MODULAR OUTLET

In conjunction with a wiring in a house carrying data network signal, a modular outlet includes a base module and interface module. The base module connects to the wiring and is attached to the surface of a building. The interface module provides a data unit connection. The interface module is mechanically attached to the base module and electrically connected thereto. The wiring may also carry basic service signal such as telephone, electrical power and cable television (CATV). In such a case, the outlet provides the relevant connectivity either as part of the base module or as part of the interface module. Both proprietary and industry standard interfaces can be used to interconnect the module. Furthermore, a standard computer expansion card (such as PCI, PCMCIA and alike) may be used as interface module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of a network according to the present invention may be understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The drawings and descriptions are conceptual only. In actual practice, a single component can implement one or more functions; alternatively, each function can be implemented by a plurality of components and circuits. In the drawings and descriptions, identical reference numerals indicate those components that are common to different embodiments or configurations.

Home Network Based Outlet.

A general functional schematic block diagram of an outlet50typically used in home network environment is shown inFIG. 3. The outlet50facilitates a data network over in-house wiring simultaneously with the basic service for which the wiring was originally installed to support. Non-limiting examples are telephone outlet connected to the telephone wiring to support telephone service, power outlet connected to the power wiring to support AC power distribution and CATV outlet connected to the CATV cabling to support CATV distribution. The outlet connects to the wiring via connector51. Since in most cases the outlet50is required to retain the basic service (being telephony, AC power or CATV) added to data networking functionality, the outlet50embed a service connector53used to provide the original service. A data/service splitter/combiner52is used to separate (and combine) the basic service signal carried over the wiring from the data signal. For example, in the case wherein the data and the service each signals use a different frequency spectrum over the wiring (FDM—Frequency Division Multiplexing), the splitter/combiner52will use a first filter to isolate the service signal spectrum and to couple it to service connector53as well as a second filter to isolate the data signal spectrum and to feed it to medium modem54. Similarly, the service and data signals are combined by the splitter/combiner52and fed to the wiring via connector51. In some implementations, the technology enables a direct connection of the medium modem54and the service connector53, thus obviating the need for the data/service splitter/combiner52, and both the medium modem54and the service connector53are directly connected to the wiring connector51. Medium modem54functions to transmit and receive data over the wiring. In the case of a power outlet, the medium modem54enables carrying data over the powerlines. Similarly, the medium modem54enables carrying data over the telephone wiring in the case of telephone outlet and over the CATV cables in the case of CATV outlet. In most cases, the modem54, working together with the splitter/combiner52, is optimized neither to interfere with the basic service signal carried over the wiring nor to be interfered by it.

The outlet50provides access to the data carried over the in-house wiring via outlet integrated interface, comprising data connector58and interface adapter56. Interface adapter56functions to include all circuitry required in order to support the required interface when connected to the data network, while the actual physical connection uses interface connector58. In general, any serial or parallel data interface may be used. However, in most cases, the data interface supported as well as the connector58will adhere to a common standard data interface. Examples of such digital data interfaces are IEEE802.3-2002 10/100/1000 BaseT, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE1284-1994, EIA/TIA-232, IEEE1394-1995 as well as others. Furthermore, the interface supported by the outlet50through connector58may also be of analog type rather than the digital type described. Some examples are:1. Analog video interface. The outlet may be used to input analog video, output analog video or both. It should be noted that this video is to be distinguished from the CATV video signal carries as basic service, but rather involves a video signal carried in digital form as part of the data network formed. An outlet supporting an analog video interface is described in WO 03/039150 entitled: “OUTLET WITH ANALOG SIGNAL ADAPTER, A METHOD FOR USE THEREOF AND A NETWORK USING SAID OUTLET” to the present inventor and assignee. In such an outlet, the interface adapter56comprises Analog to Digital (A/D) or Digital to Analog (D/A) converters as appropriate.2. Analog voice (audio) interface. The outlet may be used to input analog voice, output analog voice or both. It should be noted that this voice is to be distinguished from the telephony signal carried as basic service, but rather involves a voice signal carried in digital form as part of the data network formed. In such an outlet, the interface adapter56comprises Analog to Digital (A/D) or Digital to Analog (D/A) converters as appropriate.3. Telephone interface. The outlet may be used to connect to a telephone device. It should be noted that this telephone signal is to be distinguished from the telephone signal carried as basic service, but rather involves a telephone signal carried in digital form as part of the data network formed. An outlet supporting telephone interface is described in WO 03/005691 entitled: “TELEPHONE OUTLET WITH PACKET TELEPHONY ADAPTER, AND A NETWORK USING SAME” to the present inventor and assignee. In such an outlet, the interface adapter56comprises Analog to Digital (A/D) or Digital to Analog (D/A) converters as appropriate.

