Transmission medium and communication system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a transmission medium and a communication system. The transmission medium comprises a cable body and at least two interface modules. The cable body comprises optical fibers and electric wires which are insulated. The different interface modules are located at different ends of the cable body, and each of the at least two interface modules comprises an optical fiber interface and an electric signal interface. The optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface of the same interface module are located at the same end of the cable body. The optical fiber interface is connected with the end part of the optical fiber, and the electric signal interface is connected with the end part of the electric wire, so that the transmission medium has higher anti-interference capability while supporting long-distance communication.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communication, and particularly relate to a transmission medium and a communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the related art, the anti-interference capability of the transmission medium between the device end and the host end is poor, and it is difficult to support long-distance communication, resulting in that the communication distance between the device end and the host end is limited to a certain extent. CONTENT

[0003] Embodiments of the present application aim to provide a transmission medium and a communication system, so that the transmission medium has high anti-interference capability while supporting long-distance communication.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a transmission medium, comprising: a cable body and at least two interface modules. The cable body comprises optical fibers and wires, and the optical fibers are insulated from the wires. Different interface modules are located at different ends of the cable body, and each of the at least two interface modules comprises an optical fiber interface and an electrical signal interface. The optical fiber interface and the electrical signal interface of the same interface module are located at the same end of the cable body. The optical fiber interface is connected to an end of the optical fiber, and the electrical signal interface is connected to an end of the wire.

[0005] In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, different interface modules are located at different ends of the cable body, the optical fiber interface and the electrical signal interface of the same interface module are located at the same end of the cable body, the cable body comprises the optical fibers connected to the optical fiber interfaces, and the cable body comprises the wires connected to the electrical signal interfaces. Therefore, the signals transmitted between the computing devices can be divided into two parts, one part is transmitted in the form of optical signals through the optical fibers, and the other part is transmitted in the form of electrical signals through the wires. At this time, the optical signals transmitted through the optical fibers have high transmission speed and are not easily interfered, and can achieve long-distance communication, while the electrical signals transmitted through the wires can reduce the production cost of the transmission medium. It can be seen that, in the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the optical fibers and the wires of the cable body, and the optical fiber interfaces and the electrical signal interfaces of the interface modules cooperate with each other to improve the anti-interference capability of the transmission medium, so as to support long-distance communication between different computing devices (such as the device end and the host end).

[0006] In a possible implementation, the number of optical fibers is less than the number of wires. Here, the optical fibers of the cable body can support the simultaneous transmission of multiple signals. Compared with the transmission mode of using all wire type signal lines, introducing optical fibers to transmit part of the signals can effectively reduce the number of wires in the cable body, so that the cable body is more portable.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the cable body further comprises a cable shell. The optical fiber and the electric wire are both located in the cable shell. The cable shell can effectively protect the optical fiber and the electric wire from external force damage.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the cable shell comprises a protective layer and a shielding layer, and surfaces of the optical fiber and the electric wire are both located in the shielding layer. The protective layer is located on an outer surface of the shielding layer. When the transmission medium is connected with the computing device, the shielding layer can shield signals of the cable body to shield the optical fiber and the electric wire from external interference during signal transmission.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the shielding layer can be a conductive shielding layer. That is, the shielding layer can be made of metal material or other non-metal material, such as at least one of indium tin oxide and graphene.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the protective layer can be made of an insulating protective layer, such as at least one of polyester polymer and polyamide polymer.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the at least one interface module further comprises a connecting member connected with the end of the cable body. The optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface are both located in the connecting member, and the connecting member has an opening exposing the optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface.

