Methods and apparatuses for generating network topography

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, apparatus, and systems for disabling a plurality of isolators, iteratively activating subsets of a plurality of isolators, transmitting, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward, the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices, receiving, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices, and generating a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral de vices or the plurality of isolators based on the response signals.

Description

039636.07756 METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR GENERATING NETWORK TOPOGRAPHY BACKGROUND

[0001] The current application claims priority to, and the benefit of, United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 581,520 entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR GENERATING NETWORK TOPOGRAPHY” and filed on September 8, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. BACKGROUND

[0002] Peripheral devices such as fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and / or intrusion alarms may be installed throughout a building. After the installation, it may be difficult to track the topography of the peripheral devices due to time lapse, lack / loss of documentation, and / or other factors. While it may be possible to manually track the peripheral devices, the process may be prohibitively time consuming and / or costly. Therefore, improvements may be desirable. SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, apparatus, and systems for disabling a plurality of isolators, iteratively activating subsets of the plurality of isolators, transmitting, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices, receiving, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices, and generating a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on the response signals.039636.07756 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The features believed to be characteristic of aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative aspects of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an environment for generating a network topography according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of a method for generating a network topography in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG.3 illustrates an example of a computer system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Wiring diagrams of an installed wiring systems are sometimes difficult to obtain. Building wiring may be tucked away in conduits, walls, ceilings and are not easily accessible. Addresses and location of field isolators may not be known. Ground faults may present a difficult challenge to overcome. Current tools exist on some systems to facilitate the search, such as IDNet Earth Fault Search Diagnostic and Global system Earth Fault Search Diagnostic. However, the existing tools may have shortcomings. For example, the Earth Fault Search diagnostic may only report a circuit or an isolator (IDNet) close to the fault. Other schemes such as manual electrical measurements (Multimeter) or manually toggling zone isolators may help narrow the search zone, but are time consuming for a technician or a service engineer. T-tapping of Class-X circuits may increase the complexity of the search.

[0010] Each IDNet2 loop is tested individually by the Master / IDNet2 for presence of earth fault. When earth fault is assumed in a loop, the IDNet2 driver iterates through the field isolators to pinpoint which isolator is the closest upstream device. The isolator’s address is reported (example: Earth Fault M1-6).039636.07756

[0011] To properly locate fault based on existing solutions, some assumptions and / or limitations may be present: 1) assuming the isolators address or custom label are available, 2) determining which part of the building the isolator controls, 3) determining how the return path (if applicable (Class X)) works or how the t-taps are conducted on Class B, and / or 4) having experienced technicians.

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure include the SLC drivers report through the Earth Faults Diagnostic the address of the upstream device(s) and the downstream device(s). This would allow the technician to turn off those two devices manually to isolate a zone. All devices within that zone would become no answer and custom labels / site survey would delineate a smaller zone.

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure include an input / output interface and a display configured to display the circuits layouts (e.g., Signaling Line Circuits (SLCs) layout) and the interconnection diagrams to aid in research of any faults. A base topology map of the devices (e.g., IDNAC, IDNet2, MX, or other addressable or non-addressable circuits devices) may be produced during earth fault search. A diagnostic menu may trigger a reverse blueprint creation that would list all devices.

[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure includes a system for generating a network topography of peripheral devices. The system systematically activates and deactivates isolators embedded between the peripheral devices to map the network topography. By sending interrogating signals into the network and receiving response signals from the peripheral devices based on the selective activations and deactivations of the isolators, the system is configured to map the network topography.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an environment 100 for generating a network topography according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, a controller may selectively activate and / or shutdown one or more isolators delimiting two or more peripheral devices. By shutting down the one or more isolators, the controller may be configured to identify the order of the peripheral devices and the isolators.

[0016] In some aspects, the environment 100 may include a controller 102 configured to generate a network topography of peripheral devices based on signals received from some or all of the peripheral devices. The environment 100 may include one or more isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 configured to terminate transmission to the next device. The environment 100 may include first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146, and third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154 configured to039636.07756 perform various functions such as fire detection, carbon monoxide detection, intrusion detection, etc.

