Arbitration Function Module for PLC-DSL Interference Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power line communication (PLC) technologies face interference issues with digital subscriber line (DSL) devices, particularly in multi-user scenarios, where PLC devices can disrupt DSL connections between different user side devices, leading to network access failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an arbitration function (AF) module with a global processing capability, placed in a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) or distributed point unit (DPU), which defines new logical interfaces to coordinate interference between PLC and DSL devices across multiple users, using primitives like Status.request and Configure.request to adjust transmit power spectral density (PSD) and initiate online re-configuration (OLR) to mitigate interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PLC devices are deployed for network expansion in multi-user residences, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but interference between PLC devices and DSL terminal devices in different user side devices occurs, leading to network access failures
Solution Approach 1:
An arbitration function (AF) module is introduced as an intermediary component within the DSL terminal device to coordinate and manage interactions between PLC and DSL systems. The AF module monitors interference levels and dynamically adjusts transmission parameters of the PLC device to mitigate harmful effects on DSL communication, enabling coexistence in multi-user environments without sacrificing network coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters including power spectral density (PSD) levels and frequency allocation based on real-time interference conditions. When interference with DSL devices is detected, the PLC device adjusts its transmission parameters under AF module control to reduce harmful effects while maintaining acceptable network coverage and communication quality
2Reliability
If the existing G.9977 standard with AF module is used to resolve interference, then interference between PLC and DSL devices within one user side device is mitigated, but interference between PLC devices in one user side device and DSL devices in other user side devices cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The AF module is enhanced with universal functionality to handle both single-user and multi-user interference scenarios. It can identify and manage interference from any user side device regardless of location, coordinating with multiple PLC and DSL devices across different premises. This multi-functional capability allows the same module to resolve interference in diverse deployment scenarios without requiring separate solutions
3Use of energy by moving object
If PLC devices transmit at high power levels for effective communication, then communication quality within the same user home is maintained, but interference to DSL devices in neighboring user side devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission power of PLC devices is made dynamic rather than fixed. The AF module continuously monitors interference conditions and dynamically adjusts the power spectral density and transmission levels of PLC devices in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to use high power when needed for reliable communication while automatically reducing power when interference to neighboring DSL devices is detected, optimizing the trade-off between communication quality and interference mitigation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a data communication method, an apparatus, and a system. The method includes: monitoring, by an AF module, a first interference value and a second interference value of a network terminal in a first user side device, where the first interference value is an interference value that is of the network terminal in the first user side device and that is detected after PLC devices on all user side devices are disabled, and the second interference value is a value of interference of a PLC device in a second user side device to the network terminal in the first user side device; and determining, based on the detected first interference value and second interference value of the network terminal in the first user side device, whether the network terminal in the first user side device is interfered with by the PLC device in the second user side device. In this way, a problem of interference between user side devices is resolved, and a single-user interference cancellation solution mentioned in an existing standard can be expanded to a solution that can support multiuser interference cancellation, thereby improving reliability of data transmission between users.