In the basic scenario, interface adapter56can be directly connected to the medium modem54, allowing signal flow from a unit connected to the outlet via connector58and interface adapter56to the wiring via the wiring connector51through the medium modem54and the splitter/combiner52. In such cases, hub55and management57are not required.

In a managed data network environment, it would be beneficial to include part or all of the network management functionalities into the outlet50. For example, addressing means may be integrated into the outlet in order to allow the outlet to be remotely referenced. In yet another example, QoS (Quality of Service) tools are embedded into the outlet for measuring the service. Outlet integrated network management functionalities may comprise or support:1. Performance management. Measure and track network variables such as throughput, response time and line utilization.2. Configuration management. Monitor and change configuration information to track the affects of software and hardware elements.3. Accounting management. Measure utilization so that use of network resources can be tracked and regulated.4. Fault management. Detect, log, notify users of problems relating to the network running effectively.5. Security management. Control access to network resources.

The network management functionalities are supported by the optional management/processing unit57. Management functionalities may also include local—on outlet—visual indicators. The management/processing unit57is coupled to all relevant functions in the outlet such as medium modem54, hub55and interface adapter56.

An optional multi-port unit (hub)55, identical to hub11described above, may be used in order to mediate the multiple data streams in the outlet. Basically, the hub55mediates between the data stream associated with the external data device connected via connector58and interface adapter56and the network formed over the wiring via medium modem54.

A telephone outlet60is shown inFIG. 4as a non-limiting example of outlet50. The outlet60is based on HomePNA-based network40described above inFIG. 3. Connector61, associated with connector51of outlet50, is used to connect to the in-house telephone wiring. Splitter/combiner52of general outlet50are implemented by a set of Low Pass Filter (LPF)62and High Pass Filter (HPF)65, which are respectively equivalent to LPF37and HPF38of network40. Similarly, the medium modem54of general outlet50is implemented by PNC (phonelines carrier) modem64. Connector63is a standard telephone connector (e.g. RJ-11 in North America) representing general service connector53of general outlet50.

Similarly, an example of powerline outlet70is shown inFIG. 5. The outlet comprises power connector73retaining the original AC power device, wiring connector71to connect to the AC power wiring and PLC modem74(identical to PLC82above). In this example, no separation is required between the wiring, the PLC modem74and the power connection73, hence splitter/combiner52of the general outlet50is not required. Some PLC modem74implementations may still require such separation device.

Another example of the general outlet50is the CATV outlet80shown inFIG. 6. Connector81provides the connection to the coaxial cable, and the CATV service is retained via RF connector83. A coax modem84is used as the medium modem54. In most cases the data network uses one of the video channels carried over the coaxial cable, the splitter/combiner52is implemented by BPF82, and the connector83is directly connected to the wiring connector81.

The current invention teaches a network-based outlet whose functions are partitioned into two distinct parts in a modular approach. The first part of the outlet is referred to herein as a ‘base module’ and consists of a mechanical structure which is mechanically attached to the wall and connects to the in-wall wiring in the same way as applied to a typical outlet. The second part of the outlet, referred to herein as an ‘interface module’ allows for access to the data network, and is mechanically secured to the base module. The electrical connection between the modules makes use of a pair of mating connectors. The base module is installed in the same way as outlets are known to be installed, requiring the same skill-set and know-how. However, the interface module is attached to the base module in a quick, hassle-free, non-professional and simple process, hence allowing a typical consumer to execute ‘Do-It-Yourself’ installation.

