DSL Online Reconfiguration Protocol Using Counting Sequence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in maintaining synchronization of system configuration parameters during on-line reconfiguration (OLR) in digital subscriber line (DSL) systems, particularly under conditions of elevated electronic interference, where previous methods are prone to errors and loss of synchronization due to miscommunication of reconfiguration messages.
Innovation Solution
A robust communication system protocol that employs a combination of baseline and active configurations, allowing temporary configuration changes based on detected channel characteristics, and uses a counting sequence for coordinated synchronization of system configuration parameters, eliminating the need for acknowledgement-based protocols and ensuring synchronization even when reconfiguration messages are lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acknowledgement-based protocols are used for OLR, then synchronization reliability is improved, but communication overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential synchronization information (counting sequence) from the complex acknowledgement-based protocol and transmits it directly in the OLR message. This removes the need for separate acknowledgement exchanges while maintaining synchronization reliability, thereby reducing protocol complexity and communication overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter includes a counting sequence in the OLR message that indicates the exact time point when the updated configuration should be applied. This preliminary provision of timing information allows the receiver to synchronize configuration changes without waiting for acknowledgements, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Productivity
If traditional OLR protocols are used, then configuration updates are achieved, but synchronization is lost when reconfiguration messages are lost or miscommunicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counting sequence that provides feedback information about the timing of configuration updates. Both transmitter and receiver use this counting sequence to independently verify when to apply the new configuration, ensuring they remain synchronized even if messages are lost, thus maintaining reliability without sacrificing reconfiguration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being transmitted from a simple configuration update command to a configuration update command augmented with a counting sequence parameter. This parameter includes timing information that enables the receiver to determine exactly when to apply the update, ensuring synchronization is maintained even under elevated electronic interference conditions.
3Reliability
If synchronization flags are used on data sub-channels, then OLR synchronization is achieved, but data transmission interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization information into a counting sequence that is transmitted within the OLR message structure rather than using separate synchronization flags on data sub-channels. This integration allows configuration updates to be applied without interrupting data transmission, as the synchronization information is embedded in the existing communication flow rather than requiring dedicated flag transmission.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for maintaining configuration synchronization via an on-line reconfiguration (OLR) of system configuration parameters in a communication system having at least a first communication entity and a second communication entity that employ a reference configuration of system parameters, the method comprising the procedures of monitoring changes to at least one channel characteristic in at least one communication channel that links the first communication entity and the second communication entity; determining by the first communication entity an updated configuration that is constructed based on at least one modification relative to the reference configuration according to changes to the at least one channel characteristic; transmitting an OLR request from the first communication entity to the second communication entity via the at least one communication channel; receiving the OLR request by the second communication entity; and employing the updated configuration by the first communication entity and by the second communication entity.