A network system and communication equipment

Abstract

This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a network system and communication equipment. The network system includes: a passive auxiliary device; multiple nodes, each node connected to the passive auxiliary device; wherein a first node among the multiple nodes transmits a first electrical signal carrying first data through a line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device; when the first electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device, it causes the passive auxiliary device to generate at least one second electrical signal destined for at least one node, the second electrical signal carrying the first data, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the at least one node and the at least one second electrical signal, wherein the at least one node is a node other than the first node among the multiple nodes. This application can improve the data transmission bandwidth between nodes and the utilization efficiency of network interfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a network system and communication equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the development and popularization of smart homes, distance education, working from home, live video streaming, and virtual reality (VR), higher demands are being placed on the bandwidth of home networks.

[0003] Currently, home networks commonly use Ethernet technology, meaning devices transmit data via network cables according to the Ethernet protocol (IEEE 802.3 series standards). Under the Ethernet protocol, it is becoming increasingly difficult for home network bandwidth to balance and meet users' communication needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a network system and communication device that can improve the data transmission bandwidth between nodes and the utilization efficiency of network interfaces.

[0005] In a first aspect, a network system is provided, comprising: a passive auxiliary device; a plurality of nodes, wherein each node is connected to the passive auxiliary device; wherein a first node among the plurality of nodes transmits a first electrical signal through a line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device, the first electrical signal carrying first data; when the first electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device, the first electrical signal causes the passive auxiliary device to generate at least one second electrical signal to be sent to at least one node, the second electrical signal carrying the first data, wherein the at least one node and the at least one second electrical signal correspond one-to-one, and the at least one node is a node among the plurality of nodes other than the first node.

[0006] In the network system provided in this application, the passive auxiliary device can integrate the lines of the transmitting end and multiple receiving ends into a shared medium, enabling point-to-multipoint communication from the transmitting end to multiple receiving ends, improving the data transmission efficiency of the transmitting end to the receiving end, and increasing the data transmission bandwidth between nodes and the utilization efficiency of the network interface.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first node is used to indicate the communication resources that the plurality of nodes can use.

[0008] In this implementation, the first node can act as the master node to indicate the communication resources that multiple nodes can use, so that the nodes can send data according to the communication resources indicated by the master node. This realizes the reasonable allocation of communication resources among multiple nodes and improves the efficiency and bandwidth of data transmission.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first data includes scheduling and allocation information of the communication resources among the plurality of nodes.

[0010] In this embodiment, the first node can send the scheduling and allocation information of communication resources among multiple nodes to multiple nodes through a passive auxiliary device, so that multiple nodes can receive the scheduling and allocation information in a timely manner and send data according to the communication resources indicated by the scheduling and allocation information, thereby improving the efficiency and bandwidth of data transmission.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the second node among the plurality of nodes uses the first resource in the communication resources to send a third electrical signal through the line between the second node and the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal carrying third data; when the third electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal causes the passive auxiliary device to generate a plurality of fourth electrical signals to be sent to the plurality of nodes, the fourth electrical signals carrying the third data, the plurality of nodes and the plurality of fourth electrical signals corresponding one-to-one, the plurality of nodes being the nodes among the plurality of nodes other than the second node.

[0012] In this embodiment, the second node can use the communication resources indicated by the first node to send data, and through a passive auxiliary device, point-to-multipoint data transmission from the second node to other nodes can be realized, thereby improving the efficiency and bandwidth of data transmission.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first resource includes a first time slot resource or a two-dimensional time-frequency domain resource.

[0014] In other words, in this embodiment, the second node can use the time slot resources or time-frequency domain two-dimensional resources indicated by the first node to send data, and through a passive auxiliary device, point-to-multipoint data transmission from the second node to other nodes can be realized, thereby improving the efficiency and bandwidth of data transmission.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the passive auxiliary device is integrated into the first node, or the line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device is a network cable.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first electrical signal is obtained by the first node modulating the first data using OFDM modulation technology.

[0017] In other words, in this implementation, OFDM modulation technology is used to modulate data into electrical signals and transmit them, which can approach the channel limit and improve the efficiency and bandwidth of data transmission.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device is a network cable, the network cable includes multiple pairs of twisted pairs, the first electrical signal includes multiple sub-signals, and the multiple pairs of twisted pairs and the multiple sub-signals correspond one-to-one; each pair of twisted pairs is used to transmit the corresponding sub-signal.

[0019] In other words, in this implementation, multiple twisted pairs in the network cable can be used to transmit data simultaneously, improving data transmission efficiency and bandwidth.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the passive auxiliary device includes a transformer coupling circuit, the transformer coupling including multiple coils, each coil corresponding to a multiple node; wherein, under the action of the first electrical signal, the coil corresponding to the first node among the multiple coils causes the other coils among the multiple coils to generate the at least one second electrical signal.

[0021] In other words, in this embodiment, a transformer coupling circuit can be used as a passive auxiliary device to convert the electrical signal reaching the passive auxiliary device into a second electrical signal sent to other corresponding nodes, thereby realizing point-to-multipoint communication and improving data transmission efficiency and bandwidth.

