Abstract: The network comprises a master node and a plurality of slave nodes. To configure the network, the master node transmits over the network a hailing message at any attenuated level compared to normal communication signals to be transmitted over the network. Upon receiving the hailing message at one of the slave node, a reply message is transmitted, also at an attenuated level. Receiving the reply message at the master node allows it to configure the slave node from which the reply message originated. Also disclosed are a method of managing a network so as to monitor the connections between the slave nodes, and a method of managing a network when a recovery operation is required.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a network for interconnecting a plurality of electronic devices for their configuration and control, the network comprising at least one of the plurality of electronic devices being a local node including a controller, a memory and at least one local virtual variable having a value representative of a state of the local node, the local virtual variable being stored in the memory of the local node, the non-selected electronic devices being remote nodes including a controller and a memory, the memory having stored therein at least one remote virtual variable having a value representative of a state of the remote node, the remote virtual variable being reported by the controller of the remote node on the network in response to a change in the value of said remote virtual variable, and at least one action being stored in the memory of the local node for execution by the controller of the local node, the action using the local virtual variable and the remote virtual var