HFC Upstream Signal Leak Detection with Interleaved OFDMA Bursts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leakage testing solutions are unable to effectively detect upstream signal leaks below 42 MHz in hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks without causing service interruptions, particularly in the expanded upstream spectrum that overlaps the aeronautical band, which is crucial for broadband speed and network capacity management.
Innovation Solution
A computing device sends network analysis signals to user devices, causing them to generate interleaved upstream OFDMA signals for leak detection, using timing and proximity-based scheduling to ensure accurate leak detection without disrupting regular user data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional leakage testing methods are used to detect upstream signal leaks below 42 MHz, then service interruptions occur, but signal leak detection capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling OFDMA burst test signals to be transmitted only during specific time windows when the leak detection device is expected to be in proximity to user devices. This periodic testing approach enables leak detection without requiring continuous service interruptions, as testing occurs in scheduled intervals rather than continuously blocking upstream spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using timing and proximity-based scheduling to predict when and where leak detection signals should be transmitted. The computing device schedules test signals in advance based on expected leak detector proximity, allowing the system to prepare and transmit detection signals proactively rather than reactively, thereby minimizing service disruption while maintaining detection capability.
2Productivity
If OFDMA burst test signals are interleaved with regular user data, then spectral efficiency is optimized, but detection sensitivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the upstream spectrum into distinct time-frequency resources: some resources are allocated for regular user data transmission while others are designated for OFDMA burst test signals. This segmentation allows both user data and leak detection signals to coexist in the same spectrum without相互 interference, maintaining both spectral efficiency and detection sensitivity through proper resource partitioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses timing synchronization and scheduling mechanisms as intermediaries to coordinate between user data transmission and leak detection signal transmission. The computing device acts as an intermediary that manages the interleaving of test signals with user data, ensuring that detection signals are transmitted at optimal moments when they can be clearly detected while minimizing impact on user data throughput.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If timing and proximity-based scheduling is used for signal transmission, then service disruption is minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling user devices to autonomously transmit OFDMA burst test signals based on scheduling instructions from the computing device. The cable modems themselves perform the leak detection signal transmission without requiring external intervention or complex coordination hardware at each user premises, thereby minimizing service disruption while keeping the added system complexity manageable through standardized DOCSIS protocol extensions.
Data Source
AI summary
Signals used to test for upstream signal leaks in a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network may be interleaved with client data and strategically timed to be received by a leak detection device with a one-hundred percent probability of intercept. A method includes receiving an indication that a user device is in proximity to a computing device. The method includes determining, based on the indication that the user device is in proximity to the computing device, signal information. The method includes causing, based on the signal information, the user device to output a signal. The method includes determining, based on an indication that the signal was received by the computing device, a location of a network leak.