Networking system and method based on IEEE 1394 protocol

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of bus communication, and provides a networking system and method based on IEEE 1394 protocol. The system comprises a central hub, a target hub and a target terminal device. The central hub comprises a plurality of central connection ports, and there is an intercommunication data link between each two of the central connection ports. The target hub comprises a target uplink port, which is connected to one of the central connection ports through a target cable complying with IEEE 1394 technical specification. The target terminal device is connected to one of the target downlink ports of the target hub through a target cable. If a first connection port of the central connection ports receives a data packet sent by the target terminal device, the central hub forwards the data packet to a second connection port of the central connection ports based on a load balancing algorithm. The technical scheme provided by one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively integrate the device resources of multiple hubs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of bus communication technology, specifically to a networking system and method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol. Background Technology

[0002] The IEEE 1394 (FireWire) protocol is a high-speed serial bus standard for connecting computers and their peripherals. It belongs to the same technology category as interface technologies such as USB and Thunderbolt, and is mainly used to realize data transmission and communication between devices.

[0003] Due to its high bandwidth and real-time performance, IEEE 1394 is widely used for data transmission between digital audio and video devices, such as cameras, audio workstations, and DVD players, and is an important technology for interconnecting multimedia devices. IEEE 1394 supports deterministic communication and real-time data transmission, and therefore also finds applications in industrial automation, data acquisition, and real-time control systems, especially in scenarios with high real-time communication requirements.

[0004] IEEE 1394 networks support star topologies built using hubs, overcoming some of the shortcomings of cascaded topologies and ensuring that a failure in a single device does not affect other parts of the network. However, traditional single-hub networking methods have many drawbacks, such as limited port numbers, bandwidth bottlenecks, single-point-of-failure risks, and poor scalability. Simply using multiple independent hubs only creates isolated "island" networks, failing to achieve inter-device communication and bandwidth sharing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this disclosure provides a networking system and method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol through one or more embodiments, which can effectively integrate the device resources of multiple HUBs and unify them into a high-performance, highly available network resource set.

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a networking system based on the IEEE 1394 protocol. The system includes a central hub, target hubs, and target terminal devices. The central hub includes multiple central connection ports, and there are interconnecting data links between each pair of central connection ports. The target uplink port of the target hub is connected to one of the central connection ports via a target cable, and the target cable conforms to the IEEE 1394 technical specification. The target terminal device is connected to a target downlink port of the target hub via the target cable. If a first connection port in the central connection ports receives a data packet sent by the target terminal device, the central hub forwards the data packet to a second connection port in the central connection ports based on a load balancing algorithm.

[0007] In one alternative implementation, the data packet contains address indication information; the central hub determines the second connection port that matches the address indication information based on the address indication information.

[0008] In one alternative implementation, the central hub maintains multiple logical transmission links between the first connection port and the second connection port, the logical transmission links being formed based on at least one of the interconnecting data links; the central hub forwards the data packets to the second connection port via the logical transmission links based on the load balancing algorithm.

[0009] In one optional implementation, if the central hub detects a faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link, it allocates the traffic carried by the faulty transmission link to the normal transmission links other than the faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link based on the load balancing algorithm.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, if the target hub connected to the central connection port changes, the central hub updates the maintenance information of the logical transmission link.

[0011] Secondly, this disclosure provides a networking method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol. The method is applied to a central hub, which includes multiple central connection ports. Each pair of central connection ports has an interconnecting data link. The method includes: receiving data packets sent by a target terminal device using a first connection port among the central connection ports; and forwarding the data packets to a second connection port among the central connection ports based on a load balancing algorithm. The target terminal device is connected to a target downlink port of the target hub via a target cable that conforms to the IEEE 1394 technical specification. The target uplink port of the target hub is connected to one of the central connection ports via the target cable.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the data packet contains address indication information; the step of forwarding the data packet to a second connection port in the central connection port based on the load balancing algorithm includes: determining the second connection port that matches the address indication information according to the address indication information.

