UEQAM Gateway Command-Packet-Descriptor Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable modem termination systems face inefficiencies in scheduling multiple modulated data flows over Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) channels, particularly with MPEG-encoded video streams, leading to suboptimal bandwidth utilization and increased CPU utilization.
Innovation Solution
A Universal Edge Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (UEQAM) system that generates command-packet-descriptors for scheduling modulated packets, using a separate processing component to manage transmission times, allowing for efficient multiplexing of multiple data streams onto a QAM channel without overutilizing the CPU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple modulated data flows are scheduled over QAM channels using conventional methods, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but CPU utilization increases and scheduling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scheduling function by separating command-packet generation from data packet processing. The command-packet-descriptor structure divides scheduling information into discrete, manageable units that can be processed independently, reducing CPU overhead while maintaining efficient bandwidth utilization across multiple QAM channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces command-packet-descriptors as an intermediary structure between the scheduling decision and actual packet transmission. This intermediary layer abstracts the scheduling complexity from the data processing path, allowing efficient multiplexing of multiple video streams without increasing CPU utilization.
2Productivity
If more video streams are multiplexed onto a single QAM channel, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary scheduling actions by pre-calculating and storing command-packet-descriptors with transmit time indications before actual packet transmission. This advance preparation allows the system to multiplex multiple video streams efficiently without increasing real-time scheduling complexity, as the scheduling decisions are made in advance and stored for later execution.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional scheduling methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but video stream quality and bandwidth utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of scheduling by introducing transmit time indications as a critical field in command-packet-descriptors. This parameter change enables precise timing control for multiple video streams, improving video quality and bandwidth utilization while maintaining implementation simplicity through the structured descriptor format.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a gateway between a variable delay network and a constant delay network receives over the variable delay network a plurality of data streams to be multiplexed over a modulated channel extending through the constant delay network. A first processing component of the gateway generates command-packet-descriptors corresponding to content packets included in the received data streams. A second processing component of the gateway uses transmit time indications included in the command-packet-descriptors to schedule transmission of modulated packets representing the received data streams over the modulated channel.