MoCA Network Expanders for MDU Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing high-bandwidth network access to multiple dwelling units (MDUs) over existing coaxial cables is challenging due to distance limitations and the need for solutions that can offer speeds comparable to fiber optic connections without requiring new infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) system that includes network expanders and distribution point units (DPUs) connected via coaxial cables, allowing for the retransmission of signals using MoCA protocols to ensure consistent high-bandwidth access across MDUs, even at longer distances, while also enabling coexistence with cable or satellite television signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If network access is provided over existing coaxial cables in MDUs, then infrastructure cost is reduced and deployment flexibility is improved, but network speed and bandwidth are limited especially at longer distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces MoCA network expanders as intermediary devices that receive signals from the DPU, amplify and retransmit them over the coaxial cable network. These expanders act as signal boosters positioned at strategic locations in the MDU, enabling high-speed network access (1 Gbps or greater) to extend to units located 250 meters or more from the main connection point without requiring new fiber optic infrastructure.
2Ease of manufacture
If G.fast protocols are used over phone lines, then network access can be provided without new infrastructure, but aggregate data rates per unit are limited to 700 Mbps and speeds decrease substantially with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from phone lines (G.fast) to coaxial cables (MoCA), and introduces network expanders that actively amplify signals. This allows the system to achieve peak aggregate data rates of 1 Gbps or greater per unit, significantly exceeding G.fast's 700 Mbps limit, while maintaining performance over longer distances through signal regeneration.
3Ease of manufacture
If coaxial cables are used for network access, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but signal quality and speed degrade as cable length increases beyond 250 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coaxial cable network into multiple zones, each served by a MoCA network expander. Instead of running a single long cable from the DPU to all units, the system divides the network into shorter segments (each under 250 meters) with expanders positioned at intermediate points. This segmentation maintains signal quality and achieves 1 Gbps speeds even for units located 500 meters or more from the main connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A data network for a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) enables efficient use of a MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) system. The data network includes a distribution point unit (DPU) connected to an access network, a plurality of modems in the MDU, a plurality of coaxial cables extending through the MDU between the DPU and the plurality of modems, and at least one network expander present between the DPU and a subset of the plurality of modems. The network expander can be a repeater that retransmits received signals, wherein the DPU, the plurality of modems, and the network expander exchange data via the plurality of coaxial cables using MoCA protocols.