WO2009088681A1

WO2009088681A1 - Rf/power line diversity system

Info

Publication number: WO2009088681A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/087226
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Stettler; Scott Smith
Original assignee: Phonex Corporation
Priority date: 2008-01-04
Filing date: 2008-12-17
Publication date: 2009-07-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method allowing a first electronic device to transfer data to a second electronic device using an active phone line when the first electronic device is located beyond a physical location of the active phone line. In one embodiment of the present invention a first electronic device is connected to the extension unit, while a second electronic device is connected to the base unit through an active phone line. The base unit communicates with the extension unit using power lines and/or over-the-air signals using frequency-hopping spread spectrum based on an evaluation of the channels within the power lines and/or the over-the-air signals.

Description

RF/POWER LINE DIVERSITY SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

1. Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application

No. 61/019,151 entitled "RF/POWER LINE DIVERSITY SYSTEM" filed January 4, 2008, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

2. Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method allowing a first electronic device to transfer data to a second electronic device using an active phone line when the first electronic device is located beyond a physical location of the active phone line.

3. Related Art

[0003] The essence of communications boils down to finding a channel to carry the desired information that has sufficiently wide bandwidth and high enough ratio of signal to noise levels so the information can be conveyed at a rate and error level that is acceptable for the task at hand.

[0004] When two people trying to hold a conversation in a room, a normal voice level is sufficient to convey all the information desired with an acceptable error rate. For example, the phrase "Pick up the dog" will probably NOT be misconstrued as "Pick up the log." However, if there is a party going on and the noise level is high from other people talking and music playing loudly, the same two people may need to shout to be understood by each other. However, even with shouting to each other, the two people may not overcome the background noise and be understood by each other. In this case, they may revert to another channel and/or another communication mechanism. One of the people may mouth the words "Meet me over there" while pointing to the place to meet that, hopefully, has conditions that allow a sufficiently high signal to noise ratio.

[0005] Communications in the electronic environment around a small or home office, using radio frequency signals to carry modulated information is the equivalent to trying to converse at that party: if the frequency spectrum is scanned one finds frequencies that are quiet, with few or no interfering signals, while at other frequencies there are interferers. Some interferers are narrowband in nature while others may cover quite a wide bandwidth. [0006] As seen in FIG. 1, a simplified residential wiring diagram 100 includes only 5 outlets. Each transmission line stub length, in this example, was selected to cause the largest system grief: Stub A and D's length is equal to Vz the wave length of the frequency Fl, Stub B's length is ¹A the wavelength of frequency F2, Stub Cs length is ¹A the wavelength of F2. Stub C and E's length are relatively unimportant as they are terminated at approximately the characteristic impedance of the wiring (120 ohms).

[0007] The result is that when the system is in operation, both transmitters are operating. First, in this example there is not a conducting path to/from the transmitters/receivers. So for the RF communication signal to reach the appropriate receiver it needs to find "sneak paths" in the form of parasitic capacitances from power line to power line. Given that Stub D is one half the wavelength of Fl, the capacitor, which is an RF short, reflects to its input as a short at frequency Fl. Stub A reflects that short to the transmitter output, shorting its signal. For signals going the other way, from Tx2 to RxI, Stub B's length is one quarter the wavelength at frequency F2 it reflects the open at its end as a short on the common end. [0008] Note that in this example, other transmitting frequencies would not find the attenuation found at Fl and F2. Also note that no noise generators are shown in the example, but typically generators of narrow and wideband RF signals do exist on the power line. [0009] While this system has attenuation at Fl and F2, other residences and small offices may be wired with differing wire lengths and as such will have a different pattern of signal attenuation and noise. Thus, no one frequency set will work in every residence or small office.

[0010] For each of the attenuation conditions found in a residence or small office wiring system, an equivalent problem occurs in over air RF transmission and reception systems. Given that both over-the-air and power line carrier RF systems are hampered by noise and signal loss, the present invention overcomes the limitations of fixed frequency and fixed mode (power line carrier or over-the-air RF) operation.

