Subcarrier Reservation for xDSL Modem Training Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of new modems into Dynamic Spectrum Management (DSM) systems in xDSL networks causes interference and noise due to the training phase, which affects existing connections and reduces performance, especially during startup, as the DSM system takes time to adapt and may result in bit errors or lost connections.

Innovation Solution

Reserving a small group of subcarriers exclusively for the training phase of new modems joining the DSM group, allowing them to connect with reduced interference, using techniques like subcarrier masking or shaping, and dynamically managing these reserved subcarriers to minimize disruption to existing connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If new modems perform training phase over the whole frequency band, then they can calculate feasible data rate based on SNR measurements, but this causes interference to existing connections and results in bit errors

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSNR measurement accuracyVSAvoidinterference to existing connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency band is segmented into two parts: a first part reserved exclusively for training phase of new modems, and a second part for data transmission. This segmentation allows training signals to be isolated from data-carrying subcarriers, preventing interference to existing connections while enabling accurate SNR measurements for new modems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality requirements are applied to different parts of the frequency band. The first part (training subcarriers) is optimized for measurement accuracy with no data transmission, while the second part (data subcarriers) is optimized for data transmission with power spectral density constraints. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between measurement needs and interference prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If DSM L3 controller adapts to new modems, then system performance improves, but this takes time and may result in lost connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptation to new modemsVSAvoidconnection stability during adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by reserving specific subcarriers for training before normal data transmission begins. This preliminary training phase allows the DSM L3 controller to adapt to new modems in advance, calculating feasible data rates and power spectral densities without disrupting existing connections, thereby maintaining connection stability during the adaptation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If idle data is sent over twisted-pair lines, then bandwidth utilization increases, but crosstalk interference is induced affecting other lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidcrosstalk interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Training signals are extracted and placed on dedicated subcarriers that are taken out from the data-carrying portion of the frequency band. This extraction ensures that training activities do not generate crosstalk interference on data transmission lines, while idle data can still be sent on the remaining subcarriers to maintain bandwidth utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2146473B1Method and device for data processing and communication system comprising such device
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 ADTRAN GMBH
  • EP2146473B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A method and a device for data processing are provided, wherein at least one subcarrier is reserved by a network component for a modem to get connected to the network component. Furthermore, a communication system is suggested comprising said device.