Common mode choke

1. A distributed filter system communicates with a cable distribution system that includes a head end and distribution nodes, the distributed filter system comprising:

a discrete component filter connected to a male coaxial connector and a female coaxial connector;

the discrete component filter for fitment to a modem via first and second connections;

the first connection utilizes the male coaxial connector and a mating modem connector and the second connection utilizes a filter claw that engages a modem housing;

the modem housing including a switching power supply and digital electronics;

the switching power supply for receiving alternating current (AC) mains power from an AC supply via an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter and the digital electronics for receiving a switching power supply output from the switching power supply via an inductive and capacitive (LC) filter for filtering noise at a switching power supply frequency; and,

the discrete component filter for filtering noise at harmonics of the modem switching power supply frequency;

wherein multiple discrete component filters communicate with respective modems at subscriber sites to protect the head end from switching power supply harmonic noise otherwise aggregated by the distribution nodes and passed to the head end.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the discrete component filter comprises:

a modem back-face vertical rim that engages a groove in the discrete component filter.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the discrete component filter comprises:

a right-angle clip that engages a groove in the discrete component filter and adjusts to accommodate varying modem thicknesses in the modem.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the harmonic noise is carried by a coaxial shield of a coaxial cable coupled with the modem.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the harmonic noise is carried by a coaxial center conductor of a coaxial cable coupled with the modem.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the discrete component filter includes a micro-coaxial cable wrapped around a toroid, a first end of the micro-coaxial cable connected to the male coaxial connector and a second end of the micro-coaxial cable connected to the female coaxial connector.

7. A method of providing a device for reducing head end noise resulting from the aggregation of modem switching power supply harmonic noise at distribution nodes, the method comprising the steps of:

providing modem electronics including a switching power supply and at least one of an EMI filter and a LC filter included in a case;

providing a modem F-type connector extending from the case;

providing an in-line external filter outside the case and having first and second F-type connections;

fixing the external filter when the extending F-type connector is mated with the first F-type connection and when the external filter is coupled to the case;

connecting the second F-type connection to a subscriber device; and

filtering, by the external filter, noise at harmonics of a switching power supply frequency,

wherein multiple external filters communicate with respective modems at subscriber sites to protect the head end from switching power supply harmonic noise otherwise aggregated by the distribution nodes and passed to the head end.