[0022] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising a passive auxiliary device and a first node, the first node being a node among a plurality of nodes connected to the passive auxiliary device; wherein, the first node transmits a first electrical signal through a line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device, the first electrical signal carrying first data; when the first electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device, the first electrical signal causes the passive auxiliary device to generate at least one second electrical signal to be sent to at least one node, the second electrical signal carrying the first data, the at least one node and the at least one second electrical signal corresponding one-to-one, the at least one node being a node among the plurality of nodes other than the first node.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first node is used to indicate the communication resources that the plurality of nodes can use.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first data includes scheduling and allocation information of the communication resources among the plurality of nodes.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the communication resources include a first resource; wherein the first resource is used for a second node among the plurality of nodes to transmit a third electrical signal through a line between the second node and the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal carrying third data; when the third electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal causes the passive auxiliary device to generate a plurality of fourth electrical signals to be sent to a plurality of nodes, the fourth electrical signals carrying the third data, the plurality of nodes and the plurality of fourth electrical signals corresponding one-to-one, the plurality of nodes being nodes among the plurality of nodes other than the second node.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first resource includes a first time slot resource or a two-dimensional time-frequency domain resource.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the passive auxiliary device is integrated into the first node, or the line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device is a network cable.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first electrical signal is obtained by the first node modulating the first data using OFDM modulation technology.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device is a network cable, the network cable includes multiple pairs of twisted pairs, the first electrical signal includes multiple sub-signals, and the multiple pairs of twisted pairs and the multiple sub-signals correspond one-to-one; each pair of twisted pairs is used to transmit the corresponding sub-signal.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the passive auxiliary device includes a transformer coupling circuit, the transformer coupling including multiple coils, each coil corresponding to a multiple node; wherein, under the action of the first electrical signal, the coil corresponding to the first node among the multiple coils causes the other coils among the multiple coils to generate the at least one second electrical signal.

[0031] The network system and communication equipment provided in this application embodiment can realize point-to-multipoint communication between nodes, improve the data transmission efficiency between nodes, and increase the data transmission bandwidth and network interface utilization efficiency between nodes. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a node according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a passive auxiliary device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a passive auxiliary device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4A This application provides a schematic diagram of communication resource scheduling and allocation.

[0037] Figure 4B This application provides a schematic diagram of communication resource scheduling and allocation.

[0038] Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram of communication resource scheduling and allocation.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for scheduling and allocation information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating crosstalk between different twisted pairs.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the channel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating network cable attenuation.

[0043] Figure 10 Simulation results of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are shown in the figure;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them.

[0046] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0047] It is understood that in the description of the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, B existing alone, and A and B existing simultaneously. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple systems refer to two or more systems, and multiple terminals refer to two or more terminals.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0050] Ethernet is a local area network (LAN) networking technology. The IEEE 802.3 protocol, specified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), defines the technical standard for Ethernet. The IEEE 802.3 protocol specifies aspects including physical layer cabling, electrical signals, and media access layer protocols. In other words, the IEEE 802.3 protocol defines the internals of a LAN, such as the types of cables used and the signal processing methods.

[0051] The IEEE 802.3 protocol specifies that interconnected devices can transmit data at speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps (10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 10 Gbps). However, in the IEEE 802.3 protocol, the data transmission rate between interconnected devices is limited by the network cable connecting them. Higher transmission rates require higher-specification network cables.

[0052] Network cables are generally made of metal (such as copper) or glass and are used to transmit network information. There are three common types of network cables: twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables (fiber optic cables). Twisted-pair cables, also known as network cables, can be divided into shielded twisted-pair (STP) and unshielded twisted-pair (UTP). The most common type of network cable is the unshielded twisted-pair cable, which consists of four pairs of thin copper wires, each pair twisted together. Each copper wire is wrapped with a colored plastic insulation layer, and then the entire cable is covered with a plastic sheath. The connector for unshielded twisted-pair cables is an RJ-45 connector.

[0053] In Ethernet technology, network cables are commonly used for data transmission between interconnected devices. Network cables come in different specifications. Taking unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables as an example, currently, UTP cables are available in categories such as CAT-1 (Category 1), CAT-2, CAT-3, CAT-4, CAT-5, CAT-5e, CAT-6, and CAT-7. The specifications increase sequentially from CAT-1 to CAT-7. Higher-specification UTP cables have a higher maximum transmission rate than lower-specification UTP cables. Specifically, CAT-1 is used for telephone communication and is not suitable for data transmission; CAT-2 can be used for data transmission with a maximum speed of 4Mbps; CAT-3 is used for 10BASE-T Ethernet with a maximum data transmission speed of 10Mbps; CAT-4 is used for Token Ring networks with a maximum data transmission speed of 16Mbps; CAT-5 is used for Fast Ethernet with a maximum data transmission speed of 100Mbps; CAT-5e is used for networks with a maximum transmission speed of 1000Mbps; CAT-6 has a maximum data transmission rate of 1000Mbps; and CAT-7 is used for networks with a maximum rate of 10Gbps.

[0054] Ethernet technology and network cables have become the most popular and widely used technology and medium in home networks due to their low cost, high reliability, performance, and widespread availability. Switches and home routers generally support Ethernet interfaces (e.g., interfaces corresponding to RJ-45 connectors). Users can use the multiple network ports on switches or routers to build home networks, supporting high-speed network communication within the home and the deployment of distributed Wi-Fi hotspots.

[0055] Ordinary consumers are cost-sensitive. Due to the high cost of high-specification network cables (such as CAT-5e, CAT-6, CAT-7, etc.), they are not yet widely used in home networks, especially for connections between distributed routers. Currently, the network cables commonly deployed in homes are of lower specifications (CAT5 and below). Furthermore, because wiring and removing network cables is cumbersome, network cables in home networks may have been deployed for a long time without being replaced, leading to changes in the properties of the copper wires and consequently deteriorating channel quality, making it difficult for the network cable to operate at the target speed.

