Modular, portable data processing terminal for use in a communication network

A portable data collection terminal comprising:

• a base module containing a base processing unit operable on data in accordance with a set of communication software routines;
• and
• a communication module comprising:
• a first communication transceiver having a first operating characteristic for conducting data communications on a first subnetwork;
• a second communication transceiver having a second operating characteristic for conducting data communications on a second subnetwork, the second operating characteristic being different from the first operating characteristic and the second subnetwork being different from the first subnetwork;
• and
• a communication processor connected between the base processing unit and the first and second communication transceivers for converting data received by the first and second communication transceivers to a format for processing by the base processing unit in accordance with the set of communication software routines and for converting data processed by the base processing unit to a format for transmission by a selected one of the first and second communication transceivers, thereby isolating the base processing unit from differences between the first and second operating characteristics of the first and second communication transceivers.

A communication module for use with a portable data terminal, comprising:

• a first communication transceiver having a first operating characteristic for conducting data communications on a first subnetwork;
• a second communication transceiver having a second operating characteristic for conducting data communications on a second subnetwork, the second operating characteristic being different from the first operating characteristic and the second subnetwork being different from the first subnetwork;
• and
• a communication processor connected to the first and second communication transceivers for converting data received by the first and second communication transceivers to a predetermined format and for converting data in a predetermined format to a format for transmission by a selected one of the first and second communication transceivers.