[0013] In one optional implementation, the central hub maintains multiple logical transmission links between the first connection port and the second connection port, the logical transmission links being formed based on at least one of the interconnecting data links; the step of forwarding the data packet to the second connection port among the central connection ports based on a load balancing algorithm includes: forwarding the data packet to the second connection port via the logical transmission links based on the load balancing algorithm.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: detecting the logical transmission link; if a faulty transmission link is detected in the logical transmission link, then, based on the load balancing algorithm, allocating the traffic carried by the faulty transmission link to the normal transmission links other than the faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: updating the maintenance information of the logical transmission link if the target hub connected to the central connection port changes.

[0016] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure possess excellent scalability. The central connection port can not only directly connect to some key terminal devices, but also connect numerous target terminal devices through various target hubs. Therefore, it easily overcomes the port limitations of a single HUB, and theoretically, the entire system can connect hundreds of terminal devices, meeting the needs of large-scale networking.

[0017] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure have high throughput. There are interconnected data links between each pair of central connection ports within the central hub, ensuring the aggregated use of multiple uplink bandwidths, solving the uplink bandwidth bottleneck of a single HUB, and providing sufficient bandwidth for high-volume data exchange across HUBs (such as video streaming).

[0018] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure have extremely high reliability, eliminate the risk of single point of failure, and ensure uninterrupted critical services. Failure of any uplink or any ordinary HUB (i.e., the target hub) will not cause a complete network outage; the system has self-healing capabilities.

[0019] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure have transparent compatibility characteristics. This system is relatively transparent to some existing terminal devices based on the IEEE 1394 protocol, enabling these terminal devices to easily access and benefit from this system without complex modifications.

[0020] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure are easy to manage. The central HUB provides a unified management interface that can monitor the topology, status, and traffic of each logical transmission link, simplifying the complexity of operation and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The features and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure will be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, which are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure in any way. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network system based on a cascaded hub in the prior art is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a networking system based on the IEEE 1394 protocol in one embodiment of this disclosure is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a network system based on a central hub according to one embodiment of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the steps of a networking method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol in one embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0024] In related technologies, single-hub networking generally has the following drawbacks: A single 1394 hub has a limited number of ports (usually 3-8), making it unsuitable for large-scale device networking. All devices connected to the same hub share its bandwidth (e.g., an S800 hub has a total bandwidth of 800Mbps). When multiple high-speed devices transmit data simultaneously, the uplink can easily become a performance bottleneck, leading to data congestion and latency. Once the hub loses power or fails, it becomes a single point of failure, completely paralyzing the entire star network.

[0025] For related technologies, please refer to Figure 1While a port expansion solution can be easily formed by cascading hubs, the cascading method introduces additional hops, increases data transmission latency, and further exacerbates bandwidth sharing issues.

[0026] In view of this, one or more embodiments of this disclosure provide a networking system based on the IEEE 1394 protocol, which can effectively integrate the device resources of multiple HUBs and unify them into a high-performance, highly available network resource set.

[0027] Please see Figure 2 The present disclosure provides a networking system based on the IEEE 1394 protocol, which may include a central hub, a target hub, and a target terminal device.

[0028] In this embodiment, the central hub includes multiple central connection ports, and there are interconnected data links between each pair of central connection ports. The target uplink port of the target hub is connected to one of the central connection ports via a target cable, and the target cable conforms to the IEEE 1394 technical specification. The target terminal device is connected to a target downlink port of the target hub via the target cable. If the first connection port of the central connection ports receives a data packet sent by the target terminal device, the central hub forwards the data packet to the second connection port of the central connection ports based on a load balancing algorithm.

[0029] Specifically, the central hub is a specially designed managed HUB in this disclosure, capable of both computing and management functions. The central hub is the core of the entire networking system, providing numerous central connection ports. Each central connection port is a multi-functional interface, primarily used to connect various target HUBs via 1394 cables, thereby enabling the target HUBs to integrate numerous target terminal devices. The central connection port can also directly connect critical terminal devices (e.g., specific cameras, audio interfaces, and storage devices), further enhancing the scalability of the networking system. As a multi-functional interface, the central connection port can fully adapt to future expansion needs. This design is a crucial physical foundation for ensuring the high reliability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of the networking system.

[0030] The target hub can be a conventional hub from existing technologies, typically requiring no additional design, calculation, or management functions. The target hub needs to ensure the aggregation of various terminal devices (cameras, audio interfaces, storage devices, etc.) via 1394 cables. Optionally, the target terminal devices to be networked should be evenly connected to the target downlink ports of each target hub. Target hubs can be flexibly added, deleted, or changed within the entire network system. Target terminal devices can also be flexibly added, deleted, or changed within the entire network system.

