Reverse-Powered DPU Wireless Backhaul Under Variable Line Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of high-speed broadband services like VDSL2 and G.fast is constrained by the length of copper pairs between customer premises equipment (CPE) and distribution point units (DPUs), and installing new fibre to these locations is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a distribution point unit (DPU) with a wireless backhaul connection, powered by electrically wired access connections, dynamically switching radio configurations based on available power from subscriber lines to optimize data rates and capacity, utilizing reverse power feeding techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DPUs are located closer to customers (on poles or external walls) to reduce copper pair length and increase line speeds, then broadband service quality is improved, but deployment cost and time increase due to requiring new fibre installation to these locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/fibre infrastructure system with a wireless system. Specifically, it uses wireless backhaul connections (4G, 5G, WiMAX, or satellite) to connect DPUs to the core network, eliminating the need for physical fibre installation to pole-mounted or externally wall-mounted DPUs. This substitution enables rapid deployment while maintaining high-speed broadband service.
2Speed
If DPUs are located closer to customers to reduce copper pair length, then line speeds increase, but deployment complexity increases due to power infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the DPU draw power from the customer premises equipment (CPE) through the same electrical wires that carry data signals. The CPE acts as the power source, eliminating the need for separate power infrastructure at remote DPU locations. This is achieved through reverse power feeding where the DPU receives power from the CPE via the electrical wiring already present in the building.
3Speed
If wireless backhaul power utilisation is increased to improve data rates, then broadband capacity is improved, but available power from reverse powered subscriber lines may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by continuously monitoring available power from reverse-powered subscriber lines and dynamically adjusting the wireless backhaul configuration accordingly. The system can switch between different radio configurations (e.g., 4G vs 5G, different bandwidths, different antenna arrangements) based on real-time power availability, ensuring optimal performance within power constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the wireless backhaul system based on power availability. This includes adjusting transmission power, bandwidth allocation, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations to match the available power from reverse-powered lines, thereby optimizing data rates within the power budget.
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 rapid deployment of faster broadband services without new power or fibre infrastructure, allowing scalable radio transceiver capabilities and efficient power utilization.
Implementation Method 1
Reverse power feeding (RPF) is a standardised technology (see ETSI TS 101548) that allows power to be sent from CPEs to a DPU in order to power the DPU.
Implementation Method 2
Examples of the invention provide traditional fixed line copper broadband services (DSL, VDSL, G.fast etc) using the fixed network distribution point, but which is backhauled to the core network using high capacity cellular radio technology.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples describe a method of operating a distribution point unit (DPU) having a wireless backhaul connection, such as a 4G or 5G connection. The distribution point unit is reverse powered electrically by connected subscriber lines. The radio configuration (number of antennas, frequencies, etc) used by the wireless backhaul connection is switched according to the power available from the subscriber lines. Changes to the available power can trigger a switch to a new radio configuration. Higher capacities (data rates) can be achieved with higher power radio configurations, which can be switched over to if the available power is sufficient. Similarly, when the available power drops, a switch can be made to an appropriate lower powered radio configuration.