U.S. patent application number 17/346432 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for distribution element for a self-calibrating rf network and system and method for use of the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Enseo, LLC. Invention is credited to William C. Fang, Raymond S. Horton, Vanessa Ogle.
Application Number | 20210344873 17/346432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005720419 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210344873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fang; William C. ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
Distribution Element for a Self-Calibrating RF Network and System
and Method for Use of the Same
Abstract
A distribution element for a self-calibrating RF network and
system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one
embodiment of the distribution element, the distribution element is
located between a headend layer and an endpoint layer. An upstream
directional control circuit and a downstream directional control
circuit are positioned in a spaced opposing relationship such that
respective upstream line and the downstream line are separated into
a forward line and reverse line therebetween while being combined
at the respective upstream directional control circuit and the
downstream directional control circuit. A pair of amplifier
circuits positioned between the upstream and downstream control
circuits are under the control of a controller to amplify and shape
the signal of the forward line and the reverse line. The controller
monitor and analyzes signals through the distribution element.
Inventors: |
Fang; William C.; (Plano,
TX) ; Horton; Raymond S.; (McKinney, TX) ;
Ogle; Vanessa; (Fairview, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Enseo, LLC |
Plano |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005720419 |
Appl. No.: |
17/346432 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16577702 |
Sep 20, 2019 |
11039106 |
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17346432 |
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15723769 |
Oct 3, 2017 |
10425617 |
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16577702 |
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62562009 |
Sep 22, 2017 |
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62403244 |
Oct 3, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 7/102 20130101;
H04N 7/173 20130101; H04N 21/64738 20130101; H04N 21/6168 20130101;
H04N 21/44209 20130101; H04N 7/106 20130101; H04N 21/438
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/173 20060101
H04N007/173; H04N 7/10 20060101 H04N007/10 |
Claims
1. A distribution element located between the headend layer and the
endpoint layer of a self-calibrating RF network, the distribution
element comprising: an upstream directional control circuit
configured to receive a forward transmission path on an upstream
line from a headend layer, the upstream directional control circuit
configured to transmit a reverse transmission path on the upstream
line to the headend layer; a downstream directional control circuit
configured to transmit the forward transmission path on a
downstream line to an endpoint layer, the downstream directional
control circuit configured to receive a reverse transmission path
on the downstream line from the endpoint layer; the upstream
directional control circuit and the downstream directional control
circuit being positioned in a spaced opposing relationship such
that the respective upstream line and the downstream line are
separated into a forward line and reverse line therebetween, while
being combined at the respective upstream directional control
circuit and the downstream directional control circuit; and a
controller comprising: a processor, a memory, and an RF interface,
a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the
processor, the memory, and the RF interface, the memory including a
profile defining signal-to-noise ratios, the memory accessible to
the processor, the memory including processor-executable
instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive a
loopthrough signal from the upstream directional control circuit
via the RF interface, and utilize the profile to analyze the
loopthrough signal relative to the signal-to-noise ratios.
2. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, wherein the
upstream directional control circuit further comprises a
directional coupler connected to the upstream line, the directional
coupler driving a signal to the controller.
3. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, wherein the
downstream directional control circuit further comprises a
directional coupler connected to the downstream line, the
directional coupler driving a signal to the controller.
4. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, further
comprising at least one network adapter, the network adapter
configured to receive the profile.
5. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, further
comprising at least one network adapter selected from the group
consisting of DOCSIS network adapters, modems, ethernet network
adapters, and Wi-Fi network adapters.
6. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, wherein the
memory further comprises processor-executable instructions that,
when executed, cause the processor to generate test signals and
test patterns for the upstream directional control circuit via the
RF interface.
7. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, wherein the
memory further comprises processor-executable instructions that,
when executed, cause the processor to generate test signals and
test patterns for the downstream directional control circuit via
the RF interface.
