Hybrid Cable Wireless Network Node Link Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable modem-based communication systems face limitations in upload capacity and resiliency, particularly for data-intensive applications like HD video creation, and are prone to service interruptions due to component failures and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid communication system that combines wireless and cable modem links, with a scheduler to dynamically manage traffic between the two, ensuring redundancy and optimal link utilization based on application needs, link quality, and maintenance schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable modem based communication is used, then reliable communication link with predictable transmission characteristics is provided, but upload capacity is limited and service interruptions occur during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cable modem communication and wireless communication into a hybrid system. The cable modem provides reliable downlink communication while the wireless interface (e.g., satellite, microwave, or cellular) provides high-capacity uplink communication. This merging allows the system to achieve both reliability and high upload capacity that neither technology could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The system can dynamically switch between cable modem and wireless interfaces based on application requirements, providing both high-reliability communication for standard applications and high-upload-capacity communication for data-intensive applications like HD video creation.
2Device complexity
If cable modem link is the sole communication link, then simple system architecture is maintained, but service interruptions occur during component failure or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements redundancy by providing an alternative wireless communication path before failures occur. When the cable modem link experiences component failure or scheduled maintenance, the system can seamlessly switch to the wireless interface, cushioning against service interruptions and maintaining continuous communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different communication interfaces based on real-time conditions. The scheduler monitors link quality, application requirements, and maintenance schedules, then adjusts the active communication path to optimize both reliability and performance.
3Reliability
If hybrid wireless and cable modem system is implemented, then redundancy and service continuity are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through an automated scheduler that monitors communication link conditions, application requirements, and maintenance schedules. The scheduler automatically makes decisions about which interface to use for each application, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing the operational complexity of managing a hybrid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments communication applications based on their requirements. Data-intensive uplink applications (e.g., HD video creation) are routed through the wireless interface, while standard applications use the cable modem link. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its intended purpose while simplifying the overall management of the hybrid system.
4Productivity
If cable modem uplink capacity is increased, then upload performance improves, but asymmetry between uplink and downlink persists
Solution Approach 1:
The system deliberately uses asymmetry to its advantage by matching communication interfaces to application requirements. The cable modem provides high-capacity downlink while the wireless interface provides high-capacity uplink, creating a symmetric overall system performance despite the asymmetric individual links. This approach allows each interface to operate in its optimal performance range.
Data Source
AI summary
Both wireless communication and communications via a cable modem are supported between a network node and a customer premises. Alternative communications links provide redundancy and the possibility to take advantage of the different types of links capacity to provide a level of service that would not be possible using a single communications link to a customer premises. In various embodiments a network node, such as a cable network node hubsite, has an optical connection to the Internet or another communications network and provides network access to one or a plurality of customer premises. The network node includes a wireless access point, e.g., pole mounted base station, as well as one or more cable modem interfaces to thereby allow for both wireless and cable modem based communications. This allows for packets of different applications to traverse different links and/or to switch between links in the event of maintenance or reliability issues.