Modem, network management device and system for data communication in MoCA access network

Abstract

A modem (M1) configured to operate in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) access network, wherein the modem comprises: a combiner (58) having a coaxial interface for connecting to a coaxial cable network and at least two frequency separated southbound interfaces (SBI); at least two MoCA chips (54, 55), wherein each MoCA chip is configured to operate a MoCA access link and comprises a data SBI and a MoCA northbound interface (NBI) each connected to one of the SBIs of the combiner; a link aggregation switch (57) having at least two switch ports each connected to one of the data SBIs, and a port to a data communication interface (59) for connecting to a client device for communicating at a client data rate; wherein the MoCA chips are configured to operate separate MoCA access links at different MoCA access frequency bands over the coaxial cable network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to data communications over coaxial cable networks and, more particularly, to the control of such data communications in a MoCA access network. Background Art

[0002] Ever since television became a commodity in homes, hotels, offices and other buildings, coaxial cable (coax) networks have been regularly implemented in these facilities. As a result, a large proportion of such facilities built in developed countries over at least the past 50 years have been equipped with coax networks. Providing signal access to buildings has been achieved in different ways over the years, from early local antenna receiver solutions to cable TV connections and later fiber optic networks. However, access needs to be distributed within the building, for which a local coax network can be used.

[0003] The Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) is an industry standards alliance that develops technologies for the connected home. MoCA is a layer 2 transport protocol that enables content distribution over existing home coaxial cabling. MoCA technology is used, for example, as a home backbone to ensure wireless connectivity.

[0004] In a MoCA network system, a dedicated MoCA network management device is connected to the coaxial cable network of the building complex and to an external data channel, such as a supply data cable or optical fiber. The network management device can be configured to merge the incoming data stream and TV signal (if present) from the external data channel into the same cable and send it over the coaxial network. At the other end of the coaxial network, the signal is received by a dedicated MoCA terminal device.

[0005] Initially, MoCA was developed to operate as a fully meshed network, where each node is bidirectionally interconnected with every other node in the MoCA network. Subsequently, MoCA introduced a new broadband access specification, MoCA Access, which is currently based on the MoCA 2.5 Home standard and is capable of actual data rates of up to 2.5 Gbps. MoCA Access is point-to-multipoint, serving up to 63 nodes, or point-to-point, serving a single modem (terminal device). Therefore, in MoCA Access, all nodes are isolated from each other. Therefore, MoCA Access is particularly suitable for providing content and data broadband access to multiple independent users over existing coaxial cable infrastructure in multi-dwelling units, apartment buildings, hotels, resorts, etc., as well as commercial buildings (such as restaurants and offices). Another MoCA access network type is MoCA Link, which is also configured to provide point-to-point (P2P) access.

[0006] Details of the various efforts in the area of ​​data communications over coaxial cable networks are outlined in Broadband Forum Technical Report TR-419, "Fiber Access Extension over Existing Copper Infrastructure," which also describes the characteristics of MoCA access.

[0007] WO9810541A1 discloses an asymmetric network communication system, including independently configurable remote devices, downstream controllers, and upstream controllers. Routing tables associated with the controllers and remote devices are maintained in a network manager, the routing tables defining data flow groups in upstream and downstream paths. Configuration parameters in the routing tables configure the system to transmit digital data over multiple broadband downstream channels and selected return channels on different media. PoP (point of presence) LAN switches provide physical and link layer connections between the network manager and the corresponding upstream and downstream controllers. Through the PoP LAN, different types of services (such as Internet access, telephone communications, etc.) are locally controlled in the coaxial cable network. This is arranged by combining different frequencies on the data link layer, i.e., layer 2 of OSI (Open Systems Interconnection), just as MoCA operates inside the MoCA access link.

[0008] While data networks running on coaxial cables ensure convenient data sharing, the data rates achieved can be limited for various services and use cases. Overview

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome one or more limitations of the prior art.Another object is to enable enhanced data communications over coaxial cables by increasing throughput capabilities in terms of data rates.

