Patent ID: 7743170

Claim:
An active tap for a data transmission network, wherein the data transmission network comprises a bus line, at least one programmable logic controller connected to a distributor, said distributor connected to said bus line to send data from said programmable logic controller that is addressed to said active tap, and a plurality of terminal devices that are connected to the bus line, wherein the active tap comprises: a first connection that connects the tap to the bus line; a second connection that connects the tap to one terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices; and a third connection that connects the tap to the bus line; wherein the first, second, and third connections facilitates the active tap to receive data addressed to the active tap, send data over the bus line, and pass through data not addressed to the active tap; wherein at least one of the first, second, third connections is disposed to connect the active tap to a power supply; and wherein said distributor receives data addressed to said distributor from said active tap.