[0012] In the technical scheme disclosed by the embodiments of the present application, the at least one interface module further comprises a connecting member connected with the end of the cable body, and the optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface can be integrated with the cable body through the connecting member, so that the interface module and the cable body are integrated together. In addition, the connecting member has an opening exposing the optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface, which can ensure that the optical fiber interface of the interface module is normally connected with the optical fiber interface of the computing device, and the electric signal interface of the interface module is normally connected with the electric signal interface of the computing device.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the at least one interface module further comprises a limiting structure. The limiting structure is located on an outer side of the connecting member. The limiting structure is a clamping member. When the transmission medium is connected with the computing device, the clamping member can be clamped on the computing device, thereby preventing the interface module from falling off the computing device and enhancing the connection reliability between the transmission medium and the computing device.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the connecting member further comprises a first shell and a second shell, and the first shell is connected with the second shell. The optical fiber interface is located in the first shell, and the electric wire is located in the second shell. The limiting member is located on the first shell or the second shell, and the opening is in communication with the first shell and the second shell, respectively.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the connecting member comprises a threaded sleeve. The optical fiber interface and the electrical signal interface are arranged in the threaded sleeve. When the transmission medium is connected to the computing device, the threaded sleeve of the interface module can be screwed with the computing device, so as to prevent the interface module from being detached from the computing device, and to enhance the connection reliability between the transmission medium and the computing device.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the at least one interface module further comprises a positioning member arranged in the threaded sleeve. The positioning member has a first through hole for the optical fiber interface to pass through, and a second through hole for the electrical signal interface to pass through. In this way, the positioning member can limit the optical fiber interface and the electrical signal interface, so as to prevent the optical fiber interface and the electrical signal interface from being deviated, and to facilitate the connection between the transmission medium and the computing device.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the threaded sleeve is an internally threaded sleeve. The outer side wall of the positioning member is spaced apart from the inner side wall of the threaded sleeve. The spacing can ensure the normal connection between the transmission medium and the computing device.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the at least one interface module comprises an optical fiber connector and an electrical signal connector. The optical fiber interface is arranged in the optical fiber connector, and the electrical signal interface is arranged in the electrical signal connector. In this way, the optical fiber interface and the electrical signal interface of the interface module are arranged separately, the optical fiber connector and the electrical signal connector in the related art can be directly selected, and the connectors in the related art do not need to be modified, so that the production cost of the transmission medium can be effectively reduced.

[0019] In a second aspect, the application further provides a communication system, comprising: a transmission medium and at least two computing devices. The transmission medium is the transmission medium in the first aspect of the embodiments of the application or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0020] The optical fiber interface of each interface module of the transmission medium is connected with the optical fiber interface of the corresponding computing device, and the electrical signal interface of each interface module of the transmission medium is electrically connected with the electrical signal interface of the corresponding computing device.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the second aspect of the embodiments of the application are the same as those of the transmission medium in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] More details, features and advantages of the application will be described in the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 A structure schematic diagram of the communication system disclosed by the embodiments of the application is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a transmission medium according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another structure of the transmission medium according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0026] Figure 4A A side view of an interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0027] Figure 4B A front view schematic diagram of an interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0028] Figure 5A A side view schematic diagram of another interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0029] Figure 5B A front view schematic diagram of another interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0030] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram illustrates two different distributions of optical fibers and wires according to embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Embodiments of this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this application can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this application. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] It should be understood that the steps described in the method embodiments of this application may be performed in different orders and / or in parallel. Furthermore, the method embodiments may include additional steps and / or omit the steps shown. The scope of this application is not limited in this respect.

[0034] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first", "second", etc., mentioned in this application are used only to distinguish different devices, units, or elements, and are not intended to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, units, or elements, or their interdependencies.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this application are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0036] This application provides a communication system that is primarily applicable to communication connections between different computing devices within a data center, and can also be applied to communication between other computing devices located at greater distances. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the communication system disclosed in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 of this application embodiment may include a transmission medium 101 and a computing device ( Figure 1 (Taking the first computing device 1021 and the second computing device 1022 as examples). The number of computing devices is at least two. Taking multiple computing devices in a data center as an example, different computing devices can be located in the same rack or in different racks.

