CN213072699U

CN213072699U - Panel type Ethernet gateway with built-in switching function

Info

Publication number: CN213072699U
Application number: CN202023201635.8U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘棋星; 翁嘉杰; 陈志樑
Original assignee: Guangzhou On Bright Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Guangzhou On Bright Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-28
Filing date: 2020-12-28
Publication date: 2021-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-28
Also published as: WO2022141573A1

Abstract

The utility model provides a panel type ethernet gateway of built-in switching function. The panel-type Ethernet gateway comprises a front shell and a back shell. The front side shell is provided with a front side network interface. The back side housing may be detachably coupled to the front side housing. The back housing has a raised portion. The protruding part is provided with a back network interface. In the space between the convex part and the front surface shell, a first isolation transformer, a second isolation transformer, an Ethernet power supply module and a switching chip are arranged. The first isolation transformer is connected with the front network interface. The second isolation transformer is connected with the back network interface. The power over ethernet module is electrically connected to the second isolation transformer. The switching chip is respectively connected with the first isolation transformer and the second isolation transformer for communication, and is also connected with the Ethernet power supply module so as to be powered by the Ethernet power supply module.

Description

Panel type Ethernet gateway with built-in switching function

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a thing communication network field, more specifically relates to a panel type ethernet gateway of built-in exchange function.

Background

In recent years, with the development of the internet of things, devices related to the internet of things are gradually applied to the fields of hotels, apartments, homes and the like. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of things), etc. can connect directly to an extranet. However, Zigbee (wireless personal area network), bluetooth, Lora (long distance radio), etc. cannot directly connect to the Internet (Internet). In applications using these technologies, it is necessary for an ethernet gateway to manage and control node devices such as local sensors and to relay external communications such as servers.

Traditionally, ethernet gateways are stand-alone modalities. In commercial applications such as hotels or rental apartments, the ethernet gateways in independent forms have installation modes such as desktop placement, wall hanging, ceiling suction and the like. However, the gateways in such forms often have the risk of being troublesome to wire or easily stolen by guests. In addition, for hotel Wi-Fi hotspots requiring Portal authentication, the wireless Wi-Fi gateway also has the problems of complex access flow or incapability of accessing, and the like, and thus the landing and delivery of projects are influenced.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve the problems existing in the application, the utility model provides a panel type Ethernet gateway with built-in exchange function.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a panel-type ethernet gateway includes a front side housing and a back side housing. The front side shell is provided with a front side network interface. The back side housing may be detachably coupled to the front side housing. The back housing has a raised portion. The protruding part is provided with a back network interface. In the space between the convex part and the front surface shell, a first isolation transformer, a second isolation transformer, an Ethernet power supply module and a switching chip are arranged. The first isolation transformer is connected with the front network interface. The second isolation transformer is connected with the back network interface. The power over ethernet module is electrically connected to the second isolation transformer. The switching chip is respectively connected with the first isolation transformer and the second isolation transformer for communication, and is also connected with the Ethernet power supply module so as to be powered by the Ethernet power supply module.

Through built-in network switching function in the gateway, support PoE (power over Ethernet) net twine power supply and/or AC (alternating current) power supply simultaneously, the utility model discloses an Ethernet gateway can be embedded in the wall, does not have the wiring and influences pleasing to the eye problem. In addition, because the network switching function is built in and the RJ45 (registration jack 45) Ethernet port is arranged outside, the system can also be used for accessing the internet of a terminal such as a personal computer. Especially to the hotel of later stage transformation, need not decorate again or the wiring, directly with original panel with the utility model discloses a panel type ethernet gateway replacement of built-in exchange function can realize intelligent transformation.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood from the following description of particular embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1A is a schematic front view of a panel-type ethernet gateway 100 with built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 1B is a schematic back view of a panel-type ethernet gateway 100 with a built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of main functional modules and connection relations of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 with a built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a schematic composition diagram of a PoE module 203 of a panel-type ethernet gateway with built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the composition of the AC power supply module 204 of the panel-type ethernet gateway with built-in switching function according to the embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 5 shows an example of a usage scenario of a panel-type ethernet gateway with a built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will be described in detail below. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples of the invention. The present invention is in no way limited to any specific configuration and algorithm set forth below, but covers any modification, replacement or improvement of elements, components and algorithms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings and the following description, not all known structures and techniques are shown in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

In order to solve the problem that traditional independent type ethernet gateway exists, the needs of adaptation technical development, the utility model provides a panel type ethernet gateway of built-in exchange function.

