Network control

• US 20070211689A1
• Filed: 03/07/2006
• Published: 09/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics LLC (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Trivelpiece, Steve, Rasband, Paul, Kaenel, Tim, Raynesford, Steven, Campero, Richard
• Granted Patent: US 8,497,762 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/351
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/74 Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10316 using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers antennas in general H01Q1/22
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/10 characterised by the switching fabric construction
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/111 Switch interfaces, e.g. port details

Abstract

In one embodiment, a network control module permits any or all of power signals, traffic signals and controller command signals to be carried on as few as one wire or cable to a first port of the network control module. In another aspect, a “peripheral array” includes a network control module (in any one of a number of different possible embodiments), with one or more peripheral devices, such as antennas, attached to or coupled with the network control module outputs. In one embodiment, RFID “smart shelving” may be fabricated in sections, with several (for example, 4, 8 or 16) antennas in each section, and as few as one cable coupling adjacent sections. Additional embodiments are described and claimed.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a plurality of ports adapted to convey traffic signals, wherein at least one of said plurality of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals;

a switch network having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between a pair of ports, wherein at least one port of said pair of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals; and

a controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches to provide said electrically connected communication path between said pair of ports in response to a decoded command signal, wherein a traffic signal may be conveyed between said pair of ports.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein only one port of said plurality of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein each port in said plurality of ports is adapted for coupling with an electrical conduit comprised of two separate electrical conductors.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the electrical conduit is comprised of a coaxial cable.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the electrical conduit is comprised of a twisted pair of conductors.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein the electrical conduit is comprised of a pair of transmission lines on a printed circuit board.

7. The device of claim 1, for use with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder wherein said traffic signals are RFID traffic signals, said device further comprising,

an antenna coupled to a selected port and adapted to transmit said RFID traffic signals by at least one of electromagnetic radiation, inductively coupled signals, and capacitively coupled signals from said antenna coupled to said selected port to an RFID transponder;

and receive at said antenna a responsive signal from said RFID transponder in response to said radiation or signals transmitted by said antenna to provide a return RFID traffic signal, wherein said device is capable of directing a return RFID traffic signal from said selected port holding said antenna, along said electrically connected communication path, and to said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising:

circuitry adapted to determine a voltage-standing wave ratio (VSWR) of said antenna.

9. The device of claim 1, for use with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder wherein said traffic signals are RFID traffic signals, said device further comprising,

a first antenna coupled to a selected first port and adapted to transmit said RFID traffic signals by at least one of electromagnetic radiation, inductively coupled signal, and capacitively coupled signal from said first antenna coupled to said selected first port, to an RFID transponder;

and

a second antenna coupled to a selected second port and adapted to receive at said second antenna a responsive signal generated by said RFID transponder in response to at least one of electromagnetic radiation, inductively coupled signal, and capacitively coupled signal from said first antenna to provide a return RFID traffic signal wherein said device is capable of directing said return RFID traffic signal from said selected second port, along said electrically connected communication path, and to said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said traffic signals include traffic signals having a power level of at least 5 dBm.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said traffic signals include traffic signals having a power level below 5 dBm.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said command signals are encoded in a radio frequency (RF) signal as a function of the RF power level of the RF signal and said controller comprises an RF power level detector adapted to detect the power level of a received RF signal.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said RF power level detector is adapted to provide a digital signal as a function of the RF power level of a received RF signal.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein said RF power level detector provides an analog signal as a function of the detected RF power level of a received RF signal.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said controller further comprises an analog-to-digital converter adapted to provide a digital signal as a function of the analog signal provided by the RF power level detector.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein said controller is adapted to distinguish, as a function of said detected RF power level of a received RF signal, between command signals intended for said controller of said device and RF traffic signals intended to be directed on an electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein said controller is adapted to identify command signals encoded in RF signals and intended for said controller of said device when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal is below a predetermined threshold power value, and identify RF traffic signals intended to be directed on said electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports, when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal exceeds said predetermined threshold power value.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein said controller is adapted to identify command signals encoded in RF signals and intended for said controller of said device when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal falls within a predetermined power level range, and identify RF traffic signals intended to be directed on said electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports, when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal falls outside of said predetermined power level range.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein said command signals are digitally encoded in radio frequency (RF) signals and said command signals include a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined start-frame command and a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command, wherein said controller is adapted to distinguish between command signals intended for said controller of said device, and RF traffic signals intended to be directed on said electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports, wherein said distinguishing includes recognizing said sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined start-frame command to initiate identification of command signals intended for a controller of said device, and recognizing said sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command to terminate identification of command signals intended for said controller of said device.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein said command signals are digitally encoded in radio frequency (RF) signals and said command signals include a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined start-frame command and a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command, wherein said controller is adapted to distinguish between command signals intended for said controller of said device and RF traffic signals intended to be directed on said electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports, wherein said controller comprises an RF power level detector adapted to detect the power level of a received RF signal and wherein said distinguishing includes initiating identification of command signals intended for a controller of said device in response to recognizing said sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined start-frame command, and terminating identification of command signals intended for said controller of said device in response to at least one of recognizing said sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command, and detecting an RF power level of a received RF signal exceeding a predetermined threshold power value.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein said command signals are digitally encoded in radio frequency (RF) signals and said command signals include a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined start-frame command and a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command, wherein said controller is adapted to distinguish between command signals intended for said controller of said device and RF traffic signals intended to be directed on said electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports, wherein said controller comprises an RF power level detector adapted to detect the power level of a received RF signal and wherein said distinguishing includes initiating identification of command signals intended for a controller of said device in response to recognizing said sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined start-frame command, and terminating identification of command signals intended for said controller of said device in response to at least one of recognizing said sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command, and detecting an RF power level of a received RF signal falls within a predetermined power level range.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a digital logic circuit.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a field programmable gate array.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a microcontroller.

