Some embodiments provide a method of multicasting data in a segregated logical network with multiple network segments. The network segments each have at least one router. The multicast originates from a multicast source in a first network segment and goes to multicast receivers in several other network segments. In the method, the router of the first network segment receives encoding data for a set of virtual tunnel endpoints (VTEPs) of the receivers. The router then receives the multicast data from the multicast source. For each VTEP, the router then encodes the data for the receiver using the encoding data for the VTEP of the receiver. The router then sends (e.g., as a unicast) the encoded data to a router of the network segment of the receiver. The router performing the method may be a domain router of the network segment of the receiver.

This application provides a method and an apparatus for determining a port orientation. The method includes: A first network device receives, through a first port, a protocol data unit PDU sent by a second network device. The first network device determines, based on the PDU, that the first port is an upstream port or a downstream port. In this embodiment of this application, the first network device may determine, based on the PDU sent by the second network device, whether the first port is the upstream port or the downstream port, to provide a basis for subsequently helping an SDN controller reduce load.

An OLT (10) detects content distribution conditions in terminals, and performs control for performing switching to distribution to each terminal using an individual VLAN or distribution to a plurality of terminals by broadcasting using a broadcasting VLAN, in accordance with the detected content distribution conditions. Specifically, the OLT (10) detects that the number of viewers of a predetermined channel exceeds a predetermined threshold value or the number of viewers of the predetermined channel is less than the predetermined threshold value, as the content distribution conditions. Further, the OLT (10) performs switching to distribution using a broadcasting VLAN in a case where it is detected that the number of viewers of the predetermined channel exceeds the predetermined threshold value, and performs switching to distribution using an individual VLAN in a case where it is detected that the number of viewers of the predetermined channel is less than the predetermined threshold value.

The in-vehicle communication device includes a CAN communication unit, an Ethernet communication unit, a controller that controls communication by the CAN communication unit and the Ethernet communication unit, a first voltage output unit that outputs a first voltage, and a second voltage output unit that outputs a second voltage lower than the first voltage. The second voltage output is applied to the Ethernet communication unit. The first voltage output by the first voltage output unit and the second voltage output by the second voltage output unit are applied to the CAN communication unit. An opening/closing unit is provided between the second voltage output unit and the Ethernet communication unit. When a predetermined operation in the vehicle has been detected, the controller puts the opening/closing unit into an open state and cuts off the supply of power from the second voltage output unit to the Ethernet communication unit.

In a sensor relay apparatus (10), a storage unit (11) stores a communication protocol correspondence list (22B) in which a sensor terminal (ST) and a communication protocol are registered in association with each other, and a communication format (22C) to be used in the communication protocol, a relay processing unit (12) communicates with the sensor terminal (ST) specified in the communication protocol correspondence list (22B) based on the communication protocol associated with the sensor terminal (ST), receives sensor data detected by the sensor terminal (ST), converts the format of the sensor data based on the communication format (22C) in association with the communication protocol, and relays and transfers the sensor data to a processing apparatus (20), and a relay managing unit (16) updates the communication protocol correspondence list (22B) or the communication format (22C) in the storage unit (11), based on a communication protocol correspondence list or a communication format newly notified from the processing apparatus (20).

A method of broadcasting firmware updating messages in a communication system includes the steps of receiving a broadcast remote firmware update (BRFU) setup message from an upstream source, the BRFU setup message specifying a number of transmissions of a broadcast of a firmware file; broadcasting setup information from the BRFU setup message on a first channel to downstream devices, the setup information specifying at least one other channel to which each downstream device should listen to receive a copy of the firmware file; and repeatedly broadcasting the firmware file to the downstream devices in accordance with the BRFU setup message.

A machine automation system for controlling and operating an automated machine. The system includes a controller and sensor bus including a central processing core and a multi-medium transmission intranet for implementing a dynamic burst to broadcast transmission scheme where messages are burst from nodes to the central processing core and broadcast from the central processing core to all of the nodes.

A network hub is provided for an onboard network system. The onboard network system includes first and second networks for transmission of first-type and second-type frames following first and second communication protocols. The network hub includes a receiver that receives a first-type frame. A processor determines whether or not the first-type frame received by the receiver includes first information that is a base for a second-type frame to be transmitted to the second network, to obtain a determination result, and selects a port to send a frame based on the first-type frame based on the determination result. A transmitter sends the frame based on the first-type frame to a wired transmission path connected to the port selected by the processor based on the first-type frame received by the receiver.

A communications network having a master subscriber M and at least one slave subscriber. At least one distribution node CU1, CU2, CU3, CU4 is provided which has a plurality of input/output interfaces, each of which is connected to a network segment, the master subscriber M arranged in a first network segment M1 and the slave subscriber arranged in a second network segment S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. Data is exchanged between the master subscriber M and the slave subscriber in the form of telegrams initiated by the master subscriber. The telegrams to be sent from the slave subscriber to the master subscriber are each assigned control data containing a forwarding time information when the corresponding telegram is to be output from the distribution node via the input/output interface in the direction of the first network segment comprising the master subscriber, the forwarding time information determined by the master subscriber M.

A system for inter-process communication (IPC) in a network of a vehicle through a port for communication between a source application and a destination application.