DSL Power Allocation via Intermediate SNR Margins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DSL systems face challenges in adapting power allocations due to changes in channel conditions, such as new users joining or upgrading, which can lead to invalid optimal joint power allocations, resulting in unacceptable service interruptions and suboptimal SNR margins.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining intermediate power allocations that provide a predefined minimum SNR margin for active users, allowing gradual convergence to a new power allocation without disrupting existing users, using spectral limitation masks and limited power budgets, and optimizing via dual decomposition and convex relaxation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If optimal joint power allocation is computed by SMC based on current channel conditions, then system performance is optimized, but the allocation becomes invalid when channel conditions change (new users joining, service upgrades), causing service interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation adjustment by enabling modems to adapt their power spectra continuously based on changing channel conditions, rather than relying on static periodic re-initialization. The SMC receives updated channel information and computes new power allocations that are gradually applied, allowing the system to respond dynamically to user additions, departures, or service changes without service interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where modems continuously report channel conditions and performance metrics to the SMC, which then adjusts power allocations accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to detect changes in channel conditions (such as new users joining or service upgrades) and compute updated power allocations that maintain service quality while adapting to new conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If power allocation is updated by forcing re-initialization of modems, then new power allocation is achieved, but data transmission is interrupted and service quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower allocation adaptabilityVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having modems gradually adjust their power spectra toward the new optimal allocation over multiple transmission intervals, rather than making an abrupt change. This progressive adaptation allows the system to reach the new power allocation state without forcing re-initialization, thereby maintaining continuous service while achieving the desired adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic power spectrum adjustment where modems can continuously modify their power allocation based on SMC instructions, eliminating the need for static re-initialization events. This dynamic approach allows seamless transitions between different power allocation states while maintaining uninterrupted data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If periodic re-initialization is used to update power allocation, then system adapts to channel changes, but transmission time is lost and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel adaptationVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by enabling power allocation updates to occur during normal data transmission without requiring periodic re-initialization intervals. Modems continuously adapt their power spectra based on SMC instructions, allowing the system to maintain both adaptability to channel changes and continuous productive data transmission, thereby eliminating time loss associated with periodic resets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If power allocation does not adapt to channel changes, then service continuity is maintained, but system performance degrades and SNR margin becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoiddata rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control where the SMC continuously monitors channel conditions and performance metrics, then adjusts power allocations to maintain optimal SNR margins. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system adapts to channel changes (such as new users joining or service upgrades) while maintaining service continuity and optimizing data rates through dynamic power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic power allocation that automatically adjusts to changing channel conditions while maintaining service continuity. The system transitions from static periodic updates to continuous dynamic adaptation, allowing power spectra to be optimized in real-time based on actual channel state, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2569868B1Adjusting a power allocation of users in a digital subscriber line environment
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 ADTRAN GMBH
  • EP2569868B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2569868B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2569868B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and a device for adjusting a power allocation of users in a digital subscriber line environment are provided, wherein an intermediate power allocation is determined for at least one user initializing with the digital subscriber line environment based on a new power allocation determined for the digital subscriber line environment comprising this at least one user; and wherein the intermediate power allocation provides a predefined minimum SNR margin for the active users of the digital subscriber line environment. Furthermore, a communication system is suggested comprising said device.