstream device including control channel data for a consumer premise equipment. At the downstream device converting the analog out-of-band signal to a digital signal including the control channel data. At the downstream device converting the digital control channel data out-of-band signal to an analog signal including the control channel data at an out-of-band signal for the consumer premise equipment, where the converted analog out-of-band signal for the consumer premise equipment is at a frequency included in an upstream frequency spectrum of the downstream device.

A method for determining the magnitude of leakage in a subscriber's premises CATV installation; a frequency multiplexer for coupling between an antenna and a receiver for the multiplexed frequencies; and, a method for a technician to certify a CATV subscriber's premises for the provision of CATV services are disclosed.

A method for determining the magnitude of leakage in a subscriber's premises CATV installation; a frequency multiplexer for coupling between an antenna and a receiver for the multiplexed frequencies; and, a method for a technician to certify a CATV subscriber's premises for the provision of CATV services are disclosed.

A network element of a cable television (CATV) network, comprising an input for signal transmission; at least two diplex filters configured to be connected to said input, a first diplex filter comprising bandpass filters for a first upstream and downstream frequency bands and a second diplex filter comprising bandpass filters for a second upstream and downstream frequency bands, wherein an upper frequency edge of the second upstream frequency band is higher than an upper frequency edge of the first upstream frequency band and higher than or equal to a lower frequency edge of the first downstream frequency band and a lower frequency edge of the second downstream frequency band is higher than the upper frequency edge of the second upstream frequency band; a control circuit for measuring energy of radio frequency signals below said second downstream frequency band; and a switch for connecting one of said at least two diplex filters to said input, wherein said control circuit is configured to control the switch to connect the first diplex filter to said input in response to the energy of radio frequency signals below said second downstream frequency band exceeding a threshold value; or connect the second diplex filter to said input in response to the energy of radio frequency signals below said second downstream frequency band at most reaching the threshold value.

Directional wireless drop systems are provided. These systems include a tap unit that is connected to a communications line of the broadband network; a cable modem unit connected to the tap unit; a plurality of wireless routers connected to the cable modem unit; and a directional antenna unit that is connected to at least a first of the wireless routers. Each wireless router is associated with a respective one of a plurality of subscriber premises that are served by the directional wireless drop system and is configured to communicate with at least one device that is located at the respective one of plurality of subscriber premises.

Directional wireless drop systems are provided. These systems include a tap unit that is connected to a communications line of the broadband network; a cable modem unit connected to the tap unit; a plurality of wireless routers connected to the cable modem unit; and a directional antenna unit that is connected to at least a first of the wireless routers. Each wireless router is associated with a respective one of a plurality of subscriber premises that are served by the directional wireless drop system and is configured to communicate with at least one device that is located at the respective one of plurality of subscriber premises.

A network interface device includes an active path between an entry port and a first input/output port. The network interface device also includes a passive path between the entry port and a second input/output port. The network interface device also includes a buffer in the active path configured to absorb, attenuate, terminate, or isolate radio-frequency (RF) signals. The network interface device also includes a switching element in the active path configured to selectively bypass the buffer during normal operating conditions.