Convergent Digital Home Networks (CDHN)
In a recent discussion with Atheros, they indicated they were driving the IEEE 1905 working group on convergent digital home networks that utilize heterogenous technologies. The goal is to create a unified data interface standard that applies to the existing IEEE data transmission specification for Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Power Line [PL] (IEEE 1901) , WiFi (IEEE 802.11), and MoCA 1.1 . The new group is developing an abstract layer that will allow all the various PHY protocols and hardware to interoperate to create an at home ad-hoc network.
A hybrid network router that supports PL, ethernet and a WiFi extender was released in the form of a reference design in Q4 ‘10 by Atheros and others such as the Atheros Hy-Fi Hybrid router . These designs feature software that sits logically above both the PHY and MAC layers and creates a common use model for setup, security, data balance and quality of service for the connected devices. The scope of the software is path selection and routing once it is in the box, the origin of the data packets is outside the scope of the 1905 spec.
IEEE 1905 Hybrid Router
The 1905 spec is targeted at creating a home LAN backbone. The reality of the connected home is that there is a central broadband connection coming to the house as a wired LAN. This then needs content distribution through wired and wireless devices. These devices not only display content, but they also control other devices. The home automation control that is part of the smart grid is also part of this new LAN environment. The 3Cs of the 1905 specification are content / consumption / control and relate to all devices that are utilized in the home.
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