HK1119009A - Method and system for automatic cat cable configuration - Google Patents

Description

Method and system for connecting a device to a network

Technical Field

The present invention relates to cable configuration, and more particularly, to a method and system for automatic configuration for cable categories.

Background

As the number of devices connected by data networks increases and high data rate demands, there is an increasing demand for new transmission technologies to enable higher rate transmissions over existing copper cabling architectures. Various efforts in this regard have been made by the industry, including techniques that enable transmission at data rates higher than giga per second (Gbps) over existing wiring systems. For example, the IEEE 802.3 standard defines the MAC (media access control) interface and physical layer (PHY) for ethernet connections at 10Mbps, 100Mbps, 1Gbps, and 10Gbps rates over a 100 meter length on a twisted pair copper cabling system. For every 10 times increase in speed, more sophisticated signal processing methods are required to guarantee a 100 meter distance standard. However, a connection greater than 100m would require the use of fiber optics at the midpoint of the connection or the provision of ethernet switches, hubs, and/or repeaters to keep all cables less than 100m in length.

In addition, the industry has developed the 10 gigabit per second ethernet transport (10GBASE-T) standard over twisted pair cabling. For example, the emerging 10GBASE-T PHY specification attempts to enable transmission distances of up to 182 feet in existing wiring systems for 10Gbps connections over twisted pair wiring, and up to 330 feet, for example, in new wiring systems. To enable 10Gbps full duplex transmission over 4 twisted pair copper cabling, a digital signal processing solution needs to be carefully designed to remove or reduce the following adverse effects: severe signal attenuation based on frequency, signal reflection, near-end crosstalk and far-end crosstalk between 4 pairs of wires, external signals from adjacent transmission links or other external noise sources are coupled into the 4 pairs of cables. In addition, the development of new wiring specifications also takes into account the problem of reducing the effects of external electromagnetic interference.

Twisted pair cables are generally classified into several categories such as category 5 (CAT5), enhanced category 5 (CAT5e), category 6 (CAT6), etc., and are commonly used in structured cabling systems for computer networks such as the internet, but may also be used to carry other signals such as basic voice traffic, token ring, and ATM. The classification between cables is based on different designs and performance. For example, CAT5 cable containing 4 twisted pairs under the outer skin of one cable can support rates up to 100MHZ, while CAT6 cable containing 4 twisted pairs (typically larger wire diameter) can support rates up to 250 MHZ.

As new wiring technologies and standards emerge, the need to develop interfaces for new technologies and standards has grown proportionally. Some of the characteristics of these technologies and standards make it a challenge to mix and match interfaces of different wiring systems.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to solve the technical problem of providing a method and a system for automatically configuring cables of different types aiming at wiring systems of different types.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for connecting a device to a network, comprising:

a single network interface is configured to handle signal transmissions under different cable Category (CAT) connection configurations.

Preferably, the method further comprises electronically controlling the configuration of one or more switching devices to connect the single network interface to one or more corresponding conductors associated with the cable class configuration.

Preferably, the one or more switching devices comprise one or more multiplexers.

Preferably, the method further comprises activating at least a portion of one or more switching devices during the configuring.

Preferably, the method further comprises disabling at least a portion of one or more switching devices during said configuring.

Preferably, the method further comprises manually configuring one or more switching devices to connect the single network interface to one or more corresponding conductors associated with the cable class configuration.

Preferably, the method further comprises activating at least a portion of one or more switching devices during the manual configuration.

Preferably, the method further comprises disabling at least a portion of one or more switching devices during the manual configuration.

Preferably, the data rate of the single network interface processing ranges from 1BaseT to several gigabytes.

Preferably, the Category (CAT) cable configuration comprises: category 3 (CAT3), category 4 (CAT4), category 5 (CAT5), enhanced category 5 (CAT5E), category 6 (CAT6), super-strong category 6 (CAT6A), category 7 (CAT7) and super-strong category 7 (CAT 7A).

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for connecting a device to a network, comprising:

one or more circuits to configure a single network interface to handle signal transmissions under different cable Category (CAT) connection configurations.

Preferably, the one or more circuits are electrically controlled to configure one or more switching devices to connect the single network interface to one or more corresponding conductors associated with the cable class configuration.

Preferably, the one or more switching devices comprise one or more multiplexers.

Preferably, the one or more circuits activate at least a portion of one or more switching devices during the configuring.

Preferably, the one or more circuits inhibit operation of at least a portion of the one or more switching devices during the configuring.

Preferably, the one or more switching devices are manually configured to connect the single network interface to one or more corresponding conductors associated with the cable class configuration.

Preferably, at least a part of one or more switching devices is activated to operate during said manual configuration.

