Centralized Network Node Digitization for Multi-Protocol Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional access networks are inefficient and costly due to the need for software-based processing at local network nodes to support multiple subscribers and protocols, which is not feasible at the edge of the network where few subscribers and limited traffic are handled.
Innovation Solution
A centralized 'chameleon node' is introduced that uses software-defined networking, virtualization, and digitization to generate and manage RF signals for multiple protocols, centralizing the processing and adaptability, allowing local nodes to operate as lightweight relays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software-based processing is implemented at local network nodes to support multiple protocols and subscribers, then protocol flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex software-based processing functions from local network nodes and concentrates them at a centralized hub. Local nodes are transformed into simple RF relay devices that only handle physical layer signal transmission, while the hub performs all protocol-specific processing, modulation, and multiplexing operations centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges all protocol handling and signal processing functions into a single centralized hub location. Multiple network personalities and protocol implementations that were previously distributed across individual nodes are combined into one unified processing platform, enabling resource sharing and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If local network nodes perform software-based processing for multiple protocols, then network adaptability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to extensive processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts computationally intensive software processing tasks from energy-constrained local nodes and relocates them to the centralized hub. Local nodes retain only the energy-efficient RF signal relay function, dramatically reducing their power consumption while the hub handles all complex protocol processing centrally.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional access networks use multiple local network nodes with diverse protocols, then service coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal centralized hub that can handle multiple network protocols and service types through a single platform. This universal hub replaces the need for multiple specialized local nodes, as the centralized system can dynamically serve different protocols and subscribers through software configuration rather than hardware diversity.
Data Source
AI summary
An access network includes a first local network node configured to serve one or more first client devices according to a first network protocol, a second local network node configured to serve one or more second client devices according to a second network protocol different than the first network protocol, and a hub in operable communication with the first and second local network nodes over respective transport media. The hub contains a centralized network node configured to generate a first digitized radio frequency (RF) stream to the first local network node and a second digitized RF stream to the second local network node. The first digitized RF stream corresponds to the first network protocol and the second digitized RF stream corresponds to the second network protocol.