Mesh network security system gateway and method

Abstract

A gateway for transmitting signals between a computer network and a radio-frequency mesh network. The gateway includes a housing, a radio-frequency transceiver for communicating with the radio-frequency mesh network, an Internet Protocol transceiver, operatively coupled to the radio-frequency transceiver, for communicating with the computer network, a power supply, and a logic and memory unit configured to communicate with the computer network using a secure data connection.

1 . A gateway for transmitting signals between a computer network and a radio-frequency mesh network, comprising:
 a housing;   a radio-frequency transceiver for communicating with the radio-frequency mesh network;   an Internet Protocol transceiver, operatively coupled to the radio-frequency transceiver, for communicating with the computer network;   a power supply; and   a logic and memory unit configured to communicate with the computer network using a secure data connection.   
     
     
         2 . The gateway of  claim 1 , further comprising an antenna. 
     
     
         3 . The gateway of  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface having at least one of an input and an output. 
     
     
         4 . The gateway of  claim 1 , further comprising memory and logic for the purpose of storing and executing macros or scenes. 
     
     
         5 . The gateway of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply comprises at least one of a battery and an alternating current power source. 
     
     
         6 . The gateway of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply comprises both a battery and an alternating current power source. 
     
     
         7 . The gateway of  claim 1 , wherein the secure data connection is implemented using a secure socket layer protocol. 
     
     
         8 . The gateway of  claim 1 , wherein the logic and memory unit is operable to translate between the radio-frequency mesh network and the computer network. 
     
     
         9 . A gateway for transmitting signals between a computer network and a radio-frequency mesh network, comprising:
 a housing;   a radio-frequency transceiver for communicating with the radio-frequency mesh network;   an Internet Protocol transceiver, operatively coupled to the radio-frequency transceiver, for communicating with the computer network;   a power supply; and   a logic and memory unit configured to enroll devices into the radio-frequency mesh network, at least one of the devices being a radio-frequency mesh network lock.   
     
     
         10 . The gateway of  claim 9 , wherein enrolling a device comprises receiving an identifying code from the device and adding the code to a list of devices comprising a radio-frequency mesh network. 
     
     
         11 . The gateway of  claim 9 , wherein the power supply includes an AC power supply and a DC power supply. 
     
     
         12 . The gateway of  claim 11 , wherein the logic and memory unit receive power from the DC power supply during the enrollment of devices into the radio-frequency mesh network, and the logic and memory unit otherwise receive power from the AC power supply. 
     
     
         13 . The gateway of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the devices is not a lock. 
     
     
         14 . A method of synchronizing a radio-frequency mesh network lock device with a mesh network gateway, comprising:
 positioning the gateway adjacent to the lock device;   initiating synchronization procedures on the lock device;   initiating synchronization procedures on the gateway;   exchanging identifying information between the gateway and the lock device;   indicating that synchronization is successfully completed at the gateway;   increasing radio signal power of a lock device transceiver associated with the lock device; and   adding the lock device to a list stored in the gateway of devices that make-up the radio-frequency mesh network.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein positioning the gateway adjacent to the lock device further comprises disconnecting the gateway from a fixed power source and operating the gateway using a portable power source. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the fixed power source is provided power from an AC source and the portable power source is DC. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein initiating synchronization procedures on the lock device comprises a user-initiated synchronization procedure that includes entering a security code into the lock device. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein initiating synchronization procedures on the gateway comprises a user-initiated synchronization procedure that includes pressing a button on the gateway. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the information exchanged between the gateway and the lock device comprises at least one of an identifier and a security code. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the gateway indicating that synchronization is successfully completed comprises the gateway producing at least one of a visual and an audible indication.