ES2334482B1 - MULTI-INTERFACE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NODE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Telecommunications node multi-interface

Telecommunications device (10) comprising a base unit (11), a plurality of access interfaces (13-1, ..., 13-N) to a telecommunications network (18), where at least two of said interfaces of access (13-1, ..., 13-N), are of two different types, and a plurality of indoor communication interfaces (15-1, ..., 15-M), where at least a first of said indoor communication interfaces (15-1, ..., 15-M) is of the wireless type and at least a second of said indoor communication interfaces (15-1, ..., 15-M) is wired type, and where said base unit (11) is configured to perform rerouting functions between said interfaces, gateway functions with said telecommunications network (18) and remote management functions of said device (10). The device (10) comprises a plurality of insertable access modules (12-1, ...
12-N) configured to implement said access interfaces (13-1, ..., 13-N) to a telecommunication network (18), and a plurality of indoor insertable modules (14-1,14-2,14 -3 ... 14-M), configured to implement said indoor communication interfaces
(15-1, ..., 15-M). The base unit (11) and the insertable modules (12-1, ... 12-N, 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M) are configured to implement software-upgradeable radio functionalities in a distributed way.

Description

Telecommunications node multi-interface

Field of the Invention

The present invention applies to the field of telecommunications and, more specifically, to the nodes of telecommunications for simultaneous provision, inside buildings, with multiple radio and wired interfaces in the customer facilities and their connection to a network of telecommunications through one or more access interfaces.

Background of the invention

On the one hand, the systems are known called SDR (in English, "Software Defined Radio") or Radio Software defined. An SDR system is a communication system  by radio that can potentially tune in to different bands of frequency and receive any modulation over a wide frequency spectrum by means of the minimum possible hardware, processing the digitized signals in software. An advantage of SDR systems is that a lot of signal processing is run on a general purpose processor, instead of needing  a specific purpose hardware. Such design produces a signal radio that can receive and transmit a different form of radio protocol simply by running a software different.

On the other hand, the technique used for provision of communication interfaces inside the buildings is based on the installation of as many equipment as interfaces are necessary, equipment that cannot be updated to changes in the communications standard they use. These equipment can be connected to another that acts as a router or signal redirector in the building (in English, "router") and can also act as a gateway (in English, "gateway") with the access network that allows connection to the network of telecommunications

Some examples of this situation are:

A device that allows access to the network of telecommunications through the copper pair and ADSL interface and that inside the home it supports a wireless type network IEEE 802.11x (WiFi).

An encoder / decoder (also known as television set-top-box) over IP protocol (IPTV) that offers type signals DVS-IP to a TV and that connects to a modem ADSL that allows you to communicate with the network of telecommunications

A Femtonodo or Domestic Node, for the provision of GSM or UMTS signals inside the home, and that should connect to an ADSL modem that allows you to communicate with the network telecommunications

International patent application WO01 / 93048  describes a modem (modulator-demodulator) that provides rerouting, gateway and management functions remote This modem allows two network access options: the HPNA interface (in English, "Home Phoneline Networking Alliance ") and the xDSL interface (family of technologies that provide digital transmission of data on the wiring of a telephone network; in English, "Digital Subscriber Loop") and a only telecommuting network option within the building: LAN wireless (in English, "wireless LAN") Network)). The base unit (modem) has "drivers" preloaded capable of supporting a variety of cards insertable

These teams and these deployment techniques based on current technology suffer from certain limitations, described below:

First, the existence of at least as many computers as communications interfaces are desired have, with the consequent accumulation of boxes and increase of costs

Second, the teams are specific for each standard and are not upgradeable, so before standard improvements or the emergence of new standards is It is necessary to dispense with the equipment and acquire new ones.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention solves the problems previously mentioned by integrating into a single team of several communications interfaces that are easily upgradeable, either by installing a small module insertable or by updating the software of each one of the components that make up the equipment, so that it Can work with a new communications standard.

Thus, the provision of new ones is allowed. communications interfaces and their associated services in the inside the buildings, as well as the connection of these interfaces with the general telecommunications network, allowing updates to new standards without changes in the equipment.

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The multi-interface node of the invention further implements distributed SDR functionalities, allowing simultaneous provision of multiple radio interfaces and  wired at a customer's facilities and its connection to the telecommunications network through one or several interfaces of Access via wired or wireless support.

In one aspect of the invention, a  telecommunications device comprising: a base unit; a plurality of access interfaces to a network of telecommunications, where at least two of said interfaces of Access are of two different types; and a plurality of interfaces of indoor communication where at least one of those first Indoor communication interfaces is wireless and at least a second of said communication interfaces in interiors is wired type, and where said base unit is configured to perform rerouting functions between said interfaces, gateway functions with said network of telecommunications and remote management functions of said device. The device further comprises a plurality of insertable access modules configured to implement these interfaces to access a telecommunications network and a plurality of indoor insert modules, configured to implement said communication interfaces indoors.