[0017] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the controller 102 may include a communication component 104 configured to communicate with the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 and / or the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146, and the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154. The controller 102 may include a topography component 104 configured to generate a network topography based on the communications with the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 and / or the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146, and / or the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154. The controller 102 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to generate a visual representation of the network topography.

[0018] In some aspects of the present disclosure, an isolator may be integrated into the controller 102. As such, the capabilities of the controller 102 may be selectively limited.

[0019] During operation, in certain aspects of the present disclosure, the controller 102 may selectively activate or shut down one or more of the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 to determine the network topography of the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146, and / or the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154.

[0020] In some aspects, to begin the process, the controller 102 may shut down the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116. The controller 102 may deactivate both terminals of the controller 102. Next, the controller 102 may activate one terminal of the controller 102 (e.g., the terminal where the isolator 110 is connected to), and transmit a first interrogating signal into a loop 160 including the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 and / or the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146, and the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154. In response to the first interrogating signal, only the isolator 110 may respond with a first response signal. Based on the response, the controller 102 may determine that the isolator 110 is the only device currently in the loop 160 that is capable of receiving the first interrogating signal, and that the isolator 110 is disposed at one terminal of the controller 102 (the terminal that was activated).

[0021] Next, the controller 102 may subsequently activate the isolator 110 (the isolators 112, 114, 116 may still be shutdown from the previous step). Next, the controller 102 may transmit a second interrogating signal into loop 160. Devices receiving the second039636.07756 interrogating signal may transmit second response signals back to the controller 102. However, since the isolators 112, 114, 116 are shutdown, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146 and the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154 may be unable to receive the second interrogating signal. As a result, the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134 and / or the isolator 112 may transmit the second response signals. Based on the second response signals received by the controller 102, the controller 102 may determine that the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134 are between the isolators 110, 112.

[0022] In some aspects, the controller 102 may activate isolators 112 or 114 before activating isolators 110 and 116. As such, the isolators 110 and 116 may block the interrogating signal. Based on the lack of response, the controller 102 may know that the isolators 112 and 114 are being “blocked” by the isolators 110 and 116.

[0023] Next, in some aspects, the controller 102 may activate the isolator 112. The controller 102 may transmit a third interrogating signal into the loop 160. Devices receiving the third interrogating signal may transmit third response signals back to the controller 102. However, since the isolators 110, 112 are activated and isolators 114, 116 are shutdown, the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154 may be unable to receive the third interrogating signal. As a result, the isolators 110, 112, 114 the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, and the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146 may transmit the third response signals back to the controller 102, and the isolator 116 and the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154 may not transmit the third response signals. Based on the third response signals received by the controller 102, the controller 102 may determine that the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146 are disposed between the isolators 112, 114.

[0024] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the controller 102 may subsequently activate the isolator 114. Next, the controller 102 may transmit a fourth interrogating signal into the loop 160. Devices receiving the fourth interrogating signal may transmit fourth response signals back to the controller 102. As a result, the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116, and the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146 and the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154 may transmit the fourth response signals back to the controller 102. Based on the fourth response signals, the controller 102 may determine that the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154 are disposed between the isolators 114 and 116.039636.07756

[0025] In certain aspects, the controller 102 may subsequently activate the isolator 116. Next, the controller 102 may transmit a fifth interrogating signal into the loop 160. As a result, the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116, and the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146 and the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154 may transmit the fifth response signals back to the controller 102. The controller 102 may determine that the same groups responded to the fourth and the fifth interrogating signals. Therefore, the controller 102 may determine that the isolator 116 is at the end of the loop 160, connected to the other terminal of the controller 102.

[0026] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 102 may be able to map the entire network topography using the schemes described above.

[0027] In some aspects, the controller 102 may be unable to determine the order / placement of the peripheral devices between the isolators. In one aspect, alternating isolators and peripheral devices (not shown) may allow the controller 102 to determine the precise order and / or placement of the peripheral devices and isolators.

