초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A device for coupling signals between first and second point-to-point wiring segments and a telephone wire pair in a building, each wiring segment comprising at least one twisted wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected to carry a first bi-directional digital data si

What is claimed is: 1. A device for coupling signals between first and second point-to-point wiring segments and a telephone wire pair in a building, each wiring segment comprising at least one twisted wire pair, the telephone wire pair being connected to carry a first bi-directional digital data signal in a digital data frequency band higher than an analog telephone band, said device comprising:a telephone connector for connecting to the telephone wire pair;a high pass filter coupled to said telephone connector and operative for substantially passing only signals in the digital data frequency band;a telephone modem coupled to said filter for packet-based bi-directional digital data communication over the telephone wire pair;a first data connector for connecting to said first wiring segment;a first data transceiver coupled to said first data connector for point-to-point packet-based full-duplex communication over said first wiring segment;a second data connector for connecting to said second wiring segment;a second data transceiver coupled to said second data connector for point-to-point packet-based full-duplex communication over said second wiring segment;a power supply including an AC/DC converter coupled to DC power said telephone modem and said first and second data transceivers; anda single enclosure housing said high pass filter, said connectors, said power supply and said telephone modem; wherein:said first data transceiver is coupled to said telephone modem for passing data between the first wiring segment and the telephone wire pair;said second data transceiver is coupled to said telephone modem for passing data signals between the second wiring segment and the telephone wire pair; andsaid device is addressable in a local area network.