Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments consistent with the invention, a power line communication (PLC) bridge circuit, consistent with certain embodiments, has a first coupler that couples data signals to and from a main power line circuit. A second coupler couples data signals to and from a branch power line circuit, wherein the branch power line circuit is branched from the main power line circuit. A first communication transceiver is connected to the first coupler for transferring data signals to and from the first coupler. A second communication transceiver is connected to the second coupler for transferring data signals to and from the second coupler. A controller examines data signals from the first transceiver and determines if the data is destined for the second transceiver, so that data that is not destined for the second transceiver is considered local data.

Abstract: A method for determining the classification of a powered device, the method comprising: obtaining a first classification over a first power path; obtaining a second classification over a second power path; comparing the obtained first classification with the obtained second classification; and in the event the obtained first classification is different from the obtained second classification determining a combined classification as a decoded value of the obtained first classification and the obtained second classification.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: A power line communication (PLC) bridge circuit consistent with certain embodiments has a first coupler that couples data signals to and from the first power line circuit and a second coupler that couples data signals to and from the second power line circuit. The first and second power line circuits are fed AC power from separate legs of a distribution transformer, and share a single neutral connection. A first communication transceiver is connected to the first coupler for transferring data signals to and from the first coupler. A second communication transceiver is connected to the second coupler for transferring data signals to and from the second coupler. A controller examines data signals from the first transceiver and determines if the data is destined for the second transceiver, wherein data that is not destined for the second transceiver is considered local data.

Abstract: A powered patch panel (PPP) is disclosed that inserts power in mid-span regions of a network and provides fault-tolerance at the power supply level and the power-plane level. Information such as physical location, port status and policy enforcement information may be locally stored and utilized by a processor of the PPP to achieve network control and monitoring. A network management system and/or element management system may be provided to interface with processors of PPPs to achieve network monitoring, control and policy enforcement goals.

Abstract: A signal is received from a first portion of a power line via a connection to the power line and at least a portion of the signal is converted to a non-electrically conducting signal. The non-electrically conducting signal may be communicated to a non-electrically conductive communication path. In this manner, the non-electrically conducting signal may have properties that do not provide imminent danger from human contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system and method wherein a user equipment contains, or is provided with, a list of items of service-related information. The list of service-related information represents a list of service provider names, services and/or service types or the like. When intending to establish or modify a session or connection or use a service, the user equipment selects, in one of the embodiments, an item from the list and performs a DNS query to resolve the name of the selected item to an IP address which then is used for set-up. The list may be provided by an DHCP server or in a PDP context message. The list may comprise one or more service provider default names, in particular for visited and home networks.

Abstract: A premises, connected to receive broadband service(s) and also connected to a cable system, is provided with a broadband interface which connects to in-premises cabling which is coupled to consumer receivers such as a television sets, PDAs, laptops. Connected to the broadband interface is an adjunct device which channels broadband, data and voice signals supplied to an in-premises wireless system as distinguished from the signals supplied to the cable connected consumer receivers. The adjunct device formats the broadband and voice signals or any broadband service into packet format suitable for signal radiation and couples them to the in-premises coax cabling, via a diplexer, at a first selected location. At a second cable location a second diplexer, connected to the cable, separates the broadband, data and voice signals and couples them to a signal radiation device (i.e., an RF antenna or leaky coaxial cable) which radiates the signal to the immediate surrounding location.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating audio signals between an input device and an output device via a network. The output device can include loudspeakers and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel speaker, transmits audio signals to other output devices. In some embodiments, the output device is coupled to, or combined with, a speaker stand or speaker bracket. The network can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.

Abstract: A relatively low cost, easy to install and aesthetically pleasing cellular signal enhancer, also known as a wireless repeater, suitable for use in a home or business. The device includes a removable mounting pedestal that can be plugged into both an upper and a lower receptacle on a signal enhancer unit. This allows the signal enhancer unit to be installed with the same upright orientation when installed on an upper or a lower support surface, for example the bottom or top casing of a window frame. The mounting pedestal includes a power plug so that the mounting pedestal is removable and can be plugged into the upper or lower receptacles on the signal enhancer unit. Alternatively, the unit may include an orientation detector and an invertible display that inverts the symbols shown on the display in response to the detected orientation of the signal enhancer unit.

