Local area network of serial intelligent cells
View Patent ↗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 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.
1. A method carried out in a device that is coupled to first and second wirings, the device including a single enclosure housing first and second transceivers, a transformer, and a device power supply, the method comprising:
carrying out a first full-duplex serial data communication over the first wiring that simultaneously carries DC power and first data signals, the first full-duplex serial data communication enabled by the first transceiver;
carrying out a second full-duplex serial data communication over the second wiring, the second full-duplex serial data communication enabled by the second transceiver;
employing the transformer to pass only first data signals between the first wiring and the first transceiver;
feeding power to the device power supply from a source external to the single enclosure, the device power supply coupled to the first and second transceivers to power the first and second transceivers;
providing the DC power from the device power supply, via a center-tap of the transformer, onto the first wiring; and
storing an address associated with the device that enables network communications to be addressed to the device.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the DC power and data are carried over same wire pairs in the first wiring.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the address associated with the device is a manually assigned address.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the address associated with the device is an automatically assigned address.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the address associated with the device is assigned by a unit communicating with the device.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the network is a local area network and the device is addressable in the local area network.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein communication over the first wiring is independent of communication over the second wiring.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the address associated with the device is assigned by a unit coupled to the second wiring.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the local area network is an Ethernet network.