PLC DSL Coexistence via Intermediary Power Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powerline communication (PLC) and digital subscriber line (DSL) networks experience interference due to overlapping frequency bands, leading to performance degradation in both networks when in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
Network devices in PLC and DSL networks exchange coexistence messages via an alternate communication network to determine whether to reduce transmit power or share communication resources, using techniques such as coordinated, symmetric, or asymmetric interference reduction to minimize mutual interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PLC and DSL networks operate in overlapping frequency bands, then both networks can provide communication services, but interference occurs between the two networks leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coexistence message exchange mechanism as an intermediary between PLC and DSL networks. Network devices send coexistence messages via power lines to detect transmissions from other networks and negotiate interference mitigation strategies, enabling coordinated operation without direct interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment based on detected interference levels. Network devices continuously monitor for transmissions from other networks and adaptively reduce their transmit power when interference is detected, allowing flexible operation across different network conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transmit power is reduced to minimize interference, then interference between networks decreases, but communication range and signal strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission scheduling where PLC and DSL networks alternate their transmission periods. By coordinating transmission timing through coexistence messages, each network transmits only during its allocated period, eliminating continuous interference while maintaining full transmit power during active periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of transmission by introducing periodic scheduling and time-based resource allocation. Instead of continuously reducing power, networks switch between transmitting and listening states, maintaining full power during transmission while avoiding interference through coordinated timing
3Reliability
If coexistence messages are exchanged via power lines, then interference mitigation coordination is achieved, but additional communication overhead and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power line communication medium serve dual functions: carrying both data traffic and coexistence negotiation messages. This eliminates the need for separate communication channels for interference coordination, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective interference mitigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service interference mitigation where network devices autonomously detect transmissions from other networks and negotiate coexistence terms through automated message exchange. The system self-regulates interference without requiring external coordination or complex centralized control
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
The proposed solution effectively minimizes interference between PLC and DSL networks by adjusting transmit power and resource allocation, thereby enhancing the performance of both networks without causing performance degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the PLC transmissions may electromagnetically couple with the DSL transmissions and vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described for minimizing mutual interference between networks that implement different protocols. In one embodiment, a first network device of a first network may exchange coexistence information with a second network device of a second network to determine whether to share resources or reduce transmit power based, at least in part, on the interference detected at the first network device from a transmission of the second network device. In one embodiment, both the first and the second network devices may independently and iteratively reduce their respective transmit power to minimize interference between the interfering networks. The first network device may reduce its transmit power based on an interference of the second network device and vice versa. In another embodiment, the network device with a lower priority may minimize its transmit power to reduce interference with the network device with a higher priority.