System, method, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable program product related to data and power network of a facility

Abstract

A data communication network within or on a building facilitates wired and wireless connectivity. The network may include wiring for transmitting power and both types of communication signals. The network may facilitate the control of multiple devices (such as sensors, transmitters, and / or color-changing windows) within an enclosure (e.g., a facility). The enclosure includes network power management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to information on facility priority applications and power grids. Prior Technology

[0002] As high data rate wireless and wired connections become not only anticipated but sometimes necessary, facilities (e.g., buildings) not only allow the transmission of wireless signals but also facilitate such transmissions and / or promote stable wired networks. This is especially true as wireless connections move to higher frequency carrier bands (e.g., in the case of fifth-generation (5G) wireless network connections) and / or the physical infrastructure of facilities (e.g., buildings) becomes increasingly network-connected.

[0003] Cable networks designed to separately handle multiple centrally controlled targets (e.g., devices, or components) can be complex and expensive due to the increased number of targets they are communicatively coupled to. Targets can be of various types (e.g., sensors, antennas, output devices, and / or tintables, such as those containing optically switchable devices). The complexity of the cable network can further increase when the network is requested to assist in streaming multiple functions (e.g., voice, image, data, and / or electrical) to and / or from those targets. The coupling of targets (e.g., third-party devices) to the network can cause network failures or malfunctions (e.g., due to excessive power consumption). When the cable system becomes lengthy and / or includes multiple interfaces (e.g., nodes), signals transmitted through the network may tend to attenuate, potentially becoming submerged in noise and unreadable (e.g., they may decay as they propagate along the network). Some signals (e.g., 5G signals) that can be minimally (e.g., cannot) penetrate an enclosure (e.g., a facility such as a building) may need to be transmitted from the external environment through a cable network into the enclosure. As the number, coverage, and / or quantity of the following increase, the cable network can become more expensive and / or complex: (e.g., parallel) cables, targets, data, communications, and / or power distribution. In some embodiments, power distribution includes the distribution of any electrical components, such as current. Therefore, networks with traditional cabling types and topologies may become expensive and / or unsuitable for such high-density applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The various forms disclosed in this article mitigate at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0005] This disclosure provides systems, devices, and / or nontransitory computer-readable media (e.g., software) that facilitate wired and / or wireless connectivity within an enclosure.

[0006] In some forms, the present invention discloses a coaxial cable controlled to transmit multiple stream types limited to different (e.g., distinguishable) frequency windows. For example, a single stream type may be limited to one or more (e.g., distinguishable) frequency windows. Power supplied to the target can be controlled (e.g., managed and / or restricted). These targets can be identified, and their identity can be selectively verified (e.g., via blockchain) before being fully connected to a communication network including the cabling. Nodes of the network and / or cable architecture communicatively coupled to the network cabling can be designed to preserve and / or enhance the signal strength transmitted through the network. The cable network can facilitate signal transmission from the external environment of an enclosure to the internal enclosure environment and vice versa, for example, by using external and internal antennas. The system may include DC (abbreviated herein as "DC") power distributors, repeaters, range extenders, and / or signal repeaters. Examples of blockchain usage, identification, security, and control systems can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 858,634, filed June 7, 2019, entitled "Secure Building Services Network," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0007] In another embodiment, a system for power and communication transmission in a facility includes: (a) a cabling system having a first communication type configured for transmitting current and controlling at least one device of the facility, and a cable configured for a second communication type for media communication, the cabling system being operatively coupled to the at least one device; (b) a first antenna configured to receive and externally transmit signals of the second communication type to the facility outside the facility, the first antenna being operatively coupled to the cabling system; (c) a second antenna configured to (i) receive signals of the second communication type inside the facility and (ii) internally transmit signals of the second communication type within the facility, the second antenna being operatively coupled to the cabling system; and (d) at least one controller operatively coupled to the cabling system and configured to control the at least one device using the first communication type.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cable system is configured to simultaneously transmit current, the first communication type, and the second communication type. In some embodiments, the first communication type and the second communication type do not overlap in signal frequencies. In some embodiments, the first communication type is within a frequency window. In some embodiments, the first communication type includes multiple frequency windows. In some embodiments, the second communication type is within a frequency window. In some embodiments, the second communication type includes multiple frequency windows. In some embodiments, the cabling system is operatively coupled to one or more signal frequency filters. In some embodiments, the cabling system is operatively coupled to one or more signal amplifiers and / or repeaters. In some embodiments, the second communication type includes fourth-generation (4G) and / or fifth-generation (5G) cellular communication. In some embodiments, the second communication type includes analog radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the first antenna is a directional antenna. In some embodiments, the second antenna is part of a distributed antenna system. In some embodiments, the second antenna is configured in one of a plurality of edge distribution frame devices configured in the facility. In some embodiments, the current is DC. In some embodiments, the current pointing to the at least one device is at most approximately 48 volts DC. In some embodiments, the cabling system uses a coaxial cable. In some embodiments, the cabling system includes an optical fiber. In some embodiments, the facility includes floors, and the cabling system includes an optical fiber that transmits the first communication type and / or the second communication type between the floors. In some embodiments, the facility includes a plurality of control panels, and the cabling system includes an optical fiber that transmits the first communication type and / or the second communication type between the plurality of control panels. In some embodiments, the cabling system includes a distribution junction. In some embodiments, the distribution junction distributes power unevenly. In some embodiments, the distribution junction distributes the first communication type and / or the second communication type unevenly. In some embodiments, the distribution junction is passive. In some embodiments, the distribution junction includes an active element. In some embodiments, the active element is a controller. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to generate the first communication type. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to be operatively coupled to a building management system. In some embodiments, the first communication type is generated and / or used by the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one device includes a sensor, a transmitter, an antenna, a color-changing window, lighting, a security system, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In some embodiments, the sensor is motion-sensitive. In some embodiments, the sensor includes an accelerometer. In some embodiments, the transmitter includes an optical transmitter or a sound transmitter. In some embodiments, the sensor includes an infrared, ultraviolet, or visible light sensor.In some embodiments, the sensor is sensitive to at least one environmental characteristic, including humidity, carbon dioxide, temperature, sound, electromagnetic fields, volatile organic compounds, or pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor includes a gas sensor sensitive to gas type, movement, and / or pressure. In some embodiments, the device is part of an ensemble comprising one or more devices enclosed in a housing. In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprise at least two devices of the same type. In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprise at least two devices of different types. In some embodiments, the facility is a multi-story building. In some embodiments, the cabling system serves at least a portion of the multi-story building. In some embodiments, the multi-story building is a skyscraper.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for power and communication transmission in a facility, the method comprising: performing at least one operation using any of the aforementioned systems.

[0010] In another embodiment, an apparatus for power and communication transmission in a facility includes at least one controller configured to be operatively coupled to the system and to perform (or direct) at least one operation using any of the systems. In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes circuitry. In some embodiments, at least two of the at least one operation are performed by the same controller of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two of the at least one operation are performed by different controllers of the at least one controller.

[0011] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable product (NCM) for power and communication transmission in a facility contains instructions written thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform at least one operation using any of the systems described above. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are operatively coupled to the system. In some embodiments, at least two of the at least one operation are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, at least two of the at least one operation are performed by different processors of the one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the NCM includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the NCM includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0012] In another embodiment, an apparatus for controlling at least one device of a facility includes at least one controller having a circuit, the at least one controller being configured to: (a) be coupled to a cabling system having a cable configured to transmit current, a first communication type for controlling the at least one device, and a second communication type for media communication, the cabling system being configured to be operatively coupled to the at least one device; (b) be coupled to a first antenna configured to receive a signal of the second communication type outside the facility and externally transmit a signal of the second communication type to the facility; (c) be coupled to a second antenna configured to (i) receive a signal of the second communication type inside the facility, and (ii) internally transmit a signal of the second communication type within the facility; (d) direct the second communication type from the first antenna to the second antenna; direct the second communication type from the second antenna to the first antenna; be operatively coupled to the at least one device of the facility; and (e) use (or direct) the use of the first communication type to control the at least one device of the facility. In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes circuitry. In some embodiments, at least two of (a) to (e) are performed by the same controller of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two of (a) to (e) are performed by different controllers of the at least one controller.

[0013] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable product (NCM) for controlling at least one device in a facility has instructions that, when read by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations including: (a) transmitting (or directing transmission) current through a cable, a first communication type for controlling the at least one device, and configuring a second communication type for media communication, the cable being part of a cabling system to which the at least one device is operatively coupled; (b) directing a signal of the second communication type received by a first antenna to a second antenna and a signal of the second communication type received by the second antenna to the first antenna, the first antenna being configured to receive the signal of the second communication type outside the facility and externally transmit the signal of the second communication type to the facility, the second antenna being configured to (i) receive the signal of the second communication type inside the facility and (ii) internally transmit the signal of the second communication type within the facility; and (c) controlling (or directing) the control of the at least one device by using the first communication type.

[0014] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are operatively coupled to the cabling system. In some embodiments, the at least two operations are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the at least two operations are performed by different processors of the one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0015] In another embodiment, a method for controlling at least one device of a facility, the method comprising: (a) transmitting (i) a current, (ii) a first communication type for controlling the at least one device, and (iii) configuring a second communication type for media communication via a cable, the cable being part of a cabling system to which the at least one device is operatively coupled; (b) directing a signal of the second communication type received by a first antenna to a second antenna, and a signal of the second communication type received by the second antenna to the first antenna, the first antenna being configured to receive the signal of the second communication type outside the facility and externally transmit the signal of the second communication type to the facility, the second antenna being configured to (i) receive the signal of the second communication type inside the facility, and (ii) internally transmit the signal of the second communication type within the facility; and (c) controlling the at least one device by using the first communication type.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further includes simultaneously transmitting the current, the first communication type, and the second communication type on the cable. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the first communication type and the second communication type such that the first communication type and the second communication type do not overlap in signal frequencies. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the first communication type in a frequency window. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the first communication type in multiple frequency windows. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the second communication type in a frequency window. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the second communication type in multiple frequency windows. In some embodiments, the method further includes operatively coupling the cabling system to one or more signal frequency filters. In some embodiments, the method further includes operatively coupling the cabling system to one or more signal amplifiers and / or repeaters. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the second communication type for fourth-generation (4G) and / or fifth-generation (5G) cellular communication. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the second communication type for analog radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the first antenna as a directional antenna. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the second antenna as part of a distributed antenna system. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring the second antenna in one of a plurality of edge distribution frame devices configured in the facility. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the current as a DC current. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the current as a DC current of up to approximately 48 volts. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the cable of the cabling system as a coaxial cable. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the cabling system including an optical fiber. In some embodiments, the facility includes floors. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the cabling system including an optical fiber configured to transmit (i) the first communication type and / or (ii) the second communication type between the floors. In some embodiments, the facility includes a plurality of control panels. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the cabling system including an optical cable configured to transmit (i) the first communication type and / or (ii) the second communication type between the plurality of control panels. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using a distribution interface as part of the cabling system. In some embodiments, the method further includes the distribution interface unevenly distributing power.In some embodiments, the method further includes unevenly distributing the first communication type and / or the second communication type on the distribution interface. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the distribution interface as a passive element. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the distribution interface as an active element. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the active element as a controller. In some embodiments, the cabling system is operatively coupled to a building management system. In some embodiments, the method further includes generating and / or utilizing the first communication type by the at least one device. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the at least one device, which includes a sensor, transmitter, antenna, color-changing window, lighting, security system, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, or any combination or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to sense movement. In some embodiments, the sensor includes an accelerometer. In some embodiments, the transmitter includes a light transmitter or a sound transmitter. In some embodiments, the sensor includes an infrared, ultraviolet, or visible light sensor. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring the sensor to sense at least one environmental characteristic, including humidity, carbon dioxide, temperature, sound, electromagnetic fields, volatile organic compounds, or pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor includes a gas sensor sensitive to gas type, movement, and / or pressure. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring the device to be part of a device suite comprising one or more devices enclosed in a housing. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring the one or more devices to be at least two devices of the same type. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring the one or more devices to be at least two devices of different types. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring the facility to be a multi-story building. In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring the cabling system to serve at least a portion of the multi-story building. In some embodiments, the multi-story building is a skyscraper. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the cabling system as a trunk cable. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using a distribution interface configured to operatively couple the trunk cable to a branch cable.

[0017] In another embodiment, an apparatus for controlling at least one device of a facility includes at least one controller having a circuit, the at least one controller being configured to: (i) be operatively coupled to a cabling system comprising: a trunk cable configured to transmit current, a first communication type for controlling at least one device, and a second communication type for media communication, configured to transmit the current, and (i) the first communication type, and / or (ii) the second communication type, a branch cable configured to be coupled to the at least one device; and a distribution interface comprising a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection, the interface being configured to: ( (a) coupling along the trunk cable via the first connection and via the second connection; (b) coupling to the branch line via the third connection; (c) guiding the current along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection; (d) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection; (e) guiding the current from the trunk cable to the branch line cable; and (f) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the trunk cable to the branch line cable; (g) operatively coupling to the at least one device; and (h) using (or guiding) the first communication type to control the at least one device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to receive (or direct) a power request (e.g., a current request) from the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to receive (or direct) a power demand (e.g., a current demand) from the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to direct the current along the trunk cable to the at least one device, the current being transmitted through the distribution interface. In some embodiments, the transmission of the current through the distribution interface is performed without the control of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, the distribution interface is configured not to be controlled by a first controller, the first controller being configured to control: (i) the current, (ii) the first communication type, (iii) the second communication type, or (iv) any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the distribution interface is controlled by a second controller different from the first controller. In some embodiments, the distribution interface is not controlled by a controller. In some embodiments, the distribution interface is passive. In some embodiments, the allocation interface includes a controller that controls (i) the current, (ii) the first communication type, and / or (iii) the second communication type, which are transmitted through the allocation interface. In some embodiments, the allocation interface is active. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to control the guided current in response to a power demand (e.g., current demand) received from the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to formulate (or guide) a time schedule for the operation of the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to determine (or guide) the duration to which it will take for a predetermined procedure to occur on the device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to determine (or guide) when the at least one device needs to operate. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to determine (or guide) (i) an operating mode, (ii) a scheme of the at least one device, or (iii) any combination or plurality thereof. In some embodiments, the determination is based at least in part on the operation of at least one other device operatively coupled to the network. In some embodiments, the operating mode includes continuous operation and / or intermittent operation. In some embodiments, the at least one device includes a first device having a first operating mode and a second device having a second operating mode, and the at least one controller is configured to interleave (or direct) the interleaving of the first and second operating modes. In some embodiments, the at least one device includes a first device configured to send a first request and a second device configured to send a second request, wherein the at least one controller is configured to interleave (or direct) the interleaving of the first request and the second request.In some embodiments, the at least one device is a third-party device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to manage (or direct) the management of the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to operate (or direct) the operation of the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to identify (or direct) how the at least one controller is operatively coupled (i) to a channel of a plurality of channels, and / or (ii) to a device of the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to prioritize (or direct) a power budget of the at least one controller and / or the channel according to a logic. In some embodiments, the logic includes business logic. In some embodiments, the logic includes a space designation. In some embodiments, the space designation includes a priority of the space containing the facility. In some embodiments, the space designation includes a space of a class (e.g., a type). In some embodiments, the space is specified to include a space having at least one of the following characteristics: a height, a width, a length, a floor area, a volume, a temperature, a humidity level, a pollutant level, a radon level, a particulate level, a carbon dioxide level, a volatile organic compound (VOC) level, a pollen level, a living space, a commercial space, an office space, a space comprising one or more cubicles, a dining space, a living space, a bedroom space, a garage, a factory, a basement, a storage area, a toilet, a closet, a corridor, a windowless space, a space having one or more windows, a space having an exterior wall, a space having only interior walls, a thermally insulated space, a non-thermally insulated space, a sound-insulated space, a non-sound-insulated space, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the space is specified to include an occupancy level. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to determine (or guide) the occupancy level by using at least one occupancy sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one occupancy sensor includes a geographic location, infrared, or visible light sensor. In some embodiments, the geographic location sensor is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation, including ultra-wideband (UWB) radio waves, ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves, or radio waves used in the Global Positioning System (GPS). In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to determine (or guide) the occupancy level at least in part based on a dead-reckoning algorithm. In some embodiments, the space designation includes an occupancy area. In some embodiments, the logic includes a schedule, or one or more external conditions outside the facility.In some embodiments, the logic includes (i) a device specification, (ii) a device power request, (iii) a device power requirement of the at least one device, (iv) a power request from the at least one device, (v) a predicted power usage of the at least one device, (vi) machine learning (ML), (vii) one or more scheduling constraints, (vii) historical data, (viii) product management, or (ix) one or more reasonable inferences. In some embodiments, the device power requirement specifies one or more specifications, including (i) the amount of power, (ii) the power delivery time, or (iii) the power delivery duration. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to use (or direct) the power budget prioritization to generate a power allocation scheme for the channels of the plurality of channels and / or the devices of the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to allocate (or direct) power (e.g., current) to the channels of the plurality of channels and / or the devices of the at least one device. In some embodiments, the at least one device comprises a plurality of devices, and the at least one controller is configured to define (or direct) a priority list of devices for power use among the plurality of devices. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to monitor (or direct) power allocation to the plurality of devices, wherein the plurality of devices are coupled to a network. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to receive (or direct) a power (e.g., current) budget request from one or more of the plurality of devices. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to consider (or direct) (i) the power budget request, (ii) the power budget request and any other power budget request, (iii) a power allocation status in the network, (iv) a future power allocation prediction in the network, (v) a historical power use of any of the plurality of devices in the network, (vi) a power use trend of any of the plurality of devices, or (vii) any combination or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to generate (or direct) a result of the power allocation of a device related to the plurality of devices, and the at least one controller receives the power budget request from the device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to intermittently supply (or direct) the intermittent supply of power to the device of the plurality of devices, and the at least one controller receives the power budget request from the device. In some embodiments, the intermittent supply includes regular (e.g., repetitive) intervals. In some embodiments, the intermittent supply includes irregular (e.g., non-repetitive) intervals. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to delay (or direct) the continuous supply of power (e.g., current) to the device of the plurality of devices, and the at least one controller receives the power budget request from the device.In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to disconnect (or direct) one device of a plurality of devices in response to detecting that the device is consuming power above a threshold value. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to terminate (or direct) the second communication type to one device of a plurality of devices in response to detecting that the device is using power above a threshold value. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to remove (or direct) at least a portion of the power from one device of a plurality of devices in response to detecting that the device is using power above a threshold value. In some embodiments, the priority list is at least partially based on business logic. In some embodiments, the power budget request is for a modified power budget. In some embodiments, the power usage trend is determined at least partially based on machine learning. In some embodiments, at least one controller is operatively coupled to a network, and one or more color windows are operatively coupled to the network. In some embodiments, at least one controller is configured to use one or more operating modes to generate (or direct) the generation of a model. In some embodiments, one or more operating modes include a transition of one or more color windows. In some embodiments, one or more operating modes include artificial intelligence or machine learning. In some embodiments, at least one controller is configured to collect (or direct) information to generate a training set. In some embodiments, the collected information includes historical measurements. In some embodiments, the historical measurements are facility-specific. In some embodiments, the historical measurements are from another facility. In some embodiments, the collected information includes synthetic measurements. In some embodiments, the collected information is collected from the software and / or hardware of a local controller. In some embodiments, at least one controller is configured to use (or direct) the use of the training set to predict future power usage of at least one device. In some embodiments, at least one controller is configured to deliver (or direct) power to at least one device based at least on the prediction of future power (e.g., current) usage of the at least one device. In some embodiments, at least two of (a) to (h) are performed by the same controller of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two of (a) to (h) are performed by different controllers of the at least one controller.

[0019] In another embodiment, a method for controlling at least one device of a facility, the method comprising performing at least one operation using the operation of any of the at least one controller.

[0020] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable product (NCM) for controlling at least one device of a facility contains instructions written thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations of any of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are operatively coupled to the trunk cable. In some embodiments, the at least two operations are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the at least two operations are performed by different processors of the one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the NCM includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the NCM includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0021] In another embodiment, a system for controlling at least one device of a facility, the system comprising structural components using any of the aforementioned structures (e.g., equipment).

[0022] In another embodiment, a system for power and communication transmission includes: a trunk cable configured to transmit a current, a first communication type for controlling at least one device, and a second communication type configured for media communication; a branch cable configured to transmit the current and (i) the first communication type and / or (ii) the second communication type, the branch cable being configured to be coupled to the at least one device; and a distribution interface having a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection, the interface being configured to... (a) Coupled along the trunk cable via the first connection and via the second connection, (b) Coupled to the branch line via the third connection, (c) Guided current along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection, (d) Guided first communication type and / or the second communication type along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection, (e) Guided current from the trunk cable to the branch line cable, and (f) Guided first communication type and / or the second communication type from the trunk cable to the branch line cable.

[0023] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable product (NCM) for controlling at least one device in a facility has instructions that, when read by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations including: (A) transmitting (or directing transmission) a current, a first communication type for controlling the at least one device, and configuring a second communication type for media communication through a cabling system, the cable being part of a cabling system to which the at least one device is operatively coupled, the cabling system comprising: a trunk cable configured to transmit the current, a first communication type for controlling the at least one device, and a second communication type for media communication; and a trunk cable configured to transmit the current, and (i) the first communication type, and / or (ii) the second communication type. A branch cable configured to be coupled to the at least one device; and a distribution interface having a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection, the interface being configured to: (a) be coupled along the trunk cable via the first connection and via the second connection; (b) be coupled to the branch cable via the third connection; (c) guide the current along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection; (d) guide the first communication type and / or the second communication type along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection; (e) guide the current from the trunk cable to the branch cable; and (f) guide the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the trunk cable to the branch cable; and (B) control (or guide) the control of the at least one device by using the first communication type.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are operatively coupled to the trunk cable. In some embodiments, the at least two operations are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the at least two operations are performed by different processors of the one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0025] In another embodiment, a method for controlling at least one device of a facility, the method comprising: (A) transmitting a current, a first communication type for controlling the at least one device, and configuring a second communication type for media communication through a cabling system, the cable being a part of the cabling system to which the at least one device is operatively coupled, the cabling system comprising: a trunk cable configured to transmit the current, a first communication type for controlling the at least one device, and a second communication type configured for media communication; and a branch cable configured to transmit the current, and (i) the first communication type, and / or (ii) the second communication type, the branch cable being configured to be coupled to the at least one device, and A distribution interface having a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection is configured to: (a) couple along the trunk cable via the first connection and via the second connection; (b) couple to the branch line via the third connection; (c) guide the current along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection; (d) guide the first communication type and / or the second communication type along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection; (e) guide the current from the trunk cable to the branch line cable; and (f) guide the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the trunk cable to the branch line cable; and (B) control the at least one device by using the first communication type.

[0026] In another embodiment, a system for power and communication transmission includes: a trunk cable configured to transmit a current, a device for controlling a facility, and a second communication type configured for media communication; a plurality of branch cables configured to transmit the current, and (i) the first communication type, and / or (ii) the second communication type, the plurality of branch cables being configured to be coupled to the devices; and at least a controller configured to control the distribution of the current and / or the activation of the devices by taking into account the current transmitted in the system.

[0027] In another embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a facility includes at least one controller having a circuit, the at least one controller being configured to: (A) be operatively coupled to a cabling system, the cabling system including: a trunk cable configured to transmit a current, a first communication type for controlling the device, and a second communication type for media communication; a plurality of branch cables configured to transmit the current, and (i) the first communication type, and / or (ii) the second communication type, the plurality of branch cables being configured to be coupled to the device; (B) be operatively coupled to the device; and (C) control (or direct) the distribution of the current and / or the activation (control) of the device by taking into account the current transmitted in the system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes circuitry. In some embodiments, at least two of (A) to (C) are performed by the same controller of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two of (A) to (C) are performed by different controllers of the at least one controller.

[0029] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable product (NCM) for controlling a facility has instructions that, when read by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations including: (A) transmitting (or directing the transmission) of a current, a first communication type for controlling the devices, and configuring a second communication type for media communication through a cabling system, the cable being part of a cabling system to which the devices are operatively coupled, the cabling system comprising: a trunk cable configured to transmit the current, the first communication type for controlling the devices, and the second communication type for media communication; a branch cable configured to transmit the current and (i) the first communication type and / or (ii) the second communication type, the branch cable being configured to be coupled to the devices; and (B) controlling (or directing) the distribution of the current and / or the activation (control) of the devices by taking into account the current transmitted in the system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are operatively coupled to the cabling system. In some embodiments, operations (A) and (B) are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the operations are performed by different processors of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, operation (A) is performed by a processor different from the processor performing operation (B), and the processor and the different processors belong to the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0031] In another embodiment, a method for controlling at least one device of a facility, the method comprising: (A) transmitting a current, a first communication type for controlling the at least one device, and configuring a second communication type for media communication through a cabling system, the cable being a part of the cabling system to which the at least one device is operatively coupled, the cabling system comprising: a trunk cable configured to transmit the current, the first communication type for controlling the devices, and the second communication type for media communication; a branch cable configured to transmit the current and (i) the first communication type and / or (ii) the second communication type, the branch cable being configured to be coupled to the devices; and (B) controlling the distribution of the current and / or the activation of the devices by taking into account the current transmitted in the system.

[0032] In another embodiment, a system for controlling at least one device of a facility, the system comprising: a trunk cable configured to transmit a current, a first communication type for controlling at least one device, and a second communication type configured for media communication; configured to (i) transmit the current, (ii) the first communication type, and / or (iii) a branch cable of the second communication type, the branch cable being configured to be coupled to the at least one device; having a distribution interface having a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection, the interface being configured to: (a) via (a) the first connection and coupled along the trunk cable via the second connection, (b) coupled to the branch line via the third connection, (c) guiding the current from the first connection to the second connection along the trunk cable, (d) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the first connection to the second connection along the trunk cable, (e) guiding the current from the trunk cable to the branch line cable, and (f) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the trunk cable to the branch line cable; and (g) operatively coupled to the at least one device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the distribution interface system is configured to facilitate bidirectional communication. In some embodiments, the distribution interface system is configured to guide the current from the second connection to the first connection along the trunk cable. In some embodiments, guiding the current, the first communication type, and / or the second communication type is passive. In some embodiments, guiding the current, the first communication type, and / or the second communication type is (i) active, (ii) dynamic, or (iii) both active and dynamic. In some embodiments, guiding the current, the first communication type, and / or the second communication type is facilitated by at least one controller. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured in the distribution interface. In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes a microcontroller. In some embodiments, the distribution interface system is configured to guide the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the second connection to the first connection along the trunk cable. In some embodiments, the distribution interface system is configured to guide the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the branch cable to the trunk cable. In some embodiments, the distribution interface system is configured to connect to the at least one device via the trunk.

