ETHERNET END STATION

• US 20130002369A1
• Filed: 09/14/2012
• Published: 01/03/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ChriMar Systems, Inc. (ChriMar Holding Company LLC)
• Original Assignee: ChriMar Systems, Inc. (ChriMar Holding Company LLC)
• Inventors: Austermann, John F. III, Cummings, Marshall B.
• Granted Patent: US 9,049,019 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 333/32
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2107/00 Four or more poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/64 for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5445 Local network
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5458 Monitor sensor; Alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5466 using three phases conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/547 via DC power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5491 using filtering and bypassing
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5495 having measurements and testing channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/24 Testing correct operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 25/0278 Arrangements for impedance matching

Abstract

A communication system (17) for generating and monitoring data over pre-existing conductors (2A-2D) between associated pieces of networked computer equipment (3A-3D). The system includes a communication device (16) attached to the electronic equipment that transmits information to a central module (15) by impressing a low frequency signal on the pre-existing data lines of the remotely located equipment. A receiver (6) in the central module (15) monitors the low frequency data on the data lines to determine the transmitted information of the electronic equipment. The communication device may also be powered by a low current power signal from the central module (15). The power signal to the communication device may also be fluctuated to provide useful information. Relocation of the electronic equipment with attached communication device to another location on the network is detected immediately. This invention is particularly adapted to be used with an Ethernet communications link or equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An Ethernet end station comprising:

an Ethernet connector, the Ethernet connector comprising at least two pairs of contacts used by the Ethernet end station for Ethernet communication; and

circuitry for changing impedance between at least one of the contacts of one of the at least two pairs of contacts and at least one of the contacts of the other one of the at least two pairs of contacts.