[0010] One or more of these objects, as well as other objects that may emerge from the following description, are at least partly achieved by the proposed solution set out in the independent claims, embodiments of which are defined by the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect, there is provided a modem configured to operate in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) access network, wherein the modem comprises:

[0012] a combiner having a coaxial interface for connection to a coaxial cable network and at least two frequency separated southbound interfaces SBI;

[0013] at least two MoCA chips, wherein each MoCA chip is configured to operate a MoCA access link and includes a MoCA northbound interface NBI and a data SBI, each MoCA northbound interface NBI being connected to one of the SBIs of the combiner;

[0014] a link aggregation switch having at least two switch ports each connected to one of the data SBIs and a port connected to a data communications interface for connecting to a client device for communicating at a client data rate;

[0015] The MoCA chip is configured to operate separate MoCA access links at different MoCA access frequency bands over the coaxial cable network.

[0016] According to a second aspect, there is provided a network management device for controlling data communication in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) access network via a coaxial cable network, the network management device comprising:

[0017] a link aggregation switch having an interface to an external data channel configured for a supply data rate, and at least two switch ports;

[0018] at least two MoCA chips, wherein each MoCA chip is configured to operate a MoCA access link and includes at least one MoCA southbound interface SBI and a data northbound interface NBI connected to one of the switch ports;

[0019] The at least two MoCA chips are configured to establish separate MoCA access links at corresponding MoCA SBIs with different MoCA access frequency bands for communicating with the MoCA modem through the coaxial cable network.

[0020] According to a third aspect, there is provided a system for communication in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) access network between two MoCA devices connected via a coaxial cable network.

[0021] Each of the MoCA devices includes:

[0022] two MoCA chips configured to independently operate a MoCA access link; and

[0023] a link aggregation switch including at least two switch ports and connected to an external data interface, the switch ports each being connected to one of the MoCA chips;

[0024] Each device is connected to the coaxial network through a combiner having at least two frequency-separated connectors that are each individually connected to one of the MoCA chips.

[0025] Other objects, as well as features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a building including a MoCA access network.

[0028] Figure 2 The architectural layout of a MoCA system is schematically shown in which the proposed solution can be implemented.

[0029] Figure 3 A system setup of a MoCA system according to an example configured in accordance with an embodiment of the proposed solution is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a MoCA controller configured according to an example of the proposed solution.

[0031] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a MoCA modem configured according to an example of the proposed solution. Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0033] In addition, it should be understood that any advantage, feature, function, device or operational aspect of any embodiment of the present invention described or contemplated herein may be included in any other embodiment of the present invention described or contemplated herein, where possible. In addition, any term expressed in the singular herein is meant to include the plural form, and vice versa, where possible, unless otherwise expressly stated. As used herein, "at least one" shall mean "one or more", and these phrases are intended to be interchangeable. Thus, the terms "a" and "an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more", even though the phrases "one or more" or "at least one" are also used herein. As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise due to clear language or necessary meaning, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, that is, the presence of the features specified in various embodiments is specified, but the presence or addition of further features is not excluded.

[0034] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to another element, or an intervening element can exist. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" to another element, there is no intervening element. It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe each element in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a MoCA access network characterized by operating in accordance with any current or future MoCA access specifications to provide point-to-point services to terminal devices over a coaxial network. In various embodiments, the MoCA access network can be configured to establish and operate one or more MoCA access links in accordance with the provisions of the specifications associated with MoCA access or MoCA links. The embodiments are suitable for implementing data communications between clients connected to different terminal devices in such a MoCA access network. Conceptually, this is achieved by enabling virtual LANs (VLANs) between subsets of terminal devices included in the MoCA access network. The structure and functionality of these embodiments will be described below in conjunction with an exemplary installation of a coaxial network in a construction complex. For the sake of completeness, it can be noted that the embodiments described herein can be used in a building complex that includes multiple buildings with a common coaxial network or interconnected coaxial networks.

