Cable Modem Multi-CMTS RF Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DOCSIS-based cable modems can only work with one Cable Modem Terminal System (CMTS) at a time, limiting their ability to utilize full band capability for multiple RF channel tuning.

Innovation Solution

A cable modem with a radio frequency resource manager unit allocates resources to multiple CMTSs, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple CMTSs by dividing RF channels into dedicated sets for upstream and downstream communications, effectively creating multiple virtual cable modems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cable modem is designed to work with only one CMTS at a time, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability and bandwidth utilization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to work with multiple CMTSVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple RF channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the full band capability of the cable modem into multiple RF channel sets, with each set dedicated to communication with a specific CMTS. This segmentation allows the single physical cable modem to function as multiple virtual cable modems, enabling simultaneous work with multiple CMTS while maintaining manageable complexity through structured resource allocation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable modem is designed with full band capability that can be dynamically allocated to serve multiple CMTS. The RF channel sets are universally applicable across different CMTS connections, allowing the same hardware resources to be flexibly assigned to different terminal systems based on allocation rules, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a cable modem allocates RF channels to multiple CMTSs, then bandwidth utilization and productivity are improved, but the device complexity and resource management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of RF resource management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes allocation rules that define how RF channels are divided and assigned to different CMTSs in advance. The radio frequency resource manager unit uses these pre-defined rules to automatically allocate channels when cable modem terminal systems are added or removed from the network, eliminating the need for complex real-time negotiations and reducing resource management overhead while maximizing bandwidth utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the CMTS notifies the cable modem about the addition or removal of cable modem terminal systems. The radio frequency resource manager unit receives this feedback and automatically adjusts RF channel allocations according to the pre-established rules, enabling dynamic resource optimization without requiring complex manual intervention or real-time complex calculations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3039839B1Cable modem

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS

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AI summary

A cable modem for a network is provided. The cable modem comprises: a radio frequency resource manager unit for allocating a radio frequency resource to a plurality of cable modem terminal systems; and an interface manager unit for establishing radio frequency interfaces respectively with the plurality of cable modem terminal systems according to the radio frequency resource allocation of the radio frequency resource manager unit.