Patent ID: 7200152

Claim:
A self-contained device for configuring a network by coupling first and second wiring segments in a building connected for carrying a digital data signal to an analog sensor or actuator, each wiring segment having at least two conductors, the device comprising: a first connector for connecting to the first wiring segment; a first set of a line driver and a line receiver coupled to said first connector for serial bidirectional communication of a digital data signal with a further first set of a line driver and a line receiver over the first wiring segment; a second connector for connecting to the second wiring segment; a second set of a line driver and a line receiver coupled to said second connector for serial bidirectional communication of a digital data signal with a further second set of a line driver and a line receiver over the second wiring segment; a controller comprising a processor and firmware coupled to said first and second sets; and a third connector coupled to said controller and connectable to the analog sensor or actuator, for coupling the digital data signal, carried over the first wiring segment, to the analog sensor or actuator; and a single enclosure housing said first and second sets, said controller and said third connector, wherein: said device is addressable; said third connector is constructed and connectable for coupling said controller to the analog sensor or actuator; and the analog sensor or actuator is external to said single enclosure.