Local Communications Network Bypassing Headend Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication networks often experience inefficiencies due to indirect routing, which results in longer signal paths and increased latency, particularly when relying on headends or termination systems for message relay between devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a local communication network (LCN) that enables direct point-to-point or multicast communications between devices within a network, bypassing the need for relay through a central processing entity, by configuring cable modems to process both downstream and upstream messaging with specific signaling characteristics that overcome isolation and loss in the network infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect routing through headend or termination system is used, then network control and management is simplified, but signaling path length increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into two operational modes: indirect routing through headend/termination system for general traffic, and direct local communication for time-sensitive traffic. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplified control architecture while enabling low-latency paths when needed, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and signaling speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between indirect and direct routing paths based on traffic requirements. For normal traffic, indirect routing maintains network control simplicity; for time-sensitive traffic, direct routing reduces latency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing both modes to coexist and be used appropriately.
2Ease of operation
If indirect routing through intermediary processing entities is used, then network management is centralized, but communication path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication paths into managed indirect paths and direct local paths. Indirect paths through headend/termination systems maintain centralized management for general traffic, while direct paths bypass intermediaries for local communications, reducing path length without sacrificing overall network manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses headend or termination system as intermediary for indirect routing when centralized management is needed, but enables direct communication between cable modems for local traffic. This selective use of intermediaries resolves the contradiction by applying centralized management only where necessary while allowing direct paths elsewhere.
3Loss of time
If direct local communication is implemented, then latency is reduced and bandwidth is conserved, but network infrastructure isolation must be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful isolation effect of network infrastructure (splitters, taps, amplifiers) into a beneficial feature by identifying and utilizing isolation windows in the frequency spectrum. These isolation windows, which normally prevent signal interference, are exploited to enable direct communication between cable modems through the passive infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing latency and overcoming isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters (frequency selection, power levels, modulation schemes) to successfully transmit signals through the isolated network infrastructure. By adjusting these parameters to match the characteristics of isolation windows, direct local communication becomes feasible despite the presence of splitters, taps, and amplifiers, resolving the contradiction between low latency and infrastructure isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
A local communication network (LCN) is contemplated. The LCN may be established within an existing network by leveraging network capabilities in order to facilitate local communications of the type whereby point-to-point (P-to-P) or other types of messaging and/or signaling may be communicated directly between devices without having to be relayed through a headend, a termination system or other processing entity.