Outlet add-on module
View Patent ↗A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing service outlet (e.g. LAN, telephone, power or CATV outlet) in a house by adding functionality thereto. The functionality is added by an add-on module, connected electrically and secured mechanically to the existing outlet. Several attachment devices are exampled, including surface attachment, side clamping, snap locking, strap securing and fastening screws. The add-on module may include a service connector for retaining the basic existing outlet function. The module may be attached in a permanent way or by using a detachable solution.
1. A module for configuring a local area network in a building, the network including a service outlet and a service wiring, the wiring simultaneously carrying service and data signals, the module comprising:
a wiring connector for electrically connecting said module to the service wiring via the service outlet;
a high pass filter coupled to said wiring connector and having a data signal port operative to pass only the data signal;
a modem coupled to said data signal port for data signal communication with the service wiring;
a data interface connector coupled to said modem for connecting to a data unit; and
a mechanical attachment spaced apart from the wiring connector for mechanically attaching to the service outlet.
2. The module according to claim 1 , further comprising a service connector coupled to said wiring connector and operative for connecting a service unit to the service signal.
3. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the service is one out of telephony, AC power and CATV.
4. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical attachment is operative to attach to the outlet front surface.
5. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical attachment is operative to attach to side surfaces of the outlet.
6. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical attachment includes a tab operative to be inserted between the outlet and the wall.
7. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical attachment includes one or more screws operative to be screwed to the outlet.
8. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical attachment includes a band operative to be strapped to the outlet.
9. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical attachment is operative to attach the module to the outlet permanently.
10. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical attachment is operative to attach the module to the outlet releasably.
11. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical attachment uses one out of magnet, suction, adhesives, pressure and “hook and loop” fasteners.
12. The module according to claim 1 , further comprising a connector for connecting to a local power supply for powering said modem.
13. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the wiring carry a power signal, and the module further comprising a coupling unit for coupling to the power signal for powering said modem.
14. The module according to claim 1 , further comprising a coupling unit for coupling to a data unit for supplying power for powering said modem.
15. The module according to claim 1 , wherein said mechanical attachment is detachable by a user from the service outlet.
16. The module according to claim 15 , wherein said mechanical attachment is accessible to the user to allow the user to detach said mechanical attachment from the service outlet.
17. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the service wiring is one of AC power wiring and CATV wiring and said wiring connector is one of a power wiring connector and a CATV wiring connector.
18. A kit comprising: a module for configuring a local area network in a building, the network including a service outlet and a service wiring, the wiring being connected for simultaneously carrying service and data signals; and an adapter,
said module comprising:
a wiring connector for electrically connecting said module to the service wiring via the service outlet;
a high pass filter coupled to said wiring connector and having a data signal port operative to pass only the data signal;
a modem coupled to said data signal port for data signal communication with the service wiring; and
a data interface connector coupled to said modem for connecting to a data unit, and
said adapter comprising:
a first mechanical attachment attachable to the service outlet; and
a second mechanical attachment to which said module is attachable for securing said module to the service outlet.
19. The kit of claim 18 , wherein said second mechanical attachment comprises at least two snap-fit connectors engageable with said module.