Local area network of serial intelligent cells

• US 20050163152A1
• Filed: 11/12/2004
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Inc. (f/k/a Conversant Intellectual Property Management)
• Original Assignee: SercoNet Limited (Yehuda Binder, MBA)
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Granted Patent: US 7,095,756 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/463
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5437 Wired telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5445 Local network
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/545 Audio/video application, e.g. interphone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5458 Monitor sensor; Alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/542 the information being in digital form
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2801 Broadband local area networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2838 Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths adaptations of television systems for transmission by electric cable for domestic distribution H04N7/106; hybrid transport H04L12/6418; home network arrangements specially adapted for distribution of digital video signals H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2843 Mains power line
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2845 Telephone line
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/00 Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/00 Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications user-to-user messaging H04L51/00; network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/02 providing ringing current or supervisory tones, e.g. dialling tone or busy tone
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 370/908 Local area network

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.

Claims

1. A device for coupling a computer plug-in card to wiring carrying a bidirectional serial digital data signal, the device comprising:

a wiring connector for connecting to the wiring;

a modem coupled to said wiring connector for conducting the bidirectional serial digital data signal over the wiring;

a plug-in bus slot coupled to said modem and operative for, mechanically and electrically interfacing a computer bus plug-in card, for coupling the plug-in card to the bidirectional serial digital data signal; and

a single enclosure housing said wiring connector, said modem and said bus slot.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bus slot conforms to one of ISA, EISA, PCMCIA, IDE and SCSI standards.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure is mountable in an outlet cavity.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure is at least in part housed within an outlet.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wiring is one of:

a twisted wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

telephone wiring; and

power lines.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is addressable.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said device has a manually assigned address.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein said device has an automatically assigned address.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said device address is assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply operative for supplying power to at least said modem.

12. The device according to claim 11, further comprising a power port connectable to a power source, and wherein said power supply is coupled to said power port.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein said wiring concurrently carries a power signal, and said power supply is coupled to said wiring connector to be powered by the power signal.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the power signal is a direct current signal.

15. The device according to claim 13, wherein said wiring concurrently carries the power signal and the digital data signal using frequency division multiplexing, in which the power signal is carried in a power signal frequency band distinct from a digital data frequency band containing the digital data signal, and wherein said device further comprises a filter coupled between said wiring connector and said power supply for passing only the power signal.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

the wiring is a service wiring in the walls of a building;

the service wiring concurrently carries the digital data and an analog service signal using frequency division multiplexing, in which the digital data signal is carried in a digital data frequency band distinct from an analog service signal frequency band containing the analog service signal; and

said device further comprises a filter between said wiring connector and said modem for passing only the digital data signal.

17. The device according to claim 16, further operative to couple the service signal a service unit to, wherein said device further comprises:

a second filter coupled to said wiring connector for passing only the analog service signal; and

a service connector connected to said filter and connectable to the service unit.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein:

the service wiring is a telephone wiring or a power line wiring;

the analog signal is respectively one of a telephone signal and an AC power signal; and

said modem is respectively one of a telephone modem and a power line modem.

19. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a computer bus plug-in card electrically connectable and mechanically attachable to said bus slot.

41. The device according to claim 1, wherein the analog telephone signal and the digital data signal are carried using frequency division multiplexing, in which the digital data signal is carried in a frequency band distinct from, and higher than, an analog telephone signal frequency band carrying the analog telephone signal, and said coupling unit comprises a high pass filter connected between said first and second ports, and a low pass filter connected between said first and third ports.

20. A network for remotely coupling a computer plug-in card to a computer over a wiring, said network comprising:

wiring carrying bidirectional serial digital data;

a first device housed, in a first enclosure, connected to said wiring and connectable to a computer via an interface, said first device being operative for coupling the serial digital data to the computer; and

a second device, housed in a second enclosure, connected to said wiring, said second device comprising a bus slot and being operative for mechanically and electrically interfacing a computer bus plug-in card and coupling serial digital data to the plug-in card.

21. The network according to claim 20, wherein said bus slot conforms to one of ISA, EISA, PCMCIA, IDE and SCSI standards.

22. The network according to claim 20, wherein one said first and second enclosures is attached to a wall.

23. The network according to claim 20, wherein one of said first and second enclosures is mounted in an outlet cavity.

24. The network according to claim 20, wherein one of said first and second enclosures is at least in part housed within an outlet.

25. The network according to claim 20, wherein the wiring is one of:

a twisted wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

telephone wiring; and

power-lines.

