patents

Network-1's portfolio consists of six patents related  to Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Quality of Service (QoS) solutions for delivery of audio, video and data over Ethernet networks.  Initial licensing efforts are focused on the PoE market.

Power over ethernet

U.S. Patent No. 6,218,930: Apparatus and Method for Remotely Powering Access Equipment over a 10/100 Switched Ethernet Network.

This patent, referred to as the Remote Power Patent, describes a system and methods for delivering power to LAN devices via twisted pair Ethernet cable.  In particular, it extended the state of the art because it provided for detection of devices that are ready to receive power.  This is essential to PoE's commercial viability because it simplifies management and prevents power from being sent to a device that cannot handle it - potentially damaging the device or creating a safety risk.  The detection is performed by sending a low-level current to the device and measuring the electrical response characteristics of the resulting circuit to determine if it meets the requirements for a compatible Powered Device (PD).

Network-1 believes that the Remote Power Patent covers several of the technologies, including PD detection,  incorporated into the IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard which was adopted in June 2003.  IEEE 802.3af-compliant Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) sends low-level current and measures the resulting resistance and impedance (the device "signature") to determine if they are within specifications for a compatible PD.  The Remote Power Patent was referenced by the IEEE in connection with its approval of the standard.

Multi-media Quality of service

Collectively the following patents describe systems and methods to ensure high QoS in multi-media LAN applications.  Unlike most data applications, multi-media applications such as voice, streaming audio and video are very sensitive to even the slightest transmission variances and delays - resulting in jitter, gaps and other defects in the multi-media experience.  The inventions listed in these patents deliver the performance characteristics necessary for a positive multi-media user experience.

U.S. Patent No. 6,577,631: Communication and Switching Module for the Transmission and Control of Audio, Video, and Computer Data Over a Single Network Fabric.

U.S. Patent No. 6,574,242: Method for the Transmission and Control of Control of Audio, Video, and Computer Data Over a Single Network Fabric.

U.S. Patent No. 6,570,890: Method for the Transmission and Control of Audio, Video, and Computer Data Over a Single Network Fabric Using Ethernet Packets.

U.S. Patent No. 6,539,011: Method for Initializing and Allocating Bandwidth in a Permanent Virtual Connection for the Transmission and Control of Audio, Video, and Computer Data Over a Single Network Fabric.

U.S. Patent No. 6,215,789: Local Area Network for the Transmission and Control of Audio, Video, and Computer Data.