Abstract: A telephone link for set top box communication between the set top box and a central office is provided. This invention makes use of an AC power line to provide a communication channel between the set top box and the central office. The set top box is configured to include an interface, including coupling and modulation, between the set top box and the AC power line. A base unit, connected to the central office provides another interface configured to facilitate the coupling and modulation of signals between the central office and the AC power line.

Abstract: A data networking system designed to provide efficient, yet reliable, transportation of data across a time division multiplexed network. This invention allows for redundantly sending data segments wherein if bad data segments are received, they can be resent in a dynamic manner depending on the network condition and segments can be fragmented, resized and sent with low overhead due to dynamic header sizes, segment sizes, forward error correction, and cyclic redundancy checks. The result is a very adaptive network that meets the demanding requirements of networks such as power line and wireless while still being able to transport data for voice, audio, video, computer, control, and the like.

Abstract: A network synchronization method designed to provide synchronization of multiple networks and devices. This invention provides a specific method for determining which nodes are responsible for network synchronization as nodes fail or cannot see each other due to conditions on the network. This allows for fault tolerance in a network in which conditions change dynamically. In addition, this invention uses synchronization codes and network numbers to isolate separate networks using the same physical medium, thus allowing sharing of network resources.

Abstract: A method and system for the synchronization of the transmission of digitally converted analog modem signals between two or more modems using either RF over-the-air or A/C power line communication channels. This invention provides for modem speed optimization by minimizing or eliminating clock variance between the modems in a digital communication system. A fixed delay is created and maintained during modem operation. This invention is also adapted to function in a full-duplex communication system maintaining a fixed delay in both directions.

Abstract: A telephone link for set top box communication between the set top box and a central office is provided. This invention makes use of an AC power line to provide a communication channel between the set top box and the central office. The set top box is configured to include an interface, including coupling and modulation, between the set top box and the AC power line. A base unit, connected to the central office provides another interface configured to facilitate the coupling and modulation of signals between the central office and the AC power line.

Abstract: A method and system for the synchronization of the transmission of digitally converted analog modem signals between two or more modems using either RF over-the-air or A/C power line communication channels. This invention provides for modem speed optimization my minimizing or eliminating clock variance between the modems in a digital communication system. A fixed delay is created and maintained during modem operation. This invention is also adapted to function in a full-duplex communication system maintaining a fixed delay in both directions.

Abstract: A method and system for the synchronization of the transmission of digitally converted analog modem signals between two or more modems using either RF over-the-air or A/C power line communication channels. This invention provides for modem speed optimization my minimizing or eliminating clock variance between the modems in a digital communication system. A fixed delay is created and maintained during modem operation. This invention is also adapted to function in a full-duplex communication system maintaining a fixed delay in both directions.

Abstract: A network synchronization method designed to provide synchronization of multiple networks and devices. This invention provides a specific method for determining which nodes are responsible for network synchronization as nodes fail or cannot see each other due to conditions on the network. This allows for fault tolerance in a network in which conditions change dynamically. In addition, this invention uses synchronization codes and network numbers to isolate separate networks using the same physical medium, thus allowing sharing of network resources.

Abstract: A system and method for creating, deleting, and maintaining logical networks based on the needs of a network. Logical networks are created on a physical network and can be encrypted to further isolate the logical networks. Logical network addresses are maintained for network nodes and aged based on responses from network nodes. Network nodes can be detected and added to additional logical networks based on network or users needs. Network nodes can be added or removed on a as needs basis. Additionally, logical networks can be removed based on system needs.

Abstract: A network security system designed to provide per-packet encryption based on an encryption key identifier and an associated encryption key. Packets or groups of packets are encrypted based on information that relates to the packet such as service type, network number, and the like. This encryption criterion is associated with an encryption key and encryption key identifier. When a packet contains the certain criteria, the packet is encrypted using the encryption key. The packet is sent across the network using the encryption key identifier and the encrypted payload. The targeted nodes decrypt the packet using the reverse process.