26. The network according to claim 20, wherein one of said first and second devices is addressable.

27. The network according to claim 26, wherein said addressable device has a manually assigned address.

28. The network according to claim 26, wherein said addressable device has an automatically assigned address.

29. The network according to claim 28, wherein the device address is assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

30. The network according to claim 20, wherein said second device further comprises a power supply operative for supplying power to at least part of said second device.

31. The network according to claim 30, wherein:

said second device further comprises a power port connectable to a power source; and

said power supply is coupled to said power port.

32. The network according to claim 30, wherein the wiring concurrently carries a power signal, and said second device is coupled to the wiring to be powered by the power signal.

33. The network according to claim 32, wherein the power signal is a direct current signal.

34. The network according to claim 32, wherein:

the wiring concurrently carries the power signal and the serial digital data using frequency division multiplexing, in which the power signal is carried in a power signal frequency band distinct from a digital data frequency band containing the serial digital data.

35. The network according to claim 20, wherein:

the wiring is a service wiring in the walls of a building; and

the service wiring concurrently carries the serial digital data and an analog service signal using frequency division multiplexing, in which the serial digital data is carried in a serial digital data frequency band distinct from the analog service signal frequency band.

36. The network according to claim 35, wherein one of said first and second devices is further operative to couple the service signal to a service unit.

37. The network according to claim 35, wherein the service wiring is one of a telephone and a power line wiring, and the analog service signal is respectively one of a telephone signal and an AC power signal.

38. The network according to claim 20, wherein said second device further comprises a computer bus plug-in card.

39. A device for coupling a bidirectional digital data signal to a data terminal equipment unit and for coupling an analog telephone signal to a telephone unit using wiring in a building comprising of at least two wire pairs, by concurrently carrying the analog telephone signal and the bidirectional digital data signal over the same wires, said device comprising:

a wiring connector for connecting to the wiring;

a telephone connector connectable to the telephone unit;

a data connector connectable to the data terminal equipment unit;

a coupling unit having first, second and third ports, for passing only the digital data signal between said first and second ports, and for passing only the analog telephone signal between said first and third ports; and

a single enclosure housing said wiring connector, said telephone connector, said data connector an said coupling unit, wherein said first port is connected to said wiring connector, said second port is connected to said data connector, and said third port is connected to said telephone connector, and

said device is mountable into a wall outlet cavity.

40. The device according to claim 39, wherein said device consists of only non-power consuming components.

42. A point-to-point network for carrying an analog telephone signal and a bidirectional digital data signal, the network comprising:

wiring in a building comprising at least two wire pairs and concurrently carrying the analog telephone signal the bidirectional digital data signal over the same wires, said wiring having only first and second end-points;

a first device housed in a first enclosure and connected to said wiring first end-point, said first device being connectable to a first data terminal equipment unit via a data connector, said first device being operative for coupling the bidirectional serial digital data signal to the first data terminal equipment unit, and said first device being connectable to a source of the analog telephone signal and being operative for coupling the analog telephone signal to the analog telephone signal source; and

a second device housed in a second enclosure and connected to said wiring second end-point, said second device being connectable to a second data terminal equipment unit via a data connector, said second device being operative for coupling the digital data signal to the second data terminal equipment unit, and said second device being connectable to an analog telephone unit and operative for coupling the analog telephone signal to the analog telephone unit,

wherein said second device is mounted in an outlet cavity in a wall.

43. The network according to claim 42, wherein the wiring is one of:

a twisted wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

telephone wiring; and

power lines.

44. The network according to claim 42, wherein said first and second devices consist of only non-power consuming components.

45. The network according to claim 42, wherein the analog telephone signal and the digital data signal are carried in the wiring using frequency division multiplexing, in which the digital data signal is carried in a digital data signal frequency band distinct from, and higher than, an analog telephone signal frequency band carrying the analog telephone signal.

46. A device for coupling a bidirectional packet-based digitized telephony data signal to an analog telephone unit, for use with telephone wiring in a building, the wiring comprising a single wire pair and carrying a bidirectional packet-based digital data signal in a data signal frequency band, the bidirectional packet-based digital data signal comprising a bidirectional packet-based digitized telephony data signal, said device comprising:

a wiring connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;

a high pass filter coupled to said wiring connector, for passing only the digital data signal;

a telephone wiring modem coupled to said high pass filter for conducting the digital data signal over said telephone wire pair;

a telephone connector connectable to an analog telephone unit;

a converter coupled between said telephone wiring modem and said telephone connector for converting the digitized telephone signal to an analog telephone signal; and

a single enclosure housing said wiring connector, said high pass filter, said telephone wiring modem, said telephone connector and said converter.

