Active Node Copper Backhaul for Full-Duplex HFC Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of full duplex DOCSIS in hybrid fiber coaxial networks is hindered by the high cost and time required to bring fiber to the last amplifier, limiting the network's footprint and delaying the implementation of full duplex communication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an active node circuit with copper backhaul connections using Extended Spectrum DOCSIS (ESD) nodes at node+1 or node+2 positions, replacing last amplifiers with FDX nodes for point-to-multipoint connections, and utilizing active tap circuits with FDX nodes in the network to reduce deployment costs while maintaining signal quality and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber is brought to the last amplifier to enable full duplex DOCSIS, then full duplex communication capability is achieved, but deployment cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive fiber infrastructure with copper coaxial cable that already exists in the network. By reusing the existing copper plant and deploying active nodes at strategic points, the system achieves full duplex capability without the high cost of fiber deployment, effectively using cheaper alternative infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces active nodes as intermediary devices between the headend and customer premises. These active nodes enable full duplex communication over copper coaxial cable by providing signal regeneration and isolation, acting as mediators that make the existing copper infrastructure capable of supporting FDX DOCSIS without requiring fiber replacement
2Productivity
If fiber is brought to the last amplifier, then network capacity per user increases, but network footprint is limited and deployment is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by deploying active nodes at intermediate points (node+1, node+2) before complete fiber deployment. This allows the network to immediately benefit from enhanced capacity in served areas while leaving the rest of the network on existing infrastructure, avoiding delays associated with complete fiber migration
3Ease of manufacture
If active node circuits with copper backhaul are implemented, then deployment cost decreases, but signal quality and attenuation characteristics must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple sections with active nodes placed at strategic intermediate points. Each segment between active nodes is kept relatively short to minimize attenuation, and the active nodes provide signal regeneration. This segmentation allows copper backhaul to be used cost-effectively while maintaining signal quality through distributed signal boosting points
Data Source
AI summary
An active cable node circuit associated with a hybrid fiber coax network is disclosed. The active cable node circuit comprises an uplink transceiver circuit configured to couple to an aggregation node circuit over a first coax cable link comprising coaxial cables and receive a set of downstream data signals from the aggregation node circuit. In some embodiments, the active cable node circuit further comprises one or more access transceiver circuits configured to provide the set of downstream data signals received at the uplink transceiver circuit or a processed version thereof, to one or more access circuits. In some embodiments, each of the one or more access transceiver circuits is configured to couple to the uplink transceiver circuit at a first end, and couple to a set of access circuits of the one or more access circuits at a second, different end, over a second coax cable link.