[0037] Figure 1 By way of example, a building complex 1 in the form of a single building is shown. The building 1 may be, for example, a single family unit, an apartment building, a hotel, a commercial complex or other, which comprises a plurality of confined building units, such as apartments, hotel rooms, office spaces, etc. Figure 1 In the diagram, some of these building units are indicated by dashed lines, two of which are indicated by reference numerals 101 and 102, respectively. A coaxial cable network 20 ("coaxial network") is provided throughout the building 1, with outlets in all or a number of the different building units. Apartment buildings and hotels usually have a coaxial network covering all apartments or hotel rooms for TV signal distribution. These cables can also be used for high-speed Internet access, IPTV, VoIP, Web-TV services, etc., without affecting the TV signal quality. Figure 1 The building 1 in FIG. 1 comprises a coaxial network 20 having a plurality of individual branches, thus being arranged as a star network configured for point-to-point communication.

[0038] By using at least one dedicated network management device 40 (hereinafter referred to as a "MoCA controller") and a plurality of dedicated MoCA terminal devices (represented by boxes within building units and hereinafter referred to as "MoCA modems"), Figure 1A MoCA access network is implemented on a coaxial network 20 in a building 1. Two MoCA modems are identified in the figure as M1 and M2. In some embodiments, a MoCA controller 40 utilizes previously unused spectrum. The MoCA controller 40 operates in accordance with the MoCA access or MoCA link specifications and can be configured to combine the incoming data stream and the final TV signal (where applicable) into the same cable and send it over the coaxial network 20 to the MoCA modem, which is connected to the socket of the coaxial network 20 and operates in accordance with the MoCA access or MoCA link specifications.

[0039] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the MoCA controller 40 is connected between the vertical branch of the coaxial network 20 and the external data channel 30 such as a supply data cable or optical fiber. The MoCA controller 40 can be installed, for example, at the entry point of the external data channel 30, such as in a basement, such as Figure 1 As shown, or alternatively, for example installed in the attic of the building 1 or outside the building 1, connected after the final TV amplifier.

[0040] Typically, the MoCA access network is a local area network (LAN) within building 1, and possibly LANs in other buildings in the building complex. The LAN is interfaced with a wide area network (WAN), where the WAN interface may be located at Figure 1 or in a station located outside the building 1, for example serving multiple buildings in one or several building complexes.

[0041] Figure 2The basic architecture structure of a MoCA system according to one embodiment is shown, wherein a MoCA controller 40 is shown at the top, connected between an external data channel 30 and a coaxial network 20. A plurality of MoCA modems M1-Mn are connected to separate branches of the coaxial network 20, operable to obtain access to the external data channel 30 through the MoCA controller 40. Each of the MoCA modems can be connected to one or more clients 201, 202. As an example, the MoCA modem M1 can receive television signals through the coaxial network 20 for output on a connected television 202, which can include a set-top box (not shown) or be connected through a set-top box (not shown). In addition, the MoCA modem M1 can be configured to provide network access to a connected computer 201, which can be used to receive and send data, such as multimedia data. The MoCA modem M1 can also include a wireless access point for wireless access to the MoCA modem M1 from various portable wireless communication devices such as computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc. Such a wireless access point can be configured to operate a wireless LAN, such as wi-fi, according to standards under IEEE 802.11.

[0042] As used herein, "outgoing data" refers to data generated by the client 201, 202 and sent in the upstream (US) direction via the MoCA modem M1 through the network management device 40 to the external data channel 30. Conversely, "incoming data" refers to data arriving in the opposite direction and transmitted downstream (DS). Incoming data can originate from within the MoCA access network or from the external data channel 30 and includes a destination identifier. Outgoing data sent from a MoCA modem includes a source identifier and a destination identifier. The source identifier specifies the identity of the client that generated the outgoing data and can therefore be a MAC address. The destination identifier specifies the identity of the client that is intended to receive the data and can therefore also be a MAC address. Reference Figure 3 , it can be noted that in the hierarchical arrangement of the MoCA system, DS identifies the direction towards the client side, while US identifies the direction towards the external data channel 30. According to the established understanding, the various interfaces of the devices described herein and the various interfaces within the devices can be labeled as northbound interfaces (NBI) or southbound interfaces (SBI). In this context, the NBI points to the external data channel 30 for receiving DS data or sending US data. In contrast, the SBI points to the client device 201, 202 for receiving US data or sending DS data.

