Apparatus and method for automatically reconfiguring, free space local area network systems
US5247381A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B10/1149
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Optical and electronic mechanisms for establishing bi-directional line-of-sight optical links between neighboring nodes to maintain continuous, error-free operation of a network are disclosed. The system provides operational status indication signals for operators and for data communication devices that are attached to nodes. The system provides decision-making logic systems to reconfigure the network path instantly and automatically to a hot standby path if an optical link between neighboring nodes becomes impaired. The system operates without a central controller and at the physical level of the Open System Interconnection reference model without modification to the Medium Access Control or Logical Link Control. Operation is transparent to all common network standards.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.