Subnet of power line communication network, method for setting up the same, electronic appliance connected to the same, and communication module used in electronic appliance

Abstract

A communication network for detecting and regulating identifier overlap generated after subnet is created includes a communication module including a starting means for starting a subnet creation sequence; identifier generating means for generating at least two type of identifiers; a transceiver for broadcasting an identifier hail signal including at least two types of identifiers over a communication network; comparing means for comparing at least two types of identifiers included in the identifier hail signal with corresponding identifiers identifying its home subnet; identifier setup means for generating the identifiers acknowledged as unique among subnets existing within an open communication range; and an identifier storing means for storing generated identifiers. The transceiver broadcasts a non-acknowledgement signal over the communication network when identifiers in the identifier hail signal are identical to identifiers of its subnet, the identifier generating means generates at least two types of identifiers when the transceiver receives the non-acknowledgement signal.