Communication Node With Independent Analog Front Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems require multiple nodes and complex equipment setups to connect different transmission means, leading to increased complexity and cost, as well as attenuation and noise issues when interconnecting various transmission methods, limiting dynamic margin and power injection.
Innovation Solution
A node with N independent Analog Front Ends (AFE) is used to connect and communicate through N different transmission means, optimizing power injection and sensitivity, allowing for simultaneous communication across multiple means with a single node and shared network domain, using AFEs configured for each means and employing techniques like MIMO and OFDM to manage interference and power spectral density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple nodes and bridges are used to connect different transmission means, then communication coverage is increased, but system complexity and cost increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmission means (coaxial cable, telephone cable, power line) into a single communication domain where nodes can communicate directly across different media types without requiring separate nodes or bridges for each transmission medium. This merging approach eliminates the need for N nodes when N different transmission means are used, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining extended communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication domain that can operate across multiple transmission means simultaneously. A single node equipped with appropriate interfaces can communicate through coaxial cable, telephone cable, and power line without requiring specialized equipment for each medium, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving broad communication coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive bridges physically connect various transmission means, then interconnection is achieved, but attenuation increases and dynamic margin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an active communication domain as an intermediary that manages data transmission between different transmission means. Instead of using passive bridges that physically connect and attenuate signals, the communication domain uses logical routing and active signal regeneration to transfer data between coaxial cable, telephone cable, and power line networks, thereby maintaining signal strength and reducing attenuation while preserving interconnection capability.
3Reliability
If power is injected into the most restrictive transmission means, then minimum power requirements are met, but power injection capability is limited across the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management within the communication domain, allowing power injection levels to be adjusted independently for each transmission means based on its specific requirements. The system can inject higher power into means that can tolerate it (such as power lines) while using lower power in more restrictive means (such as telephone cables), thereby maximizing overall power injection capability while ensuring compliance with minimum power requirements for reliable communication.
Data Source
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AI summary
A node and procedure configured for their use in a data signal communication system through N different means of transmission. The node comprises N independent AFEs. Each AFE is configured to receive or transmit the signal on a corresponding means of the N different means of transmission.