[0011] Thus, there is a need for a communication system and method to allow a first electronic device to transfer data in a more accurate manner to a second electronic device using an active phone line when the first electronic device is located beyond a physical location of the active phone line.

SUMMARY

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention a first electronic device is connected to the extension unit, while a second electronic device is connected to the base unit through an active phone line. The base unit communicates with the extension unit using power lines and/or over-the-air signals using frequency-hopping spread spectrum based on an evaluation of the channels within the power lines and/or the over-the-air signals.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention generates diagnostic reports based on the communication status between the base unit, the extension unit, the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and/or the active phone line using caller identification data, frequency-shift keying data, and/or dual-tone multi-frequency signaling data. [0014] Advantages and other novel features of this invention are set forth in the description that follows and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of this invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description wherein there are shown and described embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes known to the inventors to carry out this invention. As it will be realized, this invention is capable of other different embodiments, and in its details and specific circuits; it is capable of modification in various aspects without departing from the concept of this invention. Accordingly, the objects, drawings, and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a residential wiring diagram;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a power line/RF communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a base unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an extension unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Various changes to the described embodiment may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] As seen in FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, communication system 200 includes a base unit 208, one or more extension units 202, and one or more telephone devices 201.

[0023] Base unit 208 is communicatively connected to extension units 202 and to a central office 212. Base unit 208 can be connected to extension units 202 through power lines 204 and/or over-the-air signals 206. The over-the-air signals could be, for example RF signals with over-the-air channels in a 900MHz, or 2.4 GHz band. Power line 204 can be, for example, an AC or DC power line with power line channels in a 2 to 50 MHz band. However, the power line channels and the over-the-air channels could also be found on any number of other bands. Furthermore, although not shown, base unit 208 can be connected to extension units 202 through an optical connection.

[0024] In FIG. 2, base unit 208 is connected to a central office 212 through a telephone cable 210. Base unit 208 can thus provide an interface to communicate with the central office 212 and can receive audio and control signals from central office 212. Base unit 208 also modulates and couples the modulated audio and control signals for transmission across power lines 204 and/or over-the-air signals 206.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, base unit 208 includes a Data Access Arrangement (DAA)/CODEC module 302, a digital control module 304, a transceiver module 306, an RF/Power line diplexer module 308, an RF interface module 310, a power line driver module 312, and a power line interface module 314.

[0026] DAA/CODEC module 302 is connected to digital control module 304. DAA/CODEC module 302 includes a DAA and a CODEC and provides an interface for connectivity to telephone networks. The DAA is used to interface with central office 212 (shown in FIG. 2) and provides a proper impedance matching and interfacing. Analog audio is transmitted and received by the DAA and respectively digitized and undigitized by the CODEC. In one embodiment, instead of the DAA, DAA/CODEC module 302 includes one or more interfaces to allow base unit 208 and/or communication system 200 to be compatible with any service that provides telephony functionality such as cellular, cable, fiber optic, VoIP, etc.

[0027] Digital control module 304 is connected to DAA/CODEC module 302 and transceiver 306. Digital control module 304 manages a flow of the audio data to and from transceiver module 306 and the CODEC. The DAA, CODEC, and RF/power line transceiver modes are managed and controlled by digital control module 304. In addition, digital control module 304 uses a frequency evaluation algorithm to determine whether base unit 208 communicates with extension unit 202 in a first operational mode or a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, base unit 208 communicates with extension unit 202 using power line 204 while in the second operation mode, base unit 208 communicates with extension unit 202 using over-the-air signals 206. Digital control module 304 can also enable the selected mode.

