A local area network within a residence or other building, including both
wired and non-wired segments. The wired segments are based on new or
existing wires in the building, wherein access to the wires is provided by
means of outlets, such as a telephone system, electrical power
distribution system, or cable television wiring system. The non-wired
segments are based on communication using propagated waves such as radio,
sound, or light (e.g. infrared). The wired and non-wired segments
interface in the outlet, using a module which serves as mediator between
the segments. The module can be integrated into the outlet, partially
housed in the outlet, or attached externally to the outlet. Such a network
allows for integrated communication of data units connected by wires and
data units connected without wires.
