Relay device and multi-split control system

The patent introduces a relay device as an intermediary component in the communication network. This relay device receives signals from one outdoor unit, amplifies and retransmits them to indoor units beyond the original communication range. The relay acts as a signal booster and mediator, extending the effective communication distance without requiring excessive bus length that would cause signal degradation. This directly resolves the contradiction by enabling long-distance communication while maintaining signal integrity through the intermediary relay node.

The patent segments the communication tasks and data transmission responsibilities. The relay device is configured to receive control signals from a master outdoor unit, process them separately, and then forward appropriate signals to different indoor units. This segmentation of transmission tasks prevents the relay from simultaneously transmitting multiple types of data that would cause congestion. Instead, the relay handles control signals and data signals in an organized, time-multiplexed manner, maintaining transmission stability while still expanding communication coverage.

The patent introduces a new dimensional structure to the communication network by adding relay devices as intermediate nodes between outdoor units and indoor units. Instead of simply extending the communication bus in a linear fashion (one dimension), the relay creates a multi-hop communication path, effectively adding another dimension to the network topology. This allows multiple indoor units to be connected through relay nodes rather than requiring all units to be within direct communication range of a single outdoor unit, thereby increasing system capacity without proportionally increasing bus length and signal attenuation.