8. A distribution element located between the headend layer and the
endpoint layer of a self-calibrating RF network, the distribution
element comprising: an upstream directional control circuit
configured to receive a forward transmission path on an upstream
line from a headend layer, the upstream directional control circuit
configured to transmit a reverse transmission path on the upstream
line to the headend layer; a downstream directional control circuit
configured to transmit the forward transmission path on a
downstream line to an endpoint layer, the downstream directional
control circuit configured to receive a reverse transmission path
on the downstream line from the endpoint layer; the upstream
directional control circuit and the downstream directional control
circuit being positioned in a spaced opposing relationship such
that the respective upstream line and the downstream line are
separated into a forward line and reverse line therebetween while
being combined at the respective upstream directional control
circuit and the downstream directional control circuit; and a
controller comprising: a processor, a memory, and an RF interface,
a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the
processor, the memory, and the RF interface, the memory including a
profile defining signal shape in terms of power and equalization,
the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including
processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: receive a loopthrough signal from the upstream
directional control circuit via the RF interface, and utilize the
forward window profile and the reverse window profile to analyze
the loopthrough signal relative to the signal shape.
9. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, wherein the
upstream directional control circuit further comprises a
directional coupler connected to the upstream line, the directional
coupler driving a signal to the controller.
10. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, wherein the
downstream directional control circuit further comprises a
directional coupler connected to the downstream line, the
directional coupler driving a signal to the controller.
11. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, further
comprising at least one network adapter, the network adapter
configured to receive the profile.
12. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, further
comprising at least one network adapter selected from the group
consisting of DOCSIS network adapters, modems, ethernet network
adapters, and Wi-Fi network adapters.
13. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, wherein the
memory further comprises processor-executable instructions that,
when executed, cause the processor to generate test signals and
test patterns for the upstream directional control circuit via the
RF interface.
14. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, wherein the
memory further comprises processor-executable instructions that,
when executed, cause the processor to generate test signals and
test patterns for the downstream directional control circuit via
the RF interface.
15. A distribution element for a self-calibrating RF network having
a headend layer and an endpoint layer with the distribution element
located therebetween in a middle stage, the distribution element
comprising: an upstream directional control circuit configured to
receive a forward transmission path on an upstream line from the
headend layer, the upstream directional control circuit configured
to transmit a reverse transmission path on the upstream line to the
headend layer; a downstream directional control circuit configured
to transmit the forward transmission path on a downstream line to
the endpoint layer, the downstream directional control circuit
configured to receive a reverse transmission path on the downstream
line from the endpoint layer; the upstream directional control
circuit and the downstream directional control circuit being
positioned in a spaced opposing relationship such that the
respective upstream line and the downstream line are separated into
a forward line and reverse line therebetween while being combined
at the respective upstream directional control circuit and the
downstream directional control circuit; and a controller
comprising: a processor, a memory, an RF interface, and a network
adapter, a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the
processor, the memory, the RF interface, and the network adapter,
the memory accessible to the processor, the memory including
processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: receive a profile via the network adapter, the
profile defining signal-to-noise ratios and signal shape in terms
of power and equalization, the profile being created at the headend
layer with data from the headend layer and the endpoint layer,
store the profile, receive a loopthrough signal from the upstream
directional control circuit via the RF interface, the loopthrough
signal providing calibration for the middle stage of the
self-calibrating RF network between the headend layer and the
endpoint layer, and utilize the profile to analyze the loopthrough
signal relative to the signal-to-noise ratio and signal shape.
16. The distribution element as recited in claim 15, wherein the
upstream directional control circuit further comprises a
directional coupler connected to the upstream line, the directional
coupler driving a signal to the controller.
17. The distribution element as recited in claim 15, wherein the
downstream directional control circuit further comprises a
directional coupler connected to the downstream line, the
directional coupler driving a signal to the controller.
18. The distribution element as recited in claim 15, further
comprising at least one network adapter selected from the group
consisting of DOCSIS network adapters, modems, ethernet network
adapters, and Wi-Fi network adapters.
19. The distribution element as recited in claim 15, wherein the
memory further comprises processor-executable instructions that,
when executed, cause the processor to generate test signals and
test patterns for the upstream directional control circuit via the
RF interface.
20. The distribution element as recited in claim 15, wherein the
memory further comprises processor-executable instructions that,
when executed, cause the processor to generate test signals and
test patterns for the downstream directional control circuit via
the RF interface.
