Broadband Communication Upstream Capacity via Dual Return Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable infrastructures face insufficient data capacity for timely communication of return signals due to increasing bandwidth demands, necessitating costly installations of additional fiber nodes to enhance service provision.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a source component, optical fiber nodes, and terminators to facilitate broadband communication by utilizing additional return paths with frequency ranges greater than conventional systems, allowing for increased upstream data capacity through separate frequency bands for low and high-frequency return signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional single return path frequency band is used, then device complexity is reduced, but upstream data capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The return path frequency band is segmented into two separate bands: a first return path frequency band (5-88 MHz) and a second return path frequency band (1100-1800 MHz). This segmentation allows the system to utilize both bands for upstream communication, thereby increasing upstream data capacity without requiring additional physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the frequency dimension by introducing a second return path frequency band at higher frequencies (1100-1800 MHz) in addition to the conventional lower frequency band (5-88 MHz). This dimensional expansion in the frequency spectrum enables increased data capacity while maintaining the existing single physical return path infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If additional fiber nodes are installed to increase capacity, then upstream data capacity is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the existing system by utilizing an additional frequency band (1100-1800 MHz) for the second return path. This parameter change allows the existing fiber node infrastructure to provide increased upstream capacity without requiring additional hardware installations or modifications to the physical network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the return path by establishing a second logical return path frequency band alongside the conventional first return path band. This virtual duplication of the return path functionality enables increased capacity utilization of the existing physical infrastructure without requiring additional physical fiber nodes or equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single return path frequency band is used, then system complexity is reduced, but bandwidth demand cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The return path frequency spectrum is segmented into distinct first and second frequency bands, allowing the system to accommodate increasing bandwidth demands by utilizing both segments for upstream communication while maintaining organized and manageable signal processing through defined frequency allocations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced upstream data capacity and bandwidth, reducing the need for costly fiber node installations by utilizing additional return paths with expanded frequency ranges, thereby improving service delivery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber node configured to receive the downstream broadband signal, convert the downstream broadband signal into light signals for communication to the source component
Implementation Method 2
convert the received upstream signals into light signals for communication to the source component via the at least one optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing broadband communication are provided. A source component may be configured to provide a downstream broadband signal to one or more customer devices and receive upstream signals from the customer devices, including a first upstream signal having a frequency lower than the downstream broadband signal and a second upstream signal having a frequency higher than the downstream broadband signal. An optical fiber node in communication with the source component may be configured to receive and convert downstream and upstream broadband signals from radio frequency signals to light signals and vice versa. A terminator in communication with the optical fiber node via one or more cable lines may be configured to output the radio frequency downstream signal for receipt by the customer devices and to direct the communication of the upstream signals to the optical fiber node via the one or more cable lines.