Data and power network of facility

Abstract

Techniques for controlling tone transitions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the techniques involve applying a current to a first light-switchable device for a first duration during a controlled current phase, where the first duration is determined based at least in part on a target amount of charge to be provided to the first light-switchable device during the first duration. The technique may also involve applying a predetermined voltage profile to the first light-switchable device in response to the first duration elapsed, where applying the current first and then applying the predetermined voltage profile causes the first light-switchable device to transition from an initial hue state to a target hue state.

Description

Priority Application

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 455,444, filed March 29, 2023. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 17 / 814,427, filed July 22, 2022, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 203,543, filed July 27, 2021. This application is also a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 012981, filed January 25, 2024, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 484,577, filed February 13, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 441,947, filed January 30, 2023. BACKGROUND

[0002] As high data rate wireless and wired connections not only become expected, but sometimes even a necessity, facilities (e.g., buildings) can not only allow for wireless signal transmission, but can facilitate such transmission and / or facilitate building robust wired networks. This is especially true as wireless connections move to higher frequency carrier bands (e.g., the case with fifth generation (5G) wireless networks) and / or as the physical infrastructure of facilities (e.g., buildings) increasingly connect to networks.

[0003] As the number of targets coupled in communication with a cabling network increases, the complexity and cost of building a cabling network that can individually address multiple centrally controlled targets (e.g., devices or components) can increase. The targets can be of different types (e.g., sensors, antennas, output devices, and / or tunable color windows, such as including light switchable devices). The complexity of the cabling network can further increase when the network needs to support multiple functions (e.g., voice, image, data, and / or current) to be transmitted between the targets. When targets (e.g., third party devices) are coupled to the network, the network can crash or otherwise malfunction (e.g., due to excessive (e.g., electrical) power consumption). When the cabling system becomes long and / or contains multiple junctions (e.g., nodes), signals transmitted through the network can be susceptible to attenuation, which can be drowned in noise and thus cannot be decoded (e.g., it can attenuate as it propagates along the network). Some signals (e.g., 5G signals) can hardly (e.g., at all) penetrate into enclosed areas (e.g., buildings and the like), and thus can need to be transmitted from an external environment into the enclosed areas via the cabling network. As the number, span, and / or capacity of (e.g., parallel) cabling lines, targets, data, communications, and / or electrical power distribution increases, the cabling network can become larger in scale and / or more complex. In some embodiments, electrical power distribution includes the distribution of any electrical power component, such as the distribution of current. Thus, networks employing traditional cabling types and topologies can be cost prohibitive and / or unsuitable for such high density applications. INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

[0004] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed herein are techniques for controlling a hue transition. In some embodiments, a method for controlling a hue transition involves: during a controlled current phase, applying a current to a first light switchable device for a first duration, wherein the first duration is determined based at least in part on a target charge amount to be provided to the first light switchable device during the first duration; and in response to the first duration elapsing, applying a predetermined voltage profile to the first light switchable device, wherein applying the current followed by applying the predetermined voltage profile causes the first light switchable device to transition from an initial hue state to a target hue state.

[0006] A control panel is described herein. In some embodiments, a control panel includes at least one input port configured to receive power from a power source and a control panel headend. The control panel headend can include a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board can include circuitry configured to combine power and a data signal originating from the power source and a plurality of output ports each configured to provide the combined power and data signal, wherein each output port is configured to receive a cable configured to provide power and data to a backbone line connected thereto.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method of controlling a plurality of tunable color windows can involve: applying a first current to a first light switchable device during a first controlled current phase that lasts for a first duration while applying a second current to a second light switchable device during a second controlled current phase that lasts for a second duration; in response to determining that the first duration has elapsed, applying a first predetermined voltage profile to the first light switchable device while maintaining the second controlled current phase until the second duration has elapsed; and in response to determining that the second duration has elapsed, applying a second predetermined voltage profile to the second light switchable device while maintaining the application of the first predetermined voltage profile, wherein after a third duration has elapsed, both the first light switchable device and the second light switchable device have completed a hue transition to a same target hue state, and wherein the third duration spans a time period from a start of the hue transition to a time at which both the first light switchable device and the second light switchable device have completed a hue transition to the same target hue state.

[0008] In some embodiments, a system for controlling a plurality of tunable color windows can include a plurality of light switchable devices, a trunk line operatively coupled to the plurality of light switchable devices, and at least one processing unit. The at least one processing unit can be configured to apply a first current to a first light switchable device of the plurality of light switchable devices during a first controlled current phase that lasts a first duration, and apply a second current to a second light switchable device of the plurality of light switchable devices during a second controlled current phase that lasts a second duration, in response to determining that the first duration has elapsed, apply a first predetermined voltage profile to the first light switchable device while maintaining the second controlled current phase until the second duration has elapsed, and in response to determining that the second duration has elapsed, apply a second predetermined voltage profile to the second light switchable device while maintaining the application of the first predetermined voltage profile, wherein after a third duration has elapsed, both the first light switchable device and the second light switchable device have completed a color tone transition to a same target color tone state, and wherein the third duration spans a time period from a start of the color tone transition to a time at which both the first light switchable device and the second light switchable device have completed a color tone transition to a same target color tone state.

[0009] In some embodiments, a printed circuit board disclosed herein can include a plurality of output ports, and circuitry configured to combine power and data signals originating from a power source, and configured to provide the combined power and data to each output port, wherein each output port is configured to receive a cable, and configured to provide power and data to a trunk line connected thereto.

[0010] In some embodiments, a system can include a trunk line comprising a plurality of trunk line segments, a plurality of controllers each operatively coupled to the trunk line, and a plurality of light switchable devices, wherein each controller of the plurality of controllers is coupled to the plurality of light switchable devices and configured to control two or more light switchable devices therein.

[0011] In some embodiments, a system includes a backbone line having a first end coupled to a control panel head end configured to provide at least data via the backbone line and a second end coupled to a control panel optimizer. The control panel optimizer can include an input port configured to receive the backbone line, a plurality of power supplies, a splitter configured to split data transmitted via the backbone line into a plurality of data signals, a plurality of power injectors / combiners configured to combine a power signal with a data signal of the plurality of data signals, and a plurality of output ports each configured to receive a combined data and power signal from a corresponding power injector / combiner, wherein each of the plurality of output ports is operatively coupled to a controller configured to control a plurality of downstream devices.

[0012] In some embodiments, a control panel optimizer can include an input port configured to receive a backbone line, a plurality of power supplies, a splitter configured to split data transmitted via the backbone line into a plurality of data signals, a plurality of power injectors / combiners configured to combine a power signal with a data signal of the plurality of data signals, and a plurality of output ports each configured to receive a combined data and power signal from a corresponding power injector / combiner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The novel features of the application are set forth with particularity in the claims that follow. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present application will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the application are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “Figures”), of which:

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically depicts a control system architecture and an enclosed area;

[0015] Figure 2 A network infrastructure is schematically depicted;

[0016] Figure 3 A circuit is schematically depicted and a distribution splice housing is shown;

[0017] Figure 4 A network cable is schematically depicted;

[0018] Figure 5 Signals at different frequencies are schematically depicted;

[0019] Figure 6 A network adapter is schematically depicted;

[0020] Figure 7 A control panel is schematically depicted;

[0021] Figure 8 Network infrastructure is schematically depicted;

[0022] Figure 9 Network infrastructure is schematically depicted;

[0023] Figure 10 Network infrastructure is schematically depicted;

[0024] Figure 11 Network infrastructure is schematically depicted;

[0025] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device is schematically depicted;

[0026] Figure 13 A cross-sectional side view of a tunable color window is schematically depicted;

[0027] Figure 14 A computer system is schematically depicted;

[0028] Figure 15 Different facility floor network topologies are schematically depicted.

[0029] Figure 16 A facility floor network topology is schematically depicted, Figure 16 B depicts a view of a portion of a facility floor network;

[0030] Figure 17 Different facility floor network topologies are schematically depicted;

[0031] Figure 18 A facility floor network topology is schematically depicted;

[0032] Figure 19 An electrical schematic of a distribution junction is schematically depicted;

[0033] Figure 20 Various mechanical configurations associated with a distribution junction are schematically depicted;

[0034] Figure 21 Various mechanical configurations associated with a distribution junction are schematically depicted;

[0035] Figure 22 An electrical schematic of a distribution junction is schematically depicted;

[0036] Figure 23 Various network infrastructures are schematically depicted;

[0037] Figure 24 A flowchart of an illustrative method of utilizing a distribution junction is depicted;

[0038] Figure 25 a flowchart depicting an illustrative method of managing a device;

[0039] Figure 26 a flowchart depicting an illustrative method of prioritizing a device's power budget;

[0040] Figure 27 a flowchart depicting an illustrative method of managing a device's power allocation; and

[0041] Figure 28 a flowchart depicting an illustrative method of managing a device in the context of a tunable color window.

[0042] Figure 29 is a diagram of an example system including one or more control panels in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 30A is a block diagram of an example control panel in accordance with some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 30B is a diagram of an example control panel headend in accordance with some embodiments.

[0045] Figure 31 is a diagram of an example topology of a controller in accordance with some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 32 is a diagram of an example predetermined voltage profile in accordance with some embodiments.

[0047] Figure 33 is a diagram of current that can be used to implement a tone transition of a light switchable device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0048] Figure 34 is a flowchart of an example process for implementing a tone transition in accordance with some embodiments.

[0049] Figure 35 is a flowchart of an example process for implementing a tone transition in accordance with some embodiments.

[0050] Figure 36 is a diagram of an example system including one or more control panel optimizers in accordance with some embodiments.

[0051] Figure 37 is a diagram of another example system including one or more control panel optimizers in accordance with some embodiments.

[0052] Figure 38 is a diagram of an example implementation of a control panel optimizer.

[0053] Figure 39is a schematic diagram of an example system including a plurality of control panel optimizers operatively coupled according to some embodiments.

[0054] Figure 40 is a schematic diagram of an example detection circuit that can be included in a control panel optimizer according to some embodiments.

[0055] Figure 41A and 41B shows an example control panel optimizer including a serial port that can be operatively coupled to an Ethernet switch according to some embodiments.

[0056] The figures and components within the figures can not be to scale. Various components of the figures described herein can not be to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] While various embodiments of the application have been shown and described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary of the application. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the application. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the application described herein can be employed in practicing the application.

[0058] Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example can be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the application, but their usage does not limit the application.

[0059] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to ranges, the ranges are intended to be inclusive. For example, a range between a value 1 and a value 2 is intended to be inclusive of the values 1 and 2. The inclusive range would span any value from about value 1 to about value 2. As used herein, the term "adjacent" or "adjacent to" includes "immediately adjacent," "abutting," "contacting," and "proximate."

[0060] As used herein, including in the claims, the conjunctive word “and / or” in a phrase such as “comprises X, Y, and / or Z” means that any combination or plurality of X, Y, and Z is included. For example, such a phrase is intended to include X. For example, such a phrase is intended to include Y. For example, such a phrase is intended to include Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include X and Y. For example, such a phrase is intended to include X and Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include Y and Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of X. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of Y. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of X and a plurality of Y. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of X and a plurality of Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of Y and a plurality of Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of X and one Y. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of X and one Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include a plurality of Y and one Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include one X and a plurality of Y. For example, such a phrase is intended to include one X and a plurality of Z. For example, such a phrase is intended to include one Y and a plurality of Z. The conjunctive word “and / or” is intended to have the same effect as the phrase “X, Y, Z, or any combination or plurality thereof.” The conjunctive word “and / or” is intended to have the same effect as the phrase “one or more X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof.” The conjunctive word “and / or” is intended to have the same effect as the phrase “at least one X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof.” The conjunctive word “and / or” is intended to have the same effect as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z.”

[0061] The term “operatively coupled” or “operatively connected” means that a first element (e.g., mechanism) is coupled (e.g., connected) to a second element to allow the second and / or first element to perform an intended operation. The coupling can include a physical or non-physical coupling. The non-physical coupling can include a signal inductive coupling (e.g., wireless coupling). The coupling can include a physical coupling (e.g., physical connection) or a non-physical coupling (e.g., via wireless communication).

[0062] An element (e.g., a mechanism) that is “configured to” perform a certain function includes structural features that cause or enable the element to perform that function. Structural features can include electrical features, such as circuitry or circuit elements. Structural features can include circuitry (e.g., including electrical or optical circuitry). Electrical circuitry can include one or more wires. Optical circuitry can include at least one optical element (e.g., a beamsplitter, a mirror, a lens, and / or an optical fiber). Structural features can include mechanical features. Mechanical features can include latches, springs, closures, hinges, chassis, supports, fasteners, or cantilevers, among others. Performing a function can include utilizing logical features. Logical features can include programming instructions. Programming instructions can be executed by at least one processor. Programming instructions can be stored or encoded on a medium that is accessible by one or more processors. Additionally, in the following description, the phrases “operable to,” “operated to,” “configured to,” “designed to,” “programmed to,” or “capable of” can be used interchangeably, as appropriate.

[0063] Certain disclosed embodiments provide network infrastructure in a closed area (e.g., a facility such as a building). The network infrastructure can be used for various purposes, such as to provide communication and / or electrical power (e.g., current) services. The communication services can include high-bandwidth (e.g., wireless and / or wired) communication services. The communication services can be for users of the facility (e.g., a building) and / or users outside the facility. The network infrastructure can work in conjunction with, or partially replace, infrastructure of one or more cellular operators. The network infrastructure can be provided in a facility that includes tintable (e.g., electrically switchable) windows. Examples of components of the network infrastructure include high-speed backhaul. The network infrastructure can include at least one cable, switch, physical antenna, transceiver, sensor, transmitter, receiver, radio, processor, or controller (which can include a processor). The network infrastructure can be operatively coupled to a wireless network, and / or can include a wireless network. The network infrastructure can include a line.

[0064] In some embodiments, the network infrastructure can include a line. The line can include a cable. The cable can include a jacket, an insulator, a wire, and / or an optical fiber. The cable can include a cable assembly. The cable can include at least one optical cable, a coaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, a direct-buried cable, a flexible cable, a filled cable, a Heliax cable, a non-metallic jacketed cable, a metallic jacketed cable, a multi-conductor cable, a twisted pair cable, a portable cord, a ribbon cable, a shielded cable, a single cable, a structured cable, a submersible cable, a twinaxial / twinax cable, a twin and earth (T&E) wire, a twin-lead, and / or a twisted pair. The coaxial cable can have a characteristic impedance of up to about 50 or 75 ohms (e.g., LMR-400).

[0065] In some embodiments, the network infrastructure provides additional coverage. The additional coverage can be beyond the coverage provided by a cellular operator. The additional coverage can: (i) be inside a building, and / or (ii) be outside a building. For example, the network infrastructure can provide and / or supplement the ability of a cellular operator to provide coverage outside a building and any other capacity. For example, the network infrastructure can provide and / or supplement cellular coverage near a facility (e.g., a building). Near a facility can be at least about 10 m, 50 m, 100 m, 500 m, or 1000 meters (m) from an edge of the facility. Near a facility can be between any of the foregoing values (e.g., about 10 m to about 1000 m, about 10 m to about 500 m, or about 500 m to about 1000 m). Near a building can be within line of sight of the facility. In some cases, a facility and its associated network infrastructure can function as a cellular tower.

[0066] High speed, high frequency communication protocols such as fifth generation (5G) communication protocols face challenges before being widely accepted and deployed. For example, high frequency bands can require more antennas than low frequency communication bands. For example, it is estimated that the number of antennas needed to deploy 5G cellular service in a given area will be more than twice the number of antennas needed to provide the same level of fourth generation (4G) communication protocol cellular service. Some of these antennas can be placed within a facility or a portion of a facility. Consider the example of providing 5G coverage in an urban canyon, such as a street in a metropolitan area such as New York Manhattan or Singapore. In these cities, 5G service can require a large number of antennas to provide adequate coverage and capacity. Currently, public spaces (e.g., utility poles) are not sufficient for operators to deploy additional antennas to provide adequate 5G coverage (and / or other cellular capacity). Private buildings along the urban canyon can provide locations for 5G antennas.

[0067] 5G and other high frequency protocols can be susceptible to attenuation. 5G communications, especially in its high frequency bands, such as in the range of about 6 to about 30 GHz, can be susceptible to attenuation by conductive structures, such as rebar in walls, aluminum-coated insulation (e.g., on facility walls and floors), low-E films on glass, and / or electrochromic devices on glass. To address this issue, active elements such as repeaters can be placed in the facility. For example, cellular repeaters can be placed on or near walls, windows, floors, and / or ceilings that attenuate wireless signals.

[0068] In describing the cellular protocols disclosed herein, 5G is often used as an example. However, the disclosed embodiments are with respect to any wireless communication protocol or combination of protocols.

[0069] The communication infrastructure described herein can be used for a variety of functions, some of which are listed here.

[0070] In some embodiments, one or more of the systems and / or devices described herein are configured to selectively attenuate (e.g., block) and / or transmit wireless signals, e.g., in a controllable manner. In various embodiments, a system and / or device is configured such that transmission of wireless communications is based at least in part on location and / or time. In various embodiments, a system, device, or any component thereof is configured such that it is at least partially automatically controlled (e.g., fully automatically controlled). One or more components of the systems and / or devices described herein are fully automatically controlled. Control can include attenuating, modulating, changing, managing, suppressing, disciplining, regulating, restraining, supervising, manipulating, and / or directing. In some embodiments, control is achieved through the use of controllable active elements that receive, analyze, manipulate (e.g., transform and / or compare), and / or forward signals. For example, (i) a receiving antenna can face in one direction on one side of a facility (e.g., one wall or window); (ii) a transmitting antenna can face in another direction (e.g., opposite or substantially opposite) on another side of the facility (e.g., another wall or window). Between the receiver and the transmitter, active elements can include one or more transceivers and / or other signal transformers. In some embodiments, (I) when an active element is active (e.g., “on”), it is transmitting signals, (II) when the element is not active (e.g., “off”), it is not transmitting signals.

[0071] In some embodiments, an active element that receives and forwards wireless communication signals (e.g., automatically) is a repeater. A repeater can enhance signals and / or transmit them to locations that would otherwise be unable to receive the signals. A repeater (or other active element) can include a particular antenna combination. The antenna combination can include one antenna inside a facility (e.g., a building) and a different type of antenna outside the facility (or across an interior wall or window). With respect to the description of various antenna types herein, some embodiments employ a handle antenna outside a building that is operatively coupled to one of the other antennas (e.g., a microstrip antenna) inside the building. In some implementations, one or both antennas are disposed on a mullion feature such as a beauty cap. The antennas can include an isotropic antenna, a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, an array antenna, a loop antenna, a horn antenna, an aperture antenna, a traveling wave antenna, or a random wire antenna. The loop antenna can include a large loop antenna (e.g., a quadrifilar or half loop antenna), an intermediate loop antenna (e.g., a Halo antenna), and / or a small loop antenna (e.g., a ferrite antenna).

[0072] It has been observed that electrochromic windows can provide signal blockage (e.g., depending on the transmission frequency) in the range of about 10 dB to about 20 dB of insertion loss. The higher the frequency, the greater the loss can be. Some embodiments disclosed herein employ wireless re-transmitters and / or repeaters to circumvent signal blockage by electrochromic windows. In some embodiments, such re-transmitters are disposed on or near at least one integrated glass unit (IGU). The IGU can include an electrochromic device (e.g., including a layer structure).

[0073] In certain embodiments, a window and / or wall includes a layer or a structure that can substantially (e.g., completely) block wireless transmissions, e.g., in a certain range of the spectrum. The layer structure can have an IGU. In one example, the blocking layer completely covers one surface of a window pane (e.g., glass). Examples of blocking structures for windows are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. A security system can employ a facility structure to attenuate (e.g., suppress) transmission of one or more electromagnetic signals, e.g., in certain regions of the spectrum (e.g., at least in the 5G region). The facility structure can include a window, a door, or a wall. A security system (e.g., employing a repeater) can employ a wall and / or window that can substantially (e.g., effectively) block transmission of one or more electromagnetic signals, e.g., in certain regions of the spectrum (e.g., at least in the 5G region).

[0074] In some embodiments, the signal repeater and / or re-transmitter does not need to re-transmit the wireless signal across (e.g., directly across) the facility structure (e.g., wall or window). In some cases, it selectively transmits the wireless signal through the facility to one or more locations away from the signal receiving location. It can carry the received signal using a wired network, e.g., by running an Ethernet or other communication protocol. For example, an externally generated wireless signal can be received by a sensor disposed on the roof (or any other exterior wall) of a building, and then transmitted from there through wires to one or more remote locations within the facility (e.g., ten floors below the roof, e.g., a basement).

[0075] In some cases, the re-transmission system can transmit cellular signals (or other appropriate wireless signals) to selected locations within a building at one or more selected times that can be delayed relative to the time at which the wireless signals were originally received. The communication content can be stored or delayed in transmission. The re-transmission can be independent of the location and time of receipt of the communication content in the cellular signals.

[0076] In view of the expectation that a large number of 5G antennas will be needed to achieve adequate coverage and capacity in areas with high density of buildings (e.g., the center of some large cities), deploying 5G antennas outside of buildings can supplement the data carrying and antenna infrastructure of an operator’s cellular network. In some cases, such antennas are connected to high bandwidth network infrastructure inside of buildings, such as Ethernet network infrastructure. Examples of fully or partially wired network infrastructure to support such 5G applications are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed February 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0077] Various antenna arrangements can be deployed to support 5G cellular and / or other communication services. In designing wireless communication infrastructure, both coverage and capacity can be considered. Coverage issues can be addressed by providing various antennas strategically positioned (e.g., attached to or as part of a facility) to provide cellular service for a defined area. Capacity issues can be addressed by high bandwidth data carrying lines and / or switches. Some examples of high capacity infrastructure are provided in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed February 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Capacity issues can also be addressed by, for example, placing multiple antennas within a defined area.

[0078] In certain embodiments, individual antennas are dedicated to a particular protocol. At least one antenna (e.g., each antenna) can have its own baseband radio. For example, one or more antennas can be designed for low power Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), such as including a CBRS baseband radio. In the United States, CBRS is a 150 MHz wide broadcast band in the approximately 3.5 GHz band (e.g., approximately 3550 MHz to approximately 3700 MHz) that can be used to provide wireless services that are unlicensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Other antennas and associated baseband radios can be provided for cellular communications, such as according to a particular protocol and / or jurisdictional restrictions (e.g., rules and / or regulations). Required baseband radios can be installed at one or more locations of a facility, including, for example, in a digitized building element. Digitized building can refer to various building aspects that employ one or more digital technologies.

[0079] Various embodiments support multiple frequency bands and / or multiple protocols. Examples include cellular (3G, 4G, and / or 5G, etc.). Examples include local area networking and / or internet access for devices. Examples include wireless networks, including WLAN (e.g., WiFi) and / or associated applications, such as WLAN voice. Examples include the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). A given antenna (or combination of antennas) can be independent of protocol. Associated transmitters and / or receivers can also be independent of protocol. For example, Operator A and Operator B can use different radios (e.g., different channels utilizing the Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance standard (MoCA) for networking over coaxial cable). Similar antenna structures can be used to transmit and / or receive signals for multiple protocols.

[0080] 5G networks can have enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency Communication (URLLC), and / or massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC). Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) can enable upgrades from 4G LTE mobile broadband service through 5G. 5G networks can have faster connections, higher throughput, and / or greater capacity than 4G networks. Ultra-reliable low-latency Communication (URLLC) can refer to using the network for applications that require uninterrupted and / or stable data exchange. Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) can be used to connect a large number of low-power (e.g., current), low-cost devices with high scalability and / or longer battery life, for example, over a wide area.

[0081] In some embodiments, 5G networks will transmit at least about 1 Gbit per second (Gbit / s), 2 Gbit / s, 3 Gbit / s, or 5 Gbit / s of data. In some embodiments, 5G air latency targets are at least about 1 millisecond (ms), 2 ms, 3 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms, 8 ms, 10 ms, 11 ms, 15 ms, or 30 ms. 5G air latency targets can be at most about 2 ms, 3 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms, 8 ms, 10 ms, 12 ms, 15 ms, 30 ms, or 40 ms. 5G air latency targets can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., about 1 to about 4 ms, about 3 ms to about 10 ms, about 8 ms to about 12 ms, or about 12 ms to about 40 ms).

[0082] In some embodiments, certain infrastructure includes devices for internal (e.g., in-building) communications via 5G protocols, e.g., without supporting Wi-Fi. Several 5G antennas can be deployed throughout a building (e.g., when 5G signals can be limited to line-of-sight transmissions). These antennas can be placed in one or more locations where Wi-Fi antennas are typically located. In some facilities, 5G will have sufficient bandwidth and / or coverage to provide one or more (e.g., all) functions currently provided by Wi-Fi.

[0083] In some embodiments, the enclosed area includes an area defined by at least one structure. The at least one structure can include at least one wall. The enclosed area can include and / or enclose one or more sub-enclosed areas. The at least one wall can include metal (e.g., steel), clay, stone, plastic, glass, stucco (e.g., gypsum), polymer (e.g., polyurethane, styrene, or vinyl), asbestos, fiberglass, concrete (e.g., reinforced concrete), wood, paper, or ceramic. The at least one wall can include wiring, bricks, blocks (e.g., cinder blocks), tiles, drywall, or framing (e.g., steel framing).

[0084] In some embodiments, the enclosed area includes one or more openings. The one or more openings can be reversibly closed. The one or more openings can be permanently open. A basic length scale of the one or more openings can be small relative to a basic length scale of a wall defining the enclosed area. A basic length scale can include a diameter, length, width, or height of a bounding circle. A surface of the one or more openings can be small relative to a surface of a wall defining the enclosed area. The opening surface can occupy a certain percentage of the total surface of the wall. For example, the opening surface can be about 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of the wall. The wall can include a floor, ceiling, or side wall. The closable opening can be closed by at least one window or door. The enclosed area can be at least a portion of a facility. The enclosed area can include at least a portion of a building. The building can be a private building and / or a commercial building. The building can include one or more floors. The building (e.g., a floor thereof) can include at least one of the following: a room, a hall, a lobby, an attic, a basement, a balcony (e.g., an interior balcony or an exterior balcony), a stairwell, a corridor, an elevator shaft, a facade, a mezzanine, a penthouse, a garage, a porch (e.g., an enclosed porch), a patio (e.g., an enclosed patio), a cafeteria, and / or a duct. In some embodiments, the enclosed area can be stationary and / or movable (e.g., a train, an airplane, a ship, a vehicle, or a rocket). The facility can include one or more enclosed areas. The facility can be stationary or movable. For example, the facility can include a temporary vehicle, such as a car, an RV, a bus, a train, an airplane, a helicopter, a ship, or a boat. For example, the facility can include one or more buildings.

[0085] In some embodiments, the enclosed area encloses an atmosphere. The atmosphere can include one or more gases. The gases can include inert gases (e.g., argon or nitrogen) and / or non-inert gases (e.g., oxygen or carbon dioxide). The enclosed area atmosphere can be similar to an atmosphere (e.g., an ambient atmosphere) outside the enclosed area in at least one external atmospheric characteristic including: temperature, relative gas content, gas type (e.g., humidity and / or oxygen content), debris (e.g., dust and / or pollen), and / or gas velocity. The enclosed area atmosphere can be different from an atmosphere outside the enclosed area in at least one external atmospheric characteristic including: temperature, relative gas content, gas type (e.g., humidity and / or oxygen content), debris (e.g., dust and / or pollen), and / or gas velocity. For example, the enclosed area atmosphere can be less humid (e.g., drier) than the outside (e.g., ambient) atmosphere. For example, the enclosed area atmosphere and the atmosphere outside the enclosed area can contain the same (e.g., or substantially similar) ratio of oxygen to nitrogen. The gas velocity in the enclosed area can be (e.g., substantially) similar throughout the enclosed area. The gas velocity in the enclosed area can be different in different portions of the enclosed area (e.g., by causing gas to flow through from a vent coupled to the enclosed area).

[0086] Certain disclosed embodiments provide network infrastructure in an enclosed area (e.g., a building or other facility). The network infrastructure can be used for various purposes, such as to provide communication and / or electrical power services. The communication services can include high bandwidth (e.g., wireless and / or wired) communication services. The communication services can be for users of the facility (e.g., a building) and / or users outside the facility. The network infrastructure can work in conjunction with, or partially replace, infrastructure of one or more cellular operators. The network infrastructure can be provided in a facility that includes electrically switchable windows. Examples of components of the network infrastructure include high speed backhaul. The network infrastructure can include at least one cable, switch, physical antenna, transceiver, sensor, transmitter, receiver, radio, processor, and / or controller (which can include a processor). The network infrastructure can be operatively coupled to a wireless network, and / or can include a wireless network. The network infrastructure can include wiring. One or more sensors can be deployed (e.g., installed) in the environment as part of installing the network and / or after the network is installed.