47. The device according to claim 46, wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall.

48. The device according to claim 46, wherein said enclosure is mountable in an outlet cavity.

49. The device according to claim 46, wherein said enclosure is at least in part housed within a telephone outlet.

50. The device according to claim 46, wherein said device is addressable.

51. The device according to claim 50, wherein said device has a manually assigned address.

52. The device according to claim 50, wherein said device has an automatically assigned address.

53. The device according to claim 52, wherein the device address is assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

54. The device according to claim 46, further comprising a power supply operative for supplying power to at least said telephone wiring modem.

55. The device according to claim 54, further comprising a power port connectable to a power source, and wherein said power supply is coupled to said power port.

56. The device according to claim 54, wherein the telephone wiring concurrently carries a power signal, and said power supply is coupled to said wiring connector to be powered by the power signal.

57. The device according to claim 56, wherein the power signal is a direct current signal.

58. The device according to claim 56, wherein the power signal is an alternating current signal.

59. The device according to claim 56, wherein the telephone wiring concurrently carries the power signal and the digital data signal using frequency division multiplexing, in which the power signal is carried in a power signal frequency band distinct from the digital data frequency band, and wherein said device further comprises a second filter coupled between said wiring connector and said power supply for passing only the power signal.

60. The device according to claim 46, wherein the digital data signal is ADSL based, and the telephone wiring modem is an ADSL modem.

61. A device for coupling a bidirectional packet-based digitized telephony data signal to an analog telephone unit for use with a coaxial cable in a building, the cable carrying a bidirectional packet-based digital data signal and the digitized telephony data signal, said device comprising:

a coaxial connector for connecting to the coaxial cable;

a filter coupled to said coaxial connector, for passing only the digital data signal;

a coaxial cable modem coupled to said filter for conducting the digital data signal over the coaxial cable;

a telephone connector connectable to the analog telephone unit;

a converter coupled between said coaxial cable modem and said telephone connector for converting the digitized telephone signal to an analog telephone signal; and

a single enclosure housing said coaxial connector, said filter, said coaxial cable modem, said telephone connector and said converter.

62. The device according to claim 61, wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall.

63. The device according to claim 61, wherein said enclosure is mountable in an outlet cavity.

64. The device according to claim 61, wherein said enclosure is at least in part housed within an outlet.

65. The device according to claim 61, wherein said device is addressable.

66. The device according to claim 65, wherein said device has a manually assigned address.

67. The device according to claim 65, wherein said device has an automatically assigned address.

68. The device according to claim 67, wherein the device address is assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

69. The device according to claim 61, further comprising a power supply operative for supplying power to at least said coaxial cable modem.

70. The device according to claim 69, further comprising a power port connectable to a power source, and wherein said power supply is coupled to said power port.

71. The device according to claim 69, wherein the coaxial cable concurrently carries a power signal, and said power supply is coupled to said coaxial connector to be powered by the power signal.

72. The device according to claim 71, wherein the power signal is a direct current signal.

73. The device according to claim 71, wherein the power signal is an alternating current signal.

74. The device according to claim 71, wherein the coaxial cable concurrently carries the power signal and the digital data signal using frequency division multiplexing, in which the power signal is carried in a power signal frequency band distinct from the digital data frequency band, and wherein said device further comprises a second filter coupled between said coaxial cable connector and said power supply for passing only the power signal.

75. A device for coupling a bidirectional packet-based digitized telephony data signal to an analog telephone unit for use with AC power wiring in a building concurrently carrying a bidirectional packet-based digital data signal in a digital data signal frequency band, an AC power signal in a power signal frequency band using frequency division multiplexing and the digitized telephony data signal, wherein the digital data signal frequency band is distinct from, and higher than, the AC power signal frequency band, said device comprising:

a wiring connector for connecting to the AC power wiring;

a high pass filter coupled to said wiring connector for passing only the digital data signal;

a power line modem coupled to said high pass filter for conducting the digital data signal over the AC power wiring;

a telephone connector connectable to the analog telephone unit;

a converter coupled between said power line modem and said telephone connector, for converting the digitized telephone data signal into an analog telephone signal;

a power supply coupled to said wiring connector to be powered by the power signal; and

a single enclosure housing said wiring connector, said high pass filter, said power line modem, said telephone connector, said converter and said power supply, wherein the power line modem is coupled to said power supply to be powered from said power supply.

76. The device according to claim 75, wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall.

77. The device according to claim 75, wherein said enclosure is mountable in an outlet cavity.

78. The device according to claim 75, wherein said enclosure is at least in part housed within an outlet.

79. The device according to claim 75, wherein said device is addressable.

80. The device according to claim 79, wherein said device has a manually assigned address.

81. The device according to claim 79, wherein said device has an automatically assigned address.

82. The device according to claim 81, wherein the device address is assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

83. The device according to claim 75, further operative for powering an appliance, said device further comprising a power connector connectable to the appliance and coupled to said wiring connector for coupling the AC power signal to the appliance.