[0037] In some alternative methods, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transmission medium 101 in this embodiment can be a wired transmission medium. The transmission medium 101 may include a cable body 1011 and at least two interface modules (…). Figure 1 Taking the first interface module 1012A and the second interface module 1012B as examples, the interface modules can be connected to the signal interfaces of the corresponding computing devices. The number of interface modules in the transmission medium 101 can be set according to the number of computing devices. In this embodiment, Figure 1 This description uses only two computing devices as an example; in reality, there may be many more computing devices.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, taking two computing devices as an example, the first computing device 1021 can be a host end, and the second computing device 1022 can be a device end. For example, the host end can be a server, and the device end can be a storage device. When the first computing device 1021 and the second computing device 1022 are communicatively connected through the transmission medium 101, the signal interface of the first computing device 1021 is connected with the first interface module 1012A, and the signal interface of the second computing device 1022 is connected with the second interface module 1012B.

[0039] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1 The transmission medium 101 can support the first computing device 1021 and the second computing device 1022 to be connected through a PCI-Express (peripheral component interconnect express) or PCIe / CXL (Compute Express Link) communication protocol. Taking the PCIe / CXL communication protocol as an example, the storage device can be a CXL storage device, which can include a CXL-DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a CXL-ssd (Solid State Disk), but is not limited thereto.

[0040] In some possible implementations, as shown in Figure 1 When the cable body 1011 can realize synchronous transmission of optical signals and electrical signals, each interface module can realize synchronous access of optical signals and electrical signals, and each computing device can be provided with a fiber interface and an electrical signal interface, so that when the fiber interface and the electrical signal interface of the computing device are connected with the interface modules of the transmission medium 101 respectively, the computing device can simultaneously transmit and receive optical signals and electrical signals. For example, the fiber interface of the computing device can be a standard fiber interface, and the electrical signal interface can be a copper cable interface.

[0041] Taking two computing devices as an example, as shown in Figure 1 The first computing device 1021 has a first fiber interface A1 and a first electrical signal interface A2, and the first fiber interface A1 and the first electrical signal interface A2 are both connected with the first interface module 1012A. The second computing device 1022 has a second fiber interface B1 and a second electrical signal interface B2, and the second fiber interface B1 and the second electrical signal interface B2 are both connected with the second interface module 1012B. At this time, the communication signals between the first computing device 1021 and the second computing device 1022 can be transmitted in two parts, one part in the form of optical signals and the other part in the form of electrical signals.

[0042] The embodiment of the present application provides a transmission medium, which can combine the characteristics of strong anti-interference ability of optical fiber, slow signal attenuation speed, etc., transmit part of signals in a communication signal through optical fiber, transmit other signals through electric wire, and then set each interface module, so that each interface module has the ability of transmitting optical signals and electric signals, thereby increasing the transmission distance of the communication signal, and enabling normal signal transmission in the case that the distance between different computing devices is relatively far.

[0043] Figure 2 A structure schematic diagram of the transmission medium of the embodiment of the present application is shown, Figure 3 A structure schematic diagram of the transmission medium of the embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 2 The transmission medium 200 provided by the embodiment of the present application includes a cable body 201 and at least two interface modules 202. Figure 2 And Figure 3 Both only show two interface modules 202, and more interface modules 202 can exist in practice.

[0044] As Figure 2 And Figure 3 The cable body 201 includes optical fibers 2011 and electric wires 2012, and the optical fibers 2011 are insulated from the electric wires 2012. For example, the outer part of the optical fibers 2011 and the outer part of the electric wires 2012 both include insulating skins, so that the optical fibers 2011 and the electric wires 2012 included in the cable body 201 are insulated. The material of the electric wires 2012 can be copper wire, or other conductive metal wires or non-metal wires. For the at least two interface modules 202, the at least two interface modules 202 are located at different end parts of the cable body 201.

