Extended signaling system and method

An apparatus for providing direct current through a two-conductor cable connecting a remote power source to a local communications device having one or more additional capabilities, features and devices that require power in excess of that delivered by a traditional telephone network line and providing at least one high frequency signal for operation and control of the local communications device having one or more additional capabilities, features and devices, the apparatus comprising:

• a first low pass filter comprising a split inductor configured to receive a direct current power signal from the remote power source to produce a filtered direct current power signal, the first low pass filter:
• (i) being remote from the local communications device, (ii) having a low equivalent series resistance, and (iii) having a significant reactance at voice or signaling frequencies thereby reducing non-DC signal attenuation when the filtered direct current power signal is combined with higher frequency alternating current signals that assist in the operation and control of the local communications device having one or more additional capabilities, features and devices;
• a first high pass filter configured to filter a high frequency alternating current signal to produce a filtered high frequency alternating current signal, the first high pass filter being employed to mitigate interference between the direct current power signal and the filtered high frequency alternating current signal when combined;
• a bus configured to combine the filtered direct current power signal and the filtered high frequency alternating current signal to produce a combined direct current power and high frequency signal to assist in the operation and control of the local communications device having one or more additional capabilities, features and devices;
• one or more first protection systems configured to mitigate damage to the power source in the event of a short or other fault condition and having a low equivalent series resistance, the one or more protection systems being selected from (i) one or more resettable fuses having a low equivalent series resistance and (ii) a current foldback circuit;
• a two-conductor cable configured to transmit the combined direct current power and high frequency signal to one or more second protection systems associated with the local communications device having one or more additional capabilities, features and devices;
• a second protection system configured to mitigate damage in the event of a short or other fault condition;
• a second low pass filter configured to receive at least a portion of the combined direct current power and high frequency signal from the second protection system to produce a local premises direct current power signal;
• a second high pass filter configured to receive at least a portion of the combined direct current power and high frequency signal from the protection system to produce at least one local premises high frequency signal;
• and
• one or more connectors configured to transmit the local premises direct current power signal and the local premises high frequency signal to the local communications device having one or more additional capabilities, features or devices to assist in their operation and control.