FDX Expander Signal Separation on Legacy Coax Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conversion to full duplex communication systems requires replacing legacy analog amplifiers with FDX nodes, leading to increased costs and timelines due to the need for fiber connections, which is not compatible with existing coaxial cable infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of FDX expanders that can amplify full duplex signals in the same frequency band, allowing for the separation and amplification of downstream and upstream signals without the need to replace legacy analog amplifiers with FDX nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy analog amplifiers are replaced with FDX nodes to enable full duplex transmission, then full duplex communication capability is improved, but deployment cost and timeline increase due to fiber infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces FDX expanders as intermediary devices that interface between legacy analog amplifiers and FDX nodes. These expanders receive full-duplex signals from FDX nodes, separate them into upstream and downstream components, and amplify them appropriately before delivering to subscriber premises. This intermediary approach allows gradual migration to full-duplex capability without requiring complete replacement of the amplifier infrastructure with fiber connections.
2Reliability
If FDX nodes are deployed to provide full duplex service, then communication performance is improved, but infrastructure complexity increases due to fiber cable replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network infrastructure into distinct functional zones: FDX nodes handle full-duplex signal processing and fiber connections at strategic locations, while legacy analog amplifiers continue to serve their traditional amplification function in coaxial segments. FDX expanders bridge these segments by converting between full-duplex and traditional amplification formats. This segmentation allows the network to support full-duplex service without requiring complete fiberization of all segments.
3Ease of manufacture
If legacy amplifiers are retained instead of replacing with FDX nodes, then deployment cost is reduced, but full duplex transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes legacy analog amplifiers multi-functional by adding FDX expander capabilities that enable them to handle full-duplex traffic. The expanders allow these amplifiers to simultaneously support traditional single-direction traffic and new full-duplex services. This universality extends the useful life of existing amplifier infrastructure while enabling advanced full-duplex functionality, avoiding the need for complete hardware replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method receives a downstream signal and an upstream signal in a same frequency band. The downstream signal and the upstream signal are separated into a first path and a second path. The downstream signal using the first path and the upstream signal using the second path are amplified in an analog domain. The method isolates the downstream signal and the upstream signal from one another and sends the downstream signal downstream to a subscriber device and sends the upstream signal towards a full duplex node.