Description
PRIORITY STATEMENT & CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/577,702 entitled "Distribution Element for
a Self-Calibrating RF Network and System and Method for Use of the
Same" filed Sep. 20, 2019, in the names of William C. Fang, et al.,
now U.S. Pat. No. 11,039,106 issued on Jun. 15, 2021; which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/723,769
entitled "Distribution Element for a Self-Calibrating RF Network
and System and Method for Use of the Same" filed on Oct. 3, 2017,
in the names of William C. Fang et al., now U.S. Pat. No.
10,425,617, issued on Sep. 24, 2019; which claims priority from (1)
U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/562,009, entitled "Distribution
Element for a Self-Calibrating RF Network and System and Method for
Use of Same" filed on Sep. 22, 2017, in the name of William C.
Fang; and (2) U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/403,244 entitled
"Self-Calibrating RF Network and System and Method for Use of the
Same" filed on Oct. 3, 2016, in the names of William C. Fang and
Vanessa Ogle; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference, in
entirety, for all purposes. This application discloses subject
matter related to the subject matter disclosed in the following
commonly owned, co-pending application: U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/723,608 entitled "Self-Calibrating RF Network and
System and Method for Use of the Same" and filed on Oct. 3, 2017,
in the names of William C. Fang et al.; all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference, in entirety, for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates, in general, to high-bandwidth data
transfers over an existing cable TV (CATV) radio frequency (RF)
network and, in particular, to a distribution element for
self-calibrating RF networks and systems and methods for use of the
same that address and enhance network performance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Without limiting the scope of the present invention, the
background will be described in relation to televisions in the
hospitality lodging industry, as an example. To many individuals, a
television is more than just a display screen, rather it is a
doorway to the world, both real and imaginary, and a way to
experience new possibilities and discoveries. Consumers are
demanding enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform. As a result
of such consumer preferences, the quality of content and
ease-of-use are frequent differentiators in determining the
experience of guests staying in hospitality lodging establishments.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems and methods for
providing enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform in the
hospitality lodging industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It would be advantageous to achieve a high bandwidth data
transfer RF network that would improve upon existing limitations in
performance. It would also be desirable to enable a computer-based
electronics and software solution that would provide an experience
in the hospitality lodging industry, or in another environment,
with minimum video glitches and data interruptions. To better
address one or more of these concerns, a distribution element for a
self-calibrating RF network and system and method for use of the
same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the distribution element,
the distribution element is located between a headend layer and an
endpoint layer. An upstream directional control circuit and a
downstream directional control circuit are positioned in a spaced
opposing relationship such that a respective upstream line and a
downstream line are separated into a forward line and reverse line
therebetween, while being combined at the respective upstream
directional control circuit and the downstream directional control
circuit. A pair of amplifier circuits positioned between the
upstream and downstream control circuits are under the control of a
controller to amplify and shape the signal of the forward line and
the reverse line. The controller monitors and analyzes signals
through the distribution element. These and other aspects of the
invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to
the embodiments described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a more complete understanding of the features and
advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the
detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying
figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures
refer to corresponding parts and in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a
self-calibrating RF network having high-bandwidth data transfers
thereon using a distribution element according to the teachings
presented herein;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a
self-calibrating CATV RF network having high-bandwidth data
transfers thereon using a distribution element according to the
teachings presented herein;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram depicting one
embodiment of the distribution element presented in FIGS. 1, 2, and
3; and
[0009] FIG. 4 is a functional schematic diagram depicting one
embodiment of the distribution element depicted in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] While the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are
merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention,
and do not delimit the scope of the present invention.
[0011] Referring initially to FIG. 1, therein is depicted one
embodiment of a system for providing self-calibrating RF networks,
which is schematically illustrated and generally designated 10. As
shown, the system 10 spans a network 12 including a headend layer
14, a distribution layer 16, and an endpoint layer 18. The network
12 includes an RF network portion and may include the Internet, for
example. The headend layer 14 includes a server 20 and a terminal
device 22. The distribution layer includes distribution elements
24, which are individually labeled 24-through 24-n, and may be
referred to individually as distribution element 24 or collectively
as distribution elements 24. The endpoint layer includes endpoint
devices 26 which are individually labeled 26-1 through 26-n, and
may be referred to individually as endpoint devices 26 or
collectively as endpoint devices 26.