Preferably, at least a portion of one or more switching devices are disabled during said manual configuration.

Preferably, the data rate of the single network interface processing ranges from 1BaseT to several gigabytes.

Preferably, the cable category configuration includes: CAT3, CAT4, CAT5, CAT5E, CAT6, CAT6A, CAT7 and CAT 7A.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for connecting a device to a network, comprising:

a single connector is configured to accommodate a plurality of different Category (CAT) wiring types to handle signals at a plurality of data rates.

Preferably, the single connector is an RJ45 connector.

Preferably, the CAT wiring configuration includes: CAT3, CAT4, CAT5, CAT5E, CAT6, CAT6A, CAT7 and CAT 7A.

Drawings

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a computer network according to an embodiment of the present invention, which uses network cables;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a class 3 to class 6A connector interface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a class 6 to class 7 connector interface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a class 7 to class 7A connector interface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a direct-connect class independent interconnect, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a multiplexer of a class independent interconnect configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a diverter switch in a class independent interconnect configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The invention relates to a method and a system for automatic configuration for cable classes. Aspects of the invention include configuring a single network interface to handle signal transmission under different Category (CAT) cable connection configurations. One or more switching devices, which may be multiplexers or configurable switches, may be configured electronically or manually to connect a single network interface to one or more corresponding conductors associated with the cable class configuration. Such a configuration may enable operation of at least a portion of one or more switching devices while disabling operation of other portions of the switching devices. The single network interface can handle data rates ranging from 1BaseT to several gigabytes. Cable type configurations include, for example, category 3 (CAT3), category 4 (CAT4), category 5 (CAT5), enhanced category 5 (CAT5E), category 6 (CAT6), super-strong category 6 (CAT6A), category 7 (CAT7), and super-strong category 7 (CAT 7A).

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a computer network according to an embodiment of the present invention, which uses network cables. In fig. 1A, the internet 165 and local network 163 are shown. The local network 163 includes a server 151, cables 153A, 153B and 153C, a router 155, an access point 157, a PC159 and a notebook 161. The server 151 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic and/or code and may operate continuously in a network to service other systems in the network by performing certain tasks such as printing or storing data.

Router 155 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic and/or code and may be adapted to forward data packets to suitable destination devices such as access point 157, server 151 and/or PC 159. A router may serve as a junction point between local network 163 and the internet 165. PC159 may include a computing device, such as a personal computer, which may communicate over local network 163 and connect to router 155 over cable 153C. Cables 153A, 153B and 153C may be used to connect the various components of the network, particularly server 151, router 155, access point 157, PC 159. Cables 153A, 153B and 153C may be of different categories, ranging from, for example, CAT3 to CAT7, as desired for local network 163.

The access point 157 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code and may be adapted to establish a wireless network that may be accessed by a personal computer, such as a laptop computer 161 (having wireless network communication capabilities). Access point 157 may be connected to router 155 via cable 153B.

In operation, local network 163 may communicate with the internet through router 155. Router 155 communicates with the respective components of local network 163, such as server 151, access point 157, and PC159, using cables 153A, 153B, and 153C.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a class 3 to class 6A connector interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1B, the connector interface 100 includes a connector body 135, a connector receptacle 133, receptacle contact pins 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, and 115, and connector interface pins 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, and 131. The electromagnetic (magnetic) connector interface 100 may include an electromagnetic module jack for receiving a network cable connector (commonly referred to as an RJ45 connector). RJ45 connectors may be used in network applications, such as networks of 10/100/1000Base-T or 10 GBase-T. The connector interface 100 with 8 receptacle contact pins 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113 and 115 may be used for class 3 to class 6A connectors and may represent the receptacle portion (female port) of an RJ45 connector.

During operation, the RJ45 connector of a category 3 to category 6A cable may be inserted into the connector receptacle 133 of the connector interface 100. The connector interface 100 may electromagnetically (iy) couple signals received on the receptacle contact pins 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, and 115 to the connector interface pins 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, and 131. Data signals may be passed into and out of the RJ45 cable through the connector interface 100.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a class 6 to class 7 connector interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 2, the connector interface 200 includes a connector body 251, a connector receptacle 249, receptacle contact pins 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, and 223, and connector interface pins 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, and 247. The electromagnetic (magnetic) connector interface 200 may include an electromagnetic module jack for receiving a network cable connector (commonly referred to as an RJ45 connector). The connector interface 200 with 12 receptacle contact pins 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221 and 223 may be used for category 6 to category 7 connectors and may represent the receptacle portion of an RJ45 connector.

