Proxy Device Selection for Home Network Signal Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In home networks with multiple devices, signal loss due to coaxial cable splits and length results in varying signal clarity and power levels, leading to unusable frequencies for upstream transmission or downstream reception, making it costly to address with signal boosting or rewiring.
Innovation Solution
Selecting a device as a proxy to aggregate and transmit data, using modem deactivation and filter techniques to optimize signal strength and bandwidth, with selection based on factors like signal reception, transmission power, and available resources, and adjusting in response to network topology changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal boosting devices or rewiring are used to address signal loss, then signal clarity and power are improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A proxy device is introduced as an intermediary between devices with poor signal and the external network. The proxy device, located at a position with good signal strength, receives data from devices via local communication (e.g., MoCA) and transmits it to the external network, eliminating the need for signal boosting or rewiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The network communication path is segmented into two parts: local premises network communication (between end devices and proxy device) and external network communication (between proxy device and external network). This allows each segment to use optimal communication methods for its specific requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple devices maintain active modems for external network communication, then communication availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple device modem functions are merged into a single proxy device. Instead of each device maintaining an active modem connection to the external network, all devices communicate through the shared proxy device, which maintains a single active external network connection. This eliminates redundant modems and reduces energy consumption while preserving communication availability.
3Area of stationary object
If devices are placed farther from the initial entry point or behind multiple splitters, then network coverage is improved, but signal strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy device acts as a mediator that receives data from remotely located devices through strong local signals (MoCA) and retransmits it to the external network through its own strong signal connection, effectively bypassing the signal attenuation problems of the coaxial cable distribution system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical signal transmission through coaxial cables with a hybrid approach: using electromagnetic communication over coaxial cables for local device-to-proxy communication (MoCA standard), and then using the proxy's external network connection for actual internet access. This substitution allows devices in difficult locations to communicate effectively without requiring strong coaxial signal strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple devices in a user's premises may each be configured to separately communicate with an external network, but the signal strength available to each may vary significantly depending on the wiring of the premises. The disclosure provides methods wherein the various devices may coordinate with one another, and determine which among them has the best signal connection and the most available capacity, and a subset of the devices may be chosen to act as network proxies to relay communications to/from the other devices in the premises.