[0028] In some aspects, the controller 102 may generate a graphical representation of the loop 160 including the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 and / or the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146, and the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154.

[0029] In some aspects, the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 may be configured to transmit response signals in response to the interrogating signals when in shutdown mode. In other aspects, the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 may be configured to prevent one or more “downstream” peripheral devices from receiving the interrogating signals. In yet another aspect, the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 may be configured to refrain from transmitting interrogating signals when receiving the response signals during shutdown.

[0030] In some aspects, the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 may also be peripheral devices.

[0031] In alternative implementations, at least some of the peripheral devices may be disposed in a parallel configuration. The scheme illustrated above may also be used to determine the network topography of the peripheral devices.

[0032] In one exemplary implementation, the first peripheral devices 130, 132, 134, the second peripheral devices 140, 142, 144, 146, and the third peripheral devices 150, 152, 154 may be devices that are not addressable (i.e., “passive” devices that exhibit electrical characteristics in response to applied electrical energy but does not respond when039636.07756 addressed individually). As such, the controller 102 may also determine the network topography of non-addressable peripheral devices based on the scheme below.

[0033] In some implementations, the controller 102 may shut down the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116. The controller 102 may monitor the standby current and the alarm current. If the alarm current increases (e.g., during an instance that one or more alarm peripherals are triggered) when the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 are shut down, then there are alarm devices between the isolators 110, 112, 114, 116 and the controller 102 (places where the isolators cannot block).

[0034] In some aspects, the controller 102 may subsequently activate a single isolator (via the same medium 160 or from another medium). If the alarm current increases, then the controller 102 may determine that there are alarm devices after the activated isolator. The scheme may include the controller 102 iteratively activating one or more isolators at a time, and measuring the alarm current to determine the network topography.

[0035] In some aspect, during standby (no alarm peripherals are triggered), the controller 102 may measure the standby current similar to the description above (i.e., activating one isolator at a time). The controller 102 may compare the standby current and the alarm current to determine the presence of peripheral devices, and / or the power consumption of the peripheral devices. For example, some peripheral devices may consume more power (e.g., xenon strobe lights and horns) compared to other (e.g., speakers and light emitting diode strobe lights).

[0036] FIGS.2A and 2B illustrate an example of a method 200 for determining a network topography that may be performed by the controller 102, the communication component 104, the topography component 106, and / or the GUI component 108.

[0037] At block 202, the method 200 may disable the plurality of isolators. For example, the controller 102 and / or the communication component 104 may be configured to, and / or provide means for, disable the plurality of isolators.

[0038] At block 203, the method 200 may transmit an initially interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices. For example, the controller 102 and / or the communication component 104 may be configured to, and / or provide means for, transmitting an initially interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices.

[0039] At block 204, the method may receive corresponding initial response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators. For039636.07756 example, the controller 102 and / or the communication component 104 may be configured to, and / or provide means for, receiving corresponding initial response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators.

[0040] At block 205, the method 200 may iteratively activate subsets of the plurality of isolators. For example, the controller 102 and / or the communication component 104 may be configured to, and / or provide means for, iteratively activating subsets of the plurality of isolators.

[0041] At block 210, the method 200 may transmit, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices. For example, the controller 102 and / or the communication component 104 may be configured to, and / or provide means for, transmitting, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices.

[0042] At block 215, the method 200 may receive, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators. For example, the controller 102 and / or the communication component 104 may be configured to, and / or provide means for, receiving, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators.

[0043] At block 220, the method 200 may generate a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on one or more of the initial response signal or the corresponding response signals. For example, the controller 102 and / or the topography component 106 may be configured, and / or provide means for, generating a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on one or more of the initial response signal or the corresponding response signals.

