Hybrid HFC Network Data Transport via Legacy Coaxial Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data network infrastructures, such as LEC and MSO, lack the capacity to meet future bandwidth requirements for multimedia data services, and upgrading to fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) is costly and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines broadband and legacy network infrastructures to enhance data throughput by using existing coaxial or twisted-pair copper lines, leveraging fiber optic and coaxial cable mediums, and implementing a data distribution device with fiber optic transceivers, RF modulators, and wireless capabilities to manage and route data packets efficiently, allowing for increased bandwidth and quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) infrastructure is upgraded to increase bandwidth capacity, then data throughput and bandwidth requirements are met, but deployment cost and system disruption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines legacy coaxial cable infrastructure with modern fiber optic technology in a hybrid HFC network. The system merges DOCSIS-based coaxial data transmission with fiber optic backbone connections, allowing existing copper infrastructure to be utilized while incorporating fiber for high-capacity trunk lines, thereby achieving high bandwidth without complete FTTP deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid network infrastructure serves multiple functions simultaneously: legacy coaxial lines continue to provide traditional cable services while also carrying enhanced data traffic through DOCSIS 3.1/4.0 modems. The system accommodates both old and new technologies, allowing gradual migration and multi-purpose use of existing assets
2Productivity
If fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) infrastructure is upgraded to increase bandwidth capacity, then data throughput and bandwidth requirements are met, but system disruption and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing complete FTTP to every premise, the patent applies fiber optic technology partially - only to trunk lines and aggregation points where it provides maximum benefit. The majority of the last-mile connection continues to use existing coaxial infrastructure, reducing installation complexity while still achieving sufficient bandwidth through selective fiber deployment
3Ease of manufacture
If legacy coaxial and twisted-pair copper lines are used to maintain existing infrastructure, then deployment cost is reduced, but bandwidth capacity and data throughput are insufficient for future multimedia services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing coaxial infrastructure by implementing DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0 standards, which enable much higher data rates over the same physical medium. Frequency spectrum utilization is expanded, modulation schemes are enhanced, and channel bonding techniques are applied to extract significantly more bandwidth capacity from legacy copper lines without physical upgrades
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates generally to data communications using multiple data networks to transport data to one or more end user devices.