MoCA End Device Simplification via Centralized Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MoCA end devices are complex and costly due to the need for a host device to translate configuration messages and communicate with various network devices, requiring independent code development for each type, leading to increased design and production costs and time to market.
Innovation Solution
A network management device with a MoCA chip configures a control channel over the coaxial network to MoCA end devices, allowing the MoCA chip to act as a master, reducing the complexity and component count in MoCA end devices by moving software development to the network management unit, which addresses individual devices directly through established hardware protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a host device is included in each MoCA end device to translate configuration messages and communicate with network devices, then the device can perform full MoCA functionality, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the host device functionality from individual MoCA end devices and relocates it to a centralized network management device. The MoCA end devices retain only the essential MoCA chip for communication, while configuration management and translation functions are performed externally by the network management device that has direct access to the coaxial network.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management device acts as an intermediary between the external network and the MoCA end devices. It translates configuration messages and communicates with various network devices, eliminating the need for each end device to have its own host device for translation functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent code development is performed for each MoCA modem type, then the device can be customized for specific applications, but the development time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network management device provides universal configuration capabilities that work across multiple MoCA end device types. By centralizing the code development and configuration management in the network management device, the same software infrastructure can serve diverse MoCA end devices without requiring separate development for each type.
3Ease of operation
If a host device is present in each MoCA end device, then configuration and control can be performed locally, but the production cost and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The host device is extracted from the MoCA end devices and relocated to the network management device. This removes the need for microcontrollers, memory, and associated configuration software in each end device, significantly reducing component count and production cost while maintaining configuration capabilities through the centralized management device.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing data communication over a MoCA (Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance) network in a construction complex, the system comprising a coaxial network; a network management device connectable to an external data channel, the network management device comprising a connector structured to be connected to the coaxial network; and a control unit having a first MoCA chip, wherein the control unit is configured to establish an access function, creating a control channel over the coaxial network to one or more MoCA end devices; and at least one MoCA end device connected to the coaxial network, wherein the at least one MoCA end device has a second MoCA chip and a network access unit connected to a bus on the second MoCA chip.