Outlet add-on module
First Claim
1. A device for coupling a data unit to an existing LAN cable that comprises one or more twisted wire pairs and is at least in part in walls of a building, and that is terminated at a LAN outlet, said device comprising:
- a LAN connector for connecting to the LAN cable via the LAN outlet;
a data port for coupling a digital data signal to the data unit;
a transceiver coupled between said LAN connector and said data port for carrying out bi-directional digital data communication between the LAN cable and the data unit; and
a single enclosure housing said LAN connector, said data port and said transceiver,wherein said single enclosure is mechanically attachable to the LAN outlet using means other than said LAN connector, communication with the data unit comprises communication over a wired medium, and said data port comprises a data connector.
11 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing service outlet (e.g. LAN, telephone, power or CATV outlet) in a house by adding functionality thereto. The functionality is added by an add-on module, connected electrically and secured mechanically to the existing outlet. Several attachment devices are exampled, including surface attachment, side clamping, snap locking, strap securing and fastening screws. The add-on module may include a service connector for retaining the basic existing outlet function. The module may be attached in a permanent way or by using a detachable solution.
380 Citations
90 Claims
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1. A device for coupling a data unit to an existing LAN cable that comprises one or more twisted wire pairs and is at least in part in walls of a building, and that is terminated at a LAN outlet, said device comprising:
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a LAN connector for connecting to the LAN cable via the LAN outlet; a data port for coupling a digital data signal to the data unit; a transceiver coupled between said LAN connector and said data port for carrying out bi-directional digital data communication between the LAN cable and the data unit; and a single enclosure housing said LAN connector, said data port and said transceiver, wherein said single enclosure is mechanically attachable to the LAN outlet using means other than said LAN connector, communication with the data unit comprises communication over a wired medium, and said data port comprises a data connector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
wherein said enclosure is mechanically attachable to the LAN outlet through the intermediary of said adapter, and said adapter is mechanically attachable to the LAN outlet and to said enclosure.
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36. A device for coupling a handheld unit to an existing LAN cable that is at least in part in walls of a building and is terminated at a LAN outlet, said device comprising:
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a LAN connector for connecting to the LAN cable via the outlet; a cradle comprising a mechanical adapter for docking the handheld unit thereto; a second connector for connecting to a mating connector in the handheld unit when the handheld unit is mounted in said cradle; a transceiver coupled between said first connector and said second connector for carrying out bi-directional communication between the LAN cable and the handheld unit; a power port connectable to receive a power signal from a power signal source; a power supply comprising an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter, coupled between said power port and said second connector for DC powering and charging the handheld unit by the power signal when the handheld unit is mounted in said cradle; and a single enclosure housing said first connector, said cradle, said second connector and said transceiver. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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56. A device for coupling a data unit to an existing coaxial cable that is at least in part in walls of a building and that is terminated at a CATV (cable Television) outlet, said device comprising:
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a coaxial connector for connecting to the coaxial cable via the CATV outlet; a data port for coupling a digital data signal to the data unit; a transceiver coupled between said coaxial connector and said data port for carrying out bi-directional digital data communication between the coaxial cable and the data unit; and a single enclosure housing said coaxial connector, said data port and said transceiver, wherein said single enclosure is mechanically attachable to the CATV outlet using means other than said coaxial connector, communication with the data unit comprises communication over a wired medium, and said data port comprises a data connector. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90)
wherein said enclosure is mechanically attachable to the CATV outlet through the intermediary of said adapter, and said adapter is mechanically attachable to the CATV outlet and to said enclosure.
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Specification