Methods, Systems, and Products for Interfacing with Powerline Networks

• US 20100033346A1
• Filed: 10/16/2009
• Published: 02/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Hicks, John A. III
• Granted Patent: US 8,618,946 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/870.10
• 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, 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:

receiving electrical power from a power line network;

monitoring a voltage of the electrical power received from the power line network;

connecting an alternate power source when the voltage is inadequate;

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 distributing the high frequency data signals.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising connecting to a meter.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising connecting to an electrical outlet.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the electrical power from the power line network comprises receiving the electrical power from an electrical distribution panel.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising distributing packets of data.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising remotely monitoring the voltage of the electrical power received from the power line network.

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

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of modulating and demodulating the high frequency data signals.

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

11. A system, comprising:

a processor executing code stored in memory that causes the processor to;

receive electrical power from a power line network;

monitor a voltage of the electrical power received from the power line network;

connect an alternate power source when the voltage is inadequate;

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

separate high frequency data signals from low frequency power signals.

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising code that causes the processor to distribute the high frequency data signals.

13. The system according to claim 11, further comprising code that causes the processor to connect to a meter.

14. The system according to claim 11, further comprising code that causes the processor to connect to an electrical outlet.

15. The system according to claim 11, further comprising code that causes the processor to receive the electrical power from an electrical distribution panel.

16. The system according to claim 11, further comprising code that causes the processor to distribute packets of data.

17. The system according to claim 11, further comprising code that causes the processor to communicate the voltage of the electrical power received from the power line network to a remote location.

18. The system according to claim 11, further comprising code that causes the processor to communicate a frequency of the electrical power provided by the alternate power source to a remote location.

19. The system according to claim 11, further comprising code that causes the processor to at least one of modulate and demodulate the high frequency data signals.

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

receiving electrical power from a power line network;

monitoring a voltage of the electrical power received from the power line network;

connecting an alternate power source when the voltage is inadequate;

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

separating high frequency data signals from low frequency power signals.