Distribution Element for a Self-Calibrating RF Network and System and Method for Use of the Same

A distribution element located between the headend layer and the endpoint layer of a self-calibrating RF network, the distribution element comprising:

• an upstream directional control circuit configured to receive a forward transmission path on an upstream line from a headend layer, the upstream directional control circuit configured to transmit a reverse transmission path on the upstream line to the headend layer;
• a downstream directional control circuit configured to transmit the forward transmission path on a downstream line to an endpoint layer, the downstream directional control circuit configured to receive a reverse transmission path on the downstream line from the endpoint layer;
• the upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional control circuit being positioned in a spaced opposing relationship such that the respective upstream line and the downstream line are separated into a forward line and reverse line therebetween while being combined at the respective upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional control circuit;
• and
• a controller comprising:
• a processor, a memory, and an RF interface,
• a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the processor, the memory, and the RF interface,
• the memory including a profile defining signal shape in terms of power and equalization,
• the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:
• receive a loopthrough signal from the upstream directional control circuit via the RF interface, and
• utilize the forward window profile and the reverse window profile to analyze the loopthrough signal relative to the signal shape.

A distribution element for a self-calibrating RF network having a headend layer and an endpoint layer with the distribution element located therebetween in a middle stage, the distribution element comprising:

• an upstream directional control circuit configured to receive a forward transmission path on an upstream line from the headend layer, the upstream directional control circuit configured to transmit a reverse transmission path on the upstream line to the headend layer;
• a downstream directional control circuit configured to transmit the forward transmission path on a downstream line to the endpoint layer, the downstream directional control circuit configured to receive a reverse transmission path on the downstream line from the endpoint layer;
• the upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional control circuit being positioned in a spaced opposing relationship such that the respective upstream line and the downstream line are separated into a forward line and reverse line therebetween while being combined at the respective upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional control circuit;
• and
• a controller comprising:
• a processor, a memory, an RF interface, and a network adapter,
• a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the processor, the memory, the RF interface, and the network adapter,
• the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:
• receive a profile via the network adapter, the profile defining signal-to-noise ratios and signal shape in terms of power and equalization, the profile being created at the headend layer with data from the headend layer and the endpoint layer,
• store the profile,
• receive a loopthrough signal from the upstream directional control circuit via the RF interface, the loopthrough signal providing calibration for the middle stage of the self-calibrating RF network between the headend layer and the endpoint layer, and
• utilize the profile to analyze the loopthrough signal relative to the signal-to-noise ratio and signal shape.