Dynamic Channel Bonding for Power Reduction in DOCSIS Modems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data communication systems face challenges in maintaining high data rates while controlling power consumption, particularly in periods of low data demand or idle operation, due to the increased power consumption associated with channel bonding in DOCSIS systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamically adjusting channel bonding and operating modes in modems, such as switching from wideband to narrowband modes, and shutting down unused components to reduce power consumption, while maintaining system synchronization and allowing for quick reactivation when demand resumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If channel bonding is used to combine multiple channels, then data bandwidth is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel bonding adjustment where the modem can switch between wideband mode (multiple bonded channels) and narrowband mode (single channel) based on real-time data demand. The system dynamically reconfigures the number of active channels to balance between bandwidth availability and power consumption, resolving the contradiction by making the channel bonding configuration adaptable rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of channel bonding configuration based on data demand conditions. When data demand is high, the system bonds multiple channels to increase bandwidth; when data demand is low, the system transitions to single channel mode to reduce power consumption. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize the trade-off between bandwidth and power consumption based on actual usage conditions
2Productivity
If multiple front end modules are used to process bonded channels, then data processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data processing function into multiple independent front end modules, each capable of processing specific channels. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of modules based on channel bonding requirements, reducing overall device complexity when not all modules are needed while maintaining high processing capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by activating only the necessary number of front end modules based on current data demand. Instead of all modules operating continuously, the system partially utilizes the available processing capacity, reducing complexity and power consumption during low-demand periods while maintaining full capability when needed
3Speed
If wideband mode is used to maintain high data rates, then data throughput is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between wideband mode (for high data rates) and narrowband mode (for low power consumption) based on real-time data demand assessment. The system dynamically adjusts its operating mode to match actual usage patterns, resolving the contradiction between speed and energy consumption by making the mode selection adaptive rather than fixed
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for power control in communications devices. Bonding of channels in communication devices may be dynamically adjusted, such as responsive to requests for bandwidth adjustment. For example, bonded channel configurations may be adjusted based on power, such as to single channel configurations (or to channel configurations with small number of channels, such as relative to current configurations) for low power operations. Components (or functions thereof) used in conjunction with receiving and/or processing bonded channels may be dynamically adjusted. Such dynamic adjustments may be performed, for example, such as to maintain required synchronization and system information to facilitate rapid data transfer resumption upon demand.