Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus and method for monitoring the quality and integrity of a communications system, such as a cable television system, which includes several monitoring circuits placed throughout the system to detect and amplify RF or audio frequency signals received at any number of selected points. The detected signals are used to amplitude modulate a continuous wave oscillator at a selected one of several discrete frequencies identifiable with the position of the monitoring circuits. The modulated CW signals are then fed upstream for processing at a central location. Each monitoring network includes a broadband detector so as to enable the detection of one or more discrete frequency signals or a band of signals. The use of several discrete frequency signals for normal monitoring purposes allows reliable monitoring to be carried out on a continuous basis without casing interference to the information signals being transmitted through the system. If a fault or deviation is detected, a swept band of signals can be fed into the system whereupon the monitor circuits will detect the entire band and return to the central point a full frequency response pattern to facilitate detailed analysis.

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First Claim