During operation, the RJ45 connector of a category 6 to category 7 cable may be inserted into the connector receptacle 249 of the connector interface 200. The connector interface 200 may electromagnetically (iy) couple signals received on the receptacle contact pins 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, and 223 to the connector interface pins 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, and 247. Data signals may be passed into and out of the RJ45 cable through the connector interface 200.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a class 7 to class 7A connector interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3, the connector interface 300 includes a connector body 335, a connector receptacle 333, receptacle contact pins 301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 313, and 315, and connector interface pins 317, 319, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, and 331. The electromagnetic (magnetic) connector interface 300 may include an electromagnetic module jack for receiving a network cable connector (commonly referred to as an RJ45 connector). The connector interface 200 with 8 receptacle contact pins 301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 313 and 315 may be used for a class 7 to class a7 connector and may represent the receptacle portion of an RJ45 connector.

During operation, the RJ45 connector of a category 7 to category 7A cable may be inserted into connector receptacle 333 of connector interface 300. The connector interface 300 may electromagnetically (iy) couple signals received on the receptacle contact pins 301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 313, and 315 to the connector interface pins 317, 319, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, and 331. Data signals may be passed into and out of the RJ45 cable through the connector interface 300.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a direct connection category independent interconnection (direct connection category independent interconnection) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, interconnect system 400 includes device 401, electromagnetic connector interface 427, RJ45 cable connector 429, network cable 431, connector interface conductors 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, and 425, and circuit or processor 433. The device 401 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable sending signals to the electromagnetic connector interface 427 and/or receiving signals from the electromagnetic connector interface 427. The electromagnetic connector interface 427 may include an electromagnetic module jack for receiving a network cable connector (commonly referred to as an RJ45 connector). The RJ45 cable connector 429 may include 8 pins for connecting the network cable 431 to the electromagnetic connector interface 427. The electromagnetic connector interface 427 may represent the receptacle portion (male port) of an RJ45 connector, while the RJ45 cable connector 429 may represent the plug portion (male port) of an RJ45 connector. The RJ45 connector may be a class 3 to class 6A, class 6 to class 7, class 7 to class 7A or similar type plug. The network cable 431 may include suitable wiring (wiring) for transmitting data signals over 10/100/1000BaseT, 10GbaseT, and/or other networks. Other communication data rates are also suitable.

The circuitry or processor 433 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code and may enable control and/or data processing operations for the device 401. Processor 433 may test a wiring pattern (i.e., a known or desired pattern of connections) or dynamically determine the cable configuration.

In operation, the RJ45 cable connector 429 may be inserted into the electromagnetic connector interface 427. Signals may be transmitted over network cable 431, into or out of electromagnetic connector interface 427, and then into or out of device 401 using connector interface wires 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, and 425. The device 401 may be configured to automatically detect which of the connector interface conductors 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, and 425 carry signals, depending on the type of RJ45 connector used. In this way, the device 401 can be mated to a variety of connector types. Although fig. 4 discloses an interconnect system 400, the invention is not so limited.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a multiplexer of a class independent interconnect configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 5, the interconnect system 500 includes a device 501, multiplexers 523 and 525, an electromagnetic connector interface 527, an RJ45 cable connector 529, a network cable 531, device wires 503, 505, 507, 509, 511, 513, 515, 517, 519, 521, and a circuit or processor 533. The device 501 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable sending and/or receiving signals to and/or from the electromagnetic connector interface 527 and may control the multiplexers 523 and 525. Electromagnetic connector interface 527 may include an electromagnetic module receptacle for receiving a network cable connector (commonly referred to as an RJ45 connector). The RJ45 cable connector 529 may include 8 pins for connecting the network cable 531 to the electromagnetic connector interface 527. The electromagnetic connector interface 527 may represent the receptacle portion (lifetime) of an RJ45 connector, while the RJ45 cable connector 529 may represent the plug portion (lifetime) of an RJ45 connector. The RJ45 connector may be a class 3 to class 6A, class 6 to class 7, class 7 to class 7A or similar type plug. The network cable 531 may include suitable wiring (wiring) for transmitting data signals over 10/100/1000BaseT, 10GbaseT, and/or other networks. Other communication data rates are also suitable.

Circuitry or processor 533 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code that may enable control and/or data processing operations for device 501. The processor 533 may test a wiring pattern (i.e., a known or desired pattern of connections) or dynamically determine the cable configuration.

