Modular outlet

• US 20070041339A1
• Filed: 10/27/2006
• Published: 02/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
• Original Assignee: SercoNet Limited (Yehuda Binder, MBA)
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Granted Patent: US 7,690,949 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/264
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/005 Intermediate parts for distributing signals
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/065 with built-in electric apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5425 improving S/N by matching impedance, noise reduction, gain control
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5437 Wired telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5441 Wireless systems or telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5445 Local network
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/545 Audio/video application, e.g. interphone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5454 Adapter and plugs
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5491 using filtering and bypassing
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5495 having measurements and testing channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/542 the information being in digital form
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2856 Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access asynchronous transfer mode networks H04L12/5601; broadband local area networks H04L12/2801; optical access or distribution networks H04Q11/0067; access to open networks H04L12/5691; digital subscriber line end-user equipment and bit-level processing of data on a PSTN-based network H04M11/00; home network gateways H04L12/2834; wireless access networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2898 Subscriber equipments DSL modems H04M11/062; cable modems H04L12/2801
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/102 Circuits therefor, e.g. noise reducers, equalisers, amplifiers H04N7/108 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/106 for domestic distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/04 for time-division multiplexing H04Q11/0001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13012 Hybrid fiber coax, HFC
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1308 Power supply
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13196 Connection circuit/link/trunk/junction, bridge, router, gateway
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13199 Modem, modulation
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13332 : Broadband, CATV, dynamic bandwidth allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 : LAN, internet

Abstract

In conjunction with a wiring in a house carrying data network signal, a modular outlet comprising of a base module and interface module. The base module connects to the wiring and attached to a wall. The interface module provides a data unit connection. The interface module is mechanically attached to the base module and electrically connected thereto. The wiring may also carry basic service signal such as telephone, electrical power and cable television (CATV). In such a case, the outlet will provide the relevant connectivity either as part of the base module or as part of the interface module. Both proprietary and industry standard interfaces can be used to interconnect the module. Furthermore, a standard computer expansion card (such as PCI, PCMCIA and alike) may be used as interface module.

Claims

1. An outlet that is part of a local area network in a building, the network including at least part of an existing CATV coaxial cable that is at least in part in walls of the building and is terminated at a CATV outlet opening, the CATV coaxial cable being connected for carrying a CATV signal in a CATV signal frequency band, frequency multiplexed with a digital data signal in a digital data frequency band that is distinct from the CATV signal frequency band, said outlet comprising:

a first coaxial connector for connecting said outlet to the CATV coaxial cable;

a coaxial cable modem for bidirectional digital data communication with one or more additional modems of the same type as said coaxial cable modem over the CATV coaxial cable;

a first filter coupled between said coaxial cable modem and said first coaxial connector for substantially passing only signals in the digital data frequency band;

a power port connectable to receive a power signal from a power signal source;

a power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter, coupled between said power port and said coaxial cable modem for DC powering said coaxial cable modem by the power signal;

a data port for coupling the digital data signal to a first unit;

a multi-port unit including one of;

a hub;

a switch;

a router; and

a gateway, coupled to pass data between said data port and said coaxial cable modem; and

first and second enclosures each containing power-consuming circuits connected to be powered from said power supply, wherein;

said first coaxial connector, said coaxial cable modem, said first filter, said power port, said power supply, said data port and said multi-port unit are each housed in a respective one of said enclosures;

said outlet is mountable into a wall opening or outlet cavity;

said first and second enclosures are removably mechanically attached to each other and electrically connected to each other to enable power to be passed between them; and

said outlet is addressable in the local area network.

2. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said enclosures is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard CATV outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard CATV wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in a CATV outlet opening or cavity; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard CATV outlet.

3. The outlet according to claim 1, further comprising;

a second coaxial connector connectable to the CATV-connected set for coupling the CATV signal to the CATV-connected set; and

a second filter coupled between said first coaxial connector and said second coaxial connector for substantially passing only signals in the CATV signal frequency band.

4. The outlet according to claim 1, further comprising mechanical attachment and electrical connection means based on an industry standard interface for providing the mechanical attachment and electrical connection between said first and second enclosures.

5. The outlet according to claim 4, wherein said industry standard interface is based on a Personal Computer (PC) expansion slot.

6. The outlet according to claim 5, wherein said PC expansion slot is one of:

a PCMCIA slot;

an ISA slot;

an EISA slot; and

a PCI slot.

7. The outlet according to claim 1, further comprising a power connector coupled to said power port for receiving power from the power source.

8. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein:

the CATV coaxial cable is further connected for concurrently carrying the power signal; and

said power port is coupled to said first coaxial connector for powering said power supply by the power signal.