[0034] In another embodiment, a method for controlling at least one device of a facility, the method comprising: (A) using a cabling system comprising: (I) a cabling system configured to transmit a current, a first communication type for controlling at least one device, and a second communication type configured for media communication; (II) a branch cable configured to (i) transmit the current, (ii) the first communication type, and / or (iii) the second communication type, the branch cable being configured to be coupled to the at least one device; and (III) a distribution interface having a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection, the interface being configured to: (a) via the first connection... (a) a connection and coupling along the trunk cable via the second connection; (b) coupling to the branch line via the third connection; (c) guiding the current along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection; (d) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection; (e) guiding the current from the trunk cable to the branch line cable; and (f) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the trunk cable to the branch line cable; (g) operatively coupling to the at least one device; and (B) controlling the at least one device at least partially by using the first communication type.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the distribution interface to facilitate bidirectional communication. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the distribution interface to guide the current from the second connection to the first connection along the trunk cable. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the distribution interface to guide the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the second connection to the first connection along the trunk cable. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the distribution interface to guide the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the branch cable to the trunk cable. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the distribution interface to connect to the at least one device through the trunk. In some embodiments, the distribution interface is configured to passively guide the current, the first communication type, and / or the second communication type. In some embodiments, the distribution interface is configured to actively and / or dynamically guide the current, the first communication type, and / or the second communication type. In some embodiments, the guidance of the current, the first communication type, and / or the second communication type by the distribution interface is facilitated by at least one controller. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured in an allocation interface. In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes a microcontroller.

[0036] In another embodiment, an apparatus for controlling at least one device of a facility includes at least one controller configured to: (A) be operatively coupled to a cabling system comprising: a trunk cable configured to transmit a current, a first communication type for controlling at least one device, and a second communication type for media communication, configured to (i) transmit the current, (ii) the first communication type, and / or (iii) a branch cable of the second communication type, the branch cable being configured to be coupled to the at least one device; and a distribution interface having a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection, the distribution interface being configured to: (a) extend along the first connection and the second connection. (a) coupling to the trunk cable, (b) coupling to the branch line via the third connection, (c) guiding the current along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection, (d) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection, (e) guiding the current from the trunk cable to the branch line cable, and (f) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the trunk cable to the branch line cable, (g) operatively coupling to the at least one device; and (B) using (or guiding) the cabling system (use); and (C) controlling (or guiding) the control of the at least one device (at least partially) by using the first communication type.

[0037] In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes circuitry. In some embodiments, at least two of (A) to (C) are performed by the same controller of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two of (A) to (C) are performed by different controllers of the at least one controller.

[0038] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable program product for controlling at least one device of a facility contains instructions written thereon that, when executed by one or more processors operatively coupled to a cabling system of the facility, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The cabling system includes: a trunk cable configured to transmit a current, a first communication type for controlling at least one device, and a second communication type configured for media communication; a branch cable configured to (i) transmit the current, (ii) the first communication type, and / or (iii) the second communication type, the branch cable being configured to be coupled to the at least one device; and a distribution interface having a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection, the interface being configured to: (a) coupling along the trunk cable via the first connection and via the second connection, (b) coupling to the branch line via the third connection, (c) guiding the current along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection, (d) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type along the trunk cable from the first connection to the second connection, (e) guiding the current from the trunk cable to the branch line cable, and (f) guiding the first communication type and / or the second communication type from the trunk cable to the branch line cable; (g) operatively coupling to the at least one device; such operative coupling includes: (A) using (or guiding) the cabling system (use); (B) controlling (or guiding) the control of the at least one device (at least partially) by using the first communication type.

[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are operatively coupled to the cabling system. In some embodiments, the operations are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the operations are performed by different processors of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0040] In another embodiment, a method for controlling at least one device of a facility, the method comprising: (a) directing the transmission of a current from a main cable to a device via a branch cable, the branch cable being operatively coupled to the main cable via a distribution interface configured to direct a current from the main cable to the branch cable; (b) monitoring the power (e.g., current) consumption of the device via the main cable, the distribution interface, and the branch cable; and (c) responding to the monitoring to control the current from the main cable to the device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the facility includes a building. In some embodiments, the facility is a commercial facility. In some embodiments, the facility is a residential facility. In some embodiments, the residential facility includes a single-family home. In some embodiments, the residential facility includes a multi-family home. In some embodiments, the distribution interface is configured to guide communication from the trunk cable to the branch cable. In some embodiments, the communication includes a first communication type and a second communication type. In some embodiments, the first communication type utilizes a wavelength different from that utilized by the second communication type. In some embodiments, the communication includes media communication. In some embodiments, the communication includes cellular communication. In some embodiments, the cellular communication conforms to at least (i) fourth generation, (ii) fifth generation, or (iii) fourth generation and fifth generation cellular communication protocols. In some embodiments, the communication includes data transfer. In some embodiments, the communication conforms to a control protocol. In some embodiments, the method further includes responding to monitoring to control communication from the trunk cable to the device. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the at least one device as a sensor, a transmitter, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing and / or using the at least one device as an antenna.

[0042] In another embodiment, an apparatus for controlling at least one device of a facility includes at least one controller configured to be operatively coupled to the cabling system and to perform (or direct) any operation of any of the methods described above. In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes circuitry. In some embodiments, at least two of the operations are performed by the same controller of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two of the operations are performed by different controllers of the at least one controller.

[0043] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable product for controlling at least one device of a facility contains instructions written thereon that, when executed by one or more processors operatively coupled to the cabling system, cause the one or more processors to perform any of the operations described above. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are operatively coupled to the cabling system. In some embodiments, the operations are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the operations are performed by different processors of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0044] In another embodiment, a system for controlling at least one device of a facility, the system comprising structural components of any of the aforementioned structures (e.g., equipment).

[0045] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable program product for controlling at least one device of a facility contains instructions written thereon that, when executed by one or more processors operatively coupled to a cabling system of the facility and to a power (e.g., current) source of current, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including: (a) directing the transmission of current through a branch cable from a trunk cable of the cabling system to a device of the facility, the branch cable being operatively coupled to the trunk cable through a distribution junction configured to direct current from the trunk cable to the branch cable; (b) monitoring (or directing) the power (e.g., current) consumption of the device on the trunk cable, the distribution junction, and the branch cable; and (c) responding to the monitoring to control (or directing) the current from the trunk cable to the device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes one or more media. In some embodiments, the operations are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the operations are performed by different processors of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0047] In another embodiment, an apparatus for controlling at least one device of a facility includes at least one controller configured to: (a) be operatively coupled to a cabling system of the facility and to a power source for a current; (b) direct the transmission of the current from a trunk cable of the cabling system to a device of the facility via a branch cable, the branch cable being operatively coupled to the trunk cable via a distribution junction configured to direct a current from the trunk cable to the branch cable; (c) monitor (or direct) the power consumption of the device on the trunk cable, the distribution junction, and the branch cable; and (d) respond to the monitoring to control (or direct) the current from the trunk cable to the device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes circuitry. In some embodiments, at least two of (b) to (d) are performed by the same controller of the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two of (b) to (d) are performed by different controllers of the at least one controller.

[0049] This disclosure provides systems, devices, and / or non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., software) that facilitate wired and / or wireless connectivity within an enclosure and between the enclosure and an external environment. In some embodiments, a control panel is provided configured to provide network services to end targets (e.g., devices) within a facility (e.g., a building). The end targets (e.g., devices) may be coupled together via a network including at least one coaxial cable. The control panel may include a coaxial cable connector configured to couple to one of the at least one coaxial cable. The control panel may include a DC power supply, a data network connection header, and / or a cellular communication header. In some embodiments, the DC power supply is (i) coupled to the coaxial cable connector and (ii) configured to provide a DC signal to at least a portion of the at least one coaxial cable. In some embodiments, the data network headend is (i) coupled to the coaxial cable connector and (ii) configured to communicate (e.g., using a communication protocol and / or via the at least one coaxial cable) with at least a first subset of terminal targets (e.g., devices) within an enclosure (e.g., a building). In some embodiments, the cellular communication headend is coupled to the coaxial cable connector. In some embodiments, the cellular communication headend is coupled to at least a second subset of terminal targets (e.g., devices) within the enclosure (e.g., a building) via the at least one coaxial cable. In some embodiments, the cellular communication headend is configured to provide first cellular communication to the coaxial cable connector for transmission through the second subset of terminal targets (e.g., devices). In some embodiments, the cellular communication headend is configured to receive second cellular communication from the coaxial cable connector when the second subset of terminal targets (e.g., devices) receives second cellular communication.

[0050] Some implementations may include one or more of the following features: A control panel, wherein the second subset of the terminal device includes a cellular antenna, and the cellular communication headend is configured to transmit the first cellular communication through the cellular antenna and receive the second cellular communication when received by the cellular antenna. A control panel, wherein the second subset of the terminal device includes a passive antenna, and the cellular communication headend is configured to transmit the first cellular communication through the passive antenna and receive the second cellular communication when received by the passive antenna. A control panel, wherein the data network connection headend is a G.hn headend, and the communication protocol is the G.hn protocol. A control panel, wherein the data network connection headend is a Coaxial Cable Multimedia Alliance (MoCA) headend, and the communication protocol is the MoCA protocol. A control panel, wherein a first subset of a terminal device comprises power-consuming devices, and the control panel also includes a controller configured to negotiate with (e.g., electrical) power-consuming devices via a data network connection headend to manage DC signal consumption between the power-consuming devices. A control panel also includes a plurality of fiber optic connectors, wherein the control panel is configured to communicate with additional control panels via optical fibers coupled to the fiber optic connectors. A control panel, wherein the first subset of a terminal device comprises a plurality of window controllers, and the control panel also includes a floor-to-ceiling window controller configured to (i) generate color-changing commands and (ii) use the data network connection headend to transmit the color-changing commands to the window controllers. A control panel, wherein the data network connection headend is configured to generate and receive signals in a first frequency range as part of a communication protocol, wherein the first and second cellular communications are in a second frequency range, and wherein the first and second frequency ranges do not overlap.

[0051] Some implementations may include a device for controlling one or more optically switchable windows, the device including a first connector configured to be coupled to a first network cable; a low-pass filter coupled to the first connector; a DC-DC circuit coupled to the low-pass filter, configured to receive a DC signal from the first network cable through the low-pass filter and to convert the DC signal into one or more regulated DC signals; a second connector configured to provide a first regulated DC signal from the DC-DC circuit to a second network cable; and one or more controllers, wherein the one or more controllers are collectively configured to (1) receive one of the regulated DC signals from the DC-DC circuit. The device is powered by the first external device and (2) provides bidirectional communication between a first external device and a second external device, the first external device being coupled to the one or more controllers via the first connector and the second external device being coupled to the one or more controllers via the second connector; a third connector configured to be coupled to the one or more optically switchable windows via a window cable; and a window controller configured to (i) receive one of the regulated DC signals from the DC-to-DC circuit and be powered by the first external device, (ii) receive or generate color-changing commands, and (iii) provide color-changing signals to at least one optically switchable window via the third connector, the color-changing signals being based on the color-changing commands.

[0052] Some implementations may include one or more of the following features: An apparatus in which the first external device is a control panel providing at least one of the DC signals, the second external device is a terminal device, and the one or more controllers are configured to receive a power delivery request from the terminal device and to forward the power delivery request to the control panel. An apparatus in which the one or more controllers are configured to negotiate power consumption of the second external device via the first regulated DC signal, and wherein, prior to negotiating power consumption, the one or more controllers are configured to limit the power consumption of the second external device via the first regulated DC signal to a predetermined limit. An apparatus in which the one or more controllers include a G.hn interface coupled to a first connector, the G.hn interface being configured to provide bidirectional communication between the first external device and the apparatus according to a G.hn communication protocol. A device, wherein the one or more controllers include a Multimedia Communication Alliance (MoCA) interface coupled to one of the first connectors via a coaxial cable, the MoCA interface being configured to provide bidirectional communication between the first external device and the device according to a MoCA communication protocol. A device, wherein the one or more controllers include an Ethernet interface coupled to one of the second connectors, the Ethernet interface being configured to provide bidirectional communication between the second external device and the device according to an Ethernet protocol. A device comprising one or more controllers including a G.hn interface coupled to a first connector, the G.hn interface being configured to provide bidirectional communication between a first external device and the device according to a G.hn communication protocol; and the device comprising one or more controllers including an Ethernet interface coupled to a second connector, the Ethernet interface being configured to provide bidirectional communication between a second external device and the device according to an Ethernet protocol, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to translate communication between the G.hn and the Ethernet protocol. A device comprising a low-pass filter including an inductor choke. A device comprising a DC-DC circuit including at least one of a buck converter and a boost converter. A device comprising a first regulated DC signal provided to the second connector including a 48-volt DC signal conforming to the Power over Ethernet protocol.

[0053] Some implementations may include a network adapter. The network adapter includes a first connector configured to couple to a first network cable; a low-pass filter coupled to the first connector; a DC-DC circuit coupled to the low-pass filter, configured to receive a DC signal from the first network cable through the low-pass filter and to convert the DC signal into one or more regulated DC signals; a second connector configured to provide one of the regulated DC signals from the DC-DC circuit to a second network cable; and one or more controllers, wherein the one or more controllers are collectively configured to: (1) receive signals from the first network cable; (2) receive signals from the second network cable; (3) receive signals from the first network cable; (4) receive signals from the second network cable; (5) receive signals from the first network cable; (6) receive signals from the second network cable; (7) receive signals from the second network cable; (8) receive signals from the second network cable; (9) receive signals from the second network cable; (10) receive signals from the second network cable; (11) receive signals from the second network cable; (12) receive signals from the second network cable; (13) receive signals from the second network cable; (14) receive signals from the second network cable; (15) receive signals from the second network cable; (16) receive signals from the second network cable; (17) receive signals from the second network cable; (18) receive signals from the second network cable; (19) receive signals from the second network cable; (20 ... (2) Communicates bidirectionally with a first external device using a first communication protocol, the first external device being coupled to one or more controllers via the first connector; (3) Communicates bidirectionally with a second external device using a second communication protocol, the second external device being coupled to one or more controllers via the second connector; and (4) Provides bidirectional communication between the first external device and the second external device, including converting communication according to the first communication protocol to communication according to the second communication protocol and vice versa.

[0054] Some implementations may include one or more of the following features: A network adapter, wherein the first external device is a control panel providing at least one of the DC signals, wherein the second external device is a terminal device, and wherein the one or more controllers are configured to receive a power transfer request (e.g., electrical) from one of the terminal devices according to a first communication protocol and are configured to forward the power transfer request to the control panel according to a second communication protocol. A network adapter, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to negotiate the power consumption of the second external device via the first regulated DC signal, and wherein, before negotiating the power consumption, the one or more controllers are configured to limit the power consumption of the second external device via the first regulated DC signal to a predetermined limit. A network adapter, wherein the one or more controllers include a G.hn interface coupled to one of the first connectors, and wherein the first communication protocol is a G.hn communication protocol. A network adapter, wherein the one or more controllers include a coaxial cable Multimedia Alliance (MoCA) interface coupled to one of the first connectors, and wherein the first communication protocol is a MoCA communication protocol. A network adapter, wherein the one or more controllers include an Ethernet interface coupled to one of the second connectors, and wherein the second communication protocol is an Ethernet communication protocol. A network adapter, wherein the first connector is a coaxial cable connector and wherein the second connector is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connector. A network adapter, wherein one of the regulated DC signals provided by the second connector is a 48-volt DC signal conforming to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) protocol.

[0055] Some implementations may include a system. The system includes a control panel configured to generate a DC signal; a plurality of distribution interfaces; a first coaxial cable trunk; and a plurality of additional coaxial cable trunks, wherein the first coaxial cable trunk is coupled between the control panel and one of the distribution interfaces, wherein the additional coaxial cable trunks are coupled between respective pairs of the distribution interfaces, and wherein the distribution interfaces, the first coaxial cable trunk, and the additional coaxial cable trunks are collectively configured to (i) transmit the DC signal from the control panel to Each of the distribution interfaces (ii) transmits a first time-varying signal formatted according to a first digital communication protocol bidirectionally between the control panel and each of the distribution interfaces, and (iii) transmits a second time-varying signal formatted according to a second digital communication protocol bidirectionally between the control panel and at least one of the distribution interfaces, wherein the first time-varying signal is a signal in a first frequency band, wherein the second time-varying signal is a signal with a frequency in a second frequency band, and wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band do not overlap.

[0056] Some implementations may include one or more of the following features. A system wherein each distribution interface includes: an unbalanced transformer having a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, and a tertiary circuit, wherein the primary circuit is coupled to an upstream coaxial cable trunk, wherein the secondary circuit is coupled to a downstream coaxial cable trunk, wherein the tertiary circuit is coupled to a coaxial cable branch line specific to the distribution interface, and wherein a first time-varying signal having a first power level (e.g., a communication signal such as RF) and received by the primary circuit is unevenly distributed across the secondary and tertiary circuits such that the secondary circuit receives the first time-varying signal at a second power level (e.g., a communication signal such as RF) and the tertiary circuit receives the first time-varying signal at a third power level (e.g., a communication signal such as RF), wherein the second power level is at least 75% of the first power level and the third power level is no more than 25% of the first power level. A system in which each distribution junction includes: an unbalanced transformer having a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, and a tertiary circuit, wherein the primary circuit is coupled to an upstream coaxial cable trunk, the secondary circuit is coupled to a downstream coaxial cable trunk, and the tertiary circuit is coupled to a coaxial cable branch line specific to the distribution junction, wherein a first time-varying signal having a first power level and received by the primary circuit is unevenly distributed across the secondary and tertiary circuits such that the secondary circuit receives the first time-varying signal at a second power level, the tertiary circuit receives the first time-varying signal at a third power level, and the third power level is lower than the second power level. A system in which at least some of the distribution junctions further include coupling the DC signal from the upstream coaxial cable trunk to a first inductor in the downstream coaxial cable trunk associated with the distribution junction, and coupling the DC signal from the upstream coaxial cable trunk to a second inductor in the coaxial cable branch line associated with the distribution junction. A system in which the second time-varying signal is a cellular communication signal, and wherein the first distribution interface of the distribution interfaces includes a branch circuit comprising a passive cellular antenna. A system in which a first frequency band associated with the first time-varying signal is lower than the cellular communication signals, and wherein the first distribution interface of the distribution interfaces includes a low-pass filter configured to block the cellular communication signals from propagating through the first distribution interface to the remainder of the distribution interfaces. A system in which the first frequency band associated with the first time-varying signal is lower than the cellular communication signals, and wherein at least one of the distribution interfaces includes a low-pass filter configured to block the cellular communication signals from propagating from the upstream coaxial cable trunk to the downstream coaxial cable trunk associated with the distribution interface.A system in which a second distribution interface of the distribution interfaces is directly coupled to a first distribution interface of the distribution interfaces via a first of additional coaxial cable trunks, and wherein the second distribution interface of the distribution interfaces includes a branch circuit comprising an additional passive cellular antenna. A system in which a first frequency band associated with a first time-varying signal is below the cellular communication signals, and wherein the second distribution interface of the distribution interfaces includes a low-pass filter configured to block the cellular communication signals from propagating beyond the first and second distribution interfaces to the remainder of the distribution interfaces.

[0057] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides systems, devices (e.g., controllers), and / or non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., software) that implement any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0058] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides methods for using any system and / or device disclosed herein, for example, for any desired purpose.

[0059] In another embodiment, a device includes at least one controller programmed to direct a mechanism for implementing (e.g., carrying out) any of the methods disclosed herein, wherein the at least one controller is operatively coupled to the mechanism.

[0060] In another embodiment, a device includes at least one controller configured (e.g., programmed) to implement (e.g., perform) the methods disclosed herein. The at least one controller can implement any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0061] In another embodiment, a system includes at least one controller programmed to direct the operation of at least one other device (or a component thereof), and the device (or its component thereof), wherein the at least one controller is operatively coupled to the device (or its component). The device (or its component) may include any device (or its component) disclosed herein. The at least one controller may instruct any device (or its component) disclosed herein.

[0062] In another embodiment, a computer software product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which, when read by a computer, cause the computer to instruct one of the mechanisms disclosed herein to perform (e.g., execute) any of the methods disclosed herein, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable medium is operatively coupled to the mechanism. The mechanism may include any device (or any component thereof) disclosed herein.

[0063] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0064] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more computer processors, implements the instructions of (a plurality of) controllers (e.g., as disclosed herein).

[0065] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a computer system comprising one or more computer processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled thereto. The non-transitory computer-readable medium contains machine-executable code that, when executed by the one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods disclosed herein and / or carries out the instructions of the controller(s) disclosed herein.

[0066] The contents of this invention section are provided as a simplified description of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of any invention disclosed herein or the scope of the appended claims.

[0067] Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which only illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown and described. As will be understood, other and different embodiments can be implemented with respect to this disclosure, and several details therein can be modified in a variety of obvious ways without departing from this disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions should be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0068] These and other features, as well as embodiments, will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Incorporated for reference only] []

[0069] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as each individual publication, patent and patent application is expressly and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0070] The novel features of the present invention are specifically described in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention will be obtained by referring to the following detailed description of its illustrative embodiments, wherein the principles of the invention, and the accompanying drawings or figures (also referred to herein as "Figures" and "a plurality of Figures"), wherein:

[0071] [Figure 1] A simplified perspective view of a control system architecture and enclosure;

[0072] [Figure 2] A rough depiction of a network infrastructure;

[0073] [Figure 3] A circuit is schematically depicted, and a junction housing is shown;

[0074] [Figure 4] A simplified depiction of a network cable;

[0075] [Figure 5] A rough depiction of signals at different frequencies;

[0076] [Figure 6] A simplified depiction of a network adapter;

[0077] [Figure 7] A simplified depiction of a control panel;

[0078] [Figure 8] A simplified depiction of a network infrastructure;

[0079] [Figure 9] A simplified depiction of a network infrastructure;

[0080] [Figure 10] A simplified depiction of a network infrastructure;

[0081] [Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C] provide a schematic depiction of the network infrastructure;

[0082] [Figure 12] A schematic cross-sectional view of one of the electrochromic devices;

[0083] [Figure 13] A simplified cross-sectional view of one of the color-changing windows;

[0084] [Figure 14] A simplified depiction of a computer system;

[0085] [Figure 15] A rough depiction of the network topology of various facility floors.

[0086] [Figure 16A] schematically depicts the network topology of a facility floor, while [Figure 16B] depicts a view of a portion of the facility floor network;

[0087] [Figures 17A-B] roughly depict the network topology of various facility floors;

[0088] [Figure 18] A simplified depiction of the network topology of a facility floor;

[0089] [Figure 19] A schematic diagram of one of the distribution interfaces;

[0090] [Figure 20] A schematic depiction of various mechanical structures related to the distribution interface;

[0091] [Figure 21] A schematic depiction of various mechanical structures related to the distribution interface;

[0092] [Figure 22] A schematic diagram of one of the distribution interfaces;

[0093] [Figure 23] A rough depiction of various network infrastructures;

[0094] [Figure 24] A flowchart depicting an illustrative method using a distribution interface;

[0095] [Figure 25] A flowchart depicting an illustrative method for managing a device;

[0096] [Figure 26] A flowchart illustrating an illustrative method for prioritizing power budgeting;

[0097] [Figure 27] A flowchart depicting an illustrative method for managing the power distribution of a device; and

[0098] [Figure 28] A flowchart illustrating a method for managing a color-changing window in the background;

[0099] The diagrams and components in this article may not be drawn to scale. Implementation

[0100] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will arise for those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives may be made to the embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0101] Terms such as "a," "one," and "the" are not intended to refer to a single entity, but rather to encompass general categories that can be used to illustrate specific examples. The terminology used herein is to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but its use does not limit the invention.

[0102] When referring to a range, unless otherwise specified, a range means inclusive. For example, the range between value 1 and value 2 means inclusive, including both value 1 and value 2. An inclusive range will cover any value from about value 1 to about value 2. As used herein, the terms "adjacent" or "adjacent to" include "continuous with," "adjacent to," "contact with," and "close to."

[0103] As used herein, including within the scope of the patent application, the conjunction "and / or" in expressions such as "comprising X, Y, and / or Z" refers to any combination or plural of X, Y, and Z. For example, such expressions mean including X. For example, such expressions mean including Y. For example, such expressions mean including Z. For example, such expressions mean including both X and Y. For example, such expressions mean including both X and Z. For example, such expressions mean including both Y and Z. For example, such expressions mean including the plural of X. For example, such expressions mean including the plural of Y. For example, such expressions mean including the plural of Z. For example, such expressions mean including both X and Y. For example, such expressions mean including both X and Z. For example, such expressions mean including both Y and Z. For example, such expressions mean including both X and Y. For example, such expressions mean including both X and Z. For example, such expressions mean including both Y and Z. For example, such terms refer to X and the plural Y. For example, such terms refer to X and the plural Z. For example, such terms refer to Y and the plural Z. The conjunction "and / or" has the same effect as the terms "X, Y, Z, or any combination or plural thereof". The conjunction "and / or" has the same effect as the terms "one or more X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof". The conjunction "and / or" has the same effect as the terms "at least one X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof". The conjunction "and / or" has the same effect as the terms "at least one X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof".

[0104] The terms "operationally coupled" or "operationally connected" refer to a first element (e.g., a mechanism) that is coupled (e.g., connected) to a second element to allow for the intended operation of the second element and / or the first element. Coupling can include physical coupling or non-physical coupling. Non-physical coupling can include signal-induced coupling (e.g., wireless coupling). Coupling can include physical coupling (e.g., physical connection) or non-physical coupling (e.g., via wireless communication).

[0105] "Configured" means that an element (e.g., mechanism) performing a function includes a structural feature that causes the element to perform that function. The structural feature may include an electrical feature, such as a circuit or a circuit element. The structural feature may include a circuit (e.g., comprising electrical or optical circuitry). An electrical circuit may include one or more wirings. An optical circuit may include at least one optical element (e.g., a beam splitter, mirror, lens, and / or optical fiber). A structural feature may include a mechanical feature. A mechanical feature may include a latch, a spring, a closure, a hinge, a housing, a bracket, a fastener, or a cantilever, etc. Performing the function may involve utilizing a logic feature. The logic feature may include programming instructions. The programming instructions may be executable by at least one processor. The programming instructions may be stored or encoded on a medium accessible by one or more processors. Furthermore, in the following description, the terms "operable to," "suitable for," "configurable," "designed to," "programmable," or "capable" may be used interchangeably where appropriate.