25. The device of claim 1, wherein said command signals are encoded in radio frequency (RF) signals and said controller is adapted to be operated in response to a supply of power, and wherein said controller is adapted to distinguish between command signals intended for said controller of said device, and RF traffic signals intended to be directed on said electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports, wherein said distinguishing includes identifying RF signals as having command signals encoded in RF signals in response to a reduction of power supplied to said controller.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein said controller is adapted to be reset in response to said reduction of power supplied to said controller.

27. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first path containing a first filter adapted to filter RF signals to substantially block component signals having a frequency below a first predetermined cutoff frequency;

a second path containing a second filter adapted to filter RF signals to substantially block component signals having a frequency above a second predetermined cutoff frequency;

a bypass port; and

a summing node;

wherein said electrically connected communication path is coupled to said summing node via said first path containing said first filter, and wherein said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals is coupled to said summing node via said second path containing said second filter, and wherein said bypass port is coupled to said summing node.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein signals received at said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals have a direct current (DC) component, said device further comprising power supply circuitry adapted to supply power for said device as a function of said DC component.

29. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a device bypass port;

a device bypass switch; and

a bypass filter adapted to substantially pass RF signals, traffic signals, and control signals having a frequency at or above a predetermined cutoff frequency and to substantially block component signals having a frequency below said predetermined cutoff frequency;

wherein said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals is coupled to said device bypass switch via said bypass filter; and

wherein said device bypass switch is coupled to said device bypass port, whereby said traffic signals and command signals input to said device can be conveyed to said bypass port by setting of said device bypass switch.

30. The device of claim 1, further comprising a circuit board supporting each of said conductive network switches and conductive paths and said controller on said circuit board.

31. The device of claim 1, further comprising an enclosure enclosing each of said conductive network switches and conductive paths and said controller within said enclosure.

32. The device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of peripheral devices, each peripheral device being coupled to a port.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is an RF antenna.

34. The device of claim 31, for use with an RFID transponder wherein said traffic signals are radio frequency identification (RFID) traffic signals and wherein said antenna is adapted to exchange RFID communication signals with transponders within an RF communication range of said antenna.

35. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a temperature sensor.

36. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a pressure sensor.

37. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a vibration sensor.

38. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a chemical sensor.

39. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a video display unit.

40. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a microphone.

41. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is an audio speaker.

42. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a set of audio headphones.

43. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is at least one of a push-button switch and a data entry keypad.

44. The device of claim 32 for use with mobile devices, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a near-field coupling wireless interface unit for communication with a mobile device.

45. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a local area network wireless access point.

46. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a personal area network wireless access point.

47. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is an indicator light.

48. The device of claim 32, wherein at least one of said peripheral devices is a light sensor.

49. The device of claim 32, further comprising a circuit board supporting each of said conductive network switches and conductive paths, said controller, said ports and said peripheral devices on said circuit board.