[0056] Currently, the bandwidth provided by telecom operators has entered the Gbps era, with home access bandwidth reaching 1Gbps or even higher. Furthermore, Wi-Fi bandwidth is also continuously improving, especially with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 reaching bandwidths of over 2Gbps.

[0057] Home networks typically use CAT5 / CAT5e Ethernet cables and GE Ethernet interfaces. Therefore, data transmission using Ethernet cables as the interconnection medium and Ethernet as the transmission protocol has become a bandwidth bottleneck in home networks. 2.5GE and higher specifications have not become widespread in home networks due to their high requirements for cable specifications and cost.

[0058] Furthermore, the Ethernet protocol has weak adaptability, only allowing users to select a specific operating mode from 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1000Mbps, with significant differences in speed across different modes. For example, if the channel capacity of the network cable connecting interconnected devices is 900Mbps, the interconnected devices using the Ethernet protocol can only operate in 100Mbps mode, achieving a speed of 100Mbps.

[0059] See Figure 1 This application provides a network system 100, which includes multiple nodes such as node 101, node 102, and node 103, and also includes a passive auxiliary device 201.

[0060] Each of the multiple nodes is connected to the passive auxiliary device 201. Any node can generate an electrical signal A1 and transmit it through the line between itself and the passive auxiliary device 201. When the electrical signal A1 reaches the passive auxiliary device 201, it causes the device to generate electrical signals destined for the other nodes. These signals also carry the data carried by the electrical signal A1. Thus, the passive auxiliary device 201 can broadcast the data carried by the electrical signal A1 to the other nodes, achieving point-to-multipoint communication. Compared to traditional point-to-point communication between nodes, this point-to-multipoint communication method allows a node to communicate with multiple other nodes using a single network interface, improving the utilization rate of the node's network interface.

[0061] For example, taking node 101 as an example, it can generate an electrical signal A1 and transmit the electrical signal A1 through the line between node 101 and passive auxiliary device 201. Electrical signal A1 can carry data D1. When electrical signal A1 reaches passive auxiliary device 201, it can cause passive auxiliary device 201 to generate at least one electrical signal A2, wherein the at least one electrical signal A2 may include an electrical signal A2 corresponding to node 102, an electrical signal A2 corresponding to node 103, etc. That is, each at least one electrical signal A2 corresponds one-to-one with nodes other than node 101. Each electrical signal A2 also carries data D1. Each electrical signal A2 is transmitted to the corresponding node through the line between the node corresponding to electrical signal A2 and passive auxiliary device 201. This allows data D1 to be broadcast to all nodes, realizing point-to-multipoint communication from node A1 to other nodes. Compared to traditional point-to-point communication between nodes, where node A1 sends data D1 to every other node, this method enables point-to-multipoint communication between node A1 and other nodes. Therefore, each node only needs one network interface to communicate with multiple other nodes, improving the utilization efficiency of the node's network interface.

[0062] The passive auxiliary device 201 can integrate the lines of the transmitting end and multiple receiving ends into a shared medium, realizing point-to-multipoint communication from one transmitting end to multiple receiving ends, and improving the network interface utilization of the node.

[0063] In some embodiments, the wiring between the node and the passive auxiliary device can be a network cable. In one example, the network cable can be shielded twisted-pair. In another example, the network cable can be unshielded twisted-pair.

[0064] Next, the solution of this application will be described in detail with reference to different embodiments. In the following text, when there is no special distinction between nodes 101, 102, 103, etc., they can be simply referred to as nodes.

[0065] In some embodiments, a node may have, for example: Figure 2 The structure is shown. Specifically, a node may include a processor 111, a memory 112, and a network port 113. For example, a node may also include a wireless communication circuit 114.

[0066] Memory 112 is used to store instructions and data. Processor 111 can call the instructions or data stored in memory 112 to perform related operations, such as forward error correction encoding and modulation of electrical signals to make the data carry electrical signals. Alternatively, it can demodulate and decode electrical signals to obtain the data carried by the electrical signals.

[0067] Network port 113 may include at least one wired network interface, which may be configured to be connected to the passive auxiliary device 201 via a network cable.

[0068] In some embodiments, a node in the network system 100 can be connected to the passive auxiliary device 201 via a network cable and also connected to the Internet via a network cable. That is, the node can be connected to both the passive auxiliary device 201 and the Internet simultaneously, thereby allowing other nodes connected to the passive auxiliary device 201 to connect to the Internet through the passive auxiliary device 201 and the node.

[0069] For example, a node can connect to the Internet through a network provided by a telecommunications operator.

[0070] In this example, the node's wired network interface can be connected to the network interface provided by the telecommunications operator via a network cable, thereby connecting to the Internet.

[0071] For example, one node 101 can be connected to the Internet via a network cable, and other nodes in the network system 100 can be connected to the Internet through node 101. When the Internet sends data to a node in the network system 100, the data can first reach node 101. Then, node 101 carries the data on an electrical signal and sends the electrical signal through the line between node 101 and the passive auxiliary device 201. When the electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device 201, it can cause the passive auxiliary device 201 to generate electrical signals to be sent to other nodes. The electrical signals sent to other nodes also carry the data, thereby enabling the Internet to send the data to multiple nodes simultaneously, improving data transmission bandwidth.

