Network Characterizing Unit for In-Service Vectoring Performance Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating vectoring performance metrics in DSL systems are time-consuming and disruptive, making them unsuitable for in-service use, especially in large vectoring groups where measuring single-user bit rates requires significant time and involves frequent line initialization and deactivation.
Innovation Solution
A network characterizing unit that uses mutually orthogonal pilot sequences to estimate single-user and vectored data rates by correlating error samples with unassigned pilot sequences, allowing for in-service characterization without service interruption and reducing measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement procedures are used to estimate single-user bit rates, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases significantly (over three hours for 400 lines)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring mutually orthogonal pilot sequences for each line in the vectoring group before measurement begins. These pilot sequences are assigned in advance and can be activated immediately for parallel measurement, eliminating the need for sequential line initialization and deactivation steps that cause time delays in traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement process by using multiple orthogonal pilot sequences that can be transmitted simultaneously across different lines. This divides the single sequential measurement task into multiple parallel measurement streams, allowing all lines to be measured concurrently rather than one at a time, thus dramatically reducing total measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measurement procedures are used to estimate vectoring performance, then comprehensive performance data is obtained, but service disruption increases (multiple initialization and deactivation steps)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuity of useful action by allowing all subscriber lines to remain in service throughout the measurement process. The orthogonal pilot sequences are transmitted over existing active lines without requiring initialization or deactivation, ensuring continuous service delivery while gathering comprehensive vectoring performance data from all lines simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If sequential line measurement is performed, then single-user bit rate accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases (400 lines take over three hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across multiple orthogonal pilot sequences that operate in parallel. Each pilot sequence independently measures one or more lines, and the orthogonal nature of these sequences allows their results to be combined without interference, achieving both high precision for single-user bit rate and high productivity through parallel processing of all 400 lines simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the measurement process by utilizing the orthogonal dimension of pilot sequences. Instead of measuring lines sequentially in one dimension of time, the system measures multiple lines simultaneously by assigning them to different orthogonal pilot sequences, effectively adding a parallel measurement dimension that increases throughput without sacrificing accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and non-disruptive estimation of vectoring performance metrics, significantly reducing the time required for characterization in large systems, such as a 400-line system from over three hours to approximately 32 seconds, while maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
characterize the single-user data rate by correlation of the received error samples with at least one unassigned pilot sequence from the set of mutually orthogonal pilot sequences
Implementation Method 2
sequences of pilot symbols are modulated with respective pilot sequences selected from a set of mutually orthogonal pilot sequences
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a network characterizing unit (140) for characterizing a single-user data rate achievable over a particular subscriber line (Ln) of a vectoring group. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the network characterizing unit is configured to receive error samples (Ent) as successively measured by a receiver (110; 210) coupled to the particular subscriber line while sequences of pilot symbols are being transmitted over the respective subscriber lines of the vectoring group. The sequences of pilot symbols are modulated with respective pilot sequences (Vnt) selected from a set of mutually orthogonal pilot sequences (150). The network characterizing unit is further configured to characterize the single-user data rate by correlation of the received error samples with at least one unassigned pilot sequence (Wmt) from the set of mutually orthogonal pilot sequences. The at least one unassigned pilot sequence is not used for modulation of the transmitted sequences of pilot symbols. The present invention also relates to a method for characterizing a single-user data rate achievable over a particular subscriber line of a vectoring group.