Dynamic Interleave Depth Adjustment for Cable Modems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadband data distribution systems, such as cable modem networks, face challenges in optimizing data interleaving depths across devices due to static settings, leading to either increased latency or unacceptably high unrecoverable packets caused by burst noise, as the same interleave depth is applied uniformly across all devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic interleave depth adjustment system that classifies devices based on performance and noise interference, allowing for individual or group-specific interleave depth settings, which can be adjusted in real-time based on noise conditions, using a map to correlate timeslots with data streams and dynamically varying interleave depths to minimize latency and error rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a higher interleave depth is used, then reliability is improved by reducing unrecoverable packets due to burst noise, but latency increases for all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different interleave depths to be assigned to different cable modems or groups of cable modems based on their specific channel conditions. Instead of using a uniform interleave depth across the entire network, the CMTS can dynamically assign higher interleave depths to CMs experiencing burst noise while maintaining lower interleave depths for CMs with good channel conditions, thereby achieving localized optimization of both reliability and latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the interleave depth to be dynamically adjusted based on real-time channel conditions. The CMTS monitors channel quality metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio and error rates, and automatically modifies the interleave depth assignments for different cable modems accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing noise conditions and optimize performance over time.
2Loss of time
If a lower interleave depth is used, then latency is reduced, but the level of unrecoverable packets due to burst noise becomes unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different interleave depths to be assigned to different cable modems or groups of cable modems based on their specific channel conditions. Instead of using a uniform interleave depth across the entire network, the CMTS can dynamically assign higher interleave depths to CMs experiencing burst noise while maintaining lower interleave depths for CMs with good channel conditions, thereby achieving localized optimization of both reliability and latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the interleave depth to be dynamically adjusted based on real-time channel conditions. The CMTS monitors channel quality metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio and error rates, and automatically modifies the interleave depth assignments for different cable modems accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing noise conditions and optimize performance over time.
3Ease of operation
If a static interleave depth is set for all devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different noise conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically monitor channel conditions and adjust interleave depth assignments without requiring manual intervention. The CMTS continuously monitors metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio and error rates for each cable modem, and automatically modifies the interleave depth assignments based on the observed conditions. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration while maintaining high adaptability to varying noise conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a closed-loop control system where the CMTS monitors channel quality metrics and uses this information to dynamically adjust interleave depth assignments. The system continuously receives feedback about channel conditions from cable modems and automatically modifies its interleaving strategy in response, ensuring optimal performance under varying noise conditions without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2~3
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.