[0106] Some disclosed embodiments provide a network infrastructure within an enclosure (e.g., a facility such as a building). The network infrastructure can be used for various purposes, such as providing communication and / or electrical (e.g., current) services. Communication services may include high-frequency broadband (e.g., wireless and / or wired) communication services. Communication services may be directed to occupants of a facility and / or users outside the facility (e.g., a building). The network infrastructure may work in conjunction with or partially replace the infrastructure of one or more cellular telecommunications operators. The network infrastructure may be provided in a facility including color-changing (e.g., electrically switchable) windows. Examples of components of the network infrastructure include high-speed reload. The network infrastructure may include at least one cable, switch, physical antenna, transceiver, sensor, transmitter, receiver, radio, processor, or controller (which may include a processor). The network infrastructure may be operatively coupled to (and / or include) a wireless network. The network infrastructure may include cabling.

[0107] In some embodiments, network infrastructure may include cabling. Cabling may include a cable. A cable may include a sheath, insulation, a wire, and / or optical fiber. A cable may include a cable assembly. A cable may include at least one optical fiber, coaxial cable, twisted pair, direct-buried cable, flexible cable, plugged cable, Heliax cable, non-metallic sheathed cable, metallic sheathed cable, multi-core cable, paired cable, portable flexible cord, ribbon cable, shielded cable, single cable, structured cabling, retractable cable, twinax cable, double-grounded (T&E) cable, lead-pair cable, and / or twisted pair. Coaxial cables may have a characteristic impedance of, for example, a maximum of approximately 50 or 75 ohms (e.g., LMR-400).

[0108] In some embodiments, the network infrastructure provides additional coverage. This additional coverage may exceed the coverage provided by the cellular telecommunications operator. The additional coverage may be: (i) inside a building and / or (ii) outside a building. For example, the network infrastructure may provide and / or supplement the cellular telecommunications operator's capacity to provide coverage outside the building and any other capacity. For example, the network infrastructure may provide and / or supplement cellular coverage close to a facility (e.g., a building). Proximity to the facility may be, for example, at least about 10m, 50m, 100m, 500m, or 1000 meters (m) from the edge of the facility. Proximity to the facility may be between any of the above values ​​(e.g., from about 10m to about 1000m, from about 10m to about 500m, or from about 500m to about 1000m). Proximity to the building may be within one line of the facility's station. In some cases, the facility and its associated network infrastructure may function as a cellular tower.

[0109] High-speed and high-frequency communication protocols, such as fifth-generation (5G) protocols, face challenges before they can be widely adopted and deployed. For example, higher frequency bands may require more antennas compared to lower frequency bands. For instance, it is estimated that deploying 5G cellular service in a given area would require more than twice the number of antennas needed to provide the same level of 4G cellular service. Some of these antennas could be located in a facility or a portion of a facility. Consider the example of providing 5G coverage in urban canyons (such as streets in major metropolitan areas like Manhattan, New York, or Singapore). 5G service may require many antennas to provide sufficient coverage and capacity in these cities. Currently, telecom operators do not have enough public space (e.g., utility poles) to deploy additional antennas to provide sufficient 5G coverage (and / or other cellular capacity). Private buildings located in urban canyons may provide locations for 5G antennas.

[0110] 5G and other high-frequency protocols can be prone to attenuation. 5G communications (particularly in high-frequency bands such as from about 6 to about 30 GHz) can be easily attenuated by factors such as reinforced concrete in walls, aluminized thermal insulation (e.g., in facility walls and floors), low-E films on glass, and / or electrochromic devices on glass. To address this issue, active elements such as repeaters can be provided in the facility. For example, cellular repeaters may be configured on or near walls, windows, floors, and / or ceilings that attenuate wireless signals.

[0111] 5G is often used as an example when describing the cellular protocols disclosed herein. However, the disclosed embodiments relate to any wireless communication protocol or combination of protocols.

[0112] The communication infrastructure described in this article may have various functions, some of which are listed here.

[0113] In some embodiments, one or more of the systems and / or devices described herein are configured to selectively attenuate (e.g., block) and / or transmit wireless signals (e.g., in a controllable manner. In various embodiments, the systems and / or devices are configured such that the transmission of wireless communications is at least partially based on location, and / or time. In various embodiments, the systems, devices, or any components thereof are configured such that they are at least partially automatically controlled (e.g., fully automatically controlled). One or more components of the systems and / or devices described herein are fully automatically controlled. Controlled may include attenuated, modulated, varied, managed, controlled, disciplined, regulated, constrained, supervised, mediated, and / or guided signals. In some embodiments, control is accomplished by using controllable active elements that receive, analyze, mediate (e.g., convert and / or compare), and / or retransmit signals. For example, (i) the receiving antenna may be oriented in one direction on one side of the facility (e.g., a wall or window) and (ii) the transmitting antenna may be oriented in another (e.g., opposite or substantially opposite) direction on the other side of the facility (e.g., on another wall or window). Between the receiver and the transmitter, the active element may include one or more transceivers and / or other signal converters. In some embodiments, (i) when the active element is active (e.g., "on"), it transmits signals, and (ii) when the element is in an inactive state (e.g., "off"), it does not transmit signals.

[0114] In some embodiments, the active element that receives and retransmits wireless communication signals (e.g., automatically) is a repeater. A repeater can amplify the signal and / or transmit it to a location where it would otherwise not be able to receive such signals. A repeater (or other active element) may include a specific antenna combination. The antenna combination may include one type of antenna on the interior of a facility (e.g., a building) and a different type of antenna on the exterior of the facility (or opposite to an interior wall or window). Regarding the description of the various antenna types herein, some embodiments employ a handle antenna on the exterior of a building, operatively coupled to one of other antennas (e.g., a microstrip antenna) on the interior of the building. In some embodiments, one or two antennas are configured on a mullion feature such as a beauty cap. Antennas may include isotropic, bipolar, monopolar, array, loop, conical, aperture, traveling wave, or randomly wired antennas. Loop antennas may include large loops (e.g., quadrilaterals, or semi-loops), intermediate loops (e.g., optical loops), and / or small loops (e.g., ferrite) antennas.

[0115] It has been observed that electrochromic windows can provide signal blocking in the range of about 10 dB to about 20 dB of insertion loss (e.g., depending on the transmission frequency). Larger losses may occur at higher frequencies. Some embodiments disclosed herein employ wireless retransmitters and / or repeaters to bypass the signal blocking by the electrochromic window. In some embodiments, such retransmitters are configured on (or near) at least one integrated glass unit (IGU). The IGU may include electrochromic devices (e.g., including a layered structure).

[0116] In some embodiments, the window and / or wall contains a layer or structure that substantially (e.g., completely) blocks wireless transmissions (e.g., covering a spectrum range). The layer structure may be an IGU. In one example, the blocking layer completely covers one surface (e.g., glass) of the electrochromic window sash. An example of a window blocking structure is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A security system may employ a facility that attenuates (e.g., suppresses) the transmission of one or more electromagnetic signals, for example, in certain regions of the spectrum (e.g., in at least the 5G region). The facility structure may include a window, door, or wall. A security system (e.g., employing a repeater) may employ a wall and / or window that substantially (e.g., effectively) blocks the transmission of one or more electromagnetic signals, for example, in certain regions of the spectrum (e.g., in at least the 5G region).

[0117] In some embodiments, the signal repeater and / or retransmitter does not need to transmit the wireless signal (e.g., directly) across the facility structure (e.g., walls or windows). In some cases, it selectively transmits the wireless signal through the facility to one or more locations remote from where the signal was received. It may use a wired network to carry the received signal, for example, by running a communication protocol such as Ethernet. For example, an externally generated wireless signal may be received on a sensor located on the roof of a building (or on any other exterior wall) and transmitted from there via cabling to one or more remote locations within the facility (e.g., 10 floors below the roof, for example, to the basement).

[0118] In some cases, a retransmission system transmits cellular signals (or other suitable wireless signals) to a selected building location at one or more selected times, which may be delayed from the time the wireless signal was initially received. The communication may be stored or its transmission delayed. Retransmission can be performed independently of where and when the cellular signal is received.

[0119] Assuming the need for a large number of 5G antennas in densely built-up areas (such as the city centers of some large cities), deploying 5G antennas outside buildings can supplement the data carrying and antenna infrastructure of a telecom operator's cellular network. In some cases, such antennas are connected to high-bandwidth network infrastructure, such as Ethernet infrastructure within buildings. An example of a fully or partially wired network infrastructure supporting such 5G applications is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 803,324, filed February 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0120] Various antenna configurations can be deployed to support 5G cellular and / or other communication services. When designing wireless communication infrastructure, coverage and capacity can be considered. Coverage can be addressed by providing strategically positioned antennas (e.g., attached to or part of a facility) to deliver cellular service to a defined area. Capacity can be addressed by having high-bandwidth data carrier lines and / or switches. Some examples of high-capacity infrastructure are provided in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 803,324, filed February 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Capacity can also be addressed by providing multiple antennas (e.g., within a defined area).

[0121] In some embodiments, individual antennas are dedicated to a specific protocol. At least one antenna (e.g., each antenna) may have its own baseband radio. For example, one or more antennas may be designed for use with Low Power Citizen Broadband Radio (CBRS), such as including a CBRS baseband radio. In the United States, CBRS is a broadcast band of about 150 MHz wide in the about 3.5 GHz band (e.g., from about 3550 MHz to about 3700 MHz), which can be used to provide wireless services not authorized by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Other antennas and associated baseband radios may be provided for cellular communications, for example, pursuant to specific protocols and / or jurisdictional restrictions (e.g., rules and / or regulations). The required baseband radio may be installed in one or more locations of the facility, including (e.g.) in digital architecture elements. Digital architecture can refer to a configuration of an architecture incorporating one or more digital technologies.

[0122] Various embodiments support multiple frequency bands and / or multiple protocols. Examples include cellular (3G, 4G, and / or 5G, etc.). Examples include device local area network connectivity and / or internet access. Examples include wireless networks, including WLAN (e.g., WiFi) and / or related applications such as WLAN voice. Examples include Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). A given antenna (or antenna combination) can be protocol-independent. Associated transmitters and / or receivers can be protocol-independent. For example, telecommunications operator A and telecommunications operator B may use different radios (e.g., using different channels of the Coaxial Cable Multimedia Alliance (MoCA) on a coaxial cable network connection). Similar antenna configurations can be used to transmit and / or receive signals of multiple protocols.

[0123] 5G networks can feature enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and / or mainframe communication (mMTC). Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) can utilize 5G as an advancement from 4G LTE mobile broadband services. Compared to 4G networks, 5G networks can offer faster connections, higher throughput, and / or greater capacity. Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) can refer to the use of this network in applications requiring uninterrupted and / or reliable data exchange. Mainframe communication (mMTC) can be used to connect a large number of low-power (e.g., current-consuming), low-cost devices with high scalability and / or extended battery life, for example, over wide areas.

[0124] In some embodiments, the 5G network will transmit data at a rate of at least approximately 1 Gbit / s, 2 Gbit / s, 3 Gbit / s, or 5 Gbit / s. In some embodiments, the target 5G air latency is at least approximately 1 millisecond (ms), 2 ms, 3 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms, 8 ms, 10 ms, 11 ms, 15 ms, or 30 ms. The target 5G air latency can be at most approximately 2 ms, 3 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms, 8 ms, 10 ms, 12 ms, 15 ms, 30 ms, or 40 ms. The target 5G air latency can be any value between the above values ​​(e.g., from approximately 1 to approximately 4 ms, from approximately 3 ms to approximately 10 ms, from approximately 8 ms to approximately 12 ms, or from approximately 12 ms to approximately 40 ms).

[0125] In some embodiments, certain infrastructure includes means for internal (e.g., within a building) communication via 5G protocols (e.g., not supporting Wi-Fi). Several 5G antennas may be deployed throughout a building (e.g., when 5G may be limited by line of sight). The antennas may be configured in one or more locations where Wi-Fi antennas typically reside. In some installations, 5G will have sufficient bandwidth and / or coverage to provide one or more (e.g., all) of the functions currently offered by Wi-Fi.

[0126] In some embodiments, an enclosure comprises an area defined by at least one structure. The at least one structure may include at least one wall. The enclosure may include and / or enclose one or more sub-enclosures. The at least one wall may comprise metal (e.g., steel), clay, stone, plastic, glass, plaster (e.g., gypsum), polymer (e.g., polyurethane, styrene, or ethylene), asbestos, fiberglass, concrete (e.g., reinforced concrete), wood, paper, or ceramic. The at least one wall may comprise wiring, brick, brickwork (e.g., cinder blocks), ceramic tiles, stone walls, or frames (e.g., steel frames).

[0127] In some embodiments, the enclosure includes one or more openings. The openings may be reversibly closable. The openings may be permanently open. The basic length dimension of the openings may be small relative to the basic length dimension of the wall defining the enclosure. The basic length dimension may include the diameter, length, width, or height of the boundary circle. The surface area of ​​the openings may be small relative to the surface area of ​​the wall defining the enclosure. The opening surface may be a percentage of the total surface area of ​​the wall. For example, the opening surface may be measured as approximately 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of the wall. The wall may include a floor, ceiling, or sidewalls. The enclosure openings may be closed by at least one window or door. The enclosure may be at least part of a facility. The enclosure may include at least part of a building. The building may be a private building and / or a commercial building. The building may include one or more floors. A building (e.g., its floors) may include at least one of the following: rooms, halls, lofts, attics, basements, balconies (e.g., interior or exterior balconies), stairwells, corridors, elevator shafts, facades, mezzanines, attics, garages, porches (e.g., enclosed porches), terraces (e.g., enclosed terraces), cafeterias, and / or pipework. In some embodiments, the enclosure may be stationary and / or movable (e.g., a train, airplane, ship, vehicle, or rocket). The facility may include one or more enclosures. The facility may be stationary or mobile. For example, the facility may include temporary vehicles such as cars, RVs, buses, trains, airplanes, helicopters, ships, or vessels. For example, the facility may include one or more buildings.

[0128] In some embodiments, the enclosure system encloses an atmosphere. The atmosphere may contain one or more gases. The gases may include inert gases (e.g., argon or nitrogen) and / or non-inert gases (e.g., oxygen or carbon dioxide). The enclosure atmosphere may be similar to the atmosphere outside the enclosure (e.g., the ambient atmosphere) in at least one of the following external atmospheric characteristics: temperature, relative gas content, gas type (e.g., humidity, and / or oxygen level), debris (e.g., dust and / or pollen), and / or gas velocity. The enclosure atmosphere may differ from the atmosphere outside the enclosure in at least one of the following external atmospheric characteristics: temperature, relative gas content, gas type (e.g., humidity, and / or oxygen level), debris (e.g., dust and / or pollen), and / or gas velocity. For example, the enclosure atmosphere may have lower humidity (e.g., drier) than the external (e.g., ambient) atmosphere. For example, the enclosure atmosphere may have the same (e.g., substantially similar) nitrogen-to-gas ratio as the atmosphere outside the enclosure. The gas velocity within the enclosure can (e.g., substantially) pervade the enclosure system. The gas velocity within the enclosure can differ in different parts of the enclosure (e.g., by directing gas flow to vents coupled to the enclosure).

[0129] Some disclosed embodiments provide network infrastructure within an enclosure (e.g., a facility such as a building). The network infrastructure can be used for various purposes, such as providing communication and / or power services. Communication services may include high-frequency broadband (e.g., wireless and / or wired) communication services. Communication services may be directed to residents of a facility and / or users outside the facility (e.g., a building). The network infrastructure may work in conjunction with or partially replace the infrastructure of one or more cellular telecommunications operators. The network infrastructure may be provided in a facility including electrically switchable windows. Examples of components of the network infrastructure include high-speed reload. The network infrastructure may include at least one cable, switch, physical antenna, transceiver, sensor, transmitter, receiver, radio, processor, and / or controller (which may include a processor). The network infrastructure may be operatively coupled to (and / or include) a wireless network. The network infrastructure may include cabling. One or more sensors may be deployed (e.g., installed) in the environment as part of the network and / or after the network is installed.

[0130] In various embodiments, the network infrastructure supports a control system for one or more windows, such as electrochromic (e.g., color-changing) windows. The control system may include one or more controllers operatively coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly) to one or more windows. While the disclosed embodiments describe electrochromic windows (also referred to herein as "optically switchable windows," "color-changing windows," or "smart windows"), the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to other types of switchable optical devices, such as liquid crystal devices, suspended particle devices (SPDs), microchromatic displays (NCDs), and organic electrochromic displays. Electroluminescent displays (OELDs), suspended particle devices (SPDs), microchromatic displays (NCDs), or organic electroluminescent displays (OELDs). The display element can be attached to a portion of a transparent body (such as a window). For example, liquid crystal devices and / or suspended particle devices can be implemented to replace (or be added to) electrochromic devices. Color-changing windows can be configured in (non-transient) facilities such as buildings, and / or in any other enclosure, such as in temporary vehicles (such as cars, RVs, buses, trains, airplanes, helicopters, ships, or vessels).

[0131] In some embodiments, the photochromic window exhibits a change in at least one optical property of the window (e.g., controllable and / or reversible), for example, when a stimulus is applied. The stimulus may include optical, electrical, and / or magnetic stimulation. For example, the stimulus may include an applied voltage. One or more photochromic windows may be used to control lighting and / or glare conditions, for example, by regulating the transmission of solar energy through them. One or more photochromic windows may be used to control the temperature within an enclosure (e.g., a building), for example, by regulating the transmission of solar energy through it. Solar energy control may control the heat load applied to the interior of the enclosure (e.g., facilities such as a building). Control may be manual and / or automatic. Control may be used to maintain one or more requested (e.g., environmental) conditions, such as occupant comfort. Control may include reducing energy consumption of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or lighting systems. At least two of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems may be initiated by separate systems. At least two of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems may be initiated by a single system. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be triggered by a single system (referred to herein as "HVAC"). In some cases, the color-changing window may respond to (e.g., and communicatively coupled to) one or more environmental sensors and / or user controls. The color-changing window may include (e.g., it may be) an electrochromic window. Such windows may be located within the interior to exterior extent of an enclosure structure (e.g., a facility such as a building). However, this is not necessarily the case. The color-changing window may be operated using liquid crystal devices, suspended particle devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as micro-shutdowns), or any currently known or hereafter developed technology configured to control light transmission through the window. A window (e.g., having a MEMS device for color changing) is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 443,353 (filed May 15, 2015, entitled "Multiple Windows Including Electrochromic Devices and Electromechanical Systems Devices"), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, one or more chromatic windows may be located inside an enclosure (e.g., a building), for example, between a conference room and a corridor. In other cases, one or more chromatic windows may be used in cars, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles, for example, as an alternative to passive and / or non-chromatic windows.

[0132] In some embodiments, the color-changing window includes an electrochromic device (referred to herein as an "EC device" (abbreviated as ECD) or "EC"). The EC device may include at least one coating, comprising at least one layer. The at least one layer may contain an electrochromic material. In some embodiments, the electrochromic material exhibits a change from one optical state to another, for example, when a potential is applied across the EC device. The transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another can be caused, for example, by reversible, semi-reversible, or irreversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., via embedding) and a corresponding injection of charge-balancing electrons. For example, the transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another can be caused, for example, by reversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., via embedding) and a corresponding injection of charge-balancing electrons. Reversible may refer to the expected lifetime of the ECD. Semi-reversible refers to a measurable (e.g., noticeable) degradation of the hue of a window covering one or more color-changing cycles. In some examples, a small fraction of the ions responsible for light conversion are irreversibly bound in the electrochromic state (e.g., and the (altered) hue state induced by this window is irreversibly restored to its original hue state). In various EC devices, at least some (e.g., all) of the irreversibly bound ions can be used to compensate for the "blind charge" in the material (e.g., ECD).

[0133] In some embodiments, suitable ions include cations. Cations may include lithium ions (Li+) and / or hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some embodiments, other ions may be applicable. The insertion of cations may be in the form of (e.g., metal) oxides. Changes in the insertion of ions (e.g., cations) can cause a visible change in the hue (e.g., color) of the oxide. For example, the oxide may change from colorless to colored. For example, the insertion of lithium ions into tungsten oxide (WO3-y (0 < y ≤ ~0.3)) can cause tungsten oxide to change from a transparent state to a colored (e.g., blue) state. The EC device coating described herein is located within the visible portion of the color-changing window so that the color change of the EC device coating can be used to control the optical state of the color-changing window.

[0134] In some embodiments, the enclosure includes one or more sensors. The sensors facilitate control over the enclosure's environment to provide residents with a more comfortable, pleasant, beautiful, healthy, productive (e.g., regarding resident performance), more livable (e.g., working) environment, or any combination thereof. The sensors can be configured as low-resolution or high-resolution sensors. The sensors can provide on / off indications of the occurrence and / or presence of specific environmental events (e.g., a single-pixel sensor). In some embodiments, the accuracy and / or resolution of the sensors can be improved through artificial intelligence analysis of their measurements. Examples of artificial intelligence techniques that can be used include: reactive, limited memory, theories of mind, and / or self-awareness techniques known to those skilled in the art. The sensors can be configured to process, measure, analyze, detect, and / or react to one or more of the following: data, temperature, humidity, sound, force, pressure, electromagnetic waves, position, distance, movement, flow, acceleration, speed, vibration, dust, light, glare, color, gas, and / or other aspects (e.g., characteristics) of the environment (e.g., the enclosure). The gas may include volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Gases may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor (e.g., humidity), oxygen, radon, and / or hydrogen sulfide. One or more sensors may be calibrated in a factory setting. The sensors may be optimized to perform accurate measurements of one or more environmental characteristics in the factory setting. In some examples, factory-calibrated sensors may be less optimized for operation in the target environment. For example, the factory setting may include an environment different from the target environment. The target environment may be the environment in which the sensors are deployed. The target environment may be the environment in which the sensors are expected to be present and / or intended to be operated. The target environment may differ from the factory environment. The factory environment corresponds to the location where the sensors are assembled and / or manufactured. The target environment may include a factory where the sensors are not assembled and / or manufactured. In some examples, the factory setting may differ from the target environment to the extent that the sensor readings it acquires in the target environment are erroneous (e.g., to a measurable degree). In this context, "erroneous" may refer to a sensor reading that deviates from a specified accuracy (e.g., as specified by the sensor manufacturer). In some cases, factory-calibrated sensors may provide readings that do not meet accuracy specifications (e.g., those provided by the manufacturer) when operating in the target environment.

[0135] In some embodiments, the sensor is operatively coupled to at least one controller and / or processor. Sensor readings may be obtained by one or more processors and / or controllers. The controller may include a processing unit (e.g., CPU or GPU). The controller may receive an input (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller may include circuitry, electrical wiring, optical wiring, sockets, and / or receptacles. The controller may deliver an output. The controller may include multiple (e.g., sub-) controllers. The controller may be part of a control system. The control system may include a master controller, a network controller (e.g., a floor controller), or a local controller. A local controller may control one or more targets (e.g., devices). For example, a local controller may be a window controller (e.g., controlling an optically switchable window), an enclosure controller, or a target (e.g., component) controller. For example, the controller may be part of a hierarchical control system (e.g., including a master controller that directs one or more controllers, such as a network controller, a local controller (e.g., a window controller), an enclosure controller, and / or a target (e.g., component) controller). The physical location of the controller type in a hierarchical control system may change. For example: First time: The first processor can act as the main controller, the second processor can act as the network controller, and the third processor can act as the local controller. Second time: The second processor can act as the main controller, the first processor can act as the network controller, and the third processor can maintain the role of the local controller. Third time: The third processor can act as the main controller, the second processor can act as the network controller, and the first processor can act as the local controller. The controller can control one or more devices (e.g., directly coupled to the device). The controller can be configured adjacent to one or more devices it is controlling. For example, the controller can control optically switchable devices (e.g., IGU), antennas, sensors, and / or output devices (e.g., light sources, sound sources, odor sources, gas sources, HVAC outlets, or heaters). In one embodiment, the network controller can direct one or more local controllers, one or more enclosure controllers, one or more target (e.g., component) controllers, or any combination thereof. The network controller may include a floor controller. For example, a network (e.g., including floor) controller can control a plurality of local (e.g., including window) controllers. Multiple local controllers may be configured within a portion of the facility (e.g., within a portion of a building). A portion of the facility may be a floor of the facility. For example, a network controller may be assigned to a floor. In some embodiments, a floor may contain multiple network controllers, for example, depending on the floor size and / or the number of local controllers coupled to the network controller. For example, a network controller may be assigned to a portion of the floor. For example, a network controller may be assigned to a portion of the local controllers configured within the facility. For example, a network controller may be assigned to a portion of a floor of the facility. A master controller may be coupled to one or more network controllers.The network controller may be configured within the facility. The main controller may be configured within the facility or external to the facility. The main controller may be configured in the cloud. The controller may be part of a building management system (hereinafter referred to as "BMS"), or may be operatively coupled to a part of the BMS. The controller may receive one or more inputs. The controller may generate one or more outputs. The controller may be a single-input single-output (SISO) controller or a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) controller. The controller may interpret received input signals. The controller may acquire data from one or more targets (e.g., components such as sensors). Acquisition may include receiving or extracting. Data may include measurement, estimation, determination, generation, or any combination thereof. The controller may include feedback control. The controller may include feedforward control. Control may include switching control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. Control may include open-loop control or closed-loop control. The controller may include closed-loop control. The controller may include open-loop control. The controller may include a user interface. The user interface may include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touchscreen, microphone, voice recognition packet, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. Output may include a display (e.g., screen), speaker, or printer. The controller may perform real-time calculations (e.g., using transmitted data, such as sensor data and / or analysis of the cabling network). Network analysis may relate to communication rates (e.g., electrical), power consumption, and / or communication density on the network (e.g., at a given time and / or within a given time frame). The controller (e.g., a control system) may utilize historical and / or third-party data for its control. Historical data may be data from the facility, similar facilities, or different facilities.

