Guided Wave Communication Fault Detection via Roundtrip Delay Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in efficiently detecting faults in distributed antenna systems, particularly in identifying operational faults in wireless communication networks, which can lead to service disruptions and reduced network performance.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data along a transmission medium, such as a wire, without requiring an electrical return path, and employs coupling devices to launch and extract guided electromagnetic waves, enabling fault detection through sequential retransmission of test signals and analysis of roundtrip delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fault detection methods are used in distributed antenna systems, then the system can operate, but fault detection efficiency is low and service disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary fault detection by injecting test signals into the transmission medium before normal operation is affected. The fault detection apparatus continuously monitors the transmission medium by sending test signals and analyzing roundtrip delays, identifying faults before they cause service disruptions. This preliminary action ensures high reliability while maintaining detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses test signals as intermediaries to detect faults in the transmission medium. Instead of directly monitoring the main communication signals, the system introduces separate test signals that travel through the same medium and carry fault information back to the detection apparatus. This intermediary approach enables efficient fault detection without interfering with normal network operations.
2Measurement precision
If sequential retransmission of test signals is performed for fault detection, then fault detection accuracy improves, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection apparatus employs periodic action by sequentially transmitting test signals to different antenna elements in a systematic pattern. Each test signal is sent at regular intervals and the roundtrip delay is measured for each element. This periodic sequential approach maintains high detection accuracy by thoroughly testing each component while managing detection time through efficient signal sequencing and parallel processing capabilities.
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 approach allows for effective fault detection and mitigation in communication networks, enhancing network reliability and performance by identifying operational faults and reducing service disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
A guided wave communication system that uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data along a transmission medium, such as a wire
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for transmitting a source test signal directed to a second system of a distributed communication system for a retransmission of the source test signal by the second system and a plurality of other systems of the distributed communication system, receiving a plurality of returned test signals from the second system, wherein the plurality of returned test signals corresponds to a retransmission of the source test signal by at least one of the plurality of other systems, and determining from the plurality of returned test signals whether any one of the plurality of other systems is experiencing an operational fault based on an expected round trip delay for each of the plurality of returned test signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.