Importance

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Abstract

A power line communication (PLC) hub incorporates multiple network communication media and services for devices. Implementations can be plugged into an electrical outlet to furnish a single point for both electrical power and network connectivity. Each of the electrical outlets is tied through an electrical distribution system to a network through a conventional PLC bridge to provide network connectivity through the electrical distribution system using PLC technology. The PLC outlet hub can include various combinations of applications and/or services including Voice Over Internet Protocol ('VoIP') gateway, media server, Internet router/gateway, Local Area Network ('LAN'), both wired and wireless voice and video conferencing capability, including a VoIP, Voice over WiFi ('VoWiFi'), Power Over Ethernet ('PoE'), Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n capability and (Wireless Universal Serial Bus 'WUSB'/Ultra Wide Band 'UWB') wireless connectivity, and Blue Tooth. Versions of the PLC outlet hub can have an Ethernet IEEE 802.3 family (such as IEEE 802.3af) compliant power supply to furnish power to PoE enabled devices.

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First Claim