Abstract

In a combined telephone and electric power distribution system, both telephone signals and electric power are distributed by way of a common distribution system wherein signal conducting means (such as optical fibers) and electric power conducting means are routed alongside each other to/from various utilization points, such as to/from a telephone instrument, a computer, an electric lighting fixture and/or a power receptacle. At some of these utilization points, telephone signal receptacles are provided alongside electric power receptacles. At other points, the signal conducting means is terminated in a radio transceiver and wireless signal radiation/receiving means. In a typical situation, such a transceiver has its antenna mounted at or near a ceiling lighting fixture; which radio antenna interacts with some other transceiver combined with a telephone and/or other information-handling apparatus located nearby. In addition to being used for transmitting telephone and/or other information signals, the signal conducting means is used for controlling the flow and/or usage of electric power, such as control of light from individual lighting fixtures, for distributed protection against electrical circuit overload and/or fire hazards. Also included is a provision for supplying uninterruptible power to selected utilization points.