Network access point apparatus and method

Apparatus comprising:

• a network interface controller having a network interface;
• a computer interface controller having a computer interface;
• an interface controller having a non-volatile memory for storing configuration data and program code and further having a processor and random access memory for executing the program code, said interface controller being coupled to the network interface controller and said computer interface controller;
• and
• a portable housing which houses said interface controller, said computer interface controller, and said network interface controller;
• wherein, in response to a computer being provided on said computer interface and in response to a network being provided on the network interface, said interface controller while the processor is executing the program code is effective to:
• access a remote network drive through the network interface based upon the configuration data initially stored in the non-volatile memory;
• present the remote network drive as an emulated local drive at said computer interface;
• and
• allow access to the emulated local drive via local drive access commands over said computer interface.

A method comprising the steps of:

• accessing a remote network storage device through a network interface of a network access point in response to a network being provided on the network interface, the network access point comprising a computer interface, the network interface, and an interface controller, the interface controller further having a non-volatile memory for storing configuration data and program code and further having a processor for executing the program code;
• establishing a local computer connection in response to a computer being provided on the computer interface;
• and
• presenting the remote network storage device as a local storage device at the computer interface.