Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for configuring multiple logical networks that share a common transmission medium are presented. According to an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for configuring multiple logical networks of devices on a single physical network includes a transceiver configured to exchange information with devices connected to a shared bus of the physical network. The apparatus includes logic configured to assign a network number to a new logical network when the apparatus is first activated on the shared bus, the assigned network number being different from network numbers associated with other logical networks using the shared bus. Also, the apparatus includes logic configured to enter into a configuration mode for a limited amount of time, during which time the apparatus is capable of participating in a configuration session with at least one of the devices connected to the bus. The apparatus further includes logic configured to assign a logical address to the at least one device while participating in the configuration session with the at least one device, the assigned logical address being different from all logical addresses associated with devices belonging to other logical networks on the physical network. After configuration, the at least one device responds only to information addressed to its assigned logical address within the new logical network.

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First Claim