Dynamic Port Reassignment in Remote Network Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network nodes lack flexibility in dynamically reassigning output ports and redistributing network access data, leading to reduced quality of service, increased complexity, and extended downtime due to hardwired mappings and lack of redundancy in remote network devices, especially in Distributed Access Architectures (DAA) systems.

Innovation Solution

A network node with a network access device and configuration components that can dynamically reassign output ports and redistribute network access data based on traffic loads and component failures, allowing for flexible mapping and resource optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If hardwired mappings are used in network nodes, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but flexibility and adaptability are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic port reassignment capability that allows output ports to be flexibly mapped to different service groups based on traffic loads and component status. The system transitions from static hardwired mappings to dynamic configurable mappings, enabling the network node to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If redundancy is added to remote network devices, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized controller as an intermediary that manages redundancy and failover operations. Instead of implementing complex local redundancy mechanisms at each remote network device, the controller coordinates resource allocation and failure response across the network, reducing device complexity while maintaining system-level reliability through centralized management of backup resources and dynamic reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic reassignment capability is implemented, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the network system automatically monitors traffic loads, detects component failures, and performs dynamic port reassignments without manual intervention. The system autonomously evaluates conditions and executes reconfiguration operations, reducing the operational burden and complexity associated with manual management while maintaining high adaptability to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If centralized management is used, then ease of operation and control are improved, but response time and autonomy of individual nodes are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple valid port mappings and maintaining ready-to-use backup configurations. When failures or load changes occur, the system can immediately activate pre-prepared alternative mappings without requiring time-consuming real-time calculations or manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining centralized control while minimizing response time delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3935815B1System for increasing flexibility and high availability in remote network devices
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC
  • EP3935815B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3935815B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3935815B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A network node is provided for use with a broadband data provider facility, and the first and second subscriber groups, the broadband data provider facility being operable to provide first and second service group provider data. The network node includes a network access device and a downstream configuration component. The network access device converts the first and second service group provider data into first and second service group network access data, respectively. The downstream configuration component receives a configuration instruction, the first and second service group network access data and, based on the configuration instruction, provides the first service group network access data to the first subscriber group and the second service group network access data to the second subscriber group. The downstream configuration component further receives a second configuration instruction and, based on the second configuration instruction, provides the first service group network access data to the first and second subscriber groups.