Reverse Powering for Vectoring in DSL Network Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In digital subscriber line (DSL) network systems, especially those employing G.fast and VDSL technologies, crosstalk between end-users and insufficient power delivery for enabling enhanced functionalities like vectoring can lead to performance degradation, particularly when local powering is not feasible due to proximity to end-customers and permission issues.

Innovation Solution

A power management method that allows excess power from one network node to be shared with others in the system through existing or new interconnections, enabling the activation of enhanced functionalities like vectoring across the network, even when individual nodes lack sufficient power, by determining excess power availability and distributing it via dedicated interfaces or existing wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If reverse power feed is used to power DPUs from subscriber premises, then local powering becomes feasible, but insufficient power delivery occurs when multiple users need to supply power for enhanced functionalities like vectoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal powering feasibilityVSAvoidpower delivery sufficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power from multiple subscriber lines at the DPU level, merging individual user contributions into a collective power pool that can support enhanced functionalities like vectoring across multiple DPUs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DPU is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate with basic functionality powered by a single subscriber, and when additional power is available from multiple subscribers, it can enable enhanced functionalities such as vectoring to cancel crosstalk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If vectoring is enabled across multiple DPUs to cancel crosstalk, then system performance is optimized, but power consumption increases requiring power from multiple users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebitrate performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on available power: when power from multiple subscribers is sufficient, vectoring is enabled to optimize performance; when power is limited, the system operates in basic mode without vectoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If DPUs are installed closer to end-users for G.fast technology, then data rate increases to 1-2 Gbps, but crosstalk between users becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidcrosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces vectoring technology as an intermediary mechanism that actively cancels crosstalk between subscriber lines by exchanging vectoring data between DPUs, allowing high-speed transmission without the harmful effects of proximity-induced interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3745603B1Reverse/remote powering in combination with vectoring
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3745603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745603B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3745603B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present document discloses methods and apparatuses for power management in a network system. The network system may comprise a plurality of network nodes coupled to respective transmission lines. The method comprises delivering power to a first network node of the plurality of network nodes through at least one respective first transmission line. The method further comprises determining whether the first network node has excess power based on a power available through the at least one first transmission line and on a power consumption of the first network node. And the method comprise, if the first network node has excess power, delivering at least part of the excess power of the first network node to at least one second network node of the plurality of network nodes.