[0072] In some embodiments, the node may further include a wireless communication circuit 114. The wireless communication circuit 114 may be configured to communicate via a wireless local area network standard such as Wi-Fi. The wireless communication circuit 114 may be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication circuit 114 may receive electromagnetic waves via an antenna 1141, perform frequency modulation and filtering of the electromagnetic wave signals, demodulate and decode to extract data, and send the data to the processor 111. The wireless communication module 114 may also receive data to be transmitted from the processor 111, encode and modulate it, perform frequency modulation and amplification, and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation via the antenna 1141.

[0073] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the nodes. In other embodiments of this application, a node may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0074] In some embodiments, a node can be a router. In other embodiments, a node can be a switch. In some embodiments, some nodes in network system 100 can be routers, and other nodes can be switches. And so on. In this application, the specific form of the node is not limited.

[0075] The example above introduced the structure of the node. Next, we will introduce the structure of the passive auxiliary device 201.

[0076] Passive auxiliary device 201 is a device that requires no power supply (i.e., is passive) and can convert an electrical signal into multiple electrical signals. Passive auxiliary devices can also be called combiners or splitters. See also... Figure 3A The passive auxiliary device 201 may include multiple signal sensing modules such as signal sensing module 2011, signal sensing module 2012, and signal sensing module 2013. Among them, signal sensing module 2011 is connected to node 101, signal sensing module 2012 is connected to node 102, signal sensing module 2013 is connected to node 103, etc.

[0077] When a signal sensing module in the passive auxiliary device 201 senses or receives an electrical signal, the signal sensing module can cause other signal sensing modules to generate corresponding electrical signals under the action of the electrical signal, and the generated electrical signals can be transmitted to the corresponding nodes, thereby realizing point-to-multipoint communication.

[0078] For ease of description, the sensed or received electrical signal can be called the primary signal, and the electrical signal generated by the primary signal can be called the secondary signal. When the primary signal carries data D1, the secondary signal can also carry data D1. That is, the secondary signal carries the data carried by the primary signal. Taking signal sensing module 2011 as an example, node 101 can send electrical signal A1 on the line between node 101 and passive auxiliary device 201. When electrical signal A1 reaches passive auxiliary device 201, signal sensing module 2011 can sense or receive electrical signal A1. Under the action of electrical signal A1, signal sensing module 2011 can cause signal sensing modules 2012 and 2013 to generate electrical signals A2 respectively. Electrical signal A2 generated by signal sensing module 2012 can be transmitted to node 102, and electrical signal A2 generated by signal sensing module 2013 can be transmitted to node 103. Each electrical signal A2 carries the data carried by electrical signal A1. This enabled data transmission from node 101 to nodes 102 and 103.

[0079] In some embodiments, see Figure 3B The signal sensing module can be implemented as a coil wound around a magnetic core, where multiple coils serving as multiple signal sensing modules can be wound around the same magnetic core. Specifically, the electrical signal is a differential signal. When this signal reaches the signal sensing module, i.e., the coil wound around the magnetic core, that coil acts as a primary coil, causing the magnetic core to generate an alternating magnetic flux. The other coils wound around the magnetic core can then generate induced voltages under the influence of this alternating magnetic flux, thereby producing an electrical signal.

[0080] The connection between the node and the signal sensing module can be a network cable. The network cable can consist of one or more twisted pairs. Each twisted pair can correspond to a coil wound around a magnetic core, with one wire of the twisted pair connected to one end of the coil and the other wire connected to the other end.

[0081] In some embodiments, the strength of the electrical signal for each node can be adjusted and the noise crosstalking to the current communication node can be effectively attenuated by setting the number of turns of the coil corresponding to the node and setting the turns ratio of the coils corresponding to different nodes. Here, the current communication node refers to the node that is currently transmitting an electrical signal.

[0082] In one example, see Figure 3B The passive auxiliary device 201 may further include multiple signal amplitude adjustment modules, such as signal amplitude adjustment module 20111, signal amplitude adjustment module 20121, and signal amplitude adjustment module 20131. Each of these multiple signal amplitude adjustment modules corresponds one-to-one with a multiple signal sensing module. For example... Figure 3BAs shown, each signal amplitude adjustment module can be connected to a corresponding signal amplitude adjustment module. Specifically, signal amplitude adjustment module 20111 is connected to signal sensing module 2011, signal amplitude adjustment module 20121 is connected to signal sensing module 2012, signal amplitude adjustment module 20131 is connected to signal sensing module 2013, and so on.

[0083] Nodes can be connected to a signal amplitude adjustment module, and then to a signal sensing module via the signal amplitude adjustment module. Specifically, node 101 is connected to signal amplitude adjustment module 20111, and then to signal sensing module 2011 via signal amplitude adjustment module 20111. Node 102 is connected to signal amplitude adjustment module 20121, and then to signal sensing module 2012 via signal amplitude adjustment module 20121. Node 103 is connected to signal amplitude adjustment module 20131, and then to signal sensing module 2013 via signal amplitude adjustment module 20131.

[0084] The number of turns of the coil in the signal amplitude adjustment module can be adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting the number of turns of the coil in the signal amplitude adjustment module corresponding to the node, the number of turns of the coil corresponding to the node can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the strength of the electrical signal of the corresponding node and effectively attenuating the noise that crosstalks to the current communication node.

[0085] It should be noted that the above text uses... Figure 3B The structure shown is an example illustrating one implementation of the passive auxiliary device 201 and is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, the passive auxiliary device 201 can be implemented in other forms, which will not be elaborated here.

[0086] In some embodiments, the passive auxiliary device 201 can exist as a separate device in the network system 100. The passive auxiliary device 201 can be connected to nodes in the network system 100 via a network cable.

