| 摘要 |
<p>A communication system for use in a network of interconnected communication paths such as electrical power lines utilized for distributing electrical power. The system includes two or more remote units and a master unit, each having an associated address, which are connected to the network. The remote units are each capable of initiating a down link message sequence wherein a data package containing data, such as data relating to power consumption, is transferred from one of the remote units to the master unit. The down link message sequence may include the transmission of one or more messages containing the data package by the remote units with the particular path taken being a function of network conditions. The master unit acknowledges receipt of the data package by initiating an up link message sequence wherein the remote units transmitting during a down link sequence are informed of the receipt. In addition to addresses and data package the messages include information regarding network conditions. By way of example, a message may include information which indicates the amount of noise present in the message path between the transmitting remote unit and the master unit and information which indicates the number of message transmissions required to transfer a data package from the transmitting unit to the master unit. Remote units ascertain network conditions for selecting optimum message paths by examining messages received on the network, including messages not directed to the receiving remote unit.</p> |
