Remote Software Driven Reverse Segmentation for DOCSIS Service Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DOCSIS systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting service group sizes due to increased traffic, leading to high costs and reduced user experience from oversubscription or inefficiencies in bandwidth allocation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing reverse segmentation through a combiner switch and controller, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of service groups via software, enabling independent frequency shifting and stacking of RF legs, and remote activation of CMTS ports to optimize bandwidth usage and reduce energy and licensing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If service group sizes are fixed in existing DOCSIS systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth allocation efficiency deteriorates when traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service group reconfiguration by enabling the CMTS to receive reconfiguration requests from remote nodes and adjust service group assignments in real-time based on traffic conditions. This allows the system to transition from static to dynamic service group management, improving bandwidth allocation efficiency without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of service group size and composition dynamically. By allowing remote nodes to request reconfiguration and the CMTS to allocate different service groups based on current traffic conditions, the system adapts service group parameters to match actual demand, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and complexity.
2Reliability
If service groups are made larger to handle more users, then coverage is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to oversubscription
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts service group sizes based on real-time traffic conditions. When traffic increases, the CMTS can reconfigure service groups to allocate bandwidth more efficiently, preventing oversubscription issues while maintaining adequate service levels for all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where remote nodes monitor traffic conditions and send reconfiguration requests to the CMTS. The CMTS uses this feedback information to adjust service group assignments, ensuring that bandwidth allocation responds to actual user demand and maintains quality of service.
3Productivity
If additional hardware is deployed to handle increased traffic, then capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based reconfiguration mechanisms that can be deployed through firmware updates and remote management. Instead of deploying additional physical hardware, the system uses existing infrastructure components (CMTS, remote nodes) with updated software to handle increased traffic, significantly reducing deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing CMTS and remote nodes are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform dynamic service group reconfiguration. This universal approach allows the same hardware to handle both traditional fixed service groups and dynamic reconfigured groups, avoiding the need for dedicated additional hardware for traffic handling.
4Extent of automation
If manual reconfiguration is used to adjust service groups, then control precision is improved, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service reconfiguration where remote nodes automatically detect traffic conditions and send reconfiguration requests to the CMTS without human intervention. The system performs its own service by monitoring and adjusting service groups autonomously, eliminating manual labor costs while maintaining precise control through automated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback loop enables remote nodes to monitor traffic conditions and trigger reconfiguration requests automatically. The CMTS processes these requests and executes service group reconfiguration without manual intervention, achieving both high automation extent and cost-effectiveness through intelligent automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
Reverse segmentation may be provided. First, a plurality of legs may be received and combined into a first service group. Next, it may be determined that a number of active user devices increased on at least one of the plurality of legs. A portion of the plurality of legs may then be switched from the first service group to a second service group in response to determining that the number of active user devices increased on the at least one of the plurality of legs.