Abstract: A universal gateway that allows data to be transferred between one or more network protocols and one or more control protocols is described. The various protocols can coexist on the same physical network medium or on separate networks. The gateway also provides tunneling of network protocols through a selected protocol, and centralized control of network nodes. By using the gateway, end-users can mesh together traditionally standalone, incompatible, networks into a universally accessible, centrally administered, “super-network.” The gateway provides a centralized node database, support for legacy protocols, a rules engine, and an object-oriented class library interface. Configuration is simplified through automatic device discovery. The centralized node database is managed by an active server node. High reliability access to the centralized node database is enhanced by the system fault tolerance provided by standby server nodes.

Abstract: A scalable networking protocol that allows multiple nodes to communicate via a common data/control channel is described. The networking protocol allows any node on the network to assign itself as the active network server. The active network server polls client nodes based on a lineup card. Inactive nodes are automatically removed from the lineup card, thus reducing unnecessary polling traffic. This architecture reduces collisions while preserving bandwidth for actual data transmission. Support for both control and data networking needs is provided by the protocol. Support for streaming data or asynchronous data is provided by allocating time slots on the network and allowing two intelligent nodes to talk directly to each other as arbitrated by the active network server. The active network server can also allocate separate data channels such that large amounts of data traffic can flow independently of the operations of the main network.

Abstract: A modular feed-though adapter that allows an electrical connection to a power line network adapter without “using up” an electrical outlet is described. In one embodiment, the modular feed-through adapter also provides noise filtering to protect electrical equipment plugged into the feed-through outlet. The noise filtering also protects the power line network data signals from noise generated by the devices plugged into the feed-through adapter. In one embodiment, the network connections provided by the feed-through adapter are low voltage connections, thus allowing the network connections from the feed-through adapter to be safely plugged directly into low-voltage equipment such as computer network cards and the like. In one embodiment, the modular adapter includes a balun to couple network data signals to the power line.