[0136] Figure 1 shows an example of a control system architecture 100, which includes a main controller 108 that controls a network controller 106, which in turn controls a local controller 104. In some embodiments, the local controller controls one or more IGUs, one or more sensors, one or more output devices (e.g., one or more transmitters), or any combination thereof. Figure 1 shows an example configuration in which the main controller is operatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly and / or wired) to a building management system (BMS) 124 and to a database 120. Arrows in Figure 1 represent communication paths. The controller may be operatively coupled (e.g., directly / indirectly and / or wired and / or wirelessly) to an external source 110. The external source may include a network. The external source may include one or more sensors or output devices. The external source may include cloud-based applications and / or databases. Communication may be wired and / or wireless. The external source may be configured outside the facility. For example, the external source may include one or more configured sensors and / or antennas, for example, on a wall or on the ceiling of the facility. Communication may be unidirectional or bidirectional. In the example shown in Figure 1, all communication arrows should be bidirectional.

[0137] The controller can monitor and / or guide changes in the operating conditions (e.g., physical) of the devices, software, and / or methods described herein. Control can include regulation, adjustment, limitation, guidance, monitoring, adjustment, modulation, variation, alteration, constraint, inspection, guidance, or management. Controlled (e.g., by means of the controller) can include attenuated, modulated, varied, managed, controlled, disciplined, regulated, constrained, supervised, adjusted, and / or guided. Control can include controlling a control variable (e.g., temperature, power, voltage, and / or setpoint). Control can include real-time or offline control. Calculations used by the controller can be performed real-time and / or offline. The controller can be a manual or non-manual controller. The controller can be an automatic controller. The controller can operate on request. The controller can be a programmable controller. The controller can be programmed. The controller can include a processing unit (e.g., CPU or GPU). The controller can receive an input (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller can deliver an output. A controller may include multiple (e.g., sub-) controllers. A controller may be part of a control system. A control system may include a main controller, a network controller, or a local controller (e.g., a enclosure controller or window controller). A controller may receive one or more inputs. A controller may generate one or more outputs. A controller may be a single-input single-output (SISO) controller or a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) controller. A controller may interpret received input signals. A controller may acquire data from one or more sensors. Acquisition may include receiving or extracting. Data may include measurement, estimation, determination, generation, or any combination thereof. A controller may include feedback control. A controller may include feedforward control. Control may include switching control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. Control may include open-loop control or closed-loop control. A controller may include closed-loop control. A controller may include open-loop control. A controller may include a user interface. The user interface may include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touchscreen, microphone, voice recognition device, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. Output may include a display (e.g., screen), speakers, or printer.

[0138] The methods, systems, and / or devices described herein may include a control system. The control system may communicate with any of the devices (e.g., sensors) described herein. Sensors may be of the same or different types, for example, as described herein. For example, the control system may communicate with a first sensor and / or a second sensor. The control system may control one or more sensors. The control system may control one or more targets (e.g., components) of a building management system (e.g., lighting, security, and / or air conditioning systems). The controller may regulate at least one characteristic (e.g., environment) of the enclosure. The control system may use any target (e.g., component) of the building management system to regulate the enclosure environment. For example, the control system may regulate the energy supplied by heating elements and / or cooling elements. For example, the control system may regulate the speed of air flowing through vents to and / or from the enclosure. The control system may include a processor. The processor may be a processing unit. The controller may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be central. The processing unit may include a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU"). The processing unit may be a graphics processing unit (hereinafter referred to as "GPU"). A controller or control mechanism (e.g., including a computer system) may be programmed to implement one or more of the methods disclosed herein. A processor may be programmed to implement the methods disclosed herein. A controller may control at least one target (e.g., component) of the system and / or device disclosed herein.

[0139] In some embodiments, a plurality of targets (e.g., devices) may be operatively (e.g., communicatively) coupled to a control system. The control system may include a hierarchy of controllers. Targets may include transmitters, sensors, or windows (e.g., IGUs). Transmitters may include lights, buzzers, heaters, HVAC actuators, or alarms. Targets may be any targets disclosed herein. At least two of the plurality of targets may be of the same type. For example, two or more IGUs may be coupled to the control system. At least two of the plurality of targets may be of different types. For example, sensors and transmitters may be coupled to the control system. Sometimes the plurality of targets may include at least 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 50000, 100000, or 500000 targets. The number of targets can be any number between the aforementioned numbers (e.g., from 20 targets to 500,000 targets, from 20 targets to 50 targets, from 50 targets to 500 targets, from 500 targets to 2,500 targets, from 1,000 targets to 5,000 targets, from 5,000 targets to 10,000 targets, from 10,000 targets to 100,000 targets, or from 100,000 targets to 500,000 targets). For example, the number of windows on a floor can be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, or 50. The number of windows on a floor can be any number between the aforementioned numbers (e.g., from 5 to 50, from 5 to 25, or from 25 to 50). Sometimes targets can be in a multi-story building. At least a portion of the floors of a multi-story building can have targets controlled by a control system (e.g., at least a portion of the floors of a multi-story building can be controlled by a control system). For example, a multi-story building may have at least 2, 8, 10, 25, 50, 80, 100, 120, 140, or 160 floors controlled by a control system. The number of floors controlled by the control system (e.g., the target number) may be any number between the above numbers (e.g., from 2 to 50, from 25 to 100, or from 80 to 160). A floor may have an area of ​​at least about 150 m², 250 m², 500 m², 1000 m², 1500 m², or 2000 square meters (m²). A floor may have an area between any of the above floor area values ​​(e.g., from 150 m² to 2000 m², from about 150 m² to about 500 m², from about 250 m² to about 1000 m², from about 1000 m² to about 2000 m²). The total length of cabling in a cabling network system can be at least approximately 500 feet ('), 1000', 10000', or 100000', depending on the size of the facility, the number and type of targets to which the cabling system is coupled, and the coverage area of ​​the facility via the cabling system.

[0140] In some embodiments, portions of the communication network of an enclosure (e.g., a building) may be logically and / or physically divided into one or more vertical data planes and one or more horizontal data planes. The vertical data planes may function to provide data communication and (selectively) power perpendicular to the Earth system (e.g., between floors of a multi-story building). The horizontal data planes may function to provide data communication and / or power to network nodes on one or more floors of the facility (e.g., the building). In some embodiments, the communication network of the enclosure (e.g., the building) employs a vertical plane linked to multiple horizontal data planes via control panels. At least one control panel may be provided to each horizontal data plane.

[0141] In some embodiments, the infrastructure described herein provides communication networks and power resources near the perimeter of an enclosure (e.g., a building), selectively having separate communication and power distribution systems on individual or all floors of the facility (e.g., the building). The infrastructure may be installed when the enclosure (e.g., the building) is constructed or becomes part of a renovation. The infrastructure may provide high-speed communication (e.g., data rates of Gbit and faster) and power distribution points throughout the building, for example, around the walls of floors of the facility (such as a building), in rooms, along ceilings, along floors, or other areas.

[0142] In some embodiments, direct connections to the infrastructure of a facility (e.g., a building) are provided via power and / or communication sockets in the device, such as network adapters as described herein. Cabling connected to the network adapter can be mounted in various locations, such as within the walls of an enclosure (e.g., a building). In some embodiments, one or more cabling units are configured above and / or below horizontal vertical frames. In some embodiments, one or more cabling units are configured below the floor surface, for example, within the floor slab.

[0143] In various embodiments, the links in the vertical data plane are links between network devices (e.g., devices communicatively coupled to a network). One or more network devices may be configured on the same floor and / or different floors of a facility (e.g., a building). In some embodiments, one or more floors (e.g., each of them) in the facility (e.g., a building) have network devices (such as network switches and / or network routers). The network devices may be connected to two or more links in the vertical data plane. The network devices may be provided in a control panel. In some embodiments, the linking medium (in the vertical plane) includes and / or comprises one or more optical fibers. In some embodiments, current-carrying wires are used instead of, and / or combined with, optical fibers, for example, as the linking medium (e.g., in the vertical data plane). Optical fibers may be configured in the horizontal and / or vertical data planes. Current-carrying wires (such as copper wires) may be provided as twisted pairs and / or coaxial cables. In some embodiments, the (e.g., vertical) data plane includes bundles of optical fibers running between network devices (e.g., configured on different floors of a facility (e.g., a building)). As an example, the links of the (e.g., vertical) data planes shown in Figures 2, 213, 215, or 217 may (e.g., each) include a fiber bundle. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., each) fiber bundle may include at least 12, 24, 48, 96, or 114 optical fibers.

[0144] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the optical fiber may be used for communications within the enclosure. At least a portion of the optical fiber may be unusable (e.g., unused fibers may be referred to herein as "dark fibers"). In some embodiments, some fibers are used for the information technology (IT) and / or other service infrastructure of the enclosure (e.g., a building) during or after installation, while other fibers are "dark". Dark fibers cannot be used (at least temporarily) for the IT and / or services (e.g., sensors, windows, HVAC, lighting, security) of the enclosure. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems may be abbreviated herein as "HVAC". These services may include controlling the operation of one or more devices. These devices may include sensors, color-changing windows, heaters, coolers (e.g., air conditioners), ventilators, lighting, security, transmitters, antennas, or actuators. In some embodiments, at least about 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, or 1 / 2 (half) of the installed fibers are initially (at the time of installation) dark. In some embodiments, at least about 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, or 1 / 2 (half) of the installed fiber is initially (at the time of installation) non-dark. Dark fiber can be used for rental services for tenants and / or other enclosed occupants. Examples of rental services may include Wi-Fi, cellular communications, streaming internet, and any other IT-related services used by occupants and / or tenants.

[0145] In some embodiments, the data plane has a topology (e.g., cabling and / or devices operatively coupled to such cabling are configured in a topology). The topology may be a linear topology or a star topology. For example, (e.g., horizontal) the data plane may have a linear network topology. In a linear topology, the network topology may include a control panel at one end area of ​​the data transmission medium and multiple nodes connected along the length of the data transmission medium (downward from the control panel). In some embodiments, the transmission medium (e.g., network cable such as coaxial cable and / or twisted-pair cable) is located near some or all of the perimeter of a floor of the facility. In some embodiments, at one or more locations along the network cable, there are electrical couplings for connecting to one or more nodes (such as terminal nodes), selectively via a network adapter. The terminal node may include any of the devices disclosed herein (e.g., sensors, transmitters, color-changing windows, HVAC systems, or lighting). In some embodiments, the electrical coupling is a passive device. This provides electrical coupling between the network cable and the associated node (e.g., any device served by the horizontal data plane). In some embodiments, electrical coupling is provided at regular intervals, such as at (e.g., vertical) vertical frames (e.g., approximately every five feet). Nodes may be infrastructure nodes. Infrastructure nodes may include floor controllers, Ethernet switches, and / or headends.

[0146] Figures 15 to 18 (described in the text) depict embodiments of horizontal data planes employing ring and / or star topologies.

[0147] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a communication network 200 for an enclosure (such as a building). The example shown in Figure 2 depicts a link that may include one or more cables (e.g., coaxial cables or twisted-pair cables). The link may be a communication and / or power line. The cable may be a cable bundle. The cable bundle may transmit power and / or communication. The cable (e.g., coaxial cable) may transmit power and / or communication. In the depicted embodiment, network 200 includes a vertically oriented network portion (including vertical communication line 205) that connects network targets (e.g., components) on multiple floors of the enclosure (e.g., facility). In the example shown in Figure 2, the vertical data plane includes a first control panel 207 on a first floor, a second control panel 209 on a second floor, and a third control panel 211 on a third floor. Physical communication and / or power link 213 connects control panels 207 and 209. Physical communication and / or power link 215 connects control panels 209 and 211. Physical communication and / or power links 217 connect control panels 207 and 211. As illustrated, control panels 207, 209, and 211, together with physical communication and / or power links 213, 215, and 217, form a loop. This loop provides redundancy in the network. As an example, if one of the other physical communication and / or power links (e.g., link 213 or 215) fails, physical communication and / or power link 217 provides redundancy in the vertical plane. Communication links 213, 215, and 217 may include wires and / or optical fibers. Communication links 213, 215, and 217 may include coaxial cables.

[0148] In the example shown in Figure 2, control panel 207 is communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to external network 201 (e.g., outside a building and / or in the cloud) via access network 203. Control panel 207 is communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to access network 203 via physical communication and / or power link 204 (which may include fiber optic and / or wires). Control panel 207 is connected to antenna 289 outside the building. Antenna 289 may be a receiving antenna (e.g., a donor antenna).

[0149] Figure 2 shows an example of a control panel 207, which is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a first horizontal network portion, which is horizontal data plane 219. Control panel 209 is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a second horizontal network portion, which is horizontal data plane 221. Control panel 211 is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a third horizontal network portion, which is horizontal data plane 223. Horizontal data planes 219, 221, and 223 include multiple network targets (e.g., components and / or devices). Network targets (e.g., components) may include client nodes. Client nodes may be located on different floors of a building.

[0150] In the example shown in Figure 2, the horizontal data plane 219 includes network adapters 251a-251e. A network adapter (e.g., 251a) is coupled to a communication and / or power line (e.g., trunk) 259 via a distribution interface (e.g., 290). Network adapter 251a is connected to a set of targets (e.g., sensors and / or transmitters) 253 and to an IGU 255, which may be an optically switchable window. Network adapter 251a is configured to provide power and data to the set of targets 253 (also referred to herein as the "target set"), for example, using Power over Ethernet (PoE). Network adapter 251d is connected to at least one third-party device 257, such as a computing device. Network adapter 251d is configured to provide network connectivity to the third-party device 257. Providing network connectivity may include logic for implementing a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) that supports (e.g., PoE).

[0151] In the example shown in Figure 2, control panel 207 is connected to network adapters 251a-251e via a link (e.g., coaxial cable) 259. This connection may be via coaxial or other types of (e.g., electrical and / or optical) cables. Control panel 209 is connected to client nodes on horizontal data plane 221 via a link (e.g., coaxial cable) 261. Control panel 211 is connected to client nodes on horizontal data plane 223 via a link (e.g., coaxial cable) 263. In the example shown in Figure 2, control panel 207 includes two headers 265a and 265b, a switch 267 (hereinafter abbreviated as "SW"), and a distributed antenna system (hereinafter abbreviated as "DAS") 269. The switch is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to two edge distribution frame devices (hereinafter abbreviated as "EDF"). Header 265a is connected to multiple links (e.g., coaxial cables), including link (e.g., coaxial cable) 259. Although not shown, head 265b is connected to at least one link (e.g., coaxial cable). Switch 267 is connected to (e.g., communication and / or power) links 204, 213, and 217. The connection may be via fiber optic cable and / or electrical cable. DAS 269 is configured to control and / or communicate with one or more antennas (including antenna 273) on horizontal data plane 219. The antenna may be an internal building antenna (e.g., 273) and / or an external (e.g., fixture) antenna (e.g., 289). In the example shown in Figure 2, power and / or communication link (e.g., cable) 271 connects antenna 273 to control panel 207. Link 271 is also connected to a directional coupler (e.g., configured for directional data communication protocols such as MoCA or d.hn). Other client nodes 275a and 275b are connected to control panel 207 via power and / or communication links (e.g., cables) 271. Headends 265a and 265b are configured to transmit and / or receive data encoded according to one or more protocols, including (i) next-generation home networking protocols (hereinafter abbreviated as "G.hn"), (ii) communication technologies for transmitting digital information through power lines traditionally used (e.g., only) to transmit power, or (iii) hardware designed for the communication and transfer of data through building wiring (e.g., Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi). The data transfer protocol can facilitate data transfer rates of at least 1 gigabits per second (Gbit / s), 2 Gbit / s, 3 Gbit / s, 4 Gbit / s, or 5 Gbit / s. The data transfer protocol can operate via telephone wiring, coaxial cable, power lines, and / or (e.g., plastic) fiber optic cables. Chips (e.g., containing semiconductor devices) can be used to facilitate data transfer agreements.In the example shown in Figure 2, horizontal data plane 221 includes a network adapter 277 connected to control panel 209 via a link (e.g., coaxial cable) 279. Horizontal data plane 221 includes physical power (e.g., 48V DC) and / or (power and / or communication) lines 281 for connecting one or more antennas (not shown) to control panel 209. In addition to the link (e.g., coaxial cable) 263, horizontal data plane 223 includes a second link (e.g., coaxial cable) 283 for connecting one or more network adapters or other client nodes (not shown) to control panel 211. Horizontal data plane 223 includes physical (e.g., power and / or communication) lines 285 for connecting one or more antennas (not shown) to control panel 211. Control panel 211 is also connected to (e.g., cellular) antenna 287.

[0152] In some embodiments, the control panel includes one or more headends configured to communicate via protocols such as G.hn, Ethernet (including those via MoCA (Multimedia Coaxial Cable Alliance) protocol), and / or any one or more various cellular protocols such as fourth-generation (4G) and / or fifth-generation (5G) cellular communications. 4G communication may comply with the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. The control panel may include one or more network switches, gateways, and / or routers.

[0153] In some embodiments, a cabling network includes at least one distribution interface (referred to herein as a "splitter" and "interface"). A distribution interface may include at least one connector. A distribution interface may distribute one or more time-varying signals and / or power (e.g., DC) within the network infrastructure. A distribution interface may couple two or more circuits together. As an example, a distribution interface may couple at least two of an upstream circuit, a downstream circuit, and a branch circuit together. The upstream and downstream circuits may be parts of a network bus (also referred to herein as the trunk). In some embodiments, the bus is a subsystem used to connect targets (e.g., components) and transfer data (e.g., signals) and / or power (e.g., DC) between those targets (e.g., components). A distribution interface may be passive or active. A distribution interface may include both active and passive targets (e.g., components). A distribution interface may include one or more paths of upstream, downstream, and branch circuits that are electrically coupled together. A distribution interface may include (or be operatively coupled to) a microprocessor. A cabling network may include passive distribution interfaces and / or active distribution interfaces. An active distribution interface has at least one active component. A passive distribution interface has a passive component and no active component.

[0154] In some embodiments, an active distribution interface includes circuitry (e.g., electrical circuitry). The circuitry in an active distribution interface may include signal repeaters, range extenders, signal transponders, amplifiers, preamplifiers, power management circuitry, and / or a microprocessor. The power management circuitry may control (e.g., monitor and / or manage) the flow of power (e.g., DC) through the distribution interface. Active distribution interfaces may facilitate the formation of longer network buses (e.g., signal repeaters and / or amplifiers may extend the actual length of the network bus). Active distribution interfaces may provide options for dynamically adjusting network size (e.g., extending) (e.g., by adding signal repeaters and / or amplifiers). Adjusting network size may include adjusting network bus size. Dynamic network resizing options may provide options for dynamically extending and / or shrinking the network. Dynamic network resizing options may facilitate the formation of mobile networks, for example, for their size and / or target connectivity to the distribution interface. Active distribution interfaces may facilitate power management in the network infrastructure. For example, (i) by monitoring voltage and / or current along the network (e.g., along the network bus), and / or (ii) by negotiating the power consumption of targets (e.g., components) coupled to branch circuits.

[0155] In some embodiments, the distribution interface is passive. A passive distribution interface may include one or more capacitors, inductors, and / or transformers. A passive distribution interface may include (i) a first inductively coupled power (e.g., DC), such as from an upstream circuit to a branch circuit (or vice versa) and / or (ii) a second inductively coupled power (e.g., DC), such as from an upstream circuit to a downstream circuit (or vice versa). A passive distribution interface may include at least one transformer. At least one transformer may couple one or more time-varying signals between two or more circuits (e.g., between three circuits). A passive distribution interface may include one or more filters.

[0156] In some embodiments, the distribution junction provides impedance matching. In some embodiments, the distribution junction may include a transformer. For example, implementations using a transformer-based distribution junction can provide impedance matching. Impedance matching can be adapted to reduce (e.g., eliminate) unwanted signal reflections at distribution junctions within a network infrastructure. The transformer may include multiple windings. At least two (e.g., all) of the multiple windings may be formed with the same number of turns around a common core (e.g., to provide a balanced transformer). At least two (e.g., all) of the multiple windings may be formed with different numbers of turns around a common core (e.g., to provide an unbalanced transformer). At least two (e.g., all) of the windings may have the same diameter. At least two (e.g., all) of the windings may have different diameters. The transformer (in the distribution junction) may be configured to divide time-varying signals in a balanced or unbalanced manner. A balanced transformer may receive a time-varying signal on a first circuit and equally distribute the signal across multiple circuits. The equal division of the signal into multiple circuits may make the signal coefficients in each of the multiple circuits approximately (e.g., measurably) equal. For example, a balancing transformer can receive a time-varying signal on a first circuit and distribute the signal equally across a second and third circuit (e.g., with about half of the original power). An unbalancing transformer can receive a time-varying signal on a first circuit and distribute the signal unequally across multiple circuits. This unequal distribution of the signal across multiple circuits can result in at least two of the multiple circuits having different signal systems. For example, an unbalancing transformer can distribute a first component (e.g., 85%) of the original (e.g., electrical) power from the first circuit to the second circuit and a second component (e.g., 15%) of the original power to the third circuit. The first and second components are unequal and their sum is approximately 100% (e.g., 100% with less loss). In the unequal distribution of the first circuit signal (100%) to the second and third circuits, the second circuit can receive up to about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 40% of the signal from the first circuit, while the third circuit can receive the remaining portion from the first circuit. In a scenario where the first circuit signal (100%) is unevenly divided into the second and third circuits, the second circuit may receive any percentage of the signal from the first circuit that falls between the aforementioned percentage values ​​(e.g., from about 1% to about 40%, from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 20% to about 40%), while the third circuit may receive the remaining portion from the first circuit. The second circuit (e.g., the circuit receiving the lower signal strength) may be a branch circuit, and the third circuit may be a downstream circuit, e.g., such that most of the signal continues along the network bus. In other embodiments, the first circuit (e.g., the circuit receiving the higher signal strength) may be a branch circuit, e.g., such that most of the signal is delivered to the branch circuit.

[0157] In some embodiments, the distribution interface includes at least one filter. The distribution interface may include one or more low-pass filters, high-pass filters, and / or band-pass filters. The filter may be adapted to minimize (e.g., block) certain frequencies from branch circuits (e.g., when such frequencies are not used by the branch circuit) and / or certain frequencies from downstream circuits (e.g., when no downstream circuit uses such frequencies). By minimizing (e.g., blocking) such frequencies (e.g., signal portions), the filter can reduce noise in the network, for example, when signals propagate through the network (e.g., through buses).

[0158] In some embodiments, the distribution interface includes frequency shifting capability. For example, the control panel and distribution interface may frequency shift one or more time-varying signals to reduce interference as the signal travels through the network. The signal may be shifted into a region of the available spectrum on a medium (e.g., coaxial cable) that is not yet in use. The distribution interface may include passive or active targets (e.g., components) that remove this frequency shift when a signal is transmitted from the network bus to a branch circuit and insert the frequency shift when a signal is transmitted from the branch circuit to the network bus. The control panel may include adding or removing the frequency shift from the G.hn header or other targets (e.g., components) of the time-varying signal when it is transmitted by the control panel and received at the control panel.

[0159] In some embodiments, one or more antennas are coupled to the network. The antennas may be mounted externally and / or internally to an enclosure (e.g., a building). The antennas may be passive or active. At least two antennas may be of the same type. At least two antennas may be of different types. An external antenna may be referred to herein as a "given antenna." An external antenna may be a directional antenna (e.g., a Yagi antenna). The antenna may be directly coupled to a control panel. The antenna may be indirectly coupled to a control panel. Indirect coupling between the antenna and the control panel may include coupling through one or more distribution interfaces. Signals from the antenna may travel a distance via a cable, for example, resulting in a reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio, for example, a reduction in signal strength relative to noise. Signals from the antenna may travel through one or more distribution interfaces, for example, resulting in a reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio, for example, a reduction in signal strength relative to noise. The network may include preamplifiers and / or amplifiers (e.g., for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio, for example, for increasing signal strength relative to noise). The amplifier and / or preamplifier may be (i) configured adjacent to the antenna, (ii) as part of the antenna, (iii) as part of the controller (e.g., in a control panel), (iv) operatively coupled to the controller, (v) adjacent to a distribution interface, and / or (vi) operatively coupled to a distribution interface. The antenna may be active. The antenna may include the amplifier and / or preamplifier. In the example shown in FIG2, antenna 273 is connected to control panel 207 via header 265a. However, the antenna may be communicatively coupled to a cable (e.g., coaxial cable and / or trunk 265a). The antenna may be connected to the trunk before any distribution interface (e.g., 290) and / or other targets (e.g., devices such as 253). Connecting the antenna to the trunk (before any distribution interface and / or device) may reduce signal loss (compared to noise), without being limited by theory. The amplifier and / or preamplifier may be included in a control panel, such as a floor controller. In some embodiments, the network bus has a header. One or more devices (e.g., antennas) may be coupled to a network bus. The antenna may be a high-frequency antenna. The antenna may operate in a frequency range from about 700 MHz to about 2100 MHz. The antenna may be coupled closer to the headend than other devices (e.g., upstream). For example, a first device on the network bus (e.g., the branch circuit closest to the headend) may be an antenna. The antenna may operate at least about 3.56 GHz, a second device may be another antenna operating at at least about 700 MHz, and other devices coupled to the network bus (e.g., downstream) may utilize signals at frequencies up to about 400 MHz. The highest frequency (e.g., 3.56 GHz) antenna may be connected to a network bus having a first distribution interface, which has a first low-pass filter, for example, configured on the downstream circuit. The first low-pass filter may attenuate (e.g., block) signals on downstream circuits having frequencies higher than the antenna (e.g., about 3.20 GHz).A lower frequency (e.g., 700 MHz) antenna can be connected to a network bus with a second distribution interface having a second low-pass filter, for example, on downstream circuitry. This second low-pass filter may attenuate (e.g., block) signals on downstream circuitry having frequencies higher than the antenna's (e.g., approximately 400 MHz). With this configuration, signals from two antennas (e.g., 3.56 GHz and 700 MHz) do not need to pass through more than a finite number (e.g., one, two, etc.) of distribution interfaces. The number of distribution interfaces passing higher frequency signals can be an odd-numbered integer (e.g., up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 distribution interfaces). Therefore, the antenna can receive higher signal strength (e.g., a higher signal-to-noise ratio). Furthermore, high-frequency noise from downstream reflections and / or other sources can be reduced (e.g., eliminated).

