Abstract: A communications module, and a consumer device comprising the communications model, is provided for use in a communication network with one or more consumer devices or “smart” appliances. The communications module includes a wireless transceiver for communication with the network, for example in accordance with the ZigBee protocol, and an interface for communicating with a host processor of the consumer device. The module receives scheduled event data over a wireless link on behalf of the host processor, and schedules events for execution by the host processor upon receipt of commands transmitted by the module. The communications module may include a virtual host module, which translates commands between a protocol used by the host processor and a protocol used by the communications module. The communications module is also configured to automatically seek and join a network, and to discover and bind to services provided over the network.

Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring via an external network of the operation of a plurality of devices located on a local area network. The system and method comprise a gateway device, such as a server or intelligent router, for coupling the external network with the local area network. The gateway device has a unique external network address and is configured for receiving a network data packet addressed by the external network address. The gateway is configured for extracting a device data packet from the network data packet and for sending the device data packet to an associated local network address on the local area network. The system and method also have a control server coupled to the gateway via the external network and configured for generating the network data packet to contain the device data packet associated with a selected device of the plurality of devices. The local network address is associated with the selected device.

Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring via an external network of the operation of a plurality of devices located on a local area network. The system and method comprise a gateway device, such as a server or intelligent router, for coupling the external network with the local area network. The gateway device has a unique external network address and is configured for receiving a network data packet addressed by the external network address. The gateway is configured for extracting a device data packet from the network data packet and for sending the device data packet to an associated local network address on the local area network. The system and method also have a control server coupled to the gateway via the external network and configured for generating the network data packet to contain the device data packet associated with a selected device of the plurality of devices. The local network address is associated with the selected device.