Virtual Service Groups for HFC Network Capacity Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HFC networks face limitations in data rate per user due to congested service groups, infrastructure upgrade costs, and technology incompatibilities, leading to suboptimal broadband speeds and service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing virtual service grouping in HFC networks, allowing dynamic allocation of cable modems to frequency bands based on spectrum availability and device capabilities, using enhanced CMTS and EQAMs to manage and allocate resources efficiently, and upgrading infrastructure in a progressive manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If service groups are used to manage cable modems in HFC networks, then service organization and resource management are improved, but data rate per user deteriorates due to congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice organizationVSAvoiddata rate per user

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the service group into multiple virtual service groups (vSGs) based on frequency bands. Each vSG operates independently with its own resource allocation, allowing cable modems to be dynamically assigned to less congested virtual groups. This segmentation resolves the congestion problem while maintaining service group management structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic allocation of cable modems to virtual service groups based on real-time spectrum availability and modem capabilities. The CMTS can reassign modems between vSGs adaptively, transforming the static service group structure into a dynamic system that optimizes data rates while maintaining organizational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If infrastructure is upgraded to increase capacity, then data rate delivery is improved, but CAPEX investment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rate deliveryVSAvoidCAPEX investment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple virtual service groups that can be independently utilized. This allows the network to increase capacity by better utilizing existing spectrum resources rather than requiring immediate infrastructure upgrades, thereby improving data rate delivery while reducing CAPEX investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the organizational parameters of service groups from physical to virtual divisions based on frequency bands. This parameter change enables more flexible resource allocation and capacity optimization using existing infrastructure, avoiding the need for expensive physical upgrades while improving data rate delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If service groups are reconfigured to optimize capacity, then spectrum use is improved, but service continuity deteriorates due to disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum useVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic, incremental reconfiguration of virtual service groups rather than static bulk changes. The CMTS can gradually adjust modem allocations between vSGs based on spectrum conditions, optimizing spectrum use while maintaining service continuity through smooth transitions that avoid disruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes multiple virtual service groups in advance with defined frequency band allocations. This preliminary structuring allows for smooth, pre-planned transitions when reconfiguring allocations, as the target vSG structure is already in place, enabling spectrum optimization without service disruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If virtual service grouping is implemented for flexible allocation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible allocationVSAvoidallocation management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual service groups that serve multiple functions: they organize cable modems by frequency band capabilities, enable dynamic allocation based on spectrum availability, and provide a framework for incremental infrastructure upgrades. This multi-functionality achieves flexible allocation without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250016051A1Apparatus and methods for optimizing capacity in wireline cable networks with virtual service groups

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 CHARTER COMM OPERATING LLC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for optimizing bandwidth utilization and services in a data network infrastructure. In one embodiment, the data network is a managed Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) cable network, and the network infrastructure is configured to enable dynamic allocate of frequency bands to individual consumer premises device (e.g., DOCSIS-compliant cable modems). In one variant, the improved network infrastructure enables creation of virtual Service Groups (vSGs), and allocation of individual ones of the CM to such vSGs, to some degree irrespective of topological or “hardwired” location within the network. The allocations can be dynamic, and based on factors such as load balancing, evacuation of portions of the physical network topology (such as to support infrastructure upgrades or replacement), or for yet other reasons such as relating to subscriber tier or service level agreement (SLA).