[0028] Transceiver 306 is connected to RF/power line diplexer 308. In one embodiment, transceiver 306 is a low cost frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum transceiver such as an Industrial-Scientific-Medical (ISM) transceiver. It is contemplated that transceiver 306 can function as both a transceiver and an RF interface. RF/power line diplexer 308 is connected to transceiver 306, RF interface 310, and powerline driver 312. Rf/power line diplexer 308 includes, for example, filters, switches, an RF mixer, and/or any combination of the above components. In one embodiment, to achieve power line carrier frequencies in the 2 to 50 MHz range, a RF mixer (not shown) is used as part of RF/power line diplexer module 308 to "down-mix" the transmitter and "up-mix" the received signal to operate in the range of transceiver 306.

[0029] RF interface 310 is connected to RF/Powerline diplexer 308 and provides an interface for base unit 208 to communicatively connect with extension units 202 or other devices through over-the-air signals. Powerline driver 312 is connected to RF/Powerline diplexer 308 and powerline interface module 314. Powerline interface module 314 is connected to powerline driver 312 and can include a powerline interface and a switching power supply. Powerline driver 312, as shown in FIG. 3, can provide an interface for base unit 208 to communicatively connect with extension units 202 or other devices through power lines 204 (each shown in FIG. 2). [0030] Referring back to FIG. 2, one or more extension units 202 are communicatively connected to base unit 208 and one or more telephone devices 201. In one embodiment, extension unit 202 converts a telephone signal received from telephone 201 to a modulated power line compatible signal and couples the converted signal onto AC power line 204. The connection between extension unit 202 and power lines 204 can be made through a wall plug and/or socket. Extension units 202 can receive audio and/or control signals from base unit 208 and decouple and demodulate the audio and/or control signals.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, extension unit 202 includes a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC)/CODEC module 402, a digital control module 404, a transceiver module 406, an RF/Power line diplexer module 408, an RF interface module 410, a power line driver module 412 and a power line interface module 414. [0032] SLIC/CODEC module 402 is connected to digital control module 404. SLIC/CODEC module 402 can include a SLIC and an audio CODEC and can emulate connectivity to telephone networks. The SLIC can power telephones 201 in a manner similar to the telephone company and is used to interface to a standard telephony device and provides the proper impedance matching and interfacing. The SLIC is coupled to the audio CODEC and the SLIC audio signals are transferred to digital control module 404. Thus, analog audio is transmitted and received by the SLIC and respectively digitized and undigitized by the CODEC.

[0033] Digital control module 404 is connected to SLIC/CODEC module 402 and transceiver 406. Digital control module 404 manages the flow of the audio data to and from transceiver module 406 and CODEC. Furthermore, digital control module 404 can manage and control the SLIC, the CODEC, and the RF/power line transceiver modes. Optionally, digital control module 404 instead of digital control module 304 or in conjunction with digital control module 304 can use a frequency evaluation algorithm to determine whether base unit 208 and extension unit 202 communicate in a first operational mode or a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, base unit 208 communicates with extension unit 202 using power line 204 while in the second operation mode, base unit 208 communicates with extension unit 202 using over-the-air signals 206. Digital control module 404 can also enable the selected first operational mode or the selected second operational mode. [0034] Transceiver 406 is connected to digital control module 404 and RF/powerline diplexer 408. In one embodiment, transceiver 406 is a low cost frequency-hopping, spread- spectrum transceiver such as Industrial-Scientific-Medical (ISM) transceiver. It is contemplated that transceiver 406 can function as both a transceiver and an RF interface. RF/power line diplexer 408 is connected to RF interface 410, transceiver 406, and powerline driver 412. RF/power line diplexer 408 may include filters, switches, a RF mixer, and/or any combination of the above components. In one embodiment, to achieve power line carrier frequencies in the 2 to 50 MHz range, a RF mixer (not shown) is used as part of RF/power line diplexer module 408 to "down-mix" the transmitter and "up-mix" the received signal to operate in the range of transceiver 406.

[0035] RF interface 410 is connected to RF/powerline diplexer 408 and can provide an interface for extension units 202 to communicatively connect with base unit 208 or other electronic devices through over-the-air signals. In one embodiment, RF interface 410 from extension unit 202 can be communicatively connected to RF interface 310 from base unit 208 allowing extension unit 202 to communicate with base unit 208.

