Patent · US Expired

Local area network of serial intelligent cells

US6480510B1 · kind B1 · utility

281Cited by
23References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 28, 1998
Grant dateNov 12, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 28, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S370/908
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A serial intelligent cell (SIC) and a connection topology for local area networks using Electrically-conducting media. A local area network can be configured from a plurality of SIC's interconnected so that all communications between two adjacent SIC's is both point-to-point and bidirectional. Each SIC can be connected to one or more other SIC's to allow redundant communication paths. Communications in different areas of a SIC network are independent of one another, so that, unlike current bus topology and star topology, there is no fundamental limit on the size or extent of a SIC network. Each SIC can optionally be connected to one or more data terminals, computers, telephones, sensors, actuators, etc., to facilitate interconnectivity among such devices. Networks according to the present invention can be configured for a variety of applications, including a local telephone system, remote computer bus extender, multiplexers, PABX/PBX functionality, security systems, and local broadcasting services. The network can use dedicated wiring, as well as existing wiring as the in-house telephone or electrical wiring.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.