BROADBAND MULTI-SERVICE, SWITCHING, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION ARCHITECTURE FOR LOW-COST TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

摘要

A low-cost, distributed broadband multi-service communication network includes intelligent hybrid communication nodes (99) which communicate with one another. The hybrid communication nodes (99) have multi-media interfaces (41-47) and processors (2) that allow the node to receive a communication broadcast at one protocol interface (41-47), convert the broadcast to other communication protocols, and route it to those different communication protocol interfaces (41-47) for transmission to other communication media. The smart hybrid communication nodes (99) provide a distributed system that does not rely on a central intelligence, so that the network can be instantly deployed and expanded. In addition, a weatherproof container permits the nodes to be physically mounted adjacent to a communication antenna (54). This eliminates the need for a cable to connect a transmitter interface to the antenna, which can be several hundred feet away at the top of a tower. Even expensive cable results in substantial power and signal loss.