Full Duplex Expander for Same-Band Signal Amplification on Coax
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to full duplex communications in cable networks is hindered by the need to replace legacy analog amplifiers with FDX nodes, which increases costs and deployment time due to the requirement for fiber connections, as analog amplifiers are not compatible with full duplex transmission in the same frequency band.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of FDX expanders that can amplify full duplex signals by separating and isolating downstream and upstream signals in the same frequency band, allowing for amplification without replacing analog amplifiers with FDX nodes, and enabling the use of coaxial cables instead of fiber connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy analog amplifiers are replaced with FDX nodes to enable full duplex transmission, then full duplex communication capability is achieved, but deployment cost and time increase due to fiber connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces FDX expanders as intermediary devices that connect to legacy analog amplifiers via coaxial cable while providing full duplex capability. The expander acts as a mediator between the old amplifier infrastructure and the full duplex network requirements, allowing gradual migration without forcing immediate fiber replacement. The expander includes isolation components that enable bidirectional communication over the existing coaxial infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic operation modes where legacy amplifiers can continue operating in traditional modes while FDX expanders enable full duplex paths. The network can progressively transition from analog to full duplex operation, with expanders being added incrementally along the network path rather than requiring system-wide simultaneous replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FDX nodes are deployed to replace amplifiers, then full duplex transmission is enabled, but deployment time increases due to coaxial cable replacement with fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The FDX expander is designed to interface with existing analog amplifier infrastructure, allowing full duplex capability to be activated immediately upon expander deployment without waiting for lengthy cable replacement projects. The preliminary infrastructure (coaxial cable and analog amplifiers) is utilized while the transition to full duplex is being prepared, minimizing deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs FDX expanders as temporary or transitional devices that can be deployed quickly on the existing coaxial infrastructure. These expanders provide a stopgap solution that enables full duplex service immediately, with the option to later replace the expensive and time-consuming fiber infrastructure when financially feasible or strategically appropriate.
3Ease of manufacture
If legacy analog amplifiers are used, then existing coaxial infrastructure can be maintained, but full duplex transmission in the same frequency band cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The FDX expander is designed to perform multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with legacy analog amplifier connections via coaxial cable while simultaneously providing full duplex transmission capability. The expander can operate in different modes and interfaces with both old and new technologies, making the existing infrastructure versatile enough to support both legacy and advanced services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by introducing FDX expanders that modify the signal transmission characteristics. The expanders implement isolation and signal separation techniques that enable bidirectional communication in the same frequency band, fundamentally changing how the existing coaxial infrastructure operates from unidirectional analog to bidirectional full duplex transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method receives a downstream signal and an upstream signal in a same frequency band. The downstream signal and the upstream signal are separated into a first path and a second path. The downstream signal using the first path and the upstream signal using the second path are amplified in an analog domain. The method isolates the downstream signal and the upstream signal from one another and sends the downstream signal downstream to a subscriber device and sends the upstream signal towards a full duplex node.