Network Interface Device Demarcating Overlapping Coax Data Bursts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable service providers face challenges in pushing data speeds and bandwidth on coaxial networks to match optical fiber speeds due to high installation costs, especially in established areas with existing coaxial infrastructure, where upgrading to Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) technology is cost-prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
A network interface device is used to demarcate data bursts received from a coax network by identifying start and end markers, which are orthogonal to each other, allowing the device to distinguish between overlapping data bursts and re-transmit them over an optical network in a time-multiplexed manner, effectively mapping two-dimensional bursts from coax networks to one-dimensional bursts on optical networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If EPON technology is deployed to achieve high data speeds and bandwidth, then network performance is improved, but installation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coaxial cable network as an intermediary medium between the customer premises and the optical network. Instead of directly replacing coaxial infrastructure with fiber, the system uses coaxial cables to carry EPoC signals, acting as a cost-effective intermediary that bridges the gap between existing infrastructure and high-speed optical networking, thereby achieving high data speeds without prohibitively expensive installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing coaxial cable infrastructure by implementing EPoC (Ethernet Passive Optical Network over Coax) technology. This allows the legacy coaxial network to operate at enhanced data rates and bandwidths comparable to fiber-optic networks, transforming the performance characteristics of the existing infrastructure without requiring physical replacement
2Area of stationary object
If data bursts are transmitted over coax network, then network coverage is maintained, but data bursts overlap in time domain causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions data burst transmission from the time domain to the frequency domain by implementing orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) over the coaxial cable. This dimensional change allows multiple data bursts to be transmitted simultaneously without time-domain overlap, eliminating interference while maintaining network coverage through the existing coaxial infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coaxial network into multiple orthogonal frequency subchannels, each capable of carrying independent data bursts. This frequency-domain segmentation allows simultaneous transmission of multiple data bursts without time-domain overlap, resolving the interference problem while preserving network coverage
3Measurement precision
If start marker and end marker are made orthogonal, then data burst demarcation accuracy is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the correlation parameter between start and end markers from non-orthogonal to orthogonal, which fundamentally improves demarcation accuracy by enabling clear distinction between burst boundaries. The orthogonal relationship creates distinct correlation peaks that are easily identifiable, and while this increases processing complexity, the structured nature of orthogonal sequences allows for efficient algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a method for demarcating data bursts includes receiving, via a coax network, a first data burst and a second data burst at a network interface device, wherein the first data burst and the second data burst at least partially overlap in the time domain. In various embodiments, the first data burst includes a start marker, first data elements following the start marker, and an end marker following the first data elements. In various embodiments, the start marker is orthogonal to the end marker. The method further includes distinguishing, at the network interface device, the first data burst from the second data burst based on the start marker and the end marker; and transmitting the first data burst and the second data burst via an optical network such that the first data burst and the second data burst do not overlap in time.