Home Networking
Digital Home Networks will enable a wide variety of new applications and compelling services in the near future. Their success will heavily depend on providing end users with seamless, easy to use in-home applications, while supporting complex network interactions among in-home devices and outside value-added services. ITA is currently involved in several strategic efforts to enable end-to-end service solutions. (1) Home Gateway. Includes the design of a reference platform and prototype for Telephone and Cable Markets. It enables bi-directional flow of Internet Data (e.g. for Web Browsing) and A/V data (e.g. Digital video) between external networks and the home network. (2) CableLabs(r) OpenCable HDNI Specification. ITA co-wrote this specification which defines how HDTV are connected to Cable boxes via a high-speed link (IEEE1394). (3) Home API Working Group. The goal is to specify a common software API to develop client applications able to discover and control home devices connected to Home Networks. ITA supports spec writing. API: Application Programming Interface, ATM: Asynchronous Transfer Mode, HDNI: Home Digital Network Interface
Background & Objective: The value of Digital CE devices will depend on the ability to get services from the network. Non-connected devices will become obsolete (e.g. a player without songs is useless). Our main objective is to develop key connectivity technology to support end-to-end services of proven value.
Technical Discussion: (1) Home Gateway is a key Home Networking component which enables communication between devices connected to the home network and external services. It consists of multiple software and hardware modules supporting a variety of media and protocols. The initial prototype supports several interfaces. In the home network side: IEEE 1394 (for DTVs, PCs, etc.), and Ethernet (for PCs and printers). In the External network side: ATM interface (which can be connected to existing ADSL service provided by US telephone carriers). The gateway distributes AV streams (e.g. MPEG streams for Digital TV) and Internet Data (Internet Protocol packets for Internet applications) to/from devices in the home. The gateway operates reliably 24/7, supports a Web Server, and can be remotely managed. (2) OpenCable. ITA co-developed the industry standard for connecting HDTVs to Digital Cable Set Top Boxes via IEEE 1394. In addition to making possible the transmission of High Definition TV programs, the standard specifies: (1) Plug and play capability. HDTVs and Cable Boxes find each other's capabilities when first connected to ensure an easy setup. (2) Graphics transfer feature. The Cable box transmits graphics (e.g. an easy to read TV guide) to be displayed in the HDTV. (3) HomeAPI. ITA is co-developing the HomeAPI Specification. The first version of the spec will enable Windows(r) applications to discover and control home devices. ITA is currently co-developing prototype systems supporting control of devices such as Lights, Air Conditioners, TVs and VCRs via existing power line wires.
Technology Area: Networks
Modification Date: September 12, 2007