MoCA gateway splitter

Abstract

A CATV/MoCA (cable television/Multimedia over Coax Alliance) signal distribution system includes a first 2-way hybrid splitter for receiving a CATV input signal and splitting it into first and second CATV output signals, a second 2-way hybrid splitter for receiving the second CATV output signal and splitting it into third and fourth CATV output signals, with the latter being connected to a CATV output port. A first diplex filter is receptive of the first CATV output signal, and MoCA signals for providing electrical isolation therebetween and connecting them to a modem port. A second diplex filter is receptive of the third CATV output signal and MoCA signals for providing electrical isolation therebetween and connecting them to a Gateway port. A resistive splitter is connected between the first and second diplex filters and a plurality of individual MoCA signal ports for providing bidirectional MoCA signal flow therebetween.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A passive Gateway splitter device comprising:
 an input port for receiving a CATV input signal;   an RF/CATV output terminal;   a modem port;   a Gateway port for connection to a Gateway device;   a MoCA splitter comprising a first input, a second input, and a plurality of ports configured for being connected to a plurality of MoCA devices associated with a plurality of MoCA clients, the plurality of ports further configured for passing MoCA signals, each of the plurality of ports configured for passing one of the MoCA signals from or to a connected one of the plurality of MoCA devices associated with a respective one of the plurality of MoCA clients;   a first two-way splitter comprising an input connected to said input port, the first two-way splitter further comprising a first output and a second output, the first two-way splitter configured for receiving the CATV input signal via the input of the two-way splitter and splitting the CATV input signal into a first CATV signal output via the first output and a second CATV signal output via the second output;   a second two-way splitter comprising an input connected to the second output of the first two-way splitter, the second two-way splitter further comprising a first output and a second output, the second two-way splitter configured for receiving the second CATV signal via the input of the second two-way splitter and splitting the second CATV signal into a third CATV signal output via the first output of the second two-way splitter and a fourth CATV signal output via the second output of the second two-way splitter, the second output of the second two-way splitter connected to said RF/CATV output terminal;   a first diplex filter comprising an input connected to the first output of the first two-way splitter for receiving the first CATV signal via the first output of the first two-way splitter, the first diplex filter further comprising a first output connected to the modem port and a second output connected to the first input of the MoCA splitter, the first diplex splitter configured for electrically isolating said first CATV signal from said MoCA signals to prevent the MoCA signals from being connected to said input port of the first diplex filter, and for individually bidirectionally connecting the first CATV signal and the MoCA signals to said modem port;   a second diplex filter comprising an input connected to the first output of the second two-way splitter for receiving the third CATV signal via the first output of the second two-way splitter, the second diplex filter further comprising a first output connected to the Gateway port and a second output connected to the second input of the MoCA splitter, the second diplex splitter configured for electrically isolating said third CATV signal from said MoCA signals to prevent the MoCA signals from being connected to said input port of the second diplex filter, and for individually bidirectionally connecting the fourth CATV signal and the MoCA signals to said Gateway port,   wherein the Gateway port provides the MoCA clients associated with the MoCA devices connected to the plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter the ability to program said Gateway device to record their respective desired CATV programs for later viewing.   
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first diplex filter comprises a lowpass filter section for receiving said first CATV signal, and a highpass filter section for bidirectionally receiving the MoCA signals from said MoCA splitter, the first diplex filter configured for connecting said first CATV signal and the MoCA signals to said modem port, while electrically isolating said MoCA signals both from said first two-way splitter, and from said input port of the passive Gateway splitter device; and   the second diplex filter comprises a lowpass filter section for receiving said third CATV signal, and a highpass filter section for bidirectionally receiving the MoCA signals from said MoCA splitter, the second filter configured for connecting said third CATV signal and the MoCA signals to said Gateway port, while electrically isolating said MoCA signals both from said second two-way splitter and from said input port of the passive Gateway splitter device.   
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 a resistive splitter including a plurality of resistors each having one end connected in common, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to said plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively, and individually connected to either the first diplex filter or the second diplex filter.   
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 a resistive splitter including a plurality of resistors each having one end connected in common, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to said plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively, and individually connected to the highpass filter sections of either of said first and second diplex filters.   
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 2 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises;
 a resistive splitter including a plurality of resistors each having one end connected in common, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to said plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively, and individually connected to the highpass filter sections of either of said first and second diplex filters.   
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 an electrically conductive connection pad; and   a plurality of resistors, two of which have one end connected in common to said connection pad, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to either of said first and second diplex filter, the remainder of said plurality of resistors each being individually connected between said connection pad, and the plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively.   
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 an electrically conductive connection pad;   a plurality of resistors, two of which have one end connected in common to said connection pad, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to the highpass filter sections of said first and second diplex filters, respectively, the remainder of said plurality of resistors each being individually connected between said connection pad, and the plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter.   
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 2 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 an electrically conductive connection pad;   a plurality of resistors, two of which have one end connected in common to said connection pad, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to the highpass filter sections of said first and second diplex filters, respectively, the remainder of said plurality of resistors each being individually connected between said connection pad, and the plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively.   
     
