Network combining wired and non-wired segments
DCFirst Claim
1. A local area network within a building for transporting data among a plurality of data units, the local area network comprising at least one wired segment and at least one non-wired segment, wherein said at least one wired segment includes:
- (a) at least one electrically-conducting line within the building, said electrically-conducting line having at least two conductors and operative to transport data communication signals;
(b) at least two outlets, each installed in a wall of the building and each operative for coupling to said electrically-conducting line; and
(c) at least one wired modem coupled to said electrically-conducting line and operative to communicate over said electrically-conducting line;
and wherein said at least one non-wired segment is operative to communicating data without electrically-conducting media and includes at least one non-wired modem, wherein at least one of said outlets couples said at least one wired segment to said at least one non-wired segment, and wherein said at least one electrically-conducting line is furthermore operative for concurrently distributing a service other than the transport of data communication signals, and further wherein said non-wired segment is furthermore operative to communicate data by sound.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A local area network within a residence or other building, including both wired and non-wired segments. The wired segments are based on new or existing wires in the building, wherein access to the wires is provided by means of outlets, such as a telephone system, electrical power distribution system, or cable television wiring system. The non-wired segments are based on communication using propagated waves such as radio, sound, or light (e.g. infrared). The wired and non-wired segments interface in the outlet, using a module which serves as mediator between the segments. The module can be integrated into the outlet, partially housed in the outlet, or attached externally to the outlet. Such a network allows for integrated communication of data units connected by wires and data units connected without wires.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A local area network within a building for transporting data among a plurality of data units, the local area network comprising at least one wired segment and at least one non-wired segment, wherein said at least one wired segment includes:
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(a) at least one electrically-conducting line within the building, said electrically-conducting line having at least two conductors and operative to transport data communication signals;
(b) at least two outlets, each installed in a wall of the building and each operative for coupling to said electrically-conducting line; and
(c) at least one wired modem coupled to said electrically-conducting line and operative to communicate over said electrically-conducting line;
and wherein said at least one non-wired segment is operative to communicating data without electrically-conducting media and includes at least one non-wired modem, wherein at least one of said outlets couples said at least one wired segment to said at least one non-wired segment, and wherein said at least one electrically-conducting line is furthermore operative for concurrently distributing a service other than the transport of data communication signals, and further wherein said non-wired segment is furthermore operative to communicate data by sound. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An adapter module for use in upgrading existing wiring of a building so as to support a local area network having at least one wired segment coupled to an outlet and at least one non-wired segment, the adapter module comprising:
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means for detachably electrically and mechanically coupling said module to the outlet, at least one non-wired modem operative for transporting data communication signals to and from said wired segment, when said module is coupled to the outlet, over said at least one non-wired segment, and at least one wired modem for transporting data communication signals over the at least one wired segment to enable the at least one wired segment to concurrently distribute data communication signals and a service other than data communication signals, and the service is one of a telephone service, an electrical power service, and a cable television service. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. An adapter module for use in upgrading existing wiring of a building so as to support a local area network having at least one wired segment coupled to an outlet and at least one non-wired segment, the adapter module comprising:
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means for detachably electrically and mechanically coupling said module to the outlet, and at least one non-wired modem operative for transporting data communication signals to and from said wired segment, when said module is coupled to the outlet, over said at least one non-wired segment, wherein said non-wired segment is operative to communicate data by sound. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification