Method and apparatus for network-enablement of devices using device intelligence and network architecture

A system, comprising:

• a DIAC having a DIAC network address, adapted for coupling to a network;
• a DDAC, having a DDAC network address, adapted for coupling to the network, and adapted for coupling to a device, said device having a corresponding device functionality set;
• wherein the DIAC and the DDAC can communicate over the network using a communication protocol;
• and
• wherein the communication protocol supports a set of device-dependent commands, obtained from information content found on an external network, said set of device-dependent commands allowing the DIAC access to the device functionality set.

A method for network-enabling devices, comprising:

• connecting at least one DIAC to at least one device containing a DDAC;
• operatively using a communication protocol for passing a DIAC signal from the DIAC to the DDAC;
• and
• returning a DDAC signal from the DDAC to the DIAC in response to the DIAC signal.

A method for tracking a mobile asset comprising:

• obtaining position data for a position of the mobile asset using a network-enabled positioning device coupled to a first device controller;
• transmitting the position data over a wireless communication network using a first communication device coupled to the first device controller;
• receiving the position data over the wireless communication network using a second communication device coupled to a data communication network;
• and
• delivering the position data, once received by the second communication device, to a second device controller coupled to the data communication network.

A system for tracking a mobile asset, comprising:

• a first device controller, coupled to a positioning device, said positioning device adapted for obtaining a position of the mobile asset;
• a first communication device, coupled to the first device controller, adapted for transmitting position data over a wireless communication network;
• a second communication device, adapted for receiving position data over the wireless communication network;
• a data communication network;
• and
• a data processing device, coupled to the data communication network and to a second device controller, adapted for processing the position data received by the second communication device.