During operation, RJ45 cable connector 529 may be inserted into electromagnetic connector interface 527. The device 501 may be configured to automatically detect which wires in the electromagnetic connector interface carry signals and may activate (enable) multiplexers 523 and 525, respectively, using wires 519 and 521. Multiplexers 523 and 525 may be used to select which pins in electromagnetic connector interface 527 are to be connected with device 501, depending on the type of RJ45 connector used. In this way, the device 501 can be mated with a variety of connector types. Although fig. 5 discloses an interconnect system 500, the invention is not so limited.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a diverter switch in a class independent interconnect configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 6, the interconnect system 600 includes a device 601, switches 619, 621, 623, and 625, an electromagnetic connector interface 627, an RJ45 cable connector 629, a network cable 631, device conductors 603, 605, 607, 609, 611, 613, 615, 617, and a circuit or processor 633. The device 601 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code and may be adapted to send signals to the electromagnetic connector interface 627 and/or receive signals from the electromagnetic connector interface 627. The electromagnetic connector interface 627 may include an electromagnetic module jack for receiving a network cable connector (commonly referred to as an RJ45 connector). The RJ45 cable connector 629 may include 8 pins for connecting the network cable 631 to the electromagnetic connector interface 527. The electromagnetic connector interface 627 may represent the receptacle portion (male port) of the RJ45 connector, and the RJ45 cable connector 629 may represent the plug portion (male port) of the RJ45 connector. The RJ45 connector may be a class 3 to class 6A, class 6 to class 7, class 7 to class 7A or similar type plug. The network cable 631 may include suitable wiring (wiring) for transmitting data signals over 10/100/1000BaseT, 10GbaseT, and/or other networks. Other communication data rates are also suitable.

The circuitry or processor 633 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code and may enable control and/or data processing operations for the device 601. The processor 633 may test a wiring pattern (i.e., a known or desired pattern of connections) or dynamically determine the cable configuration.

In operation, an RJ45 cable connector 629 may be inserted into the electromagnetic connector interface 627. The switches 619, 621, 623 and 625 are arranged to select which pins in the electromagnetic connector interface 627 will be connected with the device 601, depending on the type of RJ45 connector used. These switches may be controlled by the device 601 or set manually. In this way, the device 601 can be mated to a variety of connector types. Although fig. 6 discloses an interconnect system 600, the invention is not so limited.

In embodiments of the present invention, methods and systems are provided for configuring a single network interface to handle signal transmission under configurations 100, 200, and/or 300 connecting different cable types. One or more switching devices, which may include multiplexers 523 or 525 or configurable switches 619, 621, 623 and 625, may be configured by electronic control or manually to connect a single network interface 427, 527 or 627 to one or more corresponding conductors associated with the cable class configuration. Such a configuration may enable operation of at least a portion of one or more switching devices while disabling operation of other portions of the switching devices. The single network interface 427, 527, or 627 can handle data rates in the range of 1BaseT to several gigabytes. Cable type configurations include, for example, category 5 (CAT3), category 4 (CAT4), category 5 (CAT5), enhanced category 5 (CAT5E), category 6 (CAT6), super-strong category 6 (CAT6A), category 7 (CAT7), and super-strong category 7 (CAT 7A). Connectors 429, 529 and/or 629 may comprise RJ45 connectors.

Some embodiments of the present invention may include a machine-readable storage, having stored thereon, a computer program having at least one code section for transmitting information over a network, the at least one code section being executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform one or more of the steps described herein.

The present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software could be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The method is implemented in a computer system using a processor and a memory unit.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a board level product (board level product), such as a single chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or as separate components integrated with other portions of the system on a single chip with varying degrees of integration. The degree of integration of the system depends primarily on speed and cost considerations. Modern processors are so diverse that processors currently found on the market can be employed. Alternatively, if the processor is available as an ASIC core or logic module, the processor currently found on the market may be part of an ASIC device with firmware for various functions.

The present invention can also be implemented by a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods of the invention and which, when loaded in a computer system, is able to carry out these methods. The computer program in the present document refers to: any expression, in any programming language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduced in different formats to implement specific functions. However, other meanings of computer programs understood by those skilled in the art are also contemplated by the present invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A method for connecting a device to a network, comprising:

a single network interface is configured to handle signal transmission under connection configurations of different cable classes.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising electronically controlling configuration of one or more switching devices to connect the single network interface to one or more corresponding conductors associated with a cable class configuration.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more switching devices comprise one or more multiplexers.

4. The method of claim 2, comprising activating at least a portion of one or more switching devices during the configuring.

5. The method of claim 2, comprising disabling at least a portion of one or more switching devices during the configuring.

6. A system for connecting a device to a network, comprising:

one or more circuits to configure a single network interface to handle signal transmission under connection configurations of different cable classes.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the one or more circuits electronically control configuring one or more switching devices to connect the single network interface to one or more corresponding conductors associated with the cable class configuration.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the one or more switching devices comprise one or more multiplexers.

9. A method for connecting a device to a network, comprising:

a single connector is configured to accommodate different classes of wiring types to handle signals at multiple data rates.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the single connector is an RJ45 connector.