[0160] Figure 3 shows an example of a cabling network 300. The cabling network includes a bus cable 350 connected to a controller 306. The controller may include a network (e.g., a floor-level) controller. The controller may include a network controller. The controller may be a master controller. Figure 3 shows an example of multiple distribution interfaces 301, 302, and 303. Distribution interface 301 is connected to antenna 321 via branch cable 351. Antenna 321 may be the highest frequency antenna (e.g., 3.56 GHz) coupled to bus cable 350. Distribution interface 302 is connected to antenna 322 via branch cable 352. Antenna 322 may be a lower frequency antenna (e.g., 700 MHz). In the example shown in Figure 3, antennas 321 and 322 are dome antennas. Figure 3 shows an example of a third distribution interface 303 connected via a branch cable 353 to a local (e.g., including window) controller 341, which is then connected to an IGU 342 and a sensor 343. The local controller may be a microprocessor.

[0161] Figure 3 shows a detailed electronic schematic of the distribution interface 301, such as 310. The detailed electronic schematic 310 includes a transformer that divides the power of a time-varying signal between upstream, downstream, and branch circuits. In the example shown in Figure 3, the distribution interface 310 includes first and second inductors that couple power (e.g., DC) between the upstream, downstream, and branch circuits. The branch circuit of the distribution interface 310 is coupled to the highest frequency antenna, and the distribution interface 310 includes a low-pass filter. In the example shown in Figure 3, the low-pass filter forms an inductance and capacitance from which it is coupled to the downstream circuit. The low-pass filter attenuates (e.g., blocks) the signal used by the highest frequency (e.g., 3.56 GHz) antenna from the downstream circuit. Downstream devices (e.g., 322, 342, and 343) can utilize frequencies lower than those attenuated by the low-pass filter. The transformer in the distribution interface 310 includes a first winding 361, a second winding 362, and a third winding 363. Windings 361, 362, and 363 are wound around a common core. Figure 3 shows an example of a distribution junction 380 connecting three coaxial cables.

[0162] In some embodiments, the cabling network includes a network bus (also referred to herein as a trunk) and branch cables. The network bus and branch cables may distribute one or more time-varying signals and / or power (e.g., DC) within the network infrastructure. The network bus and branch cables may include one or more signal conductors and one or more ground conductors. The network bus may be formed by multiple circuits coupled together. A first circuit of the network bus may couple a controller (e.g., controller 306 in FIG. 3) to a distribution interface (e.g., distribution interface 301 in FIG. 3). Second and subsequent circuits of the network bus may couple individual pairs of distribution interfaces (e.g., distribution interfaces 301, 302, and 303). Branch cables (e.g., branch cables 351, 352, and 353) may couple branch circuits to individual distribution interfaces.

[0163] Network busbars and branch cables can distribute multiple time-varying signals and / or power (e.g., DC) simultaneously.

[0164] Network bus and branch cables can carry power at any desired rated voltage (e.g., DC). For example, network bus and branch cables can carry power at 12V, 23V, or 48 volts (V) (e.g., DC). Network bus and branch cables can conform to any International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) level, such as Category 0, I, II, or III. For example, network bus and branch cables can conform to IEC Category II and therefore can carry a maximum value of 100VA or 100 watts. Network bus and branch cables can have a wiring thickness sufficient to carry the requested current (e.g., standard sizes 12, 14, 16, or 18). Network bus and branch cables may include shielding (e.g., foil shielding, braided shielding, or quad shielding) for example, to reduce crosstalk and / or interference. Network busbars and branch cables may comprise (e.g., formed from) LMR-200, LMR-240, LMR-400, RG-6, RG-8, RG-11, RG-59, RG-60, RG-174, RG-210, RG-213, 8233, or 8267 coaxial cables, or other types of cables. Network busbars and / or branch cables may allocate any requested number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) of distinguishable time-varying signal frequency sets. The allocation of time-varying signal frequency sets may cover non-overlapping frequency windows. As an example, network busbars and / or branch cables may allocate a first set of time-varying signal frequencies covering one or more first frequency windows, and allocate a second set of time-varying signal frequencies covering one or more second frequency windows. Frequency windows (in both the first and second sets) may be separated in the frequency domain (e.g., a guard band may be present between frequency windows). In some embodiments, some frequency windows (from the first and / or second sets) are not separated by guard bands and / or partially overlap in the frequency domain (e.g., the end of one frequency window contacts the beginning of another frequency window, e.g., Figures 5, 526 and 529). Generally, separating adjacent frequency windows with guard bands reduces noise and / or interference, and can also reduce the cost and complexity of network components (e.g., cables, filters, distribution interfaces, etc.).

[0165] The first set of time-varying signals allocated by the cabling network may include network data signals (e.g., control-related signals). The first set of time-varying signals may be referred to as digital communications or digital data. The first set of time-varying signals may include signals configured for transmission by communication technologies that transmit digital information through power lines used (e.g., for power transmission only). The first set of time-varying signals may include signals configured for transmission by hardware devices through building wiring, such hardware devices being designed for data communication and transfer (e.g., Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi). The first set of time-varying signals may include signals configured for transmission via data transfer protocols that facilitate data transfer rates of at least 1 Megahertz (MHz), 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 50 MHz, 10 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 billion bits per second (Gbit / s), 2 Gbit / s, 3 Gbit / s, 4 Gbit / s, or 5 Gbit / s. Data transfer protocols can operate via telephone cabling, coaxial cable, power lines, and / or (e.g., plastic) fiber optic cables. Chips (e.g., containing semiconductor devices) can be used to facilitate data transfer protocols. The first set of time-varying signals may include power line communication signals such as G.hn, HomePlug®, or HD-PLC compatible signals. The first set of time-varying signals may include signals compatible with the Coaxial Cable Multimedia Alliance (MoCA) protocol. The first set of time-varying signals may include signals compatible with other protocols, including Ethernet protocols such as 802.3bw, 802.3bp, 802.3ch, and / or 802.3cq. The first frequency window may extend from approximately 2 Megahertz (MHz) to approximately 200 MHz (e.g., as used in the G.hn protocol). As an example, the first frequency window may extend from approximately 500 MHz to approximately 600 MHz, from approximately 875 MHz to approximately 1 GHz, or from approximately 1.15 to approximately 1.5 GHz.

[0166] The second set of time-varying signals allocated by the cabling network may include radio frequency (RF) signals. The second time-varying signals may include signals received by or transmitted through an antenna. The second frequency window may extend from approximately 600 MHz to approximately 1 GHz, from approximately 1.4 GHz to approximately 6 GHz, or from approximately 1.7 GHz to approximately 6 GHz. The RF signals may include cellular network signals, such as fourth-generation (4G) and / or fifth-generation (5G) cellular network signals. In some embodiments, 4G and 5G cellular network signals include signals at approximately 6 GHz or below. The ranges of the first and second sets of time-varying signals may overlap. The ranges of the first and second sets of time-varying signals may be separate. This separation may be achieved by signal domains not occupied by either the first or second time-varying signal.

[0167] Figure 4 depicts a network cable 400. Network busbars and branch cables in the cabling network disclosed herein can be formed from network cable 400. Network cable 400 includes an inner conductor 401, an insulator 402 (also referred to as a dielectric), an outer conductor 403, and an insulator 404 (also referred to as a sheath or outer shell). The outer conductor 403 can serve as a grounding path. The inner conductor 401 can carry direct current (DC). The electromagnetic field carrying the signal is transmitted (e.g., primarily or solely) in the space between the inner conductor 401 and the outer conductor 403. Coaxial cables can protect signals from external electromagnetic interference (e.g., reduce external electromagnetic interference on signals transmitted in coaxial cables). For example, network cable 400 can be LMR-200, LMR-240, LMR-400, RG-6, RG-8, RG-11, RG-59, RG-60, RG-174, RG-210, RG-213, 8233, or 8267 coaxial cable, or other types of cable.

[0168] Figure 5 depicts distinct signal ranges 500, 510, and 520 along the frequency range that can be transported by network cable 400. Frequency range 500 includes a DC signal 501, a first time-varying signal frequency set 502 (e.g., for control-related communications), and a second time-varying signal frequency set 504 (e.g., for media (e.g., cellular) communications). The first and second time-varying signal frequency sets 502 and 503 are separated by a frequency guard band 503 (e.g., no time-varying signal). Frequency range 510 includes a DC signal 511, a first time-varying signal frequency set 512 (e.g., for control-related communications), a second time-varying signal frequency set 514 (e.g., for media (e.g., cellular) communications), a third time-varying signal frequency set 516 (e.g., for control-related communications), and a fourth time-varying signal frequency set 518 (e.g., for media (e.g., cellular) communications). Guard bands 513, 515, and 517 separate each pair of time-varying signals. Protective bands 513, 515, and 517 may be without time-varying signals. At least two of the time-varying signal frequency sets may transmit signals of the same type (e.g., signal frequency sets 512 and 516 may be reserved for control-related communications). At least two of the time-varying signal frequency sets may transmit signals of different types (e.g., signal frequency set 512 may be reserved for control-related communications, while frequency set 514 may be reserved for media-related communications). As an example, time-varying signal frequency set 512 may be reserved for data signals from about 2 to about 200 MHz (e.g., conforming to the G.hn protocol). As a further example, time-varying signal frequency set 516 may be reserved for data signals from about 1.2 to about 1.5 GHz, conforming to the MoCA (Multimedia Consortium for Coaxial Cable) protocol. As another example, time-varying signal frequency sets 514 and 516 may be reserved for analog radio frequency signals having signal frequency set 514, including frequencies from about 0.6 to about 1.0 GHz, while signal frequency set 518 may be reserved for signal frequencies from about 1.7 to about 6.0 GHz.

[0169] The distinguishable signal frequency range 520 includes a DC signal 521, a first time-varying signal frequency set 522, a second time-varying signal frequency set 524, a third time-varying signal frequency set 526, and a fourth time-varying signal frequency set 529. A guard band 523 represents a relatively wide-spectrum guard band (e.g., no signal) between signals 522 and 524. A guard band 525 represents a relatively narrow-spectrum guard band (e.g., no signal) between signals 524 and 526. A sharp guard band 527 separates signal sets 526 and 529. Guard band 527 may have a single-frequency width, less than 10 signal frequencies, or a zero-frequency range (thus signal sets 526 and 529 may be in contact with each other). The time-varying signal 529 may be separated from the time-varying signal frequency set 530 by a notched guard band 528 (e.g., no signal). Signals within a signal frequency set may have the same amplitude across that signal frequency set (e.g., 529). Signals within a frequency set may have varying amplitudes (e.g., including amplitude upslopes, amplitude plateaus, and amplitude downslopes, such as in 502). The slopes of the upslope and downslope may have the same absolute value. The slopes of the upslope and downslope may have different absolute values. A signal frequency set may be a frequency window that allows a signal frequency set to be transmitted along a transmission line (e.g., coaxial cable). The frequency used for transmission (e.g., media-related communications) may comply with legally permitted communication standards. The maintenance and / or facilitation of dividing a frequency domain (e.g., frequency window, or signal frequency set) may involve the use of one or more signal filters. For example, facilitating a wide guard band (e.g., 503) may require less precise (e.g., and cheaper) filters that facilitate sharp (e.g., 527 and 528) and / or short (e.g., 525) band gaps, or sharp frequency domain divisions.

[0170] In some embodiments, the network infrastructure may include one or more network adapters. Network adapters may be configured to disconnect power and data (e.g., G.hn and / or MoCA format data) at various locations in the horizontal data plane portion of the network. In some embodiments, network adapters are coupled to individual branch cables (also referred to as branch lines) and / or network buses (also referred to as trunk lines) in the cabling network. As described herein, a cabling network may include one or more network buses.

[0171] In some embodiments, a network adapter is configured to provide signaling and / or power to downstream targets (e.g., end nodes associated with individual branch lines). The signaling may include digital data, such as Ethernet data. In such embodiments, the network adapter functions as a 100 Mbit and / or 1000 Mbit Ethernet adapter. The network adapter may alternatively or additionally be configured to provide power (e.g., DC power) to downstream targets (e.g., devices). The power may be at least about 24 volts (V), 48V, or 96V. The power may be at most about 24V, 48V, or 96V. End nodes coupled to the network adapter may receive power from the connected network adapter and / or receive and transmit data through the connected network adapter. For example, digital architecture elements (e.g., including color-changing windows) may (i) be connected to the network adapter and (ii) be configured to receive data and power from the connected network adapter. Digital architecture components may include one or more sensors. Sensors may be coupled to network infrastructure, for example, via a connected network adapter. Nodes capable of power and / or data network communication (including high data rate communication) may be coupled to network infrastructure, for example, via a network adapter. At least a portion of the cabling system and its components may support at least approximately 50 watts (W), 100 W, 200 W, 400 W, 600 W, 1000 W, or 5000 W of power.

[0172] In some embodiments, the cabling network may include (or be operatively coupled to) a network adapter. The network adapter may include one or more network components for internally and / or externally distributing power. For example, the network adapter may include one or more network components for processing (e.g., DC) power. The power source may be AC ​​or DC power. The power processing network components may include one or more (e.g., DC-to-DC) converters. The network includes DC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, AC-to-AC, or DC-to-DC converters. The converters are operatively coupled to the network adapter or a portion thereof. The DC-to-DC converter may be configured to convert DC voltage received from the network bus to different voltages (e.g., higher and / or lower voltages). The DC-to-DC converter may include one or more electronic converters, such as step-down (e.g., buck) converters and / or step-up (e.g., boost) converters. The output of the DC-to-DC converter in a network adapter can be used internally (e.g., to power internal network components such as processors, interfaces, and controllers) and / or externally (e.g., to power end nodes). The network adapter can provide power to one or more end nodes, for example, through adapters or connectors. As an example, the network adapter can provide DC power to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch, coupler, and / or injector. A PoE switch, coupler, and / or injector can provide DC power to end nodes, for example, through twisted-pair Ethernet cabling. DC processing network components may include one or more filters and / or power conditioning devices. For example, DC processing network components may include one or more inductors configured to block time-varying signals between end nodes, network buses, and / or the DC-to-DC converter.

[0173] A network adapter may include network components for processing data communications. For example, a network adapter may include a processor, an interface for coupling to a network bus, and / or one or more interfaces for coupling to end nodes. These network components may receive (e.g., and be powered by) one or more signals received from the network bus and / or generated internally by one or more (e.g., DC) converters. The interface for coupling to the network bus may encode and decode data transported on the network bus. When the network bus uses a data protocol (e.g., GHn protocol, or MoCA protocol), the interface for coupling to the network bus may be a data interface (also called a data controller). For example, when the network bus uses the GHn protocol (as an example), the interface for coupling to the network bus may be a GHn interface (also called a GHn controller). Interfaces used for coupling to one or more end nodes may include, for example, (i) data and / or power interfaces and (ii) architectural component interfaces. General data and / or power interfaces may be Ethernet interfaces or Power over Ethernet (PoE) interfaces, for example. Ethernet interfaces and PoE interfaces may be referred to as Ethernet and PoE controllers, respectively. Architectural component interfaces may include (as an example) window controllers (which are a type of local controller). Window controllers can provide one or more signals (e.g., in response to hue commands) to the color-changing window effect to adjust the hue of the color-changing window. Hue commands may be generated internally by the window controller (e.g., in response to logic programmed into the window controller) or may be received via a network bus from a higher-level window controller in the controller hierarchy. Window controllers may receive signals, for example, from the color-changing window and / or from any connected sensors. Connected sensors can be associated with sensed environmental conditions (e.g., weather conditions such as sunlight and / or cloudiness) and / or the tint state of the color-changing window. The window controller may use such signals internally (e.g., in generating a tint command) or may transmit such signals to other network components, such as via a network bus.

[0174] Network adapters can have a relatively small chassis or footprint. The basic length dimension can be width, length, height, diameter of a circle, or diameter of a defining circle, and may be abbreviated as "FLS" in this document. The basic length dimension of a network adapter can be at most 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, or 50 cm. The FLS of a network adapter can be any value between the above values ​​(e.g., from about 1 cm to about 50 cm, from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, or from about 10 cm to about 50 cm). In some embodiments, the size must not exceed about 12 inches or more than about 10 inches. For example, a network adapter may have dimensions of about 1.5 inches x about 0.75 inches x about 6 inches. In some embodiments, the network adapter is mounted in at least a portion of a window frame (e.g., a vertical frame and / or transom), wall, floor, and / or other building structure. It can be directly connected to one or more cables (e.g., cabling) to provide power and data and / or cellular communication, for example, from the headend or control panel. It can be connected to a window or any other target. The target can include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as digital architecture components. The control panel can contain circuitry configured on one or more circuit boards. The control panel can include connections to electrical and / or optical cabling. Control panels, device assemblies, edge distribution frames, and / or switches can each be housed within a housing. The housing can include transparent or opaque portions. The housing can contain a hardened material (e.g., an elemental metal, metal alloy, polymer, resin, glass, or an allotrope of elemental carbon). The housing can contain a composite material. The housing can have one or more perforations. The housing can have a window and / or door. The housing can have a cover. The cover can be fastened (e.g., reversibly) to the body of the housing.

[0175] In some embodiments, the network adapter includes frequency shifting capability. As an example, the network adapter can transmit and / or receive signals via (e.g., coaxial) cable that have been frequency shifted. Interfaces, controllers, or other elements (i) can shift signals transmitted from the network adapter, and / or (ii) can reverse the shift of signals entering the network adapter via a network bus (e.g., a branch circuit). Using this type of configuration (e.g., using a frequency shifting component), signal protocols with overlapping frequency windows can be used without interference. As an example, control-related signals and / or media-related signals (e.g., under MoCA protocols and 4G and / or 5G signals) can be overlapping when not shifted, and can be non-overlapping when shifted by network components such as network adapters, distribution interfaces, and / or control panels (e.g., headends) with frequency shifting capability.

[0176] Figure 6 shows an example of a network adapter 600. On the upstream side of the network adapter 600 (e.g., the side facing the control panel), a connector (not shown) connects to a cable 605 (e.g., a coaxial cable) having a grounding sheath and an internal conductor. Power and data can be carried by the (e.g., coaxial) cable. Examples of connectors leading to the (e.g., coaxial) cable are described herein (e.g., see the discussion of the distribution face 310 in Figure 3).

[0177] On the downstream side of the network adapter (e.g., the side opposite to the control panel), connectors (or other interfaces) are provided to transmit power and data to (i) connector 619 and (ii) local controller 621. Connector 619 provides power and data transmission capabilities. Connector 619 may be an Ethernet connector with Ethernet power supply capability. Connector 619 can provide 100Base Ethernet and / or 1000Base Ethernet connectivity. Connector 619 may be an RJ45 connector. Connector 621 can be configured to couple to a target, such as an optically switchable window (e.g., an IGU having one or more electrochromic devices configured on one or more electrochromic panes of an IGU). Connector 619 may be a (e.g., coaxial) cable connector (e.g., an RG-specified connector or a BNC-specified connector).

[0178] Power (e.g., DC) from a (e.g., coaxial) cable is split at point 629. The power then passes through an inductive choke 607 and onto a line (e.g., cable) 609. The inductive choke 607 allows DC current to pass through as communication signal components (e.g., control-related data, media-related data, and / or antenna signals) decay (e.g., blockage). A portion of the DC current on line 609 is supplied to a DC / DC converter 611 (also referred to as a DC-to-DC converter). The DC / DC converter 611 is configured to provide DC power for operation at a configuration voltage within the network adapter. The DC power can be used by one or more processors and other targets (e.g., components) within or coupled to the network adapter, including a PoE power injection circuit 617, a local (e.g., window) controller 621, an interface 623, an (e.g., Ethernet) controller 625, and a processor 627.

[0179] A portion of the DC current on line 609 is supplied to DC / DC converter 613. DC / DC converter 613 may include a recovery circuit (e.g., 48V). DC / DC converter 613 is configured to change (e.g., boost or deboost (appropriately)) the DC voltage received from line (e.g., cable) 605 to a specified voltage (e.g., 48 volts). Inductor 615 is coupled between DC / DC converter 613 and Ethernet power supply circuitry. Inductor 615 smooths the DC voltage supplied by DC / DC converter 613 and attenuates (e.g., blocks) time-varying signals flowing to DC / DC converter 613. Network adapter 600 is configured such that current at the pins of the recovery circuit containing the specified voltage (e.g., 48 volts) – DC / DC converter 613 – and inductor 615 is transferred to Ethernet power supply circuitry 617, which is configured to allow power to be used for transmission over physical lines (e.g., those carrying Ethernet-formatted data). The Ethernet power supply circuit 617 is electrically connected to connector 619 in a manner that allows current to be delivered at a specified voltage (e.g., 48 volts) to one or more terminal devices connected to connector 619.

[0180] Downstream from point 629, an interface 623 is bidirectionally coupled to line (e.g., coaxial cable) 605. Interface 623 is configured to encode and decode data according to a communication (e.g., G.hn or MoCA) protocol. Interface 623 is configured to (i) decode or interpret communication (e.g., G.hn) data 605 received from line (e.g., coaxial cable), and (ii) encode or format data. Data (A) is provided via controller 625 and / or 621, and / or (B) is generated internally (e.g., by processor 627 and / or by local (e.g., window) controller 621) using communication protocol signals (e.g., G.hn) for transmission upstream via line (e.g., coaxial cable) 605.

[0181] (e.g., Ethernet) Controller 625 is bidirectionally coupled to a communication (e.g., G.hn) interface 623. (e.g., Ethernet) Controller 625 is bidirectionally coupled to a connector 619. (e.g., Ethernet) Controller 625 is configured to provide data in an appropriate physical layer format to subsequent transmissions, such as Ethernet transmissions. For example, (e.g., Ethernet) Controller 625 may be configured to decode Ethernet data from connector 619 (e.g., from an end node) and / or provide unencoded data to the communication (e.g., G.hn) interface 623 for subsequent upstream transmission. (e.g., Ethernet) Controller 625 may be configured to (i) receive data from interface 623, (ii) encode data in an Ethernet physical layer format, and (iii) provide encoded data to connector 619. Ethernet Controller 625 may provide data to end nodes (e.g., Ethernet nodes) in a physical layer format suitable for transmission.

[0182] Processor 627 (e.g., including a microprocessor) is bidirectionally coupled to communication (e.g., G.hn) interface 623 and to PoE circuitry 617. Processor 627 can be configured to provide any one or more of various functions to nodes connected to connector 619 and / or local (e.g., window) controller 621. Examples of such functions include sensor data interpretation, hue commands for electrochromic windows, power delivery negotiation (e.g., via connector 619), and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, microprocessor 627 is configured to provide computing power to devices such as sensors, transmitters, or any other devices disclosed herein (e.g., IoT (Internet of Things) functions, such as the functions of digital architecture elements). Architectural elements, their computing power, their use as part of a network (e.g., for control), and examples of such networks can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 447,169, filed June 20, 2019, entitled "Sensing and Communication Unit for Optical Switchable Window System," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As an example, processor 627 (or any other element in network adapter 600) may be configured to limit power consumption by the terminal device to, for example, a predetermined power limit (which may be a maximum of approximately 1 watt, 5 watts, or 10 watts) via connector 619. Limiting to the predetermined power limit may be negotiated at least up to a higher level of power consumption with (e.g., and acknowledged by) processor 627 and / or by control panel. After negotiation of power consumption, processor 627 may allow the terminal device to exceed the predetermined limit and / or consume the negotiated power.

[0183] As shown herein, the Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit 617 is bidirectionally coupled to connector 619 for transmitting and / or receiving data. PoE 617 is also coupled to processor 627, thereby allowing direct and / or indirect bidirectional communication between end nodes (e.g., targets) coupled to 619 and processor 627. Network adapter 600 is configured to make the processing resources (of processor 627) available to downstream nodes.

[0184] Optional local (e.g., window) controller 621 is bidirectionally coupled to microprocessor 627 and cable 622 (e.g., window cable). In some embodiments, local (e.g., window) controller 621 is configured to perform some or all of the functions of a window controller (also referred to herein as a local controller). As an example, local controller 621 is a window controller configured to receive color-changing instructions from a control panel, generate and provide (i) color-changing voltage and / or current profiles to the electrochromic device, and / or (ii) receive and / or process sensor readings, and / or (iii) receive current and / or voltage readings from the electrochromic device. Examples of the functionality of a local (e.g., window) controller are provided in U.S. patent applications published on April 17, 2012, entitled "Controller for an Optically Switchable Window"; (2) 13 / 449,251, entitled "Controller for an Optically Switchable Window"; (3) 15 / 334,835, entitled "Controller for an Optically Switchable Device"; and (4) 15 / 334,832, entitled "Controller for an Optically Switchable Device"; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0185] In at least some embodiments, one or more control panels are provided as distribution centers. The control panels can provide one or more other control panels linked to a building's (e.g., vertical and / or horizontal) data plane. The control panels may include network switches, such as Ethernet switches, configured to communicate between control panels. Control panels may be configured on the same floor or on different floors. For example, network switches may be configured to communicate between control panels on different floors of a building. For example, the control panel may include network switches configured to provide network communication (e.g., Ethernet communication) at data rates of at least approximately 100 megabits per second (Mbit / s), 500 Mbit / s, 1 gigabits per second (Gbit / s), or 10 Gbit / s between control panels (e.g., configured within a floor and / or between floors). Installed control panels may be connected to fiber optic cables for inter-floor and / or intra-floor communication.

[0186] In some implementations, there is at least one control panel on each of at least two different floors of the building. In some cases, there is at least one control panel on every floor of the building. In some cases, there are at least two control panels on at least one floor of the building. In some embodiments, there is less than one control panel per floor of the building (e.g., at least one floor of the building has no control panel). In some embodiments, the control panels are located in the elevator support area or other areas (e.g., supports) and / or other infrastructure (e.g., electrical cabinets with circuit breakers) with dedicated mechanical and / or electrical controls. In some embodiments, the floor control panels are connected to a main controller. The main controller may be configured within the building. For example, the main controller may be configured in the basement of the building or in a dedicated area of ​​the building (e.g., the ground floor or the top floor). The main controller may be the primary control panel. The primary control panel may have more computing resources (e.g., processing power and memory and storage capacity) than other control panels in the control system (e.g., more than any other control panel in the control system). In some embodiments, the main control panel is redundantly networked with the remainder of the control panels (e.g., using two or more fiber optic cables) so that a failure of a single link does not cause any control panel or network interruption. In some embodiments, the main control panel has wired and / or wireless connections to cellular networks, overhaul networks, the Internet, extranets, and / or networks communicating with the Internet. In some embodiments, the main controller is located outside the building. In some embodiments, the main controller is located in the cloud.

