Abstract: In one embodiment, a particular node in a shared media computer network may determine a set of network parameters for the network, and a timing of super-frames in the network, each super-frame having one or more frames, each frame divided into a plurality of timeslots. In addition, the particular node computes a discovery scheduling function using its own identification to determine in which particular timeslot of the frames to transmit a network discovery packet. Accordingly, the particular node may transmit the network discovery packet in the particular timeslot of the frames. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the particular node may receive a network discovery request from a requesting node. In response, the particular node determines whether it is free to reply to the network discovery request based on parameters in the network discovery request, and if free to reply, may transmit a network discovery packet to the requesting node.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a policy coordination device receives soft policies from a plurality of localized energy consumption control devices, and examines the received soft policies to determine corresponding energy consumption. From this, the policy coordination device creates a global policy to reduce overall peak energy consumption between the received soft policies. As such, the policy coordination device transmits corresponding policy control commands to one or more of the plurality of localized energy consumption control devices based on the global policy. In another embodiment, a particular localized energy consumption control device discloses its soft policies and in response, receives a policy control command from the policy coordination device to control operation of one or more energy consuming devices (within soft limits of the soft policies) based on the global policy.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a particular node in a shared media computer network may determine a set of network parameters for the network, and a timing of super-frames in the network, each super-frame having one or more frames, each frame divided into a plurality of timeslots. In addition, the particular node computes a discovery scheduling function using its own identification to determine in which particular timeslot of the frames to transmit a network discovery packet. Accordingly, the particular node may transmit the network discovery packet in the particular timeslot of the frames. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the particular node may receive a network discovery request from a requesting node. In response, the particular node determines whether it is free to reply to the network discovery request based on parameters in the network discovery request, and if free to reply, may transmit a network discovery packet to the requesting node.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a policy coordination device receives soft policies from a plurality of localized energy consumption control devices, and examines the received soft policies to determine corresponding energy consumption. From this, the policy coordination device creates a global policy to reduce overall peak energy consumption between the received soft policies. As such, the policy coordination device transmits corresponding policy control commands to one or more of the plurality of localized energy consumption control devices based on the global policy. In another embodiment, a particular localized energy consumption control device discloses its soft policies and in response, receives a policy control command from the policy coordination device to control operation of one or more energy consuming devices (within soft limits of the soft policies) based on the global policy.

Abstract: A circuit module includes one or a plurality of semiconductor parts, a substrate having the semiconductor parts mounted thereon, and terminals arranged on an outer periphery of the substrate along a plurality of sides of said substrate. The circuit module is connected to a board of a computer by plugging the terminals into corresponding terminal holes, so that the terminals are used in common for providing electrical connection and mechanical connection with the board of the computer.