Abstract: The present invention provides lighted signs and in particular electronic signs having embedded or integral light sources and in particular to lighted signs that have field replaceable lights and field replaceable face plates, and which preferably are controlled by an Internet-connected controller and which preferably includes an integral solar panel mount and an integral battery box mount, and still preferably include radios for pole-to-pole/machine-to-machine communication for synchronized control, and such products preferably having an additional network connection for Internet connectivity, such as by way of GPRS/GSM/cellular gateway functionality, WiFi, LAN, fiber optic or other network connectivity.

Abstract: An Ethernet Optical Area Network (EOAN) system, and methods for implementing and using such an EOAN system, are disclosed. The EOAN system may be used to improve the speed and reliability of data communications networks for small to medium-sized companies in metropolitan area networks. The EOAN system provides end-to-end Ethernet protocol, enabling professionals to have high-speed data communications in real time. The EOAN system may be generally utilized for improving data communications between branch offices, home offices, campuses, and remote sites for a wide variety of industries. The present invention preferably includes a fiber optic ring, Network Operation Center (NOC), NOC architecture components, existing client equipment, and one or more Free Space Optic (FSO) devices, microwave communication technology, and/or data switching platforms to implement high-speed Ethernet-based connections such as within a specified metropolitan area.