Devices, systems and methods that reduce funneling noise in upstream data transmissions from modems providing the transmissions through respective RF legs connected to the node. Preferred devices and systems may include a node that is configured to selectively isolate respectively scheduled upstream data signals from noise present on any RF leg not propagating a scheduled upstream data signal.

The present invention provides a protection switching method of a node having communication failure in a ring, in a communication network. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by checking for loss of signal (LOS) at the non-ERPS device or at least one of the node in a communication channel, checking periodically for Continuity Check Message (CCM) at both the node, wherein the CCMs are periodically transmitted from both the node through at least one non-ERPS device, appropriately setting a Remote Destination Indication (RDI) bit in the Continuity Check Message (CCM) generated from at least one node and transmits the same via the non-ERPS device or through the non-ERPS device or through a disjoint communication channel, and blocking port of the node towards the non-ERPS device upon receipt of the fault notification and transmitting signal fail notification message on both the ports in the ring.