MoCA-WiFi Network Bridge Resource Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home networks face challenges in efficiently managing and sharing resources between Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) and WiFi networks, particularly in scheduling communications to accommodate a growing number of devices, leading to limitations in data rates and practical use, especially with the proliferation of devices in a home setting.
Innovation Solution
A network bridge system that dynamically configures resources based on Media Access Plans (MAPs) from the MoCA Network Coordinator, switching between MoCA and WiFi communications by sending Clear-to-Send (CTS) notifications to allocate resources efficiently, allowing simultaneous or opportunistic operation of both networks without altering existing standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate MoCA and WiFi network equipment is deployed to service growing number of devices, then network coverage and device connectivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines MoCA and WiFi network functionalities into a single network bridge device. The bridge includes both MoCA and WiFi interface cards that share common resources (CPU, memory, bus interfaces), allowing one device to perform both wired MoCA and wireless WiFi networking functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The network bridge is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously supports MoCA and WiFi protocols. It can operate in multiple modes: dedicated MoCA mode, dedicated WiFi mode, and hybrid mode where both protocols operate concurrently or share resources, making the device adaptable to various networking scenarios without requiring separate specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If MoCA and WiFi networks operate independently with separate resources, then network performance for each protocol is optimized, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the bridge can switch between dedicated MoCA operation, dedicated WiFi operation, and shared operation modes based on real-time network conditions and traffic requirements. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize performance for the active protocol while efficiently utilizing available resources, preventing resource idle time and improving overall productivity.
3Reliability
If dedicated hardware is allocated for both MoCA and WiFi, then communication reliability for each network is improved, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power consumption burden by having both MoCA and WiFi interface cards share common hardware resources including CPU processing, memory, and bus interfaces. When only one protocol is active, those resources consume minimal power. When both are active, they share the power load, reducing total consumption compared to having completely separate dedicated systems while maintaining communication reliability for both protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for sharing resources for a network bridge configured to perform communications on a MoCA network and a WiFi network using the shared resources. The method includes: receiving a MAP from a MoCA NC and checking the MAP to determine whether the MoCA NC has scheduled MoCA communications in an upcoming MAP cycle; in instances where the MAP indicates that the MoCA NC has scheduled MoCA communications in an upcoming MAP cycle, configuring the shared network bridge resources for MoCA communications: in instances where the MAP indicates that the MoCA NC has not scheduled any MoCA communications in an upcoming MAP cycle, configuring the shared network bridge resources for WiFi communications; at the conclusion of a WiFi communication period, sending a CTS to the WiFi devices an the network and configuring the shared network bridge resources for WiFi communications.