ADAPTIVE ETHERNET NETWORK REPEATER WITH AUTO-LINK-SPEED NEGOTIATION

Abstract

An adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) for electronically connecting a first subnetwork to a second subnetwork, the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) comprising: a first network interface coupled to the first subnet; a second network interface coupled to the second subnet; a controller (230) that monitors the connection status of the communication between the first and second subnetworks via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324); wherein data received from the first subnetwork at the first network interface is forwarded to the second subnetwork by the second network interface, and data received from the second subnetwork at the second network interface is forwarded to the first subnetwork by the first network interface;and wherein the controller (230) determines when the first and second subnetworks wish to communicate via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) at incompatible communication speeds, the controller (230) determines a compatible communication speed and causes the first and second subnetworks to communicate via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) at a compatible communication speed, and wherein the adaptive network repeater (140) is configured to monitor the communication speed and dynamically adapt to the devices (129-124, 150-152) communicating with it in order to offer the highest bandwidth in the entire network comprising the first subnet, the second subnet, and the network repeater (140);

Description

Area of ​​Revelation

[0001] The present disclosure relates to Ethernet communications, and more particularly to an adaptive Ethernet repeater or extender that automatically negotiates link speed to maximize bandwidth. background

[0002] The publication US RE40 827 E describes a two-port Ethernet extender for increasing communication distances using digital signals in an outdoor environment. The communication speed can be adjusted using auto-negotiation.

[0003] Ethernet repeaters, also called Ethernet extenders, are usually constructed from a pair of PHYs (Ethernet Physical Interface Chips) wired back-to-back. Part of the typical "hardwired" configuration is the link speed. In its simplest form, this is a pair of PHY chips wired directly back-to-back. They can be individual chips or a "dual PHY" on a single chip. The usual purpose of a repeater is to overcome signal degradation due to cable length by restoring the data stream and replicating it (i.e., repeating it) on the next link segment. Due to the intended purpose of a repeater, it is a two-port device.

[0004] Ethernet switches are network devices that typically have three or more ports, each capable of receiving (input) or sending (output) data. The switch processes data and forwards it from an input port to the corresponding output port(s). An unmanaged switch may have internal logic that controls the switching and buffering of data to route signals received at a port to the appropriate port(s), depending on the unique Media Access Control (MAC) address of the endpoint PHY. A managed switch does more, as the name suggests.For example, a managed switch may be designed to support advanced protocols such as Audio Video Bridging (AVB) and Time Sensitive Networking (TSN), which require a more complex "fabric" of the chip itself to handle these protocols. It may also require an advanced microcontroller to configure / manage the switch fabric and thus the data flow. The microcontroller may be located entirely external to the switch chip, or it may be integrated on the switch chip, or the switch may use a microprocessor to manage more complex electronic "fabric" that can accept Ethernet packets at more than one port, determine which port(s) to route this traffic to, and then forward it to the appropriate ports. A PHY, one for each port, is connected between the switch fabric chip and the module connector.Switches can also have an integrated PHY. These switch capabilities increase the complexity of the device, requiring more advanced microprocessors / microcontrollers.

[0005] It would be desirable to avoid the complexity of advanced software management of the interface, even for sophisticated network protocols, and to avoid the cost / complexity of an Ethernet switch or sophisticated microcontroller by simply providing sufficient intelligence in a simple repeater so that it can automatically negotiate the link speed with the help of a simpler and less expensive microcontroller. A sufficiently simple implementation can be considered "provably correct" and avoids the complexity of a more advanced microcontroller and complex software. This can also reduce the risk of software bugs and prevent the complexity of having to reprogram or replace the microcontroller in the field. Summary

[0006] The present invention provides an adaptive network repeater and a network having the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are subject to the dependent claims.

