Home Wiring RF Attenuation Characterization via Ad Hoc Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home network testing systems fail to characterize individual sections of coaxial cable networks effectively, lacking the ability to measure RF attenuation between endpoints and determine the presence of network components, which hinders the identification of suitable endpoints for end devices.
Innovation Solution
A test system that uses remote modules with Zigbee or Z-wave technology to transmit test signals, measure RF power levels, and compare them to thresholds to determine endpoint suitability, while identifying network components and topology through RF attenuation analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art testing systems are used to provide frequency response of the network, then network characterization is achieved, but individual sections of the network cannot be characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the home network into individual sections or segments between endpoints. Each test signal traverses specific cable segments and components, allowing the system to characterize each section independently by analyzing which sections the signal passes through and measuring attenuation specific to each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces test signals as intermediaries that traverse the network sections. These test signals carry information about the sections they pass through, enabling indirect characterization of individual network segments without directly accessing each component. The test signals act as mediators between the testing system and the network sections.
2Measurement precision
If network topology characterization is performed by sending test signals between nodes, then all nodes are characterized, but network sections between endpoints cannot be characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends node-based characterization to section-based characterization by analyzing the paths that test signals take between nodes. By examining which sections the signal traverses and measuring the attenuation, the system can infer characteristics of the sections themselves, not just the endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from characterizing only endpoints (zero-dimensional points) to characterizing the sections or segments (one-dimensional paths) between endpoints. This dimensional shift allows characterization of the intermediate portions of the network that were previously invisible to testing systems.
3Measurement precision
If RF attenuation measurement is performed without section-specific analysis, then overall network loss is obtained, but individual component loss cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total RF attenuation measurement into individual component contributions. By analyzing test signal attenuation across different sections and using the known topology, the system can allocate the total loss to specific components such as cables, splitters, and connectors individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the measured attenuation values are fed back into the analysis process to refine the characterization of individual components. The system uses the measured data to update its understanding of each section's contribution to total loss, improving the accuracy of component-specific loss determination.
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
Enables precise measurement of RF characteristics and determination of endpoint suitability for various devices by accurately assessing RF attenuation and network topology, facilitating improved troubleshooting and installation of home networking technologies.
Implementation Method 1
determining the amount of RF attenuation among the wiring endpoints
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a method of measuring the RF losses among home wiring endpoints using battery-powered “remotes” placed at each accessible endpoint in the home. The remotes use a low power, ad hoc networking technology, e.g. Zigbee, Z-wave, to connect to one another over the home wiring, rather than over the air via antennas as in typical applications of these technologies.