Abstract: A network access system designed to provide efficient access to nodes using a communication channel based on the needs of the system. This invention provides a specific design for token based access scheme which allows access based on priority, time, and data requirements. Also included is a unique collision detection and token granting mechanism. These designs provide for nodes to efficiently request and gain access to network bandwidth and are adaptive to allow for different data types such as voice, video, control, and data over networks such as power line or wireless.

Abstract: A bandwidth allocation method and system designed to provide efficient bandwidth utilization based on data priority and needs of network nodes. This invention provides a specific design for dynamically creating, deleting, resizing, and reclaiming network channels based on priority and the needs of existing connections within a network or within multiple networks. Additionally, this invention provides a process to make channels and their encryption keys persistent through the creation of virtual channels which are made active when data needs to be transferred.

Abstract: A data networking system designed to provide efficient yet reliable transportation of data across a time division multiplexed network. This invention allows for redundantly sending and resending of segments in a dynamic manner. In addition, segments are fragmented, resized and sent with low overhead due to dynamic header sizes, segment sizes, forward error correction, and cyclic redundancy checks. The result is a very adaptive network that meets the demanding requirements of networks such as power line and wireless while still being able to transport data for voice, audio, video, computer, control, and the like.

Abstract: A method and system for providing low cost narrow band digital power line communication using OFDM-like protocols to promote spectral diversity, reduce data loss, and provide higher data throughput. This invention provides a specific design to accommodate the requirements of a wide variety of communication applications and is adapted to make use of an AC power line communication within a building or facility without requiring dedicated hard wiring and does so with the advantages of OFDM but without the high costs of OFDM.

Abstract: A method and system which detects failures in communication between a base unit and an extension unit in a wireless communication system and which resets the system upon detecting such failures is described. A wireless communication system in this invention can use an RF over the air communication channel or an AC power line communication channel. In this method and system failures in the extension unit are detected and the base unit is reset, thereby permitting further use of the telephone communication link. A variety of embodiments are disclosed, including: transmitting a low frequency signal from the extension unit; transmitting a high frequency signal from the extension unit; periodically transmitting a status command signal from the extension unit; and detecting the signal strength of the transmitted signal from the extension unit in the base unit.

Abstract: A system and method for the automatic detection and matching of power line impedance which makes use of level detection and source impedance circuits in electronic communication with the existing circuitry of a power line communication devices are disclosed. This invention uses modified power line communication device circuitry to sense the impedance of the power line and to correct its impedance to match the impedance of the power line. By automatically sensing and adjusting the source impedance of the power line jack this invention maximizes power transfer to and from the power line, reduces radiated power as well as the power line reflection coefficient.

Abstract: An audio/mechanical/visual transducer system that makes use of a wireless communication channel for communicating between the audio signal generator and the transducer, through a wireless transmitter is provided. This invention provides an RF or Power Line Carrier path for communicating the audio signals to a variety of transducer devices, thereby permitting maximum positional flexibility for the transducers without requiring additional or dedicated wiring.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting power line null frequencies and for adjusting the transmit frequency and transmit power to maximize the reliability and efficiency of the AC power line transmission link is described. This invention uses a programmable logic device in the transmitter, which transmits multiple frequencies to a receiver. The receiver detects and records the bit error rate and/or the received noise per frequency and communicates this information to the transmitter. When all desired frequencies have been transmitted and tested, the optimal frequency is identified or selected. Generally, the optimal frequency is the frequency requiring the lowest transmit power while maintaining an acceptable bit error rate or an acceptable noise level.

Abstract: A system for providing communications between a wide variety of communication devices using the AC power line within a building or facility without requiring dedicated hard wiring. This invention is designed specifically to accommodate such devices as gateways, PCs, telephone devices, RF equipment, home automation devices and audio-visual devices.

Abstract: A new method and system for adapting standard home network protocol communication signals for communication between networked computation devices over the AC power line is provided. This invention provides improvements to the standard home network protocol required for use over the AC power line, including such features as encrypting, signal amplification and improved signal to noise ratio.