[0007] An adaptive network repeater is disclosed for electronically connecting a first subnetwork to a second subnetwork. The adaptive network repeater includes a first network interface, a second network interface, and a controller. The first network interface is coupled to the first subnetwork. The second network interface is coupled to the second subnetwork. The controller monitors the connection status of communication between the first and second subnetworks via the adaptive network repeater. Data received from the first subnetwork at the first network interface is forwarded to the second subnetwork by the second network interface, and data received from the second subnetwork at the second network interface is forwarded to the first subnetwork by the first network interface.If the controller determines that the first and second subnets want to communicate through the adaptive network repeater at incompatible communication speeds, the controller determines a compatible communication speed and causes the first and second subnets to communicate through the adaptive network repeater at a compatible communication speed.

[0008] The adaptive network repeater may also include a physical Ethernet interface controller (PHY) coupled to the first network interface, and a second PHY coupled to a second network interface. The second PHY is cross-coupled to the first PHY such that data received by the first PHY is transmitted by the second PHY, and data received by the second PHY is transmitted by the first PHY. The first PHY may have a receive data output (RXD) port, a first transmit data input (TXD) port, and a first input / output data management (MDIO) port. The second PHY may have a second RXD port, a second TXD port, and a second MDIO port. The first RXD port may be connected to the second TXD port, the first TXD port may be connected to the second RXD port, and the first MDIO port may be connected to the second MDIO port.The controller can monitor the link status of communication through the adaptive network repeater by monitoring the first and second MDIO ports. The adaptive network repeater can also include a voltage regulator that receives power through a power port and supplies power to the first and second PHYs and to the controller.

[0009] Each of the first and both PHYs can automatically negotiate to communicate at a slower and a faster speed, with the fast speed being faster than the slow speed. If the first PHY auto-negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed, and the second PHY auto-negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed, the controller allows communication between the first and second PHYs at the slower speed. If the first PHY auto-negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the faster speed, and the second PHY auto-negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the faster speed, the controller allows communication between the first and second PHYs at the faster speed.If the first PHY auto-negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the faster speed and the second PHY auto-negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed, the controller forces the first PHY to communicate at the slower speed, resulting in communication between the first and second PHY at the slower speed and causing the first PHY to renegotiate with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed.If the first PHY auto-negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed, and the second PHY auto-negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the faster speed, the controller forces the second PHY to communicate at the slower speed, resulting in communication between the first and second PHYs at the slower speed and causing the second PHY to renegotiate with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed. The slower speed might be 100 megabits per second (Mbps), while the faster speed might be 1000 Mbps.

[0010] A network capable of communicating at different communication speeds is disclosed. The network comprises a network repeater, a first subnetwork, and a second subnetwork. The adaptive network repeater has a first network interface and a second network interface. The first subnetwork is coupled to the first network interface of the adaptive network repeater, and the second subnetwork is coupled to the second network interface of the adaptive network repeater. Data received by the first subnetwork at the first network interface is forwarded to the second subnetwork by the second network interface, and data received by the second subnetwork at the second network interface is forwarded to the first subnetwork by the first network interface.If the adaptive network repeater determines that the first and second subnets with incompatible communication speeds want to communicate through the adaptive network repeater, the adaptive network repeater determines a compatible communication speed and communicates with the first and second subnets at the compatible communication speed.

[0011] The adaptive network repeater of the network may include a first PHY coupled to the first network interface, a second PHY coupled to the second network interface, and a controller that monitors the link status of the communication between the first and second PHYs. The second PHY may be cross-coupled to the first PHY such that data received by the first PHY is transmitted by the second PHY, and data received by the second PHY is transmitted by the first PHY. The controller may regulate the communication speed across the network repeater by regulating the communication speed at each of the first and second PHYs. Each of the first and second PHYs may automatically negotiate to communicate at a slower speed and a faster speed.

[0012] The first subnetwork may include a first switch and a first plurality of electronic devices, each of the first switches and the first plurality of electronic devices capable of communicating at at least one of the slower and faster speeds. The first switch may be electronically connected to the first network interface of the adaptive network repeater, and the first plurality of electronic devices may be electronically connected to the adaptive network repeater via the first switch. When one of the first plurality of electronic devices of the first subnetwork communicates with the second subnetwork via the adaptive network repeater, the adaptive network repeater controller determines the communication speed.

