Device and method for switching form of one-way gateway interface of cable television

Abstract

The invention discloses a device and a method for switching the form of a unidirectional gateway interface of a cable television, the device comprises a USB interface, an Ethernet interface, a network controller, a USB controller and a protocol conversion unit, the protocol conversion unit is connected to the network controller and the USB controller and is used for performing protocol conversion between a USB gateway and an Ethernet gateway; wherein the protocol conversion unit is configured as follows: in a first working mode, the USB gateway is adapted to an Ethernet gateway, so that a user terminal accesses the USB gateway through the Ethernet interface; and in the second working mode, the Ethernet gateway is adapted to be the USB gateway, so that the user terminal accesses the Ethernet gateway through the USB interface. By adopting the technical scheme provided by the invention, the gateway and the terminal equipment with different interface forms can be adapted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cable television communication, and in particular to an apparatus and method for switching the interface mode of a one-way gateway for cable television. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of information technology and the digital media industry, users' demand for video content, especially 4K / 8K ultra-high-definition video, is increasing daily. As a crucial video content distribution channel, the functionality and performance of cable television networks' terminal equipment directly impact user experience. To adapt to different application scenarios and terminal forms, the national standard "Interaction Protocol Specification between Cable Television One-Way Gateway and 4K Ultra-High-Definition Insertable Mini Set-Top Box" defines two main types of one-way gateway products: USB port one-way gateways and Ethernet port one-way gateways.

[0003] USB unidirectional gateways typically connect and are powered via the host's USB port (such as the USB port of a smart TV or set-top box). They are characterized by plug-and-play functionality, universal interface, and ease of miniaturization. Ethernet unidirectional gateways, on the other hand, connect to the home LAN via a standard RJ45 Ethernet interface, offering advantages such as stable connection and guaranteed bandwidth.

[0004] Because user terminal devices (such as smart TVs, traditional set-top boxes, PCs, etc.) have different interface configurations, for example, some older or low-end TVs may only be equipped with USB ports and lack usable Ethernet ports, making it impossible for users to directly use Ethernet-based gateways. Conversely, some dedicated network devices may only provide Ethernet ports and cannot recognize USB-based gateways. This rigidity in interface type severely limits the applicability of gateway products and the freedom of choice for users. Furthermore, during network deployment and upgrades, once an operator or user selects a gateway type, if subsequent environmental changes (such as replacing terminal equipment or adjusting network topology) necessitate switching to a different type, the physical equipment must be replaced. This not only increases equipment procurement costs but also wastes resources and complicates the deployment process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problem of incompatibility between user terminal equipment interfaces and gateway interfaces provided by operators in existing technologies, this invention proposes a device and method for switching the interface type of a one-way gateway for cable television, enabling the switching of interface types between the two products.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is to provide a device for switching the interface mode of a one-way gateway for cable television, which includes a USB interface, an Ethernet interface, a network controller, a USB controller, and a protocol conversion unit. The USB interface is used to connect to a USB gateway or a user terminal; The Ethernet interface is used to connect to an Ethernet gateway or a user terminal. The network controller is connected to the Ethernet interface and is used for receiving and sending Ethernet data packets; The USB controller is connected to the USB interface and is used for receiving and sending USB protocol data packets; The protocol conversion unit is connected to the network controller and the USB controller, and is used to perform protocol conversion between the USB gateway and the Ethernet gateway; The protocol conversion unit is configured as follows: In the first working mode, the USB gateway is adapted as an Ethernet gateway, enabling the user terminal to access the USB gateway through the Ethernet interface. In the second operating mode, the Ethernet gateway is adapted as a USB gateway, allowing user terminals to access the Ethernet gateway through the USB interface.

[0007] In this embodiment of the invention, in the first working mode, the USB controller operates as a host controller, used to enumerate USB gateways and implement the reception and transmission of USB data packets; in the second working mode, the USB controller operates as a device controller, used by the user terminal to enumerate USB gateways and implement the reception and transmission of USB data packets.

[0008] In this embodiment of the invention, the protocol conversion unit includes an SSDP module, a DHCP module, a USB data processing module, and a USB gateway device discovery module.

