JP4260652B2 - Ethernet system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an Ethernet system provided with an Ethernet power supply adapter device that supplies power to an Ethernet device mainly through an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable.

  In recent years, even in the Ethernet environment, a system that realizes remote power supply that supplies power from a remote location can be seen, but the realization method is to add a special device for power supply between the Ethernet devices and connect with a special cable to supply power. Even in a system using an Ethernet cable, the remaining two pairs of cables that are not used for data transmission are realized. In this method, an interface with a power feeding function and a power receiving function that can realize remote power feeding economically with Ethernet without using any special construction in an existing system using two pairs of Ethernet cables used for data transmission. The object was to provide an apparatus and a communication system (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-134228 A

  In the conventional method as described above, power can be supplied to a device at a remote location connected by an Ethernet cable, but it is difficult to grasp the state of the device at a remote location.

  For example, in an Ethernet device such as a wireless access point installed at a remote place such as a veranda or a rooftop, it is possible to supply power to the Ethernet device by installing such a power supply device indoors and supplying power with an Ethernet cable. . However, since the operation status of the Ethernet device in a location away from the power supply device cannot be determined by the power supply device installed indoors, it can be used for troubleshooting when the Ethernet device does not communicate normally. It was necessary to check the operation status by checking the LED display of the Ethernet device installed in the network.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an Ethernet system capable of recognizing the state of an Ethernet device at a remote location.

The Ethernet system according to the present invention includes a first Ethernet device installed outdoors, an Ethernet power supply adapter device installed indoors, a second Ethernet device installed indoors, and the indoor Ethernet device described above. And an Ethernet power supply device connected to the Ethernet power supply adapter device, wherein the first Ethernet device, the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the second Ethernet device are connected by an Ethernet cable composed of a plurality of signal lines . In the system, the first Ethernet device uses a first predetermined number of signal lines among a plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable, and is connected to the second Ethernet device via the Ethernet power supply adapter device. Ethernet data that transmits and receives Ethernet data signals A transceiver, the Ethernet and power separation unit for separating the superimposed power to the data signal, the first of the plurality of signal lines of the state display control signal representative of the on-off state of the first Ethernet device the Ethernet cable And a status display control digital output unit that outputs to the Ethernet power supply adapter device using a second predetermined number of signal lines that are free other than the predetermined number of signal lines, and the Ethernet power supply adapter device includes: a power line section is supplied to the first Ethernet device by superimposing the power generated by the power supply device to the Ethernet data signal, and inputs the status display control signal through the second predetermined number of signal lines a state display control digital input, on-off shape of the first Ethernet device based on the status display control signal It is provided with a a status display unit for displaying.

  The Ethernet system according to the present invention has an effect that it is possible to recognize the state of an Ethernet device at a remote location.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
An Ethernet system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an Ethernet system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Moreover, FIG. 2 is a figure which shows the external appearance of the Ethernet electric power feeding adapter apparatus 3 of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol shows the same or equivalent part. 1 and 2 show only main parts for the description of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the Ethernet system includes an Ethernet cable 1, an Ethernet device 2 such as a wireless unit installed outdoors such as a veranda or a rooftop, an Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 installed indoors, and an indoor installation. An Ethernet device 4 such as a PC and a power supply device 5 installed indoors are provided.

  The Ethernet cable 1 includes eight signal lines 11 to 18, and connects the Ethernet device 2, the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3, and the Ethernet device 4. The power supply device 5 generates power to be supplied to the Ethernet device 2 via the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3.

  The Ethernet device 2 notifies the state of the Ethernet device 2, an Ethernet data transmission / reception unit 21 that transmits / receives Ethernet data to / from the Ethernet device 4, a power supply separation unit 22 that separates the power superimposed by the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3, and the Ethernet device 2. The state display control digital output unit 23 is configured. The Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 also includes a power supply superimposing unit 32 that superimposes the power generated by the power supply device 5 on the Ethernet cable 1 and a state display control digital input that inputs data output from the state display control digital output unit 23. The unit 33 and a status display unit 34 that actually performs status display (lighting or extinguishing). Further, the Ethernet device 4 includes an Ethernet data transmission / reception unit 41.