Fig. 1A schematically shows a front side of a panel-type ethernet gateway 100 with a built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 1B schematically shows a back side of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 with a built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1A, the front side of the panel-style ethernet gateway 100 includes a front side housing 101 and a front side RJ45 interface 102. The shape of the front housing 101 is merely illustrative and any suitable shape may be employed. In general, the shape of the front housing 101 may be in the form of an existing panel that is readily replaceable or adapted to fit into a reserved location on a wall. The RJ45 interface 102 on the front side is used for plugging in a network cable through which a terminal such as a computer is connected to the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 and further to the internet through the panel-type ethernet gateway 100. The number of front face RJ45 interfaces 102 and their location in the front face housing 101 are also exemplary and may be set as desired.

As shown in fig. 1B, the back side of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 includes a back side housing 103. The rear surface case 103 is openably coupled to the front surface case 101 by a bayonet or the like. The back panel 103 includes a raised portion 104, the space between the raised portion 104 and the front housing 101 to house the internal elements or components of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100. The convex portion 104 may be integral with the back panel 103 or may be separate. The male portion 104 has a rear RJ45 interface 105 and an ac electrical terminal 106. The rear RJ45 interface 105 is used to connect to external network devices through a network cable. The ac terminals 106 are used to connect to the mains supply line. The back of FIG. 1B may also include other features to facilitate mounting, and may also include heat dissipation holes, etc. Fig. 1B is intended to depict only one embodiment of a panel-type ethernet gateway 100 according to the present invention, and not to limit the same.

The main functional modules and the connection relationship of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are explained below with reference to fig. 2.

As shown in fig. 2, the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 includes a first isolation transformer 201 connectable to the face RJ45 interface 102. The first isolation transformer 201 can isolate the panel type ethernet gateway 100 from external devices, thereby protecting internal devices and enhancing the anti-interference capability. For example, the first isolation transformer 201 can protect an internal chip and avoid adverse effects such as lightning stroke; for physical layer chips using different voltages, the influence between the chips can be avoided by isolation. The first isolation transformer 201 can also enhance the signal and increase the transmission distance of the signal. Various commercially available RJ45 isolation transformers may be used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various RJ45 isolation transformers, and corresponding connection methods, are not described in detail herein.

The panel ethernet gateway 100 also includes a second isolation transformer 202 that can be connected to the back RJ45 interface 105. The second isolation transformer 202 can isolate the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 from external networks. The second isolation transformer 202 functions similarly to the first isolation transformer 201, and may be the same as or different from the first isolation transformer 201, such as a commercial RJ45 isolation transformer.

The panel-type ethernet gateway 100 further includes a PoE (power over ethernet) module 203. The PoE module 203 can extract a voltage from a PSE (power sourcing equipment) from the second isolation transformer 202, convert the voltage into a voltage suitable for use by power consuming modules within the panel-type ethernet gateway 100, and supply power to the modules. These modules include, for example, a switching IC (chip) 205, an ethernet master IC 206, an internet of things communication module 207, and a memory 208. The PoE module 203 will be described in more detail later in connection with the figures.

The panel-type ethernet gateway 100 further includes a power-on-AC module 204. The AC power supply module 204 can be connected to the mains power through the AC power connection terminal 106, so as to convert the mains power into a voltage suitable for the power utilization modules inside the panel-type ethernet gateway 100, and supply power to the modules. These modules include, for example, a switching IC 205, an ethernet master IC 206, an internet of things communication module 207, and a memory 208. The AC power supply module 204 will be described in more detail later in conjunction with the figures.

The panel-type ethernet gateway 100 includes both the PoE module 203 and the AC power supply module 204, so that the utility power can be connected to the AC power supply without PoE power supply according to actual needs.

The panel-type ethernet gateway 100 further includes a switching IC 205, an ethernet master IC 206, and an internet of things communication module 207. Switching IC 205 is capable of spreading the ethernet signal received via back RJ45 interface 105 and second isolation transformer 202 into two signals. One way to a terminal, such as a computer, connected to the panel-style ethernet gateway 100 through a face RJ45 interface 102; and the other path of the data is from the Ethernet master control IC 206 to terminal nodes such as various sensors, control panels, intelligent lamps and the like which are connected to the panel type Ethernet gateway 100 through the Internet of things communication module 207. Thus, in operation, the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 is able to establish a connection between a network terminal such as a computer and an internet of things terminal node such as a sensor, a control panel, a smart lamp, and an external network.