Abstract: An improved assembly (e.g., an integrated power cycler and terminal server) controls power and communications to a set of devices. The assembly includes a network port configured to connect to a network, a set of device ports configured to connect to the set of devices through a set of power cords, and a controller coupled to the network port and to the set of device ports. The controller is configured to (i) control delivery of power from a power source to the set of devices through the set of device ports and the set of power cords, and (ii) direct conveyance of communications from the network to the set of devices through the set of device ports and the set of power cords while power is delivered to the set of devices through the set of device ports and the set of power cords.

Abstract: A transmit and receive circuit for use in power line communication devices is provided. One embodiment of the circuit includes a receive channel with a first delay circuit coupled to a first switch having an open configuration and a closed configuration a first switch. The circuit also may include a transmit channel coupled to the receive channel at a node and including a second delay circuit coupled to a second switch having an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the switch of either channel is closed, the switch of the other channel is open. Data signals traversing either channel when that channel's switch is closed, are phase shifted approximately three hundred and sixty degrees and conducted back to the node.

Abstract: A data communications device includes a supervisory circuit, a power supply, and a power circuit. The power circuit includes a data communications port, a power supply connection coupled to the power supply, and a power controller coupled to the data communications port and the power supply connection. The power controller is configured to provide a power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port in response to communication with the supervisory circuit. Upon loss of communication with the supervisory circuit, the power controller is configured to selectively continue to provide the power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port when a local parameter has a first value, and discontinue providing the power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port when the local parameter has a second value.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling communication signal modulated radio frequency signals between an electrical power distribution line and the electrical power wiring at a customer's premises which includes a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic energy is inductively coupled to the distribution line and a second transceiver for receiving electromagnetic energy from, and transmitting electromagnetic energy to, the first transceiver. The second transceiver is coupled to the customer's power wiring to receive communication signals from, and to supply communication signals to, the customer's power wiring. The electrical power for the first transceiver can be supplied by inductive coupling to the power line and/or a battery, the battery being a back-up source when both inductive coupling and a battery are present.

Abstract: This invention presents a dual-mode wireless/wired power line communications that is used to carry signals with variable transmission data rates from 31.0 Mbps to 173.6 Mbps over a power line cable. The dual-mode wireless/wired power line communications can be seamlessly used either to connect with any wired devices over cable lines directly or to connect with any wireless devices without wires. This enables multiuser to access high-speed Internet over the wall power sockets, and to provide distribution of data and multiple data streams, such as voice over IP, audio and video, HDTV, throughout the home, office, hotel room or airport waiting area, and so on. On the other hand, using the dual-mode wireless/wired power line communications modem is to utilize the availability of an existing infrastructure of wires and wall outlets, thereby eliminating the requirements of new installation of power line cables.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system comprises the steps of: encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data; generating a ripple voltage at the encoded switch frequency by the switch mode power supply; conducting the generated ripple voltage over the power line of the system; coupling the ripple voltage from the power line; and decoding the data from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage.

Abstract: A communication apparatus 100 is equipped with, as plural communication sections capable of communicating with another communication apparatus over different transmission lines, a powerline communication section which performs a wired transmission using a powerline PL and a wireless communication section which performs a wireless transmission. The communication apparatus 100 causes at least one of the powerline communication section and the wireless communication section to perform a communication. If at least one of the powerline communication section and the wireless communication section is not to perform a communication, operation of that communication section is suspended.

Abstract: A system for receiving and processing signals received from a plurality of endpoints. Each endpoint includes an endpoint transmitter in electrical communication with a power distribution line within a power distribution system. The system comprises a power line coupler. A substation receiver is in electrical communication with the power line coupler. A substation circuit is in electrical communication with the substation transceiver. The substation circuit is configured to simultaneously demodulate signals received from the plurality of different endpoints.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a system for power distribution to network devices. The system includes a plurality of network switches each having an internal power supply and a plurality of ports for connecting to the network devices and an external power supply having a plurality of output ports for connecting to the network switches. The external power supply communicates power available to the network switches. Each network switch determines amounts and priority levels of power for the network devices connected thereto, sums together the amounts at each priority level, determines additional amounts and priority levels of power required beyond the is internal power supply capability, and sends a power request to the external power supply. The external power supply allocates power to the network switches depending on the power requests received.

