Active Cable Node Copper Backhaul for Full Duplex HFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and time-consuming process of bringing fiber to the last amplifier in hybrid fiber coaxial networks for full duplex DOCSIS deployment, along with the limitations of existing solutions like full duplex amplifiers and point-to-point connections, restrict the deployment of full duplex DOCSIS, particularly in node+1 and node+2 scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an active node circuit with copper backhaul connections using extended spectrum DOCSIS nodes, replacing last amplifiers with FDX nodes for point-to-multipoint connections, and integrating active tap circuits with FDX nodes in the network to achieve full duplex communication while reducing deployment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fiber is brought to the last amplifier to enable full duplex DOCSIS, then capacity per user and full duplex communication are improved, but deployment cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into fiber backhaul segments and copper access segments. Fiber is brought to intermediate nodes (node+1, node+2) rather than all the way to the last amplifier, creating a hybrid architecture where copper coaxial cables handle the final access segment. This segmentation allows full duplex DOCSIS deployment with reduced fiber deployment scope, thereby reducing deployment time and cost while maintaining improved capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fiber is brought to the last amplifier to enable full duplex DOCSIS, then full duplex communication capability is improved, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Full duplex capability is implemented locally at intermediate nodes using copper backhaul with active electronics, rather than requiring fiber throughout the entire access network. The active cable node circuit provides signal regeneration and full duplex functionality at the node level, allowing full duplex DOCSIS deployment in node+1 and node+2 scenarios without the high cost of fiber-to-last-amplifier deployment.
3Ease of manufacture
If active cable node circuits with copper backhaul are used, then deployment cost is reduced, but signal quality may deteriorate over distance
Solution Approach 1:
Active cable node circuits serve as intermediary devices between the fiber backhaul and copper access network. These nodes include signal regeneration and equalization functionality that compensates for signal degradation over the copper coaxial cable distance. The active electronics at the node restore signal quality, enabling reliable full duplex communication over copper backhaul while maintaining cost advantages.
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.