Ethernet Equipment Utilizing Catalogs And Continuity Checks To Enhance UPnP And AVB Applications

Abstract

A method and an Ethernet local area network are described herein in which the Ethernet local area network is configured to enable a talking device (e.g., microphone) to send a media stream to one or more listening devices (e.g., speakers). In one embodiment, the method for configuring the Ethernet local area network includes the following steps: (1) providing a user of a talking device with a “relevant” catalog which contains information including positional information about one or more listening devices; (2) allowing the user to interface with the “relevant” catalog so they can select at least one of the listening device(s); (3) enabling the talking device to send a subscribe-request message to the selected listening device(s) requesting that the selected listening device(s) subscribe to the talking device; (4) and sending a media stream from the talking device to the selected listening device(s).

1 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A smart plug comprising:
 a wall plug which contains active circuitry so as to function as an Ethernet end system.   
     
     
         16 . The smart plug of  claim 15 , wherein said wall plug further includes a light and/or a speaker which is activated when a continuity check is performed to determine a physical location of said wall plug. 
     
     
         17 . The smart plug of  claim 15 , wherein when there is not a device plugged into the wall plug then a continuity check can be performed to determine a physical location of said wall plug. 
     
     
         18 . The smart plug of  claim 15 , wherein when there is a device plugged into the wall plug then the active circuitry is configured such that the wall plug will no longer function as the Ethernet end system.