[0087] In various embodiments, a network infrastructure supports a control system for one or more windows, such as electrochromic (e.g., tintable) windows. The control system can include one or more controllers that are operatively (e.g., directly or indirectly) coupled to the one or more windows. Although the disclosed embodiments describe electrochromic windows (also referred to herein as "light switchable windows," "tintable windows," or "smart windows"), the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including, for example, liquid crystal devices or suspended particle devices (SPDs), nanochromic displays (NCDs), organic electrochromic displays (OELDs), suspended particle devices (SPDs), nanochromic displays (NCDs), or organic electrochromic displays (OELDs). The display elements can be attached to a portion of a transparency (e.g., a window). For example, liquid crystal devices and / or suspended particle devices can be implemented in lieu of or in addition to electrochromic devices. The tintable windows can be provided in a (non-temporary) facility such as a building, and / or in any other enclosed area, such as in a temporary vehicle, such as an automobile, RV, bus, train, airplane, helicopter, boat, or ship.

[0088] In some embodiments, for example, the tintable window exhibits (e.g., controllable and / or reversible) changes in at least one optical property of the window when a stimulus is applied. The stimulus can include optical, electrical, and / or magnetic stimuli. For example, the stimulus can include the application of a voltage. One or more tintable windows can be used to control lighting and / or glare conditions, for example, by adjusting the transmission of solar energy propagating through them. One or more tintable windows can be used to control the temperature within an enclosed area (e.g., a building), for example, by adjusting the transmission of solar energy propagating through them. By controlling solar energy, the heat load applied inside an enclosed area (e.g., a building or other facility) can be controlled. The control can be manual and / or automatic. The control can be used to maintain one or more requested (e.g., environmental) conditions, such as user comfort. The control can include reducing the energy consumption of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or lighting system. At least two of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be controlled by separate systems. At least two of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be controlled by one system. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be controlled by a single system (abbreviated herein as "HVAC"). In some cases, the tintable window can be responsive to (e.g., and communicatively coupled to) one or more environmental sensors and / or user controls. The tintable window can comprise (e.g., be) an electrochromic window. The window can be located within an interior to an exterior range of an enclosed area structure (e.g., a building or other facility). But need not be. The tintable window can operate using liquid crystal devices, suspended particle devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (e.g., microshutters), or any technology now known or later developed configured to control the transmission of light through the window. Windows (e.g., with MEMS devices for tinting) are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 443,353, filed May 15, 2015, entitled "MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, one or more tintable windows can be located inside an enclosed area (e.g., a building), for example, between a conference room and a hallway. In some cases, one or more tintable windows can be used in cars, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles, for example, in place of passive and / or non-tintable windows.

[0089] In some embodiments, the tintable window includes an electrochromic device (referred to herein as an "EC device" (abbreviated herein as ECD) or "EC"). The EC device can include at least one coating that includes at least one layer. The at least one layer can include an electrochromic material. In some embodiments, the electrochromic material exhibits a change from one optical state to another optical state, for example, when an electrical potential is applied across the EC device. The electrochromic layer can be transitioned from one optical state to another optical state, for example, by reversibly, semi-reversibly, or irreversibly intercalating ions into the electrochromic material (e.g., by intercalation), and correspondingly injecting charge balancing electrons. The electrochromic layer can be transitioned from one optical state to another optical state, for example, by reversibly intercalating ions into the electrochromic material (e.g., by intercalation), and correspondingly injecting charge balancing electrons. Reversibility can last for the expected lifetime of the ECD. Semi-reversibility refers to a measurable (e.g., noticeable) decrease in the reversibility of the window tint over one or more tinting cycles. In some cases, a portion of the ions responsible for the optical transition are irreversibly bound in the electrochromic material (e.g., so the resulting (altered) tint state of the window cannot return to its original tint state). In various EC devices, at least some (e.g., all) of the irreversibly bound ions can serve to compensate for "blind charge" in the material (e.g., ECD).

[0090] In some embodiments, suitable ions include cations. The cations can include lithium ions (Li+) and / or hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some embodiments, other ions can be suitable. The cations can intercalate into (e.g., metal) oxides. Changes in the intercalation state of the ions (e.g., cations) in the oxides can cause a visible change in the tint (e.g., color) of the oxides. For example, the oxides can transition from a colorless state to a colored state. For example, intercalation of lithium ions into tungsten oxide (WO3-y (0 < y < ~0.3)) can cause the tungsten oxide to transition from a transparent state to a colored (e.g., blue) state. The EC device coatings described herein are located within the viewable portion of the tintable window, such that the optical state of the tintable window can be controlled by tinting the EC device coatings.

[0091] In some embodiments, the enclosed area contains one or more sensors. The sensors can facilitate control of the environment of the enclosed area such that the inhabitants of the enclosed area can have a more comfortable, enjoyable, beautiful, healthy, productive (e.g., in terms of inhabitant performance), less stressful to live in (e.g., work in), or any combination thereof, environment. The sensors can be configured as low resolution or high resolution sensors. The sensors can provide an on / off indication of the occurrence and / or presence of a particular environmental event (e.g., a single pixel sensor). In some embodiments, the accuracy and / or resolution of the sensors can be improved through artificial intelligence analysis of their measurements. Examples of artificial intelligence techniques that can be used include reactive, limited memory, mind-like, and / or self-aware techniques known to those skilled in the art. The sensors can be configured to process, measure, analyze, detect, and / or react to one or more of the following: data, temperature, humidity, sound, force, pressure, electromagnetic waves, location, distance, movement, flow, acceleration, speed, vibration, dust, light, glare, color, gases, and / or other aspects (e.g., characteristics) of the environment (e.g., of the enclosed area). The gases can include volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The gases can include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor (e.g., humidity), oxygen, radon, and / or hydrogen sulfide. The one or more sensors can be calibrated at the time of factory setup. The sensors can be optimized to accurately measure one or more environmental characteristics present in the factory setup. In some cases, a factory calibrated sensor can not be optimized for operation in a target environment. For example, the factory setup can include a different environment than the target environment. The target environment can be the environment in which the sensor is deployed. The target environment can be the environment in which the sensor is intended and / or destined to operate. The target environment can be different than the factory environment. The factory environment corresponds to the location in which the sensor was assembled and / or built. The target environment can include a factory in which the sensor was not assembled and / or built. In some cases, the factory setup can be different than the target environment such that sensor readings captured in the target environment are incorrect (e.g., the degree of incorrectness can be measurable). In this context, “incorrect” can refer to a sensor reading that deviates from a specified accuracy (e.g., specified by the sensor manufacturer). In some cases, a factory calibrated sensor can provide readings that do not meet the accuracy specifications (e.g., specified by the manufacturer) when operated in the target environment.

[0092] In some embodiments, a sensor is operatively coupled to at least one controller and / or processor. Sensor readings can be obtained by one or more processors and / or controllers. A controller can include a processing unit (e.g., a CPU or GPU). A controller can receive input (e.g., from at least one sensor). A controller can include circuitry, electrical circuitry, optical circuitry, sockets, and / or outlets. A controller can deliver output. One controller can include multiple (e.g., sub) controllers. A controller can be part of a control system. A control system can include a master controller, a network controller (e.g., a floor controller), or a local controller. A local controller can control one or more targets (e.g., devices). For example, a local controller can be a window controller (e.g., controlling light switchable windows), an enclosure controller, or a target (e.g., component) controller. For example, a controller can be part of a hierarchical control system (e.g., a hierarchical control system includes a master controller directing one or more controllers, e.g., directing a network controller, a local controller (e.g., a window controller), an enclosure controller, and / or a target (e.g., component) controller). The physical location of the types of controllers in a hierarchical control system can be constantly changing. For example: at a first time: a first processor can assume the role of a master controller, a second processor can assume the role of a network controller, and a third processor can assume the role of a local controller. At a second time: the second processor can assume the role of a master controller, the first processor can assume the role of a network controller, and the third processor can remain a local controller. At a third time: the third processor can assume the role of a master controller, the second processor can assume the role of a network controller, and the first processor can assume the role of a local controller. A controller can control one or more devices (e.g., can be directly coupled to a device). A controller can be disposed near the one or more devices it controls. For example, a controller can control a light switchable device (e.g., an IGU), an antenna, a sensor, and / or an output device (e.g., a light source, a sound source, an odor source, a gas source, an HVAC outlet, or a heater). In one embodiment, a network controller can direct one or more local controllers, one or more enclosure controllers, one or more target (e.g., component) controllers, or any combination thereof. A network controller can include a floor controller. For example, a network (e.g., including a floor) controller can control multiple local (e.g., including window) controllers. Multiple local controllers can be disposed in a portion of a facility (e.g., a portion of a building). The portion of the facility can be a floor of the facility. For example, one network controller can be assigned to a floor. In some embodiments, a floor can include multiple network controllers, e.g., depending on the size of the floor and / or the number of local controllers coupled to a network controller. For example, one network controller can be assigned to a portion of a floor.For example, a network controller can be assigned to a portion of local controllers disposed in a facility. For example, a network controller can be assigned to a portion of multiple floors of a facility. A master controller can be coupled to one or more network controllers. Network controllers can be disposed in a facility. A master controller can be disposed in a facility, or outside of a facility. A master controller can be disposed in the cloud. A controller can be part of, or operatively coupled to, a building management system (herein abbreviated as “BMS”). A controller can receive one or more inputs. A controller can generate one or more outputs. A controller can be a single-input single-output controller (SISO) or a multiple-input multiple-output controller (MIMO). A controller can interpret received input signals. A controller can acquire data from the one or more targets (e.g., components such as sensors). Acquiring can include receiving or extracting. Data can include measurements, estimates, determinations, generations, or any combination thereof. A controller can include feedback control. A controller can include feedforward control. Control can include on-off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. Control can include open-loop control or closed-loop control. A controller can include closed-loop control. A controller can include open-loop control. A controller can include a user interface. A user interface can include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touchscreen, microphone, voice recognition package, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. An output can include a display (e.g., screen), speaker, or printer. A controller can perform real-time computations (e.g., using transmitted data such as sensor data and / or analysis results of a cabling network). Network analysis can involve communication rates, (e.g., electrical) power consumption, and / or communication density (e.g., over a given time and / or over a given time range) over a network. A controller (e.g., control system) can use historical and / or third-party data for its control. Historical data can be of the present facility, of similar facilities, or of different facilities.

[0093] Figure 1 An example of a control system architecture 100 is shown that includes a master controller 108 that controls network controllers 106, which in turn control local controllers 104. In some embodiments, a local controller controls one or more IGUs, one or more sensors, one or more output devices (e.g., one or more emitters), or any combination thereof. Figure 1 An example of a configuration in which a master controller is operatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly and / or wired) to a building management system (BMS) 124 and a database 120 is shown. Figure 1The arrows in the figure represent communication pathways. The controller can be operatively coupled (e.g., directly / indirectly and / or wired / wirelessly) to an external source 110. The external source can include a network. The external source can include one or more sensors or output devices. The external source can include a cloud-based application and / or database. The communication can be wired and / or wireless. The external source can be disposed outside of the facility. For example, the external source can include one or more sensors and / or antennas, e.g., disposed on a wall or ceiling of the facility. The communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional. In Figure 1 In the example shown, all communication arrows are intended to be bidirectional.

[0094] The controller can monitor and / or direct (e.g., physical) alterations of operating conditions of the apparatuses, software, and / or methods described herein. Control can include adjusting, manipulating, limiting, directing, monitoring, adjusting, modulating, changing, altering, constraining, checking, directing, or managing. Control (e.g., by a controller) can include attenuating, modulating, changing, managing, suppressing, training, adjusting, constraining, supervising, manipulating, and / or directing. Control can include controlling a control variable (e.g., temperature, power, voltage, and / or distribution). Control can include real-time or offline control. The calculations utilized by the controller can be done in real-time and / or offline. The controller can be a manual or non-manual controller. The controller can be an automatic controller. The controller can operate upon request. The controller can be a programmable controller. The controller can be programmed. The controller can include a processing unit (e.g., CPU or GPU). The controller can receive input (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller can deliver output. The controller can include multiple (e.g., sub) controllers. The controller can be part of a control system. The control system can include a master controller, a network controller, a local controller (e.g., an enclosure area controller or a window controller). The controller can receive one or more inputs. The controller can generate one or more outputs. The controller can be a single-input single-output controller (SISO) or a multiple-input multiple-output controller (MIMO). The controller can interpret received input signals. The controller can acquire data from one or more sensors. Acquisition can include receiving or extracting. Data can include measurements, estimates, determinations, generations, or any combination thereof. The controller can include feedback control. The controller can include feedforward control. Control can include on-off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. Control can include open-loop control or closed-loop control. The controller can include closed-loop control. The controller can include open-loop control. The controller can include a user interface. The user interface can include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touchscreen, microphone, voice recognition package, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. Output can include a display (e.g., screen), speaker, or printer.

[0095] The methods, systems, and / or devices described herein can include a control system. The control system can be in communication with any of the devices described herein (e.g., sensors). For example, the sensors can be of the same type or different types as described herein. For example, the control system can be in communication with a first sensor and / or a second sensor. The control system can control one or more sensors. The control system can control one or more targets (e.g., components) of a building management system (e.g., lighting, security, and / or air conditioning systems). The controller can regulate at least one (e.g., environmental) characteristic of an enclosed area. The control system can regulate the enclosed area environment using any target (e.g., component) of the building management system. For example, the control system can regulate the energy supplied by a heating element and / or a cooling element. For example, the control system can regulate the speed of air flowing into and / or out of the enclosed area through a vent. The control system can include a processor. The processor can be a processing unit. The controller can include a processing unit. The processing unit can be a central processing unit. The processing unit can include a central processing unit (abbreviated herein as “CPU”). The processing unit can be a graphics processing unit (abbreviated herein as “GPU”). The controller or control mechanism (e.g., including a computer system) can be programmed to implement one or more methods of the present disclosure. The processor can be programmed to implement a method of the present disclosure. The controller can control at least one target (e.g., component) of the systems and / or devices disclosed herein.

[0096] In some embodiments, multiple targets (e.g., devices) may be operatively coupled to a control system. The control system may include a controller hierarchy. Targets may include transmitters, sensors, or windows (e.g., IGUs). Transmitters may include lights, buzzers, heaters, HVAC actuators, or alarms. Targets may be any targets disclosed herein. At least two of the multiple targets may be of the same type. For example, two or more IGUs may be coupled to the control system. At least two of the multiple targets may be of different types. For example, sensors and transmitters may be coupled to the control system. Sometimes, the multiple targets may include at least 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 50000, 100000, or 500000 targets. The plurality of targets may have any number between the aforementioned numbers (e.g., 20 to 500,000 targets, 20 to 50 targets, 50 to 500 targets, 500 to 2,500 targets, 1,000 to 5,000 targets, 5,000 to 10,000 targets, 10,000 to 100,000 targets, or 100,000 to 500,000 targets). For example, the number of windows in a floor may be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, or 50. The number of windows in a floor may have any number between the aforementioned numbers (e.g., 5 to 50, 5 to 25, or 25 to 50). Sometimes, targets may be in a multi-story building. At least a portion of the floors of a multi-story building may have targets controlled by a control system (e.g., at least a portion of the floors of a multi-story building may be controlled by a control system). For example, a multi-story building may have at least 2, 8, 10, 25, 50, 80, 100, 120, 140, or 160 floors controlled by a control system. The number of floors (e.g., the target floors) controlled by the control system may be any number between the aforementioned numbers (e.g., 2 to 50, 25 to 100, or 80 to 160). The floors may have a minimum height of approximately 150 m. 2 250 m 2 500m 2 1000 m 2 1500 m 2 Or 2000 square meters (m 2 The floor may have an area between any of the aforementioned floor area values ​​(e.g., approximately 150 m²). 2 up to about 2000 m 2 Approximately 150 m 2 to about 500 m 2 Approximately 250 m 2 up to about 1000 m2 or about 1000 m 2 to about 2000 m 2 ). The total length of the cable in the cable network system can be at least about 500 feet ('), 1000', 10,000', or 100,000', depending on the size of the facility, the number and type of targets coupled to the cable system, and the extent of the facility covered by the cable system.

[0097] In certain embodiments, portions of the communication network of a closed area (e.g., a building) can be logically and / or physically divided into one or more vertical data planes and one or more horizontal data planes. The function of a vertical data plane can be to provide data communication and optional electrical power vertically with respect to the ground (e.g., between floors of a multi-story building). The function of a horizontal data plane can be to provide data communication and / or electrical power to network nodes of one or more floors of a facility (e.g., a building). In some embodiments, the communication network of a closed area (e.g., a building) employs one vertical plane linked to multiple horizontal data planes through control panels. At least one control panel can be provided for each horizontal data plane.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the infrastructure described herein provides a communication network and electrical power resources around the perimeter of a closed area (e.g., a building), optionally with separate communication and electrical power distribution systems on each floor or all floors of a facility (e.g., a building). The infrastructure can be installed at the time of construction of the closed area (e.g., a building), or as part of a retrofit project. The infrastructure can provide high speed communication (e.g., Gbit level and faster data rates), and provide electrical power taps at designated locations within the building, for example, around perimeter walls of floors, rooms, along ceilings, along floors, or other areas of a building or the like facility.

[0099] In certain embodiments, direct connection to the infrastructure of a facility (e.g., a building) is provided through electrical power and / or communication bases in devices such as network adapters described herein. The wires connected to the network adapters can be disposed in various locations, for example, within walls of a closed area (e.g., a building). In certain embodiments, one or more wires are disposed within the horizontal mullions above and / or below a window. In certain embodiments, one or more wires are disposed below the floor surface, for example, within the floor.

[0100] In various embodiments, a link in a vertical data plane is a link between network devices (e.g., devices communicatively coupled to a network). The one or more network devices can be disposed on a same floor and / or different floors of a facility (e.g., a building). In certain embodiments, one or more floors (e.g., each) in a facility (e.g., a building) have network devices (e.g., network switches and / or network routers). A network device can be connected to two or more links in a vertical data plane. The network devices can be disposed in a control panel. In certain embodiments, a link medium (in a vertical plane) comprises and / or consists of one or more optical fibers. In certain embodiments, current-carrying conductors can be used in place of and / or in conjunction with optical fibers, e.g., as a link medium (e.g., in a vertical data plane). Optical fibers can be disposed in horizontal and / or vertical data planes. Current-carrying conductors such as copper wires can be provided as twisted pairs and / or coaxial cables. In some embodiments, a (e.g., vertical) data plane contains a bundle of optical fibers running between network devices (e.g., disposed on different floors of a facility (e.g., a building)). For example, Figure 2 A link 213, 215, or 217 of a (e.g., vertical) data plane depicted in FIG. 2 can (e.g., each) comprise a bundle of optical fibers. In certain embodiments, at least one (e.g., each) bundle of optical fibers can contain at least 12, 24, 48, 96, or 114 optical fibers.

[0101] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the optical fibers can be used for communications in an enclosed area. At least a portion of the optical fibers can not be used (e.g., unutilized optical fibers can be referred to herein as “dark fibers”). In some implementations, during or after installation, some optical fibers are used for information technology (IT) and / or other service infrastructure of the enclosed area (e.g., a building), and others are “dark fibers.” Dark fibers are at least temporarily unavailable for IT and / or services (e.g., sensors, windows, HVAC, lighting, security) of the enclosed area. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can be abbreviated herein as “HVAC.” A service can include controlling operation of one or more devices. A device can include a sensor, a tintable window, a heater, a cooler (e.g., an air conditioner), a ventilation fan, a lighting system, a security system, a transmitter, an antenna, or an actuator. In some embodiments, at least about 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, or 1 / 2 (half) of the installed optical fibers are dark fibers at the outset after installation. In some embodiments, at least about 1 / 10, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, or 1 / 2 (half) of the installed optical fibers are not dark fibers at the outset after installation. Dark fibers can be used for leased services for use by tenants and / or users of the enclosed area. Examples of leased services can include Wi-Fi, cellular communication, streaming internet, and any other IT-related services utilized by users and / or tenants.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the data plane has a topology (e.g., wires and / or devices operatively coupled to the wires in a topology configuration). The topology can be a linear topology or a star topology. For example, a (e.g., horizontal) data plane can have a linear network topology. In a linear topology, the network topology can include a plurality of nodes (downstream of the control panel) connected along the length of a data transmission medium with a control panel stage at one end of the data transmission medium. In some implementations, a transmission medium (e.g., a network cable such as a coaxial cable and / or a twisted pair cable) is located around a portion or all of the perimeter of a facility floor. In some implementations, at one or more locations along the line of network cable, there is an electrical coupling for connecting to one or more nodes (e.g., end nodes), optionally via a network adapter connection. The end nodes can include any of the devices disclosed herein (e.g., a sensor, a transmitter, a tunable color window, an HVAC system, or a lighting system). In some implementations, the electrical couplings are covers, which are passive devices. The covers can provide electrical coupling between the network cable and the associated nodes (e.g., any of the devices served by the horizontal data plane). In some embodiments, the electrical couplings are provided at regular intervals (e.g., one every about five feet), for example, at (e.g., vertical) risers. The nodes can be infrastructure nodes. The infrastructure nodes can include a floor controller, an Ethernet switch, and / or a headend.

[0103] Embodiments of a horizontal data plane employing a ring and / or star topology are described herein. Figures 15 to 18 Embodiments of a horizontal data plane employing a ring and / or star topology are described herein.

[0104] Figure 2 Embodiments of a communication network 200 for a closed area such as a building are presented. Figure 2 The depicted example depicts links, which can include one or more cables (e.g., coaxial cables or twisted pair cables). The links can be communication and / or electrical power lines. The cables can be cable bundles. The cable bundles can transmit electrical power and / or communications. The cables (e.g., coaxial cables) can transmit electrical power and / or communications. In the depicted embodiment, the network 200 includes a vertically oriented network portion (including vertical communication lines 205) for connecting network targets (e.g., components) of multiple floors of a closed area (e.g., a facility). In the depicted embodiment, the network 200 includes a horizontally oriented network portion (including horizontal communication lines 210) for connecting network targets (e.g., components) of a floor of a closed area (e.g., a facility). Figure 2In the example shown, the vertical data plane includes a first control panel 207 of a first floor, a second control panel 209 of a second floor, a third control panel 211 of a third floor. A physical communication and / or electrical power link 213 connects control panels 207 and 209. A physical communication and / or electrical power link 215 connects control panels 209 and 211. A physical communication and / or electrical power link 217 connects control panels 207 and 211. As shown, control panels 207, 209, and 211 and physical communication and / or power links 213, 215, and 217 form a loop. This loop can provide redundancy in the network. For example, physical communication and / or electrical power link 217 provides redundancy in the vertical plane in the event of a failure of one of the other physical communication and / or electrical power links (e.g., link 213 or 215). Communication links 213, 215, and 217 can include electrical wires and / or optical fibers. Communication and / or links 213, 215, and 217 can include coaxial wires.

[0105] In Figure 2 In the example shown, control panel 207 is communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to external network 201 (e.g., outside the building and / or in the cloud) via access network 203. Control panel 207 is communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to access network 203 by physical communication and / or electrical power link 204, which can include optical fibers and / or electrical wires. Control panel 207 is connected to an antenna 289 that is outside the building. Antenna 289 can be a receiving antenna (e.g., a donor antenna).

[0106] Figure 2 An example of control panel 207 is shown operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a first horizontal network portion, which is horizontal data plane 219. Control panel 209 is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a second horizontal network portion, which is horizontal data plane 221. Control panel 211 is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a third horizontal network portion, which is horizontal data plane 223. Horizontal data planes 219, 221, and 223 contain a plurality of network targets (e.g., components and / or devices). Network targets (e.g., components) can contain client nodes. Client nodes can be located at respective floors of the building.

[0107] In Figure 2In the illustrated example, the horizontal data plane 219 contains network adapters 251a-251e. A network adapter (e.g., 251a) is coupled to a communication and / or electrical power line (e.g., backbone line) 259 via a distribution tap (e.g., 290). The network adapter 251a is connected to a set of targets (e.g., sensors and / or emitters) 253 and to an IGU 255, which can be a light switchable window. The network adapter 251a is configured to provide electrical power and data to the set of targets (also referred to herein as a "target set") 253, e.g., using a Power over Ethernet protocol (PoE). The network adapter 251d is connected to at least one third party device 257, e.g., a computing device. The network adapter 251d is configured to provide network connectivity to the third party device 257. Providing network connectivity can include logically implementing a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) that supports, e.g., PoE.

[0108] In Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the control panel 207 is connected to the network adapters 251a-251e by links (e.g., coaxial cables) 259. The connections can be implemented by coaxial cables or other types of cables (e.g., electrical and / or optical cables). The control panel 209 is connected to client nodes on the horizontal data plane 221 by links (e.g., coaxial cables) 261. The control panel 211 is connected to client nodes on the horizontal data plane 223 by links (e.g., coaxial cables) 263. In Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the control panel 207 includes two headends 265a and 265b, a switch 267 (abbreviated herein as "SW"), and a distributed antenna system (abbreviated herein as "DAS") 269. The switch is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to two edge distribution frame devices (abbreviated herein as "EDFs"). The headend 265a is connected to a plurality of links (e.g., coaxial cables), including the link (e.g., coaxial cable) 259. Although not shown, the headend 265b is connected to at least one link (e.g., coaxial cable). The switch 267 is connected to (e.g., communication and / or electrical power) links 204, 213, and 217. The connections can be implemented via optical and / or electrical cables. The DAS 269 is configured to control and / or communicate with one or more antennas, including antennas 273, on the horizontal data plane 219. The antennas can be interior antennas (e.g., 273) and / or exterior (e.g., feeder) antennas (e.g., 289). In Figure 2In the illustrated example, electrical power and / or communication links (e.g., electrical cables) 271 connect antennas 273 to control panel 207. Links 271 also connect to a directional coupler (e.g., configured for a directional data communication protocol, such as MoCA or d.hn). Other client nodes 275a and 275b are connected to control panel 207 via electrical power and / or communication links (e.g., electrical cables) 271. Headends 265a and 265b are configured to transmit and / or receive data encoded according to one or more protocols, including: (i) a next generation home network protocol (abbreviated herein as "G.hn" protocol), (ii) a communication technology that transmits digital information over electrical power lines that are traditionally used (e.g., only) to deliver electrical power, or (iii) a hardware device designed for communication and data transfer (e.g., Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi) over electrical wires of a building. The data transfer protocol can facilitate a data transfer rate of at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbit / s), 2 Gbit / s, 3 Gbit / s, 4 Gbit / s, or 5 Gbit / s. The data transfer protocol can operate over telephone lines, coaxial cables, electrical power lines, and / or (e.g., plastic) optical fibers. The data transfer protocol can be implemented by a chip (e.g., a chip including a semiconductor device). In Figure 2 In the illustrated example, horizontal data plane 221 includes network adapters 277 connected to control panel 209 by links (e.g., coaxial cables) 279. Horizontal data plane 221 includes physical power (e.g., 48V DC) and / or (electrical power and / or communication) lines 281 for connecting one or more antennas (not shown) to control panel 209. In addition to links (e.g., coaxial cables) 263, horizontal data plane 223 includes a second link (e.g., coaxial cable) 283 for connecting one or more network adapters or other client nodes (not shown) to control panel 211. Horizontal data plane 223 includes physical (e.g., electrical power and / or communication) lines 285 for connecting one or more antennas (not shown) to control panel 211. Control panel 211 is also connected to (e.g., cellular) antennas 287.

[0109] In certain embodiments, a control panel includes one or more headends configured to communicate via a protocol, such as G.hn, Ethernet (including a Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) protocol), and / or any one or more of various cellular protocols, such as fourth generation (4G) and / or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication. 4G communication can comply with Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards. A control panel can include one or more network switches, gateways, and / or routers.

[0110] In some embodiments, a cable network includes at least one distribution junction (referred to herein as a "tap" and a "junction"). A distribution junction can include at least one connector. A distribution junction can distribute one or more time-varying signals and / or electrical (e.g., DC) power within a network infrastructure. A distribution junction can couple together two or more circuits. For example, a distribution junction can couple together at least two of an upstream circuit, a downstream circuit, and a branch circuit. The upstream and downstream circuits can be part of a network bus (also referred to herein as a backbone). In some embodiments, a bus is a subsystem for connecting targets (e.g., components) and transferring data (e.g., signals) and / or electrical (e.g., DC) power between those targets (e.g., components). A distribution junction can be passive or active. A distribution junction can include active and passive targets (e.g., components). A distribution junction can include one or more paths of upstream, downstream, and branch circuits electrically coupled together. A distribution junction can include or be operatively coupled to a microprocessor. A cable network can include passive distribution junctions and / or active distribution junctions. An active distribution junction has at least one active component. A passive distribution junction has passive components and no active components.

