Return Feed-Forward Tap for Cable Upstream Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable systems face a bottleneck in upstream data transmission due to limited return bandwidth, which restricts fast and efficient data uploading from subscriber households to the headend, especially with increasing data demands from internet usage and file uploads.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a modified cable system that includes a return feed-forward tap with a diplexer and combiner, allowing for data transmission in a super-high-frequency band in addition to the conventional low-frequency band, thereby increasing the available return bandwidth by adding a new return path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cable systems use a narrow return bandwidth, then system complexity is reduced, but upstream data transmission speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the return path into two separate frequency bands: a low-frequency band (5-42 MHz) for traditional upstream communications and a super-high-frequency band (500-1000 MHz) for high-speed data uploads. This segmentation allows each band to be optimized for its specific purpose, enabling high-speed upstream transmission without interfering with existing cable system operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to the frequency spectrum by utilizing the super-high-frequency band (500-1000 MHz) that was previously unused for upstream communications. This dimensional expansion of the frequency domain allows simultaneous operation of traditional low-frequency upstream channels and new high-speed super-high-frequency channels without mutual interference.
2Productivity
If return bandwidth is restricted to a narrow band, then signal interference is reduced, but data upload efficiency is bottlenecked
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the frequency spectrum into distinct non-overlapping bands, with the low-frequency band (5-42 MHz) handling traditional upstream signals and the super-high-frequency band (500-1000 MHz) dedicated to high-speed data uploads. This frequency segmentation eliminates spectral interference between different types of traffic while maximizing overall data upload efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If a single return path is used, then device complexity is minimized, but available return bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the cable system's return path multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously handle traditional low-frequency upstream communications and new super-high-frequency data uploads through the diplexer device. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to support both legacy and advanced services without requiring separate dedicated paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The diplexer acts as an intermediary device that separates and directs signals from the subscriber premises to appropriate frequency bands. It mediates between the single coaxial cable connection and the dual-band transmission requirement, routing low-frequency signals to the traditional upstream path and super-high-frequency signals to the high-speed data path without requiring additional cables or infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for use with a headend, a household and an amplifier. The headend is able to provide signals within a high-frequency band fH. The household is able to provide signals within a low-frequency band fL, and to provide signals within a super-high-frequency band fR, where fL<fH<fR. The device includes a splitter, a diplexer and a combiner. The splitter is arranged to receive the signals within the high-frequency band fH and to split the signals within the high-frequency band fH into a first signal portion within the high-frequency band fH and a second signal portion within the high-frequency band fH. The diplexer is operable to pass the second signal portion within the high-frequency band fH to the household, to pass the signals within the low-frequency band fL to the splitter and to pass the signals within the super-high-frequency band fR. The combiner is operable to provide, to the amplifier, the first signal portion within the high-frequency band fH and the signals within the super-high-frequency band fR.