[0009] In this embodiment of the invention, in the first working mode, The SSDP module is used to send an Ethernet gateway online notification and respond to user terminal search requests; The USB data processing module is used to unpack and repack data between USB data format and Ethernet data format; The DHCP module operates as a DHCP client, used to obtain an IP address from the network DHCP server. The USB gateway device discovery module is used to perform communication negotiation with the USB gateway; The data processing of the USB data processing module includes: The USB read thread is used to read data from the USB gateway and unpack it into Ethernet frames. The network packet reading thread is used to read Ethernet frames from the network controller and package them into USB format data.

[0010] In this embodiment of the invention, in the first working mode, the device uses the MAC address of the USB gateway for communication, and after obtaining the IP address from the DHCP client, sets the IP address to the USB gateway through the USB gateway device discovery module.

[0011] In this embodiment of the invention, in the second working mode, The SSDP module is used to monitor the SSDP online announcement of the Ethernet gateway. The USB data processing module is used for unpacking and packing data between Ethernet data format and USB data format; The DHCP module operates as a DHCP server, used to assign IP addresses to Ethernet gateways. The USB gateway device discovery module is used to perform communication negotiation with the user terminal; The data processing process of the USB data processing module includes: The USB read thread is used to read USB format data from the user terminal and unpack it into Ethernet frames. The network packet reading thread is used to read Ethernet frames from the network controller and package them into USB format data.

[0012] In this embodiment of the invention, in the second working mode, after the device assigns an IP address to the Ethernet gateway through a DHCP server, it starts the USB device controller, enabling the terminal device to enumerate and identify the USB gateway.

[0013] In this embodiment of the invention, the device further includes a working mode switching switch for switching between the first working mode and the second working mode.

[0014] In this embodiment of the invention, the device further includes a PoE power supply module and / or a USB power supply module, wherein the PoE power supply module is used to supply power through an Ethernet interface, and the USB power supply module is used to supply power through a USB interface.

[0015] In this embodiment of the invention, a method for switching the interface mode of a one-way cable TV gateway is also provided, implemented based on the above-described apparatus, comprising: Detect the connection method between the user terminal and the device; When the user terminal is connected to the device via an Ethernet interface and the device's USB interface is connected to a USB gateway, the first working mode is activated, and the USB gateway is adapted to an Ethernet gateway. When the user terminal is connected to the device via a USB interface and the device's Ethernet interface is connected to an Ethernet gateway, the second working mode is activated, adapting the Ethernet gateway as a USB gateway.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the device for switching the interface type of a one-way gateway for cable TV according to the present invention adapts the USB gateway to an Ethernet gateway in the first working mode, allowing the user terminal to access the USB gateway through the Ethernet interface, and adapts the Ethernet gateway to a USB gateway in the second working mode, allowing the user terminal to access the Ethernet gateway through the USB interface. This allows for compatibility with user terminal devices with different interfaces, improving the compatibility with user terminal devices. It not only avoids the economic and time costs incurred by replacing gateway devices due to incompatible terminal interfaces, but also provides network operators with a unified device management and deployment solution, greatly improving the flexibility of network deployment, the reusability of equipment, and the satisfaction of end users. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device for switching the interface mode of a one-way gateway for cable television according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device of the present invention in the first working mode; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the startup process of the device of the present invention in the first working mode; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the device of the present invention in the second working mode; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the startup process of the device of the present invention in the second working mode. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, a device for switching the interface type of a one-way cable TV gateway is provided. It connects to an Ethernet gateway or USB gateway and a user terminal to switch the gateway interface type. The device has two operating modes to achieve switching between the two gateway interface types. The device includes a USB interface, an Ethernet interface, a network controller, a USB controller, and a protocol conversion unit. These will be described in detail below.

[0020] The USB interface is used to connect to a USB gateway or user terminal.

[0021] The Ethernet interface is used to connect to an Ethernet gateway or a user terminal.

[0022] The network controller is connected to the Ethernet interface and is used for receiving and sending Ethernet data packets.

[0023] The USB controller, connected to the USB interface, is used for receiving and sending USB protocol data packets. The USB controller has two states: a USB host controller and a USB device controller. In the first operating mode, it acts as a host, actively enumerating and managing USB gateways; in the second operating mode, it acts as a device, simulating a USB gateway and being enumerated by user terminals.

[0024] The protocol conversion unit, connected to the network controller and the USB controller, is used to perform protocol conversion between the USB gateway and the Ethernet gateway. The protocol conversion unit is configured as follows: In the first working mode, the USB gateway is adapted as an Ethernet gateway, enabling the user terminal to access the USB gateway through the Ethernet interface. In the second operating mode, the Ethernet gateway is adapted as a USB gateway, allowing user terminals to access the Ethernet gateway through the USB interface.

