Joint Spectrum Management for DSL and LAN Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a mixed DSL and local area network environment, existing spectrum management techniques fail to effectively optimize the capacity and power consumption of both access and in-home links due to interference, leading to reduced data rates and stability issues.

Innovation Solution

A method for jointly optimizing the spectral configurations of access and local area links by quantifying interference and determining specific spectral configurations to meet predetermined constraints, such as maximizing weighted channel capacities or minimizing power consumption, using a common spectrum manager that can reside in customer premises equipment or a network management apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spectrum management is applied separately to DSL and LAN systems, then each system can be optimized independently, but interference between the access link and local area link cannot be effectively mitigated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spectrum management of DSL and LAN systems into a unified joint optimization framework. The spectrum manager coordinates spectral configurations across both access link (DSL) and local area link (LAN) transmitters, transforming separate independent optimizations into a combined system that accounts for mutual interference between the two types of links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spectrum manager acts as an intermediary that measures and quantifies interference between access and local area links. It uses this interference information to determine optimal spectral configurations for transmitters, mediating the trade-off between maintaining data rates and reducing harmful interference through coordinated spectral allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If spectral configurations are optimized to maximize channel capacity, then data transmission performance improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel capacityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spectrum manager dynamically adjusts spectral configuration parameters (such as power spectral density allocation across different frequency sub-channels) to optimize the trade-off between channel capacity and power consumption. By changing these parameters based on measured interference conditions and predetermined constraints, the system achieves efficient resource allocation that balances performance and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic spectral configuration where transmitters adapt their spectral masks and power allocation in response to changing interference conditions and capacity requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize channel capacity when needed while reducing power consumption during periods of low demand or high interference, rather than maintaining fixed high-power configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If interference measurement and spectral optimization is implemented, then channel capacity and power efficiency improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rate stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spectrum manager implements self-service mechanisms by autonomously measuring interference between links, determining optimal spectral configurations, and coordinating transmitter settings without requiring complex external control infrastructure. The system uses built-in measurement capabilities and automated optimization algorithms to manage its own spectral resources, reducing the need for additional complex management infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the spectrum manager continuously measures interference levels and transmission performance, then uses this feedback to adjust spectral configurations. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain reliable data transmission by adapting to changing conditions while keeping complexity manageable through iterative optimization rather than requiring complex predictive models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2506496B1Method for performing spectrum management in a subscriber premises network
Publication Date: 2015.05.13 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2506496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2506496B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2506496B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for performing spectrum management in view of a predetermined constraint in a network comprising an access link and a local area link, said access link and said local area link being interferingly coupled, said method comprising: quantifying interference between said access link and said local area link; determining a first spectral configuration for a first transmitter operating over said access link; and determining a second spectral configuration for a second transmitter operating over said local area link; wherein said determining of said first spectral configuration and said determining of said second spectral configuration are performed such that the respective achievable channel capacities of said access link and said local area link meet said predetermined constraint.