Importance

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Abstract

An intelligent device controller (hub 100) for communications-enabled ('intelligent') devices (120-140) implements a private network (102) of the devices, facilitating communications to and from only those devices that have been registered with the controller. Each device comes with a memory card (220) that stores interface programs for and information-including a unique device ID-about the device. A card reader (202) of the controller reads the memory card to register the device. Communications between the controller and the device are encrypted using the device ID as the encryption key. The private network is either based on standard building wiring or preferably is wireless to enable deployment and relocation of devices easily and,without need for a special infrastructure. The controller has at least one network port (204-208) to connect to an external network (104-108), thereby enabling a user on the external network to communicate with the controller and with the devices as well as enabling the devices to communicate with external service providers.

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First Claim