[0111] In some embodiments, an active distribution junction includes circuitry (e.g., electrical circuitry). Circuitry in an active distribution junction can include a signal repeater, a distance extender, a signal transponder, an amplifier, a preamplifier, power management circuitry, and / or a microprocessor. Power management circuitry can control (e.g., monitor and / or manage) electrical (e.g., DC) power flow through a distribution junction. An active distribution junction can facilitate formation of longer network buses (e.g., a signal repeater and / or an amplifier can lengthen the actual length of a network bus). An active distribution junction can provide options for dynamically adjusting network size (e.g., lengthening a network) (e.g., by adding a signal repeater and / or an amplifier). Adjusting network size can include adjusting network bus size. Dynamic network size adjustment options can provide for dynamic expansion and / or contraction of a network. Dynamic network size adjustment options can facilitate formation of unstable networks, e.g., in terms of their size and / or connectivity of targets to distribution junctions. An active distribution junction can facilitate power management in a network infrastructure. For example, (i) by monitoring voltage and / or current along a network (e.g., along a network bus), and / or (ii) by negotiating power consumption of targets (e.g., components) coupled to a branch circuit.

[0112] In some embodiments, the distribution junction is passive. A passive distribution junction can include one or more capacitors, inductors, and / or transformers. A passive distribution junction can include: (i) a first inductor that couples electrical (e.g., DC) power, e.g., from an upstream circuit to a branch circuit (and vice versa), and / or (ii) a second inductor that couples electrical (e.g., DC) power, e.g., from an upstream circuit to a downstream circuit (and vice versa). A passive distribution junction can include at least one transformer. The at least one transformer can couple one or more time-varying signals between two or more circuits (e.g., between three circuits). A passive distribution junction can include one or more filters.

[0113] In some embodiments, the distribution tap provides impedance matching. In some embodiments, the distribution tap can include a transformer. For example, a distribution tap that implements a transformer can provide impedance matching. Impedance matching can be used to reduce (e.g., eliminate) unwanted signal reflections of the distribution tap within the network infrastructure. The transformer can include a plurality of windings. At least two (e.g., all) of the plurality of windings can be formed around a common core with the same number of turns (e.g., so as to provide a balanced transformer). At least two (e.g., all) of the plurality of windings can be formed around a common core with different numbers of turns (e.g., so as to provide an unbalanced transformer). The diameters of the at least two (e.g., all) windings can be the same. The diameters of the at least two (e.g., all) windings can be different. The transformer (in the distribution tap) can be configured to divide a time-varying signal in a balanced or unbalanced manner. A balanced transformer can receive a time-varying signal on a first circuit and divide the signal equally onto a plurality of circuits. By dividing the signal equally into the plurality of circuits, the signal in each of the plurality of circuits can be approximately (e.g., measurably) equal. For example, a balanced transformer can receive a time-varying signal on a first circuit and divide the signal equally onto a second and third circuit (e.g., approximately one-half of the original power). An unbalanced transformer can receive a time-varying signal on a first circuit and divide the signal unequally onto a plurality of circuits. By dividing the signal unequally into the plurality of circuits, the signal in at least two of the plurality of circuits can be different. For example, an unbalanced transformer can divide a signal from a first circuit onto a second circuit by a first fraction (e.g., 85%) of the original (e.g., electrical) power and onto a third circuit by a second fraction (e.g., 15%) of the original power. The first and second fractions are unequal and the sum is approximately 100% (e.g., 100% minus losses). When dividing the first circuit signal (100%) unequally into the second and third circuits, the second circuit can receive up to about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 40% of the signal from the first circuit and the third circuit can receive the remaining signal. When dividing the first circuit signal (100%) unequally into the second and third circuits, the second circuit can receive between any of the foregoing percentage values (e.g., about 1% to about 40%, about 1% to about 20%, or about 20% to about 40%) of the signal from the first circuit system and the third circuit can receive the remaining signal. The second circuit (e.g., the circuit that receives the lower signal strength) can be a branch circuit and the third circuit can be a downstream circuit, for example, such that the majority of the signal continues along the network bus. In other embodiments, the first circuit (e.g., the circuit that receives the higher signal strength) is a branch circuit, for example, such that the majority of the signal passes to the branch circuit.

[0114] In some embodiments, the distribution tap includes at least one filter. The distribution tap can include one or more low pass filters, high pass filters, and / or band pass filters. The filters can be used to minimize (e.g., block) certain frequencies from a branch circuit (e.g., when the branch circuit does not utilize such frequencies) and / or from a downstream circuit (e.g., when no downstream circuit utilizes such frequencies). By minimizing (e.g., blocking) such frequencies (e.g., signal portions), the filters can reduce noise in the network, e.g., as the signals propagate through the network (e.g., through the bus).

[0115] In some embodiments, the distribution tap includes frequency shifting capability. For example, the control panel and the distribution tap can frequency shift one or more time-varying signals in order to reduce interference as the signals are transmitted through the network. The signals can be shifted to an unused available spectrum region on the medium (e.g., coaxial cable). The distribution tap can include passive or active targets (e.g., components) for removing such frequency shifts when the signals are transferred from the network bus to the branch circuit and inserting such frequency shifts when the signals are transferred from the branch circuit to the network bus. The control panel can include a G.hn head-end (or other target (e.g., component)) for adding and removing frequency shifts when the time-varying signals are transmitted by and received at the control panel.

[0116] In some embodiments, one or more antennas are coupled to the network. The antennas can be external and / or internal to the enclosed area (e.g., building). The antennas can be passive or active. At least two of the antennas can be of the same type. At least two of the antennas can be of different types. The external antennas can be referred to herein as "feeder antennas." The external antennas can be directional antennas (e.g., Yagi antennas). The antennas can be directly coupled to the control panel. The antennas can be indirectly coupled to the control panel. The indirect coupling of the antennas to the control panel can include coupling through one or more distribution taps. Signals from the antennas can be transmitted through the cable for a distance, e.g., resulting in a reduction in signal-to-noise ratio, e.g., a reduction in signal strength as compared to noise. Signals from the antennas can be transmitted through one or more distribution taps, e.g., resulting in a reduction in signal-to-noise ratio, e.g., a reduction in signal strength as compared to noise. The network can include a preamplifier and / or an amplifier (e.g., to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, e.g., to increase the signal strength as compared to noise). The amplifier and / or preamplifier can be: (i) disposed proximate to the antennas, (ii) part of the antenna circuitry, (iii) part of the controller (e.g., in the control panel), (iv) operatively coupled to the controller, (v) proximate to the distribution tap, and / or (vi) operatively coupled to the distribution tap. The antennas can be active. The antennas can include an amplifier and / or preamplifier. In some embodiments, the network includes a G.hn head-end (or other target (e.g., component)) for adding and removing frequency shifts when the time-varying signals are transmitted by and received at the control panel. Figure 2In the illustrated example, the antenna 273 is connected to the control panel 207 through the head 265a. However, the antenna can be communicatively coupled to the cable (e.g., coaxial cable and / or trunk line 265a). The antenna can be connected to the trunk line before all of the distribution taps (e.g., 290) and / or other destinations (e.g., 253 and the like). Without wishing to be bound by theory, connecting the antenna before all of the distribution taps and / or devices to the trunk line can reduce signal loss (compared to noise). An amplifier and / or preamplifier can be included in the control panel, e.g., of a floor controller. In some embodiments, a network bus has a head end. One or more devices (e.g., antennas) can be coupled to the network bus. The antenna can be a high frequency antenna. The antenna can operate in a frequency range of about 700 MHz to about 2100 MHz. The antenna can be closer to the head end (e.g., upstream of other devices) than the other devices. For example, a first device (e.g., a branch circuit closest to the head end) on the network bus can be an antenna. The antenna can operate at least at about 3.56 GHz, a second device can be another antenna operating at least at about 700 MHz, and other (e.g., downstream) devices coupled to the network bus can utilize signals having a frequency of up to about 400 MHz. The highest frequency (e.g., 3.56 GHz) antenna can be connected to the network bus with a first distribution tap having, for example, a first low pass filter disposed on a downstream circuit. The first low pass filter can attenuate (e.g., block) signals on the downstream circuit having a frequency higher than that of the antenna (e.g., about 3.20 GHz). The low frequency (e.g., 700 MHz) antenna can be connected to the network bus with a second distribution tap having, for example, a second low pass filter on a downstream circuit. The second low pass filter can attenuate (e.g., block) signals on the downstream circuit having a frequency higher than that of the antenna (e.g., about 400 MHz). With such an arrangement, the signals of both (e.g., 3.56 GHz and 700 MHz) antennas need only pass through a limited number (e.g., one, two, etc.) of distribution taps. The number of distribution taps through which the high frequency signals pass can be a single-digit integer (e.g., up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 distribution taps). Thus, the antenna can receive a higher signal strength (e.g., higher signal-to-noise ratio). In addition, high frequency noise from downstream reflections and / or other sources can be reduced (e.g., removed).

[0117] Figure 3 An example of a cable network 300 is shown. The cable network includes a bus cable 350 connected to a controller 306. The controller can comprise a network (e.g., including a floor) controller. The controller can include a network controller. The controller can be a master controller. Figure 3Examples of multiple distribution taps 301, 302, and 303 are shown. Distribution tap 301 is connected to antenna 321 via branch cable 351. Antenna 321 can be a highest frequency antenna (e.g., 3.56 GHz) coupled to bus cable 350. Distribution tap 302 is connected to antenna 322 via branch cable 352. Antenna 322 can be a low frequency antenna (e.g., 700 MHz). In Figure 3 In the example shown, antennas 321 and 322 are dome antennas. Figure 3 An example of a third interference tap 303 is shown, which is connected to a local controller 341 (e.g., including a window controller) via branch cable 353, which in turn is connected to IGU 342 and sensor 343. The local controller can be a microprocessor.

[0118] Figure 3 A detailed electrical schematic 310 of distribution tap 301 is shown. Detailed electrical schematic 310 contains a transformer for dividing power of a time-varying signal between upstream, downstream, and branch circuits. In Figure 3 In the example shown, distribution tap 310 contains first and second inductors for coupling electrical (e.g., DC) power between upstream, downstream, and branch circuits. The branch circuit of distribution tap 310 is coupled to a highest frequency antenna, and distribution tap 310 contains a low pass filter. In Figure 3 In the example shown, the low pass filter is formed by an inductor and a capacitor coupled to the downstream circuit. The low pass filter can attenuate (e.g., block) signals from the downstream circuit that are utilized by the highest frequency (e.g., 3.56 GHz) antenna. The downstream devices (e.g., 322, 342, and 343) can utilize frequencies lower than those attenuated by the low pass filter. The transformer in distribution tap 310 contains a first winding 361, a second winding 362, and a third winding 363. Windings 361, 362, and 363 are wound around a common core. Figure 3 An example of a distribution tap 380 connecting three coaxial cables is shown.

[0119] In some embodiments, a cable network contains a network bus (also referred to herein as a backbone) and branch cables. The network bus and branch cables can distribute one or more time-varying signals and / or electrical (e.g., DC) power within a network infrastructure. The network bus and branch cables can contain one or more signal conductors and one or more ground conductors. The network bus can be formed of multiple circuits coupled together. A first circuit of the network bus can couple a controller (e.g., Figure 3 controller 306 of FIG. 1) and a distribution tap (e.g., Figure 3The distribution connectors 301, 302, and 303 are coupled together. Second and subsequent circuitry of the network bus can couple corresponding distribution connector pairs (e.g., distribution connector pairs 301, 302, and 303) together. Branch cables (e.g., branch cables 351, 352, and 353) can couple branch circuitry to corresponding distribution connectors.

[0120] Network buses and branch cables can (e.g., simultaneously) distribute multiple time-varying signals and / or electrical (e.g., DC) power.

[0121] Network bus and branch cables can deliver electrical (e.g., DC) power at any desired nominal voltage. For example, network bus and branch cables can deliver electrical (e.g., DC) power at 12V, 23V, or 48V. Network bus and branch cables can conform to any International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) category, such as Category 0, Category I, Category II, or Category III. For example, network bus and branch cables can conform to IEC Category II and therefore can carry a maximum of 100VA or 100W. Network bus and branch cables can have a wire gauge sufficient to carry the requested current (e.g., AWG 12, 14, 16, or 18). Network bus and branch cables can include shielding (e.g., foil shielding, braided shielding, or quadruple shielding) to reduce crosstalk and / or interference, for example. Network bus and branch cables may include (for example, made of) LMR-200, LMR-240, LMR-400, RG-6, RG-8, RG-11, RG-59, RG-60, RG-174, RG-210, RG-213, 8233 or 8267 coaxial cables, or another type of cable. Network bus and / or branch cables may assign any requested number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) of distinguishable sets of time-varying signal frequencies. The sets of time-varying signal frequencies may be assigned to non-overlapping frequency windows. For example, network bus and / or branch cables may assign a first set of time-varying signal frequencies to one or more first frequency windows and a second set of time-varying signal frequencies to one or more second frequency windows. The frequency windows (frequency windows in the first and second sets) may be separated in the frequency domain (e.g., guard bands may exist between frequency windows). In some embodiments, some frequency windows (from the first set and / or the second set) are not separated by guard bands and / or partially overlap in the frequency domain (e.g., the end of one frequency window touches the beginning of another frequency window, e.g., Figure 5 (526 and 529). Generally, using guard bands to separate adjacent frequency windows can reduce noise and / or interference, and can also reduce the cost and complexity of network components (e.g., cables, filters, distribution connectors, etc.).

[0122] The first set of time-varying signals distributed by the cable network can include network data signals (e.g., control-related signals). The first set of time-varying signals can be referred to as digital communications or digital data. The first set of time-varying signals can include signals configured to be transmitted over a communication technology that transmits digital information over electrical power lines used (e.g., only) to deliver electrical power. The first set of time-varying signals can include signals configured to be transmitted over a hardware device designed for communication and data transfer over electrical wires of a building (e.g., Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi). The first set of time-varying signals can include signals configured to be transmitted over a data transfer protocol that facilitates a data transfer rate of at least 1 megahertz (MHz), 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 50 MHz, 10 MHz 0, 500 MHz, 1 gigabit per second (Gbit / s), 2 Gbit / s, 3 Gbit / s, 4 Gbit / s, or 5 Gbit / s. The data transfer protocol can operate over telephone lines, coaxial cables, electrical power lines, and / or (e.g., plastic) optical fibers. The data transfer protocol can be implemented by a chip (e.g., a chip including a semiconductor device). The first set of time-varying signals can include power line communication signals, such as G.hn, HomePlug®, or HD-PLC compatible signals. The first set of time-varying signals can include signals compatible with a Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) protocol. The first set of time-varying signals can include signals compatible with other protocols, including Ethernet protocols such as 802.3bw, 802.3bp, 802.3ch, and / or 802.3cq. The first frequency window can extend from approximately 2 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 200 MHz (e.g., used in G.hn protocols). For example, the first frequency window can extend from approximately 500 MHz to approximately 600 MHz, from approximately 875 MHz to approximately 1 GHz, or from approximately 1.15 to approximately 1.5 GHz.

[0123] The second set of time-varying signals distributed by the cable network can include radio frequency signals. The second time-varying signals can include signals received by or transmitted through an antenna. The second frequency window can extend from approximately 600 MHz to approximately 1 GHz, from approximately 1.4 GHz to approximately 6 GHz, from approximately 1.7 GHz to approximately 6 GHz. The radio frequency signals can include cellular network signals, such as fourth generation (4G) and / or fifth generation (5G) cellular network signals. In some embodiments, the 4G and 5G cellular network signals include signals at or below approximately 6 GHz. The ranges of the first and second sets of time-varying signals can overlap. The ranges of the first and second sets of time-varying signals can be separate. Such separation can be by a signal domain not used by the first time-varying signals or not used by the second time-varying signals.

[0124] Figure 4 A network cable 400 is depicted. Network buses and branch cables in the cable networks disclosed herein can be formed from network cable 400. Network cable 400 contains an inner conductor 401, an insulator 402 (also referred to as a dielectric), an outer conductor 403, and an insulator 404 (also referred to as a jacket or a shell). Outer conductor 403 can serve as a ground path. Inner conductor 401 can carry direct current (DC). Signal-carrying electromagnetic fields are transmitted (e.g., primarily or only) in the space between inner conductor 401 and outer conductor 403. Coaxial cable can protect signals from external electromagnetic interference (e.g., can reduce the effect of external electromagnetic interference on signals transmitted in the coaxial cable). For example, network cable 400 can be an LMR-200, LMR-240, LMR-400, RG-6, RG-8, RG-11, RG-59, RG-60, RG-174, RG-210, RG-213, 8233, or 8267 coaxial cable, or another type of cable.

[0125] Figure 5Various frequency ranges 500, 510, and 520 are depicted that can be partitioned along a frequency range into distinguishable signal ranges that can be transmitted over the network cable 400. The frequency range 500 includes a DC signal 501, a first set of time-varying signal frequencies 502 (e.g., related to control communications), and a second set of time-varying signal frequencies 504 (e.g., related to media (e.g., cellular) communications). The first set of time-varying signal frequencies 502 and the second set of time-varying signal frequencies 503 are separated by a guard band 503 (e.g., devoid of time-varying signals). The frequency range 510 includes a DC signal 511, a first set of time-varying signal frequencies 512 (e.g., related to control communications), a second set of time-varying signal frequencies 514 (e.g., related to media (e.g., cellular) communications), a third set of time-varying signal frequencies 516 (e.g., related to control communications), and a fourth set of time-varying signal frequencies 518 (e.g., related to media (e.g., cellular) communications). Guard bands 513, 515, and 517 separate respective pairs of time-varying signals. The guard bands 513, 515, and 517 can be devoid of time-varying signals. At least two of the sets of time-varying signal frequencies can transmit the same type of signal (e.g., the signal frequency sets 512 and 516 can be reserved for transmission of control-related communications). At least two of the sets of time-varying signal frequencies can transmit different types of signals (e.g., the signal frequency set 512 can be reserved for transmission of control-related communications, and the frequency set 514 can be reserved for transmission of media-related communications). For example, the set of time-varying signal frequencies 512 can be reserved for data signals (e.g., in compliance with the G.hn protocol) from about 2 to about 200 MHz. For another example, the set of time-varying signal frequencies 516 can be reserved for data signals in compliance with the Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) protocol from about 1.2 to about 1.5 GHz. For yet another example, the sets of time-varying signal frequencies 514 and 516 can be reserved for analog radio frequency signals, where the signal frequency set 514 includes frequencies from about 0.6 to about 1.0 GHz, and the signal frequency set 518 can be reserved for signal frequencies from about 1.7 to about 6.0 GHz.

[0126] The signal frequency range 520, which can distinguish between signal frequencies, includes a DC signal 521, a first set of time-varying signal frequencies 522, a second set of time-varying signal frequencies 524, a third set of time-varying signal frequencies 526, and a fourth set of time-varying signal frequencies 529. The guard band 523 represents a relatively broad spectrum guard band (e.g., devoid of signals) between signals 522 and 524. The guard band 525 represents a relatively narrow spectrum guard band (e.g., devoid of signals) between signals 524 and 526. The sharp guard band 527 separates the signal sets 526 and 529. The guard band 527 can have a width of a single frequency, a width of less than 10 signal frequencies, or have a zero frequency range (thus the signal sets 526 and 529 can be in contact with each other). The time-varying signal 529 can be separated from the set of time-varying signal frequencies 530 by a notch guard band 528 (e.g., devoid of signals). The signals in a signal frequency set can have the same amplitude throughout the signal frequency set (e.g., 529). The signals in a signal frequency set can have varying amplitudes (e.g., including an amplitude rise, an amplitude plateau, and an amplitude fall, as shown in 502). The slopes of the rise and fall can have the same absolute value. The slopes of the rise and fall have different absolute values. A signal frequency set can be a frequency window in which a set of signal frequencies can be transmitted along a transmission line (e.g., a coaxial cable). The transmission frequencies (e.g., of a media-dependent communication) can follow a communication standard permitted in the jurisdiction. Maintaining and / or facilitating a frequency domain division (e.g., a frequency window or a signal frequency set) can include utilizing one or more signal filters. For example, facilitating a wide guard band (e.g., 503) division can require a less precise (e.g., and less expensive) filter, while a filter to facilitate a narrow band gap (e.g., 527 and 528) and / or a short band gap (e.g., 525) division or a narrow frequency domain division requires a higher precision.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the network infrastructure can include one or more network adapters. The network adapters can be configured to tap electrical power and data (e.g., G.hn and / or MoCA formatted data) at various locations in the horizontal data plane portion of the network. In some embodiments, the network adapters are coupled to respective branch cables (also referred to as branch lines) and / or network buses (also referred to as backbone lines) in the cable network. As referred to herein, the cable network can include one or more network buses.

[0128] In some embodiments, the network adapter is configured to provide signals and / or electrical power to downstream targets, such as devices (e.g., end nodes associated with respective branch lines). The signals can include digital data, such as Ethernet data. In such embodiments, the network adapter functions as a 100 megabit (Mbit) and / or 1000 Mbit Ethernet adapter. Alternatively or additionally, the network adapter can be configured to provide electrical power (e.g., DC power) to downstream targets, such as devices. The electrical power can be at a voltage of at least about 24 volts (V), 48 V, or 96 V. The electrical power can be at a voltage of at most about 24 V, 48 V, or 96 V. End nodes coupled to the network adapter can receive electrical power from the connected network adapter, and / or receive and transmit data through the connected network adapter. For example, a digitized building element (e.g., including a tunable color window) can: (i) be connected to a network adapter, and (ii) be configured to receive data and electrical power from the connected network adapter. The digitized building element can include one or more sensors. The sensors can be coupled to the network infrastructure, such as through the connected network adapter. Nodes that can use electrical power and / or data network communications (including high data rate communications) can be coupled to the network infrastructure, such as via the network adapter. The cable system and at least a portion of the components thereof can support electrical power of at least about 50 watts (W), 100 W, 200 W, 400 W, 600 W, 1000 W, or 5000 W.

[0129] In some embodiments, the cable network can include or be operatively coupled to a network adapter. The network adapter can include one or more network components for distributing electrical power internally and / or externally. For example, the network adapter can include one or more network components for processing (e.g., DC) electrical power. The electrical power can be AC or DC power. The power processing network components can include one or more (e.g., DC-DC) converters. The network includes DC-AC, AC-DC, AC-AC, or DC-DC converters. The converters can be operatively coupled to the network adapter or can be part of the network adapter. The DC-DC converters can be configured to convert a DC voltage received from the network bus to a different voltage (e.g., a higher voltage and / or a lower voltage). The DC-DC converters can include one or more electronic converters, such as a step-down (e.g., buck) converter and / or a step-up (e.g., boost) converter. The output of the DC-DC converters in the network adapter can be used internally by the network adapter (e.g., to power internal network components such as processors, interfaces, and controllers, etc.) and / or externally (e.g., to power end nodes). The network adapter can provide electrical power to one or more end nodes, for example, through an adapter or connector. For example, the network adapter can provide DC power to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch, coupler, and / or injector. The Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch, coupler, and / or injector can provide DC power to end nodes, for example, through twisted-pair Ethernet cables. The DC processing network components can include one or more filters and / or power conditioning devices. For example, the DC processing network components can include one or more inductors configured to block time-varying signals between the end nodes, the network bus, and / or the DC-DC converters.

[0130] A network adapter can include network components for processing data communications. For example, a network adapter can include a processor, an interface for coupling to a network bus, and / or one or more interfaces for coupling to end nodes. These network components can receive and / or generate (e.g., internally, by one or more (e.g., DC-DC) converters) one or more (e.g., DC) signals (e.g., and be powered thereby) received from the network bus. The interface for coupling to the network bus can encode and decode data communicated on the network bus. When the network bus utilizes a data protocol (e.g., a G.Hn protocol or a MoCA protocol), the interface for coupling to the network bus can be a data interface (also referred to as a data controller). For example, when the network bus utilizes a G.Hn protocol (as an example), the interface for coupling to the network bus can be a G.Hn interface (also referred to as a G.Hn controller). For example, the interface for coupling to one or more end nodes can include: (i) a data and / or electrical power interface, and (ii) a building element interface. For example, a general purpose data and / or electrical power interface can be an Ethernet interface or an Ethernet Power over Ethernet interface. The Ethernet interface and the Ethernet Power over Ethernet interface can be referred to as an Ethernet and an Ethernet Power over Ethernet controller, respectively. For example, the building element interface can include a window controller (which is a local controller). The window controller may, for example, provide one or more signals for an adjustable tint window effect to adjust a tint of an adjustable tint window, e.g., in response to a tint command. The tint command can be generated internally by the window controller (e.g., in response to logic programmed into the window controller) or received from a higher level window controller in the controller hierarchy via the network bus. The window controller may, for example, receive signals from the adjustable tint window and / or from any connected sensors. The connected sensors can be associated with sensed environmental conditions (e.g., weather conditions, such as sunny and / or overcast) and / or a tint state of the adjustable tint window. The window controller can use such signals internally (e.g., in generating the tint command) or can communicate such signals to other network components, e.g., via the network bus.

[0131] The network adapter can have a relatively small chassis or footprint. A basic length scale can be a width, length, height, diameter of a circle, or diameter of a bounding circle, and can be abbreviated herein as "FLS." The basic length scale of the network adapter can be at most about 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, or 50 cm. The FLS of the network adapter can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., about 1 cm to about 50 cm, about 1 cm to about 10 cm, or about 10 cm to about 50 cm). In some embodiments, none of the dimensions is greater than about 12 inches or greater than about 10 inches. For example, the network adapter can have dimensions of about 1.5 inches x about 0.75 inches x about 6 inches. In certain embodiments, the network adapter fits in at least a portion of a window frame (e.g., mullion and / or transom), wall, floor, and / or other architectural structure. It can be directly connected to one or more cables (e.g., wires) that provide electrical power and data and / or cellular communication, e.g., from a headend or control panel. It can be connected to a window or any other target. The target can include an Internet of Things (IoT) device, e.g., a digitized building element. The control panel can include circuitry disposed on one or more electronic boards. The control panel can include connections to electrical and / or optical lines. The control panel, device collection, edge distribution shelf, and / or switch can all be housed in one enclosure. The enclosure can include transparent or non-transparent portions. The enclosure can include a hardened material (e.g., an elemental metal, a metal alloy, a polymer, a resin, a glass, or an allotrope of elemental carbon). The enclosure can include a composite material. The enclosure can have one or more perforations. The enclosure can have a window and / or door. The enclosure can have a cover. The cover can snap (e.g., in a reversible manner) to the body of the enclosure.

[0132] In some embodiments, the network adapter includes frequency shifting capability. For example, the network adapter can transmit and / or receive signals over (e.g., coaxial) cables that have been shifted in frequency. An interface, controller, or other element: (i) can shift signals transmitted from the network adapter, and / or (ii) can reverse the shifting of signals entering the network adapter via a network bus (e.g., branch circuit). With this type of arrangement (e.g., using a frequency shifting component), signal protocols having overlapping frequency windows can be utilized without interference. For example, control-related signals and / or media-related signals (e.g., according to MoCA protocols and 4G and / or 5G signals) can be overlapping when unshifted, and non-overlapping when shifted by a network component, e.g., a network adapter, distribution tap, and / or control panel (e.g., headend) having frequency shifting capability.

[0133] Figure 6An example of a network adapter 600 is shown. On the upstream side (e.g., the side facing the control panel) of the network adapter 600, a connector (not shown) taps into a (e.g., coaxial) cable 605 (e.g., a network bus) having a ground shield and an inner conductor. Electrical power and data can be carried by the (e.g., coaxial) cable. Examples of connectors to (e.g., coaxial) cables are described herein (see, e.g., the discussion of the distribution tap 310 of Figure 3

[0134] On the downstream side (e.g., the side facing away from the control panel) of the network adapter, a connector (or other interface) is provided for delivering electrical power and data to (i) a connector 619 and (ii) a local controller 621. The connector 619 provides power and data transfer capabilities. The connector 619 can be an Ethernet connector with Power over Ethernet capabilities. The connector 619 can provide 100 Base Ethernet and / or 1000 Base Ethernet connectivity. The connector 619 can be an RJ45 connector. The connector 621 can be configured to be coupled to a target, such as a light switchable window (e.g., an IGU having one or more electrochromic devices disposed on one or more window panes of the IGU). The connector 619 can be a (e.g., coaxial) cable connector (e.g., an RG series connector or a BNC series connector).

[0135] Electrical (e.g., DC) power from the (e.g., coaxial) cable is split at a point 629. The electrical power then passes through an inductor choke 607 to a wire (e.g., cable) 609. The inductor choke 607 allows DC current to pass while attenuating (e.g., blocking) time-varying communication signal components (e.g., control-related data, media-related data, and / or antenna signals). Some of the DC current on the wire 609 is provided to a DC / DC converter 611 (also referred to as a DC-to-DC converter). The DC / DC converter 611 is configured to provide DC power at a configured voltage for internal operation of the network adapter. The DC power can be used by one or more processors and other targets (e.g., elements) within or coupled to the network adapter, including the PoE power injection circuit 617, the local (e.g., window) controller 621, the interface 623, the (e.g., Ethernet) controller 625, and the processor 627.

