Systems and methods are provided for utilizing low gain low noise signal amplification and ideal taps in coaxial networks. An ideal tap configured for use in coaxial networks may have a plurality of ports, one or more processing circuits configured for handling reception and transmission of signals communicated via the tap, and one or more echo cancellation circuits configured for providing echo cancellation during operations of the tap. The processing circuits are configured based on particular predefined tap performance criteria. The tap performance criteria may relate to one or more of port-to-port isolation, return loss, port-to-port gain, and up-tilt. The echo cancellation circuits may be configurable for providing the echo cancellation based on the tap performance criteria. The echo cancellation circuits may include an echo cancellation control circuit for controlling echo cancellation functions and/or operations. The echo cancellation circuits may include dedicated per-port echo cancellation circuits.