Selective Filtering Device for Upstream Signal Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques struggle to effectively separate desired signals from noise in communication networks, particularly at upstream locations where signals from multiple customer premises are aggregated, leading to signal impairments.
Innovation Solution
A selective filtering device is placed at strategic locations in the network, using techniques such as comparing power densities to a threshold, identifying carriers at predetermined frequencies, and demodulating signals based on MAC management messages to eliminate or reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing signal separation techniques are used at upstream network locations, then signal processing can be performed, but the ability to effectively separate desired signals from noise deteriorates due to signal aggregation from multiple customer premises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upstream signal processing by implementing selective filtering at multiple distributed locations throughout the network (optical nodes, amplifiers, taps) rather than relying on a single centralized processing point. This segmentation allows each filter to handle a subset of signals, improving separation accuracy while managing complexity through distributed architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces selective filtering devices as intermediary components between the aggregated upstream signals and the head end. These intermediaries actively separate desired signals from noise using multiple techniques (power density comparison, frequency identification, demodulation) before signals reach the main processing equipment, thereby improving measurement precision without overwhelming the core system
2Reliability
If selective filtering devices are deployed at multiple network locations, then noise reduction effectiveness improves, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The selective filtering device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple noise reduction techniques (power density threshold comparison, predetermined frequency identification, MAC message-based demodulation) within a single device. This allows the same device to be deployed at various network locations (optical nodes, amplifiers, taps) with different configurations, improving reliability through consistent performance while avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the filtering characteristics (threshold values, frequency ranges, time windows) to be dynamically adjusted based on network conditions and location-specific requirements. This enables a standardized device design to adapt to different deployment scenarios, improving noise reduction effectiveness without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments herein relate to reducing impairments in signals transmitted over a service provider network. A selective filtering device may be placed at various locations in the service provider network to reduce the noise. For example, the devices may be located in, coupled to, or otherwise associated with a tap, an optical node, an amplifier, or other location in the service provider network that may be upstream from user devices at customer premises locations. The selective filtering device may be selective in the way that it may use various types of filtering techniques to eliminate or reduce the noise in a signal. Such techniques may be based on the power densities of carriers and noise in the signal, as well as information associated with scheduled communications in the service provider network.