[0025] The protocol conversion unit includes an SSDP module, a DHCP module, a USB data processing module, and a USB gateway device discovery module. The DHCP module is equipped with the DHCP protocol and has two operating modes: DHCP client and DHCP server. In different operating modes, each module performs different tasks.

[0026] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the first operating mode, the USB interface is connected to the USB gateway, and the Ethernet interface is connected to the user terminal. The device simulates the USB gateway as a logical Ethernet gateway, providing it for use by the user terminal connected via a network cable.

[0027] In the first operating mode, the USB controller operates as a host controller, used to enumerate USB gateways and receive and send USB data packets. The SSDP module is used to send Ethernet gateway online notifications and respond to user terminal search requests. The USB data processing module is used to unpack and repack USB data in both USB and Ethernet data formats. The DHCP module operates as a DHCP client, used to obtain IP addresses from the network DHCP server. The USB gateway device discovery module is used to perform communication negotiation with the USB gateway.

[0028] The data processing process of the USB data processing module includes: The USB read thread is used to read data from the USB gateway and unpack it into Ethernet frames. The network packet reading thread is used to read Ethernet frames from the network controller and package them into USB format data.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, in the first working mode, the startup process of the device is as follows: After the device is powered on, plug it into the USB gateway to complete the USB device enumeration. The device communicates and negotiates with the USB gateway to query the USB gateway's MAC address; Connect the network cable and communicate using the USB gateway's MAC address. The DHCP client obtains an IP address from the network DHCP server. The device communicates and negotiates with the USB gateway, setting the IP address for the USB gateway; Continuously send SSDP announcement packets so that hosts can discover and use the gateway to watch live broadcasts.

[0030] In the above process, the device first uses the MAC address of the USB gateway for communication, and after obtaining the IP address from the DHCP client, it sets the IP address to the USB gateway through the USB gateway device discovery module.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, in the second operating mode, the Ethernet interface is connected to the Ethernet gateway, and the USB interface is connected to the user terminal. The device 100 simulates a physical Ethernet gateway as a logical USB gateway, providing it for use by the user terminal connected via a USB cable.

[0032] In the second operating mode, the USB controller operates as a device controller, used by the user terminal to enumerate USB gateways and receive and send USB data packets. The SSDP module listens for SSDP online notifications from Ethernet gateways; upon receiving a message from a connected Ethernet gateway, it confirms that the gateway is functioning correctly and ready to receive data. The USB data processing module performs unpacking and repacking between Ethernet and USB data formats. The DHCP module operates as a DHCP server, used to assign IP addresses to Ethernet gateways. The USB gateway device discovery module performs communication negotiation with the user terminal.

[0033] The data processing process of the USB data processing module includes: The USB read thread is used to read USB format data from the user terminal and unpack it into Ethernet frames. The network packet reading thread is used to read Ethernet frames from the network controller and package them into USB format data.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, in the second working mode, the startup process of the device is as follows: After the device is powered on, the Ethernet gateway is connected to the device via a network cable, and the device's DHCP server assigns an IP address to the Ethernet gateway. Start the USB device controller and negotiate communication with the user terminal, including MAC address lookup and IP address setting.

[0035] In the above process, after the device assigns an IP address to the Ethernet gateway through the DHCP server, it starts the USB device controller, enabling the user terminal to enumerate and identify the USB gateway.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the device further includes a working mode switching switch for switching between the first working mode and the second working mode. Even further, in this embodiment of the invention, the device further includes a PoE power supply module and / or a USB power supply module, wherein the PoE power supply module is used to supply power via an Ethernet interface, and the USB power supply module is used to supply power via a USB interface.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, a method for switching the interface mode of a one-way cable TV gateway is also provided, implemented based on the above-described apparatus, comprising: Detect the connection method between the user terminal and the device; When the user terminal is connected to the device via an Ethernet interface and the device's USB interface is connected to a USB gateway, the first working mode is activated, and the USB gateway is adapted to an Ethernet gateway. When the user terminal is connected to the device via a USB interface and the device's Ethernet interface is connected to an Ethernet gateway, the second working mode is activated, adapting the Ethernet gateway as a USB gateway.

