Echelon Corporation

Echelon Systems Corporation

Richard S Kagan

Glen Meyers Riley

Robert A Dolin

Robert L Einkauf

James M Von De Bur

Rod G Sinks

An improved apparatus and method for communicating information in a networked system wherein network variables are employed to accomplish such communication. Network variables allow for standardized communication of data between nodes in a network. A first node may be programmed, for example, to sense certain information and to report the information as a network variable X. A second node may be programmed to receive the variable X and to control devices based on the current value of the variable. The present invention provides for defining connections between the first and second node to facilitate such communication and for determining addressing information to allow for addressing of messages, including updates to the value of the variable X, between the nodes.

Method for enhancing the performance of a network

Selecting a protocol class of service for a network variable

Networked variables

Method and apparatus using network variables in a multi-node network

An apparatus useful in the configuration of communication network. The present invention provides for improved apparatus and techniques for configuration of network nodes. In particular, what is described is a device which may be coupled with each node of a network. When coupled to a node, the device and node cooperate in allowing communication of information identifying the node and the node type to the device. The node identification and type information may then be utilized to reliably complete configuration of a network.

Configuration device for use in a networked communication system

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London, United Kingdom

Richard S Kagan