84. A device for coupling a bidirectional packet-based digitized telephony data signal to an analog telephone unit for use with a network wiring in a building concurrently carrying a bidirectional packet-based digital data signal and a power signal, the bidirectional packet-based digital data signal comprising a digitized telephony data signal, said device comprising:

a network wiring connector for connecting to the network wiring;

a transceiver coupled to the network wiring for conducting the digital data signal over the network wiring;

a telephone connector connectable to an analog telephone unit;

a converter coupled between said transceiver and said telephone connector for converting the digitized telephone signal into an analog telephone signal;

a power supply coupled to said network wiring connector to be powered by the power signal; and

a single enclosure housing said network wiring connector, said transceiver, said telephone connector, said converter and said power supply,

wherein said transceiver is coupled to said power supply to be powered from said power supply.

85. The device according to claim 84, wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall.

86. The device according to claim 84, wherein said enclosure is mountable in an outlet cavity.

87. The device according to claim 84, wherein said enclosure is at least in part housed within an outlet.

88. The device according to claim 84, wherein said device is addressable.

89. The device according to claim 88, wherein said device has a manually assigned address.

90. The device according to claim 88, wherein said device has an automatically assigned address.

91. The device according to claim 90, wherein the device address is assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

92. The device according to claim 84, further operative for powering an appliance, said device further comprising a power connector connectable to the appliance and coupled to said network wiring connector for coupling the power signal to the appliance.

93. A device for coupling bidirectional digital data signals to a data unit for use with multiple service wirings in walls in a building, each wiring concurrently carrying a bidirectional digital data signal in a digital data signal frequency band and an analog service signal in an analog service signal frequency band using frequency division multiplexing, the digital data signal frequency band beings distinct from the analog service signal frequency band, said device comprising:

a first wiring connector connectable to a first service wiring and operative to connect to one of a coaxial cable, telephone wiring, and power line wiring, for coupling to a first bidirectional digital data signal and a first analog service signal carried in the first service wiring;

a first data filter coupled to said first wiring connector for passing only the first bidirectional digital data signal;

a first modem coupled to said first data filter for conducting the first bidirectional digital data signal over the first service wiring;

a first service filter coupled to said first wiring connector for passing only the first analog service signal;

a second wiring connector for connectable to a second service wiring for coupling to a second bidirectional digital data signal and a second analog service signal carried in the second service wiring;

a second data filter coupled to said second wiring connector for passing only the second bidirectional digital data signal;

a second modem coupled to said second data filter for conducting the second bidirectional digital data signal over said second service wiring;

a second service filter coupled to said second wiring connector for passing only the second analog service signal;

a data connector connectable to a data-unit;

an analog service connector connectable to a third analog service signal; and

a single enclosure housing said first and second wiring connectors, said first and second data filters, said first and second modems, said first and second service filters, said data connector and said analog service connector,

wherein;

said first and second modems are coupled to said data connector;

the first bidirectional digital data signal is at least at certain times distinct from the second bidirectional digital data signal; and

said first and second wiring connectors are coupled to said analog service connector for coupling the third analog service signal to the first and second service wirings.

94. The device according to claim 93, wherein said enclosure is attachable to a wall.

95. The device according to claim 93, wherein said enclosure is mountable in an outlet cavity.

96. The device according to claim 93, wherein said enclosure is at least in part housed within an outlet.

97. The device according to claim 93, wherein said device is addressable.

98. The device according to claim 97, wherein said device has a manually assigned address.

99. The device according to claim 97, wherein said device has an automatically assigned address.

100. The device according to claim 99, wherein the device address is assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

101. The device according to claim 93, wherein the first and second bidirectional digital data signals are packet based.

102. The device according to claim 93, wherein the second wiring connector is operative to connect to one of:

a twisted-wire pair connector;

a coaxial cable connector;

a telephone wiring connector; and

a power line wiring connector.

