Multi-network type coordinator for a single physical layer

摘要

A coordinator for coordinating the use of a physical layer between a first network operating using a first network protocol and a second network operating using a second network protocol different from the first network protocol, the network protocols being non-interoperable and supporting centralized management of nodes by a master device in each network respectively, including a receiver, a transmitter, a coordinator first network type device (CNTD1) and a coordinator second network type device (CNTD2), both coupled with the receiver and the transmitter, and a synchronizer and coordinator (SAC) coupled with the CNTD1 and CNTD2, the SAC including a required resources determinator, for determining the required resources of both networks for the next transmission cycle and for providing the required resources of one network to the other, wherein the master device of one network allocates resources to the other network and vice-versa.

主权项

1. At least two networks coupled with the same physical layer, devices in each network communicating according to a network protocol respective of each network, said respective network protocols being non-interoperable, said at least two networks comprising:
at least one device of a first network type, said at least one device of said first network type forming a first network and operating using a first network protocol, said at least one device of said first network type being coupled with said physical layer; at least one device of a second network type, said at least one device of a second network type forming a second network and operating using a second network protocol different from said first network protocol, said at least one device of said second network type being coupled with said physical layer, wherein said respective network protocols support centralized management of nodes by a master device in each of said at least two networks respectively; and a coordinator, coupled with said physical layer, for coordinating the use of said physical layer between said first network and said second network, wherein said coordinator comprising:
a receiver, for receiving messages transmitted over said physical layer;a transmitter, for transmitting messages over said physical layer;a coordinator first network type device coupled with said receiver and said transmitter;a coordinator second network type device coupled with said receiver and said transmitter; anda synchronizer and coordinator coupled with said coordinator first network type device and with said coordinator second network type device,said synchronizer and coordinator comprising a required resources determinator, said required resources determinator determining the required resources of said first network for a next transmission cycle by receiving, from said coordinator first network type device, information relating to the use said first network makes of said physical layer,said required resources determinator determining the required resources of said second network for said next transmission cycle by receiving, from said coordinator second network type device, information relating to the use said second network makes of said physical layer,said required resources determinator providing the required resources of said first network to said coordinator second network type device, said required resources determinator providing the required resources of said second network to said coordinator first network type device,said coordinator second network type device transmitting, via said transmitter, a request for said required resources for said first network from said master device of said second network, according to said second network protocol,said coordinator first network type device transmitting, via said transmitter, a request for said required resources for said second network from said master device of said first network according to said first network protocol, wherein said master device of said second network allocates resources to said first network, according to the resources requested from said master device of said second network, and wherein said master device of said first network allocates resources to said second network, according to the resources requested from said master device of said first network.