Patent ID: 7644299
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: G06Q,G07C,H04L

Abstract:
1. A security system, comprising: a host system, the host system comprising: a plurality of master controllers, each master controller having a plurality of communication ports; and a plurality of sub-controllers, each sub-controller comprising a plurality of communication ports, each sub-controller being assigned to a specific master controller and having designated alternate master controllers assigned for backup communication; the host system, plurality of master controllers and sub-controllers all being coupled by a network in communication with the communication ports; wherein the plurality of master controllers comprise a first master controller and at least a second master controller; wherein the plurality of sub-controllers comprise a first sub-controller and at least a second sub-controller; and wherein the plurality of communication ports comprise a primary communication port and at least a secondary communication port on each of the master controllers and sub-controllers, wherein the first master controller is assigned to a first sub-controller and communicates with the first sub-controller via primary communication ports, and wherein the second master controller communicates with the second sub-controller via primary communication ports, and the primary and secondary communication ports are each configured to incorporate different communication modalities from the communication modalities of the primary communication ports, pre-selected secondary communication ports assuming communication between designated master controllers and sub-controllers upon the malfunction of a primary communication port; and the primary communication ports and the secondary communication ports are configured to incorporate a communication modality selected from the group consisting of a LAN, wireless, wireless LAN, and power over Ethernet.