[0136] ​Some of the DC current on line 609 is provided to DC / DC converter 613. DC / DC converter 613 can be a (e.g., 48V) restoration circuit. DC / DC converter 613 is configured to modify (e.g., raise or reduce, as needed) the DC voltage received from line (e.g., cable) 605 to a specified voltage (e.g., 48 volts). Inductor 615 is coupled between DC / DC converter 613 and Power over Ethernet circuit. Inductor 615 smooths the DC voltage provided by DC / DC converter 613 and attenuates (e.g., blocks) time-varying signals from flowing to DC / DC converter 613. Network adapter 600 is configured such that the current on the branch containing the specified voltage (e.g., 48 volts) restoration circuit - DC / DC converter 613 - and inductor 615 is delivered to Power over Ethernet circuit 617, which is configured to enable electrical power to be transmitted on a physical line (e.g., which can carry Ethernet formatted data). Power over Ethernet circuit 617 is electrically connected to connector 619, enabling current to be delivered at the specified voltage (e.g., 48 volts) to one or more end devices connected with connector 619.

[0137] Downstream of point 629 is interface 623, which is bidirectionally coupled to line (e.g., coaxial cable) 605. Interface 623 is configured to encode and decode data according to a communications (e.g., G.hn or MoCA) protocol. Interface 623 is configured to: (i) decode or otherwise interpret communications (e.g., G.hn) data received from line (e.g., coaxial cable) 605, and (ii) encode or otherwise format data. Data is provided: (A) via controller 625 and / or 621, and / or (B) generated internally (e.g., by processor 627 and / or local (e.g., window) controller 621), for upstream transmission via line (e.g., coaxial cable) 605 using the communications protocol signals (e.g., G.hn).

[0138] The (e.g., Ethernet) controller 625 is bidirectionally coupled to the communication (e.g., G.hn) interface 623. The (e.g., Ethernet) controller 625 is bidirectionally coupled to the connector 619. The (e.g., Ethernet) controller 625 is configured to provide data in an appropriate physical layer format for subsequent transmission, such as an Ethernet transmission. For example, the (e.g., Ethernet) controller 625 can be configured to decode Ethernet data from the connector 619 (e.g., end node) and / or provide unencoded data to the communication (e.g., G.hn) interface 623 for subsequent upstream transmission. The (e.g., Ethernet) controller 625 can be configured to: (i) receive data from the interface 623, (ii) encode the data in an Ethernet physical layer format, and (iii) provide the encoded data to the connector 619. The Ethernet controller 625 can provide data in a physical layer format suitable for transmission to an end node (e.g., an Ethernet node).

[0139] The processor 627 (e.g., including a microprocessor) is bidirectionally coupled to the communication (e.g., G.hn) interface 623 and the PoE circuit 617. The processor 627 can be configured to provide any one or more of a variety of functions for a node connected to the connector 619 and / or the local (e.g., window) controller 621. Examples of such functions include sensor data interpretation, tint commands for electrochromic windows, power delivery negotiation (e.g., through the connector 619), and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 627 is configured to provide computing capabilities for a device, such as a sensor, transmitter, or any other device disclosed herein (e.g., an Internet of Things (IoT) function, such as an IoT function for a digitized building element). Examples of building elements, their capabilities, uses as part of a (e.g., control) network, and the (e.g., control) network can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 447,169, filed June 20, 2019, and titled “SENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE WINDOW SYSTEMS,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For example, the processor 627 (or any other element in the network adapter 600) can be configured to limit electrical power consumed by a terminal device through the connector 619, such as to a predetermined electrical power limit (the power consumption limit can be up to about 1 watt, 5 watts, or 10 watts). The limit to the predetermined power consumption limit lasts at least until a higher level of power consumption is negotiated (e.g., and approved) with the processor 627 and / or control panel. After the power consumption negotiation, the processor 627 can permit the terminal device to exceed the predetermined limit and / or consume the negotiated amount of power.

[0140] As indicated herein, the Power over Ethernet circuit 617 is bidirectionally coupled to the connector 619 to transmit and / or receive data. The Power over Ethernet circuit 617 is coupled to the processor 627 to enable direct and / or indirect bidirectional communication between an end node (e.g., a target) coupled to 619 and the processor 627. The network adapter 600 is configured to make processing resources (of the processor 627) available to a downstream node.

[0141] An optional local (e.g., window) controller 621 is bidirectionally coupled to the microprocessor 627 and the cable 622 (e.g., a window cable). In some embodiments, the local (e.g., window) controller 621 is configured to perform some or all of the functions of a window controller (also referred to herein as a local controller). For example, the local controller 621 is a window controller configured to receive tint transition instructions from a control panel, generate and provide to an electrochromic device (i) a tint transition voltage and / or current profile, (ii) receive and / or process sensor readings, and / or (iii) receive current and / or voltage readings from the electrochromic device. Examples of the functions of a local (e.g., window) controller are provided in the following U.S. published patent applications: (1) 13 / 449,248, filed April 17, 2012, entitled CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS; (2) 13 / 449,251, filed April 17, 2012, entitled CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS; (3) 15 / 334,835, filed October 26, 2016, entitled CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES; and (4) 15 / 334,832, filed October 26, 2016, entitled CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0142] In at least some embodiments, a control panel is provided that functions as a distribution hub. The control panel can provide one or more links to other control panels in a data plane (e.g., vertical and / or horizontal) of a building. The control panel can include a network switch, such as an Ethernet switch, configured to communicate between control panels. The control panels can be disposed in the same floor or in different floors. For example, the network switch can be configured to communicate between control panels of different floors of a building. For example, the control panel can include a network switch configured to provide network communication (e.g., Ethernet communication) between control panels (e.g., disposed within a floor and / or between floors) at a data rate of at least about 100 megabits / second (Mbit / s), 500 Mbit / s, 1 gigabit / second (Gbit / s), or 10 Gbit / s. The installed control panel can be connected to fiber optic for inter-floor and / or intra-floor communication.

[0143] In some embodiments, each floor of a building has at least one control panel. In some cases, each floor of a building has at least one control panel. In some cases, at least one floor of a building has at least two control panels. In certain embodiments, each floor of a building has less than one control panel (e.g., at least one floor of a building has no control panel). In certain embodiments, a control panel is located in a elevator shaft (pier) area or another area (e.g., a shaft) that has dedicated mechanical and / or electrical control devices and / or other infrastructure (e.g., a power distribution room with circuit breakers). In certain embodiments, a control panel of a floor is connected to a master controller. The master controller can be disposed in a building. For example, the master controller can be disposed in a basement of a building, or in a certain dedicated area (e.g., a bottom or top floor) of a building. The master controller can be a master control panel. The master control panel can have more computing resources (e.g., processing power and memory and storage capacity) than other control panels in a control system (e.g., than any other control panel in a control system). In some embodiments, the master control panel is networked with the rest of the control panels in a redundant manner (e.g., with two or more fiber optic cables) such that a failure of a single link does not cause any control panel to be disconnected from the network. In some embodiments, the master control panel has wired and / or wireless connections to a cellular network, a backhaul network, the Internet, an extranet, and / or a network in communication with the Internet. In some embodiments, the master controller is located outside of a building. In some embodiments, the master controller is located in the cloud.

[0144] The control panel can include a gateway for the horizontal data plane. In certain embodiments, the control panel is configured to communicate with nodes on the horizontal data plane via (e.g., coaxial) cable. In certain embodiments, the control panel is configured to communicate with nodes on the horizontal data plane via cable (e.g., twisted pair copper cable). The control panel can be configured to implement a linear, star, or circular network topology. The control panel can be configured to implement point-to-multipoint communication. The control panel can be configured to communicate with one or more targets (e.g., nodes) on the horizontal and / or vertical data plane using a particular physical and / or link layer protocol (e.g., G.hn protocol and / or MoCA). The G.hn protocol can allow for transmission of data over any wire medium. Data rates within the G.hn protocol can range from about 100 megabits / second to about 1.7 gigabits / second. The G.hn protocol can utilize signals from about 2 MHz to about 200 MHz. The G.hn protocol implemented here can tolerate imperfect cable (e.g., cable formed by tapping a bus into a branch line via a distribution tap).

[0145] In some embodiments, the control panel includes at least one communication headend. For example, the control panel can include a MoCA and / or G.hn headend. The headend can be configured to determine the physical topology of the horizontal and / or vertical data plane based at least in part on a distribution of the (e.g., electrical) power spectrum provided at the headend. Notches in the power spectrum can be produced by nodes of the network. The size and location of the notches in the power spectrum can correspond to the physical topology of the network served by the headend. The communication (e.g., G.hn) headend can be configured to identify portions of its allocated spectrum to use for communication, for example, to avoid inadvertently using low power portions of the spectrum. In certain embodiments, communication (e.g., G.hn) data is transmitted in a point-to-multipoint fashion over the horizontal and / or vertical data plane. In some embodiments, a master node (G.hn headend) sends data to a plurality of slave nodes (end nodes on the horizontal and / or vertical data plane). In certain embodiments, the slave nodes do not directly communicate with each other. In certain embodiments, the slave nodes directly communicate with each other.

[0146] In some embodiments, (e.g., horizontal) data plane infrastructure, including control panels, coaxial cables, and network adapters, is used to provide electrical power to nodes in the network. In some embodiments, electrical power (e.g., provided at approximately 48 volts DC) is injected into cables (e.g., coaxial cables) used for (e.g., horizontal) the data plane. In some embodiments, the control panel includes a power manager. The power manager can be configured to control the distribution of power to individual network adapters and / or end nodes on the network. Power can be provided to individual network adapters or other nodes according to protocols implemented in the power manager. In some protocols, end nodes will not be allowed to draw power at any time. Various criteria can be employed to determine the timing and / or amount of electrical power delivered to individual nodes or network adapters on the network. Such criteria may include, for example, ensuring that the total power delivered to the system does not exceed a certain threshold, such as a threshold set for a specific electrical standard within a jurisdiction (e.g., 100 W for a U.S. Category 2 network). In some embodiments, one or more end nodes connected to the network cannot draw power (or can only draw a limited amount of power) until they negotiate the power with the power manager. For power negotiation and / or network authentication purposes, the power manager or another network component can form a virtual network with end nodes.

[0147] In some embodiments, the power management protocol employs a defined set of communications between the power manager and one or more network adapters or nodes. For example, a network adapter may issue a power request, while the power manager may issue an information request. Data containing power delivery timing and / or conditions may be sent from the power manager before actual power delivery. In some embodiments, such communication is provided using a communication protocol (e.g., G.hn). Power over Ethernet (PoE) can be implemented through its own protocol. In some embodiments, regardless of whether a Power over Ethernet protocol is used, a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is employed to provide relevant communications for power management.

[0148] Figure 7 An example of a control panel 700 is depicted. The control panel 700 includes a pair of switches 701 and 702. Switches 701 and 702 are coupled to an optical fiber 710. The optical fiber 710 can be connected to other control panels in the network (either on the same floor of the building or on other floors). For example, the optical fiber 710 may contain optical fibers, such as... Figure 2 Switches 204, 213, 215, and 217. Switches 701 and 702 are also coupled to Ethernet cable 712. Ethernet cable 712 is coupled to devices within control panel 700 (e.g., located on a floor of control panel 700) and control components. Control panel 700 also includes floor controller 703. Floor controller 703 can control multiple local (e.g., window and / or sensor) controllers (e.g., see...). Figure 1(Discussion of network controller 106). Control panel 700 also includes first and second communications (in... Figure 7 The abbreviation is "comm." (e.g., G.hn). Communication heads 704 and 705 are coupled to multiple network bus cables 714, which may be coaxial cables. Communication heads 704 and 705 can (e.g., simultaneously) provide electrical (e.g., DC) power and multiple distinguishable time-varying signals via network bus cables 714. For example, the network bus cable contains... Figure 2 The control panel 700 includes (e.g., coaxial) power and / or communication cables 259, 261, and 263. For example, communication headers 704 and 705 may contain preamplifiers and / or amplifiers. The control panel 700 also includes an electrical power distribution unit (PDU) 706. PDU 706 can be used as a power strip for connecting to a network. Control components within the control panel 700, including switches 701 and 702, floor controllers 703, and / or communication headers 704 and 705, can receive power through PDU 706. PDU 706 can provide network-based remote monitoring of the power usage of connected targets (e.g., devices). PDU 706 can provide network-based remote control of the distribution of power (e.g., electronics) to individual powered targets (e.g., components). Therefore, PDU 706 can be used to remotely connect and disconnect various targets (e.g., components) receiving power through 706, individually or in any combination.

[0149] In some embodiments, an enclosed area (e.g., a building) may contain edge distribution frames distributed throughout the enclosed area. The edge distribution frame may contain one or more antennas, modems, and / or one or more radio devices configured to provide wireless communication connectivity to at least a portion of the enclosed area. The edge distribution frame (hereinafter referred to as "EDF") may be coupled to a control panel (e.g., a control panel on a corresponding floor). The edge distribution frame may communicate electrically and / or data with the control panel. For example, one or more (e.g., combined) cables comprising current-conducting communication cables and / or one or more optical fibers may be provided. The current-conducting cables may transmit electrical power (e.g., from the control panel to the edge distribution frame). The current-conducting communication cables and / or optical fibers may transmit analog signals and / or digital data between the control panel and the edge distribution frame. The edge distribution frame may provide wireless communication capabilities (e.g., including cellular communication and / or Wi-Fi®) in their vicinity. The edge distribution frames may form a network (e.g., on some or all floors of a building) that may overlap with other cable networks (e.g., coaxial cables containing line networks providing wired and / or wireless connectivity).

[0150] Figure 8An example of a closed area 800 (e.g., a floor of a building) containing a network of edge distribution frames (EDFs) is depicted. As Figure 8 As shown in the example of FIG. 8, a network of EDFs 802a-e can be distributed across a closed area (e.g., a floor of a building). The EDFs 802a-e can contain antennas, modems, and / or radios and can provide wireless connectivity (e.g., cellular and / or Wi-Fi® connectivity) to detect signals from most (e.g., all) floors of the building. The EDFs 802a-e can be in electrical and / or data communication with a control panel 850. The EDFs 802a-e are coupled to the control panel 850 via respective cables 802a-e. The links (e.g., cables) 804a-e can be combined cables containing current-carrying conductors and data communications (e.g., coaxial cables or a combination of electrical cables with one or more optical fibers), thus providing electrical power and data connectivity to the EDFs 802a-e. As Figure 8 As depicted in FIG. 8, the closed area contains other cable networks, which can include coaxial cable-based networks. In particular, the closed area contains (e.g., coaxial) cables 806a-c that provide connectivity to end targets (e.g., devices 808). The (e.g., coaxial) cables 806a-c are dispersed throughout at least a portion (e.g., all) of the closed area, and their reception zones spatially overlap with a portion of the service areas of the EDFs 802a-e. Figure 8 A remote radio head (RRH) 810 is depicted. The remote radio head can be, for example, a cellular antenna or radio mounted to the exterior of the closed area. Thus, the remote radio head can provide connectivity to networks outside of the closed area. The RRH 810 can be connected to the control panel 850 via an ID 812 and a link (e.g., cable) 814. The link (e.g., cable) 814 can be a combined cable containing current-carrying conductors and / or communication transmission cables, such as coaxial cables or optical fibers. The ID 812 can contain radios, amplifiers, preamplifiers, switches, and / or other network devices that support the RRH 810.

[0151] A communication network of a building can contain a vertically oriented network portion (e.g., a vertical data plane) that connects network components of multiple floors. For example, the network components can contain control panels disposed at separate floors, and the vertical data plane can redundantly connect the control panels together.

[0152] Figure 9 An example of a vertically oriented network 900 with redundancy is shown. In Figure 9In the example of FIG. 9, control panels 901a-901d each reside on a different floor of a building, with the control panels redundantly interconnected. Specifically, control panel 901a is connected to control panels 901b and 901d, control panel 901b is connected to control panels 901a and 901c, control panel 901c is connected to control panels 901d and 901b, and control panel 901d is connected to control panels 901a and 901c. Some or all of the connections between the control panels are themselves redundant (e.g., formed by a pair of optical fibers (or other cabling medium)). Network 900 also includes a cellular modem 902, which connects the network to an external cellular network. Network 900 includes redundant connections to infrastructure 904 (e.g., another network, whether inside or outside the enclosed area in which network 900 is disposed).

[0153] In some embodiments, a network can have multiple control panels on multiple building floors. Thus, a single floor can have a horizontal data plane (e.g., a network of coaxial bus and edge data frames) that is served by two or more control panels. An example of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 10 Figure 10 As shown, a first floor of the building includes control panels 1001a and 1001b, which are coupled together with a pair of wires (e.g., optical fibers) to provide redundancy. A second floor of the building includes control panels 1001c and 1001d, a third floor of the building includes control panels 1001e and 1001f, and a fourth floor of the building includes control panels 1001g and 1001h. Control panels 1001a-h are coupled to infrastructure 1004 (e.g., another network, whether inside or outside the enclosed area in which network 1000 is disposed). In Figure 10 In the example of FIG. 10, a first set of control panels (e.g., including control panels 1001a, 1001c, 1001e, and 1001g) form a first vertically-oriented network with redundant connections (as shown). A second set of control panels (e.g., including control panels 1001b, 1001d, 1001f, and 1001h) form a second vertically-oriented network with redundant connections (as shown). In Figure 10 One benefit of arranging the vertical connections in this manner is that the connections of the two sets of control panels can be made in separate risers within the building.

[0154] Figure 11 Examples of FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show additional arrangements of building network infrastructure. Figure 11 ​A shows an example of control panel panels 1101a-d connected together using a redundant ring. Specifically, there are two vertical links between control panels of adjacent floors, and two vertical links between control panels of the top and bottom floors. In addition, control panel 1101a is redundantly connected to infrastructure 1104 (e.g., another network, whether inside or outside of the enclosed area in which network 900 is disposed). A first floor of the building contains control panel 1101a, a second floor of the building contains control panel 1101b, a third floor of the building contains control panel 1101c, and a fourth floor of the building contains control panel 1101d. Figure 11 B shows an example in which each floor of the building contains two control panels and there are two redundant rings of the vertical data plane. Specifically, control panel panels 1102a-d are connected together by a first redundant ring, while control panel panels 1102e-h are connected together by a second redundant ring. A first floor of the building contains control panels 1102a and 1102e, a second floor of the building contains control panels 1102b and 1102f, a third floor of the building contains control panels 1102c and 1102g, and a fourth floor of the building contains control panels 1102d and 1102h. Control panel panels 1102a-d are redundantly connected to infrastructure 1104. Control panel panels 1102e-h are redundantly connected to infrastructure 1104. Control panel panels 1102e-h are redundantly connected to control panel panels 1102a-d. Figure 11C shows an example in which each floor of a building contains two control panels, there is one redundant loop in the vertical data pathway, and there is a redundant loop in some (e.g., all) floors of the building. Specifically, control panels 1103a-d are connected together by a redundant loop in the vertical data plane. Additionally, pairs of control panels 1103a and 1103e, 1103b and 1103f, 1103c and 1103g, and 1103d and 1103h are connected together by respective redundant loops in the horizontal data plane. The first floor of the building contains control panels 1103a and 1103e, the second floor of the building contains control panels 1103b and 1103f, the third floor of the building contains control panels 1103c and 1103g, and the fourth floor of the building contains control panels 1103d and 1103h. Control panel 1102a is redundantly connected to both control panel 1103e and infrastructure 1104; control panel 1103b is redundantly connected to both control panel 1103f and infrastructure 1104; control panel 1103c is redundantly connected to both control panel 1103g and infrastructure 1104; and control panel 1103d is redundantly connected to both control panel 1103h and infrastructure 1104. In various embodiments, the network infrastructure supports a control system for one or more windows, such as electrochromic (e.g., tintable) windows. The control system can include one or more controllers that are operatively (e.g., directly or indirectly) coupled to the one or more windows. Although the disclosed embodiments describe electrochromic windows (also referred to herein as "light switchable windows," "tunable windows," or "smart windows"), the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including, for example, liquid crystal devices or suspended particle devices. For example, liquid crystal devices and / or suspended particle devices can be implemented as an alternative to or in addition to electrochromic devices.

[0155] In some embodiments, the color-tunable exhibits (e.g., controllable and / or reversible) changes in at least one optical property of the window, e.g., when a stimulus is applied. The stimulus can include optical, electrical, and / or magnetic stimuli. For example, the stimulus can include applying a voltage. The one or more color-tunable windows can be used to control lighting and / or glare conditions, e.g., by adjusting the transmission of solar energy propagating through them. The one or more color-tunable windows can be used to control temperature within a building, e.g., by adjusting the transmission of solar energy propagating through them. By controlling solar energy, the heat load applied inside a facility (e.g., a building) can be controlled. The control can be manual and / or automatic. The control can be used to maintain one or more requested (e.g., environmental) conditions, e.g., user comfort. The control can include reducing energy consumption of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and / or lighting system. At least two of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be controlled by separate systems. At least two of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be controlled by one system. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be controlled by a single system (abbreviated herein as "HVAC"). In some cases, the color-tunable windows can be responsive to one or more environmental sensors and / or user controls. The color-tunable windows can comprise (e.g., can be) electrochromic windows. The windows can be located within a range from the interior to the exterior of a structure (e.g., a building or other facility). But need not be. The color-tunable windows can operate using liquid crystal devices, suspended particle devices, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (e.g., microshutters), or any technology now known or later developed configured to control light transmission through the window. Windows having MEMS devices for color-tuning are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 443,353, filed May 15, 2015, and entitled "MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES," and incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. In some cases, the one or more color-tunable windows can be located within a building, e.g., between a conference room and a hallway. In some cases, the one or more color-tunable windows can be used in cars, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles, e.g., in place of passive and / or non-color-tunable windows.

[0156] In some embodiments, the tintable window includes an electrochromic device (referred to herein as an "EC device" (abbreviated herein as ECD) or "EC"). The EC device can include at least one coating that includes at least one layer. The at least one layer can include an electrochromic material. In some embodiments, the electrochromic material exhibits a change from one optical state to another optical state, for example, when an electrical potential is applied across the EC device. The electrochromic layer can be transitioned from one optical state to another optical state, for example, by reversibly, semi-reversibly, or irreversibly intercalating ions into the electrochromic material (e.g., by intercalation), and correspondingly injecting charge balancing electrons. The electrochromic layer can be transitioned from one optical state to another optical state, for example, by reversibly intercalating ions into the electrochromic material (e.g., by intercalation), and correspondingly injecting charge balancing electrons. Reversibility can last for the expected lifetime of the ECD. Semi-reversibility refers to a measurable (e.g., noticeable) decrease in the reversibility of the window tint over one or more tint cycles. In some cases, a portion of the ions responsible for the optical transition are irreversibly bound in the electrochromic material (e.g., so the resulting (altered) tint state of the window cannot return to its original tint state). In various EC devices, at least some (e.g., all) of the irreversibly bound ions can serve to compensate for "blind charge" in the material (e.g., ECD).

[0157] In some embodiments, suitable ions include cations. The cations can include lithium ions (Li+) and / or hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some embodiments, other ions can be suitable. The cations can intercalate into (e.g., metal) oxides. Changes in the intercalation state of ions (e.g., cations) in the oxides can cause a visible change in the tint (e.g., color) of the oxides. For example, the oxides can transition from a colorless state to a colored state. For example, lithium ion intercalation into tungsten oxide (WO 3-y (0 < y < ~0.3)) can cause tungsten oxide to change from a transparent state to a colored (e.g., blue) state. The EC device coatings described herein are located within the viewable portion of the tintable window, such that the optical state of the tintable window can be controlled by tinting the EC device coatings.

[0158] Examples of electrochromic devices fabricated without depositing a different ionic conductor material can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 462,725, filed May 2, 2012, and entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the EC device coating can include one or more additional layers, such as one or more passive layers. Passive layers can be used to improve certain optical properties, provide moisture resistance, and / or provide scratch resistance. These and / or other passive layers can be used to hermetically seal the EC stack (e.g., 1220). Various layers, including the transparent conductive layer, can be treated with anti-reflective and / or protective layers (e.g., oxide and / or nitride layers).

[0159] In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device is configured to cycle (e.g., substantially) between a transparent state and a colored state in a reversible manner. The reversibility can be sustained for the expected lifetime of the ECD. The expected lifetime can be at least about 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 25 years, 50 years, 75 years, or 100 years. The expected lifetime can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., about 5 years to about 100 years, about 5 years to about 50 years, or about 50 years to about 100 years). An electric potential can be applied to the electrochromic stack such that when the window is in a first tint state (e.g., transparent), the available ions in the electrochromic material that can cause the material to be in a colored state primarily reside in the counter electrode. When the electric potential applied to the electrochromic stack is reversed, the ions can be transported across the ion conducting layer to the electrochromic material and cause the material to enter a second tint state (e.g., colored state).

[0160] It should be understood that reference to a transition between a transparent state and a colored state is non-limiting, and is merely one example of an electrochromic transition that can be implemented, among many examples. Unless otherwise specified, whenever reference is made herein to a colorless-to-colored transition, the corresponding device or process encompasses other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective-to-reflective transitions and / or transparent-to-opaque transitions. In some embodiments, the terms "transparent" and "bleached" refer to an optically neutral state, such as uncolored, transparent, and / or translucent. In some embodiments, the "color" or "tint" of an electrochromic transition is not limited to any wavelength or range of wavelengths. The selection of appropriate electrochromic material and counter electrode material can determine the associated optical transition (e.g., from a colored state to an uncolored state).

[0161] In certain embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the materials that make up an electrochromic stack are inorganic, solid (e.g., in a solid state), or both inorganic and solid. Because various organic materials tend to degrade over time, particularly when exposed to heat and UV light, as is the case with tinted building windows, inorganic materials have the advantage that a reliable electrochromic stack can function for a long period of time. In some embodiments, materials that are in a solid state have the advantage of minimal contamination and minimal leakage problems, as do liquid materials at times. One or more layers in a stack can contain an amount (e.g., a measurable amount) of organic material. An ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) can contain little or no measurable organic material. An ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) can contain one or more liquids that can be present in a minimal amount. Minimal can be at most about 100 ppm, 10 ppm, or 1 ppm of the ECD. Solid state materials can be deposited (or otherwise formed) using one or more processes that employ a liquid component, such as certain processes that employ sol-gel, physical vapor deposition, and / or chemical vapor deposition.

[0162] In some embodiments, an IGU includes two (or more) substantially transparent substrates. For example, an IGU can include two glass panes. At least one substrate of an IGU can include an electrochromic device disposed thereon. A spacer can be disposed between the one or more panes of an IGU. An IGU can be hermetically sealed, e.g., such that an interior region is isolated from the ambient environment. A window assembly can include an IGU. A window assembly can include a (e.g., standalone) laminate. A window assembly can include one or more electrical leads, e.g., for connecting an IGU and / or laminate. Electrical leads can operatively couple (e.g., connect) one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, switch, etc., and can include a frame that supports an IGU or laminate. A window assembly can include a window controller and / or components (e.g., docks) of a window controller.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU is cuboid. In some embodiments, other (e.g., geometric) shapes are possible. The shape of the first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU can include circular, elliptical, triangular, curvilinear, convex, and / or concave. The first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU can include a bend. The first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU can be free of a bend. The first pane, the second pane, and / or the IGU can include one or more straight edge portions. The FLS of a pane can be at least 1 foot (ft), 2 ft, 3 ft, 5 ft, 10 ft, 20 ft, 30 ft, 40 ft, 50 ft, 60 ft, 80 ft, or 100 ft. The FLS of a pane can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., about 1 ft to about 100 ft, about 1 ft to about 60 ft, or about 50 ft to about 100 ft). The FLS (abbreviated herein as “FLS”) can include a length, a width, or a diameter of a bounding circle. For example, the length “L” of the first and / or second pane can be in a range of at least about 20 inches (in.) to at most about 10 feet (ft.). For example, the width “W” of the first and / or second pane can be in a range of about 20 in. to about 10 ft. The thickness of a pane can be at least about 0.1 millimeter (mm), 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, or 50 mm. The thickness of a pane can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., about 0.1 mm to about 50 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm, or about 10 mm to about 50 mm). For example, the thickness “T” of the first and / or second pane can be in a range of about 0.3 millimeter (mm) to about 10 mm. Other FLS (e.g., length or width) or thicknesses, whether smaller or larger, are possible (e.g., can be requested) based at least in part on the needs of a particular user, manager, administrator, architect, architect, and / or owner. In examples where the thickness T of the substrate is less than about 3 mm (e.g., it is a thin substrate), the substrate can be laminated, e.g., laminated to another substrate. The other substrate can be thicker. The other substrate can protect the thin substrate. Additionally, while an IGU can include two panes, in some embodiments, an IGU can include three or more panes. In some embodiments, one or more panes can be a laminate of two, three, or more layers (or sub-panes).