[0012] As shown, the server 20 may be a management server located
in a cloud or an on-premises server, for example. The server
utilizes the network 12 to communicate with one or multiple
properties, such as a hospitality lodging establishment. The
hospitality lodging establishment or, more generally, hospitality
property, may be a multi-family residence, dormitory, lodging
establishment, hotel, hospital, or other multi-unit environment,
for example.
[0013] In some embodiments, each of the hospitality properties may
include an RF network forming a portion of the network 12 and
having a separate property server located in communication with the
terminal device 22. Such a property server and the terminal device
22 may be at least partially integrated. The terminal device 22
provides data services through the distribution elements 24 to the
end-point devices 26, which subscribe to the data services. More
specifically, the terminal device 22 includes point-to-multipoint
transmission in a downstream direction and multipoint-to-point
transmission in the upstream direction. Further, the terminal
device 22 may be a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) or a video
distribution modulation device, for example. The distribution
elements 24 may provide bi-directional RF signal distribution
capability between the end point devices 26 and the terminal device
22. Additionally, the distribution elements 24 may provide
self-generating upstream and downstream test signals for signal
path diagnostic purposes. The end point devices 26 furnish upstream
maintenance on power adjustments through ranging requests and the
end point devices 26 may include cable modem receivers, set-top
boxes, cable-ready televisions, or cable-ready computers, for
example. As illustrated, the endpoint devices 26 are depicted as
set-top boxes.
[0014] As shown, the server 20 receives RF performance data from
the terminal device 22 in the headend layer, the distribution
elements 24 in the distribution layer 14, and the endpoint devices
26 in the endpoint layer 18. The server 20 processes the RF
performance data and sends RF adjustment data, in response. A less
than optimal tuned RF network typically experiences video glitches
and data interruptions on the Internet connections of the
subscribers at the endpoint devices 26. Temperature, the age of the
contacts, a change in the number of users, or changes in load may
impact the performance of the network 12, including the
distribution elements 24. The system 10 provides self-monitoring
and self-calibrating to the network 12, including the distribution
element 24, to optimally tune the network 12 and mitigate unwanted
video glitches and data interruptions. The server 20 receives the
RF performance data, which includes physical device location
information, the connection and distribution information, and
substantially real time signal power level and quality reports and
analyzes the data and determines the necessary adjustments to the
various components--terminal device 22, distribution elements 24,
and end point devices 26--within the network 12. The various
performance criteria and the signal adjustment algorithms are
determined by and stored at the server 20.
[0015] In one embodiment of this architecture, as will be discussed
in further detail hereinbelow, the distribution elements 24 include
network controlled amplifier circuits that provide bidirectional RF
signal distribution between the endpoint devices 26 and the
terminal device 22, which, as mentioned, may include headend
modulation equipment such as video servers and CMTS. Such
distribution elements 24 may include built-in cable modem
functionality that permits communication with the terminal device
22 and the end point devices 26, to enable the feeding of the
signal measurement data to the server 20 to complete the monitoring
and provide for the calibration. In this scheme, the distribution
elements 24 adjust the power and amplification levels and
participate in diagnostic exercise by enabling test signal and test
patters to both upstream and downstream RF paths within the network
12.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the system 10 is
depicted in further detail. In the illustrated embodiment, a
self-calibrating CATV RF network 30 having high-bandwidth data
transfers thereon according to the teachings presented herein is
illustrated. Similar to the network 12, the CATV RF network 30
includes the management server 32, which is a cloud-based server,
acting as the server 20 in communication with properties 34 via the
Internet 36. A property server 38 is co-located with CMTS 40, which
serves as the terminal device 22. As discussed, the management
server 32 may be a centralized management server that can take
physical device location information, connection and distribution
information and real time signal power level and quality reports
from each end point device. The management server 32 may then
analyze the data and determine the necessary adjustments to the
distribution elements and varied headend layer modulation devices.
The performance criteria and the signal adjustment algorithms are
determined by the management server 32 or alternatively, stored at
the management server 32.