[0087] In other embodiments, the passive auxiliary device 201 can be integrated into a node in the network system 100. The electrical signal generating component in this node and the passive auxiliary device 201 can be connected via internal network cables or printed circuit board (PCB) traces. The passive auxiliary device 201 can connect to other nodes via network cables using the wired network interface of its host node. For example, the node containing the passive auxiliary device 201 can have multiple wired network interfaces, and the passive auxiliary device 201 can connect to multiple other nodes via these multiple wired network interfaces using network cables. Each other node can connect to one of the multiple wired network interfaces via a network cable.

[0088] In some embodiments, a line driver may be provided on the line between the node and the passive auxiliary device 201 to amplify the electrical signal. Specifically, when an electrical signal sent by a node through the line between it and the passive auxiliary device 201 passes through the line driver, the line driver can amplify the electrical signal, increasing its ability to cause the passive auxiliary device 201 to generate electrical signals to be sent to other nodes. In one example, the line driver can amplify the electrical signal by 8 times. In another example, the line driver can amplify the electrical signal by 6 times. In another example, the line driver can amplify the electrical signal by 4 times. In another example, the line driver can amplify the electrical signal by 2 times.

[0089] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the electrical signal is a signal that uses high and low levels to represent different information (e.g., different bit values).

[0090] In some embodiments, the electrical signal may be a non-return-to-zero line code (NRZ) signal.

[0091] In some embodiments, the electrical signal can be a four-pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) signal. In some embodiments, the node can use orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology to modulate the data to be transmitted to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through the line between the node and the passive auxiliary device 201. Specific details will be provided below and will not be repeated here.

[0092] At least one node in network system 100, such as node 101, can act as a master node. The master node can indicate the communication resources available to the nodes in network system 100. In one example, the communication resources here can refer to time slot resources. In another example, the communication resources here can refer to two-dimensional time-frequency domain resources. Nodes in network system 100 can use the communication resources indicated by the master node to transmit electrical signals on the line between the node and the passive auxiliary device 201. An example will be provided next.

[0093] In some embodiments, the master node can send an electrical signal A1, which carries data D1. Data D1 may include scheduling and allocation information of communication resources among the multiple nodes. That is, the scheduling and allocation information indicates the communication freedom and the scheduling and allocation of communication resources among the multiple nodes. For example, the communication resources may be set to include multiple resources such as resource R1, resource R2, and resource R3. The scheduling and allocation information may instruct node 101 to use resource R1 to send an electrical signal on the line between node 101 and passive auxiliary device 201, or instruct node 102 to use resource R2 to send an electrical signal on the line between node 102 and passive auxiliary device 201, or instruct node 103 to use resource R3 to send an electrical signal on the line between node 103 and passive auxiliary device 201, and so on.

[0094] In some embodiments, the master node can instruct the nodes in network system 100 on the communication resources available for use based on time division multiple access (TDMA) technology. That is, the master node can allocate communication resources to the nodes in network system 100 based on TDMA technology. Different nodes in network system 100 can use different time slots to transmit electrical signals. The communication resources can include multiple time slots, and scheduling allocation information can instruct the scheduling and allocation of these multiple time slots among multiple nodes. For example, resource R1 can include time slot R11, resource R2 can include time slot R21, and resource R3 can include time slot R31. The scheduling allocation information can instruct node 101 to use time slot R11 to transmit electrical signals on the line between node 101 and passive auxiliary device 201, or it can instruct node 102 to use time slot R21 to transmit electrical signals on the line between node 102 and passive auxiliary device 201, or it can instruct node 103 to use time slot R31 to transmit electrical signals on the line between node 103 and passive auxiliary device 201, and so on.

[0095] In some embodiments, nodes can employ OFDM modulation technology to modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal. The communication resources indicated by the master node in the network system 100 may also include frequency domain resources, enabling nodes to employ OFDM modulation technology and use the frequency domain resources indicated by the master node to modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal. For example, resource R1 may include frequency domain resource R12, resource R2 may include frequency domain resource R22, and resource R3 may include frequency domain resource R32. The scheduling allocation information instructs node 101 to use frequency domain resource R12, employ OFDM modulation technology to modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal on the line between node 101 and the passive auxiliary device 201. The scheduling allocation instruction information may also instruct node 102 to use frequency domain resource R22, employ OFDM modulation technology to modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal on the line between node 102 and the passive auxiliary device 201. The scheduling allocation instruction information can also instruct node 103 to use frequency domain resource R32, employ OFDM modulation technology, modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal on the line between node 102 and passive auxiliary device 201. And so on. Here, frequency domain resources can be represented using OFDM symbols; that is, the frequency domain resources allocated to a node can specifically be one or more OFDM symbols.

[0096] When using the above modulation techniques, due to the stability of the network channel, adaptive modulation techniques can be employed to approximate the network channel capability and improve communication bandwidth. For example, in OFDM modulation, adaptive modulation typically involves transmitting a signal with a known sequence, the receiving side performing channel estimation and calculating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each available carrier, and then applying Shannon's formula and forward error correction code coding gain to calculate the number of bits (or modulation order) that the carrier can carry, obtaining a bit loading table. The communication link then uses this bit loading table for data communication to improve data transmission bandwidth. The ITU-T G.hn protocol mentioned above uses this method to achieve adaptive modulation and improve communication bandwidth. Furthermore, modulation and coding schemes (MCS) commonly used in wireless communication technologies (such as Long Term Evolution, LTE) can be used. This scheme adapts the modulation order and forward error correction code parameters for resource blocks (RBs) under Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) to improve data communication bandwidth.

