Upstream Power Backoff Modeling for xDSL Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for calculating and estimating crosstalk, particularly upstream power backoff and crosstalk-related parameters in xDSL networks, are inaccurate and inflexible, especially when dealing with complex transmission line topologies and legacy networks where the topology is unknown.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for modeling transmission lines by measuring loop parameters, determining the topology, selecting a suitable model, and estimating crosstalk-related parameters such as FEXT and NEXT, using two-port or one-port measurements to derive and optimize transfer functions, allowing for more accurate and flexible simulation of crosstalk in xDSL networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to calculate crosstalk parameters, then the calculation process is simple, but the accuracy of crosstalk estimation is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk parameter estimation accuracyVSAvoidmodeling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements of loop parameters (attenuation, impedance, length) before crosstalk calculation. By pre-characterizing the transmission line properties and storing them in a database, the system prepares accurate baseline data that enables precise crosstalk estimation without requiring complex real-time calculations during actual crosstalk measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary modeling system that uses measured loop parameters as input and generates accurate crosstalk parameter estimates as output. This intermediary layer (the modeling apparatus with its database of transmission line models) mediates between simple measurements and accurate crosstalk predictions, avoiding the need for direct complex calculations while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional crosstalk calculation methods are used, then the computational process is fast, but the results are inaccurate for complex topologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk parameter accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement and modeling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs loop parameter measurements and model selection in advance, storing results in a database. This preliminary characterization of the transmission line allows subsequent crosstalk calculations to be performed quickly using pre-established models, rather than requiring time-consuming complex simulations each time crosstalk needs to be estimated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified parametric models that copy the essential characteristics of complex transmission line topologies. Instead of performing complex calculations on the actual complex network, the system uses simplified models that replicate the key behavioral properties, enabling fast and accurate crosstalk estimation without requiring detailed knowledge of the complete network topology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If the transmission line topology is unknown (as in legacy networks), then the system can work with existing infrastructure, but conventional methods cannot accurately estimate crosstalk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk parameter accuracyVSAvoidtopology determination capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-characterization by measuring loop parameters directly on the existing transmission line and automatically determining the appropriate topology model. The modeling apparatus analyzes the measured parameters (attenuation, impedance, length) and selects the most suitable model from its database, enabling the system to adapt to unknown topologies without requiring external topology information or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the problem from requiring known topology to using measurable parameters. By changing from a topology-dependent approach to a parameter-based approach (measuring attenuation, impedance, length and deriving topology from these), the system can accurately estimate crosstalk in legacy networks where topology information is unavailable, while maintaining adaptability to different network configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If simple transmission line models are used, then the modeling process is straightforward, but the crosstalk estimation is inaccurate for real-world complex networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk parameter accuracyVSAvoidmodel selection and optimization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex transmission line into manageable sections and represents each section with appropriate parametric models. The modeling system divides the overall transmission line problem into smaller segments (e.g., different cable sections, connectors, splices) that can be individually characterized and then combined, enabling accurate representation of complex real-world networks while maintaining systematic and organized modeling processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7664254B2System and method for upstream power backoff for xDSL
Publication Date: 2010.02.16 RPX CORP
  • US7664254B2 patent drawing
  • US7664254B2 patent drawing
  • US7664254B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for modeling a network comprising a plurality of transmission lines is described, the method and system being adapted to measure loop parameters of first transmission line to provide measured loop parameters, determine a topology of the first transmission line by analyzing the measured loop parameters with reference to at least a one model of a plurality of models for transmission lines of different topologies, select a further model for estimating crosstalk related parameters based on the determined topology, and estimate at least one crosstalk related parameter based on the determined topolgy and the selected further model.