Local area network of serial intelligent cells
First Claim
1. A device for use with AC power wiring in a building, the wiring being connected to carry an AC power signal and being accessible via an AC power outlet opening in the building, said device comprising:
- an AC power connector for connecting to the AC power wiring;
a data port for coupling to a first Digital Terminal Equipment (DTE);
a first data transceiver coupled to said data port for bi-directional, packet-based, serial digital data communication with the first DTE, said first data transceiver being operative to communicate with a mating data transceiver substantially of the same type,a power supply comprising an AC/DC converter connected between said AC power connector and said first data transceiver, said power supply being connected to be powered by the AC power signal and to supply DC operating power to said first data transceiver;
a visual indicator connected to said power supply for indicating a status; and
a single enclosure housing said AC power connector, said data port, said first data transceiver, said power supply and said visual indicator;
wherein said device is wall mountable in the AC power outlet opening or pluggable into an existing AC power outlet.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A serial intelligent cell (SIC) and a connection topology for local area networks using Electrically-conducting media. A local area network can be configured from a plurality of SIC'"'"'s interconnected so that all communications between two adjacent SIC'"'"'s is both point-to-point and bidirectional. Each SIC can be connected to one or more other SIC'"'"'s to allow redundant communication paths. Communications in different areas of a SIC network are independent of one another, so that, unlike current bus topology and star topology, there is no fundamental limit on the size or extent of a SIC network. Each SIC can optionally be connected to one or more data terminals, computers, telephones, sensors, actuators, etc., to facilitate interconnectivity among such devices. Networks according to the present invention can be configured for a variety of applications, including a local telephone system, remote computer bus extender, multiplexers, PABX/PBX functionality, security systems, and local broadcasting services. The network can use dedicated wiring, as well as existing wiring as the in-house telephone or electrical wiring.
632 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A device for use with AC power wiring in a building, the wiring being connected to carry an AC power signal and being accessible via an AC power outlet opening in the building, said device comprising:
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an AC power connector for connecting to the AC power wiring; a data port for coupling to a first Digital Terminal Equipment (DTE); a first data transceiver coupled to said data port for bi-directional, packet-based, serial digital data communication with the first DTE, said first data transceiver being operative to communicate with a mating data transceiver substantially of the same type, a power supply comprising an AC/DC converter connected between said AC power connector and said first data transceiver, said power supply being connected to be powered by the AC power signal and to supply DC operating power to said first data transceiver; a visual indicator connected to said power supply for indicating a status; and a single enclosure housing said AC power connector, said data port, said first data transceiver, said power supply and said visual indicator; wherein said device is wall mountable in the AC power outlet opening or pluggable into an existing AC power outlet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A device for use with AC power wiring in a building, the wiring being connected to carry an AC power signal and being accessible via an AC power outlet opening in the building, said device comprising:
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an AC power connector for connecting to the AC power wiring; a first data port for coupling to a first Digital Terminal Equipment (DTE); a first data transceiver coupled to said first data port for bi-directional, packet-based, serial digital data communication with the first DTE; a second data port for coupling to a second Digital Terminal Equipment (DTE); a second data transceiver coupled to said second data port for bi-directional, packet-based, serial digital data communication with the second DTE; a power supply comprising an AC/DC converter connected between said AC power connector and said first and second data transceivers, said power supply being connected to be powered by the AC power signal and to supply DC operating power to said first and second data transceivers; a visual indicator connected to said power supply for indicating a status; and a single enclosure housing said AC power connector, said first and second data ports, said first and second data transceivers, said power supply and said visual indicator, wherein said device is wall mountable in the AC power outlet opening or pluggable into an existing AC power outlet, and said first and second data transceivers are coupled to each other for passing data between said first and second DTEs. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification