Dynamic Interleave Control for Cable Modem Latency and Burst Noise

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadband data distribution systems face inefficiencies in data transmission due to statically set interleave depths, which can result in either increased latency or unacceptably high levels of unrecoverable packets caused by burst noise, as they do not account for varying noise interference across different devices in a network.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic interleave depth setting system that classifies devices based on performance and adjusts interleave depths in response to noise interference, allowing for individual or group-based adjustments to optimize data transmission by associating interleave depths with data streams and using a map to determine timeslots for transmission, enabling seamless adaptation to changing noise conditions without interrupting data flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If higher interleave depths are used, then data loss due to burst noise is reduced, but latency increases for all devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata loss reductionVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different interleave depths to different cable modems based on their individual noise conditions. Instead of using a uniform interleave depth for all devices, the system dynamically determines and applies customized interleave depths tailored to each modem's specific environment, thereby reducing unnecessary latency for devices in low-noise areas while maintaining high reliability for devices in high-noise areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making interleave depths adjustable and adaptable over time. The system continuously monitors noise conditions and dynamically modifies interleave depths in response to changing environmental conditions, allowing the network to optimize between reliability and latency as noise conditions vary, rather than being locked into a static configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If lower interleave depths are used, then latency is reduced, but unrecoverable packets due to burst noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelatencyVSAvoidpacket recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different interleave depths to different cable modems based on their individual noise conditions. Instead of using a uniform interleave depth for all devices, the system dynamically determines and applies customized interleave depths tailored to each modem's specific environment, thereby reducing unnecessary latency for devices in low-noise areas while maintaining high reliability for devices in high-noise areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring noise conditions and using this information to adjust interleave depths. The system observes burst noise patterns and modem performance metrics, then feeds this information back into the interleave depth determination process, allowing real-time optimization of the balance between latency and packet recovery based on actual network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If static interleave depth is set for all devices, then system complexity is reduced, but performance optimization for individual devices is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterleave configurationVSAvoiddata throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling cable modems to autonomously determine their own optimal interleave depths based on locally observed noise conditions. Each modem monitors its own environment and selects appropriate interleave parameters without requiring complex centralized configuration management, thereby reducing system complexity while still achieving device-specific performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making interleave depths adjustable and adaptable over time. The system continuously monitors noise conditions and dynamically modifies interleave depths in response to changing environmental conditions, allowing the network to optimize between reliability and latency as noise conditions vary, rather than being locked into a static configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8296624B2Variable interleave data transmission

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 ADEIA MEDIA HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

In cable modem termination systems (CMTS) and other information transmission systems, a method for changing the interleave depth associated with each data stream is provided. This may be done dynamically, and for any subset of downstream devices such as modems. The interleave depth may be set on an individual device level. Embodiments may decrease data receiving latency on devices that do not suffer from error rates, such as caused by burst noise, while maintaining throughput on devices with high error rates.