Network Interference Reduction via Test Signal Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing interference between network devices, such as DSL and powerline modems, are time-consuming and inefficient, especially in networks with multiple components, and cannot effectively address interference between neighboring communication networks due to structural barriers.

Innovation Solution

A method involving central control devices that coordinate network devices by transmitting test signals and reducing transmission power based on detected interference, allowing for efficient interference reduction across different transmission media and separate communication networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If manual identification and adjustment of interfering devices is performed, then interference can be reduced, but the process becomes very time-consuming especially in networks with many network components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidtime-consuming
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic interference detection and resolution without manual intervention. Network devices autonomously identify interfering devices by analyzing signal characteristics, determine interference frequency ranges, and adjust transmission parameters automatically, eliminating the need for manual identification and adjustment processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous monitoring of network signals to detect interference automatically. By analyzing received signals for interference patterns and frequency ranges, the system provides real-time feedback to identify problematic devices and adjusts transmission parameters dynamically based on detected interference conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If control information is transmitted via wireless communication channel, then automatic interference reduction is enabled, but the method cannot be used for interference between neighboring networks due to damping effects from structural barriers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic interference reductionVSAvoidapplicability to neighboring networks
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing network infrastructure (power lines, DSL lines, or Ethernet cables) as intermediary communication channels to transmit control information between devices in neighboring networks. This bypasses the limitation of wireless communication being blocked by structural barriers, enabling automatic interference detection and resolution across network boundaries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to operate across multiple transmission media including power lines, DSL lines, and Ethernet cables. This multi-functionality allows the same automatic interference reduction mechanism to work effectively whether devices are in the same network or neighboring networks, regardless of the physical transmission medium used

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If successive experimental reduction of transmission power is performed for each potential interferer, then interference can be reduced, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming in networks with many network components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidefficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and identifies specific interfering devices by analyzing signal characteristics and determining which devices are causing interference in specific frequency ranges. Instead of systematically reducing power for all potential interferers, the system isolates and targets only the actual sources of interference, dramatically reducing the number of adjustment iterations needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary identification of interfering devices by analyzing signal characteristics and determining interference frequency ranges before making any transmission power adjustments. This preliminary analysis allows the system to target specific interferers directly, avoiding unnecessary successive reductions for non-interfering devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2993799B1Method and device for reducing interference between network devices
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP2993799B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2993799B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2993799B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

To reduce interference between network devices, in particular between network devices of adjacent communication networks, in a simple and efficient manner, the invention provides a method which involves sending a test signal (640) by at least one first network device (310) and detecting it by at least one second network device (210, 220, 320, 330, 340, 410, 420), wherein at least one associated control device detects an interference effect of the first network device (310) on the second network device depending on the test signal detected by the second network device and reduces the transmission power (690) of the first network device (310) depending on the detected interference effect.Furthermore, the invention provides a network device, a control device and a communication system, which are designed to carry out the method.