9. The outlet according to claim 8, wherein:

the power signal carried over the CATV coaxial cable is an AC power signal;

said outlet further comprises an AC filter coupled between said power port and said first coaxial connector for substantially passing only the AC power signal; and

said power supply comprises an AC/DC converter.

10. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein said second enclosure is a handheld unit and said first enclosure is adapted to dock, supply power to, and communicate with said handheld unit.

11. The outlet according to claim 10, wherein said handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a cellular telephone.

12. The outlet according to claim 1, further comprising mechanical attachment means comprising at least one of:

a guiding rail;

a screw;

a latch; and

a connector body for the removable mechanical attachment of said first and second enclosures to each other.

13. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein said outlet is further adapted to provide live-insertion and short-circuit protection associated with the electrical connection of said first and second enclosures to each other.

14. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein the digital data signal is a bi-directional, packet-based serial digital data signal, and said coaxial cable modem is adapted for transmitting and receiving the bi-directional, packet-based serial digital data signal.

15. The outlet according to claim 14, wherein the bi-directional, packet-based serial digital data signal substantially conforms to standard home networking over coaxial cable specifications.

16. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein the digital data signal is a full-duplex digital data signal, and said coaxial cable modem is adapted for transmitting and receiving the full-duplex serial digital data signal.

17. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein the first unit is a digital data unit, and said outlet further comprises:

a data connector for connecting to the digital data unit; and

a data transceiver coupled between said data connector and said data port and operative to effect bi-directional digital data communication with the digital data unit.

18. The outlet according to claim 17, wherein said data connector is an RJ-45 connector, said data transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, and communication with the data unit is based on Ethernet IEEE802.3 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX, or 1000BaseT.

19. The outlet according to claim 17, wherein said data connector and communication with the data unit are based on one of USB, IEEE1284, and IEEE1394 standard, and said data connector and said data transceiver are respectively adapted to substantially conform to one of:

USB;

IEEE1284; and

IEEE1394 specifications.

20. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein the first unit is an analog unit, and said outlet further comprises:

an analog connector for coupling a further analog signal to the analog unit; and

a converter between analog and digital signals coupled between said analog connector and said data port for providing an analog connection with the analog unit, wherein said converter is at least one of an analog to digital converter and a digital to analog converter.

21. The outlet according to claim 20, wherein the first unit is an audio or video unit, and said analog connector is, respectively, an audio or video connector.

22. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein said outlet further supports at least one of:

traffic management;

Quality-of-Service (QoS) measurement;

performance management;

configuration management;

accounting management;

fault management; and

security management.

23. The outlet according to claim 1, further comprising a non-wired transceiver coupled to said data port and coupled to be powered from said power supply, for non-wired bi-directional digital data communication with a non-wired data unit.

24. The outlet according to claim 23, wherein the non-wired communication with the non-wired data unit is carried out in a communication medium using one of:

light;

infrared radiation;

acoustic energy; and

radio frequency energy.

25. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein the first unit is an analog telephone set, the digital data signal includes a digitized telephone signal, and said outlet further comprises:

an analog telephone connector for connecting an analog telephone signal to the analog telephone set; and

a converter between the analog telephone signal and digitized telephone signals coupled between said analog telephone connector and said data port, and wherein said converter includes an analog to digital converter and a digital to analog converter.

26. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein said outlet is pluggable into an existing CATV outlet.

27. The outlet according to claim 1, wherein said first and second enclosures are adapted for bi-directionally communicating digital data therebetween.

36. The outlet according to claim 8, wherein said handheld unit is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a cellular telephone.

28. An outlet that is part of a local area network in a building, the network including at least part of an existing AC power wiring that is at least in part in walls of the building and is terminated at an AC power outlet opening, the AC power wiring being connected for carrying an AC power signal at an AC power frequency, frequency multiplexed with a digital data signal in a digital data frequency band that is distinct from, and higher than, the AC power frequency, said outlet comprising:

a first AC power connector for connecting said outlet to the AC power wiring;

a powerline modem for bidirectional digital data communication with one or more additional modems of the same type as said powerline modem over the AC power wiring;

a high pass filter coupled between said powerline modem and said first AC power connector for substantially passing only signals in the digital data frequency band;

a low pass filter coupled to said first AC power connector for substantially passing only signals at the AC power frequency;

a power supply comprising an AC/DC converter, coupled between said low pass filter and said powerline modem for DC powering said powerline modem by the AC power signal;

a data port for coupling the digital data signal to a first unit;

a multi-port unit including one of;

a hub;

a switch;

a router; and

a gateway, coupled to pass data between said data port and said powerline modem; and

first and second enclosures each containing power-consuming circuits connected to be powered from said power supply housing, wherein;

said first AC power connector, said powerline modem, said high pass filter, said low pass filter, said power supply, said data port and said multi-port unit are each housed in a respective one of said enclosures;

said outlet is mountable into a wall opening or outlet cavity;

said first and second enclosures are removably mechanically attached to each other and electrically connected to each other to enable power to be passed between them; and

said outlet is addressable in the local area network.

29. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein at least one of said enclosures is constructed to have at least one of the following:

a form substantially similar to that of a standard AC power outlet;

wall mounting elements substantially similar to those of a standard AC power wall outlet;

a shape allowing direct mounting in an AC power outlet opening or cavity; and

a form to at least in part substitute for a standard AC power outlet.

30. The outlet according to claim 28, further comprising an AC power socket coupled to said first AC power connector and connectable to an AC powered device for coupling the AC power signal to the device.

31. The outlet according to claim 28, further comprising mechanical attachment and electrical connection means based on an industry standard interface for providing the mechanical attachment and electrical connection between said first and second enclosures.

32. The outlet according to claim 31, wherein said industry standard interface is based on a Personal Computer (PC) expansion slot.

33. The outlet according to claim 32, wherein said PC expansion slot is one of:

a PCMCIA slot;

an ISA slot;

an EISA slot; and

a PCI slot.

34. The outlet according to claim 28, further comprising a DC power connector coupled to said power supply for providing DC power from the AC power signal.

35. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein said second enclosure is a handheld unit and said first enclosure is adapted to dock, supply power to, and communicate with said handheld unit.

37. The outlet according to claim 28, further comprising mechanical attachment means comprising at least one of:

a guiding rail;

a screw;

a latch; and

a connector body for the removable mechanical attachment of said first and second enclosures to each other.

38. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein said outlet is further adapted to provide live-insertion and short-circuit protection associated with the electrical connection of said first and second enclosures to each other.

39. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein the digital data signal is a bi-directional, packet-based serial digital data signal, and said powerline modem is adapted for transmitting and receiving the bi-directional, packet-based serial digital data signal.

40. The outlet according to claim 39, wherein the bi-directional, packet-based serial digital data signal substantially conforms to HomePlug specifications and said powerline modem is a HomePlug-based modem.

41. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein the digital data signal is a full-duplex digital data signal, and said powerline modem is adapted for transmitting and receiving the full-duplex serial digital data signal.

42. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein the first unit is a digital data unit, and said outlet further comprises:

a data connector for connecting to the digital data unit; and

a data transceiver coupled between said data connector and said data port and operative to effect bi-directional digital data communication with the digital data unit.

43. The outlet according to claim 42, wherein said data connector is an RJ-45 connector, said data transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver, and communication with the data unit is based on Ethernet IEEE802.3 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX, or 1000BaseT.

44. The outlet according to claim 42, wherein said data connector and communication with the data unit are based on one of USB, IEEE1284, and IEEE1394 standard, and said data connector and said data transceiver are respectively adapted to substantially conform to one of:

USB;

IEEE1284; and

IEEE1394 specifications.

45. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein the first unit is an analog unit, and said outlet further comprises:

an analog connector for coupling a further analog signal to the analog unit; and

a converter between analog and digital signals coupled between said analog connector and said data port for providing an analog connection with the analog unit, wherein said converter is at least one of an analog to digital converter and a digital to analog converter.

46. The outlet according to claim 45, wherein the first unit is an audio or video unit, and said analog connector is, respectively, an audio or video connector.

47. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein said outlet further supports at least one of:

traffic management;

Quality-of-Service (QoS) measurement;

performance management;

configuration management;

accounting management;

fault management; and

security management.

48. The outlet according to claim 28, further comprising a non-wired transceiver coupled to said data port and coupled to be powered from said power supply, for non-wired bi-directional digital data communication with a non-wired data unit.

49. The outlet according to claim 48, wherein the non-wired communication with the non-wired data unit is carried out in a communication medium using one of:

light;

infrared radiation;

acoustic energy; and

radio frequency energy.

50. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein the first unit is an analog telephone set, the digital data signal includes a digitized telephone signal, and said outlet further comprises:

an analog telephone connector for connecting an analog telephone signal to the analog telephone set; and

a converter between the analog telephone signal and digitized telephone signals coupled between said analog telephone connector and said data port, wherein said converter includes an analog to digital converter and a digital to analog converter.

51. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein said outlet is pluggable into an existing AC power outlet.

52. The outlet according to claim 28, wherein said first and second enclosures are adapted for bi-directionally communicating digital data therebetween.