Switchable Diplexer Filter Control for DOCSIS Upstream Range Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modem and gateway devices face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between different upstream frequency ranges, particularly between the legacy 5-42 MHz and expanded 5-85 MHz ranges in DOCSIS networks, requiring separate filter configurations and manual intervention, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective, modular switchable diplexer/triplexer filter design that auto-detects the upstream frequency range using upstream channel descriptor messages, allowing the device to switch between 5-42 MHz and 5-85 MHz ranges without manual intervention, ensuring compatibility with both network configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed 5-85 MHz upstream filter is deployed, then the device supports expanded upstream frequency range, but it cannot operate in legacy 5-42 MHz networks where downstream signals occupy 42-85 MHz
Solution Approach 1:
The filter circuit is designed with dynamically switchable configurations, allowing transition between a first configuration for 5-42 MHz upstream and a second configuration for 5-85 MHz upstream. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling the same device to reliably operate in both legacy and expanded frequency ranges without compromising network compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both legacy 5-42 MHz and expanded 5-85 MHz upstream frequency ranges within a single device. The circuit can be configured to provide either a first filter response for legacy networks or a second filter response for expanded networks, making the device universally compatible with different network types.
2Reliability
If service providers deploy two different products with two different input filter circuits, then each product works in its specific network configuration, but device complexity and inventory management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring separate devices for different network configurations, the invention integrates multiple filter circuit configurations within a single device. The filter circuit can be switched between a first configuration for legacy networks and a second configuration for expanded networks, eliminating the need for service providers to manage multiple product types while maintaining reliability across different network environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter circuit incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows it to adapt its configuration based on the network type. This dynamic reconfiguration reduces device complexity from the perspective of inventory and deployment, as a single adaptable device replaces the need for multiple fixed-configuration devices.
3Reliability
If manual intervention is required to configure the filter circuit, then the device can be precisely configured for the specific network type, but ease of operation and deployment time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects the network type and configures the filter circuit accordingly without requiring manual intervention. The system self-determines whether to operate in legacy 5-42 MHz mode or expanded 5-85 MHz mode, maintaining precise configuration accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation and reducing deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs automatic detection mechanisms that provide feedback about the network environment, enabling the filter circuit to self-configure based on the detected network type. This feedback loop ensures accurate configuration for the specific network while eliminating manual setup requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) for controlling a filter circuit (500) in a signal communication device (300). The apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) of the present disclosure receives (410) an indication of a plurality of channels used to transmit upstream communication signals in an upstream communication portion of a frequency range. Furthermore, the apparatus (300) and method (400, 600) of the present disclosure determines (420) a maximum frequency value among all frequencies used by the plurality of channels based on the indication and adjusts (430) a filter response in a filter circuit (500) used to separate the upstream communication signals from the downstream communication signals in a communication device (300) based on the determined uppermost frequency value.