Network for distributing multimedia signals over a primary signal distribution path

摘要

A signal distribution network in which signals are distributed via a primary signal distribution path. Television signals are transmitted in a first frequency band, telephone signals are transmitted in a second frequency band, and data signals are transmitted in a third frequency band. Bidirectional terminal adapters are connected to each endpoint of the primary signal distribution path. The terminal adapters connect to end user devices which receive signals from the primary signal distribution path. In addition, the terminal adapters connect to signal sources which provide the signals to be distributed via the primary signal distribution path. In one embodiment, television signals received from a CATV television network are received by a television distribution module. The television distribution module has one or more tuner/converters each of which tune to a desired channel, modulate the desired channel onto at least one predetermined distribution channel, and provide the signal to the primary signal distribution path via the predetermined distribution channel. The total bandwidth of the primary signal distribution path can be substantially lower than the total bandwidth of the communication links providing the sources of signals entering the network. As such, the primary signal distribution path may be implemented utilizing a single pair of wires.