[0036] Powerline driver 412 is connected to RF/powerline diplexer 408 and power line interface module 414. Powerline interface module 414 is connected to powerline driver 412 and can include a powerline interface and a switching power supply. Powerline driver 412, shown in FIG. 4, can provide an interface for extension unit 202 to communicatively connect with base unit 208 or other devices through power lines 204 (each shown in FIG. 2). For example, powerline driver 412 can be communicatively connected to powerline driver 312 to allowing extension unit 202 and base unit 208 to communicate with each other. [0037] Referring back to FIG. 2, one or more telephone devices 201 are connected to extension units 202. Telephone devices 201 can be, for example, any type of electronic device that utilizes a phone line such as telephony devices, a cable set top box, a modem, postage metering return path, credit card readers, etc. In one embodiment, at least one telephone device 201 is connected to each extension unit 202. In another embodiment, only some extension units 202 have a telephone device 201 connected to them. [0038] Central office 212 is connected to base unit 208 and can provide phone connectivity to communication system 200 through telephone cable 210. Although not shown, in one embodiment, the connection between central office 212 and base unit 208 can be an over-the air signal and/or an optical connection. The over-the-air signal can be an RF signal, a Bluetooth signal, a wireless Internet signal, etc.

[0039] Central office 212 can be, for example, a telephone central office while telephone cable 210 can be, for example, an active phone line allowing phone connectivity and a dial tone between communication system 200 and telephone central office 212. Through the phone connectivity between telephone central office 212 and communication system 200, communication system 200 could also have phone connectivity to a variety of external electronic devices such as another communications system, telephone, modem, cable set top box, etc. In one embodiment, central office 212 can include a standard telephone network or the equivalent, a VoIP adapter, a cable interface, a cellular phone, and/or other wireless networks, such as 802.11 and other broadband interfaces.

[0040] FIG. 5 discloses communication system 200 in operation and extending telephone connectivity, such as allowing access to an active phone line, to remote locations in a residence or small office. In Step S502, base unit 208 is connected to an active phone line such as telephone line 210 and a first electronic device such as telephone device 201 is connected to extension unit 202.

[0041] In Step S504, data is transmitted from telephone device 201 to extension unit 202.

In Step S506, base unit 208 analyzes the interference levels of power line channels from power line 204 and over-the-air channels from over-the-air signals 206. In one embodiment, the interference level is based on the attenuation found on each channel, and the frequency and level of interfering signals.

[0042] In one embodiment, digital control module 304 in base unit 208 analyzes the interference levels of power line channels from power line 204 and over-the-air channels from over-the-air signals 206.

[0043] In Step S508, base unit 208 and extension unit 202 are configured to communicate with each other based on the analysis of the interference levels of the power line channels and over-the-air channels. When the interference levels of the power line channels are lower than the interference levels of the over-the-air channels, the base unit 208 and extension unit 202 are configured to communicate with each other in a first operational mode. During the first operational mode, base unit 208 communicates with extension unit 202 through the power line channels in power line 204.

[0044] When the interference levels of the over-the-air channels are lower than the interference levels of the power line channels, base unit 208 and extension unit 202 are configured to communicate with each other in a second operational mode. During the second operational model, base unit 208 communicates with extension unit 202 through over-the-air channels in over-the-air signals 206.

