Optical Return Signal Aggregation Noise Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) networks face a reduction in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance due to the aggregation of noise floors in service group aggregation, particularly in 'fiber deep' topologies where daisy-chaining of optical return signals is used, leading to smaller service groups and increased noise addition.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of aggregation logic that disables unused input channels to prevent noise addition and intelligently routes optical return signals across multiple channels to minimize noise floor accumulation, using auto-sensing to determine the least noisy channel for signal aggregation, thereby maintaining or improving the SNR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If daisy-chaining digital optical return signals for multiple nodes is used to perform service group aggregation, then the service group number increases, but the aggregated signal sums the noise floors resulting in reduced signal-to-noise ratio performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aggregation process into segments by introducing intermediate aggregation points and using multiple aggregation paths. Instead of directly daisy-chaining all nodes, the system segments the signal flow through multiple optical channels, allowing noise management at each segment while maintaining overall service group aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices and components such as optical channel mediators and aggregation controllers that manage the daisy-chaining process. These intermediaries actively monitor and manage noise levels, selectively routing signals through different paths to minimize noise floor accumulation while achieving service group aggregation.
2Loss of energy
If fiber deep topology is implemented to reduce RF amplifiers, then the number of RF amplifiers decreases, but service group size is limited to around 100 premises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small service groups from different nodes into larger aggregated service groups through optical signal daisy-chaining. By combining the service groups of multiple nodes serving approximately 100 premises each, the system achieves larger service group sizes while maintaining the fiber deep topology and minimizing RF amplifier usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension service group structure to a multi-dimensional aggregation structure. Instead of expanding service group size within a single node, the system adds another dimension by aggregating across multiple nodes through optical channels, enabling service group sizes to exceed the 100-premises limitation of individual nodes.
3Reliability
If aggregation logic disables unused input channels, then noise addition is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aggregation logic is designed with self-service capabilities, automatically detecting which input channels are in use and which are unused. The system autonomously manages channel activation and deactivation based on real-time signal presence detection, eliminating the need for external manual configuration while maintaining optimal noise performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the aggregation logic continuously monitors the status of input channels and adjusts channel activation accordingly. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to dynamically respond to changing network conditions, disabling unused channels to prevent noise addition while maintaining simplicity through automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments use aggregation logic that reduces the noise in a daisy-chained optical return signal aggregation of multiple nodes. The aggregation logic determines when an input to a transmitter/receiver is not used and disables or turns off that input. Further, in the case of daisy-chaining, a service group aggregation signal (e.g., RF signals) from the customer premise equipment (CPEs) serviced by a respective node are presented to the channel “A” port of a digital return transmitter/receiver. However, internal to the transmitter/receiver, aggregation logic auto-senses what optical return signals have already been aggregated up to that point in the daisy chain and can then intelligently place the service group aggregation signal onto one of the digital return transmitter channels. In one embodiment, if there are two return channels, A and B, whichever of these channels has seen fewer aggregations up to this point, will receive the service group aggregation signal.