Distributed bluetooth communications network
OwnerNick Mossinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides a system in which a number of independent nodes in a communications network are connected in series to a server controlling the nodes. Each node in the network is capable of independently transmitting and receiving data over a wireless connection. In a preferred embodiment this is achieved by splitting the processing stack between the nodes and the server. Furthermore, in the present invention the server includes a power supply which is coupled to the nodes via the communications link. The power is transferred from the power supply to the nodes via the series communications link. This further simplifies the wiring required for the communications system.
Claims16
A communications network adapted to communicate with communications devices via wireless connections, the communications network comprising:
- a number of independent nodes, each node including at least one transceiver for communicating with a wireless communications device;
- a server for controlling the operation of the network nodes;
- and,
- a communications link for coupling the nodes to the server in series.
A communications network according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communications link comprises an Ethernet connection.
A communications network according to any of the preceding claims wherein the server includes a power supply, and wherein power is coupled to the nodes via the communications link.
A communications network according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the network is adapted to communicate with the communications devices via a Bluetooth connection, the first and second portions of the processing stack comprising first and second portions of a Bluetooth stack.
A node for use in a communications network adapted to communicate with communications devices via wireless connections, the node including:
- at least one transceiver for communicating with a wireless communications device;
- a first port for coupling the node to the server via a communications link;
- and,
- a second port for coupling the network node to another independent node via the communications link.
A server for use in a communications network, the communications network having a number of independent nodes adapted to communicate with communications devices via wireless connections, the server including:
- a processor for controlling the operation of the nodes;
- a port for coupling the server to the nodes via a communications link;
- and,
- a power supply coupled to the port for supplying power to the nodes via the communication link.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.