[0031] Theoretically, any port on the target hub can be connected to either the central hub or the target terminal device. In practical use, you can choose any port on the target hub, or preferably select a port that is convenient for cabling, to determine the target uplink port. Ports on the target hub other than those used to connect to the central hub can be designated as target downlink ports. In other words, the distinction between target uplink and target downlink ports is only based on the connection object; their physical characteristics can be identical.

[0032] Each target device is connected to a target hub via a 1394 cable, forming a bidirectional data transmission path. Each target hub is connected to a central connection port of the central hub via a 1394 cable, forming another bidirectional data transmission path. Since there are interconnecting data links between any two central connection ports, multiple data transmission paths can exist when bidirectional data transmission occurs between different central connection ports. The central hub can use load balancing algorithms to manage and allocate the specific data transmission paths between different central connection ports, ensuring traffic balance while improving the data transmission efficiency within the central hub.

[0033] For example, when there are only three central connection ports, the first central connection port can either directly transmit data to the third central connection port, or it can transmit data to the third central connection port after being relayed through the second central connection port.

[0034] For example, when there are five central connection ports, the first central connection port can either directly transmit data to the fifth central connection port, or it can transmit data to the fifth central connection port after passing through one, two, or three central connection ports.

[0035] In some implementations, the data packet contains address indication information; the central hub determines the second connection port that matches the address indication information based on the address indication information.

[0036] Specifically, please refer to Figure 3When a terminal device in the network system (such as target device A1 on target hub A) needs to communicate with another terminal device (such as target device B1 on target hub B), the data packet first travels from target device A1 to its connected target hub A. Target hub A then forwards the data packet to the central hub via central connection port 1. The virtual aggregation management module inside the central hub can query the global device topology table maintained by the central hub based on the address indication information, and find that the target device B1 indicated by the address indication information is located on target hub B connected via central connection port 2. The virtual aggregation management module of the central hub, by running a load balancing algorithm, can select an optimal logical transmission link to forward the data packet to central connection port 2. The data packet then travels to target hub B via central connection port 2 and is finally delivered to target device B1. This process achieves intelligent routing and traffic balancing (mainly reflected in the selection of logical transmission links) for communication between cross-hub devices, avoiding congestion problems on a single data link.

[0037] In some implementations, the central hub maintains multiple logical transmission links between the first connection port and the second connection port, the logical transmission links being formed based on at least one of the interconnecting data links; the central hub forwards the data packets to the second connection port via the logical transmission links based on the load balancing algorithm.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, one logical transmission link between port 1 and port 2 is "port 1-port 2", and another logical transmission link between port 1 and port 2 is "port 1-port 3-port 2".

[0039] According to load balancing algorithms, data packets can be transmitted simultaneously through these two logical transmission links, thereby increasing bandwidth. For example, if the interconnecting data link has a transmission bandwidth of 800Mbps, the two logical transmission links can aggregate to provide approximately 1.6Gbps of logical bandwidth.

[0040] According to the load balancing algorithm, when other data transmission tasks are being performed on one logical transmission link, the other logical transmission link can be preferentially selected to perform the current data transmission task. For example, if there are already many data transmission tasks between port 3 and port 2, the current data transmission task can be performed only by the logical transmission link "port 1-port 2".

[0041] In some implementations, if the central hub detects a faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link, it distributes the traffic carried by the faulty transmission link to the normal transmission links other than the faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link based on the load balancing algorithm.

[0042] Specifically, the multiple logical transmission links maintained by the central hub can serve as redundant backups for each other. The central hub can continuously monitor the health status of each logical transmission link and interconnected data links through a virtual aggregation management module. When a failure is detected in a logical transmission link, the virtual aggregation management module automatically marks that logical transmission link as failed and seamlessly switches the traffic carried on that logical transmission link to other normal logical transmission links within milliseconds. For the target terminal device, network communication remains uninterrupted throughout the switching process; only a slight decrease in bandwidth is possible due to the reduction in links, thus greatly improving the reliability of the entire network.