[0043] According to the proposed solution, a MoCA system arrangement is provided, which is configured to obtain a higher throughput than the prior art system. This is obtained by the configuration of the MoCA controller 40 and the MoCA modem M1 (or several MoCA modems) according to the independent claims. Specifically, the MoCA controller 40 and the MoCA modem M1 are each arranged with at least two MoCA chips, thereby enabling the management of two MoCA access links. A higher throughput is obtained by operating a network switch to send data packets to and / or receive packets from a dual set of MoCA chips, and using a combiner to merge data links sent on a coaxial network and separate data links received on a coaxial network. For example, two MoCA access links configured for 2.5 Gbps can be aggregated and sent over a coaxial network, thereby obtaining up to 5 Gbps.

[0044] Figure 3 An example of a MoCA system according to an embodiment of the proposed solution is shown. The figure shows a MoCA controller 40 and a MoCA modem M1 connected via a coaxial network. The MoCA access setup is configured to provide a data connection between an operator's network and one or more clients. As shown, both the controller 40 and the modem M1 include dual-set MoCA chips that are configured to operate in parallel on different MoCA access frequency channels. The MoCA chips are configured to operate a 2.5 Gbps MoCA access link, and when operating simultaneously to send data, the total combined data rate on two MoCA access frequency channels can provide up to 5 Gbps. As described above, Figure 3 The specific settings will be regarded as examples, but are useful for understanding the proposed solution and the technical effects obtained thereby.

[0045] Figure 4 The MoCA controller 40 according to one example of an embodiment is schematically shown and can be used in Figures 1 to 3. In the example shown, the MoCA controller 40 includes a first port 41 that provides an NBI for connecting to an external data channel 30 that provides access to the operator's network directly or via a connecting cable. A relative SBI 42 is provided for connecting to one or more modems via the coaxial network 20. It should be understood that the MoCA controller 40 can have more than one first port 41, and the interface 42 can include multiple ports. In the example shown, the SBI 42 includes two coaxial cable connectors. In other examples, the SBI 42 may include multiple separate sub-interfaces for connecting to multiple MoCA modems, wherein each sub-interface includes two coaxial cable connectors.

[0046] The MoCA controller 40 also includes a MoCA module 43, which is used, among other things, to control communications with a MoCA modem connected to the interface 42 via the coaxial network 20. For this purpose, the MoCA module 43 includes at least two MoCA chips, including a first MoCA chip 44 and a second MoCA chip 45. Each MoCA chip 44, 45 is a hardware chip that implements the MoCA protocol and the HW required to meet the MoCA access or MoCA link specifications, and such chips are commercially available. The hardware in a MoCA chip typically includes a baseband radio / power amplifier and potentially a final low noise amplifier, a mixer, an RF switch, a microprocessor, a clock circuit, and some type of Ethernet packet bus. MoCA chip manufacturers apply the MoCA access or MoCA link specifications to chip design by selecting the chip content required to meet the specifications. The MoCA chips 44, 45 can be operated by implemented software (computer instructions) that causes the processor on the corresponding MoCA chip 44, 45 or a separate processor to implement two MoCA links. The software can be stored on a computer memory in the corresponding MoCA chip 44, 45, or on a common memory. Each MoCA chip 44, 45 is configured to operate a MoCA access link and each includes at least one NBI 441, 451 and at least one MoCA SBI 442, 452. The MoCA chips 44, 45 may be physically identical but have different software implementations to configure the MoCA chips 44, 45 for different MoCA access bands.

