Methods, systems, and products for interfacing with powerline networks

• US 20070290834A1
• Filed: 08/24/2007
• Published: 12/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bellsouth IP Corporation
• Original Assignee: Bellsouth IP Corporation
• Inventors: Hicks, John
• Granted Patent: US 7,626,493 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/538
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/10 Current supply arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2834 Switching of information between an external network and a home network access arrangements H04L12/2856
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2843 Mains power line
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/285 Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators

Abstract

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for interfacing with a power line network. Electrical power is received from a source, and a voltage of the electrical power is monitored. When the voltage is inadequate, then an alternate power source is automatically connected. A frequency of electrical power provided by the alternate power source is monitored, and high frequency data signals are separated from low frequency power signals.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

interfacing with a power line network to broker the transmission of signals to and from the power line network;

receiving electrical power from a source;

monitoring a voltage of the electrical power received from the source;

when the voltage is inadequate, then automatically connecting an alternate power source;

monitoring a frequency of electrical power provided by the alternate power source; and

separating high frequency data signals from low frequency power signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising interfacing with a communications network to broker the transmission of data to and from the communications network.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the electrical power from the source comprises receiving the electrical power from an electrical distribution panel.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the electrical power from the source comprises receiving the electrical power from an electrical power meter.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the electrical power from the source comprises receiving the electrical power from an electrical outlet.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising remotely monitoring the voltage of the electrical power received from the source.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising remotely monitoring the frequency of the electrical power provided by the alternate power source.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of modulating and demodulating signals.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising forwarding data packets to a destination.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising dividing low frequency signals and high frequency signals.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising converting an IP address.

12. A system, comprising:

means for interfacing with a power line network to broker the transmission of signals to and from the power line network;

means for receiving electrical power from a source;

means for monitoring a voltage of the electrical power received from the source;

when the voltage is inadequate, then means for automatically connecting an alternate power source;

means for monitoring a frequency of electrical power provided by the alternate power source; and

means for separating high frequency data signals from low frequency power signals.

13. The system according to claim 12, further comprising means for interfacing with a communications network to broker the transmission of data to and from the communications network.

14. The system according to claim 12, further comprising means for receiving the electrical power from an electrical distribution panel.

15. The system according to claim 12, further comprising means for receiving the electrical power from an electrical power meter.

16. The system according to claim 12, further comprising means for receiving the electrical power from an electrical outlet.

17. The system according to claim 12, further comprising means for remotely monitoring the voltage of the electrical power received from the source.

18. The system according to claim 12, further comprising means for remotely monitoring the frequency of the electrical power provided by the alternate power source.

19. A computer program product comprising processor executable instructions for performing a method, the method comprising:

interfacing with a power line network to broker the transmission of signals to and from the power line network;

receiving electrical power from a source;

monitoring a voltage of the electrical power received from the source;

when the voltage is inadequate, then automatically connecting an alternate power source;

monitoring a frequency of electrical power provided by the alternate power source; and

separating high frequency data signals from low frequency power signals.

20. The computer program product according to claim 19, further comprising:

remotely monitoring the voltage of the electrical power received from the source; and

remotely monitoring the frequency of the electrical power provided by the alternate power source.