Distributed Communication Equipment Architecture for DSL Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed communication equipment architectures for DSL services are costly and inefficient, as they often duplicate central office equipment functionality and require repeated DSL lines, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A scalable distributed access node system architecture with host systems and satellite expansion shelf systems, featuring configurable interfaces and relay modules for efficient communication link management, allowing for flexible network expansion and cost-effective service delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed units are scaled down versions of CO equipment with duplicated functionality, then service coverage can be extended to more subscribers, but system cost and complexity increase due to equipment duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The CO equipment is segmented into control plane functions (remaining at CO) and data plane functions (distributed to remote units). This segmentation allows service coverage to be extended without duplicating entire CO systems, as only specific data processing functions are distributed while control functions remain centralized.
Solution Approach 2:
Data plane processing functions are extracted from the CO equipment and placed in remote units. This extraction enables extended service coverage while avoiding the complexity of duplicating full CO functionality at each remote location, as only essential data processing capabilities are distributed.
2Ease of operation
If CO functionality is duplicated at distributed units, then access functionality can be moved closer to customers, but initial equipment costs and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting CO functionality into control and data planes, the patent enables access functionality to be moved closer to customers through remote units handling only data plane functions. This reduces equipment costs compared to duplicating full CO functionality at each distributed location.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote units are designed with multi-functionality to handle various data plane operations (DSL processing, signal conditioning, etc.) while sharing a common architecture. This universality reduces per-unit costs compared to specialized duplicated CO equipment at each location.
3Length of stationary object
If loop extension with repeater equipment is used, then DSL service can be extended over longer distances, but system cost increases due to additional repeater equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing functions across multiple remote units distributed along the DSL line. Each remote unit provides signal regeneration and processing capabilities, extending service distance without requiring traditional repeater equipment, as the distributed units themselves perform the signal extension function.
Data Source
AI summary
Distributed communication equipment architectures and techniques are disclosed. A host system includes an expansion unit through which control information and communication traffic may be exchanged with an expansion system. The expansion system is thereby controllable by a controller at the host system, significantly simplifying the design and reducing the cost of the expansion system. The expansion unit for a host system may also provide one or more configurable communication link interfaces. Each configurable interface may be independently configured as a network-side interface for connection to upstream communication equipment or as an access-side expansion interface for connection to an expansion system, allowing provisioning of network and access interfaces at the host system as needed.