Network interface for portable computers
OwnerMichael Nguyen, Dan Forlenza +1inventors
InventorsMICHAEL NGUYEN, DAN FORLENZA, TIM ZHANG
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A portable computer and replicator particularly suited for use in a network environment are disclosed. The portable computer has a digital network controller located therein and adapted to receive digital network signals from an external connector. The replicator is located external to the portable computer and has an analog network circuit adapted to receive analog signals from a network and deliver corresponding digital network signals to the external connector on the portable computer to provide a high-bandwidth network connection.
Claims20
An apparatus, comprising:
- a computer having a digital network controller located therein and adapted to receive digital network signals from an external connector;
- and
- a replicator located external said computer and being capable of being coupled to said computer, said replicator having an analog network circuit adapted to receive analog signals from a network and deliver corresponding digital network signals to the external connector on said computer.
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said network includes an Ethernet connection, a token ring connection, and a modem connection.
A portable computer having a digital network controller located therein and adapted to receive digital network signals from an external connector, said external connector being adapted to be coupled to a replicator located external said computer and having an analog network circuit adapted to receive analog signals from a network and deliver corresponding digital network signals to the external connector on said portable computer.
A method for interfacing a portable computer with a network, comprising:
- coupling a replicator to a network;
- delivering digital network signals to an external connector on said portable computer;
- receiving said digital network signals at a digital network controller located within said portable computer;
- converting said digital network signals to high-speed bus signals;
- and
- delivering said high-speed bus signals onto an internal bus within said portable computer.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a portable computer having an external connector;
- means for receiving digital network signals over said external connector, converting said digital network signals to high-speed bus signals, and delivering said high-speed bus signals onto an internal bus within said computer;
- and
- a replicator located external said computer and being capable of being coupled to said portable computer, said replicator having an analog network circuit adapted to receive analog signals from a network and deliver corresponding digital network signals to the external connector on said portable computer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.