[0045] In Step S510, base unit 208 dynamically selects one or more channels from the power line channels or the over-the-air channels to use to communicate with extension unit

202. When base unit 208 and extension unit 202 communicate in the first operational mode, base unit 208 can analyze the channels in the power line channels and dynamically select a channel to transmit data in the form of a frequency hopping spread spectrum signal to extension unit 202. When base unit 208 and extension unit 202 communicate in the second operation mode, base unit 208 can analyze the channels in the over-the-air channels and dynamically select a channel to transmit data in the form of a frequency hopping spread spectrum signal to extension unit 202. In one embodiment, base unit 208 can communicate with extension unit 202 using more than one channel at a time. Thus, base unit 208 can communicate with extension unit 202 using, for example, two channels at a time. [0046] Advantageously, by using frequency hopping spread spectrum, an interference signature of communication system 200 can be reduced. Since the transmit signals are spread over a wider bandwidth than required to transfer the required data rate. This can lower the apparent transmit signal level on each hop frequency, thus lowering the interference level. The fact that the hop frequencies may be selected allows for choosing the individual hop frequencies to match the best frequencies found in the ongoing channel evaluation. Programmable hop frequencies also facilitate co-operation with other nearby systems of the same type by allowing channel sharing.

[0047] Furthermore, having a fairly high data rate, due to a large number of channels, is also beneficial. For example, communication system 200 can "be aware" of "like" systems in the region and adjust hop channels accordingly. By monitoring for other systems, systems may co-exist and cooperate among themselves. This can be accomplished by using either different hop frequencies, or by varying the sequence of hop frequencies. This would allow the "reuse" of a particular hop frequency because as long as each system does not try to operate on the same frequencies, in the same time segment, the systems will not interfere with one another. [0048] In another embodiment, base unit 208 can transmit data to extension unit 202 using other types of communication and modulation techniques such as: Direct Spread, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing ("OFDM"), single-tone narrow band carrier, frequency modulation ("FM"), frequency-shift keying ("FSK"), phase-shift keying ("PSK"), and/or quadrature amplitude modulation ("QAM"). If wider bandwidth communication means are used, the RF and power line frequency spectrum may be broken into small segments rather than tones to allow for broadband type communication schemes to be used in a similar manner to the described frequency hopping.

[0049] In Step S514, base unit 208 transmits data to a second electronic device such as central office 212. Central office 212 can then transmit the data to another electronic device such as a cable station, a telephone, or other devices which telephone device 201 wishes to communicate to. Thus, advantageously the present invention allows telephone device 201 to communicate with central office 212 as if telephone device 201 was connected directly to telephone cable 210.

[0050] In one embodiment, communication system 200 sets its transmission power level based on an analysis of the conditions of the selected channel to reduce interference with other devices or radio services sharing the same RF spectrum. In this embodiment, communication system 200 adapts to the lowest possible transmit power that provides an acceptable level of clarity for communication. The acceptable level of clarity can be based on a predetermined interference level or the like.

[0051] Since attenuation and noise or interfering generators can change within power lines 204 and over-the-air signals 206, the continuous monitoring of channel conditions allows base unit 208 and extension unit 202 to continually adapt to changes in the RF characteristics of either the AC wiring system or over-the-air RF by raising/lowering transmit power levels or changing transmit/receive frequencies. This can reduce degradation in communication quality between base unit 208 and extension unit 202.

[0052] Thus, communication system 200 can be used for applications requiring a highly reliable communication channel, such as the transmission of audio, command and control data, remote monitoring, machine to machine communications, and appliance remote diagnostics. In addition communication system 200 may also be used for various applications requiring low to medium data bandwidths such as home control, audio streaming, video, commercial data links, VoIP distribution, data bridging applications and the like.

[0053] In another embodiment, communication system 200 can formulate a diagnostic reports based on the transmission and reception of diagnostic data by base unit 208 or extension unit 202. The diagnostic report can include information regarding a communication status between base unit 208 and a first electronic device such as telephone device 201, base unit 208 and a second electronic device such as central office 212, extension unit 202 and the first electronic device, extension unit 202 and the second electronic device, or an accessibility of the active phone line.