The functions included in such an outlet are partitioned between the base and the interface modules. Various partitions may apply, as will be described hereinafter. For the sake of simplicity, the following examples will be applied to a telephone outlet

Partition A

A first partition according to the invention, referred to as ‘partition A’, is shown by partition A denoted by a partition line90inFIG. 7. In partition A, the partition line90is inserted between the wiring connector51and the splitter/combiner52of outlet50. A general outlet100implementing partition A is shown inFIG. 8. Outlet100comprises base module100aand interface module100b.The two modules are connected by mating connectors101and102, integrated within base module100aand interface module100brespectively. In this configuration, all the active components and functionalities of the outlet50are included in the interface module100b,while the base module100acomprises the wiring connector51and an interface connector101, being directly connected to each other. It should be noted that said connectors are distinct, wherein connector51is used for connecting to the wiring and the interface connector101is used for connecting to a mating connector102of the interface module100b.In some implementations, base module100amay also comprise protection devices (e.g. power surge or lightning protection).

Outlet110shown inFIG. 9is an example of implementing partition A in telephone outlet60. Outlet110comprises a base module110aand interface module110b,corresponding to the base module100aof the general outlet100and to the interface module100b,respectively. Similarly, mating connectors111and112are used to interconnect the modules, respectively corresponding to connectors101and102of outlet100.

A non limiting example of a pictorial view of outlet110is shown inFIGS. 10athrough11.FIG. 10aillustrates a front view of the base module110aand the interface module110b.Screw holes113aand113bserve as a first mount for securing a casing114of the base module110ato the outlet cavity, as usually used for attaching outlets to a wall in North America. Base module110acomprises side rails115aand115b,into which the interface module110bslides, and which serve as a second mount for mechanically attaching the interface module110bto the base module110a.Upon securing the interface module110bwithin the rails, contact is made between connector111in the base module110aand the mating connector112shown inFIG. 10b. RJ-11 telephone connector common in North America is shown as connector63and RJ-45 data connector used in Ethernet 10/100/1000 BaseT networks is shown as connector58, both comprise part of the interface module110b.FIG. 10bshows the rear view of the two mating modules. Screw type connector61is shown, used to connect the telephone wire pair116to the base module110a.A complete outlet110comprising both modules attached mechanically and connected electrically is shown inFIG. 11.

For the sake of brevity, the above example of partition A is demonstrated relating only to telephone outlet60. However, it should be noted that the partition can be equally applied to power outlet70and CATV outlet80.

Partition A uses simple and cheap wiring-only base module100a,while all the outlet functionalities are included in the interface module100b.As such, the user has full flexibility to change and upgrade either the data network related functions (such as the medium modem54) or the interface related functions (such as interface connector58and the related interface adapter56) or both. Such upgrade will not require any change or modification of the base module100a.

Partition B

In most cases the network-based outlet is required to retain the basic service, being telephone, power or CATV. In partition A configuration, the basic service can be accessed only as part as the interface module. Hence the base module cannot be used a stand-alone unit, but rather must always be accompanied and used as a set with the interface module. As such, outlets not used as part of the network must also include data networking functionalities, thus requiring always use of complex and expensive outlets.

Partition B is shown as partition line120inFIG. 12. In this configuration, the partition affects the connection between the splitter/combiner52to the medium modem54. General outlet130described inFIG. 13implements partition B and comprises base module130aand interface module130b.The two modules use the mating connectors131and132for interconnection, respectively housed as part of the base module130aand the interface module130b.The service connector53is part of the base module130a,hence allowing for the basic service function even in the case wherein only the base module130ais installed. In the case wherein the splitter/combiner52is not implemented, the base module consists only of the three connectors and interconnected wiring, being the wiring connector51, the service connector53and interface connector131for connecting to the interface module130b.

Since the base module130asupports and retains the basic service via connector53, the base module130acan be used as a stand-alone device obviating the need for interface module130b,in the case wherein a specific outlet is not required to support network connectivity. Still, the user has full flexibility to change and upgrade either the data network related functions (such as the medium modem54) or the interface related functions (such as interface connector58and the related interface adapter56) or both. Such upgrade will not require any change or modification of the base module130a.

It should be noted that the interface connector131may be identical to the service connector53. In such a case, two service connectors are supported, wherein one is targeted to be used for the basic service and the other may be used to serve the data communication network. In any case, both connectors are distinct from the wiring connector51.

The application of partition B to telephone outlet60will now be described with reference to a telephone outlet140shown inFIG. 14, comprising a base module140aand interface module140b,corresponding to base module130aand interface module130bof outlet130. Similarly, mating connectors141and142correspond respectively to connectors131and132of outlet130. A non limiting example of a pictorial view of outlet140is shown inFIGS. 14athrough14c.Similar toFIGS. 10athrough11,FIG. 11illustrates front view of base module140aand interface module140b.Screw holes113aand113ballow for securing the base module140ato the outlet cavity, as usually used for attaching outlets to a wall in North America. As shown inFIGS. 14athrough14c,the external view of the outlet140is different from outlet110shown inFIGS. 10athrough11by the telephone connector63(and the relevant hardware) being housed in the base module rather than in the interface module.

