Micro CMTS for GPON Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cable network systems, particularly in hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks, face inefficiencies and high costs due to complex and expensive Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS) designed for servicing hundreds to thousands of subscriber devices, which are inadequate for the evolving IP-based digital broadcasting and micro cell environments.
Innovation Solution
A transmission apparatus and method utilizing a micro CMTS integrated with a passive optical network (PON) receiver and transmitter, operating on gigabit passive optical network (GPON), which receives IP packets for both broadcasting and communication services through optical wavelengths, converts them into DOCSIS frames, and transmits them over coaxial lines to subscriber devices, allowing for efficient service grouping and increased transmission rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an existing CMTS is used to service hundreds to thousands of subscriber devices, then the system can support large-scale networks, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-scale network into multiple micro-cells, each serviced by a simplified micro-CMTS. Instead of one complex CMTS handling all subscribers, multiple small CMTS units each handle a limited number of subscribers (e.g., 10-100 devices per micro-CMTS), reducing individual device complexity while maintaining overall network capacity through segmentation.
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for digital broadcasting services and communication services, then service quality can be optimized for each type, but the overall system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges broadcasting service delivery and communication service delivery into a unified micro-CMTS platform. The micro-CMTS handles both IP-based broadcasting packets and DOCSIS communication traffic through a single device, reducing the need for separate broadcasting and communication equipment while maintaining service quality through integrated resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-CMTS is designed as a universal platform capable of providing multiple services (broadcasting and communication) through a single device. It can process different types of traffic (IP packets for broadcasting, DOCSIS frames for communication) and serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for dedicated separate devices for each service type.
3Productivity
If micro cells with tens of subscriber devices are created to improve service quality per subscriber, then transmission rate per subscriber increases, but the number of CMTS units required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple inexpensive micro-CMTS units, each designed to serve a small micro-cell. While the number of units increases compared to a single large CMTS, each micro-CMTS is significantly cheaper and simpler, making the overall system more cost-effective. The simplified design allows for easier deployment and maintenance despite the increased quantity of units.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a transmission apparatus and a transmission method for a subscriber network in a cable network. A passive optical network (GPON) receiver receives data packets through a fiber line using a plurality of optical wavelengths from a head end. A micro cable modem termination system (CMTS) converts the data packets into a data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS)-based DOCSIS frame and transmits the DOCSIS frame to at least one subscriber device through a coaxial line.