[0054] To generate the diagnostic reports, communication system 200 can transmit and receive diagnostic data between base unit 208 and the first electronic device, base unit 208 and the second electronic device, extension unit 202 and the first electronic device, or extension unit 202 and the second electronic device as caller identification data, frequency- shift keying data, or dual-tone multi-frequency signaling data. The present invention can also transmit the diagnostic data in a single data message format or a multiple data message format using Bell modulation and/or Telecommunication Standardization Sector ("ITU-T") v.23 format. [0055] Communication system 200 may also include the ability to use caller identification data, frequency-shift keying data, or dual-tone multi-frequency signaling data to communicate with host systems that call into communication system 200 in response to user requests to help in system debugging, troubleshooting and diagnostics reporting. This ability may also be used for sending command and control signals within or without communication system 200, for extensions to peripherals, for extensions to extensions, and for extensions to a remote site communications.

[0056] In one embodiment, communication system 200 could be embedded into cost sensitive devices, reducing a need for a modem to be implemented within the devices. Furthermore manufacturing costs of the cost sensitive device can also be reduced where a single power supply may be shared between communication system 200 and the communication device it is embedded within.

[0057] In one embodiment, the present invention can utilize multiple active phone lines and allow multiple telephone devices 201 to be used at the same time. This can be accomplished using sufficiently high data rate, and co-operating systems.

[0058] In another embodiment, communication system 200 could also utilize a compact embedded antenna on a PC board or an external antenna in base unit 208 and/or extension unit 202. This could improve a performance of communication system 200. [0059] In yet another embodiment, multiple color light emitting diodes may be used to provide indications to users of the states of communication system 200 in an easy to decipher "State" or "Error" code. The inclusion of the LEDs also provides an indication of the meaning of a button press. In one condition, for example, a button press may mean, "Add this extension to the system," in another condition it may mean "Use RF or PLC communications mode." [0060] In still another embodiment, a high-speed modem may be installed in base unit 208 to transfer the data to special extension units 202 designed to interface directly to digital equipment such as multimedia controllers, computers, and the like.

[0061] The invention has been disclosed in an illustrative manner. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in an exemplary rather than a limiting manner. Although minor modifications of the invention will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A communication system communicating over power line channels and over- the-air channels comprising: a base unit connected to a phone line, the base unit including a first digital control module analyzing interference levels of the power line channels and over-the-air channels and dynamically selecting one or more channels with the lowest interference levels for frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals, the first digital control module configured to enable communication in a first operational mode using the power line channels or a second operational mode using the over-the-air channels based on an analysis of the interference levels of the power line channels and the over-the-air channels; and an extension unit communicatively connected to the base unit, the extension unit including a second digital control module, the second digital control module communicating with the first digital control module through frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals over the selected one or more channels in the first operational mode or the second operational mode.

2. The communication system of Claim 1 wherein when the first digital control module communicates with the second digital control module in the first operational mode, the first digital control module dynamically selects one or more channels for frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals based on an analysis of the interference levels of the power line channels, and when the first digital control module communicates with the second digital control module in the second operational mode, the first digital control module dynamically selects one or more channels for frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals based on an analysis of the interference levels of the over- the-air channels.

3 The communication system of Claim 2 wherein the first digital control module communicates with the second digital control module in the first operational mode when the power line channels have less interference than the over-the-air channels and the first digital control module communicates with the second digital control module in the second operational mode when the over-the-air channels have less interference than the power line channels.

4 The communication system of Claim 1 wherein the base unit includes a first codec unit, the extension unit includes a second codec unit, and the base unit or the extension unit is connected to an electronic device, the first codec unit and the second codec unit configured to transmit and receive diagnostic data to and from the electronic device as audio- tone encoded data.

5. The communication system of Claim 4 wherein the diagnostic data is transmitted in a single data message format or a multiple data message format using Bell modulation, Telecommunication Standardization Sector ("ITU-T") v.23 format, frequency- shift keying, or dual-tone multi-frequency signaling.

6. The communications system of Claim 4 wherein the base unit formulates a diagnostic report based on the transmission and reception of diagnostic data by the first codec unit or the second codec unit, the diagnostic report including information regarding a communication status between the base unit and the electronic device, the extension unit and the electronic device, or an accessibility of the phone line.