103. A device for coupling first and second bidirectional digital data signals to a data unit the for use with first and second network wiring segments in walls in a building, each segment concurrently carrying one of the bidirectional digital data signal and a respective power signal, said device comprising:

a power connector couplable to an AC power signal;

a data connector connectable to the data unit;

a first transceiver coupled to said data connector for conducting the first bidirectional digital data signal over the first network wiring segment;

a first wiring connector connectable to the first network wiring segment and connectable to one of;

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

telephone wiring; and

power line wiring, for coupling to the first bidirectional digital data signal and the power signal carried in the first network wiring segment;

a first power/data coupling unit having first, second and third ports, for passing only a digital data signal between said first and second ports and for passing only a power signal between said first and third ports, said first port being coupled to said first wiring connector, said second port being coupled to said power connector and said third port being coupled to said first transceiver,

a second transceiver coupled to said data connector for conducting the first bidirectional digital data signal over the second network wiring segment;

a second wiring connector connectable to the second network wiring segment and connectable to one of;

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

telephone wiring; and

power line wiring, for coupling to the second bidirectional digital data signal and the power signal carried in the second network wiring segment;

a second power/data coupling unit having first, second and third ports, for passing only digital data signal between said first and second ports and passing only a power signal between said first and third ports, said first port being coupled to said second wiring connector, said second port being coupled to said power connector and said third port being coupled to said second transceiver; and

a single enclosure housing said power connector, said data connector, said first and second transceivers, said first and second wiring connectors and said first and second power/data coupling units,

wherein the first bidirectional digital data signal is distinct from the second bidirectional digital data signal at least at certain times.

104. The device according to claim 103, wherein said enclosure is wall mountable.

105. The device according to claim 103, wherein said enclosure is mountable in an outlet cavity.

106. The device according to claim 103, wherein said enclosure is at least in part housed within an outlet.

107. The device according to claim 103, wherein said device is addressable.

108. The device according to claim 107, wherein said device has a manually assigned address.

109. The device according to claim 107, wherein said device has an automatically assigned address.

110. The device according to claim 109, wherein the device address is assigned by a data unit connected to said device.

111. The device according to claim 103, wherein the first and second bidirectional digital data signals are packet based.

112. The device according to claim 103, wherein said first power signal is a direct current signal.

113. The device according to claim 103, wherein the first network wiring segment concurrently carries the first digital data signal in a first digital data signal frequency band and the respective power signal in using frequency division multiplexing wherein the power signal is carried in a frequency band distinct and above from the digital data frequency band, and wherein said first power/data coupling unit comprises a low pass first between its first and second ports, and high pass filter between its first and third ports.

114. The device according to claim 103, wherein said first power/data coupling unit comprises a center-tapped transformer.

115. The device according to claim 103, further comprising means for monitoring the power signal carried in the first network wiring segment.

116. The device according to claim 103, further comprising means for turning on and off said power signal carried in the first network wiring segment.

117. A local area network for distributing digital data and power signals, the network comprising:

a first wiring segment at least in part in a wall in a building and having first and second ends, said first wiring segment comprising two conductors for concurrently carrying a first bidirectional digital data signal and a first power signal, said first wiring segment being one of;

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

telephone wiring; and

power line wiring;

a first outlet attached to a wall in the building and connected to said first end of said first wiring segment, said first outlet comprising a first connector connectable to a first data unit, for coupling both the first bidirectional digital data signal and the first power signal to the first data unit;

a second wiring segment at least in part in a wall in the building and having first and second ends, said second wiring segment comprising two conductors and concurrently carrying a second bidirectional digital data signal and a second power signal, said second wiring segment being one of;

a twisted-wire pair;

a coaxial cable;

telephone wiring; and

power line wiring;

a second outlet attached to a wall in the building and connected to said first end of said second wiring segment, said second outlet comprising a second data connector connectable to a second data unit, for coupling both said second bidirectional digital data signal and said second power signal to the second data unit; and

a device connected to said second end of said first wiring segment and to said second end of said second wiring segment, said device being connectable to a third data unit and to a power source for coupling to a third power signal from the power source, the device being further operative to couple the first and second bidirectional digital data signals to the third data unit and to couple the third power signal to the first and second power signals,

wherein the first bidirectional digital data signal is distinct from the second bidirectional digital data signal at least at certain times.

118. The network according to claim 117, wherein said device is addressable.

119. The network according to claim 118, wherein said device has a manually assigned network address.

120. The network according to claim 118, wherein said device has an automatically assigned network address.

121. The network according to claim 120, wherein the network address is assigned by a data unit connected to the network.

122. The network according to claim 117, wherein the first and second bidirectional digital data signals are packet based.

123. The network according to claim 117, wherein the first power signal is a direct current signal.

124. The network according to claim 117, wherein said first network wiring segment concurrently carries the first digital data signal in a first digital data signal frequency band and the first power signal in a first power signal frequency band using frequency division multiplexing wherein the first power signal frequency band is distinct from, and lower than, the first digital data frequency signal band.

125. The network according to claim 117, further comprising means for monitoring the first power signal.

126. The network according to claim 117, further operative to turn on and off said first power signal.