[0013] The second subnetwork may include a second switch and a second plurality of electronic devices, each of the second switches and the second plurality of electronic devices capable of communicating at at least one of the slower and faster speeds. The second switch may be electronically connected to the second network interface of the adaptive network repeater, and the second plurality of electronic devices may be electronically connected to the adaptive network repeater via the second switch. When one of the second plurality of electronic devices of the second subnetwork communicates with the first subnetwork via the adaptive network repeater, the adaptive network repeater controller determines the communication speed.

[0014] Network communication may have a distance limit beyond which communication becomes unreliable. The distance between the first and second switches may be greater than the distance limit, and the distance between the first switch and the adaptive network repeater and the distance between the second switch and the adaptive network repeater may be less than the distance limit.

[0015] The second subnet may be a second electronic device capable of communicating at at least one of the slower and faster speeds, the second electronic device being electronically connected to the second network interface of the adaptive network repeater. When the second electronic device communicates with the first subnet via the adaptive network repeater, the adaptive network repeater controller determines the communication speed. The distance between the first and second electronic devices may be greater than the distance limit, and the distance between the first switch and the adaptive network repeater and the distance between the second electronic device and the adaptive network repeater may be less than the distance limit.

[0016] A network communication method for communication between a first subnetwork and a second subnetwork at different communication speeds is disclosed. The network communication method comprises electronically connecting the first subnetwork to a first network interface of an adaptive network repeater; electronically connecting a second subnetwork to a second network interface of the adaptive network repeater; further transmitting data received from the first subnetwork at the first network interface to the second subnetwork via the second network interface; further transmitting data received from the second subnetwork at the second network interface to the first subnetwork via the first network interface.and if the adaptive network repeater determines that the first and second subnets wish to communicate via the adaptive network repeater at incompatible communication speeds, determining a compatible communication speed and renegotiating communication between the first and second subnets via the adaptive network repeater at a compatible communication speed;

[0017] The network communication method may also include automatically negotiating between the adaptive network repeater and the first subnetwork to communicate at a first communication speed; automatically negotiating between the adaptive network repeater and the second subnetwork to communicate at a second communication speed, wherein the second communication speed may be the same as the first communication speed or a different communication speed. If the first and second communication speeds are the same communication speed, communication is enabled via the adaptive network repeater at the same communication speed.If the first and second communication speeds are different communication speeds: Determine the compatible communication speed, if the first communication speed is not the compatible communication speed, force renegotiation between the adaptive network repeater and the first subnet to communicate at the compatible communication speed; and if the second communication speed is not the compatible communication speed, force renegotiation between the adaptive network repeater and the second subnet to communicate at the compatible communication speed.

[0018] If one of the first and second subnets can communicate at a slower communication speed and a faster communication speed, and the other of the first and second subnets can only communicate at the slower communication speed, where the faster communication speed is faster than the slower communication speed; determining the compatible communication speed includes choosing the slower communication speed.The network communication may have a distance limit beyond which the communication is unreliable, and if the distance between the first and second subnetworks is greater than the distance limit, the method may include electrically connecting the adaptive network repeater between the first and second subnetworks such that the distance between the first subnetwork and the adaptive network repeater is less than the distance limit and the distance between the second subnetwork and the adaptive network repeater is less than the distance limit. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The above aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of claiming them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be more fully understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment of an adaptive network repeater; Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an adaptive network repeater; Fig. 3A illustrates an example reference of the network topology; Fig. Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary 100 megabit / second (Mb / s) network topology extended by an adaptive network repeater; Fig. 3C illustrates an exemplary 1000 Mb / s network topology extended by an adaptive network repeater; and Fig. 3D illustrates an example network topology with a 1000 Mb / s network device coupled to a 100 Mb / s network device through an adaptive network repeater.

