Support for network interface devices

Abstract

A rigid support is disclosed for attaching a Network Interface Device thereto. The support has an elongate shape with an upper end and a lower end. The support also has means for sliding a ground plate along the support. The support is driven into the earth, and the ground plate is longitudinally adjustable along the support to vary the height of the ground plate above the earth. The ground plate is for connection to electrical ground.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a rigid support for attaching a Network Interface Device thereto, the support having an elongate shape with an upper end and a lower end; and    means for sliding a ground plate along at least a portion of the support,    wherein the support is driven into the earth and the ground plate is longitudinally adjustable along the support to vary the height of the ground plate above the earth, the ground plate for connection to electrical ground.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for sliding the ground plate along the support comprises a channel extending at least partially along a length of the support, the ground plate sliding along the channel.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for sliding the ground plate along the support comprises a flange extending at least partially along a length of the support, the ground plate sliding along the flange.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for sliding the ground plate along the support comprises a left channel and a right channel, the left channel longitudinally extending along a left side of the support, the right channel longitudinally extending along a right side of the support, the ground plate sliding along the left and right channel to vary the height of the ground plate above the earth.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the left channel longitudinally extends proximate a distal end of the left side.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the right channel longitudinally extends proximate a distal end of the right side.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the left channel longitudinally extends along an interior of the left side.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the right channel longitudinally extends along an interior of the right side.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the left side and the right side share a common inner edge to form a generally “V”-shaped cross-section of the support.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the support comprises a front side, and the left side and the right side each rearwardly extend from the front side to form a generally “U”-shaped cross-section of the support.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising the Network Interface Device mounted to the support.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising the ground plate.  
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a tapered end for insertion into the earth.