[0097] The embodiments of this application employ adaptive OFDM modulation technology to modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal. It has strong channel adaptability, can approximate the actual channel capacity, and improves communication bandwidth. Compared with different rate levels in Ethernet technology, the scheme of the embodiments of this application can better approximate the actual channel capacity.

[0098] In some embodiments, the communication resources indicated to the nodes may include both time slots and frequency domain resources. These time slots and frequency domain resources can be collectively referred to as time-frequency two-dimensional resources. For example, resource R1 may include time slot R11 and frequency domain resource R12, resource R2 may include time slot R21 and frequency domain resource R22, and resource R3 may include time slot R31 and frequency domain resource R32. The scheduling allocation information instructs node 101 to use frequency domain resource R12, employ OFDM modulation technology, modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal using time slot R11 on the line between node 101 and the passive auxiliary device 201. The scheduling allocation indication information may also instruct node 102 to use frequency domain resource R22, employ OFDM modulation technology, modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal using time slot R21 on the line between node 102 and the passive auxiliary device 201. The scheduling allocation instruction information can also instruct node 103 to use frequency domain resource R32, employ OFDM modulation technology to modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal, and use time slot R31 to transmit the electrical signal on the line between node 102 and passive auxiliary device 201. And so on.

[0099] In some embodiments, see Figure 4A and Figure 4B The time slots allocated to different nodes are independent and do not overlap. In this way, a node can occupy the entire available frequency band on its time slot when transmitting electrical signals. The entire available frequency band consists of four OFDM symbols. For example... Figure 4A As shown, the electrical signal transmitted by node 101 can be configured using frame 411. This electrical signal occupies four OFDM symbols: OFDM symbol 401, OFDM symbol 402, OFDM symbol 403, and OFDM symbol 404. In other words, the electrical signal occupies the entire available frequency band of node 101's time slot, thus enabling node 101 to transmit data using a larger output transmission bandwidth. For example... Figure 4B As shown, node 101 can occupy the entire available frequency band of its time slot and transmit electrical signals on the line between node 101 and passive auxiliary device 201. Node 102 can occupy the entire available frequency band of its time slot and transmit electrical signals on the line between node 102 and passive auxiliary device 201. Node 103 can occupy the entire available frequency band of its time slot and transmit electrical signals on the line between node 103 and passive auxiliary device 201.

[0100] In this embodiment of the application, the time slot of a node refers to the time slot allocated by the master node and available for use by the node.

[0101] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 The time slots of different nodes can overlap or intersect, meaning that the time slots of different nodes can include the same moment. Taking nodes 101 and 102 as an example, their time slots overlap. In this way, nodes 101 and 102 can transmit electrical signals in different frequency bands to avoid mutual interference.

[0102] In some embodiments, network system 100 may employ the ITU-T G.hn protocol. For example, network system 100 may specifically be a G.hn home network, where the master node may be called a domain master (DM). The domain master and other nodes in network system 100 may form a domain, where data transmission occurs between nodes within the same domain (including the domain master) via passive auxiliary device 201. For example, the domain master may indicate the communication resources available to nodes in the domain via medium access plan (MAP) frames.

[0103] In an illustrative example, the frame header of a MAP frame may include, for example: Figure 6 The structure shown includes a contention-free transmission opportunity (CFTXOP) field, a shared transmission opportunity (STXOP) field, and a MAP field, allocating a single node.

[0104] The domain master needs to perform media access planning within each MAC cycle, dividing each medium access control (MAC) cycle into multiple transmission opportunities (TXOPs). These multiple TXOPs can be allocated to nodes within the domain. At least one CFTXOP within each MAC cycle is allocated to the domain master for sending MAP frames.

[0105] TXOPs can be divided into CFTXOPs and STXOPs. Some STXOPs may include one or more contention-free transmission slots (CFTSs) allocated to a single node, while others may include one or more CFTSs or one or more CBTSs. Some STXOPs may also include one or more contention-based time slots (CBTSs). A CFTS can be assigned to a single node for its use. A CFTS can be assigned to multiple nodes, which then compete for the transmission opportunity.

[0106] The example above introduced the communication resources of a node and the scheduling scheme for those resources. Next, we will introduce the data transmission scheme for a single node.

[0107] In some embodiments, as described above, the node and the passive auxiliary device 201 are connected via a network cable. Generally, a network cable contains multiple twisted pairs. For example, CAT5 and higher network cables contain four twisted pairs. If the Ethernet protocol is used, crosstalk occurs due to the multiple twisted pairs. Figure 7 As shown, in the Ethernet protocol, near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and far-end crosstalk (FEST) exist between multiple twisted pairs. Therefore, in Ethernet technology, when two or more twisted pairs transmit data, additional crosstalk cancellation algorithms are needed to prevent crosstalk between multiple twisted pairs.

[0108] In this embodiment, the node can employ Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology to simultaneously transmit electrical signals on two or more twisted pairs of wires, thereby increasing data transmission bandwidth. For MIMO technology, crosstalk between the two or more twisted pairs is merely a cross-channel between the transmitter and receiver. Therefore, the receiver can use a channel equalization algorithm to convert the crosstalk between the two or more twisted pairs into signal gain. For example, the receiver can use the minimum mean square error (MMSE) algorithm to equalize the signal, converting crosstalk into signal gain.

