SET-TOP-BOX HAVING A BUILT-IN MASTER NODE THAT PROVIDES AN EXTERNAL INTERFACE FOR COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL IN A POWER-LINE-BASED RESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

摘要

A set-top-box (STB) provides capability for monitoring and control of power usage and the ability to establish communications. A smart residential service system (SRSS) is provided that uses power line communication (PLC) technology to provide secure in-home LAN communication and also to monitor and provide remote control of connected appliances in the home. An embodiment combines the STB with a master unit (MST) that is used with PLC to meet the requirements of the central device in the SRSS.