Dynamic Line Management Profile Adjustment for DSL Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Dynamic Line Management (DLM) solutions for DSL connections rely on the number of re-synchs per unit time as a metric, which can be misleading due to user-induced events, leading to inaccurate assessments of line stability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A method to modify the re-synch metric by distinguishing between user-caused and forced re-synchs, estimating the number of forced re-synchs by identifying contiguous periods of downtime, and using this information to adjust stability profiles and parameters such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) margin and interleave mode, allowing for more precise management of DSL connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the number of re-synchs per unit time is used as a metric for DLM, then monitoring simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to user-induced events being indistinguishable from technical problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the re-synch metric into two distinct components: user-induced re-synchs and forced re-synchs. By separating these causes, the system can accurately assess line stability without being misled by user actions. This segmentation is achieved through monitoring connection states over time to identify patterns characteristic of user disconnections versus technical failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of connection patterns before making DLM decisions. By monitoring and characterizing re-synch events in advance, the system builds a baseline understanding of user behavior patterns, allowing it to distinguish between intentional disconnections and genuine line instability issues before applying profile transitions.
2Productivity
If aggressive profiles are applied to improve service quality (higher bit rates and lower latencies), then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased likelihood of line instability and re-synchs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic profile selection that adapts to the specific characteristics of each DSL line. Rather than applying aggressive profiles universally, the system continuously monitors line behavior and transitions between profiles based on real-time stability assessments. This dynamic approach allows the system to maximize productivity when conditions permit while maintaining reliability when line conditions deteriorate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key transmission parameters (such as interleaving depth, redundancy levels, and modulation schemes) based on monitored line conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can operate at higher bit rates when the line is stable while automatically increasing robustness when instability is detected, thus balancing productivity and reliability.
3Reliability
If less aggressive profiles are applied to improve line stability, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to lower bit rates and higher latencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts profile aggressiveness based on real-time line condition monitoring. Rather than statically applying conservative profiles, the system transitions between aggressive and conservative profiles according to the actual stability of the line, ensuring optimal productivity is achieved whenever possible while maintaining adequate reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies conservative (less aggressive) profiles only partially - specifically, only when and where line instability is actually detected. In regions where the line remains stable, the system continues to use aggressive profiles to maximize productivity. This partial application of conservative measures avoids the unnecessary productivity loss that would result from universally applying less aggressive profiles.
Data Source
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AI summary
A management device 100 for use in an access network 10, 19, 20, 30, 40, 100 including a plurality of data connections 18, 19, 20 between end user devices 10 and an aggregation transceiver device 20 where the connections 18, 19, 20 are aggregated for onward connection through the access network 20, 30 ,40, the access network storing in association with each data connection a Dynamic Line Management, DLM, profile which specifies a set of values for a plurality of parameters associated with the respective data connection, together with a stability level specifying a desired level of stability for the data connection. The device comprises means for receiving monitoring data specifying the stability of each respective data connection over a predetermined period of time; means for selecting a DLM profile to be applied to the connection in dependence on both the monitoring data and the stored stability level associated with the data connection; and means for requesting an OSS system of the access network to apply the selected profile to the data connection.