Abstract: An improved network for communication of message packets. The network of the present invention implements an improved collision avoidance, detection and backoff system for communication on a media between nodes. The apparatus calculates a time period P after detecting the media is idle using a formula F which is a function of a pseudo-random delay factor T. If the media remains idle during the time period P, the device may transmit a message. The apparatus further has the ability to assign messages as being either priority or non-priority messages. Priority messages may be transmitted during priority message slots preassigned to transmitting nodes. Non-priority message contend for the media during a period of time following the period set for transmission of priority messages.

Abstract: A network for sensing, communicating and controlling having a plurality of cells which communicate with packets. A packet requesting acknowledgements is transmitted to a plurality of destination cells. The transmitting cell listens for acknowledgements from the destination cells. The transmitting cell waits a predetermined period of time to receive the acknowledgements and then infers that a collision has occurred if a reply is not received from any of the destination cells. Different actions are taken by the transmitting cells as a result of the inference of collision as opposed to a case where the cell receives an acknowledgement from at least one destination cell.

Abstract: A cell for a network which provides for sensing of conditions, communicating messages and controlling objects through messages encoded into segments of six bit codes each containing 3 binary ones and 3 binary zeros. The messages begin with one predetermined code which provides bit synchronization followed by a second predetermined code which provides byte synchronization.

Abstract: A network for sensing, communcating and controlling including a plurality of cells. Each cell is identified by a permanent, unique identification number. Groups of cells are programmed to perform group functions and are assigned group identification numbers. Communication is performed via a medium using the cell identification numbers and group identification numbers.