Abstract: The fiber optic isolator of the present invention transports data signals between high voltage power lines and a communications interface device, bypassing a step down transformer to low voltage power. The communication interface device includes a low voltage power line as well as telecommunications and wireless interfaces. The signals are coupled and de-coupled off of a high voltage power line by a power line coupler. The fiber optic isolator gets the signals (in light form) and transports them to and from the communications interface device. This insulates the system from current flow between the high voltage power lines and the communications interface.

Abstract: A method for creating a secure powerline modem network transmits a private key (y) individually to each of the plurality of powerline modem devices (22) to be secured in a network such that each powerline modem device receives the private key in isolation of the network. Each of the plurality of powerline modem devices store the private key. A public key (X) is computed by a master device (32) in the network to be secured. The public key is transmitted from the master device to the plurality of devices. A shared key (Y) is computed at each of the plurality of powerline devices based on the public key and the private key, and communication within the secured network is performed by employing messages encrypted based on the shared key.

Abstract: It is a known fact that even information signals in the kilohertz and megahertz range can be transmitted via the bus systems of power transmission networks. The invention provides a method and a system for improving the transmission behavior by feeding the signals not to the bus of the power supply but at the end of an outgoing line or a bus bar trunking system facing away from the power feed. The connection to the telecommunication system is made via a PLC bus line (10), said bus line (10) being connected to the bus bar trunking systems/outgoing lines (2, 2?, . . . ) via PLC bus elements (12, 12?, . . . ).

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 powerline based network including a powerline, a Bluetooth access point connected to the powerline, and a remote Bluetooth module connected to the powerline capable of communicating with the access point via the powerline. The access point includes a plug for connection to an electrical outlet of the powerline, a Bluetooth communication module for transmitting and receiving wireless data signals, an external network interface for communicating with an external network, and a routing means for routing data signals via the powerline. The remote Bluetooth module includes a plug for connection to an electrical outlet of a powerline, a Bluetooth communication module for transmitting and receiving wireless data signals, and a routing means for routing data signals via the powerline.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50-60Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: A system for communicating content streams (i.e. voice, video, data) between a content server connected to a power-line communications network and a remote electronic device having ultra-wide band connectivity with an interface module. The interface module is a power-line communication/ultra-wide band (PLC/UWB) module preferably connected to a conventional power outlet upon the power-line network. The interface module converts the power-line signals from the server to ultra-wide band signals which are broadcast for reception by the wireless electronic device. Return communications with the server from the wireless electronic device are also preferably supported. The power-line communication and/or ultra-wide band signal can also be encrypted for improved security.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50–60 Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying power to communication devices operating within a Local Area Network (LAN) over LAN cabling, the communication devices including one or more powered devices adapted to receive power over the LAN cabling, the apparatus including a power supply which is adapted to receive power from an unregulated source and to provide therefrom regulated power. The apparatus further includes power distribution and control circuitry, which is adapted to identify the powered devices on the LAN, to receive the regulated power and to generate therefrom respective output voltages for supply to the powered devices. The apparatus is housed in a chassis which retains the power supply and the power distribution and control circuitry as a single module.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication system utilizing a radiating transmission line for communicating data signals is disclosed. The data signals convey digital data to remotely located data devices, including computers, equipment control systems and digital video cameras. The data signals have a wide bandwidth of about 0.5 MHz to 32 MHz. In this way, the communication system creates a local area network by means of the radiating communication line. The communication system is intended to be used in environments where radio waves do not propagate well, such as in underground environments, and in particular mines. The communication system comprises at least one amplifier connected to the radiating transmission line for periodically amplifying the data signals by demodulating the data signals to recover the data contained therein and then modulating the recovered data into a regenerated radio frequency at a power level permitting transmission and radiation of the regenerated radio frequency data signal.

