Distributed Physical Layer Network Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model-based communication networks face challenges in network stability and data transfer rates, with existing solutions often requiring single integrated devices that limit flexibility and scalability, leading to increased costs and maintenance complexities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed physical layer network architecture where devices can be geographically separated, with distinct functionality for each OSI layer (1, 2, and 3), allowing independent scaling and flexible placement, and enabling efficient routing and modulation of signals across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single integrated device is used to perform all OSI layer functionality, then device simplicity is maintained, but network stability and data transfer rates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the OSI model functionality into separate distributed devices, with each device handling specific layers (e.g., physical layer devices for signal modulation, data link layer devices for framing and access control, network layer devices for routing). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall network stability while reducing the complexity burden on any single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices between different OSI layers that facilitate coordinated communication. These intermediaries manage the interfaces between distributed layer components, enabling stable data transfer by coordinating signal modulation, framing, and routing functions across multiple devices without requiring a single complex integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single integrated device is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but scalability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the OSI functionality into distributed devices, the system achieves enhanced flexibility and scalability. Each distributed device can be independently configured, upgraded, or replaced without affecting the entire network, allowing adaptive deployment strategies that simplify implementation in specific contexts while maintaining overall system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic characteristics by allowing devices to be added, removed, or repositioned in the network topology as needed. The distributed architecture enables dynamic scaling where additional devices can be introduced to handle increased traffic or functional requirements without requiring redesign of the entire integrated system.
3Ease of repair
If a single integrated device is used, then device count is minimized, but maintenance and upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of OSI layers into distributed devices enables independent maintenance and upgrades. When a bug or hardware failure occurs in one layer, only the affected device needs to be serviced, not the entire integrated system. This modular approach reduces maintenance costs despite increasing the number of devices, as each device is smaller, simpler, and can be replaced more easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed architecture facilitates easier device replacement and recycling. When a device becomes obsolete or faulty, it can be discarded and replaced with a new unit without affecting other parts of the network. The standardized interfaces and protocols enable recovery and reuse of components, reducing overall maintenance and upgrade costs compared to maintaining a single complex integrated device.
4Productivity
If distributed devices are used for each OSI layer, then network stability and data transfer rates improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting OSI functionality across distributed devices improves data transfer rates by reducing processing delays and enabling parallel operations at different layers. Each device handles only its designated layer functions with optimized hardware and software, achieving higher productivity without the complexity burden of implementing all OSI layers on a single device.
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 approach enhances network stability, improves operational data transfer rates, reduces maintenance and upgrade costs, and provides a flexible framework for network management, allowing for independent upgrades and redundancy, thereby improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
modulating and demodulating signals, by one or more first devices, for transmission over a network
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products to provide application layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and physical (PHY) layer functionality by separate discrete devices, for example, in order to form a distributed MAC/PHY architecture for communications networks. In various embodiments, an application layer (layer-3) device can communicate (e.g., serialize and/or send data frames and/or packets) with a MAC layer (layer-2) device. Further, the layer-2 device may perform the activities of a switch that switches the IP layer (layer-3) information to MAC layer information. Further the layer-2 device can use addressing information determined or received from the layer-3 device to choose a particular PHY layer (layer-1) device. The layer-2 device can then instruct the layer-1 device, using one or more parameters, to modulate information on one or more predetermined frequencies and/or wavelengths over a given physical medium. In various embodiments, the layer-1, layer-2, and layer-3 devices may be separated geographically.