     
       9. The device  claim 1 , wherein said first and second 2-way splitters each consist of hybrid splitter configurations. 
     
     
       10. A CATV/MoCA passive signal distribution system comprising:
 an input port for receiving a CATV input signal;   an RF/CATV output terminal;   a modem port;   a Gateway device receptive of CATV and MoCA signals;   a Gateway port for connection to said Gateway device;   a MoCA splitter comprising a first input, a second input, and a plurality of ports configured for passing MoCA signals, each of the plurality of ports configured for passing one of the MoCA signals from or to a connected MoCA device associated with a MoCA client;   a first two-way splitter comprising an input connected to said input port, the first two-way splitter further comprising a first output and a second output, the first two-way splitter configured for receiving the CATV input signal via the input of the two-way splitter and splitting the CATV input signal into a first CATV signal output via the first output and a second CATV signal output via the second output;   a second two-way splitter comprising an input connected to the second output of the first two-way splitter, the second two-way splitter further comprising a first output and a second output, the second two-way splitter configured for receiving the second CATV signal via the input of the second two-way splitter and splitting the second CATV signal into a third CATV signal output via the first output of the second two-way splitter and a fourth CATV signal output via the second output of the second two-way splitter, the second output of the second two-way splitter connected to said RF/CATV output terminal;   a first diplex filter comprising an input connected to the first output of the first two-way splitter for receiving the first CATV signal via the first output of the first two-way splitter, the first diplex filter further comprising a first output connected to the modem port and a second output connected to the first input of the MoCA splitter, the first diplex splitter configured for electrically isolating said first CATV signal from said MoCA signals to prevent the MoCA signals from being connected to said input port of the first diplex filter, and for individually bidirectionally connecting the first CATV signal and the MoCA signals to said modem port;   a second diplex filter comprising an input connected to the first output of the second two-way splitter for receiving the third CATV signal via the first output of the second two-way splitter, the second diplex filter further comprising a first output connected to the Gateway port and a second output connected to the second input of the MoCA splitter, the second diplex splitter configured for electrically isolating said third CATV signal from said MoCA signals to prevent the MoCA signals from being connected to said input port of the second diplex filter, and for individually bidirectionally connecting the fourth CATV signals and the MoCA signals to Gateway port;   a plurality of individual MoCA devices associated with a plurality of MoCA clients, respectively, and connected to the plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, and   wherein the Gateway port provides the MoCA clients associated with the MoCA devices connected to the plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter the ability to program said Gateway device to record their respective desired CATV programs for later viewing.   
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first diplex filter comprises a lowpass filter section for receiving said first CATV signal, and a highpass filter section for bidirectionally receiving the MoCA signals from said MoCA splitter, the first diplex filter configured for connecting said first CATV signal and the MoCA signals to said modem port, while electrically isolating said MoCA signals both from said first two-way splitter and from said input port of the passive Gateway splitter; and   the second diplex filter comprises a lowpass filter section for receiving said third CATV signal, and a highpass filter section for bidirectionally receiving the MoCA signals from said MoCA splitter, the second diplex filter configured for connecting said third CATV signal and the MoCA signals to said Gateway port, while electrically isolating said MoCA signals both from said second two-way splitter means, and from said input port of the passive Gateway splitter.   
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 10 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 a resistive splitter including a plurality of resistors each having one end connected in common, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to said plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively, and individually connected to either the first diplex filter or the second diplex filter.   
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 10 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 a resistive splitter including a plurality of resistors each having one end connected in common, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to said plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively, and individually connected to the highpass filter sections of either of said first and second diplex filters.   
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 10 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 a resistive splitter including a plurality of resistors each having one end connected in common, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to said plurality of ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively, and individually connected to the highpass filter sections of said first and second diplex filters.   
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 10 , wherein said MoCA splitter further comprises:
 an electrically conductive connection pad; and   a plurality of resistors, two of which have one end connected in common to said connection pad, wherein other ends of said plurality of resistors are individually connected to either of said first and second diplex filter, the remainder of said plurality o f resistors each being individually connected between said connection pad, and the plurality of the ports of the MoCA splitter, respectively.   
     
