Pre-equalization Using Beamforming Weights for Coaxial Cable Impairments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in coaxial cable networks, face challenges in delivering 3GPP cellular signals due to frequency-dependent attenuation, non-linearities, and impairments such as signal tilt, resonances, and micro-reflections, which affect the quality of analog cellular carriers and hinder the deployment of 5G/NR base stations in premises applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a closed-loop control system with frequency-selective beamforming at network nodes to dynamically pre-equalize the coaxial cable channel, using beamforming weights based on uplink signals and reference signals to compensate for channel impairments, ensuring optimal transmission power levels and minimizing non-linear effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional Wi-Fi technology is used for premises wireless access, then deployment cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but network coverage and interworking capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Wi-Fi access point functionality with 3GPP base station functionality into a single hybrid device. This merging allows the system to provide both Wi-Fi connectivity and cellular service through one platform, achieving broader network coverage and interworking capability while maintaining cost-effectiveness compared to deploying separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid access point/base station is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it operates as both a Wi-Fi access point for local wireless access and a 3GPP base station for cellular service. This multi-functionality enables a single device to serve diverse communication needs across different technological standards, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If 3GPP base stations are deployed in premises applications, then network coverage and interworking capability are improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 3GPP base station functionality with Wi-Fi access point capabilities into a unified hybrid platform. By combining these functions in one device rather than deploying separate systems, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive network coverage and interworking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying traditional 3GPP base stations in a conventional manner, the patent inverts the approach by integrating base station functionality into a Wi-Fi access point platform. This inversion allows premises wireless access points to provide cellular service, fundamentally changing the traditional deployment model and reducing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If analog carriers are transmitted over coaxial cable plant, then signal distribution is simplified, but frequency-dependent attenuation and non-linearities degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the hybrid access point/base station monitors signal quality parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio and error rates. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including power levels and modulation schemes to compensate for frequency-dependent attenuation and non-linearities in the coaxial cable plant, thereby maintaining signal quality while preserving the simplicity of analog carrier distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, network node and customer premises equipment for pre-equalization using beamforming functionality are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a network node includes estimating an uplink channel of a hybrid fiber cable network using references signals received from consumer premises equipment, determining a downlink channel using an inverse of the uplink channel estimate, mapping a downlink signal to a plurality of layer-specific signals, and applying beamforming weights to the layer-specific signals to produce layer-specific downlink signals, and summing the layer-specific downlink signals to produce a frequency-compensated downlink signal for transmission over the hybrid fiber cable network.