[0038] In summary, the device for switching the interface type of a one-way gateway for cable TV according to the present invention adapts the USB gateway to an Ethernet gateway in the first working mode, allowing the user terminal to access the USB gateway through the Ethernet interface. In the second working mode, it adapts the Ethernet gateway to a USB gateway, allowing the user terminal to access the Ethernet gateway through the USB interface. This allows for compatibility with user terminal devices with different interfaces, improving the compatibility with user terminal devices. It not only avoids the economic and time costs incurred by replacing gateway devices due to incompatible terminal interfaces, but also provides network operators with a unified device management and deployment solution, greatly improving the flexibility of network deployment, the reusability of equipment, and the satisfaction of end users.

[0039] It should be noted that the terminology used above is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. When the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof. The order of execution of actions, steps, etc., in the apparatus and methods shown in the specification and drawings can be implemented in any order unless a specific order is expressly specified, and as long as the output of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. Similar sequential terms used for ease of description do not imply that such an order must be followed.

[0040] Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for switching the interface mode of a one-way gateway for cable television, characterized in that, Includes a USB interface, an Ethernet interface, a network controller, a USB controller, and a protocol conversion unit. The USB interface is used to connect to a USB gateway or a user terminal; The Ethernet interface is used to connect to an Ethernet gateway or a user terminal. The network controller is connected to the Ethernet interface and is used for receiving and sending Ethernet data packets; The USB controller is connected to the USB interface and is used for receiving and sending USB protocol data packets; The protocol conversion unit is connected to the network controller and the USB controller, and is used to perform protocol conversion between the USB gateway and the Ethernet gateway; The protocol conversion unit is configured as follows: In the first working mode, the USB gateway is adapted as an Ethernet gateway, enabling the user terminal to access the USB gateway through the Ethernet interface. In the second operating mode, the Ethernet gateway is adapted as a USB gateway, allowing user terminals to access the Ethernet gateway through the USB interface.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first operating mode, the USB controller operates as a host controller, used to enumerate USB gateways and receive and send USB data packets. In the second operating mode, the USB controller operates as a device controller, used by the user terminal to enumerate USB gateways and receive and send USB data packets.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protocol conversion unit includes an SSDP module, a DHCP module, a USB data processing module, and a USB gateway device discovery module.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the first working mode, The SSDP module is used to send an Ethernet gateway online notification and respond to user terminal search requests; The USB data processing module is used to unpack and repack data between USB data format and Ethernet data format; The DHCP module operates as a DHCP client, used to obtain an IP address from the network DHCP server. The USB gateway device discovery module is used to perform communication negotiation with the USB gateway; The data processing of the USB data processing module includes: The USB read thread is used to read data from the USB gateway and unpack it into Ethernet frames. The network packet reading thread is used to read Ethernet frames from the network controller and package them into USB format data.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the first operating mode, the device uses the MAC address of the USB gateway for communication, and after obtaining the IP address from the DHCP client, it sets the IP address to the USB gateway through the USB gateway device discovery module.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the second working mode, The SSDP module is used to monitor the SSDP online announcement of the Ethernet gateway. The USB data processing module is used for unpacking and packing data between Ethernet data format and USB data format; The DHCP module operates as a DHCP server, used to assign IP addresses to Ethernet gateways. The USB gateway device discovery module is used to perform communication negotiation with the user terminal; The data processing process of the USB data processing module includes: The USB read thread is used to read USB format data from the user terminal and unpack it into Ethernet frames. The network packet reading thread is used to read Ethernet frames from the network controller and package them into USB format data.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the second operating mode, after the device assigns an IP address to the Ethernet gateway via a DHCP server, it starts the USB device controller, enabling the terminal device to enumerate and identify the USB gateway.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a working mode switching switch for switching between the first working mode and the second working mode.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a PoE power supply module and / or a USB power supply module, wherein the PoE power supply module is used to supply power through an Ethernet interface, and the USB power supply module is used to supply power through a USB interface.

10. A method for switching the interface type of a one-way gateway for cable television, implemented based on the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: Detect the connection method between the user terminal and the gateway; When the user terminal is connected via Ethernet interface and USB interface is connected to USB gateway, the first working mode is started, and the USB gateway is adapted as Ethernet gateway. When the user terminal is connected via USB interface and the Ethernet interface is connected to the Ethernet gateway, the second working mode is activated, adapting the Ethernet gateway as a USB gateway.

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