     
       16. A method of making a passive Gateway splitter device the method comprising:
 electrically connecting a lowpass filter section and a highpass filter section of a diplex filter having a first direct current (DC) blocking capacitor to a Gateway port that is connectable to a Gateway device via the first DC blocking capacitor;   electrically connecting the Gateway port to a first surge protection device configured to protect the passive Gateway splitter device from surges;   electrically connecting the lowpass filter section to an input port for receiving a CATV (cable television) input signal via a second DC blocking capacitor, enabling any Gateway device connected to the Gateway port to communicate with the input port via the lowpass filter section in a lower frequency band having a frequency range that is lower than a higher frequency band;   electrically connecting the input port to a second surge protection device configured to protect the passive Gateway splitter device from surges;   electrically connecting the highpass filter section to a MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) splitter having a plurality of DC blocking capacitors and electrically connecting the MoCA splitter to each of a plurality of MoCA ports via a respective DC blocking capacitor of the plurality of DC blocking capacitors, enabling any MoCA device connected to one of the plurality of MoCA ports to communicate with the Gateway port via the highpass filter section in the higher frequency band; and   electrically connecting each MoCA port to a respective surge protection device configured to protect the passive Gateway splitter device from surges;   wherein the passive Gateway splitter device provides only one signal path from the input port to the MoCA splitter and the lowpass filter section and the highpass filter section of the diplex filter isolate each of the plurality of MoCA ports from the input port.    
     
     
       17. The method of claim 16, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter along the single signal path between the input port and the Gateway port.  
     
     
       18. The method of claim 16, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter along the single signal path between the input port and the MoCA splitter.  
     
     
       19. The method of claim 16, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter along the single signal path between the Gateway port and the MoCA splitter.  
     
     
       20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
 attaching the input port to a housing;   attaching the Gateway port to the housing;   attaching the plurality of MoCA ports to the housing; and   enclosing the diplex filter inside the housing, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter inside the housing.    
     
     
       21. The method of claim 16, wherein the first surge protection device is a first spark gap electrically connected between the Gateway port and ground, the second surge protection device is a second spark gap electrically connected between the input port and ground, and each respective surge protection device is each a respective spark gap electrically connected between one of the plurality of MoCA ports and ground.  
     
     
       22. The method of claim 16, wherein the MoCA splitter is a resistive splitter.  
     
     
       23. The method of claim 16, wherein the MoCA splitter enables any two MoCA devices connected to any two of the plurality of MoCA ports to bidirectionally communicate via the MoCA splitter.  
     
     
       24. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
 electrically connecting a two-way hybrid splitter between the input port and the lowpass filter section, the two-way hybrid splitter including a third DC blocking capacitor;   electrically connecting the two-way hybrid splitter to a CATV output port via the third DC blocking capacitor; and   electrically connecting the CATV output port to a third surge protection device configured to protect the passive Gateway splitter device from surges.    
     
     
       25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:
 attaching the input port to a housing;   attaching the Gateway port to the housing;   attaching the plurality of MoCA ports to the housing;   attaching the CATV output port to the housing; and   enclosing the diplex filter inside the housing, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter inside the housing.    
     