Preferably, said base unit and said insertable modules are configured to implement radio functionalities upgradeable via software distributed, so that said base unit and said modules insertable are able to individually update their functionalities through changes in its software that allow giving support for new standards or variations thereof. In this case, said insertable access modules are preferably configured to implement upgradeable radio functionalities  through software on both wired interfaces and interfaces wireless

Also the insertable indoor modules are preferably configured to implement radio functionalities upgradeable by software both in wired interfaces as in wireless interfaces.

In a particular embodiment, the interfaces Wired are fiber optic based interfaces.

In a preferred embodiment, all modules  inserts comprise the same type of interface with the unit base. This interface is preferably a high interface speed that supports each of these modules insertable

The base unit is configured to redirect information between different types of said interfaces of indoor communication

The base unit is configured to redirect information between any of said communication interfaces indoors and any of said access interfaces.

The base unit and the insertable modules are configured to provide information about their capabilities through performance publication files capable of specify, at least, the respective characteristics of the modules and the base unit and indicate the capabilities of Software update available.

The access interfaces to a network of telecommunications are included in the group formed by: xDSL type interfaces over copper pair, GPON type interfaces o EPON over fiber optic and IEEE 802.16 type interfaces (WiMax)

The insertable indoor modules are configured to be inserted into said base unit by means of a normalized connector and a normalized physical interface.

The indoor communication interfaces They are included in the group consisting of: mobile telephony, broadcast interfaces, interfaces for provision of wireless local area networks, interfaces for the provision of wireless broadband type connections IEEE 802.15.1, including its evolutions at high speeds based on ultra-broadband and very low power techniques and radio interfaces for the provision of intelligence services Environmental based standards such as IEEE 802.15.4 interfaces supported on a PLC type power cable, interfaces supported on structured cable type UTP or STP and interfaces supported on fiber optic cables, either silicon or plastic and single mode or multimode type.

Preferably, the device is a node domestic.

Brief description of the figures

In order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention according to an example preferred practical implementation of the same and to complement This description is accompanied as an integral part of it the following figure, whose character is illustrative and not limiting:

Figure 1 shows a scheme of a node multi-interface according to a possible embodiment of the present invention

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 shows a scheme of a node multi-interface according to a possible embodiment of the present invention

Node 10 comprises a base unit 11, where reside routing functions between interfaces within of the building and gateway with the access network, in addition to the remote management functions of node 10. Specifically, the unit base is a physical unit that allows the connection of various insertable modules, described below, and that for perform the rerouting and gateway functions it has the digital devices that are necessary for that function. TO as an example, the implementation can be based, not limiting, in a microprocessor accompanied by the devices required peripherals, or in type programmable logic devices FPGA, or in integrated circuits type ASIC.

Node 10 also comprises one or more access modules 12-1, ... 12-N, which implement access interfaces 13-1, ..., 13-N with a network of general telecommunications Some non-limiting examples of these interfaces, which therefore do not exclude the possibility of use of other types, are: xDSL type interfaces over torque of copper, GPON or EPON type interfaces over fiber optic e IEEE 802.16 (WiMax) type interfaces.

Node 10 also comprises one or more 14-1 indoor insert modules, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M, that implement indoor communication interfaces 15-1, ..., 15-M for communications that are used inside the building. These 14-1 indoor or indoor modules, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M They are small in size and inserted into the base unit 11 via of a standardized connector and a physical interface equally normalized The indoor interfaces 15-1, ..., 15-M (indoor communication interfaces) They can be wireless or wired. Some examples do not limiting these interfaces, which therefore do not exclude the Possibility of using other types of interfaces, are: As wireless interfaces: mobile phone interfaces, for example those specified by 3GPP (GSM, UMTS and their evolutions) for the provision of coverage within the building; broadcast interfaces, such as DVB-H standards and their evolutions; interfaces for the provision of local area networks (in English, "Local Area Networks", LAN) of wireless type, such as those included in the IEEE 802.11x (WiFi) standards; interfaces for the provision of wireless band connections wide IEEE 802.15.1 type, Bluetooth, including its evolutions to high speeds based on ultra-wideband techniques ("Ultra Wide Band", UWB) or very low consumption; interfaces radio for the provision of Environmental Intelligence services, based on standards such as IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee). How wired interfaces: interfaces supported on the cable building power, PLC type (in English, "Power Line Communications "); interfaces supported on cable structured, type UTP or STP; and interfaces supported on cables fiber optic, whether silicon or plastic, and type single mode or multimode.