[0187] The control panel may include a gateway to the horizontal data plane. In some embodiments, the control panel is configured to communicate with nodes on the horizontal data plane via (e.g., coaxial) cable. In some embodiments, the control panel is configured to communicate with nodes on the horizontal data plane via (e.g., twisted-pair copper) cable. The control panel may be configured to implement linear, star, or circular network topologies. The control panel may be configured to implement point-to-multipoint communication. The control panel may be configured to communicate with one or more targets (e.g., nodes) on the horizontal and / or vertical data planes using specific entity and / or link layer protocols (such as the G.hn protocol and / or MoCA). The G.hn protocol allows data transmission over any cabling medium. Data rates within the G.hn protocol can range from approximately 100 megabits per second to approximately 1.7 Gb / s. The G.hn protocol can utilize signals from approximately 2 MHz to 200 MHz. The G.hn protocol implemented as described herein can tolerate defective cables (e.g., those resulting from branching bus lines to branch lines, such as via distribution joints).

[0188] In some embodiments, the control panel includes at least one communication headend. For example, the control panel may include MoCA and / or G.hn headends. The headend may be configured to determine the physical topology of the horizontal and / or vertical data planes at least in part based on the profile of the (e.g., power) spectrum provided at the headend. Gaps in the power spectrum may be generated by nodes on the network. The size and location of the gaps in the power spectrum may correspond to the physical topology of the network served by the headend. The communication (e.g., G.hn) headend may be configured to identify portions of the spectrum it is configured for communication, for example, to avoid accidental use of the low-power portion of the spectrum. In some embodiments, communication (e.g., G.hn) data is transmitted in a point-to-multipoint manner on the horizontal and / or vertical data planes. In some embodiments, the host (G.hn headend) transmits data to multiple slave nodes (end nodes on the horizontal and / or vertical data planes). In some embodiments, slave nodes do not communicate directly with each other. In some embodiments, slave nodes communicate directly with each other.

[0189] In some embodiments, (e.g., horizontal) data plane infrastructure (including, for example, control panels, cabling such as coaxial cables, and network adapters) is used to provide power to nodes on the network. In some embodiments, power (e.g., provided at approximately 48 volts DC) is injected into cables used for (e.g., horizontal) data plane (e.g., coaxial cables). In some embodiments, the control panel includes a power manager. The power manager can be configured to control the distribution of power to individual network adapters and / or end nodes on the network. Individual network adapters or other nodes can be powered according to protocols implemented in the power manager. In some protocols, end nodes are not allowed to draw power whenever they want. Various criteria can be used to determine when and / or how much power should be delivered to individual nodes or network adapters on the network. Such criteria may include, for example, ensuring that the total power delivered on the system does not exceed a certain threshold, such as a threshold set for a specific electrical standard in the jurisdiction (e.g., 100 W for a Category 2 network in the United States). In some embodiments, one or more end nodes connected to a network are not permitted to draw power (or are permitted to draw only a limited amount of power) until they have negotiated power with a power manager. A power manager (or other network component) may form a virtual network with end nodes for power negotiation and / or network authentication purposes.

[0190] In some embodiments, the power management protocol employs a predefined set of communications between the power manager and one or more network adapters or nodes. For example, a request for power may be issued by a network adapter, while a request for information may be issued by the power manager. Data containing the timing and / or conditions of power delivery may be issued from the power manager before the actual power delivery. In some embodiments, such communications are provided using a communication protocol such as G.hn. Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE can be implemented using its own protocol. In some embodiments, the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is used to provide power management-related communications, regardless of whether PoE is used.

[0191] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a control panel 700. The control panel 700 includes a pair of switches 701 and 702. Switches 701 and 702 are coupled to an optical fiber 710. The optical fiber 710 can be connected to other control panels in the network (located on the same floor or other floors of a building). The optical fiber 710 may include fibers such as 204, 213, 215, and 217 of Figure 2, for example. Switches 701 and 702 are also coupled to an Ethernet cable 712. The Ethernet cable 712 is coupled to devices (e.g., configured on the floor of the control panel 700) and control components within the control panel 700. The control panel 700 further includes a floor controller 703. The floor controller 703 can control a plurality of local (e.g., window and / or sensor) controllers (e.g., see the discussion of network controller 106 in Figure 1). Control panel 700 further includes first and second communication (referred to as "communication" in FIG. 7, e.g., G.hn) heads 704 and 705. Communication heads 704 and 705 are coupled to a plurality of network bus cables 714, which may be coaxial cables. Communication heads 704 and 705 can provide power (e.g., DC) and multiple distinguishable time-varying signals (e.g., simultaneously) through network bus cables 714. Network bus cables include, for example, the (e.g., coaxial) power and / or communication cables 259, 261, and 263 of FIG. 2. Communication heads 704 and 705 may include, for example, preamplifiers and / or amplifiers. Control panel 700 further includes a power distribution unit (PDU) 706. PDU 706 can function as a power supply for network connections. Control components within the control panel 700, including switches 701 and 702, floor controller 703, and / or communication heads 704 and 705, can receive power via PDU 706. PDU 706 can provide remote network-based monitoring of power usage by connected targets (e.g., devices). PDU 706 can provide remote network-based control of power distribution to individual power-supplying targets (e.g., components) (e.g., electronics). Therefore, PDU 706 can be used to remotely turn on and off (individually or in any combination) individual targets (e.g., components) receiving power through 706.

[0192] In some embodiments, an enclosure (e.g., a building) may include edge distribution frames distributed throughout the enclosure. An edge distribution frame may include one or more antennas, modems, and / or one or more radios configured to provide wireless communication connections to at least a portion of the enclosure. The edge distribution frame (hereinafter abbreviated as "EDF") may be coupled to a control panel (e.g., a control panel on an individual floor). The edge distribution frame may communicate electrically and / or data with the control panel. As an example, one or more (e.g., a combination) cables may be provided, including current-conducting communication cables and / or one or more optical fibers. The current conductor may carry power (e.g., from the control panel to the edge distribution frame). The current-conducting communication cables and / or optical fibers may carry analog signals and / or digital data between the control panel and the edge distribution frame. The edge distribution frame may provide wireless communication capabilities (e.g., including cellular communication and / or Wi-Fi®) in its vicinity. Edge distribution frames can form a network (e.g., on some or all floors of a building) that can overlap with other cabling networks (e.g., coaxial cables for wired and / or wireless cabling networks provided by containers).

[0193] Figure 8 illustrates an example of an enclosure 800 (e.g., a floor of a building) that includes a network of edge distribution frames (EDFs). As shown in the example of Figure 8, the network of EDF 802a-e can be distributed across the enclosure (e.g., a floor of a building). EDF 802a-e may include an antenna, modem, and / or radio, and can provide wireless connectivity (e.g., cellular and / or Wi-Fi® connectivity) to detect signals from most (e.g., all) floors of the building. EDF 802a-e can communicate electrically and / or data with control panel 800. EDF 802a-e is coupled to control panel 850 via individual cables 802a-e. Links (e.g., cables) 804a-e may be combination cables (e.g., coaxial cables or a combination of cables and one or more optical fibers) that include current-carrying conductors and data communication, thus providing power and data connections to EDF 802a-e. As shown in Figure 8, the enclosure includes other cabling networks, which may include coaxial cable-based networks. Specifically, the enclosure includes (e.g., coaxial) cables 806a-c that provide connectivity to end targets (e.g., device 808). The (e.g., coaxial) cables 806a-c are distributed throughout at least some (e.g., all) of the enclosure, and their receiving areas spatially overlap with a portion of the service area of ​​EDF 802a-e. Figure 8 depicts a remote radio head (RRH) 810. The remote radio head may (as an example) be a cellular antenna or radio mounted outside the enclosure. The remote radio head provides connectivity to networks outside the enclosure. The RRH 810 may be connected to the control panel 850 via ID 812 and a link (e.g., cable) 814. The link (e.g., cable) 814 may be a combination cable including current-carrying conductors and / or communication transmission cables, such as coaxial cable or fiber optic cable. ID 812 may include radios, amplifiers, preamplifiers, switches, and / or other networking devices that support RRH 810.

[0194] A building's communication network may include a vertically oriented network section (e.g., a vertical data plane) that connects network components on multiple floors. As an example, network components may include control panels located on separate floors, and the vertical data plane may redundantly connect the control panels together.

[0195] An example of a redundant vertically oriented network 900 is shown in Figure 9. In the example of Figure 9, control panels 901a-901d are located on different floors of a building and are redundantly interconnected. Specifically, control panel 901a is connected to control panels 901b and 901d, control panel 901b is connected to control panels 901a and 901c, control panel 901c is connected to control panels 901d and 901b, and control panel 901d is connected to control panels 901a and 901c. Some or all of the connections between the control panels are themselves redundant (e.g., formed from a pair of optical fibers (or other cabling media)). Network 900 also includes a unit modem 902 that connects the network to an external cellular network. Network 900 includes redundant connections to infrastructure 904 (e.g., another network, either inside or outside the enclosure where network 900 is configured).

[0196] In some embodiments, the network may have multiple control panels on multiple building floors. Thus, a single floor may have a horizontal data plane (e.g., a network of coaxial bus lines and edge data frames) served by two or more control panels. An example of this configuration is shown in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the first floor of the building includes control panels 1001a and 1001b, which are coupled together by a pair of lines (e.g., fiber optics) to provide redundancy. The second floor of the building includes control panels 1001c and 1001d, the third floor includes control panels 1001e and 1001f, and the fourth floor includes control panels 1001g and 1001h. Control panels 1001a-h are coupled to infrastructure 1004 (e.g., another network, either inside or outside the enclosure where network 1000 is configured). In Figure 10, a first set of control panels (e.g., including control panels 1001a, 1001c, 1001e, and 1001g) forms a first vertically oriented network with redundant connections (as shown). A second set of control panels (e.g., control panels 1001b, 1001d, 1001f, and 1001h) forms a second vertically oriented network with redundant connections (as shown). One advantage of having vertical connections configured as in Figure 10 is that the connection between the two sets of control panels can be established in separate vertical panels within the building.

[0197] Additional configurations of the network infrastructure are shown in the examples in Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C. Figure 11A shows an example where control panels 1101a-d are connected together using redundant loops. Specifically, there are two vertical links between control panels on adjacent floors and two vertical links between control panels on the top and bottom floors. Furthermore, control panel 1101a is redundantly connected to infrastructure 1104 (e.g., another network, either inside or outside the enclosure where network 900 is configured). The first floor of the building includes control panel 1101a, the second floor includes control panel 1101b, the third floor includes control panel 1101c, and the fourth floor includes control panel 1101d. Figure 11B shows an example where each floor of the building includes two control panels and two redundant loops in the vertical data plane. Specifically, control panels 1102a-d are connected together in the first redundant loop, while control panels 1102e-h are connected together in the second redundant loop. The first floor of the building includes control panels 1102a and 1102e, the second floor includes control panels 1102b and 1102f, the third floor includes control panels 1102c and 1102g, and the fourth floor includes control panels 1102d and 1102h. Control panels 1102a-d are redundantly connected to infrastructure 1104. Control panels 1102e-h are redundantly connected to infrastructure 1104. Control panels 1102e-h are redundantly connected to control panels 1102a-d. Figure 11C shows an example where each floor of the building includes two control panels, with a redundant loop in the vertical data path, and a redundant loop in some (e.g., all) floors of the building. In particular, control panels 1103a-d are connected together in the redundant loop in the vertical data plane. Furthermore, control panels 1103a and 1103e, 1103b and 1103f, 1103c and 1103g, and 1103d and 1103h are connected together in separate redundant loops in the horizontal data plane. The first floor of the building includes control panels 1103a and 1103e, the second floor includes control panels 1103b and 1103f, the third floor includes control panels 1103c and 1103g, and the fourth floor includes control panels 1103d and 1103h. Control panel 1102a is redundantly connected to both control panel 1103e and infrastructure 1104; control panel 1103b is redundantly connected to control panel 1103f and infrastructure 1104; control panel 1103c is redundantly connected to control panel 1103g and infrastructure 1104; and control panel 1103d is redundantly connected to control panel 1103h and infrastructure 1104.In various embodiments, the network infrastructure supports a control system for one or more windows, such as electrochromic (e.g., color-changing) windows. The control system may include one or more controllers operatively coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly) to one or more windows. While the disclosed embodiments describe electrochromic windows (also referred to herein as "optically switchable windows," "color-changing windows," or "smart windows"), the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to other types of switchable optical devices, including, for example, liquid crystal devices or levitated particle devices. For example, liquid crystal devices and / or levitated particle devices may be implemented in place of (or attached to) electrochromic devices.

[0198] In some embodiments, the color-changing window exhibits a change in at least one optical property of the window (e.g., controllable and / or reversible), for example, when a stimulus is applied. The stimulus may include optical, electrical, and / or magnetic stimulation. For example, the stimulus may include an applied voltage. One or more color-changing windows may be used to control lighting and / or glare conditions, for example, by regulating the transmission of solar energy through them. One or more color-changing windows may be used to control the temperature within a building, for example, by regulating the transmission of solar energy through them. Solar energy control may control the heat load applied to the interior of a facility (e.g., a building). Control may be manual and / or automatic. Control may be used to maintain one or more required (e.g., environmental) conditions, such as occupant comfort. Control may include reducing the energy consumption of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or lighting systems. At least two of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems may be initiated by separate systems. At least two of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems may be initiated by a single system. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems may be initiated by a single system (hereinafter referred to as "HVAC"). In some cases, color-changing windows may respond to one or more environmental sensors and / or user control. Color-changing windows may include (e.g., electrochromic windows). These windows may be located within the interior to exterior of a structure (e.g., facility; e.g., building). However, this is not necessarily the case. Color-changing windows may be operated using liquid crystal devices, suspended particle devices, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as micro-shutdown devices), or any currently known or hereafter developed technology configured to control light transmission through the window. A window having a MEMS device for color changing is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 443,353, filed May 15, 2015, entitled "Multiple Windows Including Electrochromic Devices and Electromechanical Systems," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, one or more color-changing windows may be located within the interior of a building, for example, between a conference room and a corridor. In some cases, one or more chromatic windows can be used in cars, trains, airplanes and other vehicles, for example, to replace passive and / or non-chromatic windows.

[0199] In some embodiments, the color-changing window includes an electrochromic device (referred to herein as an "EC device" (abbreviated as ECD) or "EC"). The EC device may include at least one coating, comprising at least one layer. The at least one layer may contain an electrochromic material. In some embodiments, the electrochromic material exhibits a change from one optical state to another, for example, when a potential is applied across the EC device. The transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another can be caused, for example, by reversible, semi-reversible, or irreversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., via embedding) and a corresponding injection of charge-balancing electrons. For example, the transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another can be caused, for example, by reversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., via embedding) and a corresponding injection of charge-balancing electrons. Reversible may refer to the expected lifetime of the ECD. Semi-reversible refers to a measurable (e.g., noticeable) degradation of the hue of a window covering one or more color-changing cycles. In some examples, a small fraction of the ions responsible for light conversion are irreversibly bound in the electrochromic state (e.g., and the (altered) hue state induced by this window is irreversibly restored to its original hue state). In various EC devices, at least some (e.g., all) of the irreversibly bound ions can be used to compensate for the "blind charge" in the material (e.g., ECD).

[0200] In some embodiments, suitable ions include cations. Cations may include lithium ions (Li+) and / or hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some embodiments, other ions may be applicable. The insertion of cations may be in the form of (e.g., metal) oxides. Changes in the insertion of ions (e.g., cations) can cause a visible change in the hue (e.g., color) of the oxide. For example, the oxide may change from colorless to colored. For example, the insertion of lithium ions into tungsten oxide (WO3-y (0 < y ≤ ~0.3)) can cause the tungsten oxide to change from a transparent state to a colored (e.g., blue) state. The EC device coating described herein is located within the visible portion of the color-changing window so that the color change of the EC device coating can be used to control the optical state of the color-changing window.

[0201] Examples of electrochromic devices fabricated without depositing unique ionic conductor materials can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 462,725, filed May 2, 2012, entitled "Electrochromic Device," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the EC device coating may include one or more additional layers, such as one or more passive layers. Passive layers may be used to enhance certain optical properties, provide humidity, and / or provide scratch resistance. These and / or other passive layers are adapted to hermetically seal the EC stack (e.g., 1220). Various layers (including transparent conductive layers) may be treated with antireflective and / or protective layers (e.g., oxide and / or nitride layers).

[0202] In some embodiments, the electrochromic device is configured (e.g., substantially) to reversibly cycle between a clear state and a colored state. Reversibility is possible within the expected lifespan of the ECD. The expected lifespan can be at least about 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100 years. The expected lifespan can be any value between the aforementioned values ​​(e.g., from about 5 years to about 100 years, from about 5 years to about 50 years, or from about 50 years to about 100 years). A potential can be applied to the electrochromic stack such that available ions in the stack can cause the electrochromic material to be in a colored state, primarily residing in the counter electrode, when the window is in a first hue state (e.g., clear). When the potential applied to the electrochromic stack is reversed, ions can be transported across the ion-conducting layer to the electrochromic material, causing the material to enter a second hue state (e.g., colored state).

[0203] It should be understood that references to transitions between clear and colored states are not limited, and only one example of an electrochromic transition is suggested in many instances. Unless otherwise specified herein, whenever a reference to a clear-colored transition is made, the corresponding apparatus or procedure includes other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective-reflective and / or transparent-opaque. In some embodiments, the terms "clear" and "decolorized" refer to optically neutral states, such as non-colorless, transparent, and / or translucent. In some embodiments, the "color" or "hue" of the electrochromic transition is not limited to any wavelength or wavelength range. The selection of appropriate electrochromic materials and counter-electrode materials can affect the associated optical transitions (e.g., from a colored state to a colorless state).

[0204] In some embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the materials constituting the electrochromic stack are inorganic, solid (e.g., in a solid state), or both inorganic and solid. Because various organic materials tend to degrade over time, particularly when exposed to heat and ultraviolet light (e.g., in chromatic building windows), inorganic materials offer the advantage of a reliable electrochromic stack that can function for extended periods. In some embodiments, materials in a solid state offer the advantage of minimizing contamination and leakage problems, as liquid materials sometimes exhibit these issues. One or more layers in the stack may contain some organic material (e.g., measurable material). The ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) may contain very little or no measurable organic matter. The ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) may contain one or more liquids that may be present in small amounts. Small amounts may be up to about 100 ppm, 10 ppm, or 1 ppm of the ECD. Solid state materials may be deposited (or otherwise formed) using one or more processes employing liquid components, such as certain processes employing sol-gel, physical vapor deposition, and / or chemical vapor deposition.

[0205] In some embodiments, the IGU comprises two (or more) substantially transparent substrates. For example, the IGU may include two glass panes. At least one substrate of the IGU may include an electrochromic device disposed thereon. One or more panes of the IGU may have a separator disposed therebetween. The IGU may be a hermetically sealed construction, for example, having an internal area isolated from the surrounding environment. A "window assembly" may include the IGU. A "window assembly" may include (e.g., separately) a stack. A "window assembly" may include one or more electrical leads, for example, for connecting the IGU and / or the stack. The electrical leads are operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, switch, etc., and may include a frame supporting the IGU or the stack. The window assembly may include a window controller, and / or components of the window controller (e.g., a base).

[0206] In some embodiments, the first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU are rectangular solids. In some embodiments, other (e.g., geometric) shapes are possible. The shape of the first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU may include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a curve, a protrusion, and / or a recess. The first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU may include curvature. The first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU may not have curvature. The first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU may include one or more straight edge portions. The basic length dimension of the pane may be at least 1 foot (ft), 2 ft, 3 ft, 5 ft, 10 ft, 20 ft, 30 ft, 40 ft, 50 ft, 60 ft, 80 ft, or 100 ft. The FLS of the pane may be any value between the foregoing values ​​(e.g., from about 1 ft to about 100 ft, from about 1 ft to about 60 ft, or from about 50 ft to about 100 ft). The basic length dimension (abbreviated as "FLS" in this document) may include length, width, or the diameter of the defining circle. For example, the length "L" of the first and / or second pane may range from at least about 20 inches (in.) to at most about 10 feet (ft.). For example, the width "W" of the first and / or second pane may range from about 20 in. to about 10 ft. The thickness of the pane may be at least about 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, or 50 mm. The thickness of the pane may be any value between the foregoing values ​​(e.g., from about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm, from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 50 mm). For example, the thickness "T" of the first and / or second pane may range from about 0.3 mm to about 10 mm. Other FLS (e.g., length, or width) or thickness (regardless of size) may (e.g., upon request) be at least partially based on the needs of a particular user, manager, administrator, builder, architect, and / or owner. In examples where the substrate thickness T is less than about 3 mm (e.g., it is a thin substrate), the substrate may be laminated, for example, to an additional substrate. The additional substrate may be thicker. The additional substrate may protect the thin substrate. Furthermore, while the IGU may include two panes, in some embodiments, the IGU may include three or more panes. In some embodiments, one or more panes may be a stacked structure of two, three, or more layers (or sub-panes).

[0207] In some embodiments, the first and second panes are separated from each other by at least one spacer, for example, to form an inner volume. The spacer may comprise a frame structure. In some embodiments, the inner volume is filled with a gas (e.g., argon (Ar)). In some embodiments, the inner volume may be filled with another gas, such as another inert gas (e.g., krypton (Kr), xenon (Xn), another (non-inert) gas), a non-reactive gas (e.g., nitrogen), or a gas mixture (e.g., air). Filling the inner volume with a gas can reduce conductive heat transfer through the IGU. The gas may have low thermal conductivity. The gas can improve sound insulation. The gas may have an increased atomic weight relative to the gas in the surrounding environment (e.g., air). In some other embodiments, the inner volume may be vented gas. The inner volume may contain a reduced pressure relative to the surrounding pressure. The gas composition and / or pressure of the inner volume may differ from the gas composition and / or pressure in the surrounding environment (e.g., outside the IGU). One or more spacers can determine (at least partially) the height of the internal volume (e.g., 1308); that is, the spacing range between the first and second panes. The FLS of the spacers can be at least about 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, or 40 mm. The FLS of the spacers can have any value between the aforementioned values ​​(e.g., from about 4 mm to about 25 mm, from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, or from about 4 mm to about 40 mm). In some embodiments, the spacing between the first and second panes is in the range of about 6 mm to about 30 mm. The width of the spacers (e.g., "D" in FIG. 2A) can be in the range of about 5 mm to about 25 mm (although other widths are possible and may be desired).

[0208] At least one spacer may be a frame structure formed around a plurality of (e.g., all) sides of the IGU (e.g., the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the IGU). The spacer may be formed of foam and / or plastic material. The spacer may contain a polymer. The spacer may contain an elemental metal or metal alloy. The spacer may contain a tube or channel structure. The spacer may have at least three sides. The spacer may have at least two sides (e.g., configured for sealing each electrochromic pane). The spacer may have at least one side configured to support and / or separate the electrochromic pane. The spacer may have at least one side configured to support a surface on which a sealant is applied (e.g., between the spacer and the electrochromic pane). A first primary seal may be adhered to the spacer. The first primary seal may provide a tight seal between the spacer and a second surface of the first pane (e.g., 1304) (e.g., S2 in FIG. 13). A second primary seal may be adhered to and / or sealingly seal the spacer and the first surface of the second pane (e.g., 1306) (e.g., S3 in FIG. 13). In some embodiments, the primary seal may comprise an adhesive sealant, such as, for example, polyisobutylene (PIB). In some embodiments, the IGU includes a secondary seal that (e.g., sealingly) seals the boundary around the IGU. The secondary seal may be disposed outside the spacer. The spacer may be inserted from the edges of the first and second panes, for example, within a range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm (although other distances are possible and desirable). In some embodiments, the secondary seal may comprise an adhesive sealant, such as, for example, a polymeric material. The spacer material may be waterproof. The spacer material may add structural support to the assembly. The spacer material may comprise silicone, polyurethane, Teflon, or a structural sealant that forms a watertight seal.

[0209] In some embodiments, one or more controllers are operatively coupled to a window. One or more controllers may be associated with (e.g., operatively coupled to) one or more photochromic windows. One or more controllers may be configured to control the optical state of the window, for example, by applying a stimulus to the window. The stimulus may include voltage and / or current, for example, for an EC device coating. One or more controllers may have various sizes, formats, and positions relative to the optically switchable window they control. At least one controller may be attached to an electrochromic pane or a stack thereof of an IGU. At least one controller may be configured within a frame (e.g., which is mounted within an IGU or stack thereof). At least one controller may be configured in a position separate from the IGU (or its stack thereof). The photochromic window may include one, two, three, or more electrochromic panes (e.g., an electrochromic device on a transparent substrate). Individual electrochromic panes may include an electrochromic coating, for example, having an independent photochromic area. At least one controller can control at least two (e.g., all) of the electrochromic coatings associated with the window, whether the electrochromic coatings are monolithic or partitioned.

[0210] In some embodiments, the window controller is located near the photochromic window (e.g., when not directly attached to the photochromic window, IGU, or frame). For example, the window controller may be adjacent to the window, on the surface of one of the electrochromic panes of the window, within a wall immediately adjacent to the window (e.g., adjacent to and / or in contact with the window), or within the frame of the window assembly. In some embodiments, the window controller is an in-situ controller. In some embodiments, the in-situ controller is part of the window (e.g., including the IGU or stack). The in-situ controller may not need to be matched with the electrochromic window. The in-situ controller may be installed in a field (e.g., at a target location). The in-situ controller may be moved from the factory along with the window (e.g., as part of an assembly). The in-situ controller may be installed in the window frame of the window assembly and / or may be part of the IGU (and / or stack) assembly. For example, the controller may be installed on or between panes of the IGU. For example, the controller may be configured on the pane of the stack. The controller may be a controller located on a visible portion of the IGU. At least a portion of the controller may be (e.g., substantially) transparent to the naked eye. Further examples of the controller are provided in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 951,410, filed November 14, 2015, entitled "Self-Containing EC IGU," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The localized controller may be provided as (i) more than one portion (e.g., a portion), (ii) having at least one portion (e.g., including a memory component storing information related to the electrochromic window), (iii) as part of a window assembly, and / or (iv) having at least a portion thereof separated. The controller may be configured to mate with at least a portion of the window assembly, IGU, and / or stack. The controller may be a combination of interconnect portions. The interconnect portions may not be configured in a single housing. The interconnect portions of the controller may be configured to be spaced apart (e.g., in a secondary seal of the IGU). The controller may constitute a small unit. The small unit may be in a single housing. The small unit may reside in two or more separate components (e.g., a base and housing assembly). The controller may be positioned in an area visible or invisible to the occupant of the enclosure in which the controller is located.

