Add-on device for a network device

• US 8,391,924 B2
• Filed: 01/14/2009
• Issued: 03/05/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Spivey, Thomas P.
• Primary Examiner(s): WEST, LEWIS G
• Application Number:
  US12/353,822
• Publication Number:
  US 20100177471A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,511 Days
• Field of Search: 455/561, 455/562.1, 455/66.1
• US Class Current: 455/561
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/123 in thin walls
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/14 Fastening of cover or lid to box
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5313 Means to assemble electrical device

Abstract

A system for connecting an add-on device to a network device is provided. The system includes a network device, an additional network module, and a socket cover. The additional network module may be disposed in an add-on module of the network device. The add-on module may be separate from a network module that supports a network device circuit of the network device. The socket cover may include an add-on device that is operated by the additional network module.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a socket body including a top portion configured to engage an installation surface;

a circuit receptacle including a first module and a second module and supported by the socket body;

a wireless access point configured to be installed in the first module;

a cellular radio configured to be installed in the second module;

a socket cover sized to cover the wireless access point and the cellular radio; and

a cover connector that is operable to mechanically and electrically couple the socket cover to the wireless access point.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover connector electrically couples the cellular radio to a network circuit.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover connector electrically couples the cellular radio to an additional network module in an add-on module, the additional network module being provided in a separate module than a network circuit.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking tab, on the socket cover, that is operable to engage with a recess in the socket body, such that the socket cover is secured to the socket body.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking tab, on the socket cover, that is operable to engage with a recess in the wireless access point, such that the socket cover is secured to the wireless access point.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cellular radio is operable to broadcast a cellular signal.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a dipole antenna connected to the cellular radio.

8. A system comprising:

a wireless access point configured to communicate with a wireless local area network;

a cellular radio configured to communicate with a cellular network;

a network device including the wireless access point and the cellular radio;

a socket cover configured to enclose the wireless access point and the cellular radio; and

a cover connector that is operable to mechanically and electrically couple the socket cover to the wireless access point.

9. A method comprising:

installing a first socket cover to a network device, wherein the network device includes a wireless access point configured to communicate with a first network and electrically connected to a network device circuit;

installing a second socket cover to the network device, wherein the second socket cover includes a cellular radio configured to communicate with a second network; and

connecting the cellular radio to the network device circuit; and

installing a cover connector to mechanically and electrically couple the first socket cover to the wireless access point.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

connecting the wireless access point to the first network; and

connecting the cellular radio to the second network.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

removing the first socket cover before installing the second socket cover.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein installing the second socket cover comprises replacing the first socket cover with the second socket cover.