Preferably, all insertable modules, whether access 12-1, 12-2 ... 12-N or interior 14-1,
14-2 ... 14-M, have the same interface with the base unit 16-1, ... 16-N, 17-1, 17-2 ... 1-7-M, so that the mechanical specifications of the connector of said interface and the communications specifications are the same for all of them. Alternatively, any of these interfaces 16-1, ... 16-N, 17-1, 17-2 ... 17-M may be different from each other.

This interface 16-1 ... 16-N 17-1, 17-2 ... 17-M with the base unit 11 is a high interface speed that supports each of the insertable modules 12-1 ... 12-N, 14-1, 14-2 ... 14-M. Non-limiting examples of these interfaces, which therefore do not exclude the possibility of using other types of interfaces, they are: an Iub interface of an indoor insert module that implement the UMTS radio interface or an S1 interface between an eNode B and its server gateway ("Serving Gateway") for an LTE radio access system (from English, "Long Term Evolution ").

Each of the insertable modules 12-1 ... 12-N, 14-1,  14-2 ... 14-M and the same unit base 11 has a performance publication file, no illustrated in figure 1, where the performance of the respective module, both hardware and software. The performance publication files specify the characteristics of the modules and base unit and indicate what Software update capabilities available.

In the context of the present invention, means "publish" to inform, through a protocol of management, of the capacities that each module has. This information It can be public, for use by any developer of applications, or not, depending on the business policy of the service operator

In the context of the present invention, a performance publication file is a formatted file standard where the benefits of each module are collected. He File is accessible through a management protocol. The Management protocols are beyond the scope of this invention. An example not limiting, but merely illustrative, of a management protocol that can be used is the TR-069.

These performance publication files are  transmit from node 10, through the access network to the general telecommunications network 18, to an operator or provider of services, not illustrated in figure 1. From these files, the operator or service provider can know the configuration  complete node 10 and determine if it is possible to update the software resident in modules 12-1, 12-2 ... 12-N, 14-1, 14-2 ... 14-M or in the base unit 11 so that these elements can implement a new version of a communications standard or a brand new standard.

The implementation of an indoor interface 15-1, ..., 15-M in the modules indoor inserts 14-1, 14-2 ... 14-M for communications inside the  building or an access interface 13-1, ..., 13-N in the access inserts 12-1, ... 12-N is done by an interface implementation file, which resides in each of the respective insertable modules. Through these files of implementation, the modules update their functionalities. These files use or implement the concept of "upgradeable radio via software "(in English, Software Defined Radio (SDR)).

In the case of the base unit 10, the implementation of its rerouting functions "routing") between interfaces and remote monitoring is performed using a base unit implementation file, not illustrated in figure 1. Through this implementation file, the unit base 11 updates its functionalities. This file also uses or implements the concept of "radio upgradeable through software "(in English, Software Defined Radio (SDR)).

The base unit 11 has the ability to channel traffic between each of the interfaces of indoor communication (indoor interfaces) 15-1, ..., 15-M or between indoor interface 15-1, ..., 15-M and an access interface 13-1, ..., 13-N.

Node 10 implements the concept of SDR. He Software upgradeable radio concept (SDR) is extended to interfaces that are not of the radio type, such as the interfaces of wired access or wired interfaces within the home.

The concept of SDR (radio upgradeable through software) is implemented on a wide variety of devices. Non-limiting examples of devices on which you can Implemented are: microprocessors, programmable logic FPGS, DSP type signal processing devices or ASIC circuits. The Implementation is as follows: Analog electrical signals, that may come from a radiofrequency head or from a electro-optical interface, they are digitized at intermediate frequency or in baseband, and once in digital format, they are treated. Typically, the treatment includes a conversion to baseband if the signals are originally in intermediate frequency, the their filtering, equalization, synchronization and Obtaining the plot. As a result, a binary plot is obtained final corresponding to each of the services that supports the radio frequency interface or the respective optical interface. The reconfiguration capability is achieved by loading a new version of executable code over previous devices, so that frequency conversion, filtering, equalization, synchronization and obtaining binary frames is done by differently and adapted for a new signal format of radio frequency or optics.

According to the previous paragraph, the concept Software upgradeable radio expands to a concept distributed, so that the SDR function is implemented in each of the insertable modules, that is, each module performs the digitalization and digital signal processing, and each module you can update and see updated its functionalities by changes in your software, to reconfigure the function it does, which allow to support new standards or variations of themselves, maintaining the hardware equipment.

Preferably, node 10 is a node domestic, that is, a node that finds its application in the interior of buildings.