[0020] The same reference symbols in the different drawings indicate the same elements. Detailed description

[0021] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms of the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art will appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

[0022] Ethernet communication devices such as routers, switches, and repeaters / extenders continue to add increased functionality, which also results in greater complexity and cost, not only in the device itself but also in the associated software. In some applications, only limited functionality is required, and it is desirable to have a simpler and less expensive device that does not include unwanted functionality. For example, some applications require only a simple repeater that can automatically negotiate the link speed to maximize bandwidth. A sufficiently simple implementation could avoid the complexity of advanced hardware and complex software, reducing not only the cost of the device but also the risk of software defects and preventing the complexity of requiring reprogramming or device replacement on-site.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an example environment of an adaptive network repeater with limited functionality. Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 with a hitched implement or trailer 110. The vehicle 100 may be, for example, an agricultural tractor, a construction vehicle, a tractor-trailer, etc. The implement or trailer 110 may be, for example, an agricultural implement, a trailer, a boom, a construction machine, etc. The vehicle 100 may have one or more electronic devices 120-124 electronically coupled to a first switch 130. The implement 110 may also have one or more electronic devices 150-152 electronically coupled to a second switch 132. The electronic devices 120-124, 150-152 may be, for example, computers, displays, cameras, sensors, actuators, etc. For all sorts of reasons, the first and second switches 130, 132 may not communicate effectively with each other, for example, due to distance, communication speed, etc.An adaptive network repeater 140 may enable effective communication between the first and second switches 130, 132, which then enables effective communication between the electronic devices 120-124 of the tractor 100 and the electronic devices 150-152 of the implement 110. The example from . Fig. 1 shows three electronic devices 120, 122, 124 for the tractor 100 and two electronic devices 150, 152 for the implement 110, wherein both the tractor 100 and the implement 110 may have any number of electronic devices that can be effectively handled by the associated switches 130, 132.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an adaptive network repeater 200 including a first physical Ethernet interface controller (PHY) 210, a second PHY 220, and a controller 230. The first PHY 210 is connected to a first media-dependent network interface (MDI) 212, which is an electrical connector for a network cable. The second PHY 220 is connected to a second MDI 222, which is also an electrical connector for a network cable. Both PHY 210 and 220 include a data management input / output port (MDIO), a received data output port (RXD), and a transmitted data input port (TXD). The RXD / TXD interface is known as a media-independent interface (MII), of which numerous variations exist.The adaptive network repeater 200 is not specific to any variant and can be used with the MII interface or variants thereof and similar interfaces. The controller 230 is connected to the MDIO ports of the first and second PHYs 210, 220 to control data transmission. The adaptive network repeater 200 can also include a voltage regulator 240 that draws power through a power receptacle 242 and provides the necessary voltage for the first PHY 210, the second PHY 220, and the controller 230. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the power source can come from the MDI 212 or MDI 222 using standardized technology such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) or Power over Data Lines (PoDL), so a dedicated power receptacle 242 is not required.

[0025] The first and second PHYs 210, 220 are cross-coupled such that data received from PHY 210 through MDI 212 is sent from the RXD port of PHY 210 to the TXD port of PHY 220 for transmission from PHY 220 through MDI 222; and data received from PHY 220 through MDI 222 is sent from the RXD port of PHY 220 to the TXD port of PHY 210 for transmission from PHY 210 through MDI 212.

[0026] The adaptive network repeater 200 has two network interfaces 212, 222. Data received over a network cable connected to one or two network interfaces is amplified by the adaptive network repeater 200 and transmitted over a network cable connected to the other of the two network interfaces. Where a conventional repeater is configured for a single transmission speed, and without the ability to adapt if a device connected to MDI 212 does not communicate at the same speed as a device connected to MDI 222, the adaptive network repeater 200 adds a microcontroller unit (MCU) 230 that can monitor and control the link status of the data communication of both PHY 210 and PHY 220 via a bidirectional interface at the MDIO port of PHY 210 and PHY 220. The microcontroller 230 can be a small, inexpensive microcontroller, such as an 8-bit microcontroller.

