Abstract: Management and control of distribution of multiple, simultaneously occurring audio and video data content streams in a communications network, as well as of the bandwidth used for distributing the content of the network, is performed at a master content server module to provide that content source and content rendering client devices operate in unison. Distribution of content is managed to economize use of network bandwidth and maximize network performance to provide that enhanced features associated with content distribution can be readily made available with the content at the client devices.

Abstract: Data throughput rate in a power line communications (“PLC”) system is controlled by generating PLC carrier signals in accordance with a PLC signal frame structure containing payload symbols where the payload symbol length is selected based on at least one of a PLC system channel quality and node configuration data. The selected payload symbol length determines the processing operations that a source PLC transceiver performs for generating PLC signals or that a destination PLC transceiver performs for extracting information content from received PLC signals. The payload symbol lengths can be selected to maximize the data throughput rate while maintaining compatibility with prior art PLC system protocols and standards that require a PLC signal frame structure and its payload portion to have fixed, predetermined lengths.

Abstract: A communications network interface system allows two independent communications networks to communicate with each other. The interface system provides that similar processing and control blocks required for interfacing with the respective networks are combined into a single, re-configurable and controllable processing module whose processing operations are controlled depending upon the network to or from which a communications signal is transmitted or received.

Abstract: In one embodiment of this invention, identical communicating node elements are constructed and placed throughout a power delivery network. Each of these node elements supplies features and options that facilitate peer-to-peer communications, data and service aggregation, propagated interfaces and distributed computational power. The network of interacting node elements, built with a common architecture, gives the power delivery network advanced capabilities for utilities and customers. These advanced capabilities include self-healing, highly secure communications, real-time interactions between any devices, and so on.

Abstract: One embodiment of this invention is an OFDM PLC transceiver ASIC built with one or more MCU's (optional), DSP's and hardwired logic blocks, based on this architecture, that would be used for in-home, MDU and access applications having three separate program loads. Once the program has completed loading, the transceiver would operate and meet all the requirements (technical and regulatory standards) for that application segment.

Abstract: Data throughput rate in a power line communications (“PLC”) system is controlled by generating PLC carrier signals in accordance with a PLC signal frame structure containing payload symbols where orders of modulation are selected for the individual PLC carriers based on evaluation of at least one of a PLC system channel quality and node configuration data. The selected orders of modulation determine the processing operations that a source PLC transceiver performs for generating PLC signals or that a destination PLC transceiver performs for extracting information content from received PLC signals. The orders of modulation can be selected to maximize the data throughput rate while maintaining compatibility with prior art PLC system protocols and standards that require a PLC signal frame structure and its payload portion to have fixed, predetermined lengths.

Abstract: Power line communications (“PLC”) technology components are included within a remote, isolated electric power generating system to provide that a single facility supplies electric power and high speed, broadband data communications access services over the same electric power network. The costs of deploying high speed, broadband data communications services in a remote, isolated community are reduced because minimal additional hardware and maintenance operations are required. The PLC technology permits a service provider to monitor and control electric power plant operating and security conditions and to obtain customer billing information concerning electric power consumption and high speed, broadband access services usage from a remote location via broadband data communication signals exchanged with the plant, thereby reducing operating costs and improving operating efficiencies.