Automated communication channel selection

A method of providing automated communication channel selection, comprising:

• blocking signals of a first network within a defined frequency range, wherein the defined frequency range includes a range of frequencies that are configured for use for signals of the first network and for signals of a second network;
• performing a scan of the second network to obtain network topology data associated with the second network;
• halting transmissions of signals on the second network;
• allowing all frequency signals of the first network to pass;
• performing a spectrum analysis of the first network to obtain frequency utilization data of signals on the first network;
• analyzing the topology data associated with the second network and the frequency utilization data of signals of the first network;
• based on the analysis of the topology data associated with the second network and the frequency utilization data of signals of the first network and one or more business rules, determining an optimal channel configuration for the first network and the second network;
• and
• controlling transmissions of the first network and the second network based on the optimal channel configuration, wherein in controlling the transmissions, frequency signals of the first network do not overlap with frequency signals of the second network.

A gateway device comprising:

• an extended spectrum modem operatively connected to a frequency filter;
• a multimedia over coaxial network module;
• a channel selection engine;
• a spectrum analyzer;
• at least one processor;
• a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor, the memory storing instructions which, when executed, cause the gateway device to:
• via the frequency filter, block signals of a first network within a defined frequency range, wherein the defined frequency range includes a range of frequencies that are configured for use for signals of the first network and for signals of a second network;
• via the multimedia over coaxial network module, perform a discovery process to obtain network topology data associated with the second network;
• via the multimedia over coaxial network module, halt transmissions of signals on the second network;
• via the frequency filter, allow all frequency signals of the first network to pass;
• via the spectrum analyzer perform a spectrum analysis of the first network to obtain frequency utilization data of signals on the first network;
• via the channel selection engine:
• analyze the topology data associated with the second network and the frequency utilization data of signals of the first network;
• and
• based on the analysis of the topology data associated with the second network and the frequency utilization data of signals of the first network and one or more business rules, determine an optimal channel configuration for the first network and the second network;
• and
• via the frequency filter and the multimedia over coaxial network module, control transmissions of the first network and the second network, respectively, based on the optimal channel configuration, wherein in controlling the transmissions, frequency signals of the first network do not overlap with frequency signals of the second network.