Extended-Spectrum Cable Signaling for Stable High-Bandwidth Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable networks experience issues such as congestion, speed losses, and service interruptions, leading to a degradation of user experience, necessitating systems and methods to improve network stability and operational data transfer rates.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of systems and methods that extend the spectrum of operation of a network by determining signal portions with different frequency bands, applying attenuation, and transmitting signals at a flat power-spectral density, using techniques like orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), to enhance network stability and reduce maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the network operates in traditional frequency bands, then existing infrastructure can be used, but network congestion and speed losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidnetwork stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the network operation into a new frequency dimension (millimeter wave spectrum above 24 GHz) rather than competing in traditional congested bands. This dimensional expansion provides additional capacity while maintaining network stability through dedicated spectrum allocation and advanced signal processing techniques designed for this frequency range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the available spectrum into multiple frequency bands, utilizing both traditional sub-6 GHz bands for reliable coverage and millimeter wave bands for high-capacity data transfer. This segmentation allows different services and data streams to operate on different frequency segments, reducing congestion while maintaining overall network stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If signal attenuation is applied to extend frequency operation, then higher frequency bands can be utilized, but signal strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band rangeVSAvoidsignal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different signal processing qualities to different frequency portions: attenuation is applied to the first portion (higher frequencies above 1.2 GHz) to enable extended spectrum operation, while the second portion (lower frequencies) maintains higher power for reliable transmission. This local differentiation of signal characteristics allows the system to operate across extended frequency ranges while maintaining adequate signal strength in each band

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes signal parameters including attenuation levels and power spectral density distribution across different frequency bands. By adjusting these parameters, the system can extend operation into higher frequency bands while compensating for signal strength decreases through optimized power allocation and spectral shaping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11689397B2Systems and methods for extended spectrum cable network
Publication Date: 2023.06.27 COX COMMUNICATIONS INC
  • US11689397B2 patent drawing
  • US11689397B2 patent drawing
  • US11689397B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In various embodiment, the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatuses describe extending the usage spectrum for cable networks (e.g., hybrid fiber-coaxial networks). In particular, embodiments of the disclosure described determining a first portion of a signal having a first frequency band, the first frequency band being greater than approximately 1.2 GHz; determining a second portion of the signal having a second frequency band, the second frequency band being less than or equal to approximately 1.2 GHz; applying an attenuation to the first portion of the signal; and transmitting the second portion of the signal at a flat power-spectral density. Various other related systems, methods, and apparatuses are described.