[0047] The MoCA controller 40 also includes a link aggregation switch 47, or LAG 47 for short. The LAG 47 has an interface 471 to an external data channel 30 configured for a supply data rate, and at least two SBI switch ports 472, 473. Each MoCA chip 44, 45 is connected to one of the switch ports 472, 473 via a corresponding NBI 441, 451. In various embodiments, the LAG 47 is configured to manage data flow from a MoCA modem connected to the coaxial network 20 to / from the external data channel 30 to the MoCA modem connected to the coaxial network 20 via the MoCA chips 44, 45. Link aggregation allows combining multiple ports 472, 473 of a switch into a single logical link. The LAG 47 can be configured to support the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). According to the OSI model, aggregation is performed at Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4. The criteria used to decide which MoCA link an Ethernet packet will traverse is based on MAC address (Layer 2) and IP address (Layer 3) and TCP / UDP ports (Layer 4). The Ethernet packet / frame carries all 4 layers of data traffic that should be aggregated.

[0048] By means of the configuration of the controller 40, at least two MoCA chips 44, 45 are configured to establish separate MoCA access links at different MoCA access frequency bands at the corresponding MoCA SBIs 442, 452 for communicating with the MoCA modem through the coaxial cable network 20. Specifically, in some embodiments, such two MoCA access links are independently operated by the corresponding MoCA chips 44, 45 for communicating with the separate MoCA chips of the common MoCA modem M1.

[0049] In one example, the interface 42 is adapted to connect to a combiner 49 (in a MoCA system configuration) included in the Figure 3 49). In such an embodiment, the MoCA SBIs 442, 452 may be connected to frequency separated connectors 491, 492 of the combiner 49. The combiner 49 is also configured with a coaxial interface 493 for connecting to the coaxial cable network 20. In such an embodiment, each MoCA SBI 442, 452 may have a separate coaxial connector so that the connection between the MoCA controller 40 and the combiner 49 is arranged through a coaxial cable connection. In various examples, the combiner 49 is a passive device that combines two MoCA frequency bands from two coaxial cables into a single coaxial cable or splits two MoCA frequency bands from a single coaxial cable into two coaxial cables. In an alternative embodiment, the combiner 49 is included in the MoCA controller 40.

[0050] In some embodiments, the data NBI 441, 451 of the MoCA chip 44, 45 is configured for a limited data rate that is lower than the provisioned data rate provided by the external channel 30. As an example, the provisioned data rate may be configured according to 10GE, providing up to 10 Gbps Ethernet connection, while the data NBI port 441, 451 of the MoCA chip is configured for 2.5 Gbps. By this configuration of limiting the data rate to the MoCA chip 44, 45, the problem of service rejection or packet loss caused by the LAG 47 is avoided. Tests performed have shown that when a data rate that exceeds the MoCA access link capability of the MoCA chip 44, 45 is pushed to the MoCA chip, for example, through a 10GE connection between the LAG 47 and the MoCA chip 44, 45, only one switch port of the LAG 47 will utilize the service, and the excess service is rejected. Therefore, this is caused by the link speed between the LAG 47 and the MoCA chips 44, 45 being higher than the MoCA access data link configuration of the corresponding MoCA chips 44, 45, where the LAG 47 attempts to push all traffic on one switch port. This problem is overcome by configuring the MoCA chips 44, 45 for a limited data rate that is lower than the provisioned data rate provided by the external channel 30.

[0051] In some examples, the MoCA controller 40 includes another controller unit 48, such as a network processing unit (NPU) 48 that is communicatively connected between the connector 41 and the LAG 47. The NPU 48 is configured and optimized for processing network data packets. Specifically, it handles header parsing, pattern matching, bit field manipulation, table lookups, packet modification, and data movement. In an alternative embodiment, the NPU is implemented in the LAG 47. In yet another alternative embodiment, the NPU is connected externally, between the data channel 30 and the connector 41.

