Inducing response signatures in a communication network

摘要

Methods and systems are provided in which a network induces different distortions in signals traversing different segments of the network. The distortions may be used to identify locations on the network of devices that transmit and receive the signals. The distortions may be reflected in equalization coefficients programmed into transmitting or receiving devices, which may be used to pre or post filter the signals to compensate for the distortions.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
introducing a plurality of distortions respectively at a plurality of segments of a network, wherein each distortion is unique to one of the plurality of segments; determining an amplitude versus frequency response signature of a communication signal that traversed at least a portion of the network; determining a response signature approximation of the amplitude versus frequency response signature; and comparing the response signature approximation with one or more predicted response signatures to identify at least one of the plurality of segments traversed by the communication signal.