[0045] For example, as Figure 2 And Figure 3 When the number of computing devices is two, the number of interface modules 202 is two, the cable body 201 can exist in the form of a linear cable body, and the two interface modules 202 can be located at the opposite two end parts of the linear cable body. For another example, when the number of computing devices is three, the number of interface modules 202 is three, and the cable body can be a Y-shaped three-end cable body, and each interface module 202 can be located at a corresponding end part of the three-end cable body.

[0046] As Figure 2 And Figure 3 Each of the at least two interface modules 202 includes an optical fiber interface and an electric signal interface 2022, the optical fiber interface is connected with the end part of the optical fiber 2011, the electric signal interface 2022 is connected with the end part of the electric wire 2012, and the optical fiber interface 2021 and the electric signal interface 2022 of the same interface module 202 are located at the same end part of the cable body 201.

[0047] AsFigure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when at least two computing devices are connected to the transmission medium 200, each interface module 202 of the transmission medium 200 has an optical fiber interface 2021 connected to the optical fiber interface of the corresponding computing device, and each interface module 202 of the transmission medium 200 has an electrical signal interface electrically connected to the electrical signal interface of the corresponding computing device.

[0048] Optional, Figure 4A The diagram shows a side view of an interface module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4B A front view schematic diagram of an interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the fiber optic interface 2021 can connect to the ferrule of the fiber optic cable 2011, and the electrical signal interface 2022 can be used as... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The signal interface shown is in the form of a pin.

[0049] Optional, Figure 5A A side view schematic diagram of another interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 5B A front view schematic diagram of another interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the fiber optic interface 2021 can connect to the ferrule of the fiber optic cable 2011, and the electrical signal interface 2022 can be used as... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The signal interface shown is in the form of a slot.

[0050] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B An interface module 202 and shown are shown Figure 5A and Figure 5B In another interface module 202 shown, the fiber optic interface 2021 can be a standard fiber optic interface with a ferrule. The material of the ferrule can be at least one of fiber optic ferrules, such as ceramic ferrules, plastic ferrules, and metal ferrules.

[0051] The following describes communication between the host and the CXL storage device using the PCIe / CXL communication protocol as an example. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The specific implementation process of transmitting communication signals using the transmission medium 200 shown.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in the above, the various signals included in the communication signal can be divided into low-speed signals and high-speed signals. The low-speed signal refers to a signal with substantially the same level at each point on the transmission medium 200, such as at least one of a reset signal, a reference clock signal, and a standby signal. The high-speed signal is a signal with a large difference in level at each point on the transmission medium 200, such as received data, transmitted data, and a differential signal.

[0053] As shown in the above, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The high-speed signal can be transmitted through the optical fiber 2011, and the low-speed signal can be transmitted through the electric wire 2012. At this time, the optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber 2011 has the characteristics of fast transmission speed, not easy to be disturbed, and slow attenuation speed, and can achieve long-distance communication. The electric signal transmitted through the electric wire 2012 can reduce the production cost of the transmission medium 200. It can be seen that in the technical scheme disclosed in the embodiment of the application, the transmission medium 200 is a transmission medium that can realize composite communication. The optical fiber 2011 and the electric wire 2012 possessed by the cable body 201, and the optical fiber interface 2021 and the electric signal interface 2022 possessed by the interface module 202 cooperate with each other to improve the anti-interference ability of the transmission medium 200, thereby supporting long-distance communication between different computing devices (such as a host and a CXL storage device).

[0054] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown in the above, in the technical scheme of the embodiment of the application, the number of optical fibers 2011 can be one or more, and the number of electric wires 2012 can be one or more. However, considering the difference in the number of signals carried by the two, the number of optical fibers 2011 can be set to be less than the number of electric wires 2012. In addition, the arrangement mode of the optical fiber 2011 and the electric wire 2012 in the cable body 201 is various, for example Figure 6A and Figure 6B Two distribution diagrams of the optical fiber 2011 and the electric wire 2012 in the embodiment of the application are shown, but in actuality, it is not limited to this.