[0052] In various examples, the MoCA controller 40 may include even more MoCA chips, such as eight MoCA chips. For the sake of simplicity, this description is made with reference to two MoCA chips. In the case of including more MoCA chips, they may be configured to act in pairs according to what is described with reference to the MoCA chips 44, 45.

[0053] Figure 5 A MoCA modem M1 according to an example of an embodiment is schematically shown, which can be used in a Figures 1 to 3In the example shown, the MoCA modem M1 includes a first coaxial connector 51, which acts as an NBI for connecting to the coaxial network 20, which can be used to obtain access to data communications with the external channel 30 through a MoCA access connection with the controller 40. An opposite interface 59 is provided as an SBI for connecting to one or more client devices 201. The interface 59 may include one or more physical connectors 591 (e.g., an Ethernet connector) and a wireless radio unit 592 (e.g., a wi-fi unit) configured for radio communication with the client devices 201, 202.

[0054] The MoCA modem M1 also includes a MoCA unit 53, which is particularly used to communicate with the MoCA controller 40 through the coaxial network 20 according to MoCA access. For this purpose, the control unit 53 includes at least two MoCA chips, including a first MoCA chip 54 and a second MoCA chip 55. Each MoCA chip 54, 55 is a hardware chip that implements the MoCA access or MoCA link protocol and the HW required to meet the MoCA access or MoCA link specifications, and such chips are available on the market. The MoCA chips 54, 55 can be physically the same, but have different software implementations. The MoCA chips 54, 55 can also be physically the same as the MoCA chips 44, 45 of the MoCA controller 40. The MoCA chips 54, 55 can be operated by implemented software (computer instructions) that enables the processors on the corresponding MoCA chips 54, 55 or separate processors to implement two MoCA access links at different frequencies. The software can be stored on a computer memory, which is either a common memory or provided separately and included in the corresponding MoCA chips 54, 55. Each MoCA chip 54 , 55 is configured to operate a MoCA access link, and each includes at least one MoCA NBI 541 , 551 and at least one data SBI 542 , 552 .

[0055] The MoCA modem M1 also includes a link aggregation switch 57, or LAG 57 for short. The LAG 57 has at least two switch ports 572, 573, each of which is connected to one of the SBIs 542, 552 of the respective MoCA chips 54, 55. At the opposite end of the LAG 57, the SBI port 571 provides or is connected to a data communication interface 59 for communication at the client data rate for connection client devices. In various embodiments, the LAG 57 is configured to manage the flow of data from the MoCA controller 40 connected via the coaxial network 20 via the MoCA chips 54, 55 to the connected client devices / from the connected client devices to the MoCA controller 40 connected via the coaxial network 20 via the MoCA chips 54, 55 for access to the external channel 30. Link aggregation allows multiple ports 572, 573 of the switch to be combined into a single logical link. The LAG 57 can be configured to support the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). Aggregation in the MoCA modem M1 is performed at Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4 according to the OSI model for the MoCA controller 40. The criteria for deciding which MoCA link an Ethernet packet will traverse is based on the MAC address (Layer 2) and IP address (Layer 3) and TCP / UDP ports (Layer 4). The Ethernet packet / frame carries all 4 layers of data traffic that should be aggregated.

[0056] By means of the configuration of the MoCA module 53, at least two MoCA chips 54, 55 are configured to establish separate MoCA access links at different MoCA access frequency bands at corresponding MoCA NBIs 541, 551 for communicating with the MoCA controller 40 through the coaxial cable network 20. Specifically, in some embodiments, such two MoCA access links are independently operated by the corresponding MoCA chips 54, 55 for communicating with the separate MoCA chips of the common MoCA modem M1.

[0057] The MoCA modem M1 also includes a combiner 58 (in Figure 358). The MoCA NBIs 541, 551 are connected to the frequency separated SBI combiner connectors 581, 582 of the combiner 58. The combiner 58 is also configured with a coaxial interface 51 for connecting to the coaxial cable network 20. In some embodiments, each US MoCA port 541, 551 can have a separate coaxial connector so that the connection between the corresponding MoCA chip 54, 55 and the combiner 58 is arranged through a coaxial cable connection. In various examples, the combiner 58 is a passive device that combines the two MoCA frequency bands from the two SBI combiner connectors 581, 582 into a single coaxial cable / splits the two MoCA frequency bands from a single coaxial cable to the two SBI combiner connectors 581, 582.

