Very local area network (VLAN)
First Claim
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1. A Very Local Area Network (VLAN) comprising two or more power strip devices wherein each of the two or more power strip devices comprises:
- an electrical connector for connection to an AC power supply line;
one or more surge protectors and line filters;
multiple electrical power outlet sockets to receive plugs from electrical appliances;
a communications pathway interconnecting the multiple electrical power outlet sockets to enable communication between appliances connected to the sockets; and
electronics to configure appliances as the appliances are connected to the sockets to enable the appliances to communicate over the communications pathway and to enable the appliance to communicate over the AC power supply line with an appliance connected to another power strip device.
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Abstract
A Very Local Area Network (VLAN) comprises a power strip device having an electrical connector for connection to an AC power supply line and one or more surge protectors and line filters. Multiple electrical power outlet sockets receive plugs from electrical appliances. A communications pathway interconnects the multiple electrical power outlet sockets to enable communication between appliances connected to the sockets. Electronics configure appliances as they are connected to the sockets to enable them to communicate over the communications pathway.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A Very Local Area Network (VLAN) comprising two or more power strip devices wherein each of the two or more power strip devices comprises:
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an electrical connector for connection to an AC power supply line; one or more surge protectors and line filters; multiple electrical power outlet sockets to receive plugs from electrical appliances; a communications pathway interconnecting the multiple electrical power outlet sockets to enable communication between appliances connected to the sockets; and electronics to configure appliances as the appliances are connected to the sockets to enable the appliances to communicate over the communications pathway and to enable the appliance to communicate over the AC power supply line with an appliance connected to another power strip device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of operating a Very Local Area Network (VLAN) comprising two or more power strip devices wherein each of the two or more power strip devices comprises an electrical connector for connection to an AC power supply line, one or more surge protectors and line filters, multiple electrical power outlet sockets to receive plugs from electrical appliances, and a communications pathway interconnecting the multiple electrical power outlet sockets;
- the method comprising;
configuring appliances as they are plugged in to the electrical outlet sockets; enabling communication between configured appliances over the communications pathway; and enabling communication between an appliance connected to one of the two or more power strip devices and another appliance connected to another of the two or more power strip devices. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
- the method comprising;
Specification