More specifically, external network signals can be input to the panel-style ethernet gateway 100 via the back RJ45 interface 105 and then converted to MDI (media dependent interface) signals via the second isolation transformer 202. The MDI signal is processed by PHY (physical layer) and MAC (media access control) functions in the switching IC 205, and transmitted to, for example, the first isolation transformer 201 or to the ethernet master IC 206 based on a MAC address record obtained, for example, by a query. The switching IC 205 may be an existing commercial IC, an application-specific IC, a stand-alone IC, or a part integrated with other functional modules of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100. Implementation and setup details of the various switching ICs 205 are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

The ethernet master IC 206 is responsible for communication and information interaction with the outside world, for example, for communication and information interaction with a router, a cloud, a mobile APP (application), and the like. More specifically, the ethernet main control IC 206 establishes communication with the router by automatically acquiring an IP (internet protocol) address through DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) or by configuring a static IP. The router may be a PSE supporting PoE or a router not supporting PoE. Furthermore, the ethernet main control IC 206 may also establish a TCP (transmission control protocol) server, so as to be able to receive configuration instructions transmitted through the mobile phone APP or the like. The ethernet main control IC 206 may further convert the communication instruction of the internet of things communication module 207 into a Json (JavaScript object notation) format, and perform uplink and downlink interactive communication with the cloud through an MQTT (message queue telemetry transport) application protocol. The ethernet main control IC 206 may be an existing commercial IC, an application specific IC, a stand-alone IC, or a part integrated with other functional modules of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the implementation and configuration details of the various ethernet host ICs 206 and will not be described in detail herein.

The internet of things communication module 207 is responsible for communicating with internet of things terminals in the network, such as sensors, control panels, intelligent lamps and the like, and functions of networking management, grouping management, local scene management and the like are achieved. The internet of things communication module 207 communicates with internet of things terminal nodes such as sensors, control panels, intelligent lamps and the like using the same radio frequency module and communication protocol through a built-in radio frequency module and communication protocol, so that networking management, grouping management, local scene management and the like are realized. The internet of things communication module 207 may use, for example, a 2.4G signal, and may be, for example, an internet of things 2.4G communication chip. The internet of things communication module 207 may be a commercial module or a specially developed module. Those skilled in the art will understand details of implementation and configuration of the communication module 207 of the internet of things, which are not described herein.

In addition, the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 may further include a memory 208 for storing the internet of things end node information, grouping information, context information, and the like. For example, the memory 208 may be a plug-in SPI (serial peripheral interface) Flash (Flash memory). The internet of things communication module 207 stores and reads end node information, grouping information and context information in the memory 208 through instructions such as erasing, writing and reading.

Although the above examples show the functions of PoE power, AC power, network connection, internet of things, etc., these functions are not necessarily all provided, but may be chosen as needed. For example, having only PoE power function, or only AC power function, or both; having only network connectivity, having only internet of things, or both.

Fig. 3 is a schematic composition diagram of a PoE module 203 of a panel-type ethernet gateway with built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3, the PoE module 203 can extract a common mode voltage, for example, a 57V dc voltage, from the center tap of the second isolation transformer 202. The extracted common mode voltage is rectified by the rectifying module 2031, and then isolated and stepped down by the integrated PD (powered device) flyback controller 2032 supporting, for example, IEEE802.3af standard, and 5V dc is output. The 5V dc output by the PD flyback controller 2032 outputs 3.3V dc through two LDOs (low dropout regulators), and supplies power to each module of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100. For example, the 3.3V dc output by the first LDO 2033 is used to power the switching IC 205, the ethernet master IC 206, and the storage module 208; the 3.3V direct current output by the second LDO 2034 is used for supplying power to the internet of things communication module 207 and the storage module 208.

The PoE technology can simplify the installation and the deployment of equipment and has the advantages of energy saving, safety and the like. Therefore, in recent years, PoE technology is widely used in the fields of wireless coverage, security, internet of things power supply, and the like. PoE can power some ethernet terminals over the network cabling without modifying the existing cat.5 cabling infrastructure. The complete PoE system includes a PSE and a PD. The PSE typically includes network devices such as ethernet switches, routers, hubs, etc. that support PoE functionality. The devices supporting PoE function have standard devices and also non-standard devices. Standard devices such as ieee802.3af, 802.3at (poe plus) compliant devices. The output voltage of a PSE compliant with ieee802.3af is 44-57V DC (direct current), while the output voltage of a PSE supporting ieee802.3at is 50-57V DC.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the composition of the AC power supply module 204 of the panel-type ethernet gateway with built-in switching function according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, when the AC power supply module 204 is connected to the commercial power through the AC power connection terminal 106, the AC power is rectified by the rectifying module 2041, filtered by the filtering module 2042, and isolated by the primary feedback flyback circuit 2043 to be stepped down, and 5V dc power is output. The 5V dc output by the primary feedback flyback circuit 2043 is output by the two LDOs to output 3.3V dc, which is used to supply power to each module of the panel-type ethernet gateway 100. For example, the 3.3V dc output by the third LDO 2044 is used to power the switching IC 205, the ethernet master IC 206, and the storage module 208; the 3.3V direct current output by the fourth LDO 2045 is used for supplying power to the internet of things communication module 207 and the storage module 208.

