Return path compliance in networks

A device comprising:

• a first conversion module that converts an upstream analog signal into a corresponding digital signal;
• a signal detection module that determines whether the upstream analog signal represents a valid upstream communication based on the corresponding digital signal;
• a buffer that buffers the corresponding digital signal while the signal detection module makes the determination;
• a second conversion module that converts the buffered digital signal into a reconverted upstream analog signal upon the signal detection module determining that the upstream analog signal is a valid upstream communication;
• and
• a laser that transmits the reconverted upstream analog signal via a fiber optical cable.

A device comprising:

• a first means for converting an upstream analog signal into a corresponding digital signal;
• a means for determining whether the upstream analog signal represents a valid upstream communication based on the corresponding digital signal;
• a means for buffering the corresponding digital signal while the signal detection module makes the determination;
• a second means for converting the buffered digital signal into a reconverted upstream analog signal upon the signal detection module determining that the upstream analog signal is a valid upstream communication;
• a means for transmitting the reconverted upstream analog signal via a fiber optical cable.

A system comprising:

• at least one subscriber device that transmits an upstream analog signal;
• a network;
• and
• a device coupled to the network via a fiber optical cable, wherein the device comprises:
• a first conversion module that converts the upstream analog signal into a corresponding digital signal;
• a signal detection module that determines whether the upstream analog signal represents a valid upstream communication based on the corresponding digital signal;
• a buffer that buffers the corresponding digital signal while the signal detection module makes the determination;
• a second conversion module that converts the buffered digital signal into a reconverted upstream analog signal upon the signal detection module determining that the upstream analog signal is a valid upstream communication;
• a laser that transmits the reconverted upstream analog signal via the fiber optical cable.

A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that cause a programmable processor to:

• convert an upstream analog signal into a corresponding digital signal;
• determine whether the upstream analog signal represents a valid upstream communication based on the corresponding digital signal;
• buffer the corresponding digital signal while making the determination;
• convert the buffered digital signal into a reconverted upstream analog signal upon determining that the upstream analog signal is a valid upstream communication;
• and
• transmit the reconverted upstream analog signal via a fiber optical cable.