In an example implementation, a sensor communication system includes a sensor to sense a condition and to include the condition in a message formatted in a communication protocol. The system includes a vibration actuator placed in contact with a building structure and operatively coupled to the sensor. The vibration actuator is to transmit the formatted message through the building structure as a vibration pattern, and an accelerometer is to detect the vibration pattern. A receiver hub coupled to the accelerometer is to decipher the condition from the vibration pattern.

The use of traffic flag symbols allows a large number of CPEs to transmit traffic notifications to a network controller. In some such embodiments, hundreds of CPEs simultaneously transmit traffic flags on different subcarriers of a channel. For example, in a MoCA2 based access network, up to 480 CPEs can transmit flags in only 5 s in the 100 MHz-wide channel.

System and methods are provided for admission in a network comprising at least one node providing network controller (NC) functionality. A first node in the network, which is capable of generating SALTs, may assume NC functionality, and may distribute the SALT to at least one other node within the network. The first node may receive from the at least one other node, during admission to the network, a request for a dynamic encryption key, with the request being encrypted using a static encryption key unique to the at least one other node, and the static encryption key being determined based on the SALT. The first node may then send a response comprising one or more dynamic encryption keys to the at least one node, for use in network communications, wherein the response is encrypted using a static encryption key

A method and apparatus may include receiving data via a wide pipeline. The wide pipeline comprises a bonding of cable technology, electrical wiring technology, and a wireless technology. The method also includes configuring the data to be transmitted via at least one wireless channel. The method also includes transmitting the data via the at least one wireless channel to a user device.

A method for provisioning a group of devices with control-group data defining one or more functional interrelationships between the devices. The method includes providing a GUI defining an online application marketplace, the GUI specifying multiple applications available for download, each application including a different respective set of control-group data defining a different respective set of one or more functional interrelationships. Further, the method includes receiving user input selecting a given one of the applications, the selected application defining given control-group data defining a given set of one or more functional interrelationships. And the method includes responsively (i) downloading the selected application and (ii) provisioning the devices of the group with the given set of control-group data, the provisioning establishing the given set of one or more functional interrelationships between the devices of the group.

The use of traffic flag symbols allows a large number of CPEs to transmit traffic notifications to a network controller. In some such embodiments, hundreds of CPEs simultaneously transmit traffic flags on different subcarriers of a channel. For example, in a MoCA2 based access network, up to 480 CPEs can transmit flags in only 5 s in the 100 MHz-wide channel.

The use of traffic flag symbols allows a large number of CPEs to transmit traffic notifications to a network controller. In some such embodiments, hundreds of CPEs simultaneously transmit traffic flags on different subcarriers of a channel. For example, in a MoCA2 based access network, up to 480 CPEs can transmit flags in only 5 s in the 100 MHz-wide channel.

A method for managing electricity use of a plurality of household appliances connected within a local communication network and having one or more operating phases. The method includes the following steps, implemented by a data processing module: acquiring information related to the operating phases, in progress or forthcoming, for at least two household appliances, the information related to an operating phase for a household appliance including the power used by the household appliance during the phase; determining, on the basis of the acquired information, at least one operating phase of one of the appliances to be interrupted so as to minimize peak power use; and interrupting the determined operating phase.

Provided are a refrigerator and a diagnostic system for the same. The refrigerator includes a selection unit, a control unit, a modulator, and a sound output unit. The selection unit receives a diagnosis performance command. The control unit generates a control signal including product information when the selection unit receives the diagnosis performance command. The modulator generates a frequency signal according to the control signal generated by the control unit. The sound output unit outputs a sound including the product information according to the frequency signal generated by the modulating unit.

Methods and devices are disclosed for establishing a wireless connection. In one embodiment, a method includes establishing a first wired connection with a router, receiving connection information sent from the router via the first wired connection, wherein the connection information is configured to enable an electronic device to connect wirelessly to the router, and establishing a second wireless connection with the router based on the connection information.