  In FIG. 2, the state display unit 34 is a display device such as an LED, and represents a lighted state in the figure.

  Next, the operation of the Ethernet system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The Ethernet device 2 uses the four signal lines 11 to 14 of the Ethernet cable 1 to transmit / receive Ethernet data to / from the Ethernet device 4 via the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3. The power supply of the Ethernet device 2 is superimposed on the Ethernet data transmission / reception signal by the power supply superimposing unit 32 in the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 and supplied to the Ethernet device 2 via the Ethernet cable 1. The power source separation unit 22 in the device 2 separates the Ethernet data signal and the power source.

  The status display control signal (ON or OFF) indicating the status of the Ethernet device 2 is transmitted from the status display control digital output unit 23 to at least two (one set) of the four empty signal lines 15 to 18 of the Ethernet cable 1. Used and output to the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3. The status display control signal input to the status display control digital input unit 33 of the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 causes the status display unit 34 to display the status of the Ethernet device 2 on the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3.

  By adding a function for displaying the operating state of the Ethernet device 2 installed at a remote location to the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3, the Ethernet device 2 at a remote location while the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 is installed The operation status of the system can be grasped, and the trouble of troubleshooting can be reduced.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, in the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 using the Ethernet cable 1, the state is notified by digital output using the four empty signal lines 15 to 18 of the Ethernet cable 1, For example, if the signal line 15 is used as one common line and the remaining signal lines 16 to 18 are used, the state display control digital output unit 23 can perform lighting / extinguishing control of a maximum of three points. Therefore, the user who uses the Ethernet device 4 sees the state of another Ethernet device 2 at a remote location connected by the Ethernet cable 1 and the on / off state of the display 34 provided in the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3. It becomes possible to confirm easily.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
An Ethernet system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an Ethernet system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, in the second embodiment, the Ethernet device 2 is provided with a status display control serial transmission unit 24 as means for notifying the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 of the status of the Ethernet device 2. A status display control serial receiving unit 35 is provided.

  Next, the operation of the Ethernet system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The operations of transmitting / receiving Ethernet data and superimposing / separating power are the same as in the first embodiment.

  The status of the Ethernet device 2 is output from the status display control serial transmission unit 24 to the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 using the two empty signal lines 15 and 16 of the Ethernet cable 1. The status display control signal input to the status display control serial reception unit 35 of the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 causes the status display unit 34 to display the status of the Ethernet device 2 on the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3. Note that the remaining two signal lines 17 and 18 of the Ethernet cable 1 remain empty.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, in the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 using the Ethernet cable 1, the state of the Ethernet device 2 is serially transmitted using the two empty signal lines 15 and 16 of the Ethernet cable 1. Thus, various types of information can be transmitted, and more states can be displayed than in the case of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
An Ethernet system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an Ethernet system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 4, in the third embodiment, the Ethernet data transmission / reception unit 21 is used as means for notifying the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 of the state of the Ethernet device 2, and the Ethernet data transmission / reception unit ( Ethernet data receiving section) 36 is provided.

  Next, the operation of the Ethernet system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The operations of transmitting / receiving Ethernet data and superimposing / separating power are the same as in the first embodiment.

  The state of the Ethernet device 2 is notified as an Ethernet frame from the Ethernet data transmission / reception unit 21 in the Ethernet device 2 to the Ethernet data transmission / reception unit 36 in the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 via the Ethernet cable 1. When the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 recognizes the Ethernet frame for status notification, the status display unit 34 displays the status according to the data in the frame. Note that the four signal lines 15 to 18 of the Ethernet cable 1 remain empty.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 using the Ethernet cable 1 transmits various types of information by transmitting the status of the Ethernet device 2 using the Ethernet frame for status notification. can do. Therefore, it is possible to display the state of the Ethernet device 2 on the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 without providing a special circuit in the Ethernet device 2.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
An Ethernet system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an Ethernet system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, in the fourth embodiment, two empty signal lines 17 and 18 of the Ethernet cable 1 are used as a method of supplying power to the Ethernet device 2. The Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 supplies the power generated by the power supply device 5 to the Ethernet device 2 through the vacant signal lines 17 and 18 of the Ethernet cable 1.

