Distribution element for a self-calibrating RF network and system and method for use of the same

• US 10,425,617 B2
• Filed: 10/03/2017
• Issued: 09/24/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Enseo, LLC (Enseo, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Enseo, Inc.
• Inventors: Fang, William C., Horton, Raymond S., Ogle, Vanessa
• Primary Examiner(s): Shang, Annan Q
• Application Number:
  US15/723,769
• Publication Number:
  US 20180098032A1
• Time in Patent Office: 721 Days
• Field of Search: 725105-134, 725149
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/438 Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving encoded video stream packets from an IP network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44209 Monitoring of downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. bandwidth variations of a wireless network arrangements for maintenance or administration in data switching networks involving bandwidth and capacity management H04L41/0896
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6168 involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/64738 Monitoring network characteristics, e.g. bandwidth, congestion level data switched network analysis H04L41/14; monitoring functioning in data switched networks H04L43/0817; flow control in packet networks H04L47/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/102 Circuits therefor, e.g. noise reducers, equalisers, amplifiers H04N7/108 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/106 for domestic distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal

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.

Claims

1. A distribution element for 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;

a forward amplifier circuit interposed between the upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional circuit on the forward line, the forward amplifier circuit amplifying a forward signal on the forward line;

a reverse amplifier circuit interposed between the upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional circuit on the reverse line, the reverse amplifier circuit amplifying a downstream signal on the downstream path; and

a controller in communication with the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit via a controller interface, the controller comprising;

a processor, 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,

utilize the profile to analyze the loopthrough signal,

based on the analysis, send a control signal to at least one of the forward amplifier circuit and reverse amplifier circuit to adjust 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 each of a diplexer and the controller, the diplexer being secured to the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit.

3. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, wherein the forward amplifier circuit further comprises a first amplifier, an attenuator, an equalizer, and a second amplifier connected in series, the first amplifier being coupled to the upstream directional control circuit, the second amplifier being coupled to the downstream directional control circuit.

4. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, wherein the reverse amplifier circuit further comprises an attenuator and an amplifier connected in series, the amplifier being coupled to the upstream directional control circuit and the attenuator being coupled to the downstream directional control circuit.

5. 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 each of a diplexer and the controller, the diplexer being secured to the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit.

6. The distribution element as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one network adapter, the network adapter configured to receive the profile.

7. 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.

8. A distribution element for 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;

a forward amplifier circuit interposed between the upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional circuit on the forward line, the forward amplifier circuit amplifying a forward signal on the forward line;

a reverse amplifier circuit interposed between the upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional circuit on the reverse line, the reverse amplifier circuit amplifying a downstream signal on the downstream path; and

a controller in communication with the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit via a controller interface, the controller comprising;

a processor, 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,

utilize the forward window profile and the reverse window profile to analyze the loopthrough signal,

based on the analysis, send a control signal to at least one of the forward amplifier circuit and reverse amplifier circuit to adjust 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 each of a diplexer and the controller, the diplexer being secured to the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit.

10. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, wherein the forward amplifier circuit further comprises a first amplifier, an attenuator, an equalizer, and a second amplifier connected in series, the first amplifier being coupled to the upstream directional control circuit, the second amplifier being coupled to the downstream directional control circuit.

11. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, wherein the reverse amplifier circuit further comprises an attenuator and an amplifier connected in series, the amplifier being coupled to the upstream directional control circuit and the attenuator being coupled to the downstream directional control circuit.

12. 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 each of a diplexer and the controller, the diplexer being secured to the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit.

13. The distribution element as recited in claim 8, further comprising at least one network adapter, the network adapter configured to receive the profile.

14. 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.

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;

a forward amplifier circuit interposed between the upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional circuit on the forward line, the forward amplifier circuit amplifying a forward signal on the forward line;

a reverse amplifier circuit interposed between the upstream directional control circuit and the downstream directional circuit on the reverse line, the reverse amplifier circuit amplifying a downstream signal on the downstream path; and

a controller co-located and in communication with the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit via a controller interface, the controller comprising;

a processor, 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,

utilize the profile to analyze the loopthrough signal,

based on the analysis, send a control signal to at least one of the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit to adjust 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 each of a diplexer and the controller, the diplexer being secured to the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit.

17. The distribution element as recited in claim 15, wherein the forward amplifier circuit further comprises a first amplifier, an attenuator, an equalizer, and a second amplifier connected in series, the first amplifier being coupled to the upstream directional control circuit, the second amplifier being coupled to the downstream directional control circuit.

18. The distribution element as recited in claim 15, wherein the reverse amplifier circuit further comprises an attenuator and an amplifier connected in series, the amplifier being coupled to the upstream directional control circuit and the attenuator being coupled to the downstream directional control circuit.

19. 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 each of a diplexer and the controller, the diplexer being secured to the forward amplifier circuit and the reverse amplifier circuit.

20. 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.