Grouped network devices

摘要

A local communication system comprises a first cluster ( 10 ) of devices interconnected for the communication of messages via a first data bus ( 18 ) and in accordance with a first set of communication protocols, a second cluster ( 20 ) interconnected via a second data bus ( 28 ) and following the first set of communication protocols; and a data channel ( 41 ) linking a device ( 19 ) of the first cluster ( 10 ) and a device ( 29 ) of the second cluster ( 20 ). The data channel ( 41 ) suitably comprises an RF link supporting communication of messages in accordance with a second set of communications protocols. A device ( 19 ) of the first cluster ( 10 ) holds a stored software representation of operational features of a selected device (DVHS- 2 ) of the second cluster ( 20 ) and any device ( 11 ) of the first cluster wishing to interact with said selected device (DVHS- 2; 22 ) instead interacts with said stored representation.