Dynamic Rate Steering for Vectored Communication Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rate steering techniques for vectored communication lines are static, making them unsuitable for dynamic situations and requiring recalculation of vectoring coefficients for changes in configuration.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a communication system that uses two different sets of vectoring coefficients during normal and discontinuous operation intervals within a time frame, allowing for fast adjustments in data rate distribution by selecting symbol amounts and slower adjustments through updating coefficients based on traffic measurements and expectations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If static rate steering configuration is used, then implementation is simple, but adaptability to dynamic traffic conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to dynamic traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic rate steering by enabling the communication controller to adjust vectoring coefficients and rate steering configurations in real-time based on traffic measurements and expectations. The system transitions from static pre-calculated coefficients to dynamic coefficients that adapt to changing traffic conditions, allowing the communication lines to optimize performance under varying load conditions while maintaining implementation feasibility through structured adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If vectoring coefficients are recalculated for configuration changes, then rate steering accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate steering accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the balance between accuracy and processing time by selectively adjusting parameters. Instead of fully recalculating all vectoring coefficients for every configuration change, the system modifies specific parameters (such as power allocation and rate steering coefficients) based on traffic measurements and expectations. This selective parameter adjustment maintains rate steering accuracy while significantly reducing the computational processing time required for configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If all communication lines are active during NOI, then communication capacity is maximized, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by utilizing the Discontinuous Operation Interval (DOI) within the time frame structure. During DOI, certain communication lines are deactivated or placed in low-power state, reducing overall power consumption. The system periodically switches between active (NOI) and inactive (DOI) states for different lines based on traffic requirements, achieving a balance between maintaining communication capacity during needed intervals and reducing power consumption during intervals with lower traffic demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3629485B1Rate steering on vectored communication lines
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3629485B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3629485B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3629485B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Example embodiments relate to a communication controller (151) for controlling communications on vectored communication lines (112); wherein the communication controller is further configured to derive first and second sets of vectoring coefficients according to respective first and second rate steering configurations for coordinating joint transmission of respective first symbols during a normal operation interval, NOI, of a time frame and second symbols during a discontinuous operation interval, DOI, of the time frame; and wherein the amount and position of the second symbols in the time frame are common across the communication lines.