50. The device of claim 32, further comprising an enclosure enclosing each of said conductive network switches and conductive paths, said controller, said ports and said peripheral devices within said enclosure.

51. The device of claim 1, wherein said device comprises a first device and wherein the first device is adapted to be included in a second device.

52. The device of claim 1, wherein said switch network is adapted to provide multiple communication paths active at a same time.

53. A network, comprising:

a first peripheral array having a first plurality of ports adapted to convey traffic signals, and wherein at least one of said first plurality of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals;

a first plurality of peripheral devices coupled to one or more of said ports of said first peripheral array;

a first switch network having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between a pair of ports;

a first controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches to provide said electrically connected communication path between said pair of ports in response to a decoded command signal, wherein a traffic signal may be conveyed between said pair of ports; and

a bypass port and bypass switch whereby signals entering said peripheral array can be directed via said bypass switch to said bypass port; and

a second peripheral array having a second plurality of ports adapted to convey traffic signals, and wherein at least one of said second plurality of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals;

a second plurality of peripheral devices coupled to said ports of second peripheral array;

a second switch network having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports of said second plurality of ports to provide a second electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between a pair of ports of said second peripheral array;

a second controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches of second switch network to provide said second electrically connected communication path between said pair of ports in response to a decoded command signal, wherein a traffic signal may be conveyed between said pair of ports; and

whereby a traffic signal from said bypass port of said first peripheral array may be directed to said second peripheral array, and may also be directed via said second electrically connected communication path of said second peripheral array to a peripheral device coupled to a port of said second peripheral array.

54. The network of claim 53, further comprising a network switch having a plurality of ports, wherein a port of said pair of ports of said electrically connected communication path of said first peripheral array is coupled to a first port of said network switch, and whereby traffic signals and command signals may be directed from said network switch via said first peripheral array and said bypass port of said first peripheral array, to a peripheral device coupled to a port on said second peripheral array.

55. The network of claim 54, further comprising:

a third peripheral array having a third plurality of ports adapted to convey traffic signals, and wherein at least one of said third plurality of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals and is coupled to a second port of said network switch;

a third plurality of peripheral devices coupled to said ports of third peripheral array;

a third switch network having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports of said third plurality of ports to provide a third electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between a pair of ports of said third peripheral array;

a third controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches of third switch network to provide said third electrically connected communication path between said pair of ports in response to a decoded command signal, wherein a traffic signal may be conveyed between said pair of ports; and

whereby a traffic signal from said network switch may be directed to a peripheral device coupled to a selected port of said third peripheral array and wherein said first and third peripheral arrays are parallel connected to said network switch.

56. The network of claim 54, wherein said network further comprising a transmitter/receiver coupled to a port of said network switch.

57. The network of claim 56, wherein said ports of said network switch are adapted to convey RF signals, and wherein said transmitter/receiver is a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader coupled to said network switch.

58. The network of claim 53, further comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and a computer adapted to pass commands to said reader and receive data from said reader, and wherein a port of said first peripheral array adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals is coupled to said reader.

59. The network of claim 53, for use with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder wherein said traffic signals are RFID traffic signals having a predetermined frequency range and a peripheral device of said first array is an antenna adapted to transmit said RFID traffic signals by at least one of electromagnetic radiation, inductively coupled signals, and capacitively coupled signals from said antenna to an RFID transponder and wherein said controller command signals are RF signals having a frequency range substantially the same as said RFID traffic signals.

60. The network of claim 53, for use with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder wherein said traffic signals are RFID traffic signals modulated in accordance with an RFID protocol, and a peripheral device of said first array is an antenna adapted to transmit said RFID traffic signals by at least one of electromagnetic radiation, inductively coupled signals, and capacitively coupled signals from said antenna to an RFID transponder and wherein said controller command signals are RF signals modulated in accordance with said RFID protocol.

61. The network of claim 53, for use with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder wherein said traffic signals are RFID traffic signals and include data encoded in accordance with an RFID protocol, and a peripheral device of said first array is an antenna adapted to transmit said RFID traffic signals by at least one of electromagnetic radiation, inductively coupled signal, and capacitively coupled signal from said antenna to an RFID transponder and wherein said controller command signals are RF signals encoded with data in accordance with said RFID protocol.