  The operations of transmitting / receiving Ethernet data and notifying the status of the Ethernet device 2 are the same as in the second embodiment.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in the method of supplying power to the Ethernet device 2, the two empty signal lines 17 and 18 are used instead of being superimposed on the Ethernet data transmission / reception signal lines 11 to 14. This eliminates the need for the power superimposing unit 32 in the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 and the power separating unit 22 in the Ethernet device 2. In addition, since the status transmission of the Ethernet device 2 is performed by serial transmission using the two empty signal lines 15 and 16, the status can be displayed on the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3. Note that, as in the first embodiment, digital transmission using two empty signal lines 15 and 16 may be used for status notification of the Ethernet device 2.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another configuration of the Ethernet system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 6, in another configuration example of the fourth embodiment, two empty signal lines 17 and 18 of the Ethernet cable 1 are used as a method of supplying power to the Ethernet device 2. The Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 supplies the power generated by the power supply device 5 to the Ethernet device 2 through the vacant signal lines 17 and 18 of the Ethernet cable 1.

  The operations of transmitting / receiving Ethernet data and notifying the status of the Ethernet device 2 are the same as in the third embodiment.

  As described above, in another configuration example of the fourth embodiment, in the method of supplying power to the Ethernet device 2, the two empty signal lines 17, instead of being superimposed on the Ethernet data transmission / reception signal lines 11-14, By using 18, the power superimposing unit 32 in the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 and the power separating unit 22 in the Ethernet device 2 are not necessary. Also, various information can be transmitted by transmitting the status of the Ethernet device 2 using the Ethernet frame for status notification. Therefore, it is possible to display the state of the Ethernet device 2 on the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 without providing a special circuit in the Ethernet device 2. Note that the two signal lines 15 and 16 of the Ethernet cable 1 remain empty.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
An Ethernet system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the display on the display and the state of the Ethernet device. The configuration of the Ethernet system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention is the same as that of Embodiment 1 above.

  In the first embodiment, the status display of the Ethernet device 2 is performed by controlling the turning on / off of the display 34 such as an LED based on the information notified by digital output.

  In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the state display control digital output unit 23 displays n states by changing the blinking cycle in n ways in addition to the two states of lighting and extinguishing. .

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when there is little information (ON or OFF) that can be notified like digital output, the state display control digital output unit 23 changes the ON / OFF cycle of the state display control signal. Thus, it is possible to display more states than in the case of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
An Ethernet system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an external appearance of an Ethernet power supply adapter device of an Ethernet system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. The basic configuration of the Ethernet system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention is the same as that of any of Embodiments 2 to 4.

  In FIG. 8, the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 includes a display 34A such as a liquid crystal panel for status display instead of the display 34.

  In the second, fourth, or third embodiment, the status notification of the Ethernet device 2 is performed by serial transmission using an empty signal line or transmission / reception of an Ethernet frame, and more information is received than status notification by digital output. The state of the Ethernet device 2 can be visually and easily displayed on the display 34A such as a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying a plurality of character information.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the Ethernet power supply adapter device 3 includes the display 34A such as a liquid crystal panel, so that the state of the Ethernet device 2 is displayed more visually than the display 34 such as an LED. It becomes possible.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
An Ethernet system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of an Ethernet system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. The system in FIG. 9 shows only the main part for the purpose of explaining the present invention.

  9, this system includes an Ethernet device 2 such as a wireless unit having a PLC (Power Line Communication) modem unit 25 capable of communication using a power line, power cables 71 and 72, and power outlets 81 and 82. A power line 9, a PLC (Power Line Communication) modem 3 </ b> A having a status display unit 34, and an Ethernet device 4 such as a PC. The PLC modem 3A and the Ethernet device 4 are connected by a signal line such as an Ethernet cable.

  The Ethernet device 2 including the PLC modem unit 25 has a function of supplying power from the power outlet 81 via the power cable 71 and performing data transmission via the power line 9.