[0017] In one embodiment, the CATV RF network 30 includes
high-bandwidth data transfers and a shared bi-directional networks
with point-to-multipoint transmission in the downstream direction,
and multipoint-to-point transmission in the upstream direction.
Signals are distributed via an electrical signal on coaxial cable,
for example via a tree and branch coaxial cable distribution
network. Terminal equipment supports the delivery of cable services
(video, data and voice services) to subscribers, via cable modems,
for example. Data and voice services are supported by cable modems
and communication gateways, respectively, which require the use of
an upstream signal path. The network 12 may use a fiber optic
upstream signal path from the node to the headend. A return band is
used to support transmissions from devices at subscribers' rooms to
the headend.
[0018] Such a CATV RF network 30 generally uses standardized
communication protocol based on the Data over Cable System
Interface Specification (DOCSIS) to access data services through
the cable network, by using the downstream path to indicate exactly
when each modem is permitted to transmit in the upstream direction.
The DOCSIS utilizes two primary data transmission elements; namely,
the CMTS 40 located in specified nodes on the CATV RF network 30
for distributing data to end-of-line subscribers; and set-top boxes
residing at subscriber's rooms. Subscribers send data from their
digital devices (PC, VoIP phone, Video IP device, etc.) into the
endpoint device, e.g. set-top box, which then relays the data to
the CMTS, which in turn relays the information to the appropriate
network element. Information destined to the subscriber digital
device is provided from the network to the CMTS, which in turn
relays the information to the set-top box. The endpoint device,
e.g. set-top box, in turn relays the information to the
subscriber's digital device, such as a television. Additional
network elements may be placed inside the cable network to support
service delivery or to monitor service quality. All system
maintenance, operation and network communications are outlined in
the DOCSIS specification.
[0019] The DOCSIS requires that the downstream communication path
be properly functioning for any upstream communication to happen.
In cases where the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is too low in the
downstream path for the cable modem to receive data, the downstream
path may be unusable while the upstream path may function
correctly. In such cases, a service call may require a service
technician to be dispatched to a subscriber's location,
considerable cost and loss of time. It is, therefore, advantageous
to implement an overall network management system that can quickly
and cost-effectively locate various network faults and monitor
network performance to allow for optimum delivery of various
services to subscribers.
[0020] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, the CMTS 40 is a piece of
equipment, typically located at a headend of the hospitality
lodging establishment. The CMTS 40 is used to provide high speed
data services, such as cable Internet or Voice over Internet
Protocol, to cable subscribers. Various headend and video
modulation devices may be incorporated into the CMTS 40 to receive
RF signals transmitted efficiently through long distances and
decode the RF signals at the video modulation devices.
[0021] A splitter 42 divides the signal and the distribution
elements 24 including distribution elements 24-1, 24-2, and 24-3,
take an RF signal as an input, following analysis, amplify and
adjust the signal shape, and output the amplified RF signal which,
as shown, travels through splitters 44, 46, 48 prior to reaching
rooms 50, which are individually numbered 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4,
50-5, 50-6, 50-7, 50-8, and 50-9. In the various rooms 50 of the
property, endpoint devices 26, which are individually numbered
26-1, 26-2, 26-3, 26-4, 26-5, 26-6, 26-7, 26-8, and 26-9 and
displays 52, which are individually labeled 52-1, 52-2, 52-3, 52-4,
52-5, 52-6, 52-7, 52-8, and 52-9 are located. As shown, the
endpoint devices 26 are illustrated as set-top boxes and as used
herein, set-top boxes, back boxes and set-top/back boxes may be
discussed as set-top boxes. By way of example, the set-top box may
be a set-top unit that is an information appliance device that
generally contains set-top box functionality including having a
television-tuner input and displays output through a connection to
the display or the television set and an external source of signal,
turning by way of tuning the source signal into content in a form
that can then be displayed on the television screen or other
display device. Such set-top boxes are used in cable television,
satellite television, and over-the-air television systems, for
example.
[0022] The displays 52 may be an output device for display of
information and the television set may be a device that combines
elements of a tuner, display, and loudspeakers for the purpose of
viewing information. As shown, groups of set-top boxes are secured
to splitters 44, 46, 48, which may act as directional couplers,
which are passive devices used in the field of RF that couple a
defined amount of the electromagnetic power in a transmission line
to a port enabling the RF signal to be used by multiple set-top
boxes.