[0109] For example, such as Figure 8As shown, a network cable can be configured to include multiple twisted pairs, including twisted pair E1 and twisted pair E2. MIMO technology can be used to simultaneously transmit electrical signals on twisted pair E1 and twisted pair E2. Twisted pair E1 has a transmit port TX1, a receive port RX1, and channel H1. Twisted pair E2 has a transmit port TX2, a receive port RX2, and channel H2. In MIMO technology, the crosstalk between twisted pair E1 and twisted pair E2 is relative to cross-channel H3, and the crosstalk between twisted pair E2 and twisted pair E1 is relative to cross-channel H4. Therefore, the receiver can use a channel equalization algorithm to convert the crosstalk between twisted pair E1 and twisted pair E2 into signal gain.

[0110] This application provides a solution that enables point-to-multipoint communication between nodes, improves the utilization rate of the network interface of the nodes, enhances the data transmission efficiency between nodes, and increases the data transmission bandwidth between nodes.

[0111] Specifically, the passive auxiliary device 201 can merge the lines of the transmitting end and multiple receiving ends into a shared medium, realizing point-to-multipoint communication from one transmitting end to multiple receiving ends, thus improving data transmission bandwidth. Taking the network cable as an example of the line between nodes, the bandwidth of the communication system can be set to 200MHz. When using two pairs of twisted pairs in the network cable for data transmission, a rate of 3Gbps can be achieved through the passive auxiliary device. When using four pairs of twisted pairs in the network cable for data transmission, a rate of 6Gbps can be achieved through the passive auxiliary device. Therefore, for CAT-5 and earlier specifications of network cables, as well as network cables with deteriorated channel conditions due to age, the solution provided in this application embodiment can also provide performance close to 3Gbps (two pairs of twisted pairs) or 6Gbps (four pairs of twisted pairs).

[0112] Furthermore, the solution provided in this application can reduce equipment costs. Specifically, in the prior art, data transmission between nodes needs to be forwarded by the master node. Therefore, the master node requires multiple network interfaces (such as Ethernet interfaces), involving multiple PHY / MAC chips. Each PHY / MAC chip corresponds to one node and is responsible for data forwarding for that node. In the solution of this application embodiment, since the network cable medium between multiple nodes is converted to a shared medium via a passive auxiliary device, the master node only needs one network interface and one PHY / MAC chip to communicate with other nodes in the network.

[0113] In addition, the embodiments of this application use OFDM adaptive modulation of electrical signals, which has strong physical layer performance adaptability and is easier to approach the channel limit compared to Ethernet technology.

[0114] Next, an example will be used to illustrate the effects of the solution provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0115] In this example, the wiring between the node and the passive auxiliary device 201 was tested using CAT-5, CAT-5e, CAT-6, and CAT-6a network cables. The standard definitions and attenuation curves for these four cable specifications are as follows: Figure 9 As shown.

[0116] In this example, the node employs adaptive OFDM modulation technology to modulate the data to be transmitted into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through the network cable between the node and the passive auxiliary device 201. The experimental results for the physical layer rate (PFR) of the 50-meter CAT-5 network cable are as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the physical layer speed of CAT-5 network cables can reach 3160Mbps to 6948Mbps.

[0117] See Figure 11 This application also provides a communication device 1100, which includes a passive auxiliary device 1101 and a node 1102. The node 1102 is a node among a plurality of nodes connected to the passive auxiliary device. The node 1102 transmits a first electrical signal through a line between the node 1102 and the passive auxiliary device. The first electrical signal carries first data. When the first electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device, the first electrical signal causes the passive auxiliary device to generate at least one second electrical signal to be sent to at least one node. The second electrical signal carries the first data. The at least one node and the at least one second electrical signal correspond one-to-one. The at least one node is a node other than the node 1102 among the plurality of nodes.

[0118] In some embodiments, the node 1102 is used to indicate the communication resources that the plurality of nodes can use.

[0119] In one example of these embodiments, the first data includes scheduling and allocation information of the communication resources among the plurality of nodes.

[0120] In another example of these embodiments, the communication resource includes a first resource; wherein the first resource is used for a second node among the plurality of nodes to transmit a third electrical signal carrying third data via a line between the second node and the passive auxiliary device; when the third electrical signal arrives at the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal causes the passive auxiliary device to generate a plurality of fourth electrical signals to be sent to a plurality of nodes, the fourth electrical signals carrying the third data, the plurality of nodes and the plurality of fourth electrical signals corresponding one-to-one, the plurality of nodes being nodes among the plurality of nodes other than the second node.

[0121] In one example of this example, the first resource includes a first time slot resource or a two-dimensional time-frequency domain resource.

[0122] In some embodiments, the passive auxiliary device is integrated into the node 1102, or the line between the node 1102 and the passive auxiliary device is a network cable.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first electrical signal is obtained by modulating the first data using OFDM modulation technology at node 1102.

[0124] In some embodiments, the line between the node 1102 and the passive auxiliary device is a network cable, the network cable includes multiple pairs of twisted pairs, the first electrical signal includes multiple sub-signals, and the multiple pairs of twisted pairs and the multiple sub-signals correspond one-to-one; each pair of twisted pairs is used to transmit the corresponding sub-signal.

[0125] In some embodiments, the passive auxiliary device includes a transformer coupling circuit, the transformer coupling including multiple coils, the multiple coils and the multiple nodes corresponding one-to-one; wherein, under the action of the first electrical signal, the coil corresponding to the node 1102 among the multiple coils causes the other coils among the multiple coils to generate the at least one second electrical signal.

