Concurrent EVM Probing for MoCA Channel Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MoCA systems inaccurately characterize wired communication channels when multiple devices are transmitting simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies in bandwidth usage due to the need for error vector magnitude (EVM) probes being sent only from a single active device at a time.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting an EVM probe packet from one transmitter while another transmitter is active, with the additional transmitters sending an analog zero signal, allowing network devices to estimate channel characteristics like signal-to-noise ratio and data capacity, even when multiple devices are transmitting concurrently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EVM probes are transmitted only when a single device is active, then channel characterization accuracy is improved, but bandwidth efficiency deteriorates due to inability to measure channels during concurrent transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having devices transmit analog zero signals before the EVM probe is sent. This prepares the channel conditions so that the probe can be accurately measured even during concurrent transmissions, allowing channel characterization without requiring exclusive access to the channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The analog zero signal acts as an intermediary that enables the EVM probe to be transmitted and measured during concurrent device operations. This intermediary signal allows the probing device to characterize the channel while other devices remain active, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and bandwidth efficiency.
2Productivity
If EVM probes are transmitted during concurrent device transmissions, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from multiple active devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the EVM probe signal from the complex concurrent transmission environment by using a dedicated probing device that transmits the probe independently. The probe is extracted as a separate measurable signal that can be identified and measured even when other devices are transmitting simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The analog zero signal serves as a mediator that enables the EVM probe to coexist with concurrent transmissions. This intermediary allows multiple devices to transmit simultaneously while maintaining the ability to measure the channel characteristics accurately through the probe signal.
3Measurement precision
If all devices transmit analog zero signals during probing, then channel characterization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional transmission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring all devices to perform complex probing operations, the system uses partial action where only the probing device transmits the EVM probe while other devices simply transmit their normal signals (including analog zero signals). This reduces the overall complexity compared to requiring full probing capability from all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service channel characterization where devices can have their channels measured during normal operation without requiring special probing configurations. The concurrent transmissions themselves serve as the testing condition, eliminating the need for separate dedicated probing time and reducing configuration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods for probing a communication channel. These systems and methods transmit an error vector probe packet from a first transmitter while a second transmitter is active and transmitting. A network device may receive the error vector probe packet and measure an error vector magnitude based on the received error vector probe packet. Using the error vector magnitude, the network device estimates channel characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio, data capacity, etc. The transmission can occur when more than one transmitter is active and transmitting. At least some of the other transmitters are active and transmit an analog zero signal, e.g., all digital zeros on the input to the digital-to-analog converter of a network device when an error vector probe packet is transmitted.