This domestic node multi-interface with distributed SDR functionalities It is used to support multiple communications interfaces, both radio and wired, inside a building.

In addition, it is used to support one or more global telecommunications network access interfaces, both wired as on a radio support.

The node is installed in a place inside a building near which the termination of the telecommunications access network, for example the point where Copper or fiber optic pair is available.

The node takes the signals coming from or destined to the access network and directs them to the interfaces of Communications inside the building.

The node can manage traffic between Different communication interfaces within the building.

The node can be updated by installation in it of small insertable modules. For it, updates of the resident software are used in any of the modules that compose it, so that these modules can work with new versions of a communications interface or With new standards.

In view of this description and figure, the skilled in the art may understand that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferred embodiments, without departing from the object of the invention such and as claimed.

Claims (14)

1. Telecommunications device (10) that understands: - a base unit (11), - a plurality of access interfaces (13-1, ..., 13-N) to a network of telecommunications (18), where at least two of said interfaces of Access (13-1, ..., 13-N) are two different types, and - a plurality of communication interfaces indoors (15-1, ..., 15-M), where at least a first of said communication interfaces in Interiors (15-1, ..., 15-M) is wireless type and at least a second of said interfaces of indoor communication (15-1, ..., 15-M) is wired type, and where said base unit (11) is configured to perform rerouting functions between those interfaces (13-1, ..., 13-N, 15-1, ..., 15-M), functions of gateway with said telecommunications network (18) and functions of remote management of said device (10), characterized in that said device (10) comprises a plurality of insertable access modules
(12-1, ... 12-N) configured to implement said access interfaces (13-1, ..., 13-N) to a telecommunications network (18) and a plurality of indoor plug-in modules (14 -1, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M), configured to implement said indoor communication interfaces (15-1, ..., 15-M). 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said base unit (11) and said insertable modules (12-1, ...
12-N, 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M) are configured to implement radio functionalities that can be updated via software in a distributed way, so that said base unit (11) and said insertable modules ( 12-1, ... 12-N,
14-1, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M) are capable of individually updating their functionalities through changes in their software that allow them to support new standards or variations thereof. 3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said insertable access modules (12-1, ... 12-N) are configured to implement radio functionalities upgradeable by software both in wired interfaces as in wireless interfaces. 4. Device according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein said indoor insert modules
(14-1, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M) are configured to implement upgradable radio functionalities through software both on wired interfaces and on wireless interfaces. 5. Device according to any of the claims 3 or 4, wherein said wired interfaces are Fiber optic based interfaces. 6. Device according to any of the previous claims, where all the insertable modules (12-1, ... 12-N, 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M) comprise the same type of interface (16-1, ... 16-N, 17-1, 17-2, 17-3 ... 17-M) with said base unit (11). 7. Device according to claim 6, wherein said interface (16-1, ... 16-N, 17-1, 17-2, 17-3 ... 17-M) with the base unit (11) is an interface of high speed that supports each of these modules insertable (12-1 ... 12-N, 14-1, 14-2 ... 14-M). 8. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said base unit (11) is configured to redirect information between different types of said indoor communication interfaces (15-1, ..., 15-M). 9. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said base unit (11) is configured to redirect information between any of these indoor communication interfaces (15-1, ..., 15-M) and any of said access interfaces (13-1, ..., 13-N). 10. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said base unit (11) and said insertable modules (12-1, ... 12-N, 14-1, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M) are configured to provide information about their capabilities through performance publication files capable of specifying, at less, the respective characteristics of the modules and the unit base and indicate the software update capabilities that have. 11. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said access interfaces (13-1, ..., 13-N) to a network of telecommunications (18) are included in the group consisting of: xDSL type interfaces over copper pair, GPON type interfaces o EPON over fiber optic and IEEE 802.16 type interfaces (WiMax) 12. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said insertable modules of interior (14-1, 14-2, 14-3 ... 14-M) are configured to be inserted in said base unit (11) by means of a connector normalized and a normalized physical interface. 13. Device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said communication interfaces indoors (15-1, ..., 15-M) They are included in the group consisting of: telephone interfaces mobile, broadcast interfaces, interfaces for the provision of wireless local area networks, interfaces for provision of wireless broadband connections of the IEEE type 802.15.1, including its evolutions at high speeds based on ultra-broadband and very low power techniques and interfaces radio for the provision of Environmental Intelligence services based on standards such as IEEE 802.15.4, supported interfaces over a PLC type power cable, supported interfaces over UTP or STP type structured cable and supported interfaces over fiber optic cables, either silicon or plastic and single mode or multimode type. 14. Device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said device is a node domestic.