For the sake of brevity, the above example of partition B is demonstrated relating only to telephone outlet60. However, it should be noted that the partition can be equally applied to power outlet70and CATV outlet80.

Partition C

Since any outlet is always associated with specific wiring (e.g. telephone outlet is always connected to telephone wiring), and since the medium modem54is also always tailored towards the specific wiring (e.g. PNC modem64is optimized to communicate over the telephone wiring), it make sense to include the medium mode54within the base module. In this way the network backbone (signal and protocol) may be clearly distinguished from the user interface. In most cases, the medium modems54in all network-based outlets communicate with each other. As such, replacing or upgrading only a single outlet may result in interoperability malfunctions. By housing the medium modem54in the base module, which is expected to be rarely substituted, and separating it from the interface adapter56housed in the interface module, which is expected to be frequently modified in order to adapt to the evolving interfaces (but does not require to be interoperable with other outlets), minimizes the interoperability issues which may be caused as part of replacing interface modules. Such partition is referred to herein as partition C, and is shown as partition line150inFIG. 15.

General outlet160implementing partition C is shown inFIG. 16. The outlet160comprises base module160aand interface module160b,interconnected by the respectively mating connectors161and162. Application of partition C with respect to power outlet70is shown inFIG. 16a, wherein connectors163and164are added to the base module165aand interface module165b,respectively. Similar to aboveFIGS. 11aand14athe pictorial views of base module165aand the interface module165bare shown inFIG. 16b. Visually, power connector73is used, rather than the telephony connector63shown in the above figures.

For the sake of brevity, the above example of partition C is demonstrated relating only to power outlet70. However, it should be noted that the partition can be equally applied to telephone outlet60and CATV outlet80.

Partition D

Partition D, described by partition line170inFIG. 17involves an interface module comprising all user interface-specific components such as interface adapter56and interface connector58. Such partition allows for quick and easy upgrading of the outlet to support evolving and new interfaces and standards. General outlet180shown inFIG. 18implements partition D, comprises base module180aand interface module180b,respectively interconnected by the mating connectors181and182. Application of partition D with respect to CATV outlet80is shown inFIG. 18a, wherein connectors183and184are added to the base module185aand interface module185b,respectively. Similar to aboveFIGS. 11aand14athe pictorial views of base module185aand the interface module185bare shown inFIG. 18b. Visually, F-Type CATV connector83is used, rather than the telephony connector63shown in the above figures.

For the sake of brevity, the above example of partition D is demonstrated relating only to CATV outlet80. However, it should be noted that the partition can be equally applied to telephone outlet60and power outlet70.

Partition E

Partition E, described by partition line170inFIG. 19involves a passive interface module comprising wiring (connector) for connection to the adapter in the base module. Such partition allows for quick and easy upgrading of the outlet to support evolving and new connectors, wherein the interface electronics is not being modified. In one application example of conditional access the base module, while having all required electronics, still inhibits access to the data network, which can only be obtained by using the interface module, converting the module interface to a standard interface connector. General outlet200shown inFIG. 20implements partition E, comprising base module200aand interface module200b,respectively interconnected by the mating connectors201and202.

Partition F

All above partitions involves are oriented to the data flow between the data unit connected to the outlet to the wiring. Partition F, described by partition line210inFIG. 21involves an interface module comprising all network management relating components such as part or all management/processing function57. Such partition allows for quick and easy upgrading of the management functionality of the outlet. General outlet220shown inFIG. 22implements partition F, comprising base module220aand interface module220b,respectively interconnected by the mating connectors221and222.

LAN Environment

While the invention has been described with regard to networks formed over wiring used for basic services (e.g. telephone, CATV and power), it will be appreciated that the invention equally applied to outlet used in networks using dedicated wiring. In such scenario, the basic service is a single data network interface. However, it may be required to provide additional interfaces to an outlet, beyond the basic service of single data connectivity interface. For example, it may be used to provide multiple data interfaces wherein the wiring supports single such data connection. An example for such outlet is the Network Jack™ product family manufactured by 3Com™ of Santa-Clara, Calif., U.S.A. In addition, such outlets are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,331 to Thompson titled: “Single Medium Wiring Scheme for Multiple Signal Distribution in Building and Access Port Therefor” as well as U.S. Patent Application US 2003/0112965 Published Jun. 19, 2003 to McNamara et al. titled: “Active Wall Outlet”.