     
       26. The method of claim 24, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter along the single signal path between the CATV output port and the MoCA splitter.  
     
     
       27. The method of claim 24, wherein the first surge protection device is a first spark gap electrically connected between the Gateway port and ground, the second surge protection device is a second spark gap electrically connected between the input port and ground, the third surge protection device is a third spark gap electrically connected between the CATV output port and ground, and each respective surge protection device is each a respective spark gap electrically connected between one of the plurality of MoCA ports and ground.  
     
     
       28. A method of distributing a CATV (cable television) input signal and MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) signals with a passive Gateway splitter device, the method comprising:
 receiving the CATV input signal by an input port that is electrically connected to a first surge protection device configured to protect the passive Gateway splitter device from surges;   providing the CATV input signal, via a first direct current (DC) blocking capacitor, to a lowpass filter section of a diplex filter having a second DC blocking capacitor;   lowpass filtering the CATV input signal by the lowpass filter section of the diplex filter;   providing the lowpass filtered CATV input signal, via the second DC blocking capacitor, to a Gateway port that is connectable to a Gateway device and is electrically connected to a second surge protection device configured to protect the passive Gateway splitter device from surges;   receiving MoCA signals by a plurality of MoCA ports that are each electrically connected to a respective surge protection device configured to protect the passive Gateway splitter device from surges;   providing each MoCA signal to a MoCA splitter having a plurality of DC blocking capacitors via one of the plurality of DC blocking capacitors;   highpass filtering the MoCA signals by the highpass filter section of the diplex filter; and   providing the highpass filtered MoCA signals to the Gateway port via the second DC blocking capacitor,   wherein only one signal path is provided from the input port to the MoCA splitter and lowpass filtering the CATV input signal and highpass filtering the MoCA signals electrically isolates the input port from each of the plurality of MoCA ports.    
     
     
       29. The method of claim 28, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter along the single signal path between the input port and the Gateway port.  
     
     
       30. The method of claim 28, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter along the single signal path between the input port and the MoCA splitter.  
     
     
       31. The method of claim 28, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter along the single signal path between the Gateway port and the MoCA splitter.  
     
     
       32. The method of claim 28, wherein:
 the input port is attached to a housing;   the Gateway port is attached to the housing;   the plurality of MoCA ports is attached to the housing; and   the diplex filter is the only diplex filter enclosed inside the housing.    
     
     
       33. The method of claim 28, wherein the first surge protection device is a first spark gap electrically connected between the input port and ground, the second surge protection device is a second spark gap electrically connected between the Gateway port and ground, and each respective surge protection device is each a respective spark gap electrically connected between one of the plurality of MoCA ports and ground.  
     
     
       34. The method of claim 28, wherein the MoCA splitter is a resistive splitter.  
     
     
       35. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
 distributing the MoCA signals received from each of the plurality of MoCA ports to another of the plurality of MoCA ports.    
     
     
       36. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
 splitting the CATV signal by a two-way hybrid splitter between the input port and the lowpass filter section, the two-way hybrid splitter including a third DC blocking capacitor;   providing the CATV signal to a CATV output port that is electrically connected to a third surge protection device by the two-way hybrid splitter via the third DC blocking capacitor, the third surge protection device being configured to protect the passive Gateway splitter device from surges.    
     
     
       37. The method of claim 36, wherein:
 the input port is attached to a housing;   the Gateway port is attached to the housing;   the plurality of MoCA ports are attached to the housing;   the CATV output port is attached to the housing;   the diplex filter is enclosed inside the housing; and   the diplex filter is the only diplex filter inside the housing.    
     
     
       38. The method of claim 36, wherein the diplex filter is the only diplex filter along the single signal path between the CATV output port and the MoCA splitter.  
     
     
       39. The method of claim 37, wherein the first surge protection device is a first spark gap electrically connected between the input port and ground, the second surge protection device is a first spark gap electrically connected between the Gateway port and ground, the third surge protection device is a third spark gap electrically connected between the CATV output port and ground, and each respective surge protection device is each a respective spark gap electrically connected between one of the plurality of MoCA ports and ground.