Connection hub with integrated switch for private and non-private modes

A multiport hub comprising:

• a primary connector configured to communicatively couple the multiport hub to an external source of data and power;
• a number (N) of data lines configured to communicate data between the primary connector and N ports integrated in the multiport hub;
• a number (M) of power lines configured to transfer power between the primary connector and M ports,
• wherein M ports≤N ports, and
• wherein the multiport hub forms 1-to-N connections between the primary connector and the N ports;
• one or more switches configured to mechanically change a number (P) of ports between a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode when changed to a first position, a second position, or a third position, respectively,
• wherein P data lines are enabled to communicate data while in the first mode and disabled to communicate data while in the second mode,
• wherein the M power lines are enabled to transfer power from the external source of data and power regardless of whether the one or more switches are operated to mechanically change the P ports between the first mode and the second mode, and
• wherein the P data lines and M power lines are disabled while in the third mode.

A method for switching a particular port of a multiport hub between one of multiple modes, the method comprising:

• configuring 1-to-N data communications between a main connector and a number (N) of ports of the multiport hub;
• detecting a change in a position of a switch integrated in the multiport hub;
• in response to the switch being changed to a first position, activating a first mode that disables a first function of the particular port while a second function of the particular port remains enabled;
• in response to the switch being changed to a second position, activating a second mode that enables the first function of the particular port while the second function of the particular port remains enabled, and
• in response to the switch being changed to a third position, deactivating the first mode and the second mode.

A connection hub comprising:

• a number (N) of connection interfaces forming 1-to-N connections between a first connection interface and each of the N connection interfaces,
• wherein a particular connection interface of the N connection interfaces is capable of being switched between multiple modes;
• a housing including:
• a body portion including the first connection interface;
• and
• an end portion coupled to the body portion, the end portion including:
• a second connection interface coupled to the first connection interface;
• and
• a mechanical component configured to move relative to the body portion,
• wherein moving the mechanical component to a first position switches the particular connection interface to a first mode that disables a first function,
• wherein moving the mechanical component to the second position switches the particular connection interface to a second mode that enables the first function, and
• wherein a second function of the particular connection interface remains enabled regardless of any mode of the connection interface.