[0211] In one embodiment, the window controller is incorporated into or attached to (i) the IGU and / or (ii) the window frame. The incorporation of the controller can occur before, during, and / or after the installation of the photochromic window at its target location. (e.g., the window's) controller can be configured in the same facility (e.g., building) as the window. For example, the controller can be incorporated into or attached to the IGU and / or the window frame before leaving the manufacturing facility of the window and / or the controller. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU (e.g., substantially within a secondary seal). In another embodiment, the controller is incorporated into or attached to the IGU, partially, substantially, or entirely within the perimeter defined by the primary seal. The perimeter may lie between the seal separator and the substrate (e.g., an electrochromic window pane).

[0212] The controller may be part of an IGU and / or window assembly. For example, the controller may move with the IGU or window unit. When the controller is part of an IGU assembly, the IGU may possess the controller's logic and characteristics.

[0213] In some embodiments, one or more characteristics of the electrochromic device change over time (e.g., through degradation). Characterization functions may be used at least in part, for example, to update one or more control parameters used to guide the change in the hue state of the IGU. If installed in an electrochromic window unit, the logic and characteristics of the controller may be used (at least in part) to calibrate one or more control parameters to match the desired installation. If already installed, the control parameters may be recalibrated to match one or more performance characteristics of the electrochromic device.

[0214] In other embodiments, the controller is not pre-associated with a window. A base assembly (e.g., having portions common to any electrochromic window) may be associated with at least one (e.g., each) window at a factory (e.g., where the controller and / or window construction is produced). After and / or during window installation (or at the target location (e.g., in the field)), a second component of the controller may be combined with the base assembly, for example, to complete the electrochromic window controller assembly. The base assembly may include circuitry. The base assembly may include a chip. The chip may be programmed at the factory. The programming of the chip may take into account (e.g., consider) one or more physical characteristics and / or parameters of the particular window to which the base is attached. For example, on a surface that will face the interior of the building after installation, sometimes referred to as surface 4 or "S4". A second component (referred to as a "carrier," "housing," or "casing") may mate with the base. Once the second component is mated with the base, it may be powered. The second component may be configured to read the chip. The second component may be configured to power the window, for example, based on one or more specific characteristics and / or parameters stored on the chip. Shipping the window may require (e.g., only) the associated one or more characteristics and / or parameters stored on the chip. The chip may be integrated with the window. More complex circuitry (e.g., compared to the chip) and / or components may later be combined with the controller-window assembly. For example, more complex circuitry and / or components may (i) be shipped separately from the window, base, and / or the second component, and / or (ii) be installed by the window manufacturer after (a) the glassworker has installed the window and / or (b) the window manufacturer has commissioned the installation. In some embodiments, the chip is included in wiring or wiring connectors (referred to herein as "pigtails"). The wiring or wiring connection may be attached to the window controller.

[0215] The term "outer" is understood herein to refer to a location closer to the external environment, while the term "inner" is understood herein to refer to a location closer to the interior of the building. For example, in the case of an IGU with two panes, the pane closer to the external environment is referred to as the outer pane or outer pane, and the pane closer to the interior of the building is referred to as the inner pane or inner pane. As illustrated with respect to the example shown in Figure 13, the different surfaces of the IGU may be referred to as S1, S2, S3, and S4 (assuming a two-pane IGU). S1 refers to the outer-facing surface of the outer electrochromic pane (e.g., the surface that can be touched by a person standing outside). S2 refers to the inner-facing surface of the outer electrochromic pane. S3 refers to the outer-facing surface of the inner electrochromic pane. S4 refers to the inner-facing surface of the inner electrochromic pane (e.g., the surface that can be touched by a person standing inside the building). In other words, the surfaces are labeled S1-S4, counting inwards from the outermost surface of the IGU. This trend continues where the IGU includes three panes. In some embodiments employing two panes, an electrochromic device (or other optically switchable device) is configured on S3. In some embodiments, one or more surfaces have structures for blocking the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. The IGU may comprise a shielding stack of multiple conductive layers, for example, on the inner surface of S3 such as in FIG13. Additional examples of shielding stack structures are presented in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0216] Examples of window controllers and their features are proposed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 449,248, filed April 17, 2012, entitled "Controller for Optically Switchable Windows"; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 449,251, filed April 17, 2012, entitled "Controller for Optically Switchable Windows"; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 334,835, filed October 26, 2016, entitled "Controller for Optically Switchable Devices"; and International Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US17 / 20805, filed March 3, 2017, entitled "Method for Delegating Electrochromic Windows," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Figure 12 shows an example of a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device 1200 according to some embodiments shown in Figure 12. An EC device coating is attached to a substrate 1202, a transparent conductive layer (TCL) 1204, an electrochromic layer (EC) 1206 (sometimes also referred to as a cathodic coloring layer or cathodic chromatic layer), an ion-conducting layer or region (IC) 1208, a counter electrode layer (CE) 1210 (sometimes also referred to as an anodic coloring layer or anodic chromatic layer), and a second TCL 1214. Elements 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1214 are collectively referred to as an electrochromic stack 1220. A voltage source 1216 operable to apply a potential across the electrochromic stack 1220 enables the transition of the electrochromic coating from, for example, a clear state to a colored state. In other embodiments, the order of the layers is reversed relative to the substrate. That is, the layers are in the following order: substrate, TCL, counter electrode layer, ion-conducting layer, electrochromic material layer, TCL. In various embodiments, ion-conducting regions (e.g., 1208) may be formed from a portion of the EC layer (e.g., 1206) and / or from a portion of the CE layer (e.g., 1210). In such embodiments, an electrochromic stack (e.g., 1220) may be deposited to include a cathode-colored electrochromic material (EC layer) in direct physical contact with an anode-colored counter-electrode material (CE layer). Ion-conducting regions (sometimes referred to as interface regions, or ion-conducting substantially electrically insulating layers or regions) may be formed where the EC layer and CE layer intersect, for example, through heating and / or other processing steps. Examples of electrochromic devices (e.g., those manufactured without depositing unique ion-conducting materials) can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 462,725, filed May 2, 2012, entitled "Electrochromic Device," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the EC device coating may include one or more additional layers, such as one or more passive layers. Passive layers can be used to enhance certain optical properties, provide humidity, and / or provide scratch resistance. These and / or other passive layers are suitable for hermetically sealing EC stack 1220.Various layers (including transparent conductive layers, such as 1204 and 1214) can be treated with anti-reflective and / or protective layers (e.g., oxide and / or nitride layers).

[0217] In some embodiments, the electrochromic device is configured (e.g., substantially) to reversibly cycle between a clear state and a colored state. Reversibility is possible within the expected lifespan of the ECD. The expected lifespan can be at least about 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100 years. The expected lifespan can be any value between the aforementioned values ​​(e.g., from about 5 years to about 100 years, from about 5 years to about 50 years, or from about 50 years to about 100 years). A potential can be applied to the electrochromic stack (e.g., 1220) such that available ions in the stack can cause the electrochromic material (e.g., 1206) to be in a colored state, primarily residing in the counter electrode (e.g., 1210), when the window is in a first hue state (e.g., clear). When the potential applied to the electrochromic stack is reversed, ions can be transported across the ion-conducting layer (e.g., 1208) to the electrochromic material and cause the material to enter a second hue state (e.g., colored state).

[0218] It should be understood that references to transitions between clear and colored states are not limited, and only one example of an electrochromic transition is suggested in many instances. Unless otherwise specified herein, whenever a reference to a clear-colored transition is made, the corresponding apparatus or procedure includes other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective-reflective and / or transparent-opaque. In some embodiments, the terms "clear" and "decolorized" refer to optically neutral states, such as non-colorless, transparent, and / or translucent. In some embodiments, the "color" or "hue" of the electrochromic transition is not limited to any wavelength or wavelength range. The selection of appropriate electrochromic materials and counter-electrode materials can affect the associated optical transitions (e.g., from a colored state to a colorless state).

[0219] In some embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the materials constituting the electrochromic stack are inorganic, solid (e.g., in a solid state), or both inorganic and solid. Because various organic materials tend to degrade over time, particularly when exposed to heat and ultraviolet light (e.g., in chromatic building windows), inorganic materials offer the advantage of a reliable electrochromic stack that can function for extended periods. In some embodiments, materials in a solid state offer the advantage of minimizing contamination and leakage problems, as liquid materials sometimes exhibit these issues. One or more layers in the stack may contain some organic material (e.g., measurable material). The ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) may contain very little or no measurable organic matter. The ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) may contain one or more liquids that may be present in small amounts. Small amounts may be up to about 100 ppm, 10 ppm, or 1 ppm of the ECD. Solid state materials may be deposited (or otherwise formed) using one or more processes employing liquid components, such as certain processes employing sol-gel, physical vapor deposition, and / or chemical vapor deposition.

[0220] Figure 13 shows an example of a cross-sectional view of a photochromic window implemented in an insulated glass unit (“IGU”) 1300, according to some embodiments. The terms “IGU”, “photochromic window”, and “optically switchable window” are used interchangeably herein. When provided for installation in a building, it may be desirable for the IGU to function as the basic construction for holding electrochromic window panes (also referred to herein as “lites”). The IGU electrochromic window pane can be a single-substrate or multi-substrate construction. The electrochromic window pane can contain laminations, for example, two substrates. The IGU (e.g., with a two- or three-pane configuration) can provide several advantages over a single-pane configuration. For example, a multi-pane configuration can provide enhanced thermal insulation, noise insulation, environmental protection, and / or durability compared to a single-pane configuration. A multi-pane configuration can provide increased protection to the ECD. For example, an electrochromic film (e.g., along with associated layers and conductive interconnects) may be formed on the inner surface of a multi-pane IGU and protected by an inert gas filling within the IGU's internal volume (e.g., 1308). The inert gas filling provides at least some (thermal) insulation to the IGU. The electrochromic IGU may have heat-blocking capabilities, for example, through a color-changing coating that absorbs (and / or reflects) heat and light.

[0221] In some embodiments, an "IGU" includes two (or more) substantially transparent substrates. For example, an IGU may include two glass panes. At least one substrate of the IGU may include an electrochromic device disposed thereon. One or more panes of the IGU may have a separator disposed therebetween. The IGU may be a hermetically sealed construction, for example, having an internal area isolated from the surrounding environment. A "window assembly" may include an IGU. A "window assembly" may include (e.g., a separate) stack. A "window assembly" may include one or more electrical leads, for example, for connecting the IGU and / or the stack. The electrical leads are operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, switch, etc., and may include a frame supporting the IGU or the stack. The window assembly may include a local controller (e.g., a window controller) and / or control components (e.g., a base) of the local controller.

[0222] Figure 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of IGU 1300, which includes a first pane 1304 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. In some embodiments, the first surface S1 of the first pane 1304 faces the external environment, such as the outdoors or an external environment. IGU 1300 also includes a second pane 1306 having a first surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some embodiments, the second surface (e.g., S4) of the second pane (e.g., 1306) faces the internal environment, such as the interior environment of a home, building, vehicle, or its compartment (e.g., an enclosure, such as a room). In some embodiments, the first and second panes (e.g., 1304 and 1306) are transparent or translucent, for example, at least for light in the visible spectrum. For example, each pane (e.g., 1304 and 1306) may be formed of a glass material. The glass material may include architectural glass and / or shatterproof glass. The glass may contain silicon oxide (SOx). The glass may contain soda-lime glass or float glass. The glass may contain at least about 75% silica (SiO2). The glass may contain oxides, such as Na2O or CaO. The glass may contain alkali or alkaline earth oxides. The glass may contain one or more additives. The first and / or second panes may comprise any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and / or mechanical properties. Other materials (e.g., substrates) that may be included in the first and / or second panes are plastics, semi-plastics, and / or thermoplastics, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diethylene glycol carbonate, SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyester, and / or polyimide. The first and / or second panes may comprise a mirror material (e.g., silver). In some embodiments, the first and / or second panes may be strengthened. Strengthening may include tempering, heating, and / or chemical strengthening.

[0223] Figure 14 shows a schematic example of a computer system 1400, which is programmed or configured for one or more operations of any of the methods provided herein. The computer system can control (e.g., direct, monitor, and / or regulate) various features of the methods, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein, such as (e.g.) controlling heating, cooling, lighting, and / or ventilation of an enclosure, or any combination thereof. The computer system may be part of, or communicate with, any of the sensors or sensor suites disclosed herein. The computer may be coupled to one or more mechanisms disclosed herein, and / or any part thereof. For example, the computer may be coupled to one or more sensors, valves, switches, lights, windows (e.g., IGUs), motors, pumps, optical components, or any combination thereof.

[0224] A computer system may include a processing unit (e.g., 1406) (which may also refer to "processor," "computer," and "computer processor" as used herein). A computer system may include memory or memory locations (e.g., 1402) (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage units (e.g., 1404) (e.g., hard disk), communication interfaces (e.g., 1403) (e.g., network adapters) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices (e.g., 1405), such as caches, other memories, data storage, and / or electronic display adapters. In the example shown in Figure 14, memory 1402, storage unit 1404, interface 1403, and peripheral device 1405 communicate with processing unit 1406 via a communication bus (solid line) (such as a motherboard). Storage units may be data storage units (or databases) for storing data. A computer system can be operatively coupled to a computer network ("network") via a communication interface (e.g., 1401). The network can be the Internet, an external network, or an internal network and / or external network that communicates with the Internet. In some cases, the network is a telecommunications and / or data network. The network may include one or more computer servers that enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. In some cases, a peer-to-peer network can be implemented via the network of the computer system, enabling devices coupled to the computer system to act as clients or servers.

[0225] The processing unit executes a series of machine-readable instructions, which can be implemented in a program or software. These instructions can be stored in a memory location, such as memory 1402. Instructions can be directed to the processing unit, which can then be programmed or configured to implement the methods disclosed herein. Examples of operations performed by the processing unit may include fetching, decoding, executing, and writing back. The processing unit can interpret and / or execute instructions. The processor may include a microprocessor, data processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), system-on-a-chip (SoC), coprocessor, network processor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), application-specific instruction set processor (ASIP), controller, programmable logic device (PLD), chipset, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof. The processing unit may be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other electronic components of system 1400 may be included in the circuit.

[0226] Storage units can store files such as drivers, libraries, and saved programs. Storage units can store user data (e.g., user preferences and user programs). In some cases, a computer system may include one or more additional data storage units located outside the computer system, such as on a remote server that communicates with the computer system via an intranet or the Internet.

[0227] A computer system can communicate with one or more remote computer systems via a network. For example, a computer system can communicate with a user's (e.g., an operator's) remote computer system. Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PCs), tablets or tablet PCs (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, smartphones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled devices, BlackBerry®), or personal digital assistants. Users (e.g., clients) can access the computer system via a network.

[0228] The method described herein can be implemented by machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored in an electronic storage location of a computer system (such as, for example, in memory 1402 or electronic storage unit 1404). The machine-executable or machine-readable code can be provided in software form. During use, processor 1406 executes the code. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit and stored in memory for access by the processor at any time. In some cases, the electronic storage unit can be excluded, and the machine-executable instructions are stored in memory.

[0229] The code can be pre-compiled and configured to work with a machine that has a processor suitable for executing the code, or it can be compiled at runtime. The code can be provided in a programming language, which can be selected to enable the code to be executed either pre-compiled or compiled.

[0230] In some embodiments, the processor includes code. This code may be program instructions. The program instructions may cause at least one processor (e.g., a computer) to direct feedforward and / or feedback control loops. In some embodiments, the program instructions cause at least one processor to direct closed-loop and / or open-loop control schemes. This control may be at least partially based on one or more sensor readings (e.g., sensor data). A controller may direct a plurality of operations. At least two operations may be directed by different controllers. In some embodiments, a different controller may direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, multiple different controllers may direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium causes various different computers to direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, multiple non-transitory computer-readable media cause various different computers to direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). Controllers and / or computer-readable media may direct any device or component thereof disclosed herein. Controllers and / or computer-readable media may direct any operation of the methods disclosed herein.

[0231] In some embodiments, at least one sensor is operatively coupled to a control system (e.g., a computer control system). The sensor may include a light sensor, a sound sensor, a vibration sensor, a chemical sensor, an electrical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a flow sensor, a motion sensor, a speed sensor, a position sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a density sensor, a distance sensor, or a proximity sensor. The sensor may include a temperature sensor, a weight sensor, a material (e.g., powder) level sensor, a unit sensor, a gas sensor, or a humidity sensor. The unit sensor may include a measurement sensor (e.g., height, length, width, angle, and / or volume). The unit sensor may include a magnetic, acceleration, orientation, or optical sensor. The sensor may transmit and / or receive sound (e.g., echo), magnetic, electronic, or electromagnetic signals. Electromagnetic signals may include visible light, infrared, ultraviolet light, ultrasound, radio waves, or microwave signals. A gas sensor may sense any gas described herein. A distance sensor may be one type of unit sensor. Distance sensors may include optical sensors or capacitive sensors. Temperature sensors may include, but are not limited to: bolometers, bimetallic strips, calorimeters, exhaust gas thermometers, flame detectors, Gardon meters, Golay cells, heat flux sensors, infrared thermometers, microbolometers, microwave radiometers, mesh radiometers, quartz thermometers, resistance temperature detectors, resistance thermometers, silicon bandgap temperature sensors, special sensors (microwave / imagers), thermometers, thermal resistors, thermocouples, thermometers (e.g., resistance thermometers), or pyrometers. Temperature sensors may include optical sensors. Temperature sensors may include image processing. Temperature sensors may include cameras (e.g., IR cameras, visible light cameras, CCD cameras). Sensors may include sensor arrays (e.g., IR sensor arrays). Cameras and / or sensor arrays may contain at least 2000, 3000, or 4000 pixels in their basic length scale. Sensors may be configured to detect radio frequency. The device may include a geolocation device (e.g., a device including Bluetooth, GPS, and / or UWV geolocation technology). Sensors may include sound sensors. Pressure sensors may include barographs, barometers, pressure gauges, Bourdon gauges, hot filament ionizers, ionizers, McLaurens vacuum gauges, oscillating U-tubes, permanent bore gauges, Piezometers, Pirani gauges, pressure sensors, pressure gauges, tactile sensors, or time-pressure gauges.Position sensors may include auxanometers, capacitive displacement sensors, capacitive sensors, free-fall sensors, gravimeters, gyroscopes, collision sensors, inclinometers, integrated circuit piezoelectric sensors, laser rangefinders, laser surface velocimeters, LiDAR, linear encoders, linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs), liquid capacitive inclinometers, odometers, photoelectric sensors, piezoelectric accelerometers, speed sensors, rotary encoders, rotary variable differential transformers, synchros, impact detectors, impact data loggers, tilt sensors, tachometers, ultrasonic thickness gauges, variable magnetoresistive sensors, or speed receivers. Optical sensors may include charge-coupled devices, colorimeters, contact image sensors, electro-optic sensors, infrared sensors, dynamic inductive detectors, light-emitting diodes (e.g., light sensors), optically addressable potential sensors, and Nichols radiometers. Radiometer, fiber optic sensor, optical position sensor, photodetector, photodiode, photomultiplier tube, photoelectric crystal, photodetector, photoionization detector, photomultiplier, photoresistor, photoelectric switch, phototube, scintillation counter, Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, single-photon burst diode, superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, transition edge sensor, visible light photon counter, or wavefront sensor. One or more sensors may be coupled to a control system (e.g., to a processor, to a computer).

[0232] In some embodiments, the target device and / or (local) network are configured for radio communication. The target device may include a transceiver. In some embodiments, the transceiver and / or local network may be configured to transmit and receive one or more signals using a Personal Area Network (PAN) standard (e.g., such as IEEE 802.15.4). In some embodiments, the signals may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, EnOcean signals (e.g., broadband signals). One or more signals may include ultra-wideband (UWB) signals (e.g., having frequencies ranging from about 2.4 to about 10.6 Giga Hertz (GHz), or from about 7.5 GHz to about 10.6 GHz). Ultra-wideband signals may have a bandwidth greater than about 20% of the total bandwidth. Ultra-wideband signals may have a bandwidth greater than about 500 Mega Hertz (MHz). One or more signals may use extremely low energy levels over a short range. The signals (e.g., having radio frequency) may employ a spectrum capable of penetrating solid structures (e.g., walls, doors, and / or windows). Low power may be a maximum of 25 mW, 50 mW, 75 mW, or 100 mW. mW. Low power can be any value between the aforementioned values ​​(e.g., from 25mW to 100mW, from 25mW to 50mW, or from 75mW to 100mW). In some embodiments, the local network (e.g., including one or more fixed sensors and / or fixed transceivers) is configured to (I) locate temporary transceivers in real time, (II) locate the temporary transceivers to an accuracy of about 20, 10, or 5 cm or higher, (III) transmit and sense ultrawide radio waves, and / or (IV) be operatively coupled to a control system configured to control facilities in which the local network with one or more fixed sensors and / or fixed transceivers is configured.

[0233] In some embodiments, the local network combines with and / or facilitates geolocation technologies (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS), Bluetooth (BLE), Ultra Wideband (UWB), and / or termination estimation algorithms), for example, using a micro-location chip. Geolocation technologies facilitate determining the location of the signal source (e.g., the location of a temporary tag containing a transceiver facilitating geolocation technologies) at a distance of at least 100 cm, 75 cm, 50 cm, 25 cm, 20 cm, 10 cm, or 5 cm. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation of the signal comprises ultra-wideband (UWB) radio waves, ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves, or radio waves used in Global Positioning System (GPS). In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation comprises electromagnetic waves with frequencies of at least about 300 MHz, 500 MHz, or 1200 MHz. In some embodiments, the signal contains location and / or time data. In some embodiments, the tag utilizes Bluetooth, UWB, UHF, and / or Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies. In some embodiments, the signal has a spatial capacity of at least about 10¹³ bits / second / m².

[0234] In some embodiments, pulse-based ultra-wideband (UWB) technology (e.g., ECMA-368 or ECMA-369) is a wireless technology for transmitting large amounts of data at low power (e.g., less than about 1 millivolt (mW), 0.75 mW, 0.5 mW, or 0.25 mW) over short distances (e.g., with a range of up to about 300 feet ('), 250', 230', 200', or 150'). UWB signals may occupy at least about 750 MHz, 500 MHz, or 250 MHz of the bandwidth spectrum, and / or at least about 30%, 20%, or 10% of its center frequency. UWB signals can be transmitted using one or more pulses. Component broadcast digital signal pulses can simultaneously time (e.g., precisely) carrier signals across several frequency channels. Information can be transmitted, for example, by timing and / or positioning of modulated signals (e.g., pulses). Signal information can be transmitted by the polarity of the encoded signal (e.g., pulse), its amplitude, and / or by using orthogonal signals (e.g., pulses). UWB signals can be low-power information transmission protocols. UWB technology can be used for location applications (e.g., indoors). The wide range of the UWB spectrum includes low frequencies with long wavelengths, which allows UWB signals to penetrate a variety of materials, including various building fixtures (e.g., walls). The wide frequency range (e.g., including low penetration frequencies) reduces the probability of multipath propagation errors (not to be theoretically limited, as some wavelengths can have line-of-sight paths). UWB communication signals (e.g., pulses) can be short (e.g., for pulses with a bandwidth of about 600 MHz, 500 MHz, or 400 MHz, up to about 70 cm, 60 cm, or 50 cm; or for pulses with a bandwidth of about 1 GHz, 1.2 GHz, 1.3 GHz, or 1.5 GHz, up to about 20 cm, 23 cm, 25 cm, or 30 cm). Shorter communication signals (e.g., pulses) can reduce the probability that the reflected signal (e.g., pulse) will overlap with the original signal (e.g., pulse).

[0235] In some embodiments, the building network infrastructure has a vertical data plane (between building floors) and a horizontal data plane (within a single floor or multiple adjacent floors). The horizontal and vertical data planes may have at least one data carrying capacity that is (e.g., substantially) similar. The horizontal and vertical data planes may have at least one type of network component that is (e.g., substantially) similar. In other cases, the two data planes have different data carrying capacities. In some cases, the horizontal and vertical data planes have (e.g., substantially) the same (or similar) data carrying capacity and / or the type of network component. In other cases, the vertical and horizontal data planes have at least one (e.g., all) data carrying capacity and / or network components that are different from each other. For example, the vertical data plane may contain network components for high communication (e.g., data transmission) rates and / or bandwidth. Faster communication rates can be at least about 1 gigabits per second (Gbit / s), 10 Gbit / s, 50 Gbit / s, 100 Gbit / s, 250 Gbit / s, 500 Gbit / s, 750 Gbit / s, 1 megabit / s (Tbit / s), or 1.125 Tbit / s. Faster communication rates can be any communication rate between the aforementioned rates (e.g., from about 1 Gbit / s to about 1.125 Tbit / s, from about 1 Gbit / s to about 500 Gbit / s, or from about 250 Gbit / s to about 1.125 Tbit / s).

[0236] The network topology described in Figures 15-18 can be replaced by topologies proposed in some other embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the network topology of Figures 15-18 can be replaced by a linear bus topology in some cases. Control components can be employed for the network topology described in Figures 15-18, such that the control panel can have similar and / or overlapping functionalities and / or design elements described in other embodiments presented herein. The data carried and / or the data protocols used on the topology of Figures 15-18 can be replaced or supplemented by the data and / or data protocols described in other embodiments presented herein. The data carried and / or the data protocols used in the topology of Figures 15-18 can be carried within the frequency range described in other embodiments presented herein. To the extent that conductive data carrier lines (e.g., coaxial cables or twisted-pair cables) are used in the network topology proposed in Figures 15-18, vertical and / or horizontal data can be configured such that the conductive data carrier lines can carry power to the terminal device, in some embodiments.

[0237] Different physical network topologies can be employed to supply power and / or communication data to building installations in the horizontal data plane (such as on a specific floor of a building, or multiple (e.g., adjacent) floors). For example, Figure 15 shows three possible physical network topologies A, B, and C for providing data communication between control panel 1 and building installation 2 located around the perimeter of building floor 1503. Dashed lines indicate data communication paths (e.g., high-speed) provided by fiber optic cables.

[0238] Network topology A has a star configuration, in which each building unit 2 is directly connected to control panel 1 via a dedicated link (e.g., fiber optic cable). Network topology A is easy to design and implement (e.g., requiring minimal man-hours and / or cost). Network A facilitates the addition of new building units to the network. However, the central single control panel may become a single point of failure in the network. If control panel 1 fails, it may affect data communication for all building units 2 on the floor. Furthermore, the amount of cabling required for the network (e.g., fiber optic or other cabling) adjusts linearly with the number of building units 2.