7. The communication system of Claim 1 wherein the first digital control module and the second digital control module vary a power level of the frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signal according to an interference level of the selected channel.

8. A communication system communicating over a plurality of channels comprising: a base unit connected to a phone line, the base unit including a first digital control module dynamically selecting one or more channels for frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals based on an analysis of the interference levels of the plurality of channels; and an extension unit communicatively connected to the base unit, the extension unit including a second digital control module, the second digital control module communicating with the first digital control module through frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals over the selected one or more channels.

9. The communication system of Claim 8 wherein the first digital control module selects the one or more channels with the lowest interference levels from the plurality of channels.

10. The communication system of Claim 8 wherein the plurality of channels include power line channels and over-the-air channels, and the first digital control module is configured to enable communication with the second digital control module in a first operational mode using the power line channels or a second operational mode using the over- the-air channels, based on an analysis of the interference levels of the power line channels and the over-the-air channels.

11. The communication system of Claim 10 wherein when the first digital control module communicates with the second digital control module in the first operational mode, the first digital control module dynamically selects one or more channels for frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals based on an analysis of the interference levels of the power line channels, and when the first digital control module communicates with the second digital control module in the second operational mode, the first digital control module dynamically selects one or more channels for frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals based on an analysis of the interference levels of the over- the-air channels.

12. The communication system of Claim 8 wherein the base unit includes a first codec unit and the extension unit includes a second codec unit.

13. The communication system of Claim 12 wherein an electronic device is connected to the base unit or the extension unit, and the first codec unit and the second codec unit is configured to transmit and receive diagnostic data to and from the electronic device as audio-tone encoded data.

14. The communication system of Claim 13 wherein the diagnostic data is transmitted in a single data message format or a multiple data message format using Bell modulation, Telecommunication Standardization Sector ("ITU-T") v.23 format, frequency- shift keying, or dual-tone multi-frequency signaling.

15. The communications system of Claim 14 wherein the base unit formulates a diagnostic report based on the transmission and reception of diagnostic data by the first codec unit or the second codec unit, the diagnostic report including information regarding a communication status between the base unit and the electronic device, the extension unit and the electronic device, or an accessibility of the phone line.

16 The communication system of Claim 8 wherein the first digital control module and the second digital control module communicate on at least two channels at a time.

17. The communication system of Claim 8 wherein the first digital control module and the second digital control module communicate on a power level that varies according to an interference level of the selected channel.

18. A method for allowing a first electronic device to transfer data to a second electronic device using an active phone line when the first electronic device is located beyond a physical location of the active phone line, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a base unit to the active phone line and the first electronic device to an extension unit; transmitting the data from the first electronic device to the extension unit; analyzing interference levels of power line channels and over-the-air channels between the base unit and the extension unit; configuring the base unit to communicate with the extension unit in a first operational mode using the power line channels or a second operational mode using the over-the-air channels based on an analysis of the interference levels of the power line channels and the over-the-air channels; dynamically selecting one or more channels from the power line channels or the over-the-air channels with the lowest interference levels for frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals between the base unit and the extension unit; transmitting the data from the extension unit to the base unit using frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals; and transmitting the data from the base unit to the second electronic device using the active phone line.

19. The method of Claim 18 further comprising the steps of transmitting and receiving diagnostic data between the base unit and the first electronic device, the base unit and the second electronic device, the extension unit and the first electronic device, or the extension unit and the second electronic device as caller identification data, frequency-shift keying data, or dual-tone multi-frequency signaling data; and formulating a diagnostic report based on the transmission and reception of diagnostic data by the base unit or the extension unit, the diagnostic report including information regarding a communication status between the base unit and the first electronic device, the base unit and the second electronic device, the extension unit and the first electronic device, the extension unit and the second electronic device, or an accessibility of the active phone line.

20. The method of Claim 18 further comprising the step of varying a power level of the frequency hopping spread spectrum communication signals according to an interference level of the selected channel.