Abstract: A local area network (60) within a residence or other building, including both wired (5) and non-wired segments (53). The wired segments are based on new or existing wires (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) in the building, wherein access to the wires is provided by means of outlets (61a, 61d), such as a telephone system, electrical power distribution system, or cable television wiring system. The non-wired segments are based on communication using propagated waves such as radio, sound, or light (e.g. infrared). The wired and non-wired segments interface in the outlet, using a module (50) that serves as mediator between the segments. The module can be integrated into the outlet, partially housed in the outlet, or attached externally to the outlet. Such a network allows for integrated communication of data units (24b) connected by wires and data units (24a, 24d) connected without wires.

Abstract: An outlet for a Local Area Network (LAN), containing an integrated adapter that converts VoIP to and from analog telephony, and a standard telephone jack (e.g. RJ-11 in North America) for connecting an ordinary analog (POTS) telephone set. Such an outlet allows using analog telephone sets in a VoIP environment, eliminating the need for an IP telephone set or external adapter. The outlet may also include a hub that allows connecting both an analog telephone set via an adapter, as well as retaining the data network connection, which may be accessed by a network jack. The invention may also be applied to a telephone line-based data networking system. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the VoIP/POTS adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular analog service, VoIP telephony service using an analog telephone set, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet requires two standard telephone jacks and a data-networking jack.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting electrical outlet faceplates designed for mounting on rectangular junction boxes in hollow walls onto solid walls with cylindrical cavities and sleeves. Junction box mounting is popular in North America, whereas cavity mounting is popular in Europe and the Middle East. Such an adapter provides universal mounting for specialized faceplates which are designed and intended for junction box mounting. The adapter features clamps for gripping the inner surface of a wall cavity or sleeve and a rectangular plate for mounting an faceplate designed for junction box mounting. The rectangular plate has mounting points with a nominal center-to-center distance of 3a inches, corresponding to the requirements of junction box mounting.

Abstract: An outlet for a Local Area Network (LAN), containing an integrated adapter that converts VoIP to and from analog telephony, and a standard telephone jack (e.g. RJ-11 in North America) for connecting an ordinary analog (POTS) telephone set. Such an outlet allows using analog telephone sets in a VoIP environment, eliminating the need for an IP telephone set or external adapter. The outlet may also include a hub that allows connecting both an analog telephone set via an adapter, as well as retaining the data network connection, which may be accessed by a network jack. The invention may also be applied to a telephone line-based data networking system. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the VoIP/POTS adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular analog service, VoIP telephony service using an analog telephone set, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet requires two standard telephone jacks and a data-networking jack.

Abstract: An outlet (70, 75, 76, 78, 79) for a Local Area Network (LAN), containing an integrated adapter (21, 25) that converts digital data to and from analog video signal. Such an outlet allows using analog video units in a digital data network (80), eliminating the need for a digital video units or external adapter. The outlet may include a hub (31, 41) that allows connecting both an analog video signal via an adapter, as well as retaining the data network connection, which may be accessed by a network jack (73). The invention may also be applied to a telephone line-based data networking system. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the analog video adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular telephone service, analog video connectivity, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet would have a standard telephone jack (71), an analog video jack (72) and at least one data networking jack (73).

Abstract: A device for coupling first and second bi-directional wired digital data signals to each other and to a data unit, for use with first and second service wire pairs installed at least in part in walls within a building. The first service wire pair concurrently carries the first bi-directional wired digital data signal and a first service signal carried over a first service signal frequency band, using frequency division multiplexing. The first wired digital data signal is carried over a frequency band distinct from the first service signal frequency band. The second service wire pair concurrently carries a second bi-directional wired digital data signal and a second service signal carried over a second service signal frequency band, using frequency division multiplexing. The second wired digital data signal is carried over a frequency band distinct from the second service signal frequency band.

Abstract: A network for coupling at least one telephone service signal to at least one telephone device over a wiring. The network includes: a wiring having at least two conductors for carrying multiple time-domain multiplexed digitized voice channels; an exchange side device coupled to the wiring and operative to couple at least one telephone service signal to at least one digitized voice channel; and at least one subscriber side device coupled to the wiring and operative to couple the at least one telephone device to at least one digitized voice channel.

