Patent ID: 8407339

Claim:
Star network having a star coupler and at least a first and second network branch, wherein each network branch comprises at least one network node and a bus driver connected between the star coupler and the at least one network node, wherein the bus driver of the first network branch is adapted: to detect a symbol pattern comprising at least two predetermined equal control symbols transmitted from the at least one network node of the first network branch toward the at least one network node of the second network branch, wherein each control symbol is adapted to force the at least one network node of the second network branch to switch into a predetermined state, and to disable the first network branch from the star network, after transmission of the first control symbol to the at least one network node of the second network branch and before transmission of the second control symbol to the at least one network node of the second network branch, in response to detection of the at least two equal control symbols within a predetermined minimum and/or maximum distance in time to each other.