Abstract: A power line communication MODEM includes a rectification circuit for converting an AC power source to a DC power source, a MODEM circuit to which a DC voltage is supplied from the rectification circuit, a USB connector connected to the MODEM circuit, and a signal overlapping circuit for overlapping a signal processed by the MODEM circuit with the AC power source, wherein the rectification circuit supplies the DC voltage to the USB connector.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing communication signals in a power-line communications system, which uses high-voltage or medium-voltage power lines as a transmission medium. Because communication signals are subject to attenuation as they traverse the power-lines over a long distance, they are repeated and amplified by repeaters along the power-lines. The repeated signals are caused to interfere among themselves because of the delay and overlap of signals. By optically or wirelessly conveying communication signals between two phase-lines, and repeating signals in a phase-line hopping fashion, the distance between two adjacent repeaters on any one phase-line can be significantly extended in order to reduce interference.

Abstract: From an electric pole outside to a cordless handset inside a building/facility, a communication line is established via an electric power line. At this point, it is judged whether or not electric power line communication is possible, and if electric power line communication is possible, the communication line between the cordless handset and a base unit is switched to an electric power line communication system, and a communication line is formed via an optical fiber cable from the electric power line. By measuring the communication quality levels of all lines of the wireless and electric power lines, the communication line having the highest communication quality level may be selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving RF signals for broadband communications using power lines as communication medium. A super-heterodyne structure is used to translate the signals from one frequency to another so as to avoid interference sources, which may corrupt the communication signals. In the heterodyne structure, a plurality of local oscillators are used to mix the local oscillator signals with the communication signals for frequency translation. A plurality of frequency filters are used to filtered out unwanted signals. The communication signals are imparted onto or received from the power lines via couplers operatively connected to modems.

Abstract: A data communications system including a local beacon (10; 9, 9?), on the one side ,being programmable and/or communicating with controlling and/or information communicating infrastructure means (16), for example a central service provider or the Internet and/or with one or more further local beacons and which, on the other side, contains for wireless communication with one or more end devices (17) located in its vicinity a transceiver combination or in special cases a transmitter only and which is located in or in place of a electric lighting equipment (1) is characterized in accordance with the invention in that the local beacon is provided with a smart cache and/or processing functionality for the data to be communicated wireless. The data communications system in accordance with the invention can be put to use for both communication and navigation by end device users.

Abstract: A data communications device includes a supervisory circuit, a power supply, and a power circuit. The power circuit includes a data communications port, a power supply connection coupled to the power supply, and a power controller coupled to the data communications port and the power supply connection. The power controller is configured to provide a power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port in response to communication with the supervisory circuit. Upon loss of communication with the supervisory circuit, the power controller is configured to selectively continue to provide the power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port when a local parameter has a first value, and discontinue providing the power signal from the power supply connection to the data communications port when the local parameter has a second value.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50-60 Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: Communications system in which at least certain mobile devices (1) are each able to be connected to a power supply network (4) via a connecting module (2), which connecting modules (2) comprise a power line communications module (21) by means of which said mobile devices (1) are able to communicate, via the said power supply network (4), with a visitor location register (5), which register is connected to the said, power supply network (4) via a power line communications module, user identifications (123) in particular, which are stored in an identification module (12), removably connected in each case to a mobile device (1), being transmitted by the mobile devices (1) via the said power supply network (4) to this power supply network visitor location register (5).

Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling a maximal bandwidth limit of one or more clients in a network connecting the clients to a remote point through a plurality of nodes. The method includes monitoring one or more parameters of the traffic through a first node of the network, determining whether the value of the one or more monitored parameters fulfills a predetermined condition, changing the maximal bandwidth limit of one or more clients of the network, responsive to a determination that the value of the one or more parameters fulfills the condition and imposing the maximal bandwidth on the one or more clients by a second node of the network different from the first node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving RF signals for broadband communications using power lines as communication medium. A super-heterodyne structure is used to translate the signals from one frequency to another so as to avoid interference sources, which may corrupt the communication signals. In the heterodyne structure, a plurality of local oscillators are used to mix the local oscillator signals with the communication signals for frequency translation. A plurality of frequency filters are used to filtered out unwanted signals. The communication signals are imparted onto or received from the power lines via couplers operatively connected to modems.

Abstract: A wire transmitting facility includes a network access device for accessing into network systems, and a transmitting device having an electric power supplier and an electric wire transmitting integrated circuit coupled between an electric power supply and the network access device. The electric power supplier may convert the received electric power to energize both the network access device and the electric wire transmitting integrated circuit. The transmitting integrated circuit includes a coupler for communicating with electric lines of family housings or buildings. via a wire transmitting facility.