[0164] In some embodiments, the first and second panes are spaced apart from each other by at least one spacer, e.g., to form an interior volume. The spacer can comprise a frame structure. In some embodiments, the interior volume is filled with a gas (e.g., argon (Ar)). In some embodiments, the interior volume can be filled with another gas, e.g., another noble gas (e.g., krypton (Kr), xenon (Xn)), another (non-noble) gas, a non-reactive gas (e.g., nitrogen), or a mixture of gases (e.g., air). Filling the interior volume with a gas can reduce conductive heat transfer through the IGU. The gas can have a low thermal conductivity. The gas can improve sound insulation. The gas can have an increased atomic weight relative to the gas in the surrounding environment (e.g., air). In some other embodiments, the gas in the interior volume can be evacuated. The interior volume can comprise a reduced pressure relative to ambient pressure. The interior volume can have a different gas composition and / or pressure than the surrounding environment (e.g., outside the IGU). The spacer(s) can determine (at least in part) the height of the interior volume (e.g., 1308), i.e., the range of spacing between the first and second panes. The FLS of the spacer can be at least about 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, or 40 mm. The FLS of the spacer can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., about 4 mm to about 25 mm, about 20 mm to about 40 mm, or about 4 mm to about 40 mm). In some embodiments, the spacing between the first and second panes is in the range of about 6 mm to about 30 mm. The width of the spacer (e.g., Figure 2 “D” in A can be in the range of about 5 mm to about 25 mm (although other widths are possible and can be desirable).

[0165] The at least one spacer can be a frame structure formed around multiple (e.g., all) sides of the IGU (e.g., the top side, bottom side, left side, and right side of the IGU). The spacer can be formed from a foam and / or plastic material. The spacer can comprise a polymer. The spacer can comprise an elemental metal or metal alloy. The spacer can comprise a tubular or channel structure. The spacer can have at least 3 sides. The spacer can have at least two sides configured to seal each of the panes. The spacer can have at least one side configured to support and / or separate the panes. The spacer can have at least one side configured to support a surface on which a sealant is applied (e.g., between the spacer and a pane). The first primary seal can be adhered to the spacer. The first primary seal can hermetically seal the spacer and a second surface (e.g., Figure 13 of the second pane (e.g., 1306). The second primary seal can be adhered to the spacer and a first surface (e.g., Figure 13S3) and / or hermetically seal them. In some embodiments, the primary seal can include an adhesive sealant, such as polyisobutylene (PIB). In some embodiments, the IGU includes a secondary seal that seals the perimeter (e.g., hermetically) around the IGU. The secondary seal can be disposed outside the spacer. The spacer can be inserted from the edges of the first and second panes, for example, by a distance that can be in the range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm (although other distances are possible and can be desirable). In some embodiments, the secondary seal can include an adhesive sealant, such as a polymeric material. The spacer material can be water resistant. The spacer material can increase structural support to the assembly. The spacer material can include silicone, polyurethane, Teflon, or a structural sealant that forms a water-tight seal.

[0166] In some embodiments, one or more controllers are operatively coupled to the window. The one or more controllers can be associated with (e.g., operatively coupled to) one or more tintable windows. The one or more controllers can be configured to control the optical state of the window, for example, by applying a stimulus to the window. The stimulus can include a voltage and / or a current, for example, to the EC device coating. The one or more controllers can have various sizes, formats, and locations relative to the light switchable windows they control. The at least one controller can be attached to a window pane or laminate of the IGU. The at least one controller can be disposed in a frame, for example, a frame that houses the IGU or laminate. The at least one controller can be disposed in a location separate from the IGU (or laminate thereof). The tintable window can include one, two, three, or more electrochromic panes (e.g., electrochromic devices on transparent substrates). Individual panes of the electrochromic window can include an electrochromic coating, for example, an electrochromic coating having independently tintable zones. The at least one controller can control at least two (e.g., all) of the electrochromic coatings associated with the window, whether the electrochromic coatings are monolithic or zoned.

[0167] In some embodiments, the window controller is located near the color tunable window (e.g., when not directly attached to the color tunable window, IGU, or frame). For example, the window controller can be adjacent to the window, on a surface of one of the window panes, within a wall immediately adjacent to the window (e.g., a wall that is abutting and / or in contact with the window), or within a frame of the window assembly. In some embodiments, the window controller is an in situ controller. In some embodiments, the in situ controller is part of the window assembly (e.g., including an IGU or laminate). The in situ controller need not be matched to the electrochromic window. The in situ controller can be installed on site (e.g., at the target location). The in situ controller can be shipped with the window (e.g., as part of the assembly). The in situ controller can be installed in the window frame of the window assembly, and / or as part of the IGU (and / or laminate) assembly. For example, the controller can be installed onto or between the window panes of the IGU. For example, the controller can be disposed on the window panes of the laminate. The controller can be a controller that is located in the visible portion of the IGU. At least a portion of the controller can be (e.g., substantially) transparent to the unaided human eye. Other examples of controllers are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 951,410, filed November 14, 2015, entitled "Self Contained EC IGU," which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The local controller can be: (i) provided as more than one component (e.g., part), (ii) provided with at least one component (e.g., containing a memory component that stores information about the associated electrochromic window), (iii) provided as part of the window assembly, and / or (iv) provided with at least one separate part. The controller can be configured to cooperate with the at least one portion of the window assembly, IGU, and / or laminate. The controller can be an assembly of interconnected components. The interconnected components can not be disposed in a single housing. The interconnected components of the controller can be disposed spaced apart (e.g., in a secondary seal of the IGU). The controller can constitute a compact unit. The compact unit can be in a single housing. The compact unit can reside in a combination of two or more separate assemblies (e.g., a docking portion and a housing assembly). The controller can be disposed in an area of the enclosed area where the controller is located that is visible or not visible to a user.

[0168] In one embodiment, a window controller is incorporated into (i) an IGU and / or (ii) a window frame. Incorporation of the controller can occur before, during, and / or after the tunable color window is installed to its target location. The controller (of the window) can be in the same facility (e.g., building) as the window is installed. For example, the controller can be incorporated into the IGU and / or window frame prior to leaving the manufacturing plant of the window and / or controller. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU (e.g., substantially within the secondary seal). In another embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU, partially, substantially, or completely within the perimeter defined by the primary seal. The perimeter can be between the sealed spacer and the substrate (e.g., window pane).

[0169] The controller can be part of the IGU and / or window assembly. For example, the controller can move with the IGU or window unit. When the controller is part of the IGU assembly, the IGU can have the logic and features of the controller.

[0170] In some embodiments, one or more properties of the electrochromic device change (e.g., decay) over time. The characterization function can be used, at least in part, to, for example, update one or more control parameters used to direct changes in the tint state of the IGU. If already installed in an electrochromic window unit, the logic and features of the controller can be used (at least in part) to calibrate the one or more control parameters to match the expected installation. If already installed, the control parameters can be recalibrated to match one or more performance characteristics of the electrochromic device.

[0171] In other embodiments, the controller is not pre-associated with the window. A docking assembly, e.g., having generic components suitable for any electrochromic window, can be associated with at least one (e.g., each) window at a factory (e.g., where the controller and / or window construction is produced). A second assembly of the controller can be combined with the docking assembly after and / or during installation (or otherwise positioning at a target location (e.g., in the field)), e.g., to complete the electrochromic window controller assembly. The docking assembly can include circuitry. The docking assembly can include a chip. The chip can be programmed at the factory. The programming of the chip can take into account (e.g., consider) one or more physical characteristics and / or parameters of the particular window to which the docking portion is attached. For example, after installation, the surface facing the interior of the building, sometimes referred to as surface 4 or “S4.” A second assembly (referred to as a “cradle,” “housing,” or “enclosure”) can mate with the docking portion. Once the second assembly mates with the docking portion, it can be powered. The second assembly can be configured to read the chip. The second assembly can configure itself to power the window, e.g., according to one or more specific characteristics and / or parameters stored on the chip. The shipped window can (e.g., only) need its associated one or more characteristics and / or parameters stored on the chip. The chip can be integral to the window. More complex circuitry (e.g., compared to the chip) and / or assemblies can be combined with the controller-window assembly later. For example, the more complex circuitry and / or assemblies can be: (i) shipped separately from the window, docking portion, and / or second assembly, and / or (ii) installed by the window manufacturer (a) after the glazier installs the window, and / or (b) installed first, followed by commissioning by the window manufacturer. In some embodiments, the chip is included in a lead or lead connector (referred to herein as a “pigtail”). The lead or lead connector can be attached to the window controller.

[0172] The term “outside” is understood herein to refer to a location closer to the exterior environment, while the term “inside” is understood herein to refer to a location closer to the interior of the building. For example, where an IGU has two panes, the pane closer to the exterior environment is referred to as the outside pane or outside pane, while the pane closer to the interior of the building is referred to as the inside pane or inside pane. As Figure 13The different surfaces of the IGU can be referred to as SI, S2, S3, and S4 (assuming a two-pane IGU), as shown in the illustrated example. SI refers to the exterior-facing surface of the outside pane (e.g., the surface that can be actually touched by a person standing outside). S2 refers to the interior-facing surface of the outside pane. S3 refers to the exterior-facing surface of the inside pane. S4 refers to the interior-facing surface of the inside pane (e.g., the surface that can be actually touched by a person standing inside the building). In other words, starting with the outermost surface of the IGU and counting inward, the surfaces are labeled SI-S4. This trend holds in the case of IGUs containing three panes. In certain embodiments employing two panes, an electrochromic device (or other light-switchable device) is disposed on S3. In certain embodiments, one or more of the surfaces has a structure for blocking transmission of electromagnetic radiation. The IGU can include a shielding stack of multiple conductive layers, for example, on the interior surface, as of S3. Additional aspects of shielding stack structures are presented in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Figure 13

[0173] Examples of window controllers and features thereof are presented in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 449,248, filed April 17, 2012, entitled “CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS”; U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 449,251, filed April 17, 2012, entitled “CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS”; U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 334,835, filed October 26, 2016, entitled “CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES”; and International Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 20805, filed March 3, 2017, entitled “METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS”, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Figure 12 An example of a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device 1200 according to some embodiments is shown in FIG. 12A. The device 1200 includes a substrate 1202, a first conductive layer 1204, a first electrochromic layer 1206, a second electrochromic layer 1208, a second conductive layer 1210, and a third conductive layer 1212. The substrate 1202 can be a glass substrate, for example. The first conductive layer 1204 can be a transparent conductive oxide, for example. The first electrochromic layer 1206 can be a lithium-containing electrochromic layer, for example. The second electrochromic layer 1208 can be a lithium-containing electrochromic layer, for example. The second conductive layer 1210 can be a transparent conductive oxide, for example. The third conductive layer 1212 can be a transparent conductive oxide, for example. Figure 12 ​An EC device coating is shown attached to a substrate 1202, a transparent conductive layer (TCL) 1204, an electrochromic layer (EC) 1206 (sometimes also referred to as a cathodically coloring layer or a cathodically tinting layer), an ion-conducting layer or region (IC) 1208, a counter electrode layer (CE) 1210 (sometimes also referred to as an anodically coloring layer or an anodically tinting layer), and a second TCL 1214. The elements 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, and 1214 are collectively referred to as an electrochromic stack 1220. A voltage source 1216, which can be used to apply an electrical potential across the electrochromic stack 1220, effects a transition of the electrochromic coating from, for example, a transparent state to a colored state. In other embodiments, the order of the layers is reversed with respect to the substrate. That is, the order of the layers is as follows: substrate, TCL, counter electrode layer, ion-conducting layer, electrochromic material layer, TCL. In various embodiments, an ion conductor region (e.g., 1208) can be formed from a portion of an EC layer (e.g., 1206) and / or from a portion of a CE layer (e.g., 1210). In such embodiments, an electrochromic stack (e.g., 1220) can be deposited to include a cathodically coloring electrochromic material (EC layer) in direct physical contact with an anodically coloring counter electrode material (CE layer). An ion conductor region (sometimes referred to as an interfacial region or a layer or region that is ionically conductive but substantially electronically insulating) can be formed, for example, by heating and / or other processing steps at the location where the EC layer and the CE layer meet. Examples of electrochromic devices (e.g., including those made without depositing a different ion conductor material) can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 462,725, filed May 2, 2012, entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the EC device coating can include one or more additional layers, such as one or more passive layers. Passive layers can be used to improve certain optical properties, provide moisture resistance, and / or provide scratch resistance. These and / or other passive layers can be used to hermetically seal the EC stack 1220. Various layers, including the transparent conductive layers (e.g., 1204 and 1214), can be treated with anti-reflective and / or protective layers (e.g., oxide layers and / or nitride layers).

[0174] In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device is configured to cycle (e.g., substantially) between a transparent state and a colored state in a reversible manner. Reversibility can be sustained for the expected lifetime of the ECD. The expected lifetime can be at least about 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 25 years, 50 years, 75 years, or 100 years. The expected lifetime can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., about 5 years to about 100 years, about 5 years to about 50 years, or about 50 years to about 100 years). An electric potential can be applied to the electrochromic stack (e.g., 1220) such that when the window is in a first tint state (e.g., transparent), the available ions in the electrochromic stack that can cause the electrochromic material (e.g., 1206) to be in a colored state primarily reside in the counter electrode (e.g., 1210). When the electric potential applied to the electrochromic stack is reversed, the ions can transport across the ion conducting layer (e.g., 1208) to the electrochromic material and cause the material to enter a second tint state (e.g., a colored state).

[0175] It should be understood that reference to a transition between a transparent state and a colored state is non-limiting and is merely one example of an electrochromic transition that can be implemented, among many examples. Unless otherwise specified, whenever reference is made herein to a colorless-to-colored transition, the corresponding device or process encompasses other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective-to-reflective transitions and / or transparent-to-opaque transitions. In some embodiments, the terms “transparent” and “bleached” refer to an optically neutral state, such as uncolored, transparent, and / or translucent. In some embodiments, the “color” or “tint” of an electrochromic transition is not limited to any wavelength or range of wavelengths. The selection of appropriate electrochromic material and counter electrode material can determine the associated optical transition (e.g., from a colored state to an uncolored state).

[0176] In certain embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the materials that make up an electrochromic stack are inorganic, solid (e.g., in a solid state), or both inorganic and solid. Because various organic materials tend to degrade over time, particularly when exposed to heat and UV light, as is the case with tinted building windows, inorganic materials have the advantage that a reliable electrochromic stack can function for a long period of time. In some embodiments, materials that are in a solid state have the advantage of minimal contamination and minimal leakage problems, as do liquid materials at times. One or more layers in a stack can contain some amount (e.g., a measurable amount) of organic material. An ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) can contain little or no measurable organic material. An ECD or any portion thereof (e.g., one or more layers) can contain one or more liquids that can be present in a very small amount. Very small can be at most about 100 ppm, 10 ppm, or 1 ppm of the ECD. Solid state materials can be deposited (or otherwise formed) using one or more processes that employ a liquid component, such as certain processes that employ sol-gel, physical vapor deposition, and / or chemical vapor deposition.

[0177] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of an example of a tintable window embodied in an insulated glass unit (“IGU”) 1300 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. The terms “IGU,” “tintable window,” and “light switchable window” are used interchangeably herein. An IGU is preferably used as the base structure for a fixed electrochromic pane (also referred to herein as a “window pane”) when installed in a building. An IGU window pane can be a single substrate or a multi-substrate construction. The window pane can comprise, for example, a laminate of two substrates. An IGU (e.g., with a dual-pane or triple-pane configuration) can provide several advantages over a single-pane configuration. For example, a multi-pane configuration can provide enhanced thermal, acoustic, environmental protection, and / or durability compared to a single-pane configuration. A multi-pane configuration can provide enhanced protection for an ECD. For example, an electrochromic film (e.g., as well as associated layers and conductive interconnects) can be formed on an interior surface of a multi-pane IGU, and protected by an inert gas fill in the interior volume (e.g., 1308) of the IGU. The inert gas fill can provide at least some (thermal) insulating function for the IGU. An electrochromic IGU can have thermal blocking capability, e.g., by the tintable coating absorbing (and / or reflecting) heat and light.

[0178] In some embodiments, an "IGU" includes two (or more) substantially transparent substrates. For example, an IGU can include two glass panes. At least one substrate of an IGU can include an electrochromic device disposed thereon. A spacer can be disposed between the one or more panes of an IGU. An IGU can be hermetically sealed, e.g., such that an interior region is isolated from the ambient environment. A "window assembly" can include an IGU. A "window assembly" can include a (e.g., standalone) laminate. A "window assembly" can include one or more electrical leads, e.g., for connecting an IGU and / or laminate. The electrical leads can operatively couple (e.g., connect) one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, switch, etc., and can include a frame that supports the IGU or laminate. A window assembly can include a local controller (e.g., a window controller) and / or a control component (e.g., a docking portion) of a local controller.

[0179] Figure 13 An example embodiment of an IGU 1300 including a first pane 1304 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 is shown. In some embodiments, the first surface S1 of the first pane 1304 faces an external environment, e.g., an outdoor or external environment. The IGU 1300 also includes a second pane 1306 having a first surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some embodiments, the second surface (e.g., S4) of the second pane (e.g., 1306) faces an internal environment, e.g., an internal environment of a residence, building, vehicle, or compartment (e.g., enclosed area, such as a room) thereof.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first and second panes (e.g., 1304 and 1306) are transparent or translucent, e.g., at least with respect to light in the visible spectrum. For example, each pane (e.g., 1304 and 1306) can be formed of a glass material. The glass material can include architectural glass and / or shatterproof glass. The glass can include silicon oxide (SiO x). The glass can include soda-lime glass or float glass. The glass can include at least about 75% silicon dioxide (S1O2). The glass can include an oxide, such as Na2O or CaO. The glass can include an alkali or alkaline earth metal oxide. The glass can include one or more additives. The first and / or second pane can comprise any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and / or mechanical properties. Other materials (e.g., substrates) that can be included in the first and / or second pane are plastic, semi-plastic, and / or thermoplastic materials, such as poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diglycol carbonate, styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), poly(4-methyl-l-pentene), polyesters, and / or polyamides. The first and / or second pane can comprise a mirror material (e.g., silver). In some embodiments, the first and / or second pane can be strengthened. Strengthening can include tempering, heating, and / or chemical strengthening.

[0181] Figure 14 A schematic example of a computer system 1400 programmed or otherwise configured to perform one or more operations of any of the methods provided herein is shown. The computer system can control (e.g., direct, monitor, and / or regulate) various features of the methods, devices, and systems of the present disclosure, for example, controlling the heating, cooling, lighting, and / or ventilation of an enclosed area or any combination thereof. The computer system can be part of or in communication with any of the sensors disclosed herein. The computer can be coupled to one or more mechanisms and / or any portion thereof disclosed herein. For example, the computer can be coupled to one or more sensors, valves, switches, lights, windows (e.g., IGUs), motors, pumps, optical assemblies, or any combination thereof.

[0182] The computer system can include a processing unit (e.g., 1406) (also referred to as a “processor,” a “computer,” and a “computer processor,” as used herein). The computer system can include memory or memory location (e.g., 1402) (e.g., random access memory, read only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit (e.g., 1404) (e.g., hard disk), communication interface (e.g., 1403) (e.g., network adapter) used to communicate with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices (e.g., 1405), such as a cache, other memory, data storage, and / or electronic display adapters. In Figure 14In the illustrated example, the memory 1402, the storage unit 1404, the interface 1403, and the peripheral devices 1405 communicate with the processing unit 1406 via a communication bus (solid lines) and can be a part of the processing unit 1406 or can be a separate component in communication with the processing unit 1406. The storage unit can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system can be operatively coupled to a computer network ("network") (e.g., 1401) via the communication interface. The network can be the Internet, an internet and / or an extranet, or an intranet and / or extranet that in turn can include a network, a LAN, a WAN, a satellite network, and / or the like. In some cases, the network is a telecommunication and / or data network. The network can include one or more computer servers, which can implement a distributed computing scenario, cloud computing scenario, and / or the like. In some cases, the network can implement a peer-to-peer network, which can enable devices coupled to the computer system to behave as a client or a server.

[0183] The processing unit can execute a set of machine -readable instructions that can be transitory and / or non-transitory. The machine -readable instructions can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions can be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 1402. The instructions can be directed to the processing unit, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the processing unit to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the processing unit can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback. The processing unit can interpret and / or execute the instructions. The processor can include a microprocessor, a data processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a co-processor, a network processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application-specific instruction-set processor (ASIP), a controller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a chipset, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof. The processing unit can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other electronic components of the system 1400 can be included in the circuit.

[0184] The storage unit can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system through an intranet or the Internet.

[0185] The computer system can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through a network. For example, the computer system can communicate with a remote computer system of a user (e.g., an operator). Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC's (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, devices that support the Android® operating system, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. Users (e.g., clients) can access the computer system via the network.

[0186] The methods described herein can be implemented by machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on a computer system's electronic storage medium, e.g., on memory 1402 or electronic storage unit 1404. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the processor 1406 can execute the code. The code can be retrieved from the storage unit and stored in the memory before execution. In some cases, the electronic storage unit can be precluded, and machine executable instructions can be stored on the memory.

[0187] The code can be pre-compiled, and configured to be used with a machine having a processor for executing the code, or can be compiled at runtime. The code can be provided in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled or interpreted manner.

[0188] In some embodiments, a processor includes code. The code can be program instructions. The program instructions can cause the at least one processor (e.g., computer) to direct a feedforward and / or feedback control loop. In some embodiments, the program instructions cause the at least one processor to direct a closed loop and / or open loop control scheme. The control can be based at least in part on one or more sensor readings (e.g., sensor data). One controller can direct multiple operations. At least two operations can be directed by different controllers. In some embodiments, one different controller can direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, multiple different controllers can direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, one non-transitory computer readable medium causes different computers to each direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, different non-transitory computer readable mediums cause different computers to each direct at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). The controller and / or computer readable medium can direct any of the devices disclosed herein or components thereof. The controller and / or computer readable medium can direct any of the operations of the methods disclosed herein.

[0189] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is operatively coupled to a control system (e.g., a computer control system). The sensor can include a light sensor, an acoustic sensor, a vibration sensor, a chemical sensor, an electrical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a fluid sensor, a motion sensor, a velocity sensor, a position sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a density sensor, a distance sensor, or a proximity sensor. The sensor can include a temperature sensor, a weight sensor, a material (e.g., powder) level sensor, a metrology sensor, a gas sensor, or a humidity sensor. The metrology sensor can include a measurement sensor (e.g., height, length, width, angle, and / or volume). The metrology sensor can include a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, an orientation sensor, or an optical sensor. The sensor can transmit and / or receive sound (e.g., an echo), a magnetic signal, an electronic signal, or an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal can include a visible light, an infrared, an ultraviolet, an ultrasonic, a radio wave, or a microwave signal. The gas sensor can sense any one of the gases described herein. The distance sensor can be a type of metrology sensor. The distance sensor can include an optical sensor or a capacitive sensor. The temperature sensor can include a bolometer, a bimetallic strip, a calorimeter, a flue gas thermometer, a flame detector, a gardener gauge, a Golay cell, a heat flux sensor, an infrared thermometer, a microbolometer, a microwave radiometer, a net radiometer, a quartz thermometer, a resistance temperature detector, a resistance thermometer, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, a special sensor microwave / imager, a thermometer, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a thermometer (e.g., a resistance thermometer), or a pyrometer. The temperature sensor can include an optical sensor. The temperature sensor can include image processing. The temperature sensor can include a camera (e.g., an IR camera, a visible light camera, a CCD camera). The sensor can include a sensor array (e.g., an IR sensor array). A basic length scale of the camera and / or the sensor array can include at least 2000, 3000, or 4000 pixels. The sensor can be configured to detect radio frequencies. The device can include a geolocation device (e.g., a device including Bluetooth, GPS, and / or UWB geolocation technology). The sensor can include an acoustic sensor. The pressure sensor can include a Barograph, a barometer, a boost pressure gauge, a Bourdon pressure gauge, a hot-wire ionization pressure gauge, an ionization pressure gauge, a McLeod gauge, an oscillating U-tube, a permanent downhole gauge, a pressure gauge, a Pirani gauge, a pressure sensor, a pressure gauge, a tactile sensor, or a time pressure gauge.The position sensor can include an auxiliary meter, a capacitive displacement sensor, a capacitive sensor, a free-fall sensor, a gravimeter, a gyroscopic sensor, an impact sensor, an inclinometer, an integrated circuit piezoelectric sensor, a laser rangefinder, a laser surface speedometer, a laser radar, a linear encoder, a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), a liquid capacitive inclinometer, an odometer, a photoelectric sensor, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a rate sensor, a rotary encoder, a rotary variable differential transformer, a self-synchromizer, a shock detector, a shock data recorder, a tilt sensor, a tachometer, an ultrasonic thickness gauge, a variable reluctance sensor, or a velocity pickup. The optical sensor can include a charge-coupled device, a colorimeter, a contact image sensor, an electro-optical sensor, an infrared sensor, a kinetic inductance detector, a light-emitting diode (e.g., a light sensor), a light-addressable potentiometric sensor, a Nichols radiometer, a fiber-optic sensor, an optical position sensor, a photodetector, a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube, a phototransistor, a photoelectric sensor, a photoionization detector, a photomultiplier tube, a photoresistor, a photoswitch, a phototube, a scintillation counter, a Shack-Hartmann, a single-photon avalanche diode, a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, a transition edge sensor, a visible light photon counter, or a wavefront sensor. The one or more sensors can be connected to a control system (e.g., a processor, a computer).

[0190] In some embodiments, the target device and / or (local) network is configured for radio communication. The target device can include a transceiver. In some embodiments, the transceiver and / or local network can be configured to transmit and receive one or more signals using a personal area network (PAN) standard, such as IEEE 802.15.4. In some embodiments, the signal can include a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or EnOcean signal (e.g., wide bandwidth). The one or more signals can include an ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) signal (e.g., a frequency in a range of about 2.4 to about 10.6 gigahertz (GHz) or about 7.5 GHz to about 10.6 GHz). The ultra-wide bandwidth signal can be a signal with a fractional bandwidth greater than about 20%. The bandwidth of the ultra-wide bandwidth signal can be greater than about 500 megahertz (MHz). The one or more signals can be transmitted over short distances using very low power levels. The signal (e.g., having a radio frequency) can employ a frequency spectrum capable of penetrating solid structures (e.g., walls, doors, and / or windows). The low power can be up to 25 milliwatts (mW), 50 mW, 75 mW, or 100 mW. The low power can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., 25 mW to 100 mW, 25 mW to 50 mW, or 75 mW to 100 mW). In some embodiments, the local network (e.g., including one or more fixed sensors and / or fixed transceivers) is configured to: (I) locate a transient transceiver in real time, (II) locate the transient transceiver with an accuracy of about 20, 10, or 5 centimeters or greater, (III) transmit and sense ultra-wide bandwidth radio waves, and / or (IV) be operatively coupled to a control system configured to control a facility in which the local network with one or more fixed sensors and / or fixed transceivers is disposed.

[0191] In some embodiments, the local network incorporates and / or supports a geolocation technology (e.g., global positioning system (GPS), Bluetooth (BLE), ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB), and / or dead reckoning technology), such as using a micro-location chip. The geolocation technology can facilitate determining a location of a signal source (e.g., a location of a temporary tag including a transceiver supporting the geolocation technology) with an accuracy of at least 100 centimeters (cm), 75 cm, 50 cm, 25 cm, 20 cm, 10 cm, or 5 cm. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation of the signal includes ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) radio waves, ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves, or radio waves for global positioning system (GPS). In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation includes electromagnetic waves with a frequency of at least about 300 MHz, 500 MHz, or 1200 MHz. In some embodiments, the signal includes location and / or time data. In some embodiments, the tag utilizes Bluetooth, UWB, UHF, and / or global positioning system (GPS) technology. In some embodiments, the signal has a spatial capacity of at least about 1013 bits per second per square meter (bit / s / m2).

[0192] In some embodiments, pulse-based ultra-wideband (UWB) technology (e.g., ECMA-368 or ECMA-369) is a wireless technology for transmitting large amounts of data at low power (e.g., less than about 1 milliwatt (mW), 0.75 mW, 0.5 mW, or 0.25 mW) over short distances (e.g., up to about 300 feet ('), 250', 230', 200', or 150'). UWB signals can use a bandwidth spectrum of at least about 750 MHz, 500 MHz, or 250 MHz, and / or at least about 30%, 20%, or 10% of the center frequency. UWB signals can be transmitted through one or more pulses. Components can time (e.g., precisely) broadcast digital signal pulses across several frequency channels simultaneously on a carrier signal. For example, information can be transmitted through the timing and / or positioning of modulated signals (e.g., pulses). Signal information can be transmitted through encoding the polarity of the signals (e.g., pulses), their amplitude, and / or through the use of quadrature signals (e.g., pulses). UWB signals can be a low power information transfer protocol. UWB technology can be used for (e.g., indoor) positioning applications. The wide frequency band range of the UWB spectrum includes low frequencies with long wavelengths, which enables UWB signals to pass through a variety of materials, including various building fixtures (e.g., walls). The wide frequency range, for example including low penetration frequencies, can reduce the likelihood of multipath propagation errors (without wishing to be bound by theory, as certain wavelengths can have line-of-sight trajectories). UWB communication signals (e.g., pulses) can be short (e.g., up to about 70 cm, 60 cm, or 50 cm for pulses about 600 MHz, 500 MHz, or 400 MHz wide; or up to about 20 cm, 23 cm, 25 cm, or 30 cm for pulses about 1 GHz, 1.2 GHz, 1.3 GHz, or 1.5 GHz in bandwidth). Short communication signals (e.g., pulses) can reduce the likelihood of reflected signals (e.g., pulses) overlapping with original signals (e.g., pulses).

