Feedback-Based Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Network Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems are power-hungry, slow, expensive, and inflexible, particularly in hybrid fiber-coaxial networks, which limits their efficiency and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A feedback-based configuration system for hybrid fiber-coaxial networks that includes a reconfigurable fiber node with optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversion circuits, allowing for autonomous alignment and power adjustments based on real-time performance metrics, enabling remote reconfiguration and improved power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional communication systems are used in hybrid fiber-coaxial networks, then system stability is maintained, but power consumption is excessive and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber node is designed with reconfigurable capabilities that allow dynamic adjustment of operational parameters such as wavelength, power levels, and connection topology based on real-time network conditions and service requirements, transforming a static system into an adaptable one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables remote modification of operational parameters including optical wavelength, transmission power, and signal configuration through feedback mechanisms, allowing the network to optimize performance and adapt to changing demands without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If manual configuration methods are used for fiber nodes, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but reconfiguration speed and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration speedVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration system incorporates feedback loops that monitor network performance metrics and automatically adjust fiber node parameters, enabling rapid adaptive reconfiguration based on actual operating conditions without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber node具备self-configuration capabilities through automated alignment mechanisms and remote management interfaces, allowing the system to reconfigure itself or be reconfigured remotely without requiring complex manual alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If fixed configuration fiber nodes are deployed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but remote maintenance capability and operational flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote maintenance capabilityVSAvoidnode manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber node incorporates universal interfaces and standardized reconfigurable components that enable multiple functions including automatic alignment, remote configuration, and various service modes, allowing a single design to serve multiple operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances the efficiency and flexibility of hybrid fiber-coaxial networks by reducing power consumption, improving performance metrics, and allowing for remote maintenance, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a reconfigurable fiber node with optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversion circuits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical-to-electrical conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a reconfigurable fiber node with optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversion circuits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical-to-optical conversion: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10469166B2Feedback-based configuration of a hybrid fiber-coaxial network
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 ENTROPIC COMM INC
  • US10469166B2 patent drawing
  • US10469166B2 patent drawing
  • US10469166B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Circuitry of a fiber node which is configured to couple to an optical link and an electrical link may comprise an electrical-to-optical conversion circuit for transmitting on the optical link. The circuitry may be operable to receive signals via the optical link. The circuitry may select between or among different configurations of the electrical-to-optical conversion circuit based on the signals received via the optical link. The signals received via the optical link may be intended for one or more gateways served by the fiber node or may be dedicated signals intended for configuration of the circuitry. The circuitry may be operable to generate feedback and insert the feedback into a datastream received from one or more gateways via the electrical link prior to transmitting the datastream onto the optical link.