[0058] In some embodiments, the data SBI 542, 552 of the MoCA chip 54, 55 is configured for a limited data rate that is lower than the client data rate provided at the interface 59. For example, the interface 59 may allow for 10GE providing Ethernet connections up to 10 Gbps, or 5GE providing Ethernet connections up to 5 Gbps. On the other hand, the data SBI 542, 552 of the MoCA chip is configured for 2.5 Gbps. By limiting the data rate to the MoCA chip 54, 55, the problem of service denial or packet loss caused by the LAG 57 is avoided, as described in reference to FIG. Figure 4 The configuration of the MoCA controller 40 is described.

[0059] As can be understood from the foregoing, the proposed solution thus provides a system for communication in a MoCA access network between two MoCA devices 40, M1 connected via a coaxial cable network 20, wherein each of the MoCA devices 40, M1 comprises two MoCA chips configured to independently operate MoCA access links at different MoCA access frequency bands on the coaxial cable network. Each device 40, M1 further comprises a link aggregation switch comprising at least two switch ports and connected to an external data interface, each of the switch ports being connected to one of the MoCA chips. Each device is connected to the coaxial network via a combiner having at least two frequency-separated NBI connectors, each of which is individually connected to one of the MoCA chips.

[0060] In various embodiments, the MoCA access link is independently operated by a respective MoCA chip of one MoCA device for communicating with a separate MoCA chip of another MoCA device. In some embodiments, each MoCA chip 44, 45, 54, 55 has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address. Thus, the MoCA chips operating the same MoCA access band in the respective devices are configured to communicate in pairs on the MoCA access band. As an example of DS communication, the MoCA chip 44 in the MoCA controller 40 addresses the MAC address of the MoCA chip 54 in the modem in a first MoCA access band, while the MoCA chip 45 addresses the MAC address of the MoCA chip 55 in a second MoCA access band different from the first MoCA band. In each of the devices 40, M1, the MoCA chip of the device is provided with a supply of data packets to be sent over the coaxial cable network 20 through the switch port of the LAG 47, 57. The LAG 47, 57 can be configured to coordinate (sort) data between its (at least) two switch ports according to a predetermined configuration. For example, considering DS transmissions, the LAG 47 in the MoCA controller 40 may be configured to provide packets up to a predetermined bandwidth limit (e.g., the MoCA access data rate) through one switch port 472, and then if the total data rate to the MoCA controller 40 exceeds the bandwidth limit, change to supply packets through two switch ports 472, 473. Accordingly, in the case of US transmissions, the LAG 57 of the MoCA modem M1 may be configured to provide packets up to a predetermined bandwidth limit (e.g., the MoCA access data rate) through one switch port 572, and then if the total data rate to the MoCA modem M1 exceeds the bandwidth limit, change to supply packets through two switch ports 572, 573. In an alternative solution, each LAG 47, 57 is configured to similarly supply data to both (all) of its switch ports even when the combined bandwidth does not exceed the predetermined bandwidth limit.

[0061] The proposed solution claimed and described by way of example in the foregoing provides a solution for improving the throughput capabilities of a MoCA access system over a coaxial network. It should be noted that the claimed system may also be characterized by any of the features described with reference to the MoCA controller 40 and the MoCA modem M1 in the foregoing.

