Methods and systems for utilizing ideal taps in coaxial networks

A system, comprising:

• a tap configured for use in a coaxial network, the tap comprising:
• a plurality of ports that comprise at least:
• a first port configured for receiving downstream (DS) signals from and transmitting upstream (US) signals to one or more nodes upstream from the tap within the coaxial network;
• a second port configured for transmitting downstream (DS) signals to and receiving upstream (US) signals from one or more nodes downstream from the tap within the coaxial network;
• one or more drop ports for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to customer premise equipment (CPE) in the coaxial network;
• and one or more processing circuits for handling signals received and transmitted via the tap, the one or more processing circuits being configured to meet particular predefined tap performance criteria, wherein the particular predefined tap performance criteria comprise one or more of high port-to-port isolation, or high port-to-port gain;
• wherein the one or more processing circuits apply spectrum related adjustments when handling signals received and transmitted via the tap;
• and
• wherein the one or more processing circuits process at least some of the signals to shift particular spectrum used or occupied by particular signals.