62. A method, comprising:

receiving signals which include traffic signals and command signals, conveyed by a common conductor, at a first port of a device adapted to convey said traffic signals and command signals;

decoding command signals received at said first port;

in response to a decoded command signal, controlling selected switches of a switch network of said device to couple said first port to a selected second port of said device to provide an electrically connected communication path between said first port and said selected second port;

forwarding traffic signals along said communication path; and

conveying traffic signals at said selected second port out of said device.

63. The method of claim 62, further comprising:

receiving at said selected second port return traffic signals in response to conveyed traffic signals;

forwarding return traffic signals along said electrically connected communication path; and

conveying at said first port, return traffic signals out of said device.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein said traffic signals and return traffic signals are radio frequency identification (RFID) traffic signals, said method further comprising,

transmitting said RFID traffic signals by at least one of electromagnetic radiation, inductively coupled signals, and capacitively coupled signals from an antenna coupled to said selected second port to an RFID transponder;

and

receiving at said antenna a response signal from said RFID transponder in response to said radiation transmitted by said antenna.

65. The method of claim 62, wherein said traffic signals include traffic signals having a power level of at least 5 dBm.

66. The method of claim 62, wherein said traffic signals include traffic signals having a power level below 5 dBm.

67. The method of claim 62, wherein said command signals are encoded in a radio frequency (RF) signal as a function of RF power level and said decoding includes detecting the RF power level of a received RF signal.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein said decoding includes providing a digital signal as a function of the detected RF power level of a received RF signal.

69. The method of claim 67, wherein said decoding includes providing an analog signal as a function of the detected RF power level of a received RF signal.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein said decoding includes providing a digital signal as a function of the provided analog signal.

71. The method of claim 67, wherein said decoding includes distinguishing, as a function of said detected RF power level of a received RF signal, between command signals intended for a controller of said device and RF traffic signals intended to be directed to a selected port of said device to be output.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein said distinguishing includes identifying command signals encoded in RF signals intended for a controller of said device when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal is below a predetermined threshold power value, and further includes identifying RF traffic signals intended to be directed to a selected port of said device to be output, when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal exceeds said predetermined threshold power value.

73. The method of claim 71, wherein said distinguishing includes identifying command signals encoded in RF signals intended for a controller of said device when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal falls within a predetermined power level range, and further includes identifying RF traffic signals intended to be directed to a selected port of said device to be output, when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal falls outside of said predetermined power level range.

74. The method of claim 62, wherein said decoding includes distinguishing between command signals encoded in RF signals intended for a controller of said device and RF traffic signals intended to be directed to a selected port of said device to be output.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein said distinguishing includes recognizing a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined start-frame command to initiate identification of command signals intended for a controller of said device, and recognizing a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command to terminate identification of command signals intended for a controller of said device.

76. The method of claim 74, further comprising supplying power to operate said controller and reducing said supplied power to a predetermined level for an interval, wherein said distinguishing includes identifying RF signals as having encoded command signals in RF signals immediately following said interval of reduction of power supplied to said controller.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein said distinguishing includes ceasing to identify RF signals as having encoded command signals intended for a controller of said device and beginning to identify RF signals as RF traffic signals intended to be directed to a selected port upon recognizing a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command or upon detecting an RF power level of a received RF signal exceeding a predetermined threshold power value.

78. The method of claim 76, wherein said distinguishing includes ceasing to identify RF signals as having encoded command signals intended for a controller of said device and beginning to identify RF signals as RF traffic signals intended to be directed to a selected port upon recognizing a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command or upon detecting an RF power level of a received RF signal falling within a predetermined power level range.

79. The method of claim 76, wherein said distinguishing includes ceasing to identify RF signals as having encoded command signals intended for a controller of said device and beginning to identify RF signals as RF traffic signals intended to be directed to a selected port, upon recognizing a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command and detecting a RF power level of a received RF signal exceeding a predetermined threshold power value.

80. The method of claim 76, wherein said distinguishing includes ceasing to identify RF signals as having encoded command signals intended for a controller of said device and beginning to identify RF signals as RF traffic signals intended to be directed to a selected port, upon recognizing a sequence of bit values corresponding to a predetermined end-frame command and detecting a RF power level of a received RF signal falling within a predetermined power level range.