[0055] As shown in the above, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Considering that the optical fiber 2011 possessed by the cable body 201 can support the simultaneous transmission of multiple signals. For example, the optical fiber 2011 can be a single-mode optical fiber or a multi-mode optical fiber. In addition, the signal transmission speed of the optical fiber 2011 is relatively fast, so compared with the signal line transmission mode in which all electric wires 2012 are used, introducing the optical fiber 2011 to transmit high-speed signals can effectively reduce the number of electric wires 2012 in the cable body 201, reduce the overall number of signal lines in the cable body 201, and make the cable body 201 more portable.

[0056] In a possible implementation manner, asFigure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in

[0057] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the cable shell 2013 includes a protective layer 2013A and a shielding layer 2013B. The surfaces of the optical fiber 2011 and the electric wire 2012 are arranged in the shielding layer 2013B, and the protective layer 2013A is arranged on the outer surface of the shielding layer 2013B. The shielding layer 2013B can not only protect the optical fiber 2011 and the electric wire 2012, but also can be connected with the shell of the computing device when the transmission medium 200 is connected with the computing device, and be used to introduce a grounding signal for the cable 201. The grounding signal can be used as a shielding signal to shield the optical fiber 2011 and the electric wire 2012 from external interference during signal transmission.

[0058] In an example, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the shielding layer 2013B can be a conductive shielding layer, and the material of the conductive shielding layer can be a metal material such as copper, aluminum, or other non-metallic materials such as at least one of indium tin oxide and graphene.

[0059] In an example, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4A , the material of the protective layer 2013A can be an insulating protective layer, and the insulating protective layer can have a certain flexibility, and the material thereof can include at least one of, for example, polyester polymer and polyamide polymer. In this way, the transmission medium 200 has good bending resistance and stretching performance during connection with different computing devices.

[0060] In a possible implementation, as shown in Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B and Figure 2 and Figure 2 , in the technical solution of the embodiment of the application, the interface module 202 can be a connector in which the optical fiber interface 2021 and the electric signal interface 2022 are integrated. Optionally, the optical fiber 2011 and the electric wire 2012 can be fixed together by an insulating fixing member 2014 such as an insulating tape or an insulating rope, and then the cable shell 2013 is sleeved on the optical fiber 2011 and the electric wire 2012.

[0061] In some optional manners, as shown in Figure 2As shown, the at least one interface module 202 may include an optical fiber connector connected to the cable body 201. Figure 2 (not shown) and electrical signal connector ( Figure 4A (Not shown). Fiber optic interface 2021 is located on the fiber optic connector. Electrical signal interface 2022 is located on the electrical signal connector. Of course, this at least one interface module 202 can also adopt other possible structures, which are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] In other alternatives, such as Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B as well as Figure 2 and Figure 4A As shown, at least one interface module 202 further includes a connecting member 2023 connected to the end of the cable body 201. Both the fiber optic interface 2021 and the electrical signal interface 2022 are housed within the connecting member 2023. In this case, the fiber optic interface 2021 and the electrical signal interface 2022 can be integrated with the cable body 201 via the connecting member 2023, thereby integrating the interface module 202 with the cable body 201. Correspondingly, the fiber optic interface and the signal interface of the computing device can also be integrated. The integration method can refer to the integration method of the fiber optic interface 2021 and the optical signal interface of the transmission medium 200, which will not be described in detail below.

[0063] like Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B as well as Figure 2 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting member 2023 has an opening that exposes the optical fiber interface 2021 and the electrical signal interface 2022. Figure 4A (Not shown), which can ensure that the fiber optic interface 2021 of the interface module 202 is normally connected to the fiber optic interface of the computing device, and that the electrical signal interface 2022 of the interface module 202 is normally connected to the electrical signal interface of the computing device.

