Cable TV networks are widely popular in North America, Europe and Asia. Advanced cable operators provide triple play service (video, high speed data, fixed voice) over their infrastructure of Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC).

Clariton Networks developed a unique solution for improving in-building cellular coverage using HFC infrastructure. A native cellular signal is sent through the HFC network from the headend to the subscriber’s home. Coverage is achieved using Cellular Access Points (PINDU), a simple inexpensive device connected to the subscribers TV outlet at home.

Architecture

A typical HFC network is built out of a fiber going from the headend to the neighborhood followed by a coaxial distribution between the fiber node and the subscribers’ houses. Amplifiers are placed along the coax to compensate for the attenuation of the signals due to coax plant losses.

CableCell allows a cellular operator to distribute the cellular signal to all the homes passed in the cable plant. The cellular operator places a base station at the cable headend. CableCell use the RF signal and propagates it thorough the HFC using a spectrum which is above the cable band. CableCell amplifiers are used to compensate for the coax plant attenuation. A cellular access point (PINDU) is connected at the home to the cable outlet (self install) and immediately provides a perfect cellular reception inside the home.

All existing cell phones can be used with the system as there is no modification to the original signal generated by the cellular equipment. The system supports multiple technologies i.e. GSM, UMTS, CDMA and is forward compatible for future cellular protocol developments.