[0239] Network topology B has a distributed star (or tree) configuration, in which building devices 2 are connected to a central control panel 1 via intermediate control panels 1', each intermediate control panel 1' being associated with multiple building devices 2. Compared to topology A, network topology B reduces the amount of cabling (e.g., fiber optic or other cabling) required to provide data communication to each building device 2 in the network. Although the amount of cabling (e.g., fiber optic or other cabling) required by network B adjusts linearly as more devices are added to the network, the length of cabling required for each additional device in topology B is still less than the length of cabling in topology A. Although network topology B incorporates more control panels than network topology A, increasing the level of physical redundancy to a certain extent, the central control panel 1 still represents a single point of failure in the network.

[0240] Network topology C has a linear configuration, in which devices 2 are connected to central control panel 1 via linear (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) buses. Compared to network topology A, network topology C reduces the amount of cabling required to connect each device 2 to control panel 1.

[0241] In various embodiments, a ring topology is employed for data communication and / or power cabling on building floors. In some cases, control panels, radios, antennas, and other ring-related network components are located within and / or on the building's external structure (or skin). Similarly, at least some (e.g., all) of the network components of other network topologies described herein may be configured within an enclosure (e.g., building) skin. The building skin may include various structures that serve as the building's external structure. The building skin may include fasteners (e.g., walls). Examples include building facades, exterior windows (optionally including optically switchable windows), facades, window framing structures, etc. In various embodiments, the building skin includes vertical frames, lintels, and / or other structures that provide internal channels for network cabling and / or provide supporting surfaces for mounting control panels or other network devices.

[0242] Network and / or power distribution components configured on the building skin can provide data communication and / or power distribution functions, such as telecommunications, computing platforms, wired or wireless power of the building, and / or other attributes described herein.

[0243] In some embodiments, at least some (e.g., all) of the communication and / or power distribution components are installed during the building's (e.g., early) construction process (e.g., before constructing interior rooms, before installing exterior windows, or before installing IT infrastructure, etc.). In some embodiments, at least some (e.g., all) of the communication and / or power distribution components are installed after the building's construction process has been completed. In some embodiments, at least some (e.g., all) of the communication and / or power distribution components are installed during the building's occupancy. In some cases, at least a portion of the communication and / or power distribution components is available to construction personnel to facilitate construction and installation operations.

[0244] In some cases, the communication and / or power distribution systems (e.g., network systems) initially installed in the building skin are not configured to control some or all of the building's devices, such as sensors, transmitters, and / or color-changing (e.g., optically switchable) windows. The network system (e.g., operatively coupled to a controller) can be configured to control such devices at a later stage. As an example, one supplier provides some or all of the communication and power distribution infrastructure on the building skin; a second supplier provides the sensing units and / or optically switchable windows, which are installed in the infrastructure and ultimately controlled by it.

[0245] Figure 16A shows a schematic plan view of the physical network topology of a floor 1600 of a building according to some embodiments of the present invention. The floor network includes distribution control panels 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606, which are interconnected by segments 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1611, and 1612 of a first cabling (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) to form a main first cabling (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) loop. Each distribution control panel 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606 forms a node in the main loop. The main loop may extend around the perimeter of adjacent floors. Each distribution control panel 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606 is also connected to corresponding second cabling (e.g., coaxial or other cable) network branches 1601', 1602', 1603', 1604', 1605', and 1606'. Each second (e.g., coaxial or other cable) network branch extends along a separate portion of the building floor perimeter. As shown in the figure, a given control panel may include two or more second cabling (e.g., coaxial or other cable) branches, although they are not numbered in the figure. The first and second cabling may be of different cabling types. The first and second cabling may be (e.g., substantially) of the same cabling type.

[0246] Figure 16B shows an exemplary second cabling (e.g., coaxial or other cable) network branch 1601' in more detail. Network branch 1601' includes branching devices 1613, 1614, 1615, 1616, and 1617, which are coupled to linear second cabling (e.g., coaxial or other cable) branch lines 1618 and 1619 via corresponding second cabling (e.g., coaxial or other cable) leads 1613', 1614', 1615', 1616', and 1617'. Leads 1613', 1614', 1615', 1616', and 1617' can be connected to linear second cabling branch lines 1618 and 1619 via taps 1623, 1624, 1625, 1626, and 1627. Device controllers (e.g., local controllers) 1620, 1621, and 1622 are mounted in leads 1613', 1615', and 1617'. Branch targets (e.g., devices) 1613, 1614, 1615, 1616, and 1617 can be any type of building device requiring power and / or data supply. For example, a branch device may include one or more electrochromic devices (such as electrochromic windows or insulated glass units (IGUs)), external sensing devices (such as light or weather sensors), internal sensing devices (such as internal air quality monitoring devices or asset tracking devices), communication devices (such as antennas, receivers, transceivers, or radios), digital architecture components, or building security devices (such as alarms), lighting, or HVAC components. The distribution control panel 1601 includes a headend unit 1628 and is connected to a (e.g., dedicated) power supply 1629, such as an AC power supply. In some embodiments, the dedicated AC power supply is provided by a power supply line (such as a coaxial or other cable). Dedicated power lines may extend around the perimeter of the building, for example, parallel to the main ring (e.g., fiber optic cables). In other embodiments, the distribution control panel (e.g.,) is connected to a DC power supply via a DC power supply line. The DC power supply line may extend around the perimeter of the building, for example, parallel to the main ring (e.g., fiber optic cables). The headend unit 1628 in the distribution control panel 1601 may function as a gateway for data communication between the first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) main ring and the second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) network branch 1601'. Each of the second cabling network branches 1602', 1603', 1604', 1605', and 1606' may be similar in format to branch 1601', although the number and type of branch devices and device controllers in each branch may differ, for example, depending on the building's requirements.

[0247] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16A, the fiber optic main ring connects distribution control panels 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606 around the ring to a building (e.g., Ethernet) network configured for data communication, such as control data for controlling various branch devices. The first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) main ring can support high-speed data transmission at speeds greater than approximately 1 Gbit / s per channel (e.g., at least approximately 10 Gbit / s per channel), selectively with low transmission loss and reduced (e.g., little or no) interference. In some embodiments, the fiber optic main ring 1612 does not provide power transmission to the distribution control panels.

[0248] Second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) network branches 1601', 1602', 1603', 1604', 1605', and 1606' connect the surrounding distribution control panels 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606 to branching devices within each of the second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) network branches. The second cabling can supply both power and data. Power can be supplied to the distribution control panels via one or more dedicated power supplies. In embodiments where AC power is supplied to the distribution control panels, the power can be rectified to DC and converted to a lower voltage, such as approximately 24 V DC (e.g., via an AC-to-DC converter), within the distribution control panels. The lower voltage power can be transmitted to branching devices, for example, via second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) branch lines. In alternative embodiments where DC power is supplied to the distribution control panels, the power can be converted to a lower voltage (e.g., via a DC-to-DC converter) within the distribution control panels. Lower voltage power can be transmitted to the branch unit via a second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) branch. Data from the main loop of the first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) can be received by a headend unit in a distribution control panel and transmitted to the branch unit via the second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) branch, for example, using protocols such as MoCA, G.hn, and / or any various cellular communication protocols. In some embodiments, power is transmitted on the second cabling (e.g., coaxial) using, for example, DC Power Line Communication (PLC) protocols and / or Power over Ethernet protocols. The PLC method enables both power and data to be transmitted to the branch unit along a single branch.

[0249] In the main ring shown in Figure 16A, each distribution control panel node can be accessed via two different first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) paths, for example, due to a network ring topology. Redundancy can be built into the floor network by using network protocols such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which is typically used for networks with ring topologies. For example, if a given node experiences a failure that obstructs (e.g., blocks) signal communication through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the ring cannot be blocked (because each node can be reached via an alternative path). Fault-tolerant redundancy can thus be built into the network. Redundancy can be advantageous (e.g., reducing the number of failure events) when one or more network branches include branch devices (such as alarms or communication devices) for applications requiring high reliability. In some embodiments, the distribution control panel also includes means for connecting to a wireless local area network (e.g., via Wi-Fi), providing an additional layer of fault-tolerant redundancy.

[0250] The ring topology of the network shown in Figure 16A is easy to install (e.g., requiring less manpower, less trained labor, and / or cheaper installation). Furthermore, using linear second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) network branches around the main ring can provide significant cost reductions, for example, by reducing the length of the first cabling (e.g., fiber optic or other cabling) required to provide all devices in a network with (e.g., high-speed) data communications. The topology shown in Figure 16A strikes a balance between: floor-to-floor fault tolerance, (e.g., high-speed) data communication provision, ease of installation, and low installation cost.

[0251] In some embodiments, the building network infrastructure has a vertical data plane (between building floors) and one or more horizontal data planes (within a single floor or across multiple (e.g., connected) floors). In some cases, the horizontal and vertical data planes have (e.g., substantially) the same or similar data carrying capacity and / or data communication carrying components. In other cases, the two data planes have at least one different data carrying capacity. In one example, the vertical data plane contains data carrying communication components that support at least about 10 gigabits per second or faster Ethernet transmission (e.g., using UTP cabling and / or fiber optic cables), while the horizontal data plane contains data carrying components that also support at least about 10 gigabits per second or faster gigabits per second Ethernet transmission, for example, via fiber optics. In some cases, the horizontal data plane supports data transmission via communication protocols (e.g., G.hn protocol and / or MoCA protocol, such as the MoCA 2.5 standard or the MoCA 3.0 standard). In some embodiments, the connection between at least two floors in the vertical data plane employs a control panel with (e.g., high-speed) Ethernet switches. These identical control panels can communicate with nodes on a given floor via (e.g., high-speed) switches (e.g., fiber optic switches) and / or communication protocol (e.g., MoCA) interfaces and associated (e.g., coaxial) cables configured in the horizontal data plane.

[0252] Figure 17A shows an example of the physical network topology of floor 1700 of a building, which includes distribution control panels 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, and 1706 connected in series by segments 1707, 1708, 1709, 1710, 1711, and 1712 of a first cabling (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) to form a primary first cabling ring 1713. The network also includes distribution control panels 1714, 1715, and 1716 connected in series by segments 1717, 1718, and 1719 of the first cabling to form a secondary first cabling ring 1720 within the primary ring 1713. The first cabling specifies the first cabling type. The secondary ring 1720 is connected to the primary ring 1713 by segments of the first cabling 1721. Each distribution control panel 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, and 1706 forms a node in the main ring 1713, while each distribution control panel 1714, 1715, and 1716 forms a node in the secondary ring 1720. Each distribution control panel 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706, 1714, 1715, and 1716 is also connected to corresponding second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) network branches 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', 1706', 1714', 1715', and 1716'. The second cabling specifies the second cabling type. The main ring 1713 extends around the perimeter of the adjacent floor, while the second cabling branches 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', and 1706' of the main ring extend along their respective portions of the building floor perimeter. The secondary ring 1720 extends around the center of the floor, within the main ring 1713, as do the second cabling branches 1714', 1715', and 1716'. The control panel and second cabling of the secondary ring are located within the interior area of ​​the building floor, for example, within the physical perimeter of the floor where the main ring 1713 is located. The secondary ring may be located on and / or within walls, fixtures, or other structures of the floor. Such structures are typically constructed after the building perimeter or skin. Therefore, in some cases, the main ring of a floor is constructed before its secondary ring. The first and second cabling may be of the same cabling type. The first and second cabling may be of different cabling types.

[0253] As illustrated in the example embodiment shown in Figure 16A, each of the second cabling network branches 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', 1706', 1714', 1715', and 1716' includes one or more branch devices coupled to the linear second cabling branch line via corresponding second cabling leads (and device controllers, if desired). Each distribution control panel 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706, 1714, 1715, and 1716 includes a corresponding headend unit and has a corresponding AC power supply. The headend unit in each distribution control panel functions as a gateway for data communication between the first cabling main loop 1713 or the first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) secondary loop 1720 and the respective second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) network branch. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the first main cabling ring 1713 and the first secondary cabling ring 1720 connect the distribution control panels on the ring to the building's Ethernet network for (e.g., high-speed) data communication purposes. Furthermore, a second cabling network branch located around the ring connects various distribution control panels to branch units to supply both power and data. Power is supplied to the distribution control panels via a dedicated AC power supply, which is rectified to DC within the distribution control panels and transmitted to the branch units via the second cabling branch lines. Data from the first main and secondary cabling rings 1713 and 1720 is received by headend units in the distribution control panels and transmitted to the branch units via the second cabling branch lines, using, for example, communication protocols (e.g., G.hn, MoCA, and / or cellular protocols). Instead of AC power, DC power can be transmitted using Power Line Communication (PLC) and / or Power over Ethernet methods.

[0254] In the example shown in Figure 17A, each distribution control panel node in the main ring 1713 is accessible via two different first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) paths due to the network ring topology. Similarly, each distribution control panel node in the secondary ring 1720 is also accessible via at least two different first cabling paths. Fault-tolerant redundancy can be built into the floor network in a manner similar to that shown in the embodiment of Figure 16A by using a network protocol such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). For example, if a given node in the main ring 1713 experiences a failure that obstructs (e.g., blocks) communication of signals through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the main ring will not be obstructed because these nodes can be reached via alternative paths. Similarly, if a distribution control panel 1715 or 1716 in the secondary ring 1720 experiences a failure that obstructs (e.g., blocks) communication of signals through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the secondary ring will not be obstructed (e.g., blocked) because these nodes can be reached via alternative paths.

[0255] In a floor network, a secondary loop enables data and power to be supplied to one or more branch devices located within the building. For example, this network topology may be suitable for floor designs that incorporate interior rooms, other enclosed spaces, or interior open spaces (such as atriums). Interior open spaces may be surrounded by branch targets (e.g., devices), such as electrochromic windows, antennas, or sensor units. Therefore, the secondary loop may be configured around the interior perimeter of the building, for example, around the perimeter of interior open spaces within the building. The secondary loop topology may also be suitable for floor designs that do not incorporate interior open spaces. In such embodiments, the secondary loop may supply power and data to branch devices located within the building, such as electrochromic windows incorporated into room partitions, interior sensors, or alarms.

[0256] The main ring 1713 and secondary ring 1720 of the floor network can be installed at the same time or at different times. These times can be during and / or after the construction of the building. For example, the secondary ring 1720 can be installed after the main ring 1713 is installed. In some embodiments, the main ring 1713 can be installed when the building is constructed, while the secondary ring 1720 can be added to the floor network later when the internal configuration of the floor is determined or reconfigured.

[0257] Figure 17B shows an example of the physical network topology of floor 1700 of a building, which includes distribution control panels 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, and 1706 interconnected by segments of first cabling (e.g., fiber optic or other cables) 1707, 1708, 1709, 1710, 1711, and 1712 to form a primary first cabling ring 1713. The network also includes distribution control panels 1714, 1715, and 1716 interconnected by segments of first cabling 1717, 1718, and 1719 to form a secondary first cabling ring 1720 within the primary ring 1713. The secondary ring 1720 is connected to the primary ring 1713 at two different locations via segments of the first cabling 1721 and 1722. Each distribution control panel 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, and 1706 forms a node in the main ring 1713, while each distribution control panel 1714, 1715, and 1716 forms a node in the secondary ring 1720. Each distribution control panel 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706, 1714, 1715, and 1716 is also connected to the corresponding second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) network branches 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', 1706', 1714', 1715', and 1716'. The main ring 1713 extends around the perimeter of the adjacent floor, while the second cabling network branches 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', and 1706' of the main ring extend along their respective portions of the building's floor perimeter. The secondary ring 1720 extends around the center of the floor, within the main ring 1713, as do the second cabling network branches 1714', 1715', and 1716'.

[0258] The network topology design in Figure 17B is similar to the design of the embodiment shown in Figure 17A. Specifically, the first main cabling ring 1713 and the first secondary cabling ring 1720 connect the distribution control panels on the ring to the building's Ethernet network for (e.g., high-speed) data communication purposes, and the second cabling network branches placed around the ring can connect various distribution control panels to branch devices for both power and data supply.

[0259] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 17A, each distribution control panel node in the main ring 1713 shown in Figure 17B is accessible via at least two different first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) paths due to the network ring topology. Each distribution control panel node in the secondary ring 1720 is also accessible via at least two different first cabling paths. Therefore, fault-tolerant redundancy can be built into the floor network by using a network protocol such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). For example, if a given node in the main ring 1713 experiences a failure that obstructs (e.g., blocks) communication of signals through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the main ring will not be obstructed because each node can be reached via an alternative path. Similarly, if a given node in the main ring 1720 experiences a failure that obstructs (e.g., blocks) communication of signals through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the secondary ring will not be obstructed (e.g., blocked) because each node can be reached via an alternative path. Two first cabling links 1721 and 1722 are included between the main ring and the secondary ring to ensure that nodes in the secondary ring remain reachable, regardless of whether a fault occurs in the main ring (even if it occurs at a node forming a network connecting to the secondary ring), and vice versa. The first cabling links 1721 and 1722 also ensure that each node in the secondary ring is reachable, regardless of whether a fault occurs in the secondary ring, even if it is at a distribution control panel directly connected to the main ring. Therefore, the embodiment shown in Figure 17B has increased fault tolerance redundancy, thereby increasing reliability. Among other advantages, this multi-access topology provides more reliable antenna coverage across the entire floor. Therefore, wireless communications such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are less likely to be interrupted in the event of a headend or link failure (e.g., breakdown).

[0260] In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the physical network topology of floor 1800 of the building includes distribution control panels 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1809 connected in series by segments 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, and 1819 of a first cabling (e.g., fiber optic or other cable). Distribution control panels 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, and 1806 form nodes of an external first cabling loop 1820 that extends around the perimeter of adjacent floors. Distribution control panels 1801, 1804, 1807, 1808, and 1809 form nodes in the first cabling chord opposite to their linked outer ring 1820. Therefore, two sub-rings can be defined within the floor network: a first sub-ring connecting distribution control panels 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1807, 1808, and 1809; and a second sub-ring connecting distribution control panels 1801, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1809. Each distribution control panel 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1809 is connected to a corresponding second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable) network branch 1801', 1802', 1803', 1804', 1805', 1806', 1807', 1808', and 1809'. The network topology design in Figure 18 is similar to that of the aforementioned embodiment, where the first cabling connects the distribution control panels to the building's Ethernet network for (e.g., high-speed) data communication purposes; and the second cabling network branches connect the distribution control panels to branch units for both power and communication signal (e.g., data) supply. In the network shown in Figure 18, each distribution control panel node is accessible via at least two different first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) paths due to the interconnection ring topology. Therefore, by using a network protocol such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), fault tolerance redundancy can be built into the floor network. The embodiment shown in Figure 18 achieves greater overall fault tolerance redundancy and thus higher reliability than the embodiment in Figure 17A; and it achieves a similar level of reliability as the embodiment in Figure 17B, although the total length of the required first cabling is reduced.

[0261] In some embodiments, each node in the network (such as the distribution control panel nodes in the networks shown in Figures 16A, 17A, 17B, or 10) includes two or more distribution control panels, each containing a headend that connects a respective first cabling (e.g., fiber optic) loop to a branch line of a second cabling (e.g., coaxial cable). In such embodiments, even if a distribution control panel (e.g., the headend) fails, the connection between the branch line and the first cabling network will still be maintained. This further additional fault tolerance redundancy may be desired, for example, where the branching device provides communication connectivity (e.g., connectivity to an external cellular network).

[0262] The embodiments in Figures 16A-18 (and related embodiments employing a ring topology) provide redundancy and availability. If a control panel, front end, or data link fails (e.g., breaks down), most devices on the network remain available. The embodiments in Figures 16A-18 and related embodiments are relatively easy to install. In some cases, the network components of the outer ring are installed first, followed by the network components of the inner ring, and vice versa. In some embodiments, some or all of the second cabling (e.g., coaxial cables, such as those provided in the examples shown in Figures 16A-18) is RG-11 coaxial cable.

[0263] In ring topology embodiments, the control panel used (such as the examples shown in Figures 16A-18) includes network components in various combinations, such as (a) a power supply integrated with a communication node having communication components such as a network switch (within the same enclosure) or (b) a separate power supply and communication node (in a different enclosure) (e.g., mounted in the same location). In various embodiments, the control panel provides DC power and communication to downstream devices, such as window controllers and digital architecture elements. As an example, DC power may be provided at least about 2 watts (W), 4W, or 20W.

[0264] The type of fiber optic cable that can be used (e.g.) in network rings and / or connection segments can be selected at least in part based on the data communication requirements of the branch unit. Fiber optic cabling can enable data transmission at (e.g.) rates of at least approximately 100 Gbit / s per channel, covering long distances (e.g., at least approximately 10 kilometers). Each fiber optic ring may contain multiple individual fibers, for example, to provide the necessary bandwidth and / or further fault tolerance redundancy. Armored fiber optic cabling (such as fiber optic cabling encased in aluminum armor) can be used to provide physical protection and / or crush resistance.

[0265] The type of coaxial cable used in a coaxial cable network branch can be selected, at least in part, based on the power supply and / or communication rate requirements of the branching device. In some embodiments, the branch lines of each coaxial cable network branch are formed using RG-11 coaxial cable. RG-11 coaxial cable can support at least 24V, Category 2, DC power supply. The conductive wires of the RG-11 coaxial cable can be thick enough to allow the branch lines to exhibit low loss and carry high po...

Claims

1. A system for power and communication transmission in a facility, the system comprising: (a) a cabling system having a first communication type configured for transmitting current and controlling at least one device of the facility, and a cable configured for a second communication type for media communication, the cabling system being configured to be operatively coupled to the at least one device; (b) a first antenna configured to receive a signal of the second communication type outside the facility and externally transmit a signal of the second communication type to the facility, the first antenna being operatively coupled to the cabling system; (c) a second antenna configured to (i) receive a signal of the second communication type inside the facility and (ii) internally transmit a signal of the second communication type within the facility, the second antenna being operatively coupled to the cabling system; and (d) at least one controller operatively coupled to the cabling system and configured to use the first communication type to control the at least one device, wherein the first communication type has a data transmission rate of more than 1 Mbps.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable is configured to simultaneously transmit current, the first communication type, and the second communication type.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first communication type and the second communication type do not overlap in signal frequencies.

4. The system as requested in item 1, wherein the first communication type is in a frequency window.

5. The system of request item 1, wherein the first communication type includes multiple frequency windows.

6. The system as requested in item 1, wherein the second communication type is in a frequency window.

7. The system of request item 1, wherein the second communication type includes multiple frequency windows.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabling system is operatively coupled to one or more signal frequency filters.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabling system is operatively coupled to one or more signal amplifiers and / or repeaters.

10. The system of request item 1, wherein the second communication type includes fourth-generation (4G) and / or fifth-generation (5G) cellular communication.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the second communication type includes analog radio frequency signals.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is a directional antenna.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the second antenna is part of a distributed antenna system.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the second antenna is configured in one of the plurality of edge distribution frame devices configured in the facility.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the current is a DC current.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the current directed to the at least one device is at most approximately 48 volts of direct current.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable of the cabling system is a coaxial cable.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabling system includes an optical cable.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the facility includes floors, and wherein the cabling system includes an optical cable that transmits the first communication type and / or the second communication type between the floors.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the facility includes a plurality of control panels, and wherein the cabling system includes an optical cable that transmits the first communication type and / or the second communication type between the plurality of control panels.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the cabling system includes a distribution interface.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the power is unevenly distributed at the distribution interface.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the allocation interface distributes the first communication type and / or the second communication type unevenly.

24. The system of request item 21, wherein the allocation interface is passive.

25. The system of claim 21, wherein the assignment interface includes an active element.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the active element is a controller.

27. The system of request item 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to generate the first communication type.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to be operationally coupled to a building management system.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein the first communication type is generated and / or used by the at least one device.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one device includes a sensor, a transmitter, an antenna, a color-changing window, lighting, a security system, and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the sensor is sensitive to motion.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the sensor includes an accelerometer.

33. The system of claim 30, wherein the transmitter comprises an optical transmitter or an acoustic transmitter.

34. The system of claim 30, wherein the sensor includes an infrared, ultraviolet, or visible light sensor.

35. The system of claim 30, wherein the sensor is sensitive to at least one environmental characteristic, including humidity, carbon dioxide, temperature, sound, electromagnetic fields, volatile organic compounds, or pressure.

36. The system of claim 30, wherein the sensor includes a gas sensor that is sensitive to gas type, movement, and / or pressure.

37. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is part of an ensemble comprising one or more devices enclosed in a housing.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the one or more devices comprise at least two devices of the same type.

39. The system of claim 37, wherein the one or more devices comprise at least two devices of different types.

40. The system of claim 1, wherein the facility is a multi-story building.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the cabling system serves at least a portion of the multi-story building.

42. The system of claim 40, wherein the multi-story building is a skyscraper.

43. The system of request item 1, wherein the first communication type is selected from the group consisting of G.hn, HomePlug® and HD-PLC.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the cabling system includes at least one cable, wherein one of the at least one cables is configured to simultaneously supply the current and the first communication type from the at least one network controller, and wherein the current provides at least 50W of power.

45. A method for transmitting power and communications in a facility, the method comprising using a system of any one of claims 1 to 42 to perform at least one operation.

46. ​​An apparatus for power and communication transmission in a facility, the apparatus comprising at least one controller configured to be operatively coupled to the system and using the system of any one of claims 1 to 42 to perform (or direct) at least one operation.

47. The device of claim 46, wherein the at least one controller includes circuitry.

48. The device of claim 46, wherein at least two of the at least one operation is performed by the same controller of the at least one controller.

49. The device of claim 46, wherein at least two of the at least one operation is performed by different controllers of the at least one controller.

50. A nontransitory computer-readable product for power and communication transmission in a facility, the nontransitory computer-readable product containing instructions written thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform at least one operation using any one of requests 1 to 42.

51. A non-transitory computer-readable program product, such as request item 50, wherein one or more processors are operatively coupled to the system.

52. A non-transitory computer-readable program product as in claim 50, wherein at least two of the at least one operation are performed by the same processor of the one or more processors.

53. A non-transitory computer-readable program product as in claim 50, wherein at least two of the at least one operation is performed by different processors of the one or more processors.

54. The nontransitory computer-readable product of claim 50, wherein the nontransitory computer-readable product includes a nontransitory computer-readable medium.

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