Above, for convenience of explanation, in fig. 3 and 4, the PoE module 203 and the AC power supply module 204 are shown as two independent circuits. Indeed, in particular implementations, the two modules may also share certain elements. For example, the first LDO 2033 and the third LDO 2044 may be implemented using the same LDO, and the second LDO 2034 and the fourth LDO 2045 may be implemented using the same LDO.

In order to facilitate understanding of the solution of the present invention, an example of a usage scenario of a panel-type ethernet gateway with a built-in switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to fig. 5.

For example, a panel-type ethernet gateway 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a wall, replacing a conventional panel. The panel-type ethernet gateway 100 is connected to an optical modem/router 602. If the optical modem/router 602 supports PoE, no power is connected. Thus, in terms of PoE power, the optical modem/router 602 can operate as a PSE and the panel-style ethernet gateway 100 can operate as a PD. If the optical modem/router 602 does not support PoE, the panel-type ethernet gateway 100 is connected to the utility power and powered by the utility power. The cloud device 601 and the mobile phone APP 603 are connected to the optical modem/router 602. The personal computer 604 is connected to the panel-type ethernet gateway 100, thereby establishing a connection to the outside.

For simplicity, other internet of things terminals are not further shown in fig. 5. Based on the detailed description hereinbefore, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various internet of things terminals are connected to the network through the panel type ethernet gateway 100 to implement various corresponding functions.

Examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description above, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the main technical ideas of the invention.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. Different features which are present in different embodiments may be combined to advantage. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art upon studying the drawings, the specification, and the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A panel-type ethernet gateway, comprising:

the front shell (101), wherein a front network interface (102) is arranged on the front shell (101);

a rear housing (103), said rear housing (103) being detachably coupled to said front housing (101), said rear housing (103) having a raised portion (104), said raised portion (104) having a rear network interface (105) disposed thereon;

in a space between the convex portion (104) and the front surface case (101), there are provided:

a first isolation transformer (201), the first isolation transformer (201) connected with the front side network interface (102);

a second isolation transformer (202), the second isolation transformer (202) connected to the backside network interface (105);

a power over Ethernet module (203), the power over Ethernet module (203) electrically connected to the second isolation transformer (202); a switch chip (205), the switch chip (205) being connected to communicate with a first isolation transformer (201) and a second isolation transformer (202), respectively, the switch chip (205) being further connected to the power over ethernet module (203) to be powered by the power over ethernet module (203).

2. The panel type Ethernet gateway of claim 1, wherein an Ethernet master control chip (206), an Internet of things communication module (207) and a memory (208) are further arranged in a space between the convex part (104) and the front shell (101),

the Ethernet master control chip (206) is connected between the switch chip (205) and the Internet of things communication module (207), the Internet of things communication module (207) is connected to the memory (208),

the Ethernet master control chip (206), the Internet of things communication module (207) and the memory (208) are also connected with the power over Ethernet module (203) so as to be powered by the power over Ethernet module (203).

3. The gateway of claim 1, wherein the raised portion (104) further comprises AC terminals (106),

in a space between the convex portion (104) and the front surface case (101), there is further provided:

a DC power supply module (204), the DC power supply module (204) is electrically connected to the AC power connection terminal (106), and the switching chip (205) is further connected with the DC power supply module (204) so as to be powered by the DC power supply module (204).

4. The gateway of claim 2, wherein the raised portion (104) further comprises AC terminals (106),

a DC power supply module (204), the DC power supply module (204) is electrically connected to the AC power connection terminal (106), the switch chip (205), the Ethernet master control chip (206), the Internet of things communication module (207) and the memory (208) are further connected with the DC power supply module (204) so as to be powered by the DC power supply module (204).

5. The panel-type Ethernet gateway of claim 2 or 4, wherein the Internet of things communication module (207) is an Internet of things 2.4G communication chip.