[0027] The first and second PHYs 210, 220 are each capable of auto-negotiation. In the case of the first PHY 210, auto-negotiation means that if a network device connected to the first MDI 212 is capable of one or more communication speeds, then in the auto-negotiation process, the first PHY 212 and the connected device can detect and agree on the communication speed. During normal operation, this would be the highest speed of which both the first PHY 212 and the connected device are capable. The second PHY 220 can similarly automatically negotiate a communication speed with a network device connected to the second MDI 222.

[0028] By monitoring both PHY 210 and PHY 220, the MCU 230 can determine whether devices are connected to MDI 212 and MDI 222 and what communication speed has been negotiated for each device. If the negotiated speeds for transferring data from PHY 210 to / from PHY 220 are incompatible, the MCU 230 can identify the PHY 210 or 220 that negotiated the higher communication speed and force a speed change to a slower and compatible communication speed. This forces negotiation across the affected network interface, allowing data to pass between the two network interfaces 212, 222 and PHYs 210, 220 at a speed compatible with both network devices connected to network interfaces 212, 222.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates four representative topologies where the adaptive network repeater 200 may be used in a typical system consisting of off-road equipment.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3A illustrates a reference topology. An example PHY for which the design supports the vehicle environment is referred to as 100BASE-T1. A design limitation of this technology is that a simple twisted pair of network cable segments connecting two network devices 310, 312 should not exceed a distance limit, which in this case is 15 meters (15 m). Signal quality may degrade for cable lengths beyond the distance limit, leading to errors in communication and potentially a complete loss of communication between the network devices 310, 312. In an automotive application, the 15 m distance limit is typically sufficient; however, in other applications, such as large off-road equipment, the physical design of the system may require network nodes to be spaced further apart than this distance limit.

[0031] The 15 m distance limit example refers to 100BASE-T1 technology, but each of the available Ethernet technologies has a practical distance limit that can be extended with the repeater. For example, 1000BASE-T1 ( Fig. 3C / 3D) has both a 15 m distance limit (for 1000BASE-T1 Type A) and a 40 m distance limit (for 1000BASE-T1 Type B), and even conventional 100BASE-100TX has a practical distance limit of around 100 meters (depending on cable quality), which can be extended in a similar way.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3B illustrates the deployment of a 100 megabit / second (Mb / s) network. Fig. 3B, an adaptive network repeater 324 is located between two network devices 320 and 322. This creates a first network segment 326 between the network device 320 and the adaptive network repeater 324, and a second network segment 328 between the network device 322 and the network repeater 324. As long as each network segment 326, 328 does not exceed the distance limit, the adaptive network repeater 324 can amplify data from one network segment to the other, keeping signal degradation within specifications. Additional adaptive network repeaters 324 can be arranged in series for further network expansion. In this example, note that both network device 320 and network device 322 are capable of 100BASE-T1 communication, so a fixed-speed 100 Mbps repeater could have been used.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3C illustrates the deployment of a 1000 megabit / second (Mb / s) network. This is similar to the example in Fig. 3B, except that in this case both network devices 330, 332 are capable of 1000BASE-T1 communication, which is subject to the same design constraint that a single network cable segment connecting two network devices should not have a length that exceeds the distance limit. Fig. 3C, the adaptive network repeater 324 is located between two network devices 330 and 332. This creates a first network segment 336 between the network device 330 and the adaptive network repeater 324, and a second network segment 338 between the network device 332 and the network repeater 324. As long as each network segment 336, 338 does not exceed the distance limit, the adaptive network repeater 324 can amplify data from one network segment to another, maintaining the signal quality specification. Additional adaptive network repeaters 324 can be daisy-chained to further expand the network. In this example, note that both the network device 330 and the network device 332 are capable of 1000BASE-T1 communication, so a 1000 Mbps fixed-speed repeater could have been used.

[0034] Fig. 3D illustrates the adaptive expansion of a network that includes both a 100 Mbps network device and a 1000 Mbps network device. Fig. 3D, the adaptive network repeater 324 is located between a 1000 Mbps network device 340 and a 100 Mbps network device 342. This creates a first network segment 346 between the network device 340 and the adaptive network repeater 324, and a second network segment 348 between the network device 342 and the network repeater 324. As long as each network segment 346, 348 does not exceed the distance limit, the adaptive network repeater 324 can amplify data from one network segment to the other, keeping signal degradation within specifications. Additional adaptive network repeaters 324 can be arranged in series for further network expansion. In this example, note that a fixed 1000 Mb / s repeater could not be used, but a fixed 100 Mb / s repeater could be used.However, a fixed 100 Mbps repeater would always force network device 340 down to 100 Mbps, even if network device 342 were a 1000 Mbps network device.

[0035] Using the Fig. 2 for the adaptive network repeater 324 from Fig. In the exemplary adaptive network repeater 200 shown in 3D, the following series of events occurs when the 1000BASE-T1 device 340 is connected to MDI port 212 of the PHY 210 and the 100BASE-T1 device 342 is connected to MDI port 222 of the PHY 220. In this case, the PHY 210 automatically negotiates a speed of 1000 Mbps, which is the highest speed supported by the network device 340; and the PHY 220 automatically negotiates a speed of 100 Mbps, which is the highest speed supported by the network device 342. However, in this case, the RXD / TXD signals between the PHY 210 and the PHY 220 would be incompatible, and any data transmitted by the repeater / extender would be unintelligible without the controller 230. The microcontroller 230 queries the two PHYs 210, 220 via the MDIO bus to determine the status of the automatic negotiation.If the two PHYs 210, 220 automatically negotiate incompatible speeds, the microcontroller 230 forces one of the two PHYs 210, 220 to renegotiate a compatible speed. In . Fig. In the case shown in Figure 3D, the microcontroller 230 would force the PHY 210 to renegotiate a communication speed of 100 Mbps with the network device 340. After renegotiation, the network repeater 324 would enable network communication between the network devices 340, 342 at a speed of 100 Mbps.

[0036] It is also possible that a connection speed changes when, for example, a network device is disconnected and another network device is connected to an adaptive network repeater 200. For example, returning to the exemplary system of Fig. 1, which includes a vehicle 100 coupled to a work device 110. Fig. 1 shows a plurality of network devices 120, 122, 124 electronically coupled to the first switch 130 on the vehicle 100, and a plurality of network devices 150, 152 electronically coupled to the second switch 132 on the trailer 110. The two switches 130, 132 are electronically coupled to the adaptive network repeater 140 to enable the network devices 120-124 of the vehicle 100 to communicate with the network devices 150-152 of the work machine 110. Each of the devices 120-124, 150-152 is capable of different communication speeds; for example, some may be capable of 1000BASE-T1 and others only 100BASE-T1. Furthermore, one variant of the illustrated tractor 100 may also be designed for 1000BASE-T1, while another variant is only capable of 100BASE-T1.If the first device 150 of the trailer 110 supports a communication speed of 100 Mbps and the second device 152 of the trailer 110 supports a communication speed of 1000 Mbps, and both devices 150 and 152 communicate with the device 122 of the vehicle 100, which supports a communication speed of 1000 Mbps, then the adaptive network repeater 140 must monitor the negotiated speeds on each side and adjust the communication speed depending on whether the first device 150 or the second device 152 of the trailer 110 is currently communicating with the device 122 of the vehicle 100. The adaptive nature of this repeater / extender 140 must be dynamic to provide the highest bandwidth across the entire network. The network repeater 140 only needs to adapt to the devices communicating with it.For example, devices connected to other ports of switches 130, 132 may negotiate independently and should not affect the speed of devices currently communicating over the link between switches 130, 132 via the adaptive network repeater.

[0037] Fig.1 is just one example of a network with an adaptive network repeater 140. The adaptive network repeater 140 need not be connected between two switches. For example, the adaptive network repeater 140 can be connected between two switches, between a switch and a device, or between two devices (i.e., switchless). The scope of this patent is intended to cover all of these and similar scenarios. For these diverse device combinations, the adaptive network repeater 140 supports both the physical requirements of the system (to allow devices to be spaced apart beyond the distance limit) and the logical requirements of the system (to allow their communication speeds to be adjusted to maximize bandwidth).

Claims

[1] An adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) for electronically connecting a first subnetwork to a second subnetwork, the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) comprising: a first network interface coupled to the first subnet; a second network interface coupled to the second subnet; a controller (230) that monitors the connection status of the communication between the first and second subnetworks via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324); wherein data received from the first subnetwork at the first network interface is forwarded to the second subnetwork by the second network interface, and data received from the second subnetwork at the second network interface is forwarded to the first subnetwork by the first network interface;and wherein the controller (230) determines when the first and second subnetworks wish to communicate via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) at incompatible communication speeds, the controller (230) determines a compatible communication speed and causes the first and second subnetworks to communicate via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) at a compatible communication speed, and wherein the adaptive network repeater (140) is configured to monitor the communication speed and dynamically adapt to the devices (129-124, 150-152) communicating with it in order to offer the highest bandwidth in the entire network comprising the first subnet, the second subnet, and the network repeater (140); [2] The adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) of claim 1, further comprising: a first physical Ethernet interface controller, PHY, (210) coupled to the first network interface; a second PHY (220) coupled to the second network interface, the second PHY (220) cross-coupled to the first PHY (210) such that data received by the first PHY (210) is transmitted by the second PHY (220), and data received by the second PHY (220) is transmitted by the first PHY (210). [3] Adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) according to claim 2, wherein: the first PHY (210) has a receive data output port (RXD), a first transmit data input port (TXD) and a first input / output data management port (MDIO), the second PHY (220) has a second RXD port, a second TXD port and a second MDIO port, and wherein the first RXD port is connected to the second TXD port, the first TXD port is connected to the second RXD port, the first MDIO port is connected to the second MDIO port, and the controller (230) monitors the connection status of the communication via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) by monitoring the first and second MDIO ports. [4] The adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) of claim 2, further including a voltage regulator (240) receiving power through a power supply jack (242) and supplying power to the first and second PHYs (220) and to the controller (230). [5] The adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second PHYs (220) can automatically negotiate to communicate at a slower speed and a faster speed, the faster speed being faster than the slower speed, and if the first PHY (210) automatically negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed and the second PHY (220) automatically negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed, the controller (230) allows communication between the first and second PHY (220) at the slower speed; if the first PHY (210) automatically negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the faster speed and the second PHY (220) automatically negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the faster speed, the controller (230) allows communication between the first and second PHY (220) at the faster speed; if the first PHY (210) automatically negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the faster speed and the second PHY (220) automatically negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed, the controller (230) forces the first PHY (210) to communicate at the slower speed, resulting in communication between the first and second PHY (220) at the slower speed and causing the first PHY (210) to renegotiate with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed; and if the first PHY (210) auto-negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed and the second PHY (220) auto-negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the faster speed, the controller (230) forces the second PHY (220) to communicate at the slower speed, resulting in communication between the first and second PHY (220) at the slower speed and causing the second PHY (220) to renegotiate with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed. [6] The adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) of claim 5, wherein the slower speed is 100 megabits / second (Mb / s) and the faster speed is 1000 Mb / s. [7] A network capable of communicating at different communication speeds, the network comprising: an adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) having a first network interface and a second network interface; a first subnet coupled to the first network interface of the network repeater (140, 200, 324); a second subnet coupled to the second network interface of the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324); wherein data received from the first subnetwork at the first network interface is further transmitted to the second subnetwork through the second network interface, and data received from the second subnetwork at the second network interface is further transmitted to the first subnetwork through the first network interface; and wherein the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) determines when the first and second subnetworks wish to communicate at incompatible communication speeds via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324), the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) determines a compatible communication speed and communicates with the first and second subnetworks at the compatible communication speed, and wherein the adaptive network repeater (140) is configured to monitor the communication speed and dynamically adapt to the devices (129-124, 150-152) communicating