A non limiting functional block diagram of such an outlet230is shown inFIG. 23. While the general structure is similar to general outlet50, some adaptations are required to the specific application. The data/service splitter/combiner52is not required since only a single type of signal is carried over the wiring. A simple transceiver233is used to transmit and receive signals over the network wiring. Transceiver233ais used to interface the wiring via connector231. The ‘basic service’ of data port is provided via data connector232, using transceiver233b.Both transceivers, as well as adapter56(connected to interface connector58) all share the data via hub55. The outlet is managed by management/processing function57.

Similar to the discussion above, various partitions may be applied to network outlet230. As shown inFIG. 24, partition line240of partition A, partition line241of partition B, partition line242of partition D, partition line243of partition E or partition line244of partition F may be applied to outlet230. The above pictorial views can equally apply to these partitions, wherein the basic service connector is also a network interface, such as RJ-45 Ethernet IEEE802.3 10/100/1000 BaseT connector. Each such partition involves a set of mating connectors and mechanical fixtures to enable electrical connection and mechanical attachment of the formed modules.

General

While the invention has been described with regard to digital interfaces, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to an outlet wherein the adapter56converts to analog signal interface, such as audio or video, as well as analog sensor or analog actuator. Active outlets comprising a built-in analog converter are described for example in WO 03/039150 to the present inventor published May 8, 2003 and entitled: “Outlet with Analog Signal Adapter, A Method for Use Thereof and a Network Using Said Outlet”. An example of pictorial view of outlet140shown inFIG. 14awith video interface is shown inFIG. 25. Data connector58comprised in module140bofFIG. 14ais substituted with video connector (F-Type)250shown inFIG. 25. The relevant adapter56will include analog to digital (or digital to analog or both) functions. It should be noted that connector250is part of the interface module140band relates to video (or any analog signal) carried in digital form over the network, and should be distinguished from connector83of base module185aofFIG. 18b, wherein the video is the basic service and thus carried in analog form over the network

While the invention has been described with regard to wired and connector-based interface58, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to an outlet wherein a data unit uses non-wired interface, such as audio, light (e.g. infrared) and radio frequency (commonly referred to as wireless). Such outlet is described in WO 01/80543 Published Oct. 25, 2001 to the present inventor, titled: “Network Combining Wired and Non-Wired Segments”. In such a case, the connector58will be substituted with non-wired transceiver, such as light emitter/receiver or antenna for RF. An example of pictorial view of outlet140as shown inFIG. 14awith wireless interface is shown inFIG. 26. The data connector58in module140bofFIG. 14ais substituted with an antenna260shown inFIG. 26.

While the invention has been described with regard to outlets having a single network interface (e.g. single connector58), it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein multiple network interfaces are supported. Furthermore, mix of interface types may be employed, such as wired digital, wired analog and non-wired interfaces all in the same outlet. Similarly, while the invention has been described with regard to outlets having single basic service connection, such as telephone connector63, power connector73, CATV connector83or data network connector232, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein multiple such connections are provided.

While the invention has been described with regard to outlets having a single interface module, such as module130bof outlet130or module140bor outlet140, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein multiple interface modules are used with a single base module or wherein multiple base modules are used with single interface module.

While the invention has been described with regard to partitions requiring only a pair of mating connectors to allow for electrical connection, good engineering practice may require additional interface electronics to support the connection. One such embodiment comprises a set of line drivers and line receivers to enable good communication between the modules. In addition, short protection circuits, live-insertion and other connection-associated means may also be employed.

While the invention has been described with regard to outlets and networks based on conductive media such as wires and cables, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein the network medium is non-conductive, such as fiber-optical cabling. In such a case, transceiver233aof outlet230should be substituted with a fiber optic transceiver and similarly wiring connector231should be replaced by a fiber optic connector. Active outlets supporting data interfaces and based on fiber optic cabling are described in U.S. Patent Application US 2002/0146207 Published Oct. 10, 2002 to Chu, titled: Fiber Converter Faceplate Outlet”, as well as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,331 to Thompson titled: “Single Medium Wiring Scheme for Multiple Signal Distribution in Building and Access Port Therefor”. As such, the term wiring in this application should be interpreted to include networks based on non-conductive medium such as fiber-optics cabling.