[0043] In some implementations, if the target hub connected to the central connection port changes, the central hub updates the maintenance information of the logical transmission link.

[0044] Specifically, the virtual aggregation management module inside the central hub can virtualize multiple physically independent target terminal devices and their connected target terminal devices into a unified, large logical 1394 bus, forming a logical network view. All target terminal devices appear to be connected to the same large HUB. The virtual aggregation management module can logically bind multiple central connection ports connected to the target hubs into a single aggregation port. Data sent from the target terminal devices to the central hub can be distributed to different logical transmission links for transmission through load balancing algorithms, thereby increasing the total bandwidth. Different logical transmission links are specifically formed by combinations of various physically interconnected data links. Therefore, when changes occur to the target hub that require the corresponding central connection port to be enabled or disabled, the virtual aggregation management module of the central hub should promptly update the maintenance information of the logical transmission links.

[0045] It should be further noted that, unlike Ethernet which is based on packet switching and random collision detection, 1394 is a bus based on Time Division Multiplexing (TDM). Therefore, the "load balancing algorithm" in the context of 1394 in this disclosure is not the traditional dynamic routing, but rather refers to bandwidth resource allocation optimization, arbitration mechanisms, and traffic scheduling under a multi-bus architecture.

[0046] Specifically, at the physical level, to solve the bandwidth contention problem, the "load balancing algorithm" defined in the 1394 context can be expressed as an arbitration and allocation algorithm based on the underlying protocol (Intrinsic Protocol Algorithms), which is a mechanism inherent to the 1394 hardware and link layer.

[0047] For example, the isochronous resource reservation algorithm: On the 1394 bus, a cycle start packet is sent every 125 microseconds. Bandwidth is divided into "time slices." All real-time data must request bandwidth units from the isochronous resource manager (IRM) before transmission. This is a static or dynamic "bin packing problem." Logically, the standard stipulates that isochronous transmissions occupy a maximum of 80% of the total bandwidth (i.e., 100 microseconds), with the remaining 20% ​​reserved for asynchronous transmissions. If requests from multiple devices exceed the limit, the system needs to use an algorithm to decide which node to reject, or coordinate nodes to reduce their transmission rates to accommodate the "bin" size.

[0048] For example, the Asynchronous Fairness Interval Algorithm, which employs a Fairness Interval mechanism, is the core load balancing mechanism for the 1394 when handling non-real-time data (such as control commands and parameter configurations), preventing one node from "starving" other nodes. Logically, within a fairness interval, each node has only one opportunity to send an asynchronous packet. After a node finishes sending, it must wait for the next "arbitration reset gap" to occur before requesting the bus again. This implements an implicit round-robin, ensuring that all nodes receive a balanced sending opportunity under high load, preventing any single "talking" device from monopolizing it.

[0049] At the system design level, when cascading and topology expansion cause the bandwidth of a single bus (such as 800Mbps in 1394b) to become saturated, the "load balancing algorithm" defined in the 1394 context can be expressed as system-level load balancing.

[0050] For example, in multi-channel / multi-card static partitioning / channel bonding algorithms, a single PC often connects to multiple cameras in industrial vision inspection. Assuming a scene with 10 cameras, each requiring 100Mbps, the total demand reaches 1Gbps, exceeding the single-bus 800Mbps limit. Algorithm strategies employing a greedy algorithm or a least-load-first mechanism can calculate the bandwidth requirement of each camera and allocate it to the least loaded channel by expanding the PC into multiple 1394 acquisition cards (or multi-channel cards, each with independent bandwidth).

[0051] For example, topology-aware optimization: The 1394 architecture uses a tree topology with a root node and leaf nodes. Data transmission typically flows to the root (host). Therefore, long chain concatenation increases physical delay, affecting the gap count and thus reducing effective bandwidth. Minimum spanning tree reconstruction (though automatically done by hardware, it can be manually intervened) adjusts physical connections to minimize hops, achieving the algorithmic goal of minimizing the distance from any node to the root. During this process, dynamically calculating the network diameter and setting the optimal gap count reduces bus idle time, indirectly improving effective load capacity.

[0052] At the software design level, the "load balancing algorithm" defined in the 1394 context can be expressed as a dynamic scheduling algorithm between the application layer and the driver layer, thereby enabling more granular load control over the allocated bandwidth.

