HFC Network Fault Localization via Reference Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HFC network fault locating methods cannot accurately identify and locate individual fault points, especially in fault groups with a single fault point or multiple fault points, due to limitations in pre-equalization coefficient analysis.
Innovation Solution
The method involves collecting pre-equalization coefficients before and after introducing a reference fault point with a known location, calculating relative distances and fault severities using proactive network maintenance using pre-equalization (PNMP) algorithms, to determine the location of each fault point within a fault group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-equalization coefficient analysis is used for fault locating, then fault detection capability is provided, but individual fault point location precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference fault point as an intermediary element with known location and adjustable reflection loss. This reference point serves as a benchmark against which other fault points can be compared, enabling precise location determination. The reference fault point mediates between the pre-equalization coefficient measurements and the actual fault locations, resolving the precision problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the reflection loss parameter of the reference fault point to different levels (first level and second level) to create distinguishable measurement conditions. By changing this parameter and observing the corresponding changes in pre-equalization coefficients, the system can accurately determine fault point locations through comparison, thus improving measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If pre-equalization coefficient of single CM is used, then device complexity is reduced, but fault locating accuracy for single fault point deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fault detection process into two distinct phases: first measuring with the reference fault point at a first reflection loss level, then measuring again at a second reflection loss level. This segmentation of the measurement process into multiple stages with different parameters enables accurate single fault point location while keeping the physical measurement system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring a reference fault point with known location characteristics before actual fault detection. This preliminary setup creates a reference framework that simplifies subsequent measurements and enables accurate location determination without requiring complex real-time analysis systems.
3Loss of information
If relative distance calculation between fault points is performed, then fault group identification is enabled, but absolute location determination of individual fault points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copied reference model of the fault location problem by establishing a reference fault point with known position. This reference copy serves as a template against which actual fault measurements are compared, enabling conversion from relative distance calculations to absolute location determination while preserving complete fault group information.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for fault localization of a Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) network, wherein the method comprises: obtaining a fault group in an HFC network; collecting pre-equalization coefficients of at least one cable modem (CM); opening a reference fault spot corresponding to the fault group and having a known location; recollecting the pre-equalization coefficients of the at least one CM; and determining relative distances from the various fault spots in the fault group separately to the reference fault spot according to the pre-equalization coefficients collected at two successive moments. The present invention can implement not only the localization of various fault spots in a fault group comprising a plurality of fault spots, but also the localization of a fault group merely comprising a single fault spot.