Method of and apparatus for providing isochronous services over switched ethernet including a home network wall plate having a combined IEEE 1394 and ethernet modified hub
First Claim
1. A method of transmitting data within a network including one or more of a first type of device operating according to a first protocol and a second protocol and one or more of a second type of device operating according to only the second protocol comprising:
- a. establishing a periodic cycle including a first portion and a second portion;
b. allowing only transmissions according to the first protocol during the first portion; and
c. allowing only transmissions according to the second protocol during the second portion.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices on the network to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices within the network are coupled to modified hubs (MHubs) to form a local cluster. The MHubs are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHubs obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers will be allowed. Preferably, on a regular and reoccurring period, the ethernet switch sends an isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Any bandwidth left after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the traditional ethernet traffic and the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. A method of transmitting data within a network including one or more of a first type of device operating according to a first protocol and a second protocol and one or more of a second type of device operating according to only the second protocol comprising:
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a. establishing a periodic cycle including a first portion and a second portion;
b. allowing only transmissions according to the first protocol during the first portion; and
c. allowing only transmissions according to the second protocol during the second portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A modified hub device configured for coupling between two or more devices operating according to two or more different protocols and a switching device, the hub device comprising:
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a. a first interface configured for coupling to and communicating with one or more of a first type of device operating according to a first protocol and a second protocol;
b. a second interface configured for coupling to and communicating with one or more of a second type of device operating according to only the second protocol; and
c. a third interface configured for coupling to and communicating with the switching device, wherein the switching device sends a periodic signal which signals the start of a period having a first portion and a second portion, wherein only communications in the first protocol are allowed during the first portion and only communications in the second protocol are allowed during the second portion. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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19. A switching device configured for coupling to two or more hub devices providing interfaces to one or more of a first type of device operating according to a first protocol and a second protocol and one or more of a second type of device operating according to only the second protocol, the switching device comprising:
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a. a plurality of ports, each port coupled to a corresponding hub device for interfacing with devices coupled to the corresponding hub device; and
b. a control circuit coupled to the plurality of ports for sending a periodic signal which signals the start of a period having a first portion and a second portion, wherein only communications in the first protocol are allowed during the first portion and only communications in the second protocol are allowed during the second portion.
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29. A network of devices comprising:
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a. a switching device including;
i. a plurality of ports; and
ii. a control circuit coupled to the plurality of ports for sending a periodic signal which signals the start of a period having a first portion and a second portion, wherein only communications in a first protocol are allowed during the first portion and only communications in a second protocol are allowed during the second portion; and
b. a plurality of modified hub devices each including;
i. a first interface configured for coupling to and communicating with one or more of a first type of device operating according to the first protocol and the second protocol;
ii. a second interface configured for coupling to and communicating with one or more of a second type of device operating according to only the second protocol; and
iii. a third interface coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of ports.
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Specification