[0064] Optional, such as Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B as well as Figure 2 and Figure 4A As shown, at least one interface module 202 also includes a limiting structure 2024. The limiting structure 2024 is located on the outside of the connecting member 2023. The limiting structure 2024 is a snap-fit ​​component. When the transmission medium 200 is connected to the computing device, the snap-fit ​​component can snap onto the computing device, thereby preventing the interface module 202 from falling off the computing device and enhancing the reliability of the connection between the transmission medium 200 and the computing device.

[0065] In one example, such as Figure 4B , Figure 5A andFigure 5B as well as Figure 2 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting member 2023 includes a first housing 2023A and a second housing 2023B, with the first housing 2023A connected to the second housing 2023B. An optical fiber interface 2021 is located within the first housing 2023A, and a wire 2012 is located within the second housing 2023B. Both the first housing 2023A and the second housing 2023B are connected to the end of the cable shell 2013. Therefore, the first housing 2023A has a first opening. Figure 2 (Not shown), the second housing 2023B has a second opening ( Figure 4A When (not shown), the first opening of the first housing 2023A can ensure that the fiber optic interface 2021 of the interface module 202 can be normally connected to the fiber optic interface of the computing device, and the second opening of the second housing 2023B can ensure that the electrical signal interface 2022 of the interface module 202 can be connected to the electrical signal interface of the computing device.

[0066] In one example, such as Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B as well as Figure 2 and Figure 4A As shown, the limiting structure 2024 can be a first latching member located in the first housing 2023A or the second housing 2023B. Correspondingly, the computing device is provided with a second latching member, which can be located in the area where the optical fiber interface and electrical signal interface of the computing device are located. When the transmission medium 200 is connected to the computing device, the first latching member and the second latching member engage, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection between the transmission medium 200 and the computing device.

[0067] like Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B as well as Figure 2 and Figure 4A As shown, when the first snap-fit ​​element is a slot formed on the outer side of the first housing 2023A, the second snap-fit ​​element is a protruding structure; when the first snap-fit ​​element is a protruding structure provided on the outer wall of the first housing 2023A. Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B as well as Figure 7 and Figure 2 The diagram only shows a configuration where the first snap-fit ​​member is located on the outer wall of the first housing 2031. Although a configuration where the first snap-fit ​​member is located on the outer wall of the second housing 2033 is not disclosed, the first snap-fit ​​member can also be provided on the outer wall of the second housing 2033 according to actual needs.

[0068] Optional, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another interface module according to an embodiment of this application is shown.Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown in and

[0069] In an example, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 7 The threaded sleeve 2023C can be an inner threaded sleeve. The shell of the corresponding computing device is provided with an outer threaded sleeve, and the fiber optic interface and the electrical signal interface of the computing device can be integrated in the inner threaded sleeve. When the transmission medium 200 is connected with the computing device, the inner threaded sleeve of the transmission medium 200 can be sleeved on the outer threaded sleeve provided on the shell of the computing device, and the inner threaded sleeve and the outer threaded sleeve are threadedly connected, preventing the transmission medium 200 from being disconnected with the computing device.

[0070] In an example, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 7 The threaded sleeve 2023C can be an outer threaded sleeve. The shell of the corresponding computing device is provided with an inner threaded sleeve, and the fiber optic interface and the electrical signal interface of the computing device can be integrated in the outer threaded sleeve. When the transmission medium 200 is connected with the computing device, the outer threaded sleeve of the transmission medium 200 can be inserted into the inner threaded sleeve provided on the shell of the computing device, and the outer threaded sleeve and the inner threaded sleeve are threadedly connected, preventing the transmission medium 200 from being disconnected with the computing device.

