Universal demarcation point

Abstract

A universal demarcation point for managing the delivery of communications services to a subscriber that provides an interface between a utility distribution network and subscriber owned equipment. The universal demarcation point includes a utility accessible portion and a subscriber accessible portion. The utility accessible portion has an input port, an output port, a plurality of modular connectors, a power supply, and a plurality of service modules. The input port provides access to the universal demarcation point for delivery of communications service from the utility distribution network. The communications services are delivered through a hybrid cable. The hybrid cable has a plurality of fiber optic cables and a plurality of copper cables. The fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting light signals and the copper cables are capable of transmitting electric power. The output port provides access for delivering the communications services from the universal demarcation point into the subscriber's dwelling. The plurality of connectors are fixedly mounted to the universal demarcation point. The power supply is removably mounted to the universal demarcation point. The power supply converts the electric power into a voltage for powering the operation of the universal demarcation point. The service modules are capable of plugging into the modular connectors and convert the light signals that are transmitted on the fiber optic cables onto cables that are suitable for use in the subscriber's dwelling. The subscriber accessible portion is adjacent to the utility accessible portion and has ports that enable the subscriber to test the integrity of the communications services delivered from the utility distribution network.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a device that facilitates the delivery of communications services to subscribers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a universal demarcation point that provides an interface between a utility distribution network and subscriber owned equipment for use with the delivery of communication services to subscribers via fiber optic and copper cables.When delivering communications services to subscribers, it is common for a utility to attach a service box to the subscriber's dwelling. The service box provides an interface between the utility distribution network and subscriber owned equipment. As used herein, the term "subscriber owned equipment" means equipment that a subscriber attaches either directly or indirectly to a utility distribution network to receive or transmit communications services through the utility distribution network. Examples of subscriber owned equipment include telephones, television, and mo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, when communications services are transmitted over long distances using certain types of copper wires, the electrical signals weaken and become distorted.

As a result of the costs associated with serving subscribers in rural areas, the utilities have been restricted in their ability to provide subscribers with a range of communications services that utilities are typically able to provide for subscribers in urban areas.

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