[0023] As depicted in FIG. 2, RF performance and diagnostic data
60, 62, 64, 66 is collected from the property server 38, CMTS 40,
distribution element 24-1, and the endpoint device 26-1, by way of
the ranging maintenance data 68. The management server 32 analyzes
this data and sends power and equalization adjustments 70, 72 to
the properties 34. Additionally, ranging maintenance 74 is provided
to the set-top box 26-1.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, the distribution elements 24 for a
self-calibrating RF network having a headend layer 14 and an
endpoint layer 18 with the distribution element 16 located
therebetween is depicted. An upstream directional control circuit
90 is configured to receive a forward transmission path F on an
upstream line 92 from the headend layer 14. The upstream
directional control circuit 90 is also configured to transmit a
reverse transmission path R on the upstream line 92 to the headend
layer 14. Similarly, a downstream directional control circuit 94 is
configured to transmit the forward transmission path F on a
downstream line to the endpoint layer 18. Further, the downstream
directional control circuit 94 is configured to receive the reverse
transmission path R on the downstream line 96 from the endpoint
layer 18. The upstream directional control circuit 90 and the
downstream directional control circuit 94 are positioned in a
spaced opposing relationship such that the respective upstream line
92 and the downstream line 96 are separated into a forward line 98
and a reverse line 100 therebetween, while being combined at the
respective upstream directional control circuit 90 and the
downstream directional control circuit 94.
[0025] A forward amplifier circuit 102 is interposed between the
upstream directional control circuit 90 and the downstream
directional control circuit 94 on the forward line 98. The forward
amplifier circuit 102 amplifies and adjusts the shape of a forward
signal on the forward line 98. A reverse amplifier circuit 104
interposed between the upstream directional control circuit 90 and
the downstream directional control circuit 94 on the reverse line
100. The reverse amplifier circuit 104 amplifies and adjusts the
shape of a downstream signal on the reverse line 100.
[0026] A controller 106 is disposed in communication with the
forward amplifier circuit 102 and the reverse amplifier circuit 104
via a controller interface 108. The controller 106 enables the
monitoring and controllability functionality of the distribution
elements 24. The controller 106 receives a loopthrough signal 110
on a loopthrough signal line from the upstream directional control
circuit 90. The controller 106 monitors and analyzes the
loopthrough signal 110 to provide calibration, if necessary, for
the middle stages of the network 12 between the headend layer 14
and the endpoint layer 18. The controller 106 provides control
signals 112 to the forward amplifier circuit 102 to adjust and
shape the signal on the forward line 98. Similarly, the controller
106 provides control signals 114 to the reverse amplifier circuit
104 to adjust and shape the signal on the reverse amplifier circuit
104.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the distribution
element 24 is depicted in further detail. The upstream directional
control circuit 90 may include a directional coupler 120 and a
diplexer 122. An incoming RF signal is received at the upstream
line 92 by the directional coupler 120, which directs a defined
amount of the electromagnetic power in the incoming RF signal to
each of the diplexer 122 and the controller 106, thereby enabling
the incoming RF signal to be utilized by each circuit portion. The
diplexer 122 separates the incoming RF signal into forward
(generally higher frequency) signals and reverse (usually lower
frequency) signals. The forward signals from the diplexer 122 are
applied to the forward amplifier circuit 102. More particularly,
the forward signals from the diplexer 122 are applied an input
amplifier 124 that is used to amplify the signal before further
downstream processing. The output of the input amplifier 124 is
received by an interstage attenuator 126 and an interstage
equalizer 128, which are connected in series. The interstage
attenuator 126 and the interstage equalizer 128 are utilized, as
required, to shape the static response of the input amplifier 124
prior to the output being received by an output amplifier 130. At
the output amplifier 130, the signal is amplified before being
received by the downstream directional control circuit 94. Within
the directional control circuit 94, a diplexer 132 separates the
forward and reverse signals in a manner similar to the diplexer
122. The downstream signals are applied to a directional coupler
134, which directs a defined amount of the electromagnetic power in
the RF signal to the RF signal output.