Abstract: In conjunction with a wiring in a house carrying data network signal, a modular outlet comprising of a base module and interface module. The base module connects to the wiring and attached to a wall. The interface module provides a data unit connection. The interface module is mechanically attached to the base module and electrically connected thereto. The wiring may also carry basic service signal such as telephone, electrical power and cable television (CATV). In such a case, the outlet will provide the relevant connectivity either as part of the base module or as part of the interface module. Both proprietary and industry standard interfaces can be used to interconnect the module. Furthermore, a standard computer expansion card (such as PCI, PCMCIA and alike) may be used as interface module.

Abstract: A local area network within a residence or other building, including both wired and non-wired segments. The wired segments are based on new or existing wires in the building, wherein access to the wires is provided by means of outlets, such as a telephone system, electrical power distribution system, or cable television wiring system. The non-wired segments are based on communication using propagated waves such as radio, sound, or light (e.g. infrared). The wired and non-wired segments interface in the outlet, using a module which serves as mediator between the segments. The module can be integrated into the outlet, partially housed in the outlet, or attached externally to the outlet. Such a network allows for integrated communication of data units connected by wires and data units connected without wires.

Abstract: A network for transporting power and multiplexed data and digital telephone signals. The network includes at least three nodes and first and second wiring segments in a building for carrying the multiplexed data and digital telephone signals, and at least one of the segments is configured to additionally carry a power signal. A power consuming component is connected to the at least one wiring segment and is powered by the power signal carried by that segment. Each wiring segment connects a different pair of the nodes together to form, with nodes nodes, a packet based bi-directional communication link. One of the nodes contains communication link composed of a repeater, a bridge, or a router connectable to a data unit. At least one of the nodes is connected to a remote data unit external to the building for coupling the remote data unit to at least one of said communication links.

Abstract: A serial intelligent cell (SIC) and a connection topology for local area networks using Electrically-conducting media. A local area network can be configured from a plurality of SIC's interconnected so that all communications between two adjacent SIC's is both point-to-point and bidirectional. Each SIC can be connected to one or more other SIC's to allow redundant communication paths. Communications in different areas of a SIC network are independent of one another, so that, unlike current bus topology and star topology, there is no fundamental limit on the size or extent of a SIC network. Each SIC can optionally be connected to one or more data terminals, computers, telephones, sensors, actuators, etc., to facilitate interconnectivity among such devices. Networks according to the present invention can be configured for a variety of applications, including a local telephone system, remote computer bus extender, multiplexers, PABX/PBX functionality, security systems, and local broadcasting services.

Abstract: A serial intelligent cell (SIC) and a connection topology for local area networks using Electrically-conducting media. A local area network can be configured from a plurality of SIC's interconnected so that all communications between two adjacent SIC's is both point-to-point and bidirectional. Each SIC can be connected to one or more other SIC's to allow redundant communication paths. Communications in different areas of a SIC network are independent of one another, so that, unlike current bus topology and star topology, there is no fundamental limit on the size or extent of a SIC network. Each SIC can optionally be connected to one or more data terminals, computers, telephones, sensors, actuators, etc., to facilitate interconnectivity among such devices. Networks according to the present invention can be configured for a variety of applications, including a local telephone system, remote computer bus extender, multiplexers, PABX/PBX functionality, security systems, and local broadcasting services.

Abstract: A local area network using the telephone wiring within a residence or other building simultaneously with telephony signals. The local area network uses high pass filters to access the high-frequency band across the media, whereas the standard telephone service uses low pass filters to access the low-frequency voice/analog telephony band across the same media. The electrically-conducting media connecting telephone/data outlets are split, or separated at each outlet and the outlets are modified to provide access to both ends of the resulting segments. The low pass filters at each segment end join the segments together, allowing analog telephony signals to travel throughout the network, thus supporting normal telephone service. The high pass filters at each segment end are connected to modems or other Data Communication Equipment, thus supporting data communication networks of various topologies, including point-to-point topologies.

