Dual coax network with power distribution and mid-span tap for signals and/or power from same

A communication network providing at least broadband internet services from facilities of a service provider into individual homes or businesses, comprising:

• a first coaxial cable including a first center conductor surrounded by a first dielectric layer which is in turn surrounded by a first shielding layer, said first coaxial cable transmitting forward path, downstream signals to customer devices at the individual homes or businesses;
• a second coaxial cable including a second center conductor surrounded by a second dielectric layer which is in turn surrounded by a second shielding layer, said second coaxial cable receiving reverse path, upstream signals from customer devices at the individual homes or businesses;
• and
• a distribution hub presenting downstream signals to said first coaxial cable having a bandwidth exceeding 500 MHz and receiving upstream signals from said second coaxial cable having a bandwidth exceeding 500 MHz.

A tap for a dual coaxial system comprising:

• a housing for allowing first and second coaxial cables to pass therethrough without terminating either of the first or second coaxial cables;
• a first probe for engaging a center conductor of the first coaxial cable;
• a second probe for engaging a center conductor of the second coaxial cable;
• one or more shielding layer probes for engaging shielding layers of the first and/or second coaxial cables;
• and
• at least one port connected to said first and second probes and said one or more shielding layer probes, wherein said at least one port is accessible on an outside of said housing.