81. The method of claim 62, further comprising filtering RF signals on said electrically connected RF communication path to substantially block component signals having a frequency below a first predetermined cutoff frequency;

filtering RF signals on a bypass path to substantially block component signals having a frequency above a second predetermined cutoff frequency; and

recombining component signals of said electrically connected RF communication path and said bypass path to output RF signals at a bypass port.

82. The method of claim 81 wherein at least some of said signals received at a port of said device have a DC component, said method further comprising supplying power to circuitry of said device as a function of said DC component.

83. The method of claim 62 wherein said electrically connected communication path is a bypass path which bypasses circuitry for said decoding and said selected port is a bypass port, wherein said forwarding includes forwarding input traffic signals along said bypass path;

and said conveying includes outputting traffic signals at said bypass port wherein circuitry for said decoding is substantially bypassed by an input traffic signal.

84. The method of claim 62 wherein said receiving at a port of said device includes controlling a switch to select said first port from a plurality of ports to input RF signals which include RF traffic signals and command signals encoded in RF signals at said first port and to provide an electrically connected RF communication path for RF traffic signals between said first port and a selected port.

85. A device, comprising:

a plurality of ports adapted to convey traffic signals, wherein at least one of said plurality of ports adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals;

network means for selectively coupling ports to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between a pair of ports, wherein at least one port of said pair of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals; and

controller means for decoding command signals and controlling said network means to provide said electrically connected communication path between said pair of ports in response to a decoded command signal wherein a traffic signal may be directed between said pair of ports.

86. The device of claim 85, for use with an RFID transponder wherein said traffic signals are radio frequency identification (RFID) traffic signals, said device further comprising,

antenna means coupled to a selected port for transmitting said RFID traffic signals by at least one of electromagnetic radiation, inductively coupled signal, and capacitively coupled signal to an RFID transponder;

and for receiving a response signal from said RFID transponder in response to said transmitted radiation to provide a return traffic signal to said selected port.

87. The device of claim 86, wherein said command signals are encoded in a radio frequency (RF) signal as a function of the RF power level of the RF signal and said controller means comprises means for detecting the power level of a received RF signal.

88. The device of claim 87, wherein said controller means has means for distinguishing, as a function of said detected RF power level of a received RF signal, between command signals intended for said controller means of said device and RF traffic signals intended to be directed on an electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports.

89. The device of claim 88, wherein said distinguishing means identifies command signals encoded in RF signals and intended for said controller of said device when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal is below a predetermined threshold power value, and identifies RF traffic signals intended to be directed on said electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports, when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal exceeds said predetermined threshold power value.

90. The device of claim 88, wherein said distinguishing means identifies command signals encoded in RF signals and intended for said controller of said device when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal falls within a predetermined power level range, and identifies RF traffic signals intended to be directed on said electrically connected RF communication path between selected ports, when said detected RF power level of a received RF signal falls outside of said predetermined power level range.

91. The device of claim 85, further comprising a first filter adapted to filter input RF signals on said, electrically connected communication path to substantially block component signals having a frequency below a predetermined cutoff frequency;

a bypass port, a bypass path coupling said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals to said bypass port, a second filter adapted to filter input signals on said bypass path to substantially block component signals having a frequency above a predetermined cutoff frequency; and

a summing means for combining component signals of said communication path and said bypass path to output signals at said bypass port.

92. The device of claim 91, wherein at least some of said input signals received at said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals have a DC component, said device further comprising power supply means for supplying power for said device as a function of said DC component.

93. The device of claim 85, further comprising a first filter adapted to filter input RF signals on said electrically connected communication path to substantially pass RF signals, traffic signals, and control signals having a frequency at or above a predetermined cutoff frequency and to substantially block component signals having a frequency below said predetermined cutoff frequency;

wherein said network means includes a bypass port and means responsive to said controller means for directing a traffic signal from said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals to said bypass port and bypassing said first filter.

94. The device of claim 85, further comprising an additional port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals, wherein said network means further includes input switch means for selectively coupling either said port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals or said additional port to a selected port to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between said first or said additional port and said selected port.

95. The device of claim 85, further comprising enclosure means for enclosing each of said means within said enclosure means.

96. The device of claim 85, for use with a network having other elements on said network, and further comprising means responsive to said device being connected to a network, for identifying to another element on the network information including one or more of the device'"'"'s identity, type, state, data communications capabilities, RF communications capabilities.

