Patent ID: 8755946
Filing Date: 2014-06-17
Classification: H02J,H04L,Y02A,Y02B,Y02D,Y04S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for providing voice and data communication within a premises and monitoring and control of power usage of one or more appliances therein, comprising: a communication enabled power switch unit (ETH) connected to a power distribution line, said ETH is configured for monitoring, collection, and control of power usage of appliances connected through said ETH, via a power plug having a noise filter, to said power distribution line; said ETH comprising a first broad band communication module under control of a first CPU; said first broadband communication module coupled to the power line distribution via a first filter coupler that is a band pass filter enabled to pass broad band inputs between said first broad band communication module and the power distribution line; the apparatus further comprising: a master unit (MST) connected to said power distribution line, said MST in communication with said ETH via said power distribution line and configured for collection and compilation of power usage information from said ETH; said MST comprising a second broadband communication module under control of a second CPU; said second broadband communication module coupled to the power line distribution via a second filter coupler that is a band pass filter enabled to pass broad band inputs between the second broadband communication module and the power distribution line; said MST further configured as a communication gateway to a wide area network (WAN) for a local area network (LAN); wherein said MST and said ETH are configured for voice, data communication, and streaming media delivery using broad band transfer over said power distribution line, using the broad band communication modules that are coupled to the power distribution line by the first filter coupler and the second filter coupler that act as pass filters for the broadband frequency; wherein said MST is further configured for a narrowband transfer of collected power usage and control information over said power distribution line, using a communication module coupled to said power distribution line using a third filter coupler that is a bandpass filter for the narrow band frequency used for said transfer of said collected power usage and control information; wherein a particular ETH monitors power usage for a particular individual appliance of the one or more appliances and sends corresponding power usage information to said MST; wherein said collected and compiled power usage information is applied either by said ETH when controlling said particular individual appliance from within said LAN or remotely from said WAN through said communication gateway via said MST.