[0053] For example, Dynamic Bandwidth Throttling: The driver can dynamically adjust to sudden traffic spikes in industrial environments. When packet loss or an increase in the CRC error rate is detected (indicating excessive load or compromised signal integrity), the algorithm logically executes an AIMD (Additive Increase Multiplicative Decrease) variant and monitors the bus status. If congestion is detected, the Packet Size (bytes per packet) can be reduced proportionally by modifying the camera register (DCAM / IIDC protocol). When the load eases, the Packet Size can be increased linearly.

[0054] For example, host DMA ring buffer scheduling is key to solving "receiver load balancing." Bus transmission is fast, but the CPU / memory cannot handle it, easily leading to frame drops. Logically, the algorithm performs weighted round-robin (WRR) scheduling, allocating a linked list of DMA descriptors to each of the 1394 nodes at the driver layer. If a critical node has a high task priority, it is allocated more DMA descriptors or a higher processing priority; non-critical nodes are assigned lower priorities.

[0055] For example, in packet aggregation / fragmentation: 1394b can support larger packet lengths (e.g., 4096 bytes). Under high load, the algorithm tends to maximize packet size. Because each packet has header overhead and arbitration overhead, sending one 4096-byte packet is more efficient than sending four 1024-byte packets. The load balancer calculates the current transmission quality, finding a balance between "low latency (small packets)" and "high throughput (large packets)".

[0056] Please see Figure 4 This disclosure provides a networking method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol, which can be applied to a central hub. The central hub includes multiple central connection ports, and there are interconnection data links between each pair of central connection ports. The method may include the following steps S1 and S2.

[0057] S1: Receive data packets sent by the target terminal device using the first connection port in the central connection port.

[0058] S2: Based on the load balancing algorithm, forward the data packet to the second connection port in the central connection port.

[0059] In this embodiment, the target terminal device is connected to a target downlink port of the target hub via a target cable, the target cable conforming to the IEEE 1394 technical specification; the target uplink port of the target hub is connected to a central connection port via the target cable.

[0060] In some implementations, the data packet contains address indication information; forwarding the data packet to a second connection port in the central connection port based on the load balancing algorithm includes: determining the second connection port that matches the address indication information according to the address indication information.

[0061] In some implementations, the central hub maintains multiple logical transmission links between the first connection port and the second connection port, the logical transmission links being formed based on at least one of the interconnecting data links; the step of forwarding the data packet to the second connection port in the central connection port based on the load balancing algorithm includes: forwarding the data packet to the second connection port via the logical transmission link based on the load balancing algorithm.

[0062] In some implementations, the method further includes: detecting the logical transmission link; if a faulty transmission link is detected in the logical transmission link, then, based on the load balancing algorithm, distributing the traffic carried by the faulty transmission link to the normal transmission links other than the faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link.

[0063] In some implementations, the method further includes updating the maintenance information of the logical transmission link if the target hub connected to the central connection port changes.

[0064] The networking method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol provided in this embodiment can be automatically executed by a central hub or the virtual aggregation management module of the central hub. The specific explanations of the method steps, corresponding to the functions of the central hub in the system embodiment, have been detailed above and will not be repeated here.

[0065] The networking method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol provided in this embodiment eliminates single points of failure through redundant paths and a fast switching mechanism, greatly improving network survivability and meeting the reliability requirements of industrial and automotive applications. The physical layer corresponding to the target cable is fully compatible with the standard 1394 protocol, requiring no modification to the hardware and drivers of existing 1394 terminal devices. The rapid fault detection and switching mechanism (millisecond-level) ensures extremely short interruption times for critical services, even to the point of being imperceptible to upper-layer applications.

[0066] In some practical application scenarios, the networking method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol provided in this embodiment supports multiple redundant topologies such as ring networks and mesh networks, and can be flexibly deployed according to cost and reliability requirements.

[0067] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure possess excellent scalability. The central connection port can not only directly connect to some key terminal devices, but also connect numerous target terminal devices through various target hubs. Therefore, it easily overcomes the port limitations of a single HUB, and theoretically, the entire system can connect hundreds of terminal devices, meeting the needs of large-scale networking.

