Wireless Backhaul Switching in Reverse-Powered DPUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of high-speed fixed broadband services like VDSL2 and G.fast is hindered by the cost and time required to install new fiber connections for distribution point units (DPUs) closer to customers, as existing reverse power feeding technologies still necessitate fiber installation from the exchange to the DPU.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a DPU with a wireless backhaul connection that is electrically powered by subscriber lines, allowing the DPU to switch between different wireless configurations based on available power, thereby scaling radio transceiver capability and data rates without needing new power infrastructure or fiber installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DPUs are relocated closer to customers (from cabinet to poles or external walls), then line speeds increase due to shorter copper length, but fiber installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber installation process with a wireless backhaul system using cellular radio technology. The DPU connects to the core network wirelessly via radio interface, eliminating the need for physical fiber laying to remote locations. This substitution allows rapid deployment of DPUs at customer-proximity locations without incurring fiber installation costs.
2Productivity
If wireless backhaul power requirements increase to support higher data rates, then backhaul capacity improves, but power availability from reverse-powered subscriber lines becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the radio transceiver based on available power levels. The system continuously monitors power availability from reverse-powered subscriber lines and adjusts radio parameters (transmit power, bandwidth, modulation scheme) accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the backhaul capacity to scale with available power, optimizing the trade-off between data rate and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key radio transmission parameters (power level, bandwidth, modulation order) based on available power conditions. When power is abundant, higher-order modulation and wider bandwidth are used to maximize capacity. When power is limited, the system transitions to more power-efficient modes, ensuring continuous operation while adapting backhaul capacity to power availability.
3Device complexity
If reverse power feeding is used to power the DPU without new power infrastructure, then deployment complexity decreases, but power availability is limited by subscriber line capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-powered operation where the DPU draws power from the subscriber lines it serves. The reverse power feeding mechanism allows the DPU to become electrically self-sufficient without requiring separate power infrastructure. The system automatically manages power drawing and allocation, with the DPU serving itself power-wise through the existing telecommunication infrastructure.
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
Enables rapid deployment of faster broadband services by leveraging reverse powering techniques, eliminating the need for new power infrastructure and fiber installations, and allowing for eventual fiber backhaul replacement.
Implementation Method 1
Reverse power feeding (RPF) is a standardized technology (see ETSI TS 101548) that allows power to be sent from CPEs to a DPU in order to power the DPU
Data Source
AI summary
Examples describe a method of operating a distribution point unit (DPU) having a wireless backhaul connection, such as a 4G or 5G connection. The distribution point unit is reverse powered electrically by connected subscriber lines. The radio configuration (number of antennas, frequencies, etc.) used by the wireless backhaul connection is switched according to the power available from the subscriber lines. Changes to the available power can trigger a switch to a new radio configuration. Higher capacities (data rates) can be achieved with higher power radio configurations, which can be switched over to if the available power is sufficient. Similarly, when the available power drops, a switch can be made to an appropriate lower powered radio configuration.