Microwave Link Modem Adaptive Modulation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave communication networks face challenges in maintaining stability and availability due to excessive network state changes caused by adaptive modulation, which can render the network unstable and limit the use of adaptive modulation, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for microwave link control that detects link performance degradation indicators in data packets, providing information to a packet control unit to facilitate controlled network state changes and improve network stability, allowing for larger and faster bandwidth changes, and enabling better path calculations and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If adaptive modulation is used to increase transmission rate based on current propagation conditions, then average link throughput is significantly increased, but excessive network state changes occur causing network instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing link performance degradation indicators to the packet control unit in advance of actual performance degradation. This allows the network to proactively adjust traffic routing and load balancing before adaptive modulation causes instability, thereby maintaining network stability while preserving the throughput benefits of adaptive modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring link performance and providing degradation indicators back to the packet control unit. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of traffic routing based on real-time link conditions, allowing the system to maintain stability while utilizing adaptive modulation for high throughput.
2Reliability
If redundant topologies are implemented to provide path diversity, then network availability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic path selection based on real-time link performance indicators. Instead of static redundant paths, the system dynamically routes traffic through optimal paths determined by current link conditions, reducing the need for complex permanent redundant infrastructure while maintaining high availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by monitoring link performance degradation indicators and adjusting routing decisions based on these parameters. This allows the network to efficiently utilize existing infrastructure by changing routing parameters rather than deploying complex redundant topologies, thereby improving availability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If adaptive modulation changes transmission rate rapidly in response to propagation conditions, then bandwidth utilization is optimized, but network state changes become excessive and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing performance degradation indicators to the packet control unit before actual degradation occurs. This allows the control system to anticipate and prepare for bandwidth changes, smoothing out rapid fluctuations and making the network's response to adaptive modulation more predictable and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring link performance and providing real-time degradation indicators to the packet control unit. This feedback enables the control system to adjust traffic routing in response to adaptive modulation changes, optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining predictable control through informed decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Data packets in a communications signal on a microwave link are received by a microwave link modem. One or more link performance degradation indicators in the data packets are detected by processing the communications signal. The microwave link modem provides to a packet control unit information relating to the one or more link performance degradation indicators such that control of the microwave link is facilitated.