Patent ID: 8386202
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: H04B,H04L

Abstract:
1. A communication device configured for connection of one or more household electrical appliances to a remote service center offering remote assistance and preventive maintenance services for said one or more household electrical appliances, the communication device comprising: at least one control unit, first electric connection means for connection of the communication device to an alternating voltage electric mains network having a mains alternating voltage, second electric connection means for providing the mains alternating voltage to a power supply line or cable belonging to a first electric appliance of the one or more household electric appliances, first communication means operatively connected to the at least one control unit and prearranged for receiving information generated by said first electric appliance and transmitted over said power supply line, the first communication means comprising: second communication means operatively connected to the control unit and prearranged for establishing a connection with a local area network, third communication means operatively connected to the control unit and prearranged for establishing a connection with a further communication network that is different from said local area network and adapted for communication with the remote service center, the control unit being prearranged for acquiring, by means of the first communication means, first information generated by said first electric appliance and transmitted by means of said power supply line or cable and/or second information regarding electric energy consumptions associated with operation of said first electric appliance, acquiring, by means of the second communication means, third information available on said local area network, and transmitting to said remote center, by means of the third communication means, at least one of the first information, the second information, and the third information.