[0126] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can send data to multiple nodes simultaneously, thereby improving the network interface utilization and data transmission bandwidth of the communication device.

[0127] It is understood that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0128] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A network system, comprising: Multiple nodes, each with a network cable laid on them, are characterized by comprising: A passive auxiliary device; wherein each of the plurality of nodes is connected to the passive auxiliary device via the network cable; the passive auxiliary device includes a transformer coupling circuit, the transformer coupling circuit includes a plurality of coils, and the plurality of coils correspond one-to-one with the plurality of nodes; Among them, the first node of the plurality of nodes sends a first electrical signal through the network cable between the first node and the passive auxiliary device, and the first electrical signal carries first data; When the first electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device, the coil corresponding to the first node among the plurality of coils, under the action of the first electrical signal, causes the other coils among the plurality of coils to generate at least one second electrical signal that is transmitted to at least one node through the network cable; the second electrical signal carries the first data, and the at least one node and the at least one second electrical signal correspond one-to-one, and the at least one node is a node among the plurality of nodes other than the first node; in, The at least one second electrical signal includes an electrical signal corresponding to a second node and an electrical signal corresponding to a third node. Both the electrical signal corresponding to the second node and the electrical signal corresponding to the third node carry the first data. The electrical signal corresponding to the second node is transmitted to the second node through the network cable between the second node and the passive auxiliary device, and the electrical signal corresponding to the third node is transmitted to the third node through the network cable between the third node and the passive auxiliary device. The first node is connected to the passive auxiliary device through a first signal amplitude adjustment module, and the number of turns of the coil in the first signal amplitude adjustment module is used to adjust the strength of the first electrical signal.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first node is used to indicate the communication resources that the plurality of nodes can use.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first data includes the scheduling and allocation information of the communication resources among the multiple nodes.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second node among the plurality of nodes uses the first resource in the communication resources to send a third electrical signal through the line between the second node and the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal carrying third data. When the third electrical signal arrives at the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal causes the passive auxiliary device to generate several fourth electrical signals that are sent to several nodes. The fourth electrical signals carry the third data. The several nodes and the several fourth electrical signals correspond one-to-one. The several nodes are nodes other than the second node among the plurality of nodes.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first resource includes a first time slot resource or a two-dimensional time-frequency domain resource.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The passive auxiliary device is integrated into the first node, or the line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device is a network cable.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first electrical signal is obtained by modulating the first data using OFDM modulation technology at the first node.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The network cable includes multiple pairs of twisted pairs, and the first electrical signal includes multiple sub-signals. The multiple pairs of twisted pairs and the multiple sub-signals correspond one-to-one. Each pair of twisted pairs is used to transmit the corresponding sub-signal.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a passive auxiliary device and a first node, wherein the first node is one of a plurality of nodes connected to the passive auxiliary device; wherein, each of the plurality of nodes is equipped with a network cable; wherein... Each of the plurality of nodes is connected to the passive auxiliary device via the network cable; the passive auxiliary device includes a transformer coupling circuit, the transformer coupling circuit includes a plurality of coils, and the plurality of coils correspond one-to-one with the plurality of nodes; The first node transmits a first electrical signal through the network cable between the first node and the passive auxiliary device, and the first electrical signal carries first data. When the first electrical signal reaches the passive auxiliary device, the coil corresponding to the first node among the plurality of coils, under the action of the first electrical signal, causes the other coils among the plurality of coils to generate at least one second electrical signal that is transmitted to at least one node through the network cable. The second electrical signal carries the first data. The at least one node and the at least one second electrical signal correspond one-to-one. The at least one node is a node among the plurality of nodes other than the first node. in, The at least one second electrical signal includes an electrical signal corresponding to a second node and an electrical signal corresponding to a third node. Both the electrical signal corresponding to the second node and the electrical signal corresponding to the third node carry the first data. The electrical signal corresponding to the second node is transmitted to the second node through the network cable between the second node and the passive auxiliary device, and the electrical signal corresponding to the third node is transmitted to the third node through the network cable between the third node and the passive auxiliary device. The first node is connected to the passive auxiliary device through a first signal amplitude adjustment module, and the number of turns of the coil in the first signal amplitude adjustment module is used to adjust the strength of the first electrical signal.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first node is used to indicate the communication resources that the plurality of nodes can use.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first data includes the scheduling and allocation information of the communication resources among the multiple nodes.

12. The communication device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The communication resources include a first resource; wherein the first resource is used by a second node among the plurality of nodes to transmit a third electrical signal through a line between the second node and the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal carrying third data. When the third electrical signal arrives at the passive auxiliary device, the third electrical signal causes the passive auxiliary device to generate several fourth electrical signals that are sent to several nodes. The fourth electrical signals carry the third data. The several nodes and the several fourth electrical signals correspond one-to-one. The several nodes are nodes other than the second node among the plurality of nodes.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first resource includes a first time slot resource or a two-dimensional time-frequency domain resource.

14. The communication device according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The passive auxiliary device is integrated into the first node, or the line between the first node and the passive auxiliary device is a network cable.

15. The communication device according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The first electrical signal is obtained by modulating the first data using OFDM modulation technology at the first node.

16. The communication device according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The network cable includes multiple pairs of twisted pairs, and the first electrical signal includes multiple sub-signals. The multiple pairs of twisted pairs and the multiple sub-signals correspond one-to-one. Each pair of twisted pairs is used to transmit the corresponding sub-signal.

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