[0028] The reverse signals from the diplexer 132 are applied to the
reverse amplifier circuit 104, which includes an initial attenuator
136, which is utilized as required, to shape the static response of
the reverse RF signal from the diplexer 132 prior to receipt by an
amplifier 138, which is connected in series, that is used to
amplify the signal. The signal is received by the diplexer 122 and
then applied to the directional coupler 120. It should be
appreciated that the design of the distribution element may vary
depending on application. Other distribution elements may have
fewer or more inputs and outputs, and fewer or more amplification
stages. The design disclosed in FIG. 4 is presented by way of
example and not as a limitation to the applicability of the
teachings presented herein.
[0029] Within the controller 106, a processor 150, memory 152, and
RF interface 154 are interconnected by a busing architecture 156
within a mounting architecture. Various network adapters 158, 160,
162 may also be interconnected in the busing architecture 156. The
processor 150 may process instructions for execution within the
computing device, including instructions stored in the memory 152.
The memory 152 stores information within the computing device. In
one implementation, the memory 152 is a volatile memory unit or
units. In another implementation, the memory 152 is a non-volatile
memory unit or units. Storage (not shown) may be included to
provide capacity that is capable of providing mass storage for the
controller 106. The RF interface 154 provides communication with
the directional coupler 120 via the loopthrough signal line 110.
The network adapters 158, 160, 162 provide connections to and from
the controller 106, wherein the network adapters 158, 160, 162 are
the signals or data received by the controller 106 with elements
external to the distribution elements 24, and the signals or data
sent from the controller 106 to elements external to the
distribution elements 24. By way of example, the network adapters
158, 160, 162 may be DOCSIS network adapters, modems, ethernet
network adapters, and Wi-Fi network adapters, for example. The
network adapters 158, 160, 162 may also receive the loopthrough
signal 110 for the RF interface 154 for processing. As illustrated,
by way of further example, the network adapter 158 is a DOCSIS
network adapter, the network adapter 160 is an ethernet adapter,
and the network adapter 162 is a Wi-Fi adapter.
[0030] The memory 152 is accessible to the processor 150 and
includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed,
cause the processor 150 to execute a series of operations. In some
embodiments, the processor-executable instructions receive a
profile via one of the network adapters. The profile defines
signal-to-noise ratios and signal shape of RF signals in the
distribution layer 16 in terms of power and equalization. In one
implementation, the profile is created in the headend layer 14 with
data from the headend layer 14 and the endpoint layer 18. The
profile is then appropriately propagated through the network to the
distribution elements 24. The profile may be received via the
DOCSIS network adapter, the modem adapter by way of loopthrough
signal 110, or the Wi-Fi adapter. The architecture of the network
12 will influence the transceiver path selected. The
processor-executable instructions may then cause the profile to be
stored. The processor 150 may then receive a loopthrough signal 110
from the upstream directional control circuit 90 via the RF
interface 154. The processor-executable instructions cause the
processor to utilize the profile to analyze the loopthrough signal
110 and, based on the analysis, send a control signal to at least
one of the forward amplifier circuit 102 and the reverse amplifier
circuit 104 to adjust the signal-to-noise ratio and signal shape.
As shown, control signals 112, and in particular control signal
112-1, is sent to attenuator 126. Control signal 112-2 is sent to
the interstate equalizer 128. Further, control signal 114 is sent
to the attenuator 136. It should be appreciated that the
adjustments and control signaling at the distribution elements 24
may vary depending on implementation. As presented herein, in some
embodiments, the distribution elements 24 provide a network
controllable amplifier with network analysis capability built in
with self-calibrating connection support based on the pre-loaded or
real-time parameters on the profile. This enables the distribution
elements 24 to provide calibration for the distribution layer
16.
[0031] The order of execution or performance of the methods and
data flows illustrated and described herein is not essential,
unless otherwise specified. That is, elements of the methods and
data flows may be performed in any order, unless otherwise
specified, and that the methods may include more or less elements
than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that
executing or performing a particular element before,
contemporaneously with, or after another element are all possible
sequences of execution.
[0032] While this invention has been described with reference to
illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be
construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and
combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other
embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled
in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore,
intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications
or embodiments.
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