Scheduler-Directed Source Multiplexing for Return-Path Noise Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communications systems, particularly those with multiple upstream signal sources, suffer from noise funneling, which reduces the signal-to-noise ratio due to the combination of independent noise sources, leading to decreased system performance and bitrate.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Scheduler-Directed Source Multiplexing (SDSM) system that identifies active signal sources and only propagates signals from those sources, using a Client Locating system and Steering subsystem to minimize noise combination, thereby maximizing the return-path signal-to-noise ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If signals from multiple upstream sources are combined in traditional CATV systems, then the system can support multiple subscribers, but noise from all sources is accumulated, reducing the signal-to-noise ratio

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of supported subscribersVSAvoidnoise accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes noise from the signal combination process by using a noise cancellation unit that identifies and eliminates noise components from combined upstream signals, allowing multiple subscriber signals to be combined without accumulating their respective noise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a noise cancellation unit as an intermediary component between the signal combiner and the downstream processing, which acts as a mediator to remove noise from the combined signals while preserving the useful signal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If all distribution legs are monitored and combined, then complete signal coverage is achieved, but noise from inactive legs degrades the return-path signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverageVSAvoidreturn-path noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic monitoring and selective combination of distribution legs based on their active status, where the system continuously monitors which legs have active subscribers and dynamically adjusts which legs are combined, ensuring that only active legs contribute to the combined signal while maintaining complete coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the distribution legs into active and inactive groups, processing and combining only the active segments while excluding inactive ones from the combination, thereby maintaining signal coverage reliability while preventing noise degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12143243B2Scheduler-directed source multiplexing for return path noise mitigation

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

Devices, systems and methods that reduce funneling noise in upstream data transmissions from modems providing the transmissions through respective RF legs connected to the node. Preferred devices and systems may include a node that is configured to selectively isolate respectively scheduled upstream data signals from noise present on any RF leg not propagating a scheduled upstream data signal.