Coax Server Proxy for IP-to-RF Media Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP-over-coax solutions for delivering digital TV and video services face bandwidth limitations in coax infrastructure, requiring radical modifications and separate solutions for facilities with both IP and coax networks, such as hotels with mixed infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid network system using coaxial cable with RF modulation and IP transmission media, where a coax server acts as a proxy between the two infrastructures, converting data transmissions from IP servers to RF for coax client devices, enabling seamless delivery of digital TV and video-on-demand services across both IP and coax networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP-over-coax solutions are used to deliver digital TV and video services, then existing coax infrastructure can be utilized, but the available bandwidth is insufficient for high definition video services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coax infrastructure into hybrid sections where IP and coax protocols coexist. IP-based segments handle high-bandwidth HD video traffic while coax segments maintain legacy compatibility, allowing the system to overcome overall bandwidth limitations by distributing traffic across multiple protocol domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protocol conversion devices as intermediaries between IP and coax networks. These devices translate between IP packets and coax protocols, enabling seamless integration of high-bandwidth IP services into the existing coax infrastructure without requiring complete infrastructure replacement.
2Quantity of substance
If fully IP-over-coax solution is implemented to provide sufficient bandwidth, then high definition video services can be delivered, but radical modifications to conventional coax infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing IP infrastructure only where high-bandwidth services are needed (such as in buildings with HD video demands) while maintaining traditional coax infrastructure in other areas. This localized approach provides sufficient bandwidth for HD services without requiring radical modifications across the entire coax network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic hybrid infrastructure where traffic routing between IP and coax paths can be adjusted based on service requirements. High-bandwidth HD video traffic is dynamically routed through IP segments while standard traffic continues over coax, allowing the system to adapt bandwidth allocation without permanent infrastructure changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate solutions are provided for facilities with both IP and coax infrastructures, then each infrastructure type can be optimized, but system complexity increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal protocol conversion devices that can handle multiple protocol translations between IP and coax systems. These multi-functional devices manage traffic routing, protocol conversion, and service delivery across hybrid infrastructures, reducing overall system complexity despite supporting multiple infrastructure types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges IP and coax infrastructures into a unified hybrid network architecture. By combining the high-bandwidth capabilities of IP with the extensive coverage of existing coax networks, the system achieves both optimization for different infrastructure types and simplified integrated management through centralized control mechanisms.
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
This solution provides a single, efficient method to deliver digital information and data services over hybrid networks, accommodating both IP and coax infrastructures without the need for extensive infrastructure modifications, allowing for simultaneous service provision across different network types and facilitating future infrastructure conversions.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmission infrastructure comprising coaxial cable over which data are transmitted using a radio frequency (RF) modulation scheme
Data Source
AI summary
A coax server acts as a proxy between a coax transmission infrastructure and an Internet Protocol (IP) transmission infrastructure. An incoming request is received from a particular one of a plurality of coax client devices on the coax infrastructure. A request for specific media content is transmitted to a media-on-demand server in response to receiving the incoming request. A media stream is received over the IP infrastructure from the media-on-demand server, the media stream corresponding to the specific media content, and the coax server allocates a coax channel of sufficient bandwidth on the coax infrastructure and transmits the media stream on the coax channel utilizing the RF modulation scheme. A pointer indicating the coax channel on which the media stream is being transmitted is sent to the particular coax client device. The coax channel is unknown to other of the coax client devices besides the particular coax client device.