Abstract: A system for providing DC power on local telephone lines, such as telephone lines in a building or office, for powering devices and circuitry associated with communications over those telephone lines, as well as other functions. Desired voltage and power levels are supplied over local telephone lines by separating the DC power component from the central office or private branch exchange with a DC blocking filter while passing all AC telephony signals. A distinct DC power is then imposed over the telephone line for powering both the telephony service as well as other loads. Conventional telephone off-hook detection is simulated for compatibility with the central office or private branch exchange. The functions required may be integrated, partially or fully within a telephone outlet.

Abstract: A local area network using the telephone wiring within a residence or other building simultaneously with telephony signals, with network outlets having telephone and data connectors allowing connection of Data Terminal Equipment to the network. The network outlets use high pass filters to access the high-frequency band across the media, whereas the standard telephone service uses low pass filters to access the low-frequency voice/analog telephony band across the same media. The high pass filters of the network outlets at each segment end are connected to modems or other Data Communication Equipment, thus supporting data communication networks of various topologies, including point-to-point topologies. The invention also contemplates a network outlet having a data interface connector for allowing connection of Data Terminal Equipment thereto and having a telephone connector for connecting a standard telephone thereto.

Abstract: A local area network using the telephone wiring within a residence or other building simultaneously with telephony signals. The local area network uses high pass filters to access the high-frequency band across the media, whereas the standard telephone service uses low pass filters to access the low-frequency voice/analog telephony band across the same media. The electrically-conducting media connecting telephone/data outlets are split, or separated at each outlet, and the outlets are modified to provide access to both ends of the resulting segments. The low pass filters at each segment end join the segments together, allowing analog telephony signals to travel throughout the network, thus supporting normal telephone service. The high pass filters at each segment end are connected to modems or other Data Communication Equipment, thus supporting data communication networks of various topologies, including point-to-point topologies.

Abstract: A local area network using the telephone wiring within a residence or other building simultaneously with telephony signals, with network outlets having telephone and data connectors allowing connection of Data Terminal Equipment to the network. The network outlets use high pass filters to access the high-frequency band across the media, whereas the standard telephone service uses low pass filters to access the low-frequency voice/analog telephony band across the same media. The high pass filters of the network outlets at each segment end are connected to modems or other Data Communication Equipment, thus supporting data communication networks of various topologies, including point-to-point topologies. The invention also contemplates a network outlet having a data interface connector for allowing connection of Data Terminal Equipment thereto and having a telephone connector for connecting a standard telephone thereto.

Abstract: A telephone outlet simultaneously supporting both standard telephony and data communications over telephone wiring within a residence or other building. The outlet typically contains a low pass filter, connected between the telephone wiring and the telephone connector pins used for telephony (e.g. pins 2 and 3 in typical North-American RJ-11 connectors). In addition, a direct, unfiltered connection to the telephone wiring is supported via two other unused pins (e.g. pins 1 and 6 in typical North American RJ-11 6-pin connectors), thus allowing the connection of modems and high pass filters for access to the high frequency portion of the spectrum for data communications. Benefits include easy and direct connection of a telephone set or data devices to the same outlet, and elimination of the need to modify the telephone with low-pass filters or to provide an external module with a low-pass filter in series with the telephone.

Abstract: A local area network using the telephone wiring within a residence or other building simultaneously with telephony signals, with network outlets having telephone and data connectors allowing connection of Data Terminal Equipment to the network. The network outlets use high pass filters to access the high-frequency band across the media, whereas the standard telephone service uses low pass filters to access the low-frequency voice/analog telephony band across the same media. The high pass filters of the network outlets at each segment end are connected to modems or other Data Communication Equipment, thus supporting data communication networks of various topologies, including point-to-point topologies. The invention also contemplates a network outlet having a data interface connector for allowing connection of Data Terminal Equipment thereto and having a telephone connector for connecting a standard telephone thereto.

Abstract: A serial intelligent cell (SIC) and a connection topology for local area networks using Electrically-conducting media. A local area network can be configured from a plurality of SIC's interconnected so that all communications between two adjacent SIC's is both point-to-point and bidirectional. Each SIC can be connected to one or more other SIC's to allow redundant communication paths. Communications in different areas of a SIC network are independent of one another, so that, unlike current bus topology and star topology, there is no fundamental limit on the size or extent of a SIC network. Each SIC can optionally be connected to one or more data terminals, computers, telephones, sensors, actuators, etc., to facilitate interconnectivity among such devices.