HFC Infrastructure Telemetry Using Sensor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and time-consuming process of deploying new network infrastructure for telemetry services, particularly in urban areas, limit the expansion of telemetry service providers due to capital expenditures and regulatory approvals, making it challenging to install communication links between sensors and central offices.
Innovation Solution
The use of existing Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network infrastructure, including headend resources, optical/RF links, remote nodes, amplifiers, and customer premise equipment, to implement a telemetry network that facilitates the gathering and transmission of monitoring data from sensor modules to a telemetry control center, leveraging DOCSIS and P2P optical links for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new network infrastructure is deployed for telemetry services, then telemetry service coverage and accuracy are improved, but deployment cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the existing HFC network infrastructure to serve dual purposes: traditional cable television services and new telemetry services. The HFC network's headend, optical/RF links, remote nodes, and customer premise equipment are leveraged to transmit telemetry data from sensor modules to central offices, eliminating the need for dedicated telemetry infrastructure deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the HFC network as an intermediary carrier to transmit telemetry data. Instead of building direct point-to-point connections between sensors and central offices, the existing HFC infrastructure acts as a mediator that routes telemetry information through its established optical/RF link architecture, significantly reducing deployment complexity and time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new network infrastructure is deployed for telemetry services, then telemetry service coverage is improved, but capital expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the existing HFC network infrastructure to serve dual purposes: traditional cable television services and new telemetry services. The HFC network's headend, optical/RF links, remote nodes, and customer premise equipment are leveraged to transmit telemetry data from sensor modules to central offices, eliminating the need for dedicated telemetry infrastructure deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having the existing HFC network infrastructure perform the additional function of carrying telemetry data without requiring separate capital investment for telemetry-specific infrastructure. The network's existing resources are utilized to support the new service, effectively making the infrastructure serve itself by accommodating multiple service types.
3Productivity
If new network infrastructure is deployed for telemetry services, then telemetry service capability is improved, but regulatory approval time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by utilizing the HFC network infrastructure that was already deployed and approved for television services before telemetry services are launched. The infrastructure, including optical/RF links and customer premise equipment, is pre-in place and ready to carry telemetry data, eliminating the need for new infrastructure deployment that would require additional regulatory approvals.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate a gathering and transmission of monitoring data from a sensor module to a telemetry control center. One or more sensor modules may be attached or otherwise connected to one or more devices that are included within an HFC infrastructure. Each sensor module may include one or more sensors that capture monitoring signals. The sensor module may interface with a communication link that is associated with the device to which it is connected. The sensor module may process the captured monitoring signals and output the processed signals to a telemetry control center, the processed signals being output over a reverse signal path that is utilized by the device to which the sensor module is connected.