In order to allow the base module and the interface module to jointly form a complete outlet, the interface module should be mechanically attached to the base module. Such mechanical attachment should also effect a proper coupling between the two mating connectors, thus allowing for good electrical connection. The pictorial views above show side rails115aand115binto which the interface module slides as the mechanical attachment means, and wherein surface mating connectors type are used. However, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein other means of mechanical attachment are used and wherein other types of mating connectors are employed. Moreover, some connectors are designed to provide mechanical support and thus can be also aid in the mechanical aspect, added to the electrical function. In all cases, the mechanical arrangement should allow for easy installation and replacement of interface modules.

One such alternate attachment is shown inFIG. 27. Telephone outlet140is pictorially shown, supporting functionality similar toFIG. 14above. As shown in the figure, the interface module140b′ is attached to base module140a′ by means of two screws. The two screws271aand271bpass through the respective holes272aand272bin the interface module140b′ and respectively fit into273aand273bthread embedded in the base module140a′.

Another mechanical attachment concept is illustrated inFIG. 28, with regard to outlet140modules140a″ and140b″. The attachment makes use of resiliently biased latches281and281blocated over the interface module140b″. Upon inserting the interface module140b″ onto the respective cavity in the base module140a″, the latches lock into their respective receptacles282aand282bto form a rugged connection between the modules. Both arrangements ofFIGS. 27 and 28also demonstrate front module loading rather than top loading described above.

Standard Expansion Module.

Expansion modules are known in the art and are widely used for adding capacity and functionality to personal computers and other electronic equipment (such as PDAs). Examples of such expansion modules include communication cards to allow electrical communication to be established between electronic devices or to allow electronic devices to be connected. The communications cards, for example, are commonly used with modems, fax/modems, Local Area Network (LAN) adapters and cellular telephone equipment. Other examples of expansion modules include additional memory, processing power and peripheral devices interfaces. The typical expansion module is designed to plug into a port, slot, or socket of a host computing device, and uses a bus structure for data interface with the computing unit. Such expansion modules are typically built in accordance with prescribed physical and electrical standards, so as to insure compatibility between different manufacturers. Examples of such industry standards are PCMCIA, ISA, EISA, PCI.

While the invention has been described with regard to general interface modules, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein the interface module is an expansion module and the physical and electrical specifications adhere to industry standards.FIG. 29shows an outlet290based on the adapter from outlet180ofFIG. 18to support standard expansion module as the interface module. Interface module180bof the outlet180is implemented by a standard expansion module290b,which interfaces to a base module290a,being a modified version of the base module180aof the outlet180. The two modules are connected via connectors291and292, conforming to the expansion module connector specifications. In most cases, the base module290ashould also include a standard expansion module interface (not shown), supporting the electrical and functional specifications of the interface and conforming to the standard expansion module interface293in the expansion module290b.

A pictorial view of outlet290is shown inFIGS. 30aand30b, wherein the PCMCIA standard is used. The interface module290bis shown to be the market available standard USB 2.0 PCMCIA card, which fits mechanically and electrically on to the base module290a.PCMCIA connector292is shown on the expansion module290b.The expansion card shown provides two USB 2.0 interfaces via USB connectors295aand295b.Similarly, the expansion card290bcan implement any functionality, such as memory, processing and connectivity, either wired or non-wired. An example of wireless connectivity is shown inFIGS. 31aand31b, wherein antenna260is also shown as part of the expansion module290b.

While the invention has been described with regard to standard modules, wherein the base module serves as virtual host and provides host interface, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein the host interface is part of the interface module, and the base module comprises the expansion card interface. In such configuration, data units such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) or cellular phones or any other small data unit can be used as interface module, and couple the network signal carried over the wiring. Such example is pictorially shown inFIGS. 31cand31d. InFIG. 31c, the base module310ais similar to base module290a,with the exception of connector351being expansion card type of connector, allowing for mating with the connector on the PDA310b.FIG. 31dshows the modules attached to form full functioning outlet.

Base Module Powering.