[0193] In certain embodiments, the building network infrastructure has a vertical data plane (between building floors) and a horizontal data plane (within a single floor or multiple contiguous floors). The horizontal and vertical data planes can have at least one (e.g., substantially) similar data carrying capacity. The horizontal and vertical data planes can have at least one (e.g., substantially) similar network component. In other cases, the two data planes have different data carrying capacities. In some cases, the horizontal and vertical data planes have (e.g., substantially) the same (or similar) data carrying capacity and / or network component types. In other cases, the vertical and horizontal data planes have at least one (e.g., all) different data carrying capacity and / or network components from each other. For example, the vertical data plane can contain network components for fast communication (e.g., data transfer) rates and / or bandwidths. The faster communication rates can be at least about 1 gigabit per second (Gbit / s), 10 Gbit / s 50 Gbit / s, 100 Gbit / s, 250 Gbit / s, 500 Gbit / s, 750 Gbit / s, 1 terabit per second (Tbit / s), or 1.125 Tbit / s. The faster communication rates can have any communication rates between the foregoing rates (e.g., about 1 Gbit / s to about 1.125 Tbit / s, about 1 Gbit / s to about 500 Gbit / s, or about 250 Gbit / s to about 1.125 Tbit / s).

[0194] Figures 15-18 The network topology of the description of can be presented in place of the topology presented in some other embodiments disclosed herein, for example, Figures 15-18 The network topology of the description of can be presented in place of the topology presented in some other embodiments disclosed herein, for example, Figures 15-18 The network topology described in the description of can employ control components, such as control panels, which can have similar and / or overlapping functionality and / or design elements as components described in other embodiments presented herein. Figures 15-18 The data carried in the topology of the description of and / or the data protocols employed can be replaced or supplemented with data and / or data protocols described in other embodiments presented herein. Figures 15-18 The data carried in the topology of the description of and / or the data protocols employed can be carried in a frequency range described in other embodiments presented herein. In certain embodiments, if Figures 15-18 In the network topology presented, where conductive data carrying wires (e.g., coaxial cable or twisted (e.g., twisted pair) wire cable) are used, the vertical and / or horizontal data can be configured such that the conductive data carrying wires can carry electrical power to the end devices.

[0195] Different physical network topologies can be employed to supply electrical power and / or communication data to building devices in a horizontal data plane (e.g., a given floor or multiple (e.g., contiguous) floors of a building). For example, Figure 15 Three possible physical network topologies A, B, and C are shown for providing data communication between a control panel 1 and building devices 2 arranged around the perimeter of a building floor 1503. Dashed lines represent (e.g., high speed) data communication paths provided over fiber optic cable.

[0196] Network topology A has a star configuration in which each building device 2 is connected directly to the control panel 1 through a dedicated (e.g., fiber optic cable) link. Network topology A is easy to design and implement (e.g., little labor and / or cost is required). Network A can facilitate the addition of new building devices to the network. However, the central single control panel can represent a single point of failure in the network. If the control panel 1 fails, then data communication for all building devices 2 on the floor can be affected. In addition, the amount of wiring (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) required for the network is linear with respect to the number of building devices 2.

[0197] Network topology B has a distributed star (or tree) configuration in which building devices 2 are connected to the central control panel 1 through intermediate control panels 1', each of which is associated with multiple building devices 2. Network topology B can reduce the amount of wiring (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) required compared to topology A, which requires wiring to provide data communication for each building device 2 in the network. Although the amount of wiring (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) required for network B increases linearly as more devices are added to the network, the length of wiring required for each additional device in topology B is less than in topology A. Although network topology B has more control panels than network topology A, providing some degree of physical redundancy, the central control panel 1 represents a single point of failure in the network.

[0198] Network topology C employs a linear configuration in which devices 2 are connected to the central control panel 1 via a linear (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) bus. Compared to network topology A, network topology C reduces the amount of wiring required to connect each device 2 to the control panel 1.

[0199] In various embodiments, data communication and / or electrical power distribution lines for a building floor employ a ring topology. In some cases, lines, control panels, radios, antennas, and other network components associated with the ring are located in and / or on a building exterior structure (or outer layer). Similarly, at least some (e.g., all) network components of other network topologies described herein can be disposed in an outer layer of an enclosed area (e.g., a building). The outer layer of a building can include various structures that are part of the building exterior construction. The outer layer of a building can include fixtures (e.g., walls). Examples include exterior walls, exterior windows (optionally including light switchable windows), facades, window frame structures, etc. of a building. In various embodiments, the outer layer of a building includes mullions, transoms, and / or other structures that can provide internal passageways for network lines and / or can provide support surfaces for mounting control panels or other network devices.

[0200] Network and / or electrical power distribution components disposed on an outer layer of a building can provide data communication and / or electrical power distribution functionality, such as telecommunications, computing platforms, wired or wireless power sources for a building, and / or other attributes described herein.

[0201] In certain embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the communication and / or electrical power distribution components are installed during (e.g., early in) a building construction process (e.g., prior to constructing interior rooms, prior to installing exterior windows, or prior to installing IT infrastructure, etc.). In certain embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the communication and / or electrical power distribution components are installed after the end of a building construction process. In certain embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the communication and / or electrical power distribution components are installed during a building occupancy period. In some cases, at least a portion of the communication and / or electrical power distribution components are available for use by construction personnel to facilitate construction and installation operations.

[0202] In some cases, a communication and / or electrical power distribution system (e.g., a network system) initially installed in an outer layer of a building is not configured to control some or all building devices, such as sensors, emitters, and / or tintable (e.g., light switchable) windows. The network system (e.g., a controller operatively coupled thereto) can be configured to control such devices at a later stage. For example, one vendor provides some or all of the communication and electrical power distribution infrastructure on an outer layer of a building, and a second vendor provides sensing units and / or light switchable windows that are attached to and ultimately controlled by the infrastructure.

[0203] Figure 16A shows a schematic plan view of a physical network topology of a floor 1600 of a building, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The floor network includes distributed control panels 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606, which are connected in series to each other by first line (e.g., fiber or other cable) segments 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1611, and 1612 to form a first line (e.g., fiber or other cable) main ring. Each distributed control panel 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606 forms a node in the main ring. The main ring can extend around the floor adjacent to the floor perimeter. Each distributed control panel 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606 is also connected to a corresponding second line (e.g., coaxial or other cable) network branch 1601', 1602', 1603', 1604', 1605', and 1606'. Each second (e.g., coaxial or other cable) network branch extends along a respective portion of the building floor perimeter. As depicted, a given control panel can include two or more second line (e.g., coaxial or other cable) branches, but none of them are numbered in the figure. The first line and the second line can have different line types. The first line and the second line can have (e.g., substantially) the same line type.

[0204] Figure 16B shows an example second line (e.g., coaxial or other cable) network leg 1601'in more detail. The network leg 1601'contains leg devices 1613, 1614, 1615, 1616, and 1617, which are coupled to linear second line (e.g., coaxial or other cable) leg lines 1618 and 1619 by corresponding second line (e.g., coaxial or other cable) drop lines 1613', 1614', 1615', 1616', and 1617'. The drop lines 1613', 1614', 1615', 1616', and 1617' can be connected to the linear second line leg lines 1618 and 1619 by taps 1623, 1624, 1625, 1626, and 1627. Device controllers (e.g., local controllers) 1620, 1621, and 1622 are installed in the drop lines 1613', 1615', and 1617'. The leg targets (e.g., devices) 1613, 1614, 1615, 1616, and 1617 can be any type of building device that requires electrical power and / or data supply. For example, the leg devices can contain one or more electrochromic devices (e.g., electrochromic windows or insulated glass units (IGUs)), exterior sensing devices (e.g., light sensors or weather sensors), interior sensing devices (e.g., interior air quality monitoring devices or asset tracking devices), communication devices (e.g., antennas, receivers, transceivers, or radios), digital building elements, or building security devices (e.g., burglar alarms), lighting systems, or HVAC components. The distributed control panel 1601 contains a headend unit 1628 and is connected to a (e.g., dedicated) power supply 1629, such as an AC power supply. In some embodiments, the dedicated AC power supply is provided by a power supply line, such as a coaxial or other cable line. The dedicated power supply line can extend around the perimeter of the building, for example, in parallel with other (e.g., fiber) cable of the main ring. In other embodiments, the distributed control panel is connected to a DC power supply, for example, by a DC power supply line. The DC power supply line can extend around the perimeter of the building, for example, in parallel with (e.g., fiber) cable of the main ring. The headend unit 1628 in the distributed control panel 1601 can serve as a gateway for data communication between the first line (e.g., fiber) main ring and the second line (e.g., coaxial cable) network leg 1601 '. The format of each of the second line network legs 1602', 1603', 1604', 1605', and 1606' can be similar to the leg 1601 ', but the number and type of leg devices and device controllers present in each leg can be different, for example, depending on the requirements of the building.

[0205] In Figure 16In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the fiber main ring connects the distributed control panels 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606 around the ring to a building (e.g., Ethernet) network configured for data communication, e.g., for control data to control various branch devices. The first line (e.g., fiber) main ring can support high speed data transmission, e.g., greater than about 1 Gbit / s per channel (e.g., at least about 10 Gbit / s per channel), optionally with low transmission loss and reduced (e.g., minimal or no) interference. In some embodiments, the fiber main ring 1612 does not provide electrical power transmission to the distributed control panels.

[0206] The second line (e.g., coaxial cable) network branches 1601', 1602', 1603', 1604', 1605', and 1606' connect the distributed control panels 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1606 around the ring to branch devices in each second line (e.g., coaxial cable) network branch. The second line can supply both electrical power and data. Electrical power can be supplied to the distributed control panels by one or more dedicated power supplies. In embodiments where AC power is supplied to the distributed control panels, the power can be rectified to DC power and can be converted to a low voltage, e.g., about 24 V DC, within the distributed control panel (e.g., by an AC-DC converter). The lower voltage power can be transmitted to the branch devices, e.g., via the second line (e.g., coaxial cable) branch line. In alternative embodiments where DC power is supplied to the distributed control panels, the power can be converted to a low voltage within the distributed control panel (e.g., by a DC-DC converter). The lower voltage power can be transmitted to the branch devices via the second line (e.g., coaxial cable) branch line. Data from the first line (e.g., fiber) main ring can be received by a headend unit in the distributed control panel and transmitted to the branch devices via the second line (e.g., coaxial cable) branch line, e.g., using a protocol such as MoCA, G.hn, and / or any of various cellular communication protocols. In certain embodiments, electrical power is transmitted over the second line (e.g., coaxial) line using, e.g., a DC power line communication (PLC) protocol and / or a Power over Ethernet protocol. The PLC approach can enable both electrical power and data to be transmitted along a single branch line to the branch devices.

[0207] For example, due to the network ring topology, Figure 16Each of the distributed control panel nodes in the main ring shown in A can be accessed by two different first line (e.g., fiber optic) paths. By using a network protocol (e.g., a spanning tree protocol (STP), which is commonly used for networks having a ring topology), redundancy can be built into the floor network. For example, if a given node fails, impeding (e.g., preventing) signal communication through the node, communication with adjacent nodes on the ring can not be impeded (because each node can be reached through an alternate path). Thus, fault-tolerant redundancy can be built into the network. Such redundancy can be highly advantageous when one or more network branches contain branch devices for high-reliability applications (e.g., requiring reduced failure rates), such as burglar alarms or communication devices. In some embodiments, the distributed control panel also contains devices for connecting to a wireless local area network (e.g., via Wi-Fi), providing an additional layer of fault-tolerant redundancy.

[0208] Figure 16 The network ring topology shown in A can be easy to install (e.g., requiring less labor, not requiring labor to be highly trained, and / or having low installation cost). Moreover, using linear second line (e.g., coaxial cable) network branches around the main ring can significantly reduce cost, e.g., by reducing the length of first line (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) needed to provide (e.g., high speed) data communication to all devices in the network. Figure 16 The topology shown in A can strike a balance between fault tolerance throughout the floor, provision of (e.g., high speed) data communication, ease of installation, and low installation cost.

[0209] In certain embodiments, the building network infrastructure has one vertical data plane (between building floors) and one or more horizontal data planes (within a floor or in multiple (e.g., contiguous) floors). In some cases, the horizontal and vertical data planes have (e.g., substantially) the same or similar data carrying capabilities and / or data communication carrying components. In other cases, the two data planes have at least one different data carrying capability. In one example, the vertical data plane contains data carrying communication components that support at least about 10 gigabit / second or faster Ethernet transmission (e.g., using UTP wires and / or fiber optic cables), and the horizontal data plane contains data carrying components that also support at least about 10 gigabit / second or faster gigabit Ethernet transmission (e.g., via fiber optic). In some cases, the horizontal data plane supports data transmission via a communication protocol (e.g., a G.hn protocol and / or a MoCA protocol, such as the MoCA 2.5 standard or the MoCA 3.0 standard). In certain embodiments, connections between at least two floors on the vertical data plane employ control panels with (e.g., high speed) Ethernet switches. These same control panels can communicate with nodes of a given floor via (e.g., high speed) switches (e.g., fiber optic switches) and / or communication protocol (e.g., MoCA) interfaces and associated (e.g., coaxial) cables disposed on the horizontal data plane.

[0210] Figure 17A shows an example of a physical network topology of a building floor 1700 containing distributed control panels 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, and 1706 connected in series to each other by first wire (e.g., fiber or other cable) segments 1707, 1708, 1709, 1710, 1711, and 1712 to form a first wire primary ring 1713. The network also contains distributed control panels 1714, 1715, and 1716 connected in series to each other by first wire segments 1717, 1718, and 1719 to form a first wire secondary ring 1720 within the primary ring 1713. The first wire designates a first wire type. The secondary ring 1720 is connected to the primary ring 1713 by a first wire segment 1721. Each of the distributed control panels 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, and 1706 forms a node in the primary ring 1713, while each of the distributed control panels 1714, 1715, and 1716 forms a node in the secondary ring 1720. Each of the distributed control panels 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706, 1714, 1715, and 1716 is also connected to a corresponding second wire (e.g., coaxial cable) network leg 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', 1706', 1714', 1715', and 1716'. The second wire designates a second wire type. The primary ring 1713 extends around the floor adjacent to the floor perimeter, while each of the second wire network legs 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', and 1706' of the primary ring extends along a respective portion of the building floor perimeter. The secondary ring 1720 extends around the floor center within the primary ring 1713, as does each of the second wire network legs 1714', 1715', and 1716' of the secondary ring. The control panels and the second wire of the secondary ring are located in an interior region of the building floor, e.g., interior to the floor physical perimeter where the primary ring 1713 is located. The secondary ring can be located on and / or within interior walls, fixtures, or other structures of the floor. Such structures are typically constructed after the building perimeter or outer construction. Thus, in some cases, the floor primary ring is constructed before its secondary ring. The first and second wires can have the same wire type. The first and second wires can have different wire types.

[0211] In Figure 16In the embodiment shown in FIG. A, each second line network leg 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', 1706', 1714', 1715', and 1716' contains one or more leg devices coupled to a linear second line leg wire by a corresponding second line in-home distribution wire (and device controller, as needed). Each distributed control panel 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706, 1714, 1715, and 1716 contains a corresponding headend unit and has a corresponding AC power supply. The headend unit in each distributed control panel acts as a gateway for data communications between the first line main ring 1713 or first line (e.g., fiber) secondary ring 1720 and the corresponding second line (e.g., coaxial cable) network leg. Similar to Figure 16 In the embodiment shown in FIG. A, the first line main ring 1713 and the first line secondary ring 1720 connect the distributed control panels on the rings to the building Ethernet network for (e.g., high speed) data communication purposes. In addition, the second line network legs placed around the rings connect the individual distributed control panels to the leg devices to supply both electrical power and data. Electrical power is supplied to the distributed control panels by a dedicated AC power supply, rectified to DC power within the distributed control panel, and transmitted to the leg devices via the second line leg wire. Data from the first line main ring 1713 and secondary ring 1720 is received by the headend unit in the distributed control panel and transmitted to the leg devices via the second leg wire using, for example, a communication protocol (e.g., G.hn, MoCA, and / or cellular protocol). DC power can be transmitted using a power line communication (PLC) and / or Power over Ethernet method instead of AC power.

[0212] In the embodiment shown in FIG. A, due to the network ring topology, each distributed control panel node in the main ring 1713 is accessible by two different first line (e.g., fiber) paths. In addition, each distributed control panel node in the secondary ring 1720 is also accessible by at least two different first line paths. By using a network protocol, such as a spanning tree protocol (STP), a tolerance redundancy can be built in the floor network in a similar manner to Figure 17 In the embodiment shown in FIG. A, due to the network ring topology, each distributed control panel node in the main ring 1713 is accessible by two different first line (e.g., fiber) paths. In addition, each distributed control panel node in the secondary ring 1720 is also accessible by at least two different first line paths. By using a network protocol, such as a spanning tree protocol (STP), a tolerance redundancy can be built in the floor network in a similar manner to Figure 16 For example, if a given node in the main ring 1713 fails, impeding (e.g., preventing) signal communication through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the main ring is not impeded (e.g., prevented) because each node can be reached through an alternative path. Similarly, if a distributed control panel 1715 or 1716 in the secondary ring 1720 fails, impeding (e.g., preventing) signal communication through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the secondary ring is not impeded (e.g., prevented) because they can be reached through an alternative path.

[0213] Inclusion of a secondary loop in the floor network can enable data and electrical power to be supplied to one or more branch devices located inside the building. For example, such a network topology can be suitable for floor designs in which there are interior rooms, other enclosed spaces, or interior open spaces such as atriums. Interior open spaces can be surrounded by branch targets (e.g., devices), such as electrochromic windows, antennas, or sensor units. Thus, the secondary loop can be disposed around an interior perimeter of the building, e.g., around a perimeter of interior open spaces of the building. The secondary loop topology can be suitable for floor designs in which there are no interior open spaces. In such embodiments, the secondary loop can supply electrical power and data to branch devices located inside the building, e.g., to electrochromic windows in room partitions, interior sensors, or burglar alarms.

[0214] The primary loop 1713 and the secondary loop 1720 of the floor network can be installed at the same time or at different times. The times can be during and / or after construction of the building. For example, the secondary loop 1720 can be installed after the primary loop 1713 is installed. In some embodiments, the primary loop 1713 can be installed at the time of construction of the building, and the secondary loop 1720 can be added to the floor network later when the interior arrangement of the floor is determined or reconfigured.

[0215] Figure 17B shows an example of a physical network topology for a building floor 1700 containing distributed control panels 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, and 1706 connected in series to one another by first line (e.g., fiber or other cable) segments 1707, 1708, 1709, 1710, 1711, and 1712 to form a first line primary ring 1713. The network also contains distributed control panels 1714, 1715, and 1716 connected in series to one another by first line segments 1717, 1718, and 1719 to form a first line secondary ring 1720 within the primary ring 1713. The secondary ring 1720 is connected to the primary ring 1713 at two different locations by first line segments 1721 and 1722. Each of the distributed control panels 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, and 1706 forms a node in the primary ring 1713, while each of the distributed control panels 1714, 1715, and 1716 forms a node in the secondary ring 1720. Each of the distributed control panels 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706, 1714, 1715, and 1716 is also connected to a corresponding second line (e.g., coaxial cable) network leg 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', 1706', 1714', 1715', and 1716'. The primary ring 1713 extends around the floor adjacent to the floor perimeter, while each of the second line network legs 1701', 1702', 1703', 1704', 1705', and 1706' of the primary ring extends along a respective portion of the building floor perimeter. The secondary ring 1720 extends around the floor center within the primary ring 1713, as does each of the secondary ring's second line network legs 1714', 1715', and 1716'.

[0216] Figure 17 The network topology in B is designed similarly to the embodiment shown in Figure 17 A. Specifically, for (e.g., high speed) data communication purposes, the first line primary ring 1713 and the first line secondary ring 1720 connect the distributed control panels on the rings to the building Ethernet network, while the second line network legs placed around the rings can connect individual distributed control panels to branch devices to supply both electrical power and data.

[0217] In the embodiment shown in Figure 17 A, due to the network ring topology, Figure 17Each distributed control panel node in the primary ring 1713 shown in FIG. B can be accessed by at least two different first line (e.g., fiber) paths. Each distributed control panel node in the secondary ring 1720 can also be accessed by at least two different first line paths. Thus, by using a network protocol, such as a spanning tree protocol (STP), tolerance redundancy can be built into the floor network. For example, if a given node in the primary ring 1713 fails, impeding (e.g., preventing) signal communication through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the primary ring is not impeded (e.g., prevented) because an alternative path can reach each node. Similarly, if a given node in the secondary ring 1720 fails, impeding (e.g., preventing) signal communication through that node, communication with adjacent nodes on the secondary ring is not impeded (e.g., prevented) because an alternative path can reach each node. The inclusion of two first line links 1721 and 1722 between the primary and secondary rings ensures that nodes in the secondary ring remain reachable regardless of where a failure occurs in the primary ring (even if it occurs at a node that forms a network connection with the secondary ring), and vice versa. The first line links 1721 and 1722 also ensure that each node in the secondary ring is reachable regardless of where a failure occurs in the secondary ring, even if it is at a distributed control panel that is directly connected to the primary ring. Thus, Figure 17 The embodiment shown in FIG. B adds fault tolerance redundancy and, thus, increases reliability. One of the advantages of this multi-access topology is that it can provide more reliable antenna coverage of the entire floor. Thus, even if a headend or link fails (e.g., goes down), wireless communication such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth is less likely to be interrupted.

[0218] In Figure 18In the illustrated embodiment, the physical network topology of the building floor 1800 includes distributed control panels 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1809 that are connected to one another in series by first line (e.g., fiber optic or other cable) segments 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, and 1819. Distributed control panels 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, and 1806 form nodes of a first line outer ring 1820 that extends around the perimeter of the floor adjacent to the perimeter of the floor. Distributed control panels 1801, 1804, 1807, 1808, and 1809 form nodes of a first line network chord that links opposite sides of the outer ring 1820. Thus, two sub-rings can be defined within the floor network: a first sub-ring connecting distributed control panels 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1807, 1808, and 1809; and a second sub-ring connecting distributed control panels 1801, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1809. Each of the distributed control panels 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1809 is connected to a corresponding second line (e.g., coaxial cable) network leg 1801', 1802', 1803', 1804', 1805', 1806', 1807', 1808', and 1809'. Figure 18 The design of the network topology in FIG. 18A is similar to the preceding embodiments in that the first line connects the distributed control panels to the building Ethernet network for (e.g., high speed) data communication purposes, while the second line network legs connect the distributed control panels to branch devices to supply both electrical power and communication signals (e.g., data). Because of the interconnected network ring topology, Figure 18 Each of the distributed control panel nodes in the illustrated network is accessible by at least two different first line (e.g., fiber optic) paths. Thus, by using a network protocol such as the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), a tolerance redundancy can be built into the floor network. Figure 18 The illustrated embodiment can achieve a greater overall tolerance redundancy than Figure 17 The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 18A achieves a greater overall tolerance redundancy than the embodiment of FIG. 18B, and thus has a higher reliability, and achieves a similar level of reliability as Figure 17 The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 18A achieves a similar level of reliability as the embodiment of FIG. 18B, but with a reduction in the total length of first line required.

[0219] In some embodiments, each node in the network (e.g., each distributed control panel) is connected to at least two different second line (e.g., coaxial cable) paths. Figure 16Each distributed control panel node in the network shown in A, 17A, 17B, or 10 comprises two or more distributed control panels, each containing a headend that loops a corresponding first line (e.g., fiber optic) to a branch line of a second line (e.g., coaxial cable). In such embodiments, the connection between each branch line and the first line network is maintained even if a distributed control panel (e.g., the headend) fails. This additional fault-tolerant redundancy may be desirable, for example, when the branch unit provides communication connectivity (e.g., connectivity to an external cellular network).

[0220] Figure 16 The A-18 embodiment and related embodiments employing a ring topology can provide redundancy and availability. Even if a control panel, headend, or data link fails (e.g., a disconnection), most devices on the network remain available. Figure 16 Installation of embodiments A-18 and related embodiments can be relatively simple. In some cases, the outer ring network components are installed first, followed by the inner ring network components, or vice versa. In some embodiments, part or all of the second line (e.g., coaxial cable) is RG-11 coaxial cable, for example, Figure 16 The example shown in A-18 provides the circuitry.

[0221] Control panel in a ring topology embodiment (e.g.) Figure 16 The example shown in A-18 includes network components in various combinations, such as: (a) an electrical power supply integrated with a communication node having communication components, such as a network switch (within the same enclosed area), or (b) a separate electrical power supply and communication node (in different enclosed areas) (e.g., installed in the same location). In various embodiments, the control panel provides DC power and communication to downstream devices such as window controllers and digital building elements. For example, the DC power may be at least about 2 watts (W), 4W, or 20W.

[0222] For example, the type of fiber optic cable that can be used in network rings and / or connection segments can be selected, at least in part, based on the data communication needs of the branch unit. Fiber optic cables can enable long-distance (e.g., at least about 10 km) data transmission with a rate of at least about 100 Gbit / s per channel. Each fiber optic ring may contain multiple individual fibers, for example, to provide the necessary bandwidth and / or further tolerance redundancy. Armored fiber optic cables, such as those wrapped in an aluminum sheath, can be used to provide physical protection and / or crush resistance.

[0223] The type of coaxial cable used in a coaxial cable network branch can be selected based at least in part on the electrical power supply and / or communication rate needs of the branch device. In some embodiments, the branch line of each coaxial network branch is formed using RG-11 coaxial cable. RG-11 coaxial cable is capable of supporting a Class 2 DC power supply of at least about 24 V. The thickness of the conductive wires of RG-11 coaxial cable can be sufficient for the branch line to exhibit low loss and can carry high electrical power. For example, the loss per foot of RG-11 coaxial cable can be at most about one-tenth the loss per foot of a thinner RG-6 coaxial cable. However, in other embodiments, a different type of coaxial cable can be used to form the branch line.

[0224] In certain embodiments, the coaxial cable in-home distribution line can be formed using RG-6 coaxial cable. RG-6 coaxial cable is thinner and more flexible than RG-11 coaxial cable, and thus can be more suitable for supplying electrical power to individual branch devices. The type of coaxial cable used to form the in-home distribution line can vary. For example, in some embodiments, the RG-6 coaxial cable in-home distribution line connects the device controller to the RG-11 coaxial cable branch line, while an M8 cable connects the device controller to the branch device.

[0225] A small-diameter coaxial cable used as an in-home distribution line can be connected to a large-diameter coaxial cable used as a branch line via a tap. For example, an RG-6 coaxial cable in-home distribution line can be connected to an RG-11 coaxial cable branch line, e.g., via a distribution tap (e.g., a tap). The tap can be an inductive tap that transfers electrical power between the branch line and the in-home distribution line, e.g., without requiring a direct conductive path between the branch line and the in-home distribution line. The distribution tap (e.g., tap) can be configured to inject a fraction of the electrical power transmitted through the branch line into the corresponding in-home distribution line.

[0226] A distribution tap (e.g., tap or splitter) can be employed on the backbone line to deliver (e.g., electrical and / or communication signals) power to the in-home distribution line. Unlike a splitter, which splits power or signals in half, a distribution tap (e.g., tap) can draw a small amount (e.g., less than half) of the power or signals, e.g., 0.5 W per tap. For example, if the backbone line delivers 15 W to the tap, 14.5 W of that power can be available for use downstream of the backbone line, and 0.5 W is shunted to the device via the in-home distribution line. A small amount can mean less than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 times the power of the electrical power and / or communication signals. The cable system (e.g., distribution tap) can be coupled to a power source, e.g., to supplement the reduced power in the cable system, e.g., to facilitate additional power injection downstream of the floor controller.

