Communication signal distribution unit and methods
A communication signal distribution unit includes a plurality of input ports for receiving incoming communication signals, a plurality of outlet ports for providing communication signals to electronic devices, a display for viewing information; and a set of keys for selecting one of the outlet ports, for entering a time to disable the communication signal provided by the selected output port, and for entering a time to re-enable provision of the communication signal at the selected output port. A 911 lock permits emergency calls through a disabled port. Programming methods are included.
1. A communication signal distribution unit comprising:
a plurality of input ports for receiving a plurality of incoming communication signals, with each of the plurality of input ports receiving one of the plurality of incoming communication signals;
the plurality of input ports configured to receive a coaxial cable to provide a cable television signal, a digital cable to provide Internet service, and a telephone line to provide landline telephone service;
a plurality of output ports, each of the plurality of output ports for providing a communication signal to an electronic device;
the plurality of output ports configured to receive a coaxial cable to provide a cable television signal, a digital cable to provide Internet service, and a telephone line to provide landline telephone service;
a display for viewing information; and
a set of keys for selecting one of the output ports, for entering a time to disable the communication signal provided at the selected output port, and for entering a time to re-enable provision of the communication signal at the selected output port.
2. The communication signal distribution unit of claim 1 , further comprising:
an antenna to provide a wireless communication signal to at least one electronic device.
3. The communication signal distribution unit of claim 1 , said electronic devices including televisions, computers and telephones.
4. The communication signal distribution unit of claim 1 , the set of keys including a set of navigation keys and a numerical keypad.
5. The communication signal distribution unit of claim 1 , further comprising:
a release lock to enable a telephone call to a 911 number or to another emergency number.
6. The communication signal distribution unit of claim 1 , further comprising:
means for generating a status report for usage of a selected one of the plurality of output ports.
7. The communication signal distribution unit of claim 1 , further comprising:
a remote sensor for receiving programming signals from a remote control.
8. The communication signal distribution unit of claim 1 , further comprising:
a USB port for providing connectivity of a computer to the communication signal distribution unit.