With the exception of partition line A, in most implementations the base module includes active components, and as such needs to be powered. Three non limiting power sources as described hereinafter include local feeding, power over wiring and via the interface module.

In this implementation the base module is connected to a power source which feeds its active components. A pictorial view of such a mechanism is shown inFIGS. 32aand32b. A common small AC/DC converter320is used, connected to the base module via plug322and respective jack321on the base module.FIG. 32bshows the outlet with the adapter inserted into the base module.

A power adapter may be used in the base module, for adapting the external power to the internal needs. Such adapter may include voltage conversion (such as DC to DC converter) in order to adapt to specific voltages required, protection circuits (such as fuse or current limiting), regulation and noise filtration, as well as other functionality as known in the art. In addition, such adapter may comprise an external AC/DC converter320, allowing the base module to be directly connected to the mains. An outlet330, based on outlet80above, comprising such power adapter function322is shown schematically inFIG. 33. The power adapter is fed from an external source via connector321, and outputs the required DC power to all power-fed components in the base outlet. While outlet330shows a complete non-partitioned outlet, it should be apparent that in each relevant partition discussed above, the power adapter322and its respective connector321are part of the base outlet.

Power Over Wiring.

In this embodiment, the base module is fed by power carried over the wiring to which the outlet is connected. The power may be carried over separated conductors. In this case, the same wiring connector51may be used to connect to the power carrying conductors using separated pins. Alternatively, additional power dedicated connector may be used.

In one preferred embodiment, the power is carried simultaneously over the wiring carrying the data network signals and/or the basic service signal. Such an outlet340is shown schematically inFIG. 34. The power splitter function341serves to extract the power carried over the wiring, and feed it to the power adapter322, rather than the adapter322being externally fed. In most cases, the power splitter341operation should not interfere with the data and basic service also carried over the same wiring (e.g. loading effects and impedance matching).

The implementation of such a mechanism is trivial wherein the basic service is AC power as described above with respect to outlet70shown inFIG. 7. The power splitter341comprises a simple filter and the power adapter322comprises a standard AC/DC converter (similar to the external unit320described above).

Recent techniques developed allow for carrying simultaneously power and basic service (and data) over the same wiring infrastructure. U.S. patent publication 20020003873 to Rabenko et al. titled: “System and method for providing power over a home phone line network” teaches carrying AC power over telephone wiring carrying both telephony and data, by using a part of the spectrum not used by the other signals. Similarly, a recent technique known as Power over Ethernet (PoE) (a.k.a. Power over LAN) and standardized under IEEE802.3af, also explained in U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,609 to Lehr et al. titled: “Structure Cabling System”, describes a method to carry power over LAN wiring, using the phantom mechanism. The above technologies, as well as others, may be used to provide power to any of the base modules described above.

Powering via Interface Module.

In this embodiment the base module is fed from the interface module. Possible power sources for the interface module are described below. The above-described modules mating connectors used for data transfer may also be used for power transfer from the interface module to the base module. Alternatively, additional set of mating connectors may be used, dedicated for the power transfer between the modules.

Interface Module Powering.

With the exception of partition line E, in most implementations the interface module includes active components, and as such needs to be powered. Furthermore, some interfaces (such as USB or IEEE802.3af) require the interface to supply power to the connected data unit via the same data connector. Three non-limiting power sources examples include local feeding, power via the base module and via the data unit and are now described.

Similar to the description relating to the base module, the interface module may be powered from a local power source, using a dedicated power connector. Power adapter functionality may be required as explained above regarding the power adapter322.

Powering via the Base Module.

In this configuration the interface module is powered via the connection to the base module, either using power dedicated or by data and power connectors set. The power adapter322functionality may be shared and used by both modules or a dedicated power adapter function may be used independently by each module.

Powering via the Data Unit.

As explained above, several data interface standards also carry power over the interface. For example, in the case where the interface module is connected to USB host unit, the USB interface may feed the interface module.

While the invention has been described with regard to single power source, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein multiple power sources are used either for redundancy or load sharing.

Those of skill in the art will understand that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in any number of way including electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. The various illustrative components, blocks, modules and circuits have been described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether the functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans recognize the interchangeability of hardware and software under these circumstances, and how best to implement the described functionality for each particular application.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, this should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications may be made to the described embodiment. Moreover, to those skilled in the various arts, the invention itself herein will suggest solutions to other tasks and adaptations for other applications. It is therefore desired that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.