[0227] In some embodiments, the distribution junction is passive. In some embodiments, the distribution junction is dynamic. The distribution junction can include a dynamic element, such as control circuitry (e.g., a microcontroller). The dynamic element can signal (e.g., to a control system) when a foreseeable (e.g., impending) power depletion occurs (e.g., supplemental electrical power can be needed to continue to activate the target). The dynamic element can facilitate power negotiation. For example, the dynamic element can identify a coupled target (e.g., a device) before fully coupling to the network (e.g., by probing for a target device when a connection is made). The dynamic element can incorporate a power negotiation algorithm (e.g., that will take into account current and / or predicted power distribution in the cabling system). The power negotiation can include PoE standards, which can specify automatic negotiation between a client (e.g., a target by a local controller) and a master device (e.g., an upper level controller, such as in a control panel on a floor). The target device (e.g., a client) can provide its power (e.g., electrical power) requirement value, and the master device (e.g., a controller) can accept or reject based on the requirement according to total power capacity that the master device can distribute (e.g., total capacity running on a cabling network tied to the controller). The cabling system can include a device that: (i) measures (e.g., DC) voltage along the length of the trunk line, (ii) provides feedback to a control panel and / or other devices, and / or (iii) monitors and / or compensates for excessive voltage drop created by the distance electrical (e.g., DC) power is injected to a load. The maximum power transmitted through the cabling system can follow any International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) class. The IEC class can be 0, I, II, III IEC class. For example, the cabling system can comply with IEC class II, with a maximum of 100 VA. The distribution voltage of the DC power can be at least about 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V DC.

[0228] In some embodiments, the distribution junction can facilitate transmission of communication signals. The cable system (e.g., including the distribution junction as part of the cable system) can contain one or more signal filters (e.g., low pass filters), for example, to reduce (e.g., prevent) intermodulation distortion of the signals. The signal filters can be disposed downstream of the targets (e.g., devices), for example, (e.g., 4G or 5G) antennas, such as those utilizing higher frequencies. The filters can or can not be integral with the distribution junction. For example, the filters can be integrated on a downstream bus leg of the distribution junction. For example, the filters can be external to (e.g., and operatively coupled with) the distribution junction. The network can utilize Power over Ethernet (PoE) and / or VLAN signaling, for example, between the (e.g., micro)controller and the target devices, for example, to authenticate (e.g., third party) devices and / or their power consumption. For example, a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) protocol can be used for discovery of the targets. The distribution junction can include systems that facilitate repeater, distance extender, and / or signal transponder functionality, such as radio frequency (RF) power distributors. The distribution junction can be passive (e.g., containing capacitors, inductors, and / or transformers). The distribution junction can be active (e.g., containing controllers, amplifiers, and / or preamplifiers).

[0229] In some embodiments, a plurality of devices are operatively coupled (e.g., communicatively and / or physically coupled) to a network. The network can be a local network of a facility. At times, the electrical power required by at least one device can exceed the capacity of the network (or network branch). When such a request is fulfilled, the network (or network branch) can be disabled. To prevent the network (or portions thereof) from crashing, the network can include one or more shutters, switches, or power managers. The power managers can include controllers. The switches can include manual or automatic switches. The shutters can include automatic or manual shutters. The switches can be on / off switches. The on / off switches can disconnect devices requesting excessive amounts of electrical power (e.g., above a threshold) from the network (e.g., temporarily), for example, to prevent the network or network portion from crashing. The power managers can manage electrical power requests of individual devices to achieve the following purposes: (i) prevent the network from running out of power; (ii) allow a maximum number of devices to operate in their intended mode. The maximum number of devices can or can not take into account any hierarchy of device operation. For example, devices that are critical for safe operation of the facility, health of the facility users, and / or operation of core functions of the facility can have higher priority than other devices.

[0230] In some embodiments, the network can transmit direct current (DC) current. The current can have a Class 2 (e.g., with about 100 Watts, about 2 Amps, and about 48 Volts) DC current transmission. Commercially available devices can be configured for transmission of milliamp-level DC current (e.g., up to about 0.1 mA, 1 mA, 10 mA, or 100 mA of current).

[0231] In some embodiments, a cable network is configured to transmit electrical power and communication signals. The network can include a television (TV) related network. The network can be configured to transmit media (e.g., video, pictures, movies, or television) communications. The network can be configured to transmit targeted communications (e.g., commercial advertisements and / or alerts). The network (e.g., its cables) can be configured to transmit electrical signals (e.g., DC current) while providing low noise communication of communication (e.g., RF) signals. For example, a cable network can be configured to minimize distortion of RF signals passing through a cable system and, for example, through distribution taps connecting various cables of the cable system. In some embodiments, problems can arise when excessive electrical current (e.g., DC current) causes an inductor that is part of a distribution tap to become oversaturated. This can cause the quality of the communication signals passing through the inductor to degrade, for example, due to attenuation (e.g., lower signal amplitude), distortion (e.g., changing signal frequency), and / or crosstalk (e.g., signal of one frequency passing to another frequency). To maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio of the communication signals, the end-to-end attenuation of the communication (e.g., RF) signals transmitted through the backbone should not be too high. “High” can be defined relative to the saturation current of the inductor, and / or relative to the current required to reach a certain level of harmonic distortion of the communication (e.g., RF) signals. Preferably, the inductor should remain in its linear pass-through state. Preferably, the inductor should be in a non-saturated condition. The signal attenuation of the distribution tap should be such that the signal is strong enough to communicate with a device connected to the tap and be transmitted through a maximum number of distribution taps along the backbone (e.g., still be able to communicate with a last device coupled to a last distribution tap along the backbone). In some embodiments, the power of the communication (e.g., RF) signals at the portion of the circuitry of the distribution tap dedicated to the branch is attenuated to about -20 dB to about -26 dB (e.g., about ¼ % to about 1 % of the power of the communication (e.g., RF) signals transmitted through the backbone) of the power of the communication signals transmitted through the backbone. In some embodiments, the power of the communication (e.g., RF) signals at the portion of the circuitry of the distribution tap dedicated to the branch is attenuated to a level that facilitates connection of at least about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 21, 14, 16, 20, 30, 32, 50, 60, or 64 distribution taps (e.g., along the same distribution tap along the backbone). In some embodiments, the power of the communication (e.g., RF) signals at the portion of the circuitry of the distribution tap dedicated to the branch is attenuated to a level that facilitates connection of at least about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 21, 14, 16, 20, 30, 32, 50, 60, or 64 devices along the backbone.In some embodiments, the power of the communication (e.g., RF) signals at the portion of the circuitry of the distribution tap dedicated to the branch is attenuated to a level that facilitates connection along at least about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 21, 14, 16, 20, 30, 32, 50, 60, or 64 branch lines of the trunk line. (See, e.g.,. Figure 23 ). In some embodiments, the distribution tap is configured to minimize crosstalk between the communication signals transmitted in the trunk line and the communication signals transmitted to the branch lines (e.g., taps). For example, the distribution tap can include a directional distribution tap capable of transmitting communication (e.g., RF) signals and electrical (e.g., DC) power, which can be configured to withstand higher currents as compared to a non-directional distribution tap. A directional coupler can provide an electrical power transfer coupler configured to send a majority of the communication signals through the trunk line (e.g., to a control system) while providing sufficient (decodable) communication signals to one or more devices connected to (e.g., tapped from) the distribution tap. The distribution tap can or can not provide impedance matching. The distribution tap can have at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 branch lines (e.g., taps). For example, the distribution tap can be a single point coupler or a multi-point coupler. The type of distribution tap utilized can depend on the installation configuration. The distribution tap can be configured for use in a linear Ethernet type network. The fundamental length scale (FLS) of the distribution tap can be at most about 0.25 inches ("), 0.5", 0.75", 1", 1.25", 1.5", 1.75", or 2.0". The FLS of the distribution tap can have any value between the foregoing values (e.g., about 0.25" to about 2.0", about 0.25" to about 1", about 0.75" to about 1.25", or about 1" to about 2").

[0232] In some embodiments, the distribution tap includes a switch. The switch can include an automatic reset thermal switch (e.g., a fuse). The switch can be incorporated into the circuitry of the distribution tap. The switch can include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) switch. The switch can be triggered by a temperature rise above a threshold. The PTC can be included in a branch (e.g., a tap) portion of the circuitry. The switch can be a resettable switch. The switch can be configured such that once electrical power is drawn from the switch, the PTC returns to its original state (e.g., the switch resets). The switch can be configured to allow electrical (e.g., DC) power and communication (e.g., RF) signals to pass through the trunk line, e.g., during a temporary disconnection of the switch (e.g., disabling the connection of the distribution tap to the branch line (e.g., tap line)). The PTC switch can be implemented using a thermally activated electromechanical switch, a mechanical thermocutout switch, a self-activated thermal switch, a mechanical thermal switch, a bimetallic temperature control switch, a fluid-filled temperature control switch, a digital temperature control switch, an electronic thermal switch, a thermal protector, or any switch, fuse, or link that can reset itself after a thermal event. The switch can include a resistor, e.g., a thermistor. The switch can include a positive temperature coefficient (e.g., PTC) or a negative temperature coefficient (e.g., NTC) resistor (e.g., thermistor). The switch can include a semiconductor (e.g., metal oxide). The switch can include a polycrystalline ceramic (e.g., doped polycrystalline ceramic, such as BaTi03). The switch can include a material that has a sudden increase in resistance at a particular critical temperature. The switch can include a thermistor. The switch can be a passive switch or a dynamic switch. The switch can include a fuse. The switch can include a polymer (e.g., polyswitch). In some embodiments, when current flows through the switch, it can generate heat, which can cause the switch to increase in temperature, e.g., to a temperature above the ambient temperature. The switch can act as a protection circuit element.

[0233] In some embodiments, the cable system includes a distribution tap. The distribution tap can be configured to distribute electrical power and communication (e.g., RF) power. The electrical power can be provided as direct current (e.g., DC). The distribution tap can include a first port (e.g., an input port) configured to receive communication and electrical power (e.g., RF power and DC power) from an upstream circuit. The distribution tap can include a second port (e.g., an output port) configured to distribute communication and electrical power (e.g., RF power and DC power) to a downstream circuit. The distribution tap can include a third port (e.g., a coupling port) configured to distribute communication and electrical power (e.g., RF power and DC power) to a branch circuit (e.g., operatively coupled to a target device).

[0234] Figure 19 An example of an electrical schematic diagram showing an example of a distribution tap 1900 is shown. It can be noted that examples are described herein, e.g., in connection with Figure 3Other examples of distribution taps are discussed. In Figure 19 In the illustrated example, the distribution tap 1900 is configured to distribute electrical power and communication (e.g., RF) power. In Figure 19 In the illustrated example, the electrical power can be provided as direct current (DC). The distribution tap 1900 can include a first port 1930 (e.g., an input port) configured to receive communication and electrical power (e.g., RF power and DC power) from an upstream circuit. The distribution tap 1900 includes a second port 1931 (e.g., an output port) configured to distribute communication and electrical power (e.g., RF power and DC power) to a downstream circuit. The distribution tap 1900 can include a third port 1933 (e.g., a coupling port) configured to distribute communication and electrical power (e.g., RF power and DC power) to a branch circuit (e.g., operatively coupled to a target device). The distribution tap 1900 includes a first (DC) blocking capacitor 1902, a second (DC) blocking capacitor 1904, a third (DC) blocking capacitor 1906, a first series inductor 1908, a third series inductor 1910, a second series inductor 1912, a matched load 1914, a directional coupler 1916, an input port 1941, a transmission port 1942, a coupling port 1943, and an isolation port 1944.

[0235] In some embodiments, the distribution junction can include a first circuit path for distributing communication (e.g., RF) power, and a second circuit path for distributing electrical (e.g., DC) power. For communication (e.g., RF) power distribution, the first circuit path can operate as follows: a first electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor can be operatively coupled (e.g., in series) between the first port of the distribution junction and the input port of the directional coupler. A second electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor can be operatively coupled (e.g., in series) between the second port of the distribution junction and the transmission port of the directional coupler. A third electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor can be coupled between the third port of the distribution junction and the coupling port of the directional coupler. In some embodiments, the directional coupler can include one or more (e.g., RF) transformers. In some embodiments, the (e.g., RF) transformers can include coil windings disposed in proximity to a ferrite material. Communication (e.g., RF) power can be applied to the first port of the distribution junction. At least some (e.g., all or most) of the applied communication (e.g., RF) power can pass through the first electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor to the input port of the directional coupler. A first portion of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port can be output by the transmission port, pass through the second DC blocking capacitor, and then be output by the second port of the distribution junction. A second portion of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port can be output by the coupling port. The second portion can be the difference of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port minus the communication (e.g., RF) power that is output by the transmission port. At least some (e.g., all or most) of the communication (e.g., RF) power from the coupling port can pass through the third electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor, and can be output by the third port of the distribution junction.

[0236] In some embodiments, the distribution junction includes an isolation port (e.g., 1944). With the isolation port (e.g., fourth port) provided, the directional coupler can be symmetric. At least a portion of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the transmission port can appear at the isolation port. In some embodiments, in this mode, the directional coupler can not be used, and the isolation port can be terminated with a matched load (e.g., a resistor of at least 50 ohms or 75 ohms). Such termination can be internal to the directional coupler and / or distribution junction, e.g., where the user has no access to the isolation port.

[0237] In some embodiments, the distribution junction facilitates electrical power distribution. For electrical (e.g., DC) power distribution, the second circuit path can work as follows: electrical (e.g., DC) current applied to the first port can be distributed to the second port through the first series inductor (e.g., 1908) and the second series inductor (e.g., 1912) or any combination thereof. Electrical (e.g., DC) current applied to the first port can be distributed to the third port through the first series inductor (e.g., 1908) and the third series inductor (e.g., 1910) or any combination thereof. The first series inductor (e.g., 1908), the second series inductor (e.g., 1912), and the third series inductor (e.g., 1910) or any combination thereof can be selected to have high impedance in a frequency range corresponding to the communication (e.g., RF) power applied to the first port. The frequency range of the communication signal can include one or more frequency components indicative of a magnitude versus frequency characteristic at one or more discrete frequencies or over one or more discrete frequency bands. In some embodiments, the frequency components can include (i) a lowest frequency component, (ii) a highest frequency component, or (iii) both the lowest and highest frequency components. In some embodiments, the electrical power can be provided as DC current.

[0238] In some embodiments, the electrical power can be provided as alternating current (AC). For example, the AC can be a periodically varying current with a frequency lower than the lowest frequency component of the communication (e.g., RF) power. The AC electrical power can be a periodically varying current with a frequency higher than the highest frequency component of the communication (e.g., RF) power. The reactance of the first series inductor, the second series inductor, the third series inductor, the first DC blocking capacitor, the second DC blocking capacitor, and / or the third DC blocking capacitor can be selected such that at least a portion (e.g., a majority or a substantial portion) of the electrical power (e.g., AC or DC) is passed through the inductor, e.g., while at least a portion (e.g., a majority or a substantial portion) of the communication (e.g., RF) power is passed through the capacitor. In some embodiments, a signal (e.g., low pass) filter replaces any of the first series inductor (e.g., 1908), the second series inductor (e.g., 1912), and / or the third series inductor (e.g., 1910). In some embodiments, a signal (e.g., high pass) filter can replace the first DC blocking capacitor (e.g., 1902), the second DC blocking capacitor (e.g., 1904), and / or the third DC blocking capacitor (e.g., 1906). In some embodiments, one or more signal filters can be added to the electronic circuitry of the distribution junction. The filter can include a high pass filter and / or a low pass filter.

[0239] In some embodiments, the distribution jack is housed in a housing (e.g., a casing). The casing can have a plurality of connectors (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more connectors). The connectors can be ports. At least two of the plurality of connectors can connect the distribution jack to a bus (e.g., a main line). At least one of the distribution jack connectors can connect the distribution jack to a branch line (e.g., operatively coupled to at least one device). The connectors can be configured to connect to cables or wires (e.g., coaxial cables). The connectors can be configured to transmit electrical and communication signals (e.g., on the wires or cables). The housing can comprise an insulating material (e.g., a polymer or a resin). The housing can comprise an elemental metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, or an allotrope of an elemental metal. The housing can comprise a transparent or non-transparent material. The housing can facilitate heat dissipation from its interior. The housing can be configured to facilitate coupling and / or attachment of it to a fixture (e.g., a wall or a frame). For example, the housing can comprise one or more cutouts or protrusions to facilitate coupling and / or attachment of it to a fixture (e.g., a wall or a frame). The housing can be configured to protect the electronic circuitry of the jack, for example, from external influences (e.g., physical damage, water damage, corrosion, and / or overheating). The housing can facilitate coupling of the wires and / or cables to the electronic circuitry in the distribution jack, for example, via the connectors (e.g., ports). The ports can include input ports, transmission ports, coupling ports, or any combination or plurality thereof.

[0240] Figure 20 Various illustrative mechanical housing portions and ports related to the first distribution jack 2000, the second distribution jack 2030, and the third distribution jack 2060 are depicted. The first distribution jack 2000 can include a first port 2001 (e.g., corresponding to the first port 1930 of Figure 19 Figure 19 Figure 19 Figure 20 The first port 2001 (e.g., an input port) can be used as an input port, the second port 2002 can be used as a transmission port, and the third port 2003 can be used as a coupling port. A first portion of the communication (e.g., RF) power applied to the first port 2001 (e.g., an input port) can be output by the second port 2002 (e.g., a transmission port). A second portion of the communication (e.g., RF) power applied to the first port 2001 can be output by the third port 2003 (e.g., a coupling port). The second portion can be the difference of the communication (e.g., RF) power applied to the first port 2001 minus the communication (e.g., RF) power output by the second port 2002.

[0241] ​​​In some embodiments, the distribution hub can include at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port (e.g., 2001) and the third port (e.g., 2003) can be located at a first end of the distribution hub (e.g., 2000), for example, side-by-side, while the second port (e.g., 2002) is located at a second end of the distribution hub opposite the first end. For example, the first, second, and third ports can take the form of any of a male BNC connector, a female BNC jack, a male N connector, a female N jack, a male F connector, a female F jack, a male SMA connector, a female SMA jack, a male TNC connector, a female TNC jack, various other types of connectors, various other types of jacks, and / or various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first distribution hub can be housed in a metal enclosure. In some embodiments, the first distribution hub can be housed in a non-metal structure.

[0242] In Figure 20 the illustrated example, the housing portions and ports associated with the second distribution hub 2030 include a first port 2011 (e.g., corresponding to the first port 1930 of Figure 19 ), a second port 2012 (e.g., corresponding to the second port 1931 of Figure 19 ), and a third port 2013 (e.g., corresponding to the third port 1933 of Figure 19 ). The first port can function as an input port, the second port can function as a transmission port, and the third port can function as a coupling port. The first port can be located at a first end of the distribution hub, and the third port can be located at a second end of the distribution hub opposite the first end (e.g., see 2030 of Figure 20

[0243] In Figure 20 the illustrated example, the housing portions and ports associated with the third distribution hub 2060 include a first port 2021 (e.g., corresponding to the first port 1930 of Figure 19 ), a second port 2022 (e.g., corresponding to the second port 1931 of Figure 19 ), and a third port 2023 (e.g., corresponding to the third port 1933 of Figure 19 ). The first port can function as an input port, the second port can function as a transmission port, and the third port can function as a coupling port. The first port can be located at a first end of the distribution hub. The second and third ports can be located at a second end of the distribution hub opposite the first end, respectively (e.g., see 2060 of Figure 20

[0244] Figure 21 depicts a distribution hub 2100 (e.g., corresponding to the distribution hub 1900 of Figure 20 ​​the third port 2023 of the third distribution junction 2060). The distribution junction 2100 includes a first port 2106 (corresponding to Figure 20 the first port 2021 of the first distribution junction 2000), a second port 2102 (corresponding to Figure 20 the second port 2022 of the first distribution junction 2000), and a third port 2103 (corresponding to Figure 20 the third port 2023 of the first distribution junction 2000).

[0245] In some embodiments, a distribution junction is connected to multiple branch lines, such as disclosed herein. At least one electrical element of a distribution junction can be repeated for each branch. For example, at the connection to a branch’s connector, an inductor (e.g., a series inductor) and / or a switch can be dedicated to one branch. At least one branch-specific circuitry portion of a distribution junction circuitry can include a switch. At least one branch-specific circuitry portion of a distribution junction circuitry can be free of a switch. At least one element of the electronic circuitry is common to multiple tap branch circuitry portions, such as an inductor.

[0246] In some embodiments, a distribution junction circuitry includes multiple electronic components. The multiple electronic components can include at least one wire, port, directional coupler, capacitor, coupler (e.g., directional coupler), matching load inductor (e.g., series inductor), or switch. A port can include an input port, an output port, a transmission port, or an isolation port. A port can be configured to distribute communication power and electrical power to downstream and / or upstream circuitry. A port can be a unidirectional or bidirectional port. A capacitor can include an electrical power blocking capacitor. A matching load can have an impedance value that enables maximum energy absorption from a signal source. A distribution junction can be configured for impedance matching. A distribution junction can be configured to maximize electrical power transfer. A distribution junction can be configured to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. A distribution junction can be configured to minimize signal reflection from a load.

[0247] Figure 22 An electrical schematic of the circuitry of a distribution junction 2200 is shown. The distribution junction 2200 is a cascaded version of the distribution junction 1900 described herein, for example, with reference to Figure 19 The distribution junction 2200 can be configured to distribute electrical power and communication (e.g., RF) power. In Figure 22In the example of FIG. 22, electrical power can be provided as direct current (DC). The distribution tap 2200 includes a first port 2230 (e.g., an input port) configured to receive communication (e.g., RF) power and electrical (e.g., DC) power from an upstream circuit. The distribution tap 2200 includes a second port 2231 (e.g., an output port) configured to distribute communication power and electrical power to a downstream circuit. The distribution tap 2200 includes a third port 2233 (e.g., a first coupling port) and a fourth port 2234 (e.g., a second coupling port). The third port 2233 and / or the fourth port 2234 can be configured to distribute communication power and electrical power to at least one branch circuit. The distribution tap 2200 includes a first directional coupler 2216 cascaded with a second directional coupler 2236. The third port and / or the fourth port can each be configured to be operatively coupled to one or more target devices. The distribution tap 2200 includes a first electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor 2202 operatively coupled in series between the first port 2230 and an input port 2241 of the first directional coupler 2216. The distribution tap 2200 includes the input port 2241 of the first directional coupler 2216, a transmission port 2242 of the first directional coupler 2216, an input port 2251 of the second directional coupler 2236, a transmission port 2252 of the second directional coupler 2236, a second electrical power (DC) blocking capacitor 2204, a third electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor 2206 coupled between the third port 2233 of the distribution tap 2200 and a coupling port 2243 of the first directional coupler 2216, the port 2243 of the first directional coupler 2216, the transmission port 2242, a fourth electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor 2246 coupled between the fourth port 2234 and a coupling port 2253 of the second directional coupler 2236, the input port 2251 of the second directional coupler 2236 and the coupling port 2253 of the second directional coupler 2236, an isolation port 2244, a matched load 2214, an isolation port 2254, the transmission port 2252, a first series inductor 2208 and a second series inductor 2222, a third series inductor 2210, a fourth series inductor 2220, a first (e.g., auto-reset current-limited cutoff) switch 2212, a second (e.g., auto-reset current-limited cutoff) switch 2228, and the fourth port 2234.

[0248] In some embodiments, a distribution junction (e.g., 2200) can include a first circuit path for distributing communication power and a second circuit path for distributing electrical power. For communication power distribution, the first circuit path can operate as follows: communication power can be applied to a first port of the distribution junction. A first electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor can be operatively coupled in series between the first port and an input port of a first directional coupler. All or most of the RF applied to the first port can reach the input port of the first directional coupler. A first portion of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port can be output by a transmission port of the first directional coupler, reaching an input port of a second directional coupler. The first portion of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port can be output by a transmission port of the second directional coupler. All or most of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the transmission port can pass through a second electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor and can be output by a second port of the distribution junction. A third electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor (e.g., 2206) can be coupled between a third port (e.g., 2233) of the distribution junction and a coupled port (e.g., 2243) of the first directional coupler (e.g., 2216). A second portion of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port (e.g., 2241) of the first directional coupler can be output by the coupled port of the first directional coupler. The second portion at the coupled port can be the difference of the communication (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port minus the communication (e.g., RF) power that is output by the transmission port (e.g., 2242). At least a portion (e.g., all or most) of the second portion at the coupled port can pass through the third electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor and reach the third port (e.g., 2233) of the distribution junction. The communication signal (e.g., RF) power at the third port can be used by one or more downstream devices on one or more branch circuits. A fourth electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor (e.g., 2246) can be coupled between a fourth port (e.g., 2234) of the distribution junction and a coupled port (e.g., 2253) of the second directional coupler (e.g., 2236). A second portion of the communication signal (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port (e.g., 2251) of the second directional coupler can be output by the coupled port of the second directional coupler. The second portion at the coupled port can be the difference of the communication signal (e.g., RF) power that reaches the input port minus the communication signal (e.g., RF) power that is output by the transmission port. At least a portion (e.g., all or most) of the second portion at the coupled port can pass through the fourth electrical power (e.g., DC) blocking capacitor and reach the fourth port of the distribution junction. The communication signal (e.g., RF) power at the fourth port can be used by one or more downstream devices on one or more branch circuits.

[0249] In some embodiments, the directional coupler can include one or more communication signal (e.g., RF) transformers. In some embodiments, the communication signal (e.g., RF) transformers can include coil windings disposed proximate to a ferrite material. In the case where an isolation port such as 2244 (e.g., fourth port) is provided, the first directional coupler (e.g., 2216) can be symmetrical. A portion of the communication signal (e.g., RF) power reaching the transmission port will appear at the isolation port. In some embodiments, in this mode, the first directional coupler can not be used, and the isolation port (e.g., 2244) can be terminated with a matching load such as 2214 (e.g., having a resistance of at least about 50 ohms or 75 ohms). This termination can be internal to the first directional coupler and / or the distribution hub, where the user has no access to the isolation port. In the case where an isolation port such as 2254 (e.g., fourth port) is provided, the second directional coupler can be symmetrical. A portion of the communication signal (e.g., RF) power reaching the transmission port (e.g., 2252) can appear at the isolation port (e.g., 2254). In some embodiments, in this mode, the second directional coupler can not be used, and the isolation port can be terminated with a matching load such as 2226 (e.g., having a resistance of at least about 50 ohms or 75 ohms). This termination can be internal to the second directional coupler and / or the distribution hub, where the user has no access to the isolation port.

[0250] In some embodiments, the distribution hub facilitates electrical power distribution, including a first circuit system path and a second circuit system path. For electrical (e.g., DC) power distribution, the second circuit path can operate as follows: current applied to the first port can be distributed to the second port through the first series inductor (e.g., 2208) and the second series inductor (e.g., 2222). Current applied to the first port (e.g., 2230) can be distributed to the third port (e.g., 2233) through the first series inductor, the first auto-reset current-limiting cutoff switch (e.g., 2212), and the third series inductor (e.g., 2210). Current applied to the first port can be distributed to the fourth port (e.g., 2234) through the first series inductor, the second auto-reset current-limiting cutoff switch (e.g., 2228), and the fourth series inductor (e.g., 2220). The first series inductor, the second series inductor, the third series inductor, and the fourth series inductor can be selected to have high impedance in a frequency range corresponding to the communication signal power applied to the first port. The frequency range can include one or more frequency components, indicating a magnitude versus frequency characteristic over one or more discrete frequencies or over one or more discrete frequency bands. In some embodiments, the frequency components can include a lowest frequency component and / or a highest frequency component. In some embodiments, the electrical power can be provided as current.

[0251] In some embodiments, electrical power can be provided as alternating current (AC). For example, the AC can be a periodically varying current with a frequency lower than the lowest frequency component of the RF power. The AC electrical power can be a periodically varying current with a frequency higher than the highest frequency component of the communication signal power. The reactance of the first series inductor (e.g., 2208), the second series inductor (e.g., 2222), the third series inductor (e.g., 2210), the fourth series inductor (e.g., 2220), the first electrical power blocking capacitor (e.g., 2202), the second electrical power blocking capacitor (e.g., 2204), the third DC blocking capacitor 2206, and the fourth electrical power blocking capacitor (e.g., 2246) can be selected so that at least a portion (e.g., a substantial portion) of the electrical (e.g., AC or DC) power passes through these inductors, e.g., while at least a portion (e.g., a substantial portion) of the communication signal power passes through these capacitors.

