CLUSTERED NETWORKED 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) a nd 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 o f communication protocols; and a data channel (41) linking a device (19) of th e 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 devi ce (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 representati on.