Portable Network Module for Bi-directional Coaxial Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadband networks face challenges in providing bi-directional communications over coaxial cables without interfering with existing downstream and upstream RF signals, while also managing power consumption and heat in RF amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a portable network communications module and spread-spectrum modulated signals to establish low data rate, low power bi-directional transmissions over existing coaxial cables in HFC networks, positioned in frequency relative to primary signals to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DOCSIS transponders are included in RF amplifiers to provide control and communication, then bi-directional communication capability is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the RF amplifier by using a separate portable network communications module that connects to the HFC node. This module handles all bi-directional communications independently, allowing the RF amplifier to remain a simple amplification device with low power consumption while still achieving the desired communication capability through the separate module's transponder.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable network communications module acts as an intermediary between the headend and the RF amplifiers. It receives control signals from the headend, processes them locally, and communicates with RF amplifiers using low-power spread-spectrum signals, thereby mediating the communication function without requiring high-power transponders in each amplifier.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are included in RF amplifiers to enable communication, then communication functionality is improved, but power consumption and heat generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The communication components (transponder, modem, processor) are extracted from the RF amplifier and placed in a separate portable network communications module. This eliminates the need for additional heat-generating components in the RF amplifier, maintaining its simple thermal profile while achieving full communication functionality through the external module.
3Device complexity
If control of RF amplifiers is restricted to headend only, then system simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation for field technicians deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three functional parts: the headend for network management, the portable network communications module for local communication coordination, and the RF amplifiers for signal amplification. This segmentation allows field technicians to use the portable module as a mobile control interface near the amplifiers, improving serviceability without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable network communications module serves as a mobile intermediary that field technicians can carry and use at various amplifier locations. It establishes local communication links with amplifiers, enabling technicians to monitor and control amplifiers in the field without requiring complex headend configurations or direct connections.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If spread-spectrum signals are used for bi-directional transmissions, then interference with primary signals is reduced, but data rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of signal bandwidth by using wideband spread-spectrum signals that are positioned in frequency relative to the primary downstream and upstream signals. This frequency positioning and spectral spreading reduces interference with primary signals while accepting a lower data rate, which is appropriate for control and monitoring applications where reliability is more critical than high-speed data transfer.
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 reliable and efficient bi-directional communications in broadband networks without detectable interference with primary signals, while reducing power consumption and heat generation in network devices.
Implementation Method 1
The bi-directional transmissions use spread-spectrum modulated signals on the coaxial cables together with the downstream and upstream primary signals. The spread-spectrum modulated signals used for the bi-directional transmissions have a lower data rate and less power than the downstream and upstream primary signals and are positioned in frequency relative to the downstream and upstream primary signals such that the bi-directional transmissions occur without detectable interference
Implementation Method 2
the downstream primary signals are amplified by the RF amplifiers; transmitting upstream primary signals to the headend from the coaxial cable distribution network, wherein the upstream primary signals are amplified by the RF amplifiers
Data Source
AI summary
Low data rate, low power, bi-directional transmissions may be provided over existing physical communication media (e.g., coaxial cables) using a portable network communications module and in the presence of higher bandwidth, higher power primary signals currently being transmitted over the communication media. The low data rate, low power, bi-directional transmissions may be accomplished using spread-spectrum modulated signals that are positioned in frequency relative to the primary signals, such that the low data rate, low power transmissions occur without detectable interference with the primary signals, which include multiplexed narrowband modulated signals. The primary signals may be modulated using quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and multiplexed using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and the spread-spectrum modulated signals may be chirp spread spectrum (CSS) modulated signals modulated using Gaussian frequency shift keying (GFSK). One example of the spread-spectrum modulated signals is implemented using LoRa technology and communication protocols defined by the LoRaWAN standard.