  The data transmitted via the power line 9 is sent to the PLC modem 3A via the power outlet 82 and the power cable 72, and communicates with the Ethernet device 4. Here, by transmitting an Ethernet frame for notifying the state of the Ethernet device 2 from the PLC modem unit 25, the PLC modem 3A recognizes the state of the Ethernet device 2 from the received Ethernet frame, and the Ethernet device 2 through the state display unit 34. The state of can be displayed.

  As described above, in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to confirm the status of the Ethernet device 2 connected via the power line 9 via the PLC modem 3A by the status display of the PLC modem 3A located at a remote location. .

It is a figure which shows the structure of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the Ethernet electric power feeding adapter apparatus of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows another structure of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure showing the relationship between the display of the indicator of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention, and the state of Ethernet apparatus. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the Ethernet electric power feeding adapter apparatus of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the Ethernet system which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Ethernet cable, 2 Ethernet device, 3 Ethernet power supply adapter device, 3A PLC modem, 4 Ethernet device, 5 power supply device, 9 power line, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 signal line, 21 Ethernet Data transmission / reception unit, 22 power supply separation unit, 23 status display control digital output unit, 24 status display control serial transmission unit, 25 PLC modem unit, 32 power supply superimposition unit, 33 status display control digital input unit, 34, 34A status display unit, 35 Status display control serial receiver, 36 Ethernet data transmitter / receiver, 41 Ethernet data transmitter / receiver, 71, 72 Power cable, 81, 82 Power outlet.

Claims (8)