[0071] In an example, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 7 The at least one interface module 202 further comprises a positioning member 2025 provided in the threaded sleeve 2023C. The positioning member 2025 has a first through hole (not shown) for the fiber optic interface 2021 to pass through, and a second through hole (not shown) for the electrical signal interface 2022 to pass through. At this time, the positioning member 2025 can limit the fiber optic interface 2021 and the electrical signal interface 2022, preventing the fiber optic interface 2021 and the electrical signal interface 2022 from being offset, thereby facilitating the connection of the transmission medium 200 with the computing device. Figure 2 Figure 7 As shown in and

[0072] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 3As shown, when the threaded sleeve 2023C is an internally threaded sleeve, there is a gap between the outer wall of the positioning element 2025 and the inner wall of the internally threaded sleeve. This gap provides a space for the externally threaded sleeve installed on the housing of the computing device, ensuring a normal threaded connection between the externally threaded sleeve and the threaded sleeve 2023C.

[0073] In another possible implementation, such as ​ As shown, at least one interface module 202 includes an optical fiber connector 202A and an electrical signal connector 202B. The optical fiber interface 2021 is located in the optical fiber connector 202A, and the electrical signal interface 2022 is located in the electrical signal connector 202B. In this configuration, the optical fiber interface 2021 and the electrical signal interface 2022 of the interface module 202 are separately configured, allowing direct selection of the optical fiber connector 202A and electrical signal connector 202B from related technologies without requiring modification of the connectors in those technologies. This effectively reduces the production cost of the transmission medium 200.

[0074] like ​ As shown in this embodiment, the fiber optic connector 202A can be connected only to the end of the fiber optic cable 2011 within the cable body 201, without connecting to the end of the cable shell 2013, thereby increasing the positional freedom of the fiber optic interface 2021. Similarly, the electrical signal interface 2022 can be connected only to the end of the wire 2012 within the cable body 201, thereby increasing the positional freedom of the electrical signal interface 2022.

[0075] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A transmission medium, characterized by, The cable body comprises optical fibers and electric wires, the optical fibers are insulated from the electric wires. At least two interface modules are located at different ends of the cable body, each of the at least two interface modules comprises an optical fiber interface and an electric signal interface. The optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface of the same interface module are located at the same end of the cable body, the optical fiber interface is connected with the end of the optical fiber, and the electric signal interface is connected with the end of the electric wire. The number of the optical fibers is less than the number of the electric wires.

2. Transmission medium according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable body further comprises a cable shell, the optical fibers and the electric wires are located in the cable shell.

3. The transmission medium of claim 1, wherein, The cable shell comprises a protective layer and a shielding layer, the surfaces of the optical fibers and the electric wires are located in the shielding layer, and the protective layer is located on the outer surface of the shielding layer.

4. Transmission medium according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the interface modules further comprises a connecting member connected with the end of the cable body, the optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface are located in the connecting member, and the connecting member has an opening exposing the optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface.

5. Transmission medium according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one of the interface modules further comprises a limiting structure located on the outer side of the connecting member, and the limiting structure is a clamping piece.

6. Transmission medium according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting member comprises a threaded sleeve, and the optical fiber interface and the electric signal interface are located in the threaded sleeve.

7. The transmission medium of claim 5, wherein, At least one of the interface modules further comprises a positioning piece located in the threaded sleeve, the positioning piece has a first through hole for the optical fiber interface to pass through and a second through hole for the electric signal interface to pass through.

8. Transmission medium according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the interface modules comprises an optical fiber connector and an electric signal connector, the optical fiber interface is located in the optical fiber connector, and the electric signal interface is located in the electric signal connector.

9. Transmission medium according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The transmission medium and at least two computing devices, the transmission medium is the transmission medium of any one of claims 1-9.

10. A communication system, characterized by The optical fiber interface of each of the interface modules of the transmission medium is connected with the optical fiber interface of the corresponding computing device, and the electric signal interface of each of the interface modules of the transmission medium is electrically connected with the electric signal interface of the corresponding computing device. ​ ​

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