[0252] In some embodiments, the distribution hub includes at least one switch. The switch can be an auto-reset switch. The switch can be a current-limiting switch. The switch can protect the circuitry and / or the device from failing for reasons such as (i) providing a harmful amount of current, (ii) the device requesting too much current, (iii) the temperature being too high, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), and (iii). The switch can protect the circuitry and / or the device from failing, for example, because of overheating. For example, the distribution hub can include an auto-reset current-limiting switch. For example, the distribution hub can include multiple switches. For example, the distribution hub can include a switch positioned before a port, the switch configured to couple one or more devices and / or branch lines to the distribution hub. A first (e.g., auto-reset current-limiting cutoff) switch (e.g., 2212) can provide protection against any device consuming too much current from the port (e.g., third port 2233). A second (e.g., auto-reset current-limiting cutoff) switch (e.g., 2228) or any other additional switch can provide protection against any one or more devices consuming too much current from the port (e.g., fourth port 2234) to which it is coupled. The switch can include (i) a thermally activated electro-mechanical on / off type switch, (ii) an electro-mechanical on / off type switch, (iii) an electro-mechanical thermal cutoff switch, (iv) a self-actuated thermal switch, (v) a mechanical thermal switch, a bimetallic temperature control switch, (vi) a fluid-filled temperature control switch, (vii) a digital temperature control switch, (viii) an electronic thermal switch, (ix) a thermal protector, or (x) any switch, fuse, or link that can reset itself after an event (e.g., thermal or electrical) occurs. For example, the cutoff switch can be an auto-reset thermal switch, a fuse, a circuit breaker, or a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) switch. The switch can be triggered by any temperature rise above a threshold. After the PTC switch opens (e.g., forms an open circuit) and electrical power is removed from the PTC, the PTC can reset itself, for example, by returning to its original (electrically closed) state. In the circuit configuration of FIG. 1, the PTC switch (e.g., 2212 and / or 2228) allows electrical (e.g., DC) power and communication (e.g., RF) signals to be transmitted through the backbone during the time the switch is (e.g., temporarily) open. Figure 22 In the circuit configuration of FIG. 1, the PTC switch (e.g., 2212 and / or 2228) allows electrical (e.g., DC) power and communication (e.g., RF) signals to be transmitted through the backbone during the time the switch is (e.g., temporarily) open.

[0253] In some embodiments, the network infrastructure includes a backbone as part of a cable network, the backbone including a plurality of distribution hubs. The distribution hubs can be operatively coupled to at least one controller and / or at least one target device. The backbone can be operatively coupled (e.g., connected) to a power source and / or a control system (e.g., through a control panel). The control system includes at least one controller. The control system can be a hierarchical control system.

[0254] Figure 23Examples of network infrastructure for the first cable network 2300, the second cable network 2330, and the third cable network 2360 are shown. The first cable network 2300 includes a bus cable 2321 connected to a first control panel 2301. The second cable network 2330 includes a bus cable 2323 connected to a second control panel 2303. The third cable network 2360 includes a bus cable 2325 connected to a third control panel 2305. The first control panel 2301, the second control panel 2303, and the third control panel 2305 can each include a network (e.g., including a floor) controller. The controller can be a master controller or a lower controller in a controller hierarchy. The bus cable can be connected to a plurality of distribution taps. For example, in Figure 23 the first bus cable 2321 is connected to eight distribution taps, including a distribution tap 2312. The distribution tap 2312 is connected to one or more downstream devices by a branch cable 2315. The downstream devices include a first downstream device 2314 (e.g., a local controller) and a second downstream device 2316 (e.g., a target device such as a sensor, emitter, antenna, tunable color window, or display construct). The first cable network 2300 can use the eight distribution taps to provide eight taps 2318 (e.g., in-home distribution lines), each configured to connect to one or more downstream target devices (e.g., and their local controllers). The second bus cable 2323 is connected to twelve distribution taps to provide twelve taps 2320. The third bus cable 2325 is connected to sixteen distribution taps to provide sixteen taps 2322. In some embodiments, the maximum number of taps can be determined by the current production capacity of the electrical power source. In some embodiments, the maximum number of taps can be determined by the signal-to-noise ratio of the communication signal from the signal source to the device farthest from the source (e.g., the longest trunk line distance and / or cable distance). In some embodiments, the number of taps (e.g., in-home distribution lines) can be at least about 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, or 72. In some embodiments, the communication signal (e.g., RF) power at each tap (e.g., tap 2318) is at most about 10 dB, 15 dB, 20 dB, 25 dB, 26 dB, or 30 dB less than the communication signal (e.g., RF) power on the bus cable 2321 (e.g., the trunk line).

[0255] In some embodiments, a cable network (e.g., the first cable network 2300) can include a network bus (e.g., the bus cable 2321, also referred to herein as a backbone line) and branch cables (e.g., the branch cable 2315). The network bus and branch cables can distribute one or more time-varying (e.g., communication) signals and / or electrical (e.g., DC) power within the network infrastructure. The network bus and branch cables can include one or more signal conductors and one or more ground conductors. The network bus can be formed of a plurality of circuits coupled together. A first circuit of the network bus can couple a controller (e.g., within the first control panel 2301) and a distribution tap (e.g., the distribution tap 2312) together. Second and subsequent circuits of the network bus can couple respective pairs of distribution taps together. A branch cable (e.g., the branch cable 2315) can couple a branch circuit (e.g., the branch circuit 2314) to a (e.g., respective) distribution tap (e.g., the distribution tap 2312). The network bus and branch cables can distribute multiple time-varying signals and / or electrical power (e.g., simultaneously).

[0256] The network bus and branch cables can carry electrical (e.g., DC) power at any desired nominal voltage. For example, the network bus and branch cables can carry DC power at a voltage of at least about 12V, 23V, or 48 Volts (V). The network bus and branch cables can comply with any International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) class, such as Class 0, Class I, Class II, or Class III. For example, the network bus and branch cables can comply with IEC Class II, and thus can carry a maximum of about 100 VA or 100 Watts. The network bus and branch cables can have a wire gauge (e.g., AWG 12, 14, 16, or 18) sufficient to carry the requested current. The network bus and branch cables can include shielding (e.g., foil shielding, braided shielding, or quad shielding), for example, to reduce crosstalk and / or interference. The network bus and branch cables can comprise (e.g., be made of): LMR-200, LMR-240, LMR-400, RG-6, RG-8, RG-11, RG-59, RG-60, RG-174, RG-210, RG-213, 8233, or 8267 coaxial cable, or another type of cable suitable for its intended purpose, such as disclosed herein. The network bus and / or branch cables can distribute any desired number of (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) distinguishable sets of time-varying signal frequencies. The sets of time-varying signal frequencies can be distributed to non-overlapping frequency windows. For example, the network bus and / or branch cables can distribute a first set of time-varying signal frequencies to one or more first frequency windows, and a second set of time-varying signal frequencies to one or more second frequency windows. The frequency windows (from the first and second sets) can be separated in the frequency domain (e.g., there can be a guard band between the frequency windows). In some embodiments, some of the frequency windows (from the first and / or second sets) are not separated by a guard band and / or partially overlap in the frequency domain (e.g., the end of one frequency window touches the beginning of another frequency window, such as shown in FIGS. 526 and 529 of the '721 application). Separating frequency-adjacent frequency windows with a guard band can: (i) reduce noise and / or interference, (ii) reduce the cost and / or complexity of network components (e.g., cables, filters, distribution taps, etc.), or (iii) any combination of (i) and (ii). Figure 5

[0257] ​In some embodiments, the network allocates time-varying signals. For example, the network can allocate multiple time-varying signal types. A first set of time-varying signals allocated by the cable network can include network data signals (e.g., control-related signals). The first set of time-varying signals can be digital communications or digital data. The first set of time-varying signals can include signals configured to be transmitted over communication technologies that transmit digital information over power lines used (e.g., only) to deliver electrical power. The first set of time-varying signals can include signals configured to be transmitted over hardware devices designed for communication and data transfer over electrical wires of a building (e.g., Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi). The first set of time-varying signals can include signals configured to be transmitted over data transfer protocols that facilitate data transfer rates of at least about 1 megahertz (MHz), 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 50 MHz, 10 MHz 0, 500 MHz, 1 gigabit per second (Gbit / s), 2 Gbit / s, 3 Gbit / s, 4 Gbit / s, or 5 Gbit / s. The data transfer protocols can operate over telephone lines, coaxial cables, power lines, and / or (e.g., plastic) optical fibers. The data transfer protocols can be implemented by chips (e.g., chips including semiconductor devices). The first set of time-varying signals can include power line communication signals, such as G.hn, HomePlug®, or HD-PLC compatible signals. The first set of time-varying signals can include signals compatible with Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) protocols. The first set of time-varying signals can include signals compatible with other protocols, including Ethernet protocols, such as 802.3bw, 802.3bp, 802.3ch, and / or 802.3cq. The first frequency window can extend from about 2 megahertz (MHz) to about 200 MHz (e.g., used in G.hn protocols). For example, the first frequency window can extend from about 500 MHz to about 600 MHz, from about 875 MHz to about 1 Ghz, and / or from about 1.15 to about 1.5 GHz. A second set of time-varying signals allocated by the cable network can include RF signals. The second time-varying signals can include signals received by or transmitted through an antenna. The second frequency window can extend from about 600 MHz to about 1 GHz, from about 1.4 GHz to about 6 GHz, from about 1.7 GHz to about 6 GHz. The radio frequency signals can include cellular network signals, such as fourth generation (4G) and / or fifth generation (5G) cellular network signals. In some embodiments, the 4G and 5G cellular network signals include signals at or below about 6 GHz. The ranges of the first and second sets of time-varying signals can overlap. The ranges of the first and second sets of time-varying signals can be separate. Such separation can be by signal domains not used by the first time-varying signals or not used by the second time-varying signals.

[0258] In certain embodiments, Figure 23 The data plane infrastructure, e.g., including first control panel 2301, second control panel 2303, and third control panel 2305, coaxial cable, etc., and network adapters, is used to provide electrical power to nodes on the network. In certain embodiments, electrical power (e.g., provided at about 48 volts DC) is injected into the cable (e.g., coaxial cable) used for the (e.g., horizontal) data plane. In certain embodiments, the control panels include a power manager. The power manager can be configured to control the distribution of power to individual network adapters and / or end nodes on the network. Power can be provided to individual network adapters or other nodes according to a protocol implemented in the power manager. In some protocols, end nodes will not be allowed to draw power at any time (e.g., on demand). Various criteria can be employed to determine the timing and / or amount of electrical power delivered to individual nodes or network adapters on the network. Such criteria can include, for example, ensuring that the total delivered power of the system does not exceed some threshold, e.g., a threshold set for a particular electrical standard in a jurisdiction (e.g., a threshold of about 100 watts for a Class 2 network in the United States). In some embodiments, one or more end nodes connected to the network are unable to draw electrical power (or can only draw a limited amount of electrical power) until they negotiate electrical power with the electrical power manager. For purposes of electrical power negotiation and / or network authentication, the electrical power manager or another network component can form a virtual network with the end nodes.

[0259] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to facilitate power control in the cabling network. Control can include electrical power distribution in time and space (e.g., according to business logic and / or device requirements). The power manager can be configured to perform operations including: (i) proposing at least one possible (e.g., optional) device operation schedule, (ii) considering how long a given process takes to occur (from start to finish), (iii) managing operating mode and / or timing of (e.g., third party) devices, e.g., considering operating modes (e.g., continuous or intermittent operation), (iv) considering and / or developing various intermittent operation schemes, (v) considering when devices are needed, (vi) staggering, adjusting, and / or matching device operating requirements and requests, (vii) disabling (e.g., turning off) a given device that is consuming power (e.g., above a threshold), (viii) delaying operation of a given device, or (ix) any combination of (i) through (viii). Devices can request different (e.g., higher or lower) power budgets. The power manager (e.g., power controller) can be configured to suggest a power usage priority list for devices. The power manager can utilize a pre-set device priority list, e.g., in terms of power usage by the devices. The power manager can know where to connect devices in the facility and / or network (e.g., to which backbone line). A backbone line can be capable of connecting up to 8, 12, 16, or 32 devices, e.g., in series. The power manager can facilitate automatic electrical power load distribution. The power manager can identify which controller of the control system is connected to which channel and / or which device. Devices can be tintable windows, media displays (e.g., transparent displays), device collections (e.g., sensor suites), (e.g., cellular) transceivers. The power manager can consider which device is doing which operation (e.g., which transition according to IGU type and size), for example. The power manager can prioritize power budgets according to business logic. Prioritization can include product management. Prioritization can be based at least in part on: (I) reasonably inferred logic, (II) a space of the facility (e.g., a space of a certain type and / or having certain characteristics), (III) usage within the facility space, (IV) zoning (e.g., use function zoning), (V) device priority (e.g., based on device type, device function, and / or device location in the facility), (VI) external conditions, (VII) amount of power needed, (VII) length of time power is needed, (VIII) voltage draw source identification, or (IX) any combination of (I) through (VIII). Prioritization can utilize logic including higher level abstract business logic. Prioritization can utilize a usage scheme for the facility. Prioritization can facilitate establishment of a model of the facility (e.g., structure and / or building). For example, the model can include a building information model (BIM) (e.g., a Revit file) of the facility or any enclosed area therein.The model can include two-dimensional (e.g., floor plan) and / or three-dimensional modeling (e.g., 3D model rendering) of the facility or any enclosed area therein. The logic can or can not include finite element analysis. The logic can or can be used for simulation. The logic can include generalization logic. The power manager can utilize artificial intelligence (e.g., ML). For example, for a device such as a tintable window, the ML can consider tint transition type, tint transition completion time, tintable window size, and / or material properties of the tintable window (e.g., of an electrochromic construction). For example, for a device such as an HVAC, the ML can consider requested temperature, temperature gradient of the requested temperature, enclosed area type to which the temperature is to be adjusted, enclosed area size, material properties of fixtures of the enclosed area, pressure of the atmosphere of the enclosed area, and / or speed at which the HVAC pushes gas (e.g., air) into and / or out of the enclosed area (e.g., room or other facility space). The power manager can identify sources of electrical power demand, e.g., from which device. The power manager can prioritize power supply. The power manager can identify devices by network identification code.

[0260] In some embodiments, the power manager utilizes modeling. The modeling can be based at least in part on known forms of behavior that can be expected from controllers driving specific operations of devices (e.g., transitioning a color shade of a color adjustable window, playing a movie on a display construct, adjusting a temperature of a room, broadcasting a message). The power manager can learn and / or utilize known (e.g., historical) power usage of devices. The historical power usage can be of devices in the facility, similar devices in the facility, or similar devices in other facilities. The modeling can include a learning phase. The modeling can utilize a learning set (e.g., based on real-time data collection and / or historical data collection). The learning set can include synthetic data. The learning set can utilize historical information from this or other locations (e.g., having similar networks and / or having similar devices coupled to the cable network). The power manager can include a hardware and / or software interface. For example, the power manager can have a graphical user interface (GUI). The power manager can include an application programming interface (API). The power manager can receive input from a user, e.g., via a GUI of the API. For example, the power manager can request and / or accept input regarding user preferences for device usage. For example, a preference for a color shade level of a color adjustable window in a user room, a start time preference, and / or a selection of specific media to project on a media display, a time preference, and / or a selection of a message broadcast, at least one environmental preference for a room, and / or a selection of a room, or any combination thereof. The environmental preferences can include lighting, humidity, temperature, gas velocity, gas pressure, volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, particulate matter levels, noise levels, or any combination thereof. The lighting system can include lighting intensity, direction, light source arrangement, light source selection, and / or color. The color can include color type, color wavelength, or color gradient. The power manager can or can not be able to override the user's request. For example, the power manager can not be able to fulfill a user request when the user's request results in electrical power consumption. The GUI can communicate information to the user of the denial of the request (e.g., by visual projection or sound). The API of the power manager can be installed in a user's processor, e.g., in a stationary or mobile processor (e.g., a tablet, a mobile phone, or a laptop).

[0261] The model can include a building information modeling (BIM) software (e.g., Autodesk Revit) product (e.g., file). A BIM product can allow a user to design a building using parametric modeling and drawing elements. In some embodiments, BIM is a computer-aided design (CAD) paradigm that supports intelligent, 3D, and / or object-based parametric design. A BIM model can contain information for the entire lifecycle of a building, from conception through construction and finally to retirement. This functionality can be provided by the underlying relational database architecture of a BIM model, which can be referred to as a parametric change engine. A BIM product can store a BIM model using a.RVT file. Parametric objects, whether 3D building objects (e.g., a window or door) or 2D drawing objects, can be referred to as families, can be saved with a.RFA file, and can be imported into an RVT database. There are many sources of pre-drawn RFA libraries.

[0262] A BIM (e.g., Revit) can allow a user to create parametric components in a graphical “family editor.” The model can capture relationships between components, views, and annotations, so that changes to any element are automatically propagated to maintain consistency in the model. For example, moving a wall updates adjacent walls, floors, and roofs, corrects dimensions and the location and values of annotations, adjusts floor areas reported in schedules, redraws sections, etc. A BIM can facilitate ongoing connections, updates, and / or coordination between the model and (e.g., all) facility documents, e.g., to simplify real-time updates and / or instant revisions to the model. The concept of bidirectional associations between components, views, and annotations can be a feature of a BIM.

[0263] BIM models can use a single file database that can be shared among multiple users. Plans, sections, elevations, legends, and schedules can be interconnected. BIMs can provide (e.g., full) bidirectional associativity. Thus, if a user makes a change in one view, other views can be automatically updated. Also, BIM files can be automatically updated in response to input received from sensors. BIM drawings and / or schedules can be fully coordinated according to building objects displayed in the drawings. 3D objects can be used to draw infrastructure (e.g., buildings) and create fixtures (e.g., walls, floors, roofs, structures, windows, and / or doors) and other objects as needed. BIM models (e.g., BIM virtual models or BIM virtual files) can incorporate information about structures and / or materials associated with the facility. Generally, if a component of the design needs to be displayed in more than one view, it can be created using a 3D object. Users can create their own 3D and 2D objects for modeling and drawing. A combination of 3D and 2D drawing objects can be used to create small scale views of building components, or drawing work done in another computer-aided design (CAD) platform can be imported, such as via DWG, DXF, DGN, SAT, or SKP.

[0264] In some embodiments, when using a BIM shared project database, a central file can be created that stores a master copy of the project database on a file server. Users can use a copy of the central file stored on their workstations (referred to as a local file). Users can save to the central file to update the central file with their changes and receive changes from other users. Whenever a user starts working on an object in the database, the BIM model can check the central file to see if another user is editing the object. This procedure can prevent two people from making the same change at the same time and causing a conflict. Multidisciplinary personnel working on the same project can create their own project databases and link other consultants' databases for validation. BIMs can perform interference checks so that it can be detected if different components of a building use the same physical space.

[0265] In some embodiments, when a structure change occurs to a facility (including any portion thereof), the BIM model can need to be manually updated with at least one document associated with the facility to record the change and keep up to date. A control system of the facility (e.g., using sensors) can (e.g., automatically) provide the structure update to the BIM model, the logic (e.g., AI engine and / or simulation). The structure update provided by the control system can be done in real-time (e.g., as the change occurs), or at a time when the facility is not in use (e.g., during the night, on weekends, or during holidays). The update can be done on a schedule (e.g., pre-planned). The update can be done within a time frame closest to the structure change (e.g., the first time the facility is idle after the structure change). The update can be done at a predetermined (e.g., pre-planned) interval, and / or sensed by sensors operatively coupled to the network.

[0266] In some embodiments, one or more models (as di...

Claims

1. A method for controlling hue shift, characterized in that: The method includes: During the controlled current phase, a current is applied to the first optically switchable device for a first duration, wherein the first duration is determined at least in part based on the target amount of charge to be provided to the first optically switchable device during the first duration; and In response to the expiration of the first duration, a predetermined voltage distribution is applied to the first optical switchable device, wherein the current is applied first and then the predetermined voltage distribution is applied to cause the first optical switchable device to transition from an initial hue state to a target hue state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The predetermined voltage distribution is applied during a second duration, wherein the second duration is determined at least in part based on the amount of charge to be supplied to the first optically switchable device during the second duration.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sum of the charge delivered during the first duration and the charge delivered during the second duration corresponds to the charge required to transition from the initial hue state to the target hue state.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The target charge amount is determined based on empirical data associated with optically switchable devices having characteristics similar to the first optically switchable device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The similar characteristics include at least one of the following: similar size; or similar bus spacing.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The predetermined voltage distribution includes at least one voltage ramp and at least one voltage hold.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The at least one voltage holding includes a constant voltage at the driving voltage, and the at least one voltage ramp includes a voltage ramp from the driving voltage to the holding voltage, and the holding voltage is a voltage that causes the first light switchable device to maintain the target hue state.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The current applied during the controlled current phase includes a constant current.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Transitioning a second light-switching device (other than the first light-switching device) from the initial state to the target hue state, wherein transitioning the second light-switching device from the initial state to the target hue state includes: During the controlled current phase, a second current is applied to the second optical switchable device for a second duration, wherein the second optical switchable device is operatively coupled to the same trunk as the first optical switchable device, and wherein the second duration is different from the first duration; as well as In response to the passage of the second duration, a second predetermined voltage distribution is applied to the second optical switchable device, wherein the second current is applied first and then the second predetermined voltage distribution is applied to cause the second optical switchable device to transition from the initial hue state to the target hue state.

10. A control panel, characterized in that: include: At least one input port configured to receive power from a power source; as well as The control panel header includes: Printed circuit boards (PCBs) include: A circuit system configured to combine power and data signals derived from the power source, and Multiple output ports, each configured to provide a combination of power and data signals, wherein each output port is configured to receive a cable configured to provide power and data to a trunk to which it is connected.

11. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: It also includes multiple switches corresponding to the plurality of output ports, wherein each switch is configured to switch the supply of a combination of power and data to the corresponding output port.

12. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: It also includes multiple power supplies installed in the control panel.

13. The control panel according to claim 12, characterized in that: The number of power supplies in the plurality of power supplies is the same as the number of ports in the plurality of output ports.

14. The control panel according to claim 11, characterized in that: The plurality of switches are actuated based on at least one of the following: whether at least one optically switchable device operatively coupled to the cable leading to the corresponding output port is performing a hue change or maintaining a certain hue; Whether the at least one optically switchable device operatively coupled to the cable leading to the corresponding output port is transmitting or receiving communication; Or the scheduling information stored in the memory set in the header of the control panel.

15. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: The circuitry system configured to combine power and data from the power source includes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector.

16. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control panel head includes at least one heat sink or fan.

17. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: It includes at least one other port, which includes at least one of the following: a port configured to receive an optical fiber input cable, a port configured to receive an optical fiber output cable, or a Power over Ethernet (POE) port.

18. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control panel is operatively coupled to at least one other control panel via a fiber optic cable.

19. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control panel header is configured to communicate with the sensor device.

20. The control panel according to claim 19, characterized in that: The sensor device is configured to measure irradiance associated with multiple sky regions.

21. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: The printed circuit board includes a clock circuit system.

22. The control panel according to claim 21, characterized in that: The control panel header is configured to provide timing information, based on the clock circuitry, to one or more window controllers operatively coupled to the control panel in response to a detected power outage.

23. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: The clock circuit system uses capacitors to store energy to power the clock circuit system.

24. The control panel according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control panel and its header are housed within a housing no larger than 18 inches, with the dimensions corresponding to the width of the housing.

25. A method for controlling multiple adjustable color windows, characterized in that: The method includes: A first current is applied to a first optical switchable device during a first controlled current phase lasting a first duration, and a second current is applied to a second optical switchable device during a second controlled current phase lasting a second duration. In response to determining that the first duration has elapsed, a first predetermined voltage distribution is applied to the first optically switchable device while maintaining the second controlled current phase until the second duration has elapsed; and In response to determining that the second duration has elapsed, a second predetermined voltage distribution is applied to the second optical switchable device while maintaining the application of the first predetermined voltage distribution, wherein after a third duration has elapsed, both the first optical switchable device and the second optical switchable device have completed the hue transition to the same target hue state, and wherein the third duration spans the time period from the start of the hue transition to the time when both the first optical switchable device and the second optical switchable device have completed the hue transition to the same target hue state.

26. A system for controlling multiple adjustable color windows, characterized in that: The system includes: Multiple optical switchable devices; The backbone, which operatively couples the plurality of optically switchable devices; and At least one processing unit configured to: A first current is applied to a first optical switchable device among the plurality of optical switchable devices during a first controlled current phase lasting for a first duration, and a second current is applied to a second optical switchable device among the plurality of optical switchable devices during a second controlled current phase lasting for a second duration. In response to determining that the first duration has elapsed, a first predetermined voltage distribution is applied to the first optically switchable device while maintaining the second controlled current phase until the second duration has elapsed; and In response to determining that the second duration has elapsed, a second predetermined voltage distribution is applied to the second optical switchable device while maintaining the application of the first predetermined voltage distribution, wherein after a third duration has elapsed, both the first optical switchable device and the second optical switchable device have completed the hue transition to the same target hue state, and wherein the third duration spans the time period from the start of the hue transition to the time when both the first optical switchable device and the second optical switchable device have completed the hue transition to the same target hue state.

27. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that: It also includes a plurality of window controllers operatively coupled to the backbone, wherein a given window controller controls a subset of the plurality of optically switchable devices.

28. The system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The at least one processing unit is part of a window controller among the plurality of window controllers configured to control the first optical switchable device and the second optical switchable device.

29. The system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The power consumed by the multiple window controllers exceeds the power provided by the main line.

30. A printed circuit board (PCB), characterized in that: include: Multiple output ports; as well as A circuit system configured to combine power and data signals derived from a power source, and configured to provide the combined power and data to each output port, wherein: Each output port is configured to receive cables and to provide power and data to the trunk to which it is connected.

31. A system, characterized in that: include: The main line, which includes multiple main line segments; Multiple controllers, each operationally coupled to the backbone; as well as A plurality of optical switchable devices, wherein each of the plurality of controllers is coupled to and configured to control two or more of the plurality of optical switchable devices.

32. A system, characterized in that: include: Multiple electrical power lines within an enclosed area; Multiple window controllers, each window controller being operatively coupled to the multiple electrical power lines; as well as A plurality of optically switchable devices are located in the shell of the enclosed region, wherein each of the plurality of controllers, a window controller, is coupled to and configured to control two or more of the plurality of optically switchable devices.

33. A system, characterized in that: include: A backbone, a first end of which is coupled to a control panel header configured to provide at least data via the backbone, and a second end of which is coupled to a control panel optimizer; as well as The control panel optimizer includes: The input port is configured to receive the backbone. Multiple power supplies, A splitter configured to separate data transmitted via the trunk into multiple data signals. Multiple power injectors / combiners configured to combine power signals with data signals from said multiple data signals, and Multiple output ports, each configured to receive combined data and power signals from a corresponding power injector / combiner, wherein each of the multiple output ports is operatively coupled to a controller configured to control multiple downstream devices.

34. The system according to claim 33, characterized in that: The control panel head is disposed in a control panel comprising a plurality of control panel power supplies, wherein power is provided on the main line from the power supplies of the plurality of control panel power supplies.

35. The system according to claim 34, characterized in that: The number of power supplies of the multiple power supplies in the control panel optimizer is less than the number of output ports of the multiple output ports.

36. The system according to claim 34, characterized in that: At least one of the plurality of power injectors / combiners is configured to combine power signals obtained from power supplied from the trunk line.

37. The system according to claim 34, characterized in that: The control panel optimizer also includes a detection circuit, wherein the detection circuit is configured to determine whether power is supplied to the trunk line.

38. The system according to claim 37, characterized in that: The detection circuit is configured to monitor the current of the main line.

39. The system according to claim 33, characterized in that: The number of power supplies of the multiple power supplies in the control panel optimizer is equal to the number of output ports of the multiple output ports.

40. The system according to claim 33, characterized in that: The control panel optimizer also includes a microcontroller.

41. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that: The microcontroller is configured to individually control one of the plurality of output ports.

42. The system according to claim 41, characterized in that: The microcontroller is configured to de-energize the output port in response to detecting an error condition associated with one or more downstream devices operatively coupled to one of the plurality of output ports, and / or an error condition associated with the cable operatively coupling the output port to the one or more downstream devices.

43. The system according to claim 42, characterized in that: The error conditions include short circuit and / or overcurrent conditions.

44. The system according to claim 41, characterized in that: The microcontroller is configured to power off one or more of the plurality of output ports, at least in part, based on scheduling information.

45. The system according to claim 44, characterized in that: The scheduling information is stored in the memory of the control panel optimizer.

46. ​​The system according to claim 40, characterized in that: The microcontroller's communication is coupled to the cloud service.

47. The system according to claim 46, characterized in that: The microcontroller is configured to control one of the plurality of output ports based on commands received from the cloud service.

48. The system according to claim 40, characterized in that: The microcontroller is configured to provide data indicating the status of the plurality of downstream devices to the control panel header.

49. The system according to claim 33, characterized in that: The controller includes a plurality of window controllers, and each of the plurality of window controllers is configured to control a plurality of tinted windows.

50. The system according to claim 33, characterized in that: The multiple downstream devices include multiple Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices.

51. A control panel optimizer, characterized in that: include: The input port is configured to receive the backbone; Multiple power supplies; A separator configured to separate data transmitted via the trunk into multiple data signals; Multiple power injectors / combiners configured to combine power signals with data signals from the multiple data signals; as well as Multiple output ports, each configured to receive combined data and power signals from the corresponding power injector / combiner.

52. The control panel optimizer according to claim 51, characterized in that: Each output port is configured to provide data signals associated with multiple downstream devices operatively coupled to the plurality of output ports.

53. The control panel optimizer according to claim 52, characterized in that: Each output port is further configured to provide power to at least one of the plurality of downstream devices operatively coupled to the plurality of output ports.

54. The control panel optimizer according to claim 52, characterized in that: The plurality of downstream devices include a plurality of window controllers and / or a plurality of adjustable windows.

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