[0062] While prior art solutions are used to handle different services using standard components such as DOCSIS headends and modems, the solution proposed herein is used to increase bandwidth by using available capacity in the coaxial cable network. The description given above relates to various general and specific embodiments, but the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modem (M1) configured to operate in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) access network, wherein: The modem comprises: a combiner (58) having a coaxial interface for connection to a coaxial cable network and at least two frequency separated southbound interfaces SBI; at least two MoCA chips (54, 55), wherein each MoCA chip is configured to operate a separate MoCA access link and comprises a MoCA northbound interface NBI and a data SBI, each MoCA northbound interface NBI being connected to one of the SBIs of the combiner; and a link aggregation switch (57) having at least two switch ports, each of which is connected to one of the data SBIs of the at least two MoCA chips, and a port connected to a data communication interface (59), the switch ports being each connected to one of the data SBIs of the at least two MoCA chips, the data communication interface (59) being for connecting to a client device for communicating at a client data rate, The at least two MoCA chips are configured to operate the separate MoCA access links at different MoCA access frequency bands over the coaxial cable network.

2. The modem according to claim 1, wherein: The SBI of the MoCA chip is configured for a limited data rate, the limited data rate being lower than the client data rate.

3. The modem according to claim 2, wherein: The SBI of the MoCA chip is configured for 2.5 Gbps.

4. The modem according to claim 1, wherein: The switch is configured to operate under the Link Aggregation Control Protocol LACP.

5. A modem according to any preceding claim, wherein: The MoCA access link is independently operated by the MoCA chip and is used to communicate with a separate MoCA chip of a public network management device through the coaxial network.

6. The modem according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The link aggregation switch (57) is configured to perform aggregation at layer 2, layer 3 and layer 4 according to the OSI model.

7. A network management device (40) for controlling data communication in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) access network via a coaxial cable network, the network management device comprising: a link aggregation switch (47) having an interface to an external data channel and at least two switch ports, the external data channel being configured for supplying a data rate; at least two MoCA chips (44, 45), wherein each MoCA chip is configured to operate a separate MoCA access link and includes a data northbound interface NBI connected to one of the switch ports and at least one MoCA southbound interface SBI; The at least two MoCA chips are configured to establish the separate MoCA access links at the corresponding MoCA SBIs in different MoCA access frequency bands for communicating with the MoCA modem through the coaxial cable network.

8. The network management device according to claim 7, wherein: The MoCA SBI of the MoCA chip can be connected to a frequency separated connector of a combiner (49), the combiner having a coaxial interface for combining MoCA access services onto the coaxial cable network.

9. The network management device according to claim 7, further comprising: A combiner (49) has at least two frequency separated connectors each connected to one of the MoCA SBIs, and a coaxial interface for combining MoCA access services onto the coaxial cable network.

10. The network management device according to claim 7, wherein: The data NBI of the MoCA chip is configured for a limited data rate, the limited data rate being lower than the provisioned data rate.

11. The network management device according to claim 7, wherein: The MoCA chip's data NBI is configured for 2.5 Gbps.

12. The network management device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The switch is configured to operate under the Link Aggregation Control Protocol LACP.

13. The network management device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The MoCA access link is independently operated by the MoCA chip for communicating with a separate MoCA chip of the MoCA modem.

14. The network management device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The link aggregation switch (47) is configured to perform aggregation at layer 2, layer 3 and layer 4 according to the OSI model.

15. A system for communication in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) access network between two MoCA devices (40, M1) connected via a coaxial cable network (20), in, Each of the MoCA devices includes: two MoCA chips configured to independently operate separate MoCA access links; and a link aggregation switch (47, 57) comprising at least two switch ports and connected to an external data interface, the switch ports each being connected to one of the MoCA chips; wherein each MoCA device is connected to the coaxial network via a combiner (49, 58), the combiner (49, 58) having at least two frequency-separated connectors, the frequency-separated connectors each being individually connected to one of the MoCA chips; wherein the MoCA chip included in the same MoCA device is configured to operate separate MoCA access links at different MoCA frequency bands on the coaxial cable network; The MoCA access link is independently operated by a corresponding MoCA chip of one of the MoCA devices, and is used to communicate with a separate MoCA chip of the MoCA chip of another MoCA device.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: The link aggregation switch (47) in each MoCA device is configured to perform aggregation at layer 2, layer 3 and layer 4 according to the OSI model.

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