[0044] Aspects of the present disclosures, such as the controller 102, may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In an aspect of the present disclosures, features are directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. An example of such a computer system 300 is shown in FIG.3. The controller 102 may include some or all of the components of the computer system 300.039636.07756

[0045] The computer system 300 includes one or more processors, such as processor 304. The processor 304 is connected with a communication infrastructure 306 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). The term “bus,” as used herein, can refer to an interconnected architecture that is operably connected to transfer data between computer components within a singular or multiple systems. The bus can be a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and / or a local bus, among others. Various software aspects are described in terms of this example computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement aspects of the disclosures using other computer systems and / or architectures.

[0046] The computer system 300 may include a display interface 302 that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 306 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 330. Computer system 300 also includes a main memory 308, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 310. The secondary memory 310 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 312, and / or a removable storage drive 314, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, etc. The removable storage drive 314 reads from and / or writes to a removable storage unit 318 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 318 represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, USB flash drive etc., which is read by and written to removable storage drive 314. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 318 includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and / or data. In some examples, one or more of the main memory 308, the secondary memory 310, the removable storage unit 318, and / or the removable storage unit 322 may be a non-transitory memory.

[0047] Alternative aspects of the present disclosures may include secondary memory 310 and may include other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 300. Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit 322 and an interface 320. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and039636.07756 other removable storage units 322 and interfaces 320, which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 322 to computer system 300.

[0048] Computer system 300 may also include a communications interface 324. Communications interface 324 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 300 and external devices. Examples of communications interface 324 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface 324 are in the form of signals 328, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 324. These signals 328 are provided to communications interface 324 via a communications path (e.g., channel) 326. This path 326 carries signals 328 and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, an RF link and / or other communications channels. In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage drive 318, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 312, and signals 328. These computer program products provide software to the computer system 300. Aspects of the present disclosures are directed to such computer program products.

[0049] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in main memory 308 and / or secondary memory 310. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface 324. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 300 to perform the features in accordance with aspects of the present disclosures, as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 304 to perform the features in accordance with aspects of the present disclosures. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system 300.

[0050] In an aspect of the present disclosures where the method is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system 300 using removable storage drive 314, hard drive 312, or communications interface 320. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor 304, causes the processor 304 to perform the functions described herein. In another aspect of the present disclosures, the system is implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such as application specific039636.07756 integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

[0051] Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented according to one of more of the following clauses.

[0052] Clause 1. A method, comprising: disabling a plurality of isolators; transmitting an initial interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices; receiving corresponding initial response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; iteratively activating subsets of the plurality of isolators; transmitting, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices; receiving, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; and generating a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on one or more of the initial response signals or the corresponding response signals.

[0053] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or more of a fire alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, or an intrusion alarm.

[0054] Clause 3. The method of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices are interlaced.

[0055] Clause 4. The method of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein generating the network topography comprises generating a graphical representation of the network topography.

[0056] Clause 5. The method of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices includes passive devices that are not addressable.

[0057] Clause 6. The method of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, further comprising: disabling the plurality of isolators; activating alarms associated with the passive devices; measuring an alarm current after activating the alarms associated with the passive devices; iteratively activating subsets of the plurality of isolators; activating, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, the alarms associated with the passive devices; measuring subsequent alarm currents after activating the alarms for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators; and generating the network topography based on the alarm current and the subsequent alarm currents.039636.07756

[0058] Clause 7. An apparatus, comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories, wherein the one or more processors are configured, individually or in combination, to: disable a plurality of isolators; transmit an initial interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices; receive corresponding initial response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; iteratively activate subsets of the plurality of isolators; transmit, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices; receive, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; and generate a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on one or more of the initial response signals or the corresponding response signals.

[0059] Clause 8. The apparatus of clause 7, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or more of a fire alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, or an intrusion alarm.

[0060] Clause 9. The apparatus of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices are interlaced.

[0061] Clause 10. The apparatus of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to generate a graphical representation of the network topography.

[0062] Clause 11. The apparatus of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices includes passive devices that are not addressable.

[0063] Clause 12. The apparatus of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: disable the plurality of isolators; activate alarms associated with the passive devices; measure an alarm current after activating the alarms associated with the passive devices; iteratively activate subsets of the plurality of isolators; activate, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, the alarms associated with the passive devices; measure subsequent alarm currents after activating the alarms for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators; and generate the network topography based on the alarm current and the subsequent alarm currents.

