Importance

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Abstract

A system including at least one transmitter, at least one repeater (including a router) and optionally at least one receiver, and typically having a tree structure. Commands (each accompanied by an address) and data can be transmitted downstream from each transmitter to each repeater coupled thereto and from each repeater to each device coupled thereto. Preferably, each router is assigned a router access address (that is shared with other routers) and a unique router address. In response to the router access address and a management command, the router performs a management function. Preferably, each repeater has at least one other common address (e.g., a content protection address), and the system implements a protocol in which commands initiate at a root device and travel downstream only, responses travel upstream only, commands broadcast by the root device are seen by each repeater, and responses are point-to-point and are seen only by devices in the direct path between the response-originating device and the root device. Other aspects of the invention are transmitters, repeaters, and receivers, and methods for operating them.

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First Claim