Abstract: A device configured to draw current from one of a PSTN source and a battery source depending on a mode of operation of the device is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a circuit that is configured to draw current from the PSTN source during a first condition and from the battery source during a second condition. Preferably, the circuit is defaulted to draw current from the battery source. The first condition can be associated with an off-hook condition. The second condition can be associated with an on-hook condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling signals to a transmission line, such as a power line (120). The apparatus comprises an input for receiving a wanted signal; a first coupler for coupling the wanted signal (Vmain) onto the line at a first position (Y); a cancelling means (WB, WR, WY), coupled to the input, for deriving a cancelling signal (Vaux) from the wanted signal; a second coupler for coupling the cancelling signal onto the line at a second position (X), spaced from the first position; wherein the wanted signal and the cancelling signal destructively combine in a single direction of propagation along the line while enabling the wanted signal to propagate in the other direction along the line. The apparatus can be used to minimise radiation from an unshielded part of an electricity distribution network, such as substation (100), or to allow re-use of a frequency band on other power lines.

Abstract: A system for communicating signals and data without the need for continuous telephone lines is described. This system provides a base unit connected to incoming signals, such as cable, satellite, PCS, cellular, fiber optics, XDSL, ISDN, etc, one or more extension units connected to the users telephone or electronics equipment and a communication link between the base unit and the one or more extension units. The preferred communication link employs a combination of an A/C power line carrier and a wireless RF channel. This system provides for the communication signals from a variety of sources through out a building or office without requiring either dedicated telephone lines or the availability of AC power outlets near the user's telephone extension equipment. This invention, in its preferred embodiments, is specifically adapted to meet the technical requirements of A/C power line communications, while taking advantage of RF communication within buildings or facilities.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating information between subscribers over power transmission lines which normally convey electrical power to a plurality of diverse electrical sites for providing electrical power to electrical devices disposed at these diverse electrical sites. The subscribers on the communication network are located at these electrical sites. The electrical power conveyed over the power transmission lines is in the form of electromagnetic radiation which has an electrical field component and an associated magnetic field component. The information, such as telephonic voice communication or other data, is transmitted in the magnetic field component of the electromagnetic radiation carried over the power transmission line, such as by exciting the field with a MASER, in order to enable communication between the subscribers at the various electrical sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for providing communications through power lines that are communicatively coupled to an electrical distribution network infrastructure and to the internal wiring of at least one customer premises having one or more communication devices therein. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a coupler configured to be coupled to the electrical distribution network infrastructure, a modem in communication with the coupler to communicate data through the power lines; and a wireless transceiver in communication with said modem. In some embodiments, the electrical distribution network infrastructure may be a structure that uses electricity, such as a street light.

Abstract: When power is supplied from a power transmitting side device 1, a FET 103 is turned ON and +12V direct current of a power source 101 is supplied to respective power receiving side devices. When transmission data is transmitted from the power transmitting side device 1, +5V direct current of a power source 201-1 is supplied to a terminal a, and a transistor 104 is turned ON/OFF due to a pulse-like voltage change of the transmission data, whereby the transmission data becomes a pulse-like 0V+5V output waveform, and is output to the respective power receiving side devices. When the power transmitting side device 1 receives reply data from the power receiving side device, the power receiving side device changes a voltage to a 3.5V+5V pulse as reply data. A photocoupler 105 detects the voltage change, whereby the power transmitting side device 1 receives the reply data from the power receiving side device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for providing communications through power lines comprised of multiple conductors by transmitting the data signals through a plurality of the conductors. One embodiment of the present invention may be comprised of a transmit circuit communicatively coupled to a first energized conductor for applying a first voltage signal representing the data to the first energized conductor; the transmit circuit being communicatively coupled to a second energized conductor for applying a second voltage signal representing the data to the second energized conductor; and wherein the second voltage signal is opposite in polarity to said first voltage signal.

Abstract: A radio system for use in a building within a range of an over-the-air radio broadcast timing signal that indicates a reference time includes a central radio device located at the building and having a radio receiver configured to receive the timing signal. The central radio device produces an output signal based on the timing signal. Each appliance has a clock, and receives the output signal. Each appliance sets the clock based on the central radio device output signal.