97. The device of claim 85 for use with a network having other elements on said network, and further comprising peripheral devices coupled to ports of said device and means responsive to said device being connected to a network, for identifying to another element on the network information including one or more of identity, type, state, data communications capabilities, RF communications capabilities, of one or more of the peripheral devices coupled to said device.

98. A network, comprising:

a first peripheral array having a plurality of ports, at least one of which is a first port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals, at least one of which is a bypass port adapted to convey traffic signals, and a plurality of which are additional ports adapted to convey traffic signals;

a plurality of peripheral devices coupled to said additional ports, a switch network disposed within said array and having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between said first port and a selected additional or bypass port;

a controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches to provide said electrically connected communication path between said first port and a selected additional or bypass port in response to a decoded command signal wherein a traffic signal may be directed from said first port to a peripheral device coupled to a selected additional port and wherein a traffic signal may be directed from said first port to said bypass port; and

a second peripheral array having a first port series connected to said bypass port of said first peripheral array, a second plurality of additional ports adapted to convey traffic signals;

a second plurality of peripheral devices coupled to said second plurality of additional ports, a second switch network disposed within said second peripheral array and having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports of said second peripheral array to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between said first port of second peripheral array and a selected port of said second plurality of said second peripheral array;

a second controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches of said second switch network to provide an electrically connected communication path between said first port of second peripheral array and a selected port of said second plurality of said second peripheral array in response to a decoded command signal wherein a traffic signal may be directed from said first port of second peripheral array to a peripheral device coupled to a selected port of said second plurality of said second peripheral array.

99. A peripheral array, comprising:

a module having a single first port adapted to convey signals which include a radio frequency identification (RFID) traffic signals and RF command signals;

a plurality of additional ports adapted to convey RFID traffic signals;

a switch network having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals from said first port to a selected port of said additional ports;

a controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches to provide said electrically connected communication path between ports in response to a decoded command signal wherein a traffic signal may be directed from said first port to a selected port of said additional ports and wherein said traffic signal facilitates detection and identification of marked or tagged items;

a plurality of antennas, each antenna being coupled to a port of said additional ports and adapted to transmit said RFID traffic signals by electromagnetic radiation, inductive coupling, and capacitive coupling; and

an enclosure enclosing said switch network, controller and antennas.

100. A device, comprising:

a module, wherein the module comprises;

said plurality of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals;

a switch network having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between a pair of ports, wherein at least one port of said pair of ports is adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals; and

a controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches to provide said electrically connected communication path between said pair of ports in response to a decoded command signal, wherein a traffic signal may be conveyed between said pair of ports.

101. The device of claim 100, wherein the device comprises an RFID reader.

102. The device of claim 100, wherein the device comprises an access point.

103. The device of claim 100, wherein the device comprises a data router.

104. The device of claim 100, wherein the device comprises a computer.

105. The device of claim 100, wherein the device comprises an appliance for management of an RFID data collection network.

106. The device of claim 100, wherein the device comprises a router.

107. The device of claim 100, wherein the device comprises a switch.

108. A network, comprising:

an array having a plurality of ports, at least one of which is a first port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals, and a plurality of which are additional ports adapted to convey traffic signals;

a plurality of peripheral devices coupled to said ports, a first switch network disposed within said peripheral array and having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals between said first port and a selected port;

a first controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches to provide said communication path between said first port and a selected port in response to a decoded command signal wherein a traffic signal may be directed from said first port to a selected port; and

a network control device having a second plurality of ports, at least one of which is a port series connected to a port of said first peripheral array and adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals, and a plurality of which are ports adapted to convey traffic signals;

a second switch network having switches and conductive paths adapted to selectively couple ports to provide an electrically connected communication path for traffic signals from a port coupled with first peripheral array to a selected port of said second plurality of ports; and

a second controller adapted to decode command signals and control said switches to provide said communication path between ports in response to a decoded command signal wherein a traffic signal may be directed from a port coupled with first peripheral array to said selected port of said second plurality of ports.

109. The network of claim 108, wherein said network control device comprises a first network control device and further comprising:

one or more additional network control devices, each having a respective port adapted to convey traffic signals and command signals, said port series connected to a selected port of one of said peripheral array, network control device, and another of said one or more additional network control devices.

110. The network of claim 108, wherein said selected port comprises a bypass port.