[0068] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure have high throughput. There are interconnected data links between each pair of central connection ports within the central hub, ensuring the aggregated use of multiple uplink bandwidths, solving the uplink bandwidth bottleneck of a single HUB, and providing sufficient bandwidth for high-volume data exchange across HUBs (such as video streaming).

[0069] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure have extremely high reliability, eliminate the risk of single point of failure, and ensure uninterrupted critical services. Failure of any uplink or any ordinary HUB (target hub) will not cause a complete network outage; the system has self-healing capabilities.

[0070] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure have transparent compatibility characteristics. This system is relatively transparent to some existing terminal devices based on the IEEE 1394 protocol, enabling these terminal devices to easily access and benefit from this system without complex modifications.

[0071] The technical solutions provided by one or more embodiments of this disclosure are easy to manage. The central HUB provides a unified management interface that can monitor the topology, status, and traffic of each logical transmission link, simplifying the complexity of operation and maintenance.

[0072] Please see Figure 5 This disclosure also provides an electronic device, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory is used to store a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the above-described networking system based on the IEEE 1394 protocol.

[0073] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the aforementioned networking system based on the IEEE 1394 protocol.

[0074] The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). It can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or combinations thereof.

[0075] Memory, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs, non-transitory computer-executable programs, and modules, such as the program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor executes various functional applications and data processing by running the non-transitory software programs, instructions, and modules stored in the memory, thereby implementing the methods in the above-described embodiments.

[0076] The memory may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created by the processor, etc. Furthermore, the memory may include high-speed random access memory and non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, the memory may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor, which can be connected to the processor via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD), etc.; the storage medium can also include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0078] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, embodiments of methods, devices, and storage media are basically similar to system embodiments, so the descriptions are relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the system embodiments.

[0079] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0080] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A networking system based on the IEEE 1394 protocol, characterized in that, The system includes a central hub, target hubs, and target terminal devices; The central hub includes multiple central connection ports, and there are interconnected data links between each pair of central connection ports. The target uplink port of the target hub is connected to a central connection port via a target cable, the target cable conforming to the IEEE 1394 technical specification; The target terminal device is connected to a target downlink port of the target hub via the target cable; If the first connection port in the central connection port receives a data packet sent by the target terminal device, the central hub forwards the data packet to the second connection port in the central connection port based on a load balancing algorithm.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data packet contains address indication information; the central hub determines the second connection port that matches the address indication information based on the address indication information.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The central hub maintains multiple logical transmission links between the first connection port and the second connection port, and the logical transmission links are formed based on at least one of the interconnection data links; The central hub forwards the data packets to the second connection port via the logical transmission link based on the load balancing algorithm.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the central hub detects a faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link, it will distribute the traffic carried by the faulty transmission link to the normal transmission links other than the faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link based on the load balancing algorithm.

5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the target hub connected to the central connection port changes, the central hub updates the maintenance information of the logical transmission link.

6. A networking method based on the IEEE 1394 protocol, characterized in that, The method is applied to a central hub, which includes multiple central connection ports, and there are interconnected data links between each pair of central connection ports. The method includes: Using the first connection port in the central connection port, data packets sent by the target terminal device are received; Based on the load balancing algorithm, the data packet is forwarded to the second connection port in the central connection port; The target terminal device is connected to a target downlink port of the target hub via a target cable, which conforms to the IEEE 1394 technical specification; the target uplink port of the target hub is connected to a central connection port via the target cable.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The data packet contains address indication information; The step of forwarding the data packet to the second connection port in the central connection port based on the load balancing algorithm includes: determining the second connection port that matches the address indication information according to the address indication information.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The central hub maintains multiple logical transmission links between the first connection port and the second connection port, and the logical transmission links are formed based on at least one of the interconnection data links; The step of forwarding the data packet to the second connection port in the central connection port based on the load balancing algorithm includes: forwarding the data packet to the second connection port via the logical transmission link based on the load balancing algorithm.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Detect the logical transmission link; If a faulty transmission link is detected in the logical transmission link, the traffic carried by the faulty transmission link will be distributed to the normal transmission links other than the faulty transmission link in the logical transmission link based on the load balancing algorithm.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the target hub connected to the central connection port changes, the maintenance information of the logical transmission link is updated.

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