[0064] Clause 13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one039636.07756 or more processors to: disable a plurality of isolators; transmit an initial interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices; receive corresponding initial response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; iteratively activate subsets of the plurality of isolators; transmit, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices; receive, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; and generate a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on one or more of the initial response signals or the corresponding response signals.

[0065] Clause 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 13, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or more of a fire alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, or an intrusion alarm.

[0066] Clause 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices are interlaced.

[0067] Clause 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the instructions for generating the network topography comprises instructions for generating a graphical representation of the network topography.

[0068] Clause 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices includes passive devices that are not addressable.

[0069] Clause 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one or combination of the preceding clauses, further comprising instructions for: disabling the plurality of isolators; activating alarms associated with the passive devices; measuring an alarm current after activating the alarms associated with the passive devices; iteratively activating subsets of the plurality of isolators; activating, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, the alarms associated with the passive devices; measuring subsequent alarm currents after activating the alarms for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators; and generating the network topography based on the alarm current and the subsequent alarm currents.039636.07756

[0070] It will be appreciated that various implementations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

039636.07756 CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method, comprising: disabling a plurality of isolators; transmitting an initial interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices; receiving corresponding initial response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; iteratively activating subsets of the plurality of isolators; transmitting, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices; receiving, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; and generating a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on one or more of the initial response signals or the corresponding response signals.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or more of a fire alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, or an intrusion alarm.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices are interlaced.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the network topography comprises generating a graphical representation of the network topography.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices includes passive devices that are not addressable.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:039636.07756 disabling the plurality of isolators; activating alarms associated with the passive devices; measuring an alarm current after activating the alarms associated with the passive devices; iteratively activating subsets of the plurality of isolators; activating, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, the alarms associated with the passive devices; measuring subsequent alarm currents after activating the alarms for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators; and generating the network topography based on the alarm current and the subsequent alarm currents.

7. An apparatus, comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories, wherein the one or more processors are configured, individually or in combination, to: disable a plurality of isolators; transmit an initial interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices; receive corresponding initial response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; iteratively activate subsets of the plurality of isolators; transmit, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices; receive, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; and generate a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on one or more of the initial response signals or the corresponding response signals.039636.07756 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or more of a fire alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, or an intrusion alarm.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices are interlaced.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to generate a graphical representation of the network topography.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices includes passive devices that are not addressable.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: disable the plurality of isolators; activate alarms associated with the passive devices; measure an alarm current after activating the alarms associated with the passive devices; iteratively activate subsets of the plurality of isolators; activate, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, the alarms associated with the passive devices; measure subsequent alarm currents after activating the alarms for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators; and generate the network topography based on the alarm current and the subsequent alarm currents.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, individually or in combination, cause the one or more processors to: disable a plurality of isolators; transmit an initial interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and a plurality of peripheral devices;039636.07756 receive corresponding initial response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; iteratively activate subsets of the plurality of isolators; transmit, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, an interrogating signal toward the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices; receive, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, corresponding response signals from one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators; and generate a network topography of one or more of the plurality of peripheral devices or the plurality of isolators based on one or more of the initial response signals or the corresponding response signals.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or more of a fire alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, or an intrusion alarm.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the plurality of isolators and the plurality of peripheral devices are interlaced.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions for generating the network topography comprises instructions for generating a graphical representation of the network topography.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices includes passive devices that are not addressable.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, further comprising instructions for: disabling the plurality of isolators; activating alarms associated with the passive devices; measuring an alarm current after activating the alarms associated with the passive devices; iteratively activating subsets of the plurality of isolators;039636.07756 activating, for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators, the alarms associated with the passive devices; measuring subsequent alarm currents after activating the alarms for each activated subset of the plurality of isolators; and generating the network topography based on the alarm current and the subsequent alarm currents.

Images