A first Ethernet device installed outdoors;
Ethernet power adapter device installed indoors,
A second Ethernet device installed indoors;
A power supply device installed indoors and connected to the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the first Ethernet device, the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the second Ethernet device by an Ethernet cable composed of a plurality of signal lines. there a Ethernet systems connected,
The first Ethernet device is:
An Ethernet data transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives an Ethernet data signal to / from the second Ethernet device using the first predetermined number of signal lines among the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable ;
A power source separation unit for separating the power source superimposed on the Ethernet data signal ;
The state display control signal indicating the on / off state of the first Ethernet device uses a second predetermined number of vacant signal lines other than the first predetermined number of signal lines among the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable. And a status display control digital output unit for outputting to the Ethernet power supply adapter device ,
The Ethernet power supply adapter device is
A power line section is supplied to the first Ethernet device by superimposing the power generated by the power supply device to the Ethernet data signal,
A state display control digital input unit for inputting the state display control signal through the second predetermined number of signal lines;
An Ethernet system comprising: a status display unit that displays an on / off status of the first Ethernet device based on the status display control signal. A first Ethernet device installed outdoors;
Ethernet power adapter device installed indoors,
A second Ethernet device installed indoors;
A power supply device installed indoors and connected to the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the first Ethernet device, the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the second Ethernet device by an Ethernet cable composed of a plurality of signal lines. there a Ethernet systems connected,
The first Ethernet device is:
An Ethernet data transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives an Ethernet data signal to / from the second Ethernet device using the predetermined number of signal lines among the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable ;
A power source separation unit for separating the power source superimposed on the Ethernet data signal ;
The Ethernet power supply adapter uses a state display control signal representing the on / off state of the first Ethernet device using two free signal lines other than the predetermined number of signal lines among the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable. With a status display control serial transmission unit for serial transmission to the device ,
The Ethernet power supply adapter device is
A power line section is supplied to the first Ethernet device by superimposing the power generated by the power supply device to the Ethernet data signal,
A status display control serial receiver for receiving the status display control signal through the two signal lines;
An Ethernet system comprising: a status display unit that displays an on / off status of the first Ethernet device based on the status display control signal. A first Ethernet device installed outdoors;
Ethernet power adapter device installed indoors,
A second Ethernet device installed indoors;
A power supply device installed indoors and connected to the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the first Ethernet device, the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the second Ethernet device by an Ethernet cable composed of a plurality of signal lines. there a Ethernet systems connected,
The first Ethernet device is:
A predetermined number of signal lines of the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable are used to transmit and receive Ethernet data signals to and from the second Ethernet device via the Ethernet power supply adapter device . An Ethernet data transmission / reception unit for transmitting an Ethernet frame for status notification representing an on / off state to the Ethernet power supply adapter device through the predetermined number of signal lines;
A power source separation unit that separates the power source superimposed on the Ethernet data signal , and
The Ethernet power supply adapter device is
A power line section is supplied to the first Ethernet device by superimposing the power generated by the power supply device to the Ethernet data signal,
An Ethernet data receiver for receiving the Ethernet frame for status notification through the predetermined number of signal lines;
An Ethernet system, comprising: a status display unit that displays an on / off status of the first Ethernet device based on the Ethernet frame for status notification . A first Ethernet device installed outdoors;
Ethernet power adapter device installed indoors,
A second Ethernet device installed indoors;
A power supply device installed indoors and connected to the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the first Ethernet device, the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the second Ethernet device by an Ethernet cable composed of a plurality of signal lines. there a Ethernet systems connected,
The first Ethernet device is:
An Ethernet data transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives an Ethernet data signal to / from the second Ethernet device using the predetermined number of signal lines among the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable ;
The state display control signal indicating the on / off state of the first Ethernet device is transmitted using the first two signal lines that are free from the predetermined number of signal lines among the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable. With a status display control transmitter for transmitting to the Ethernet power adapter device ,
The Ethernet power supply adapter device is
A state display control receiver for receiving the state display control signal through the first two signal lines;
And a status display unit for displaying the on-off state of the first Ethernet device based on the state display control signal, the power generated by the power supply of the predetermined number of the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable An Ethernet system, characterized in that the first Ethernet device is supplied through a signal line and a vacant second two signal lines other than the first two signal lines. A first Ethernet device installed outdoors;
Ethernet power adapter device installed indoors,
A second Ethernet device installed indoors;
A power supply device installed indoors and connected to the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the first Ethernet device, the Ethernet power supply adapter device, and the second Ethernet device by an Ethernet cable composed of a plurality of signal lines. there a Ethernet systems connected,
The first Ethernet device is:
A predetermined number of signal lines of the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable are used to transmit and receive Ethernet data signals to and from the second Ethernet device via the Ethernet power supply adapter device . An Ethernet data transmitting / receiving unit that transmits an Ethernet frame for notifying an on / off state to the Ethernet power supply adapter device through the predetermined number of signal lines;
The Ethernet power supply adapter device is
An Ethernet data receiver for receiving the Ethernet frame for status notification through the predetermined number of signal lines;
And a status display unit for displaying the on-off state of the first Ethernet device based on Ethernet frame for the status notification, wherein the power generated by the power supply device of the plurality of signal lines of the Ethernet cable predetermined An Ethernet system, wherein the first Ethernet device is supplied through two free signal lines other than a number of signal lines . The status display control digital output unit of the first Ethernet device outputs a status display control signal in which an ON / OFF cycle representing the status of the first Ethernet device is changed to a second predetermined predetermined amount of the Ethernet cable. Output through a number of signal lines,
The Ethernet system according to claim 1, wherein the status display unit of the Ethernet power supply adapter device blinks and displays the status of the first Ethernet device based on the status display control signal. The status display unit of the Ethernet power supply adapter device displays the status of the first Ethernet device as a plurality of character information based on the status display control signal or the Ethernet frame. The Ethernet system according to any one of 5 to 5. A first Ethernet device installed outdoors and connected to a first power outlet through a first power cable;
A PLC modem installed indoors and connected to a second power outlet through a second power cable;
A second Ethernet device installed indoors, wherein the first Ethernet device and the power outlet of the PLC modem are connected through a power line, and the PLC modem and the second Ethernet device are connected through an Ethernet cable. A connected Ethernet system,
The first Ethernet device transmits / receives Ethernet data to / from the second Ethernet device through the power line and the Ethernet cable, and transmits an Ethernet frame indicating the on / off state of the first Ethernet device through the power line. A PLC modem unit that
The said PLC modem is provided with the status display part which displays the on-off state of a said 1st Ethernet apparatus based on the said Ethernet frame received through the said power wire. The Ethernet system characterized by the above-mentioned.

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