with it in order to offer the highest bandwidth in the entire network. [8] The network of claim 7, wherein the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) further comprises: a first physical Ethernet interface controller (PHY), the first network interface coupled to the first PHY (210); a second PHY (220), the second network interface coupled to the second PHY (220), the second PHY (220) cross-coupled to the first PHY (210) such that data received from the first PHY (210) is transmitted by the second PHY (220), and data received from the second PHY (220) is transmitted by the first PHY (210); a controller (230) that monitors the connection status between the first and second PHYs (220) and can control the communication speed via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) by controlling the communication speed of each of the first and second PHYs (220). [9] A network according to claim 8, wherein: the first PHY (210) has a receive data output port (RXD), a first transmit data input port (TXD) and a first input / output data management port (MDIO), the second PHY (220) has a second RXD port, a second TXD port and a second MDIO port, and wherein the first RXD port is connected to the second TXD port, the first TXD port is connected to the second RXD port, the first MDIO port is connected to the second MDIO port, and the controller (230) monitors the connection status via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) by monitoring the first and second MDIO ports. [10] The network of claim 8, wherein each of the first and second PHYs (220) can automatically negotiate to communicate at a slower speed and a faster speed, the faster speed being faster than the slower speed, and if the first PHY (210) automatically negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed and the second PHY (220) automatically negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed, the controller (230) allows communication between the first and second PHY (220) at the slower speed; if the first PHY (210) automatically negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the faster speed and the second PHY (220) automatically negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the faster speed, the controller (230) allows communication between the first and second PHY (220) at the faster speed; if the first PHY (210) auto-negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the faster speed and the second PHY (220) auto-negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed, the controller (230) forces the first PHY (210) to communicate at the slower speed, resulting in communication between the first and second PHY (220) at the slower speed and causing the first PHY (210) to renegotiate with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed; and if the first PHY (210) auto-negotiates with the first subnet to communicate at the slower speed and the second PHY (220) auto-negotiates with the second subnet to communicate at the faster speed, the controller (230) forces the second PHY (220) to communicate at the slower speed, resulting in communication between the first and second PHY (220) at the slower speed and causing the second PHY (220) to renegotiate with the second subnet to communicate at the slower speed. [11] The network of claim 10, wherein the slower speed is 100 megabits / second (Mb / s) and the faster speed is 1000 Mb / s. [12] Network according to claim 10: wherein the first subnetwork comprises a first switch (130) and a first plurality of electronic devices, each of the first switches (130) and the first plurality of electronic devices being capable of communicating at at least one of the slower and faster speeds, the first switch being electronically connected to the first network interface of the network repeater, and the first plurality of electronic devices being electronically connected to the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) via the first switch (130); wherein when one of the first plurality of electronic devices of the first subnetwork communicates with the second subnetwork via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324), the controller (230) of the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) determines the communication speed. [13] Network according to claim 12: wherein the second subnetwork comprises a second switch (132) and a second plurality of electronic devices, each of the second switch (132) and the second plurality of electronic devices being capable of communicating at at least one of the slower and faster speeds, the second switch being electronically connected to the second network interface of the network repeater, and the second plurality of electronic devices being electronically connected to the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) via the second switch (132); wherein when one of the second plurality of electronic devices of the second subnetwork communicates with the first subnetwork via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324), the controller (230) of the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) determines the communication speed. [14] The network of claim 13, wherein the network communication has a distance limit beyond which the communication is unreliable, wherein the distance between the first and second switches (132) is greater than the distance limit and the distance between the first switch (130) and the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) and the distance between the second switch (132) and the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) is less than the distance limit. [15] Network according to claim 12: wherein the second subnetwork comprises a second electronic device capable of communicating at at least one of the slower and faster speeds, the second electronic device being electronically connected